This will probably be less comprehensive as part 1, mostly because songs are pretty tough to pull out of thin air. I'm an album guy. So, the only rankings I'll do for songs are 1-15, followed by a smattering of a bunch of songs. If I get the motivation, maybe I'll make a spotify playlist. Also included in this post are some alterations to the original list and last words on albums I didn't mention, incase there are some people that want my limited amount of knowledgeable input on them. I also tossed in a list of good albums that I started listening to this year, that weren't released this year, and a list of vinyl reissues that were pretty cool for me. I'm just trying to give everyone a smorgasbord of different albums to check out lol.
1. The Hold Steady- Spinners
2. Leonard Cohen- Did I Ever Love You?
3. Father John Misty- Bored in the USA
4. Sylvan Esso- Hey Mami
5. Conor Oberst- You are your mother's child
6. Myriam Gendron- Solace
7. Sun Kil Moon- Carissa
8. Orwells- Who Needs You
9. Soko- For Marlon
10. Strand of Oaks- Shut In
11. Ought- Weather Song
12. Courtney Barnett- History Eraser
13. J.E Sunde- A Blinding Flash of Light
14. Echosmith- Cool Kids
15. Cat Power with Coldplay- Wish You Were Here
The New Pornographers-Champions of Red Wine
Ex Hex- Waste Your Time
Vance Joy- Riptide
Hozier- Jackie and Wilson
La Roux- Sexotheque
The Men- Pearly Gates
Isaiah Rashad- Heavenly Father
Jenny Lewis- Just One of the Guys
Run the Jewels- Lie, Cheat, Steal
Beck- Blue Moon
Vince Staples- Blue Suede
Perfume Genius- Queen
Against Me!- Black Me Out
Cloud Nothings- I'm Not Part of Me
Future Islands- Seasons (Waiting On You)
Iggy Azalea- Fancy
Bleachers- I wanna get better
Strand of Oaks- Mirage Year
Sam Smith- Stay with me
Alt-J- Left Hand Free
Jack White- Lazaretto
Charlie XCX- Boom Clap
PHOX- Slow Motion
Spoon- Inside Out
Parquet Court- Sunbathing Animal
Generationals-Gold Silver Diamond
The Notwist- Kong
Kendrick Lamar's new untitled song
clipping- Work Work
Wussy- Teenage Wasteland
Against Me!- FUCKMYLIFE666
Tweedy- Nobody Dies Anymore
Generationals- Black Lemon
St. Vincent- Birth in Reverse
Warpaint- Disco//very
Owl John- A good Reason to Grow Old
Benjamin Booker- Violent Shiver
Myriam Gendron- Threnody
Top Album Add-ons:
Sun Kil Moon- Benji*
I kept hearing about how great this album was, but, I was skeptical because, while I'm a fan of Red House Painters, I know Sun Kil Moon is a bit on the slow depressing side. In a way, I was right. With that said, this album is really really amazing. I finally decided to check it out this Thursday and felt so much listening to just the first two songs. The rest of the album just keeps digging and digging deeper into shit, that by the end of it, you're a wreck. An album about death pretty much. It is so detailed, but ambiguous about whether what he is saying is real or not. His voice is just so earnest that it doesn't matter. A very wordy album, you have to listen to the words intensely to really enjoy it. Honestly, it was worth it. If I could go back, I'd place this album in a 12 and up position. Favorite Lyric: "Carissa was thirty-five, you don't just raise two kids and take out your trash and die." CO- I implore you to check out Carissa. Truck Driver, Pray for Newtown, Ben's My Friend.
Strand of Oaks- HEAL*
When this album came out, I kind've wrote it off because I had seen him open up for Tallest Man on Earth and wasn't impressed. Reviews started to roll in and it was gathering a nice collection of praise. I checked it out from the library, listened to it in the car, and was just okay with it. Fast forward to December 18th, it is 8 at night, I'm walking to the library, and I start to sing the chorus to the song Shut In ("Know my name, no, I mean it"). I hadn't listened to the song earlier that day, or even lately. I get to the library, put on my headphones, and play the album on Spotify. Holy shit did it resonate with me! I remember the album was written with the intent to pretty much exorcise his demons, and just listening to it, you can feel the catharsis. This is an album meant for headphone listening, I think this is where I went wrong the first listen through. Some albums are meant to listen to in the car as background music as you transverse the road, and others are meant to be paid attention to fully. Once again, if I were to update my original list, I'd place this somewhere around the 15 mark. CO- Shut In, Mirage Year, JM.
She and Him- Classics
Hey, M.Ward are you going to do Zoey Deschanel or what, because you need to release a solo album ASAP. HOly shit, it feels like it's been forever. These albums are nice and all, but two albums of cover songs kind of seems like a waste of time. It's an okay album, it's a pleasant listen. I enjoyed it, not overly so, but, yea, I enjoyed it. It just feels like they are wasting time doing these kind of albums. Their three original song albums were above average releases. Maybe I'm bitter because I'm a big M.Ward solo fan, or whatever. Anyway, it's a good listen if you're in a somewhat nostalgic mood. They don't radically change the songs but still add a little twinkle to them.
Notwist- Close to the Glass*
I'm kind've embarrassed I forgot this album lol. Kong was one of my favorite songs for a while there. I remember sitting in the computer lab, last semester, and Sub Pop announcing that they had just signed a major artist for a release. I had no idea who it was but I was excited because Sub Pop have been great tastemakers. The announcement came and it was Notwist. I had not heard of them and was let down a little. Their album came out, I checked it out from the library, and it was actually really cool. The album is a mix of The Shins, glitch hop, and like acoustic Radiohead-ish (I don't know, I just wanted to include a third haha). I think I would definitely bump off another album off my list to make room for this one, probably in the 20-30 area. So far, I've kicked off Freddie Gibbs, Vance Joy, and Foxygen (sad) lol. CO- Kong, Run Run Run, 7-Hour-Drive.
