Enjoy!
8 tracks mix is here
Spotify is below:
I suppose you could call this a music blog, sure.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Mixtape Friday
As I was working on this week's mix I noticed that nearly all of the songs I was picking had lead female vocals so I decided to make the entire mix lead female vocals only. For as long as I can remember I've gone through long stretches where I just listened to bands with female lead vocals. I have no idea why but as I saw when I was putting a mix together, my ear tends to trend in that direction quite often. The mix is full of songs that I've liked from as old as 1980 and as new as 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Welcome to October. I welcome the new month with a new mixtape full of awesome new music. Its a good mix of catchy synth pop and indie rock. I think you'll enjoy this mix.
Here is the mix on 8tracks.com, HERE.
The spotify mix is below.
Here is the mix on 8tracks.com, HERE.
The spotify mix is below.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Fall is here in Utah. It was 90 last weekend and now its only 70. Although the summer is gone, fall brings some great new music and new tours. All of the bands are finally done with all the summer festivals. Anyway, here's a new mix to bring in autumn in all of its glory.
For a more true mixtape, listen on 8 tracks HERE.
Spotify is here if you like to pick and choose.
For a more true mixtape, listen on 8 tracks HERE.
Spotify is here if you like to pick and choose.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Well, I posted my post summer depressed mix last week on Spotify. Didn't have time to post it on 8 tracks or on here. However, I came prepared this week as school is back in session and all the college students are back clogging the streets, restaurants and movie theaters and annoying everyone in their path. This weeks mix is a bit more upbeat then the previous introduction. Its full of some great new indie pop from friends like SWIMM and Sego to more indie heavy weights like Panda Bear and Of Montreal.
8 tracks mix is HERE
Spotify mix is below.....enjoy.
8 tracks mix is HERE
Spotify mix is below.....enjoy.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Mixtape Friday
I threw this playlist together in a hurry when I usually take my time. It has mostly older music (older than 3 years old), but a couple of new tracks as well. Just something to transition you from work to the weekend.
8 tracks playlist can be found HERE
Spotify below:
Friday, July 24, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Friday means that tomorrow is Saturday which means that its the weekend which means a lot of people have time off to relax which means there will be more music to listen to. Here are a few selections that will enhance your weekend experience.
8 Tracks: HERE
Spotify here:
8 Tracks: HERE
Spotify here:
Friday, July 3, 2015
Mixtape Friday
A mix fit for a fun holiday weekend. Relaxing, crazy and fun. Artists include Beck, LCD Soundsystem, Datarock and !!!. Enjoy your 4th of July.
8 tracks HERE.
Spotify here:
8 tracks HERE.
Spotify here:
Friday, June 26, 2015
Mixtape Friday
I've been putting out too much honey dripped pop lately. I think something with more edge is in order.
8 tracks HERE
8 tracks HERE
Friday, June 12, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Well its somehow Friday again. So naturally I'll serenade you with some of my indie pop favorites of the 2000s. I have a few newer tracks to "mix" it up but more or less its eight to 10 years old.
Enjoy. 8 tracks here.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Mixtape Friday
8 tracks link is HERE
Spotify below:
Friday, May 8, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Greetings and salutations!
Well another friday is upon us. For some of you this is the first or second weekend without school. Life is good when the weather is great. Here is another mix to enjoy the weather with.
Well another friday is upon us. For some of you this is the first or second weekend without school. Life is good when the weather is great. Here is another mix to enjoy the weather with.
As always, here is the link for 8 tracks here or Spotify.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Another edition of the mixtape. I was really in the mood for music that was from between about five and 10 years ago. I've got a good collection from that era. I've also got a few new ones as well.
I've also included two different formats for listening....Spotify and 8 Tracks.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Mixtape Friday
Its another Friday. Surprisingly, I'm shocked that it got here so fast. Usually people talk about how the week days going slow but they flew by this week. Here is a mix of mostly newer music I've thrown together.
Enjoy!
Click on the link and it will take you to the mix.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Mixtape Friday
 |
| Hundred Waters performs at SXSW in 2013 |
Its been a while since I've posted anything, but SXSW is this week and I wasn't able to attend this
year. I was really bummed about not being able to go but circumstances and life had other plans. I continue to receive emails from venues and parties that I signed up for last year or the year before telling me to sign up so I can get into their parties, so it puts me in the mood to listen to good music. So since I'm jealous of my friends that are there now, here is a playlist dedicated to this years festival and festivals past.
