This hasn't been that big of an exciting new album release year, or maybe I just can't remember. There hasn't been many albums that I listened to and did my "wow this is super good" whisper while driving (last time being listening to Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend). I was optimistically excited about the new Clap Your Hands Say Yeah album but it didn't do anything for me, too atmospheric for me. However, there have been a few albums that I picked up and loved (in no order):
Courtney Barnett- Double ep: A Sea of Split Peas
This was technically released in 2013 but it didn't come out in the US until April 15th and as I always say, nothing matters outside of the US. I'm a big lyrics buy and her stream of thought splurges are witty and interesting to follow. I constantly have the line "The paramedic thinks I'm clever cos I play guitar/ I think she's clever cos she stops people dying" in my head from Avant Gardner. She flings off words casually and really folks it up towards the end. An album made up of two different eps, but it collectively makes up a nice listening experience.
Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues
The singer is currently going through the process of becoming a woman and this album was her way of putting together a powerful state of address on her transformation. Their punk core is maintained throughout the album but still uses their mainstream minded skills obtained from their last album to keep the songs catchy. I definitely recommend FUCKMYLIFE666 or Black Me Out.
Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else
My friend and I were at the Exclusive Company in Milwaukee and they were playing this album and my friend turns to me and says "what's this shit they're playing" and in my head I thought to myself "this shit is Cloud Nothings". I was pretty excited for this album coming out since I enjoyed their last album a comfortable degree and wanted to see how they'd up the ante. They definitely did! More aggressive, more yelling, more hooks.
Conor Oberst- Upside Down Mountain
From reading through old reviews of his old albums Bright Eyes to now, I've noticed that the only album that was universally praised Wide Awake, although I've loved everything he's put out give or take an album or two, but he's amassed this devoted following of fans because of his vulnerable voice that is constantly on the edge of tearing up or finding a new revelation and lyrics that sum up how it feels to be on that edge. When this album was announced, I was super excited, so much so that I broke my own rule of waiting until release day to listen to it. I wasn't disappointed, even though it wasn't that "smash" album I wanted him to have. He said in an interview that he doesn't believe that he's the best singer in the world but if he has a melody in his head he can make something great, and I think this album is definitely a testament to his strengths. My two personal favorite songs: Kick and You Are Your Mother's Child.
The Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
In my head, there is no fucking band in the entire world (besides Neutral Milk Hotel, of course) that is better than the Hold Steady. They've been called all the best live band in the world and the best bar band on the scene. They write songs about the little moments: those drunken nights that everyone wants to forget, those small town connections from Hallelujah to Charlemagne to everyone's hoodrat friend, those massive nights in the party pits bumping into people that don't even know you; The Hold Steady talks for the everyman and weave a tale of such specificity that somehow still connects to everyone. They saw the pomp and pretension that was taking over the indie scene and said "hey, I just want to play some music you can old school rock to" and they did. The indie scene almost lives off being ironic towards "rock'n'roll" but they're has to be a part of even the douchiest hipster that just wants a guitar solo that'll burn the skin right off their fucking face or music they can jump around to and strain their neck banging along to because if there isn't then they might have to reanalyze their musical priorities. To say the least, Teeth Dreams was announced and I ordered it straight away (on gold vinyl). They've toned down their punkier influences and turned up their Foo Fighter rock sensibility but nothing is lost in the transition. Craig Finn is literally one of the greatest lyricists in music and continues that with this album. I'll admit the vocals sound a bit more muddied than they should but I still love it. I'd say this isn't their best album...but the Hold Steady not at their best is better than the majority of bands.
Sylvan Esso- Self-titled
This album came out of nowhere. I listened to it on a whim and was blown away. A mixture of folk and electronic #whatwhat. Hey Mami I'm pretty sure is my song of the year so far. So catchy, beautiful vocals that are cast out with such ease, and dancey. Even if everything I've written so far is largely ignored because no one really wants to listen to music suggested to them, either because it's a pain to assert themselves that much or they feel they already know the kind've music they like, I highly suggest checking out this band. Catchy enough for a casual listener and difficult enough for a seasoned ear. Hell, check out everything I mention in this post, don't be a snob, am I right? Dip some toes.