Gaslight Anthem- Get Hurt
I feel bad that I didn't enjoy the album more than I did. I've been listening to Gaslight since about 2009 (?) and I've loved their first three albums and was cool with their fourth. I think the problem with this album is something that I had a problem with with the newest Frank Turner album, there is a bunch of songs and, thematically, they aren't strung together. The songs aren't bad (except for Vicious, which I can't stand), they just aren't rising above being pure cotton candy. The production is too good, it's causing a gloss. It's hard rocking at times and "obligatory sincere" at other times. I just didn't really feel the passion that I hear in earlier albums, and that passion is what pushes a rock song from merely turning up the volume, and a slow song from merely being "time to slow it down." There's a notable difference between, say, Break Your Heart and She Loves You or even 45 and Rollin and Tumblin', there's an extra oompf. Good songs that I'm sure will work better in a live setting, they just don't work strongly as a cohesive album. CO- Get Hurt
Jenny Lewis- The Voyager*
I have such a crush on Jenny Lewis, she's straight up banging. I love Rilo Kiley. I love Jenny and Johnny. Her solo, though, has been hit or miss for me. In this case, I think it's mostly hit. Not enormously, I guess, but solid to the point that I feel like if I listened to it a few more times that I would start to like it much more (does that make sense?). Just One of the Guys is one of those songs that have a playful child-like swagger that makes it catchy, then it goes into this breakdown where she says, "I'm just another lady without a baby," and it breaks my heart a little. It's a sad sentiment. I'm listening to the album as I write this little blurb and I can already feel myself liking it more.
King Tuff- Black Moon Spell
I'm a fan of earlier King Tuff albums, this new one feels a little duller. I think live it would sound better because King Tuff is known for being loud and junk, you know, garage rock stuff haha.
Alvvays- Alvvays
I haven't gone all the way through this album yet, but they are opening up for the Decemberists so I'm thinking they've been getting some nice exposure. Archie, Marry me has been playing on the radio, I believe. The album sounds like contemporary indie pop placed in the 60's. I say give the album a shot, I've been enjoying it.
Lana Del Rey- Ultraviolence
I don't have the patience to get through all the songs because they are all decently long, hazy, and slow. I do see the draw, though, once I listen to the songs individually. Brooklyn Baby is pretty good. Lana's first album was great, I was all about Diet Mountain Dew, Video Games, Off to the Races, and pretty much the rest of the album, so I'm not coming at the new album with the hipster bias associated with Lana ( which, I guess goes one of two ways: 1. You love her. 2. You hate her because she was already affluent and has this air of pretentiousness about what she does.). I'll keep working at it.
Non-2014 Releases That I've Discovered This Year
Alex Turner- Submarine EP: Singer for the Arctic Monkeys soundtrack for the film, Submarine. There's only six songs and they are all amazing. I spent a majority of the year listening to this, I love it more than any recent release from the Arctic Monkeys.
Dressy Bessy- Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons: Some guy on eBay had these crazy auctions going on, and a lot of them were Elephant Six releases. This album doesn't show up on eBay often. I lost by two dollars and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. Very fun pop album that conjure the Dressy Bessy doll image. CO- Jenny Come on, If You Should Try to Kiss Her, Just Like Henry.
The Gerbils- Are You Sleepy?: Not part of those series of auctions (although, I would pay top dollar for this very limited release), I went Elephant Six crazy for a few months and found this album. A member of Neutral Milk Hotel, this a cool lo-fi gem that is equal parts weird and great.
Colleen Green- Milo Goes to Compton: I first came across Colleen Green when I read an article from a magazine that I was given for free at the Exclusive Company. One of the questions asked was, "Why did you choose to use a drum machine on these songs?" and she replied, "because I can't play drums." That was probably the coolest answer she could've given. She's like some kind of melodic punk. CO- I Wanna Be Degraded, Goldmine, Nice Boy (I Want A).
The Daredevil Christopher Wright- In Deference to a Broken Back: This is J.E Sunde's band. I've already professed my love for J.E Sunde. This album is a little bit of everything, very great lyrically. CO- The East Coast, The Daredevil Christopher Wright, A Conversation About Cancer.
Warpaint- The Fool: Super beautiful, murky, sexy album. An album of mood, not really of super catchy hooks. See them live!
Elf Power- Dream in Sound: Elf Power is one of those bands that I think should be a bigger deal than they are. I don't feel like they get the respect they deserve, I mean, they've been at this since the mid 90's. Recently, I've been listening to some of their albums (I bought their first album on vinyl for 10 dollars on eBay, which isn't even on iTunes) and Dream in Sound is a good representation of them (and, also, When the Red King...). I remember going to see Neutral Milk Hotel in Madison with my friend and Elf Power was opening. We sat during their performance but after they were done, my friend said, "they were actually pretty good." So yeah. CO- Jane, High Atop the Silver Branches.
Electrelane- The Power Out: I bought this one a whim from that eBay guy because the more I bought the more I saved on shipping lol. Hadn't heard of them before, what a pleasant surprise. Every song is unique (The Valleys is a choir song), a great album if you want to be snooty to your friends about knowing a little gem of an album. CO- Gone Under Sea, The Valleys, Take the Bit Between Your Teeth.
Common- Like Water for Chocolate: I've always known of Common but never really explored. Oh man, what a rewarding album. Listen to all of it.
Snoop Dogg- Doggystyle: Snoop dogg's always kind've been a figure in pop culture that is present, and you know he's important, but over time you've lost why that is. I finally got around to listening to his debut. Holy shit this could be one of my favorite rap releases. God no wonder he can fuck around as much as he does, coaching football, becoming a lion, and shit. After an album like this you can do whatever you want afterwards.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor- Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven: They are a band that really doesn't make music for commercial gain, they make actual pieces of art. If you want to listen to something that'll tell a story without using a lot of words, this is the album for you.
Favorite Vinyl Reissues
5. Lewis- L'amour, finally unearthed. For the longest time, his existence was a mystery.
4. Sleater Kinney's entire discography released in a boxset
3. Washington Phillips- What Are They Doing in Heaven Today, I don't actually think this was reissued this year but whatever, one of my favorite albums to listen to on vinyl. It's an old timey sounding religious recording by a man playing an instrument called the Phonoharp.