Click here:
SXSW 2015 playlist
Thursday, January 29, 2015
One year anniversary playlist
According to Blogger its technically the two year anniversary, but I kept my blogger spot warm for a year before my brother and I started posting.
Before you listen, take a watch of this Mcdonalds video. I think I had a sticker of the crescent moon guy on my window for 10 years.
Anyway, in celebration, here is a mini playlist of some great songs from the past.
Before you listen, take a watch of this Mcdonalds video. I think I had a sticker of the crescent moon guy on my window for 10 years.
Anyway, in celebration, here is a mini playlist of some great songs from the past.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
MATEO'S BEST ALBUMS OF 2014
10. EX COPS — DAGGERS
I stumbled across this one late in the year and am glad I did. Drawing inspiration from 80's new wave and especially 90's alt-rock, Ex Cops (comprised of Amalie Bruun and Brian Harding) churn out melodically rich, rhythmically taut pop songs with bold choruses. Bruun's crystalline vocals really stand out, as they float atop unfussy guitar-and-synth arrangements that deliver a surfeit of sleek hooks. Not every song is a home run. But Ex Cops eke out enough solid extra-base hits to ensure that Daggers is a winner.
Best of the Lot: "Black Soap," "Daggers," "White Noise"
9. THE DRUMS — ENCYCLOPEDIA
The Drums made quite a splash a few years ago with the release of their debut EP Summertime! ("Let's Go Surfing" was the breakout hit) and their equally stellar self-titled LP. Their stripped-down new wave approach (which suggested New Order doing beach music) was refreshingly straight forward, and the songwriting was excellent. The Drums' follow-up LP Portamento more or less stuck with the same musical template, but the results were more uneven, and thus less satisfying. On Encyclopedia, The Drums bolster their musical attack with guitars that snarl more angrily, bass lines that thump a little louder, snare hits that resonate a little deeper, and synths that swoosh and swirl a little more dramatically. And though the lyrical content is darker this time around, the song quality is solid throughout — certainly a step up from their previous effort. Encyclopedia shows that The Drums are not content to quietly fade away.
Best of the Lot: "Magic Mountain," "I Can't Pretend," "There is Nothing Left"
8. ST. VINCENT — ST. VINCENT
St. Vincent (a/k/a Annie Clark) is an eccentric visionary whose musical flights of fancy occasionally become a little too outré for my taste. However, when she hits the mark, as she consistently does on her eponymous fourth album, the results can be stunning. This collection features plenty of musical adventurism but never leaves the listener in the dust, as this is St. Vincent's most accessible effort yet. And it shouldn't go unnoticed that St. Vincent's also a ripping good guitarist. A strong effort from start to finish.
Best of the Lot: "Digital Witness," "Every Tear Disappears," "Birth in Reverse"
7. NEW PORNOGRAPHERS — BRILL BRUISERS
On Brill Bruisers, The New Pornographers dish up another delectable serving of their patented brand of indie pop. Carl Newman's sharp-as-a-tack songwriting and Neko Case's knock-your-socks-off vocals make this The NPs strongest album since 2003's Electric Version, which is really saying something. It's obvious the band had a blast making this record, which makes it all the more enjoyable to listen to. Brill Bruisers shows why this Canadian supergroup remains one of the most beloved in the biz.
Best of the Lot: "Dancehall Domine," "Backstairs," "Marching Orders"
6. PHANTOGRAM — VOICES
An ideal soundtrack for your hip late-night soirees, your explorations of urban landscapes, or even your solitary ruminations about life and romance. Phantogram takes the nocturnal stylings and trip-hoppy goodness of the band's 2009 release Eyelid Movie, tightens the songwriting focus, and adds a cinematic sheen to deliver a stunning set of remarkably catchy songs.
The album starts out strong with "Nothing But Trouble," which establishes the band's M.O.: propulsive, hypnotic beats; densely layered synths; Sarah Barthel's captivating vocals; undeniably bold hooks. The standard set by the opening track is largely met throughout the album's duration and ensures that Voices will remain a fixture in my late-night rotation for many moons to come.
Best of the Lot: "Bad Dreams," "Black Out Days," "Nothing But Trouble"
5. MAC DEMARCO — SALAD DAYS
Mac DeMarco is an odd duck with a prodigious talent for blending jangle pop, yacht rock, and jam band stylings into indelibly catchy tunes. His uncanny knack for crafting ridiculously tuneful chord progressions on his guitar reminds me of a young Roddy Frame from the 80's band Aztec Camera (anyone remember them?). And DeMarco gets bonus points for his songwriting economy. His songs never wear out their welcome: they get in, deliver the delicious musical goods, and then get out. Salad Days serves notice that this slightly off-kilter 23-year-old Canadian will be one to watch for many years to come.