I actively searched every album that was released this year and these are the ones that I felt were noteworthy but haven't listened to them yet (due to my need to physically have them in my hand) or I albums that I felt should've been better or something.
Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire for No Witness
I bought this right when it came out. Her album Half Way Home was such a nice piece of depressing emotive music and after I listened to her single I sent my friend a text saying this album is going to be huge. I listened to it and I'm still iffy on it. It's getting a lot of critical acclaim right now, but everytime I listen to it I just don't feel blown away. I've listened to it a few times but still can't really remember any song from it. I still recommend it, for sure, in hopes that someone will get more attached to it. Not a bad album and I'll probably relisten to it tonight actually.
Parquet Court- Sunbathing Animal
This band is just straight up fun. They're lead single "Sunbathing Animal" was described as a fan jumping on stage and yelling nonsense into the microphone and until the moment I listened to it, I had no idea thats exactly what I wanted. I haven't listened to the album yet, but it's getting some kind words from critics and I've sampled a few songs and they make me very happy since punk has been said to be on it's dying legs for years but bands like this are keeping it, not only, off life support but spitting in everyone's face and fucking their girlfriends/boyfriends.
Fucked Up- Glass Boys
I could say everything I said for Parquet Court for Fucked Up, with the exception that Fucked Up is way more aggressive. Their previous album David Comes to Life was a masterpiece in punk and was given album of the year nods all around. Glass Boys isn't as good from what I've heard so far, but I recommend it for people that like metal-ish vocals. Nice brutal band for whiskey drinking punks.
Seawolf- Song Spells, No.1: Cedarsmoke
This was a kickstarter album and I've only been able to find it on youtube. I haven't listened to it yet but the one song I listened to was good and a throwback to early Seawolf. If you're a Seawolf fan, check it babydoll.
Gaslight Anthem- B-sides
Not an album album but I liked it better than their last official album. Amazing acoustic takes and fun non-album songs. She Loves You is a song I want to sing with a group of friends around a bonfire. The only song I don't enjoy is their take on State of Love and Trust mainly because I heard Pearl Jam's version and it sounds too similar. Really good album of songs.
Phox- Phox
I've written about them before. Since it's been released, I've sampled some songs but they seem kinda slow so they might be in the mood songs. I'll listen to it eventually, especially since I have tickets to their show at Turner hall in August. Monica's vocals are amazing, nonetheless.
Jack White- Lazaretto
A must have for a vinyl collector because of the craziness he put into it. I haven't listened it but I'm assuming it'll be great because he's Jack White and everything he does has a tinge of awesome.
First Aid Kit- Stay Gold
I listened to this album today for the first time and I was pretty impressed. Their harmonizing kinda gets on my nerves because it sounds a bit country but so far I like it a lot. If you want nice driving by a big field music, this is definitely it. These girls got it going on. Off topic, listen to King of the World from their last album because it has a guest verse sung by Conor Oberst.
Orwells- Disgraceland
Fun Fun band! I can't say they're changing the world but they are a cool as fuck band. I saw them on David Letterman and the frontman is exactly the kind of frontman I want to see perform. He's crazy and charismatic. Fun punk album, I haven't listened to it all the way through yet but it's album that you can listen to even if you aren't into punk because it's still un-abrasive enough to be listenable.
Kishi Bashi- Lighght
His first album is gold. Haven't listened to the new one yet but it's sounds like real classy stuff.
Black Keys- Turn Blue
Is this album big right now? I feel like I haven't heard anything from it. I don't listen to the radio so maybe thats why, but I just haven't heard any hype behind the album.
Eels- The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett
I feel bad that I don't like this album more, but I wish it was more upbeat at times. He's gone through so much tragedy in his life (his dad came up with the multiple universe theory and killed himself, his sister killed herself, and his mom died on cancer) so it's understandable an album titled to sound like a story of the man's life, who is lovingly renamed E, is filled with slower songs. Maybe it's a grower. I recommend the entire Eel's catalogue, my personal favorites being Electro-Shock Blues and Hombre Lobo, and Blinking Lights.