2. Modest Mouse- The Lonesome Crowded West and This is a long drive for someone with nothing to think about, on black vinyl, although(!), Newbury Comics released a special edition of limited color vinyl, which are sold out now.
1. The Unicorns- Who will cut our hair when we're gone, on pink vinyl after many years of being out of print
Lastly, my updated Best Of list:
30. La Roux- Trouble In Paradise
29. Vince Staples- Hell Can Wait
28. Gerard Way- Hesitant Alien
27. Warpaint- Warpaint
26. Notwist- Close to the Glass
25. Ex Hex- Rips
24. Jenny Lewis- Voyager
23. Benjamin Booker- Benjamin Booker
22. Soko- I Thought I Was An Alien
21. Future Islands- Singles
20. Bleachers- Strange Desire
19. Leonard Cohen- Popular Problems
18. Vincent James Mcmorrow- Post Tropical
17. Courtney Barnett- The Double Ep: A Sea of Split Peas
16. Strand of Oaks- HEAL
15. Jack White- Lazaretto
14. Hozier- Hozier
13. Sun Kil Moon- Benji
12. Sylvan Esso- Sylvan esso
11. Ought- More Than Any Other Day
10. Run the Jewels- Run the Jewels 2
9. Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else
8. J.E Sunde- Shapes That Kiss the Lips of God
7. Orwells- Disgraceland
6. Spoon- They Want My Soul
5. Conor Oberst- Upside Down Mountain
4. Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues
3. St.Vincent- St.Vincent
2. Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams1. Myriam Gendron- Not So Deep as a Well
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Favorite Albums of 2014
Here is my list of favorite 2014 releases. Besides the number one spot, I can see all the albums having some wiggle room, especially towards the beginning. There were a few albums that I wanted to include that I haven't necessarily been able to listen to thoroughly, so the rankings are slightly skewed. I've worked on this for an oddly long time (3 weeks), combing through every year end list and reflecting back on what I bought. Each entry will be followed by CO, standing for check out, which is where I'll throw out songs to listen to from the album. I guess I'd call this part 1 of my 2014 list, this will be followed up by part 2 where I'll count down my favorite songs of 2014, albums that weren't 2014 releases but were unearthed, favorite vinyl reissues, and albums I'm looking forward to in 2015.
Albums that didn't make the list:
Sharon Van Etten/ Are We There- Too morose for me. Great reviews and all but lacking feeling, maybe?
Mac Demarco/ Salad Days- My knees are too erratic to listen to Mac's laidback music for more than a few minutes. Still very good, great if you substances.
Strand of Oaks/HEAL- Way better than I thought he was when I saw him open for Tallest Man on Earth. CO- Shut In
The War on Drugs/ Lost in the Dream- I don't know why I don't enjoy them. You can find this album on pretty much every end of the year list, I just can't get into it. CO- Red Eyes
First Aid Kit/ Stay Gold- I flip flop on First Aid Kit. Sometimes their harmonies remind me of locus and annoys me. I remember listening to their new album and enjoying it but right now I'm drawing a blank. CO- My Silver Lining
Phantogram/ Voices- I don't know why it is that I didn't attach myself to this release, given that I came into this year being a Phantogram fan. It's just lacking that cool factor. CO- Black Out Days, Celebrating Nothing
Bliss and Alice/ Poetry Volume One- The Shit Talker Tape- Just started listening to this album today and it's really impressing me so hopefully someone sees this and gives him a listen. Free on Bandcamp.
Generationals/ Alix- Sugary sweet album with songs that'll get stuck in your head forever. Somehow their songs feel impersonal to me, hence why they came up short. CO- Black Lemon, Gold Silver Diamond (really suggest these two songs)
Temples/ Sun Structures- Their sound feels very 1960's psychedelic, too strong of an influence for me personally. However, I can honestly see others gravitate towards it more. CO- Shelter Song, The Guesser
Tweedy/ Sukierae- Originally this was going to be at least in my 10-20 area of the list, but I went to import select songs into my iPod and found myself not remembering them too much. I think it works as a pleasant album to spin while working on homework or driving mindlessly. CO- Nobody Dies Anymore, Wait For Love
Perfume Genius*/ Too Bright- If I would've listened to this album in full in time, it definitely would've been on the list (if not in the top 10). Perfume Genius has always been a fearless artist and listening to some of the songs off the album makes it clear that that trend will continue. I star it because it has a serious case for mulligan when it comes to not being on the main list. CO- Queen, Fool
Vashti Bunyan/ Heartleap- I feel bad that this album hasn't gotten more praise, mainly because this is Vashti's last album and for so long she went unnoticed until she was rediscovered. I personally haven't listened to it yet (and honestly her music can be a bit too serene), just wanted to include her though.