Best of the Lot: "Salad Days," "Let Her Go," "Blue Boy"
4. BECK — MORNING PHASE
Two muses seemingly battle for control of Beck's musical soul. On the one hand is the multi-genre mashup maestro who throws indie rock, hip hop, R&B, and alternative pop into the mixer to create irresistibly brash musical concoctions. And on the other is the folksy, acoustic troubadour unafraid to bare his soul and wear his heart on his sleeve. The latter persona is on display on Morning Phase, and it's a delightful listen throughout. The sound is mellow but never bland, and the album's subtle hooks gently wend their way into your brain's pleasure centers and have a way of staying there. Another winner from one of the best artists of the last 20 years.
Best of the Lot: "Blue Moon," "Heart is a Drum," "Blackbird Chain"
3. LITTLE DRAGON — NABUMA RUBBERBAND
Like Little Dragon's prior release (2011's Ritual Union), Nabuma Rubberband is tailor-made for late-night listening. But whereas Ritual Union provided the soundtrack for a nocturnal dance party, Nabuma Rubberband is designed for the languorous aftermath. Outside of the pulse-racing "Klapp Klapp" and the driving "Paris," Little Dragon's latest teems with sultry, slow-burn numbers that evoke a three-in-the-morning atmosphere like few can. With its third straight outstanding album, Little Dragon has established themselves as a top-drawer band whose mastery of mood is in a class by itself.
Best of the Lot: "Mirror," "Klapp Klapp," "Pretty Girls"
2. REAL ESTATE — ATLAS
Real Estate's latest is certainly easy on the ears — a breezy, melodic, predominantly acoustic affair that simultaneously soothes and stimulates; the aural equivalent sunshine warming your face on a spring day. The band's musical approach is so unassuming that it's easy to overlook just how well-crafted their songs are. Yet even at its brightest, the songs retain a melancholy edge that reflects innocence lost and remembrance of simpler times. On Atlas, Real Estate once again demonstrates that "easy listening" need not have a negative connotation. This is first-rate stuff.
Best of the Lot: "The Bend," "Had to Hear," "Talking Backwards"
1. SPOON — THEY WANT MY SOUL
Spoon is the best band of the past 15 years, and their latest offering — They Want My Soul — only reinforces that. It's one more stunner in an unbroken line of musical excellence and tops my list of best albums of the year.
In many ways, Britt Daniel and Co. are the San Antonio Spurs of the rock world in that their reign of exceptionalism is now going on two decades; their greatness and consistency is easy to take for granted; and their style focuses less on overt flash than on dedication to fundamentals. Just when you think Spoon's due for a misfire, they — like the Spurs — raise another banner into the rafters.
Spoon know its strengths, and on They Want My Soul, they are on full display: Britt's swaggering vocals and potent guitar riffs, a rock-solid rhythm section led by drummer Jim Eno, and a less-is-more songwriting approach that allows each selection to generate its own internal momentum. However, Spoon also throws in a few new wrinkles, including a more expansive keyboard attack that beautifully fleshes out their sound. The cut that strays furthest from the band's traditional approach also happens to be the best: the gorgeously dreamy "Inside Out," where the band lowers its guard to reveal a soulful vulnerability and appealing empathy. It's genuinely sweet (not a word normally associated with Spoon) and shows definitively that Spoon still has plenty of game left.
Best of the Lot: "Inside Out," "Let Me Be Mine," "Do You," "Rent I Pay"
I stumbled across this one late in the year and am glad I did. Drawing inspiration from 80's new wave and especially 90's alt-rock, Ex Cops (comprised of Amalie Bruun and Brian Harding) churn out melodically rich, rhythmically taut pop songs with bold choruses. Bruun's crystalline vocals really stand out, as they float atop unfussy guitar-and-synth arrangements that deliver a surfeit of sleek hooks. Not every song is a home run. But Ex Cops eke out enough solid extra-base hits to ensure that Daggers is a winner.
