Pitchfork has started a bracket challenge featuring 32 of its favorite albums from the past 30 years to mark its 30th anniversary. Fans can vote on matchups through Instagram stories over the next few weeks. The competition includes every Pitchfork Album of the Year since 1996, plus select top albums from decade-end lists.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Pitchfork introduced a bracket challenge on March 27, inviting music fans to select the ultimate album from the last three decades. The tournament pits iconic releases against each other, such as Beyoncé’s Renaissance versus Outkast’s Aquemini, Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion against Interpol’s Turn on the Bright Lights, Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. versus Lana Del Rey’s Norman Fucking Rockwell! among others. Pitchfork emphasized that while music is not truly a competition, the event adds a playful element to the anniversary festivities. Each week, new matchups appear in Instagram stories for voting, with updated winners brackets posted afterward. The 32 albums comprise all Pitchfork Album of the Year winners since the site's founding in 1996, supplemented by four additional titles from the top three in its best-of-the-decade lists for the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. As bracket nominee Ezra Koenig put it, “The gloves are off…”. Participants can join immediately via Pitchfork’s Instagram page, and a printable bracket is available for download.