Ty Segall/ $ingle$ 2- I'm including his singles collection instead of his album Manipulator because his singles kind've jump out at me more than his ode to glam. CO- Cherry Red, Hand Glams, Fucked up Motherfucker
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra/ Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything- Definitely an interesting listen, very sprawling and epic. Not a super fun album but if you invest yourself, there could be something for you. CO- Take Away These Early Grave Blues
Wussy/ Attica- an album that was critically acclaimed with a lot of different influences. CO- Teenage Wasteland
Grouper- Depressing album but also beautiful. CO- Clearing
Isaiah Rashad/ Cilvia Demo- Swaggy up the ass. KO- Heavenly Father, Shot You Down
Protomartyr/ Under Color of Official Right- Another post-punk release that will impress if you are into that scene. CO- Maidenhead
cllipping./ CLPPNG- Work Work makes me want to snake my way to the floor and struggle to maintain my composure after I struggle to get back up. If you are a rap fan, check it out. CO- Work Work, Body & Blood
Sunny Day in Glasgow/ Sea When Absent- I tried a lot of times to get into it. It just isn't happening to a deeper level. I enjoy it, not to the extent I want to though. CO- MTLOV, Oh, I'm a Wrecker
White Lung/ Deep Fantasy- less than 30 minutes of neck breaking punk, so fulfilling though. CO- Face Down
32. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Pinata
Madlib is awesome and thats why I decided to give this album a listen. If I was able to listen to the whole thing from start to finish, it'd be higher. CO- Deeper, Thuggin'
31. Vance Joy- Dream Your Life Away
That Imagine Dragons kind've album that is super fun to listen to, but ultimately is radio fodder. CO- Riptide, Winds of Change, Mess is Mine
30. Foxygen- ...And Star Power
If it wasn't so overblown, overindulgent, and was edited down to a manageable number of songs, it would've been a great album. Not terrible by any stretch of the imagination, just too much of everything. CO- How Can You Really,
29. Sam Smith- In the Lonely Hour
Soulful voice, the whole album was actually pretty entertaining. CO- Money On My Mind, Stay With Me, I'm Not the Only One
28. Parquet Courts- Sunbathing Animal
Disoriented cool punk that I feel got lost in the shuffle, despite how critically acclaimed they are. CO- Black and White, Sunbathing Animal
27. Shakey Graves-And the War Came
It could be because I was disillusioned with the concert (was tired and worn out from an overly long opener) that made me have it on the lower end of the list (or maybe I feel bad for not going crazy at the concert, resulting in me ranking it higher than I would), but still worth a good listening too. CO- Dearly Departed, Hard Wired, Big Time Nashville Star
26. Owl John- Owl John
Frightened Rabbit was a big part of my 2013, I'm not sure why. This is the lead singer's solo effort and it comes off as a spare version of Frightened Rabbit (in the best way possible obviously). My biggest critique of it is that I wanted some of the songs to ramp it up a bit. CO- A Good Reason To Grow Old, Red Hand, Lose Angeles, Be Kind
25. Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire For No Witness
I've been a big advocate for Angel Olsen from the very first time I heard Half Way Home. I remember texting my friend when the first single dropped and texting my friend to tell him that this album could be the best album of the year. My ranking could be short-changing it a little because it's a fine album, just not the top 10 one I thought it'd be. CO- Unfucktheworld, Iota
24. La Roux- Trouble In Paradise
2014's best album for white women with no butts to dance to while getting ready in the morning. CO- Sexotheque, Kiss and Not Tell
23. Vince Staples- Hell Can Wait
I just started listening to him and this isn't a full album, but, great album. CO- Blue Suede, Limos
22. Gerard Way- Hesitant Alien
Surprisingly good. It sounds nothing like My Chemical Romance. I was actually blown away by how different it is compared to what I thought it'd be. CO- No Shows, Zero Zero, Brother
21. Warpaint- Warpaint
Saw them live and had a boner for a straight hour. An album of hazy, smooth tunes. CO- Disco//Very, Love is to Die
20. Benjamin Booker- Benjamin Booker
Blues Punk? What a world! Seeing him next year and it's going to be nuts. CO- Violent Shiver, Have You Seen My Son, I Thought I Heard You Screaming
19. Future Islands- Singles
The songs all kind've blur together in my head, but the band doesn't sound like any one else right now and if I were to give it another listen, I'm sure it would've jumped up a few spots. CO- Seasons (Waiting On You), A Dream of You and Me,
18. Soko- I Thought I Was An Alien
Super sad album, earnest and tear-jerking. CO- We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow, For Marlon (this broke my heart), I thought I was an Alien, First Love Never Die
17. Ex Hex- Rips
Reminiscent of like 80's girl punk bands. Like Joan Jett with more street cred and teeth. CO- Hot and Cold, Waste of Time, Don't Wanna Lose
16. Bleachers- Strange Desire
Purely fun album. Not too dissimilar to fun., big anthemic tunes. CO- I Wanna Get Better, Shadow, Rollercoaster, I'm Ready to Move On/Wild Heart Reprise
15. Vincent James Mcmorrow- Post Tropical
Incredibly soulful album that I have to listen to in sequence to appreciate. It's a vinyl buy for sure. Go see him live, it won't be boring like you would think. CO- Look Out, Glacier, Cavalier
14. Leonard Cohen- Popular Problems
I feel like it's weird to include Leonard Cohen on a list of best albums of 2014, but it's a legitly impressive album. Be warned the song Slow is cringingly bad. Did I Ever Love You is my second favorite song of the year. CO- Did I Ever Love You, Born in Chains, Almost Like the Blues
13. Courtney Barnett- The Double Ep: A Sea of Split Peas
The first half of the album is amazing, the second is a little more raw. Technically came out last year, but it took forever for it to be released in the U.S. CO- Avant Gardener, History Eraser
12. Hozier- Hozier
Super catchy album, maybe hurt a little because I listened to it so much in my car when I was too lazy to switch CDs. CO- Take Me to Church, Jackie and Wilson, From Eden, Like Real People Do, Cherry Wine, Foreigner's God
12a. Jack White- Lazaretto
I forgot to place Jack White! I remember listening to the album and was like wow this a great album. I don't remember much from it right now though and I think thats why its not in the top 10. CO- Lazaretto, Entitlement, Just One Drink
11. Sylvan Esso- Sylvan esso
Super fun album that mixes folk with electronica. Honestly, I'm almost regretting putting this album as low as it is. I think it should be more like 8 or 9, I'm just having a hard time remembering a lot of the tracks. Looking back, it should probably be in top 10 lol. CO- Hey Mami, H.S.K.T, Coffee
10. Ought- More Than Any Other Day
Ought is my King Krule pick of 2014, an album that seemingly comes out of nowhere and sounds like nothing else that is happening at the moment. They sound like a post-punk version of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The album takes its time to build to something with its herky-jerky instrumentation, their metallic clean sound break out into Tim Beeler's howling restrained vocals. I love this album. The line "tell me what the weathers like so I don't have to go outside" gets stuck in my head so often that I say it even when I'm already outside. I'm not a big synth/electronic guy and it's great to see bands still finding ways to keep the classic setup interesting. CO- Habit, The Weather Song, Clarity!