Best of the Lot: "Black Soap," "Daggers," "White Noise"
9. THE DRUMS — ENCYCLOPEDIA
The Drums made quite a splash a few years ago with the release of their debut EP Summertime! ("Let's Go Surfing" was the breakout hit) and their equally stellar self-titled LP. Their stripped-down new wave approach (which suggested New Order doing beach music) was refreshingly straight forward, and the songwriting was excellent. The Drums' follow-up LP Portamento more or less stuck with the same musical template, but the results were more uneven, and thus less satisfying. On Encyclopedia, The Drums bolster their musical attack with guitars that snarl more angrily, bass lines that thump a little louder, snare hits that resonate a little deeper, and synths that swoosh and swirl a little more dramatically. And though the lyrical content is darker this time around, the song quality is solid throughout — certainly a step up from their previous effort. Encyclopedia shows that The Drums are not content to quietly fade away.
Best of the Lot: "Magic Mountain," "I Can't Pretend," "There is Nothing Left"
8. ST. VINCENT — ST. VINCENT
St. Vincent (a/k/a Annie Clark) is an eccentric visionary whose musical flights of fancy occasionally become a little too outré for my taste. However, when she hits the mark, as she consistently does on her eponymous fourth album, the results can be stunning. This collection features plenty of musical adventurism but never leaves the listener in the dust, as this is St. Vincent's most accessible effort yet. And it shouldn't go unnoticed that St. Vincent's also a ripping good guitarist. A strong effort from start to finish.
Best of the Lot: "Digital Witness," "Every Tear Disappears," "Birth in Reverse"
7. NEW PORNOGRAPHERS — BRILL BRUISERS
On Brill Bruisers, The New Pornographers dish up another delectable serving of their patented brand of indie pop. Carl Newman's sharp-as-a-tack songwriting and Neko Case's knock-your-socks-off vocals make this The NPs strongest album since 2003's Electric Version, which is really saying something. It's obvious the band had a blast making this record, which makes it all the more enjoyable to listen to. Brill Bruisers shows why this Canadian supergroup remains one of the most beloved in the biz.
Best of the Lot: "Dancehall Domine," "Backstairs," "Marching Orders"
6. PHANTOGRAM — VOICES
An ideal soundtrack for your hip late-night soirees, your explorations of urban landscapes, or even your solitary ruminations about life and romance. Phantogram takes the nocturnal stylings and trip-hoppy goodness of the band's 2009 release Eyelid Movie, tightens the songwriting focus, and adds a cinematic sheen to deliver a stunning set of remarkably catchy songs.
The album starts out strong with "Nothing But Trouble," which establishes the band's M.O.: propulsive, hypnotic beats; densely layered synths; Sarah Barthel's captivating vocals; undeniably bold hooks. The standard set by the opening track is largely met throughout the album's duration and ensures that Voices will remain a fixture in my late-night rotation for many moons to come.
Best of the Lot: "Bad Dreams," "Black Out Days," "Nothing But Trouble"
5. MAC DEMARCO — SALAD DAYS
Mac DeMarco is an odd duck with a prodigious talent for blending jangle pop, yacht rock, and jam band stylings into indelibly catchy tunes. His uncanny knack for crafting ridiculously tuneful chord progressions on his guitar reminds me of a young Roddy Frame from the 80's band Aztec Camera (anyone remember them?). And DeMarco gets bonus points for his songwriting economy. His songs never wear out their welcome: they get in, deliver the delicious musical goods, and then get out. Salad Days serves notice that this slightly off-kilter 23-year-old Canadian will be one to watch for many years to come.
Best of the Lot: "Salad Days," "Let Her Go," "Blue Boy"
4. BECK — MORNING PHASE
Two muses seemingly battle for control of Beck's musical soul. On the one hand is the multi-genre mashup maestro who throws indie rock, hip hop, R&B, and alternative pop into the mixer to create irresistibly brash musical concoctions. And on the other is the folksy, acoustic troubadour unafraid to bare his soul and wear his heart on his sleeve. The latter persona is on display on Morning Phase, and it's a delightful listen throughout. The sound is mellow but never bland, and the album's subtle hooks gently wend their way into your brain's pleasure centers and have a way of staying there. Another winner from one of the best artists of the last 20 years.
Best of the Lot: "Blue Moon," "Heart is a Drum," "Blackbird Chain"
3. LITTLE DRAGON — NABUMA RUBBERBAND
Like Little Dragon's prior release (2011's Ritual Union), Nabuma Rubberband is tailor-made for late-night listening. But whereas Ritual Union provided the soundtrack for a nocturnal dance party, Nabuma Rubberband is designed for the languorous aftermath. Outside of the pulse-racing "Klapp Klapp" and the driving "Paris," Little Dragon's latest teems with sultry, slow-burn numbers that evoke a three-in-the-morning atmosphere like few can. With its third straight outstanding album, Little Dragon has established themselves as a top-drawer band whose mastery of mood is in a class by itself.