Fanfarlo- Let's Go Extinct
Haven't listened yet, but they haven't released a bad album yet and can't see this being any different. Just bringing some attention to the band haha.
Strand of Oaks- HEAL
He opened for Tallest Man on Earth and my friend and I weren't that impressed. I'm sampled a few songs from his new album and there is a noticeable change in his music that gives each song a new sense of urgency and stronger vocals. It's getting great reviews. It sounds so good, thus far, that I'm considering going to his 10 dollar show at the Pabst.
clipping.- CLPPNG
Rap album, it sounds real dope. Holy fast rapping on the song Get Up. I was impressed with the album
Future Islands- Singles
They are everything about 80's synth rock that you hate to admit you love. Check out their performance on David Letterman and try not to be interested in seeing them at Turner Hall in August. I listened to the album and thought it was really good and dance-able. Their passionate performance style adds a lot to the mystique of the band. Love them, please love them.
James Vincent Mcmorrow- Post Tropical
A nice classy heartfelt album. I saw him live and oh boy was everything jazzed up. It was a surprisingly powerful performance and recommend seeing him live. I'm good with his recorded stuff but he blew me away live. Think Justin Vernon of Bon Iver with even more soul.
Phantogram- Voices
I don't have much to say about their new album, I've only given it one listen, but I'd give a solid B. It grooves just as much as their first album but I think it lacks the stand out tracks like When I'm Small and Mouthful of Diamonds #thehits
Protomartyr- Under Color of Official Right
Haven't really listened but just wanted to point them out for anyone who likes punk (or post-punk to be more specific). I listened to a song or two and was interested.
Ought- More Than Any Other Day
As of right now, they are at the top of my to buy vinyl list. Short album but it packs a punch.
Owen Pallet- In Conflict
If you like the pomp and pretension I mentioned earlier, check out Owen Pallett and his previous incarnation Final Fantasy (not meant as an insult). He's classically trained and knows what he's doing.
St. Vincent- Self titled
I like this album but it just doesn't ever feel like an album I want to listen to at anytime. It sneaks up on me sometimes and then I listen. I feel like it's the most confident she's sounded on record and thats backed up by her live performance where she needs a lot of confidence to be that choreographed. I'd say all around, its probably St. Vincent's best album if Actor didn't exist.
A Sunny Day in Glasgow- Sea When Absent
I already wrote about them: a nice chill album.
The Notwist- Close to the Glass
Sub Pop was toting an exciting signing made by them so naturally I was interested. Notwist was the reveal and I was pretty disappointed. I finally got around to listening to this album and it was good. I definitely recommend giving it a listen. Nice mix of electronic and relaxed vocals. Its a good album to just listen to when you're doing something else and make yourself feel cinematic.
The Coathangers- Suck My Shirt
I love my riot grrrl! There's maturation on this album (in relation from their debut where they couldn't play their instruments and had songs like Nestle in My Boobies and Shut the Fuck Up) but they sound as hard driven as they have on their last albums.
Sharon Van Etten- Are We There
I wish I could get into this album more, but I've never been a fan of slow moving songs. With that said, this album has been getting great reviews and I suggest giving it a try.
Beck- Morning Phase
Maybe there's something slightly wrong with me in my head...but I just wasn't feeling this album. Beck is one of those musical figures that when he puts a new album there's always going to be ready-made hype and instilled greatness no matter what he puts out. I thought the album was kind've boring, but to be fair, I wasn't too big a fan of the second half of Sea Change either. I remember being in my apartment and seeing Beck was finally releasing another album and the single is out, and I listened to that single, Blue Moon, and was super excited over it. I eventually got the album in my hands and in my car stereo and I was a bit underwhelmed because every song was that same downbeat motion, where its depressing but in a uplifting way, and it eventually just got straight up depressing.
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