9. Run the Jewels- Run the Jewels 2
What can I say that hasn't been said on pretty much every best of 2014 lists? Best rap album of the year. God listening to this album makes me feel like the biggest bad ass in the entire world. I probably would've ranked it higher if I would've been able to listen to the album in order and not shuffled on Spotify (getting it from the library soonish). CO- Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck), Lie, cheat, steal, Blockbuster Night Pt 1 &2, Oh My Darling Don't Cry
8. Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else
A punk band that reminds me more of The Descendents than, say, the Sex Pistols. A punk band that doesn't sound like a few guys that want to knock shit around, they sound like a punk band that went to college (boom, a milo goes to college reference). It's music that is heavy on hooks but with a viciousness of pent up uptightness. I think this is my Japandroids record of 2014, an album that you put on when you want to thrash around your room and aggressively mouth fuck the words. CO- I'm Not Part of Me, Psychic Trauma, Now Hear In
7. J.E Sunde- Shapes That Kiss the Lips of God
He is possibly the nicest guy I've ever seen perform. I've seen him twice and both times he's had this humble confidence to him. The first time seeing him was when he opened up for Laura Marling, and he killed it. I loved his performance way more than hers. The second time, he had the opening slot for Phox. During this second time, everybody was just terribly rude to him. Everybody was talking and not giving him any attention and I hope everyone felt like shit when Phox came out later and pointed that out. His voice is very different from a lot of what is out there today, and his lyricism is unmatched on the "local scene." His Howl reference was just a cherry. A mix of eccentric, smartly written songs, definitely a great album. CO- Mother Fury, Mother Cry, Easy Kid, A Blinding Flash of Light, I'm Gonna Disappoint You. Check it alllll out.
6. Orwells- Disgraceland
This was an album that I've been waiting for, for this year. Just a slab-of-dumb-in- your-face-belligerent kids throwing their guitars and yelling about anything and everything. Live, these guys (especially the singer) just ooze that "I don't give a fuck" dangerous attitude that makes for an amazing atmosphere. My Fidlar of 2014. Originally, they gained a lot of attention for their David Letterman performance that called for an encore and parody by Paul Shaffer. The songs range from drinking, murderers, sex, and America damnation. Probably not super critically acclaimed in the wine drinking circles, nonetheless, the music is a shot of adrenaline. CO- Who Needs You, Southern Comfort, North Ave., Let it Burn, Always n Forever
5. Spoon- They Want My Soul
This album is funky as shit. I roll my shoulders so much when listening, it's almost like I have rhythm. I'm not a big Spoon guy. They have lots of build up to their songs and just drop off when they get to the chorus, leaving us without that big ejaculation. Then I gave this album a shot and fell in love. These are some of the best hooks I've heard all year and I dare you not to get Do You stuck in your head. Top to bottom this is an album made by guys that have been around for a while and not only know what they're doing, but a band that can tweak their sound just enough to keep old fans and draw in new ones. Now I regret not seeing them in Milwaukee, especially since they covered a Jay Reatard song! To sum this album up: swag for days and rolling for the pullin'. CO- Rent I pay, Inside Out, Do You, New York Kiss
4. Conor Oberst- Upside Down Mountain
It's Conor. Do I have to say more? I will. I was able to see him play live in Milwaukee and he was amazing. He was as close to being what a rock star looks like in concert, if that makes sense. I keep going back and forth about how much I really like the album. Sometimes I'm never in the mood to listen to it, being away from it for a while clouds my enjoyment of it, I think. The memory of the album becomes hazy, then I give it another listen and become enthralled in it again. It feels very major label, not a bad thing. Great hooks, Conor said in an interview that he isn't the best singer in the world, but once he gets down a hook, he can turn out a great song, and he does that for the duration of the album. He more than adds to the Conor Oberst body of work. If you're not sold, listen to You Are Your Mother's Child and see where you're at after. CO- Hundreds of Ways, Double Life, Kick, You Are Your Mother's Child, Governor's Ball, Zigzagging Toward the Light
3a. Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues
I forgot to include this album! I'm so stupid! I didn't want to renumber so I'm making this 3a because it would've been number 4. Against me is a punk band that really works well after "selling out." Their sound is really meant for bigger production. Thomas Gabel is the first major musical figure to come out as transgender and the album is pretty much him coming out as one. Very powerful statement with really strong songs to back it up. I've been listening to Against Me for about six years, outside of New Wave, this is their best album. CO- FUCKMYLIFE666, Black Me Out, Unconditional Love
3. St.Vincent- St.Vincent
It took a while for this album to grow on me. At first, I was put off by the almost impersonal futurism she's presenting. If you see her stage show, it's pretty choreographed and thats how the album feels, an interesting view but I don't know about seeing it again. With that said, I always drive with my iPod on shuffle and whenever a song from this album came on, I had to listen. I wanted to listen. She's the pop artist Lady Gaga wish she was, she's weird and serious and willing to take risks but it doesn't come off hokey or pretentious. She did an album with David Byrne that had a lot of his odd swagger in it, and you can definitely feel the imprint on this album. It's oddly danceable at its highs and sinister at its lows. I feel like St. Vincent is an artist that constantly has to win me over, I listened to all her albums on surface level and couldn't get into them, but on that second and third listen where I really lean into it, she wins me over. She consistently tops herself, from guitarist in Polyphonic Spree, to the slow burn intensity of Marry Me, to the dark disney of Actor, to brushing shoulders with a legend in Love This Giant, to the sexiness of Strange Mercy, St. Vincent is always moving somewhere else and knocking it out of the park. In the indie landscape, she's a leader for sure. CO- Birth In Reverse, Digital Witness, Bring Me Your Loves, Rattlesnake
2. Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
I understand that the Hold Steady has changed. They hired the producer who've worked on albums by Rush and Evanescence, obviously trying to sound more radio ready and less contingent on knowing the characters of the previous Hold Steady albums. They've always been a band that had prided themselves on this working class aesthetic of misspent youth, not caring about making their sound anything more than they wanted it to. They wanted to eliminate the pretentiousness of the indie scene. There was talk singing, guitar solos, Springsteen keyboards, familiar characters with their own problems and issues to work out, clever and masterful lyrics, and tales of surviving the abstract pointlessness by drinking cheap beers when you're young and finding your place later in life through struggle. This new album, however, has been getting a lot of flack for being a bit more stream-lined and "hard-rockin'." To be honest, though, I don't mind it. I'm a huge Hold Steady fan and they've influenced me a lot in my music sensibilities and how I write, they could've put out anything and have me love it. It's a collection of very tight songs, with my only complaint being how they obscured Craig Finn's voice, whereas their earlier albums had it first and foremost. It's not going to change lives like their first four albums did, but if you take off your snobby hat for a second, its an album thats definitely worth a listen. Spinners is my number one song of 2014. CO- Spinners, I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You, Oaks, The Only Thing
1. Myriam Gendron- Not So Deep as a Well
Absolutely beautiful album. Very simple album. My summer was a mix of momentary excitement, peaceful contemplation, and overbearing sadness, and this was the soundtrack for all of it. This was one of Acme Records in Milwaukee's albums of the day so on a whim I decided to pick it up. I've never been more happy with any decision ever. I love this album and is one of those albums that I'll always keep with me. CO- Threnody, Solace, Recurrence, The False Friends
Albums that didn't make the list:
Sharon Van Etten/ Are We There- Too morose for me. Great reviews and all but lacking feeling, maybe?