Best of the Lot: "Mirror," "Klapp Klapp," "Pretty Girls"
2. REAL ESTATE — ATLAS
Real Estate's latest is certainly easy on the ears — a breezy, melodic, predominantly acoustic affair that simultaneously soothes and stimulates; the aural equivalent sunshine warming your face on a spring day. The band's musical approach is so unassuming that it's easy to overlook just how well-crafted their songs are. Yet even at its brightest, the songs retain a melancholy edge that reflects innocence lost and remembrance of simpler times. On Atlas, Real Estate once again demonstrates that "easy listening" need not have a negative connotation. This is first-rate stuff.
Best of the Lot: "The Bend," "Had to Hear," "Talking Backwards"
1. SPOON — THEY WANT MY SOUL
Spoon is the best band of the past 15 years, and their latest offering — They Want My Soul — only reinforces that. It's one more stunner in an unbroken line of musical excellence and tops my list of best albums of the year.
In many ways, Britt Daniel and Co. are the San Antonio Spurs of the rock world in that their reign of exceptionalism is now going on two decades; their greatness and consistency is easy to take for granted; and their style focuses less on overt flash than on dedication to fundamentals. Just when you think Spoon's due for a misfire, they — like the Spurs — raise another banner into the rafters.
Spoon know its strengths, and on They Want My Soul, they are on full display: Britt's swaggering vocals and potent guitar riffs, a rock-solid rhythm section led by drummer Jim Eno, and a less-is-more songwriting approach that allows each selection to generate its own internal momentum. However, Spoon also throws in a few new wrinkles, including a more expansive keyboard attack that beautifully fleshes out their sound. The cut that strays furthest from the band's traditional approach also happens to be the best: the gorgeously dreamy "Inside Out," where the band lowers its guard to reveal a soulful vulnerability and appealing empathy. It's genuinely sweet (not a word normally associated with Spoon) and shows definitively that Spoon still has plenty of game left.
Best of the Lot: "Inside Out," "Let Me Be Mine," "Do You," "Rent I Pay"
Friday, January 16, 2015
Top 51 songs of 2014
This was a much easier list to pick from, but the order was tough to decide on, but here they are...in addition to concert pictures I've taken this year. So why 51 songs? Why indeed.
41. Do You – Spoon
25. Call Me – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
9. Brill Bruisers – The New Pornographers
51. Bad With The Good – Peaking Light
50. Sick Beat – Kero Kero Bonito
49. Domino – Gardens & Villa
48. Ocean to City – High Highs
47. Gouge – Eternal Summers
46. Rude Boy – Mr Twin Sister
45. History Eraser – Courtney Barnett
44. Hung From Wire – Small Reactions
43. Dancehall Domine – The New Pornographers
42. Waterfall – Fear of Men
41. Do You – Spoon
40. Class Historian – BRONCHO
39. Keep in the Dark – Temples
38. Evil Blooms – Dum Dum Girls
37. Naïve Dream – The Mary Onettes
36. Hey Life – tUnE-yArDs
35. Black and White – Parquet Courts
34. Z-Boys – The Raveonettes
33. Jerk Ribs – Kelis
32. Hypnotic – Painted Palms
31. Digital Witness – St. Vincent
30. Bullet Train – Gardens & Villa
29. Breakdown – Peaking Lights
28. So What – Avi Buffalo
27. Bamboo – Deers
26. Who Needs You – The Orwells
25. Call Me – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
24. Fiona Coyne – Saint Pepsi
23. Getting Late – Eyes Lips Eyes
22. Changing Faces – Craft Spells
21. Wicket Youth – Sego
20. Salad Days – Mac DeMarco
19 Mister Main – Ty Segall
18. Inside Out – Spoon
17. Enemy – Merchandise
16. Adult Diversion – Alvvays
15. All I Ever Wanted – Computer Magic
14. Seasons (Waiting On You) – Future Islands
13. Shy – SWIMM
12. Shelter Song – Temples
11. Zero Wonder – Vinyl Williams (album not on Spotify)
10. Rattlesnake – St. Vincent
9. Brill Bruisers – The New Pornographers
8. Under The Pressure – The War On Drugs
7. Never Work For Free – Tennis
6. 20 Years Tall – Sego
5. Had To Hear – Real Estate
4. Passing Out Pieces – Mac Demarco
3. Put Your Number In My Phone – Ariel Pink
2. Old – Eyes Lips Eyes
1. Glass – Total Control
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Top 25 Albums of 2014
Alright, if you follow other music blogs you've probably seen dozens and dozens of list for top albums or top songs or top rock songs or top shoe gaze songs or whatever it is, tis' the season for lists.
From reading other Top album lists, it really seems like everyone just copied and pasted each others lists and changed a few around, which is a little bothersome to me. I put this list together based on how much I enjoyed the album, how long it stayed in my I-pod, if I could listen to it from start to finish, how quick I got tired of it, etc.
25. The Mary Onettes - Portico
Portico isn't really a full length album (its only 7 songs), but its not really an EP either, its kind of in the middle ground. I was able to see these guys at SXSW this year and it was great to finally see them live.
I've loved their previous albums and I was anxious to see what this "LEP" (Lee-Pee, the middle ground between an LP and EP... I just made that up) had to offer. I wasn't disappointed with this one but it didn't have a good stand out like the previous albums. It follows the same format as the previous albums but seemed a little darker with strong comparisons to The Cure which you can rarely go wrong with. All in all a solid effort from this Swedish four piece band.
Song Recommendations: Your Place, Naive Dream and Everything Everything.
24. Painted Palms -- Forever
I first heard about these guys while I was preparing to go to SXSW. I saw their name at several venues but was never able to see them while I was there. I listened to the album once I got back and loved it. The first three songs you feel like you were shot out of a canon into sunshine,60's psychedelia land. From the party like "Hypnotic" to the calmer "Carousel", I was very pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this album.
Song Recommendations: Hypnotic and Too High.
23. Haunted Hearts - Initiation
This duo, who is more famous individually than together, ( Dee Dee Penny of Dum Dum Girls and Brandon Welchez of Crocodiles) have formed a side project called Haunted Hearts. Since they are married, it makes sense that they would put something out together as a power couple. This was very anticipated by me ever since they released their single 'House of Lords' at the end of 2013. The songs seemed to head in the direction of the grit and fuzz of the band Crocodiles, but it seems Brandon let Dee Dee take over on the album because all of the songs now have the more lush, dream rock akin to the new Dum Dum Girls album. Although I love the new DDG's album, I was hoping for a more rough around the edges album, but what you get you certainly can't complain about.
Song Recommendations: House of Lords and Up is Up (But so is down)
22. St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Half the City
I found this album late in the year and was a little skeptical at first but found myself really enjoying it. The similarities to the Alabama Shakes are undeniable. Apparently they are both from Alabama, share the same producer, both have energetic lead singers and both sing the same style of music, which is a kind of gospel soul music. Also an interesting note is that they actually recorded the album live which helps bring in more of the chemistry and energy of a live performance. As I'm writing this I'm regretting not ranking this album higher I think they are underrated for sure -- heck Pitchfork didn't even review their album and they have almost 20k followers on Spotify. This is a band that will be on my list to see live in the near future.
Song Recommendations: I'm Torn Up and Call Me
21. The New Pornographers - Brill Bruisers
This was a late in the year release so I didn't get a ton of exposure to this album, but my few runs through it has been fun. I can't say I've been a huge Pornographers fan over the years, but this album for some reason has drawn me in more so than previous ones. This album seems more synthy and upbeat and maybe that's why I like it more. I plan on delving into the album more and more in the upcoming months, but I like it this much right off the bat then I know it'll hit even more later on.
Song Recommendations: Brill Bruisers and Dancehall Domine
20. Ex-Hex - Rips
Another band that I stumbled upon at SXSW. I had just seen Hospitality and was waiting to see who was playing next. Ex-Hex came out firing with their fast paced Riot Grrl styled pop rock. I definitely think they upstaged Hospitality.
I've loved past Riot Grrl bands like Juliana Hatfield, Belly, The Breeders, etc., but this was the first time seeing a Riot Grrl band live. They have a lot of energy and fun infused in their music. The new album brings that energy and has a more summer sound for those carefree fun times.
Song Recommendations: Don't Wanna Lose and Beast
19. Vinyl Williams - Into
Vinyl Williams may not claim Utah, but I remember him starting out here before he left for the big city of LA LA land. I didn't really see him as a mature artist then, but he's sure surprised me ever since. His previous albums were very garage, lofi psychadelic pop affairs that I loved. This new album is a little more smoother around the edges and is a tad more mellow with some added 70's soul beats and clean syth. But still encompasses the same airy vocals that sometimes blend into the background and thumping bass lines as the previous efforts had. This is an album to be listened to while drifting off to sleep and that is very much a compliment. Its so warm and fluffy in parts that I just want to stop what I'm doing and just sort of drift into my own thoughts.