Mac Demarco/ Salad Days- My knees are too erratic to listen to Mac's laidback music for more than a few minutes. Still very good, great if you substances.
Strand of Oaks/HEAL- Way better than I thought he was when I saw him open for Tallest Man on Earth. CO- Shut In
The War on Drugs/ Lost in the Dream- I don't know why I don't enjoy them. You can find this album on pretty much every end of the year list, I just can't get into it. CO- Red Eyes
First Aid Kit/ Stay Gold- I flip flop on First Aid Kit. Sometimes their harmonies remind me of locus and annoys me. I remember listening to their new album and enjoying it but right now I'm drawing a blank. CO- My Silver Lining
Phantogram/ Voices- I don't know why it is that I didn't attach myself to this release, given that I came into this year being a Phantogram fan. It's just lacking that cool factor. CO- Black Out Days, Celebrating Nothing
Bliss and Alice/ Poetry Volume One- The Shit Talker Tape- Just started listening to this album today and it's really impressing me so hopefully someone sees this and gives him a listen. Free on Bandcamp.
Generationals/ Alix- Sugary sweet album with songs that'll get stuck in your head forever. Somehow their songs feel impersonal to me, hence why they came up short. CO- Black Lemon, Gold Silver Diamond (really suggest these two songs)
Temples/ Sun Structures- Their sound feels very 1960's psychedelic, too strong of an influence for me personally. However, I can honestly see others gravitate towards it more. CO- Shelter Song, The Guesser
Tweedy/ Sukierae- Originally this was going to be at least in my 10-20 area of the list, but I went to import select songs into my iPod and found myself not remembering them too much. I think it works as a pleasant album to spin while working on homework or driving mindlessly. CO- Nobody Dies Anymore, Wait For Love
Perfume Genius*/ Too Bright- If I would've listened to this album in full in time, it definitely would've been on the list (if not in the top 10). Perfume Genius has always been a fearless artist and listening to some of the songs off the album makes it clear that that trend will continue. I star it because it has a serious case for mulligan when it comes to not being on the main list. CO- Queen, Fool
Vashti Bunyan/ Heartleap- I feel bad that this album hasn't gotten more praise, mainly because this is Vashti's last album and for so long she went unnoticed until she was rediscovered. I personally haven't listened to it yet (and honestly her music can be a bit too serene), just wanted to include her though.
Ty Segall/ $ingle$ 2- I'm including his singles collection instead of his album Manipulator because his singles kind've jump out at me more than his ode to glam. CO- Cherry Red, Hand Glams, Fucked up Motherfucker
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra/ Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything- Definitely an interesting listen, very sprawling and epic. Not a super fun album but if you invest yourself, there could be something for you. CO- Take Away These Early Grave Blues
Wussy/ Attica- an album that was critically acclaimed with a lot of different influences. CO- Teenage Wasteland
Grouper- Depressing album but also beautiful. CO- Clearing
Isaiah Rashad/ Cilvia Demo- Swaggy up the ass. KO- Heavenly Father, Shot You Down
Protomartyr/ Under Color of Official Right- Another post-punk release that will impress if you are into that scene. CO- Maidenhead
cllipping./ CLPPNG- Work Work makes me want to snake my way to the floor and struggle to maintain my composure after I struggle to get back up. If you are a rap fan, check it out. CO- Work Work, Body & Blood
Sunny Day in Glasgow/ Sea When Absent- I tried a lot of times to get into it. It just isn't happening to a deeper level. I enjoy it, not to the extent I want to though. CO- MTLOV, Oh, I'm a Wrecker
White Lung/ Deep Fantasy- less than 30 minutes of neck breaking punk, so fulfilling though. CO- Face Down
32. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Pinata
Madlib is awesome and thats why I decided to give this album a listen. If I was able to listen to the whole thing from start to finish, it'd be higher. CO- Deeper, Thuggin'
31. Vance Joy- Dream Your Life Away
That Imagine Dragons kind've album that is super fun to listen to, but ultimately is radio fodder. CO- Riptide, Winds of Change, Mess is Mine
30. Foxygen- ...And Star Power
If it wasn't so overblown, overindulgent, and was edited down to a manageable number of songs, it would've been a great album. Not terrible by any stretch of the imagination, just too much of everything. CO- How Can You Really,
29. Sam Smith- In the Lonely Hour
Soulful voice, the whole album was actually pretty entertaining. CO- Money On My Mind, Stay With Me, I'm Not the Only One
28. Parquet Courts- Sunbathing Animal
Disoriented cool punk that I feel got lost in the shuffle, despite how critically acclaimed they are. CO- Black and White, Sunbathing Animal
27. Shakey Graves-And the War Came
It could be because I was disillusioned with the concert (was tired and worn out from an overly long opener) that made me have it on the lower end of the list (or maybe I feel bad for not going crazy at the concert, resulting in me ranking it higher than I would), but still worth a good listening too. CO- Dearly Departed, Hard Wired, Big Time Nashville Star
26. Owl John- Owl John
Frightened Rabbit was a big part of my 2013, I'm not sure why. This is the lead singer's solo effort and it comes off as a spare version of Frightened Rabbit (in the best way possible obviously). My biggest critique of it is that I wanted some of the songs to ramp it up a bit. CO- A Good Reason To Grow Old, Red Hand, Lose Angeles, Be Kind
25. Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire For No Witness
I've been a big advocate for Angel Olsen from the very first time I heard Half Way Home. I remember texting my friend when the first single dropped and texting my friend to tell him that this album could be the best album of the year. My ranking could be short-changing it a little because it's a fine album, just not the top 10 one I thought it'd be. CO- Unfucktheworld, Iota