Song Recommendations: Zero Wonder, Iguana City and Space Age Utopia
18. War on Drugs - Lost In The Dream
I'm generally not into bands like The War on Drugs. Their alt-country, Wilco-esque songs are all seven minutes long and it seems like you'd get bored with it. But this album seems to hit it just about right. For one, each song goes in a different direction. Some have only guitars and bass, some have piano, others keys, some all of the above. But they all have one thing in common, which is they all seem to build up something good in the middle of them. "Under the Pressure" has its piano hook within the first 40 seconds and rides that throughout the whole 9 minutes.
I couldn't quite get into their previous album, I think I gave it one listen or so but this album had/has lasting power within my Ipod.
Song Recommendations: Under the Pressure, Red Eyes and Suffering.
17. Peaking Lights - Cosmic Logic
Its interesting, the band Churches was such a big hit in the indie scene and was acclaimed by most everyone. But I couldn't get into them as much as I tried. I remember thinking that there are too many of these types of bands around, they are all starting to sound the same to me. Then I hear Peaking Lights new album which is another synth pop band and I really like it. Churches and Peaking Lights definitely sound different so I can't say they are the same band. I think Peaking Lights uses more interesting synth beats and sounds, some sounding similar to 16 bit video game music....her voice isn't cookie cutter perfect like Churches either. Churches synth beats and voice have a very main stream sound in my opinion, which means kind of bland and boring and cookie cutter. I'm not proclaiming P.L. is doing anything ground breaking or super different, but what they are doing is more catchy and fun. Peaking Lights previous albums were filled with seven or eight minute dub dance songs. For their new album, they have definitely honed their sound into more workable three to four minutes.
Song Recommendations: Breakdown, Bad With the Good and Hypnotic Hustle.
16. Gardens & Villa - Dunes
Yet another band at SXSW that I was impressed with that had a solid album. You wouldn't think an album that has a flute in it could sound really cool and not have a heavy 60's or 70's sound, but this rock-syth band makes it work. Their live show sounded exactly like their album which was great. Sometimes that can hurt the album if you loved the band's live performance first. The album is full of catchy synth pop (I know I know, another synth pop band). Two of their songs have stayed in my I-Pod rotation a majority of the year.
Song Recommendations: Domino, Bullet Train and Echosassy.
15. Fear of Men - Loom
This british four piece has the sounds of The Cranberries, especially on the track 'Waterfall' and also Camera Obscura. The lyrics are a bit of a downer but that's not a knock on the band itself or this album. This album is great to listen to on a rain/snowy day even though the lyrics can be a little bleak at times, the melodies can also be rich and sunny.
Song Recommendations: Waterfall, Luna and Tephra.
14. tUnE yArDs- nikki nack
This is an album that was very excited for it to come out based on my love her previous album "WhoKill". Although it doesn't live up to its predecessor, it still brings plenty of glitter and paint to the table. This is a great album, with great songs like the playful "Water Fountain" and the synthy "Hey Life". The sounds are a little bit more clear and full and the beats a little bit more deep but its still got the same tUnE-yArDs flair minus the ukulele. I really loved seeing her live earlier in the summer, she's a major talent and this album proves she can expand her sound and still sound catchy and different.
Song Recommendations: Hey Life, Water Fountain and Sink-O.
13. Dum Dum Girls- Too True
Naturally I saw the Dum Dum Girls at SXSW but I couldn't get that close cause you had to have a special badge, but I still able to snap a few photos.The Dum Dum Girls kind of jumped from their lofi 60's pop to a more dreamy, lush rock sound similar to former band mate Frankie Rose. Either direction is fine with me. Too True is light and keeps its hands clean for the most part until the song "Lost Boys and Girls Club" where the dirty distorted guitars come back, but by and large she has cleaned up and refined her sound. I'm curious and excited to see what her next album will evolve to next.
Song Recommendations: Lost Boys and Girls Club, Evil Blooms
12. Parquet Courts - Content Nausea & Sunbathing Animal
Putting out one album a year would be tough, but putting out two albums in a year would be really hard, but the band Parquet Courts have pulled it off and done an excellent job. From the description of the band (which is kind of like a straight talking rock similar to Pavement, Television and Velvet Underground) its not a band that I'd leap to go see or check out their album, however; there is something about the awkward voice of Andrew Savage and the sometimes slow and sometimes fast jangly tunes they have put together that is amusing to listen to. To pull this off on two albums in one year is pretty remarkable.