24. La Roux- Trouble In Paradise
2014's best album for white women with no butts to dance to while getting ready in the morning. CO- Sexotheque, Kiss and Not Tell
23. Vince Staples- Hell Can Wait
I just started listening to him and this isn't a full album, but, great album. CO- Blue Suede, Limos
22. Gerard Way- Hesitant Alien
Surprisingly good. It sounds nothing like My Chemical Romance. I was actually blown away by how different it is compared to what I thought it'd be. CO- No Shows, Zero Zero, Brother
21. Warpaint- Warpaint
Saw them live and had a boner for a straight hour. An album of hazy, smooth tunes. CO- Disco//Very, Love is to Die
20. Benjamin Booker- Benjamin Booker
Blues Punk? What a world! Seeing him next year and it's going to be nuts. CO- Violent Shiver, Have You Seen My Son, I Thought I Heard You Screaming
19. Future Islands- Singles
The songs all kind've blur together in my head, but the band doesn't sound like any one else right now and if I were to give it another listen, I'm sure it would've jumped up a few spots. CO- Seasons (Waiting On You), A Dream of You and Me,
18. Soko- I Thought I Was An Alien
Super sad album, earnest and tear-jerking. CO- We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow, For Marlon (this broke my heart), I thought I was an Alien, First Love Never Die
17. Ex Hex- Rips
Reminiscent of like 80's girl punk bands. Like Joan Jett with more street cred and teeth. CO- Hot and Cold, Waste of Time, Don't Wanna Lose
16. Bleachers- Strange Desire
Purely fun album. Not too dissimilar to fun., big anthemic tunes. CO- I Wanna Get Better, Shadow, Rollercoaster, I'm Ready to Move On/Wild Heart Reprise
15. Vincent James Mcmorrow- Post Tropical
Incredibly soulful album that I have to listen to in sequence to appreciate. It's a vinyl buy for sure. Go see him live, it won't be boring like you would think. CO- Look Out, Glacier, Cavalier
14. Leonard Cohen- Popular Problems
I feel like it's weird to include Leonard Cohen on a list of best albums of 2014, but it's a legitly impressive album. Be warned the song Slow is cringingly bad. Did I Ever Love You is my second favorite song of the year. CO- Did I Ever Love You, Born in Chains, Almost Like the Blues
13. Courtney Barnett- The Double Ep: A Sea of Split Peas
The first half of the album is amazing, the second is a little more raw. Technically came out last year, but it took forever for it to be released in the U.S. CO- Avant Gardener, History Eraser
12. Hozier- Hozier
Super catchy album, maybe hurt a little because I listened to it so much in my car when I was too lazy to switch CDs. CO- Take Me to Church, Jackie and Wilson, From Eden, Like Real People Do, Cherry Wine, Foreigner's God
12a. Jack White- Lazaretto
I forgot to place Jack White! I remember listening to the album and was like wow this a great album. I don't remember much from it right now though and I think thats why its not in the top 10. CO- Lazaretto, Entitlement, Just One Drink
11. Sylvan Esso- Sylvan esso
Super fun album that mixes folk with electronica. Honestly, I'm almost regretting putting this album as low as it is. I think it should be more like 8 or 9, I'm just having a hard time remembering a lot of the tracks. Looking back, it should probably be in top 10 lol. CO- Hey Mami, H.S.K.T, Coffee
10. Ought- More Than Any Other Day
Ought is my King Krule pick of 2014, an album that seemingly comes out of nowhere and sounds like nothing else that is happening at the moment. They sound like a post-punk version of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The album takes its time to build to something with its herky-jerky instrumentation, their metallic clean sound break out into Tim Beeler's howling restrained vocals. I love this album. The line "tell me what the weathers like so I don't have to go outside" gets stuck in my head so often that I say it even when I'm already outside. I'm not a big synth/electronic guy and it's great to see bands still finding ways to keep the classic setup interesting. CO- Habit, The Weather Song, Clarity!
9. Run the Jewels- Run the Jewels 2
What can I say that hasn't been said on pretty much every best of 2014 lists? Best rap album of the year. God listening to this album makes me feel like the biggest bad ass in the entire world. I probably would've ranked it higher if I would've been able to listen to the album in order and not shuffled on Spotify (getting it from the library soonish). CO- Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck), Lie, cheat, steal, Blockbuster Night Pt 1 &2, Oh My Darling Don't Cry
8. Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else
A punk band that reminds me more of The Descendents than, say, the Sex Pistols. A punk band that doesn't sound like a few guys that want to knock shit around, they sound like a punk band that went to college (boom, a milo goes to college reference). It's music that is heavy on hooks but with a viciousness of pent up uptightness. I think this is my Japandroids record of 2014, an album that you put on when you want to thrash around your room and aggressively mouth fuck the words. CO- I'm Not Part of Me, Psychic Trauma, Now Hear In
7. J.E Sunde- Shapes That Kiss the Lips of God
He is possibly the nicest guy I've ever seen perform. I've seen him twice and both times he's had this humble confidence to him. The first time seeing him was when he opened up for Laura Marling, and he killed it. I loved his performance way more than hers. The second time, he had the opening slot for Phox. During this second time, everybody was just terribly rude to him. Everybody was talking and not giving him any attention and I hope everyone felt like shit when Phox came out later and pointed that out. His voice is very different from a lot of what is out there today, and his lyricism is unmatched on the "local scene." His Howl reference was just a cherry. A mix of eccentric, smartly written songs, definitely a great album. CO- Mother Fury, Mother Cry, Easy Kid, A Blinding Flash of Light, I'm Gonna Disappoint You. Check it alllll out.
6. Orwells- Disgraceland
This was an album that I've been waiting for, for this year. Just a slab-of-dumb-in- your-face-belligerent kids throwing their guitars and yelling about anything and everything. Live, these guys (especially the singer) just ooze that "I don't give a fuck" dangerous attitude that makes for an amazing atmosphere. My Fidlar of 2014. Originally, they gained a lot of attention for their David Letterman performance that called for an encore and parody by Paul Shaffer. The songs range from drinking, murderers, sex, and America damnation. Probably not super critically acclaimed in the wine drinking circles, nonetheless, the music is a shot of adrenaline. CO- Who Needs You, Southern Comfort, North Ave., Let it Burn, Always n Forever
5. Spoon- They Want My Soul
This album is funky as shit. I roll my shoulders so much when listening, it's almost like I have rhythm. I'm not a big Spoon guy. They have lots of build up to their songs and just drop off when they get to the chorus, leaving us without that big ejaculation. Then I gave this album a shot and fell in love. These are some of the best hooks I've heard all year and I dare you not to get Do You stuck in your head. Top to bottom this is an album made by guys that have been around for a while and not only know what they're doing, but a band that can tweak their sound just enough to keep old fans and draw in new ones. Now I regret not seeing them in Milwaukee, especially since they covered a Jay Reatard song! To sum this album up: swag for days and rolling for the pullin'. CO- Rent I pay, Inside Out, Do You, New York Kiss
4. Conor Oberst- Upside Down Mountain
It's Conor. Do I have to say more? I will. I was able to see him play live in Milwaukee and he was amazing. He was as close to being what a rock star looks like in concert, if that makes sense. I keep going back and forth about how much I really like the album. Sometimes I'm never in the mood to listen to it, being away from it for a while clouds my enjoyment of it, I think. The memory of the album becomes hazy, then I give it another listen and become enthralled in it again. It feels very major label, not a bad thing. Great hooks, Conor said in an interview that he isn't the best singer in the world, but once he gets down a hook, he can turn out a great song, and he does that for the duration of the album. He more than adds to the Conor Oberst body of work. If you're not sold, listen to You Are Your Mother's Child and see where you're at after. CO- Hundreds of Ways, Double Life, Kick, You Are Your Mother's Child, Governor's Ball, Zigzagging Toward the Light
3a. Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues
I forgot to include this album! I'm so stupid! I didn't want to renumber so I'm making this 3a because it would've been number 4. Against me is a punk band that really works well after "selling out." Their sound is really meant for bigger production. Thomas Gabel is the first major musical figure to come out as transgender and the album is pretty much him coming out as one. Very powerful statement with really strong songs to back it up. I've been listening to Against Me for about six years, outside of New Wave, this is their best album. CO- FUCKMYLIFE666, Black Me Out, Unconditional Love
3. St.Vincent- St.Vincent
It took a while for this album to grow on me. At first, I was put off by the almost impersonal futurism she's presenting. If you see her stage show, it's pretty choreographed and thats how the album feels, an interesting view but I don't know about seeing it again. With that said, I always drive with my iPod on shuffle and whenever a song from this album came on, I had to listen. I wanted to listen. She's the pop artist Lady Gaga wish she was, she's weird and serious and willing to take risks but it doesn't come off hokey or pretentious. She did an album with David Byrne that had a lot of his odd swagger in it, and you can definitely feel the imprint on this album. It's oddly danceable at its highs and sinister at its lows. I feel like St. Vincent is an artist that constantly has to win me over, I listened to all her albums on surface level and couldn't get into them, but on that second and third listen where I really lean into it, she wins me over. She consistently tops herself, from guitarist in Polyphonic Spree, to the slow burn intensity of Marry Me, to the dark disney of Actor, to brushing shoulders with a legend in Love This Giant, to the sexiness of Strange Mercy, St. Vincent is always moving somewhere else and knocking it out of the park. In the indie landscape, she's a leader for sure. CO- Birth In Reverse, Digital Witness, Bring Me Your Loves, Rattlesnake
2. Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
I understand that the Hold Steady has changed. They hired the producer who've worked on albums by Rush and Evanescence, obviously trying to sound more radio ready and less contingent on knowing the characters of the previous Hold Steady albums. They've always been a band that had prided themselves on this working class aesthetic of misspent youth, not caring about making their sound anything more than they wanted it to. They wanted to eliminate the pretentiousness of the indie scene. There was talk singing, guitar solos, Springsteen keyboards, familiar characters with their own problems and issues to work out, clever and masterful lyrics, and tales of surviving the abstract pointlessness by drinking cheap beers when you're young and finding your place later in life through struggle. This new album, however, has been getting a lot of flack for being a bit more stream-lined and "hard-rockin'." To be honest, though, I don't mind it. I'm a huge Hold Steady fan and they've influenced me a lot in my music sensibilities and how I write, they could've put out anything and have me love it. It's a collection of very tight songs, with my only complaint being how they obscured Craig Finn's voice, whereas their earlier albums had it first and foremost. It's not going to change lives like their first four albums did, but if you take off your snobby hat for a second, its an album thats definitely worth a listen. Spinners is my number one song of 2014. CO- Spinners, I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You, Oaks, The Only Thing
1. Myriam Gendron- Not So Deep as a Well
Absolutely beautiful album. Very simple album. My summer was a mix of momentary excitement, peaceful contemplation, and overbearing sadness, and this was the soundtrack for all of it. This was one of Acme Records in Milwaukee's albums of the day so on a whim I decided to pick it up. I've never been more happy with any decision ever. I love this album and is one of those albums that I'll always keep with me. CO- Threnody, Solace, Recurrence, The False Friends
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