Song Recommendations: Black and White and Content Nausea
11. Eyes Lips Eyes - Place to Be
I already did a big write up on them a few posts ago on their last show and also a big album review so there isn't anything new to add, however; this album has not left my I-Pod since its release and I still listen to it quite often. Amazing album if you want to get pumped up for something. The songs "Old", "Getting Late" and "Language Lessons" have yet to loose their luster.
From reading other Top album lists, it really seems like everyone just copied and pasted each others lists and changed a few around, which is a little bothersome to me. I put this list together based on how much I enjoyed the album, how long it stayed in my I-pod, if I could listen to it from start to finish, how quick I got tired of it, etc.
So here is my list:
Top 25 albums of 2014
25. The Mary Onettes - Portico
Portico isn't really a full length album (its only 7 songs), but its not really an EP either, its kind of in the middle ground. I was able to see these guys at SXSW this year and it was great to finally see them live.
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| Shot I took of The Mary Onettes at SXSW 2014 |
Song Recommendations: Your Place, Naive Dream and Everything Everything.
24. Painted Palms -- Forever
I first heard about these guys while I was preparing to go to SXSW. I saw their name at several venues but was never able to see them while I was there. I listened to the album once I got back and loved it. The first three songs you feel like you were shot out of a canon into sunshine,60's psychedelia land. From the party like "Hypnotic" to the calmer "Carousel", I was very pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this album.
Song Recommendations: Hypnotic and Too High.
23. Haunted Hearts - Initiation
This duo, who is more famous individually than together, ( Dee Dee Penny of Dum Dum Girls and Brandon Welchez of Crocodiles) have formed a side project called Haunted Hearts. Since they are married, it makes sense that they would put something out together as a power couple. This was very anticipated by me ever since they released their single 'House of Lords' at the end of 2013. The songs seemed to head in the direction of the grit and fuzz of the band Crocodiles, but it seems Brandon let Dee Dee take over on the album because all of the songs now have the more lush, dream rock akin to the new Dum Dum Girls album. Although I love the new DDG's album, I was hoping for a more rough around the edges album, but what you get you certainly can't complain about.
Song Recommendations: House of Lords and Up is Up (But so is down)
22. St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Half the City
I found this album late in the year and was a little skeptical at first but found myself really enjoying it. The similarities to the Alabama Shakes are undeniable. Apparently they are both from Alabama, share the same producer, both have energetic lead singers and both sing the same style of music, which is a kind of gospel soul music. Also an interesting note is that they actually recorded the album live which helps bring in more of the chemistry and energy of a live performance. As I'm writing this I'm regretting not ranking this album higher I think they are underrated for sure -- heck Pitchfork didn't even review their album and they have almost 20k followers on Spotify. This is a band that will be on my list to see live in the near future.
Song Recommendations: I'm Torn Up and Call Me
21. The New Pornographers - Brill Bruisers
This was a late in the year release so I didn't get a ton of exposure to this album, but my few runs through it has been fun. I can't say I've been a huge Pornographers fan over the years, but this album for some reason has drawn me in more so than previous ones. This album seems more synthy and upbeat and maybe that's why I like it more. I plan on delving into the album more and more in the upcoming months, but I like it this much right off the bat then I know it'll hit even more later on.
Song Recommendations: Brill Bruisers and Dancehall Domine
20. Ex-Hex - Rips
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| Ex-Hex performing at SXSW 2014 |
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| SXSW 2014 |
Another band that I stumbled upon at SXSW. I had just seen Hospitality and was waiting to see who was playing next. Ex-Hex came out firing with their fast paced Riot Grrl styled pop rock. I definitely think they upstaged Hospitality.
I've loved past Riot Grrl bands like Juliana Hatfield, Belly, The Breeders, etc., but this was the first time seeing a Riot Grrl band live. They have a lot of energy and fun infused in their music. The new album brings that energy and has a more summer sound for those carefree fun times.
Song Recommendations: Don't Wanna Lose and Beast
19. Vinyl Williams - Into
Vinyl Williams may not claim Utah, but I remember him starting out here before he left for the big city of LA LA land. I didn't really see him as a mature artist then, but he's sure surprised me ever since. His previous albums were very garage, lofi psychadelic pop affairs that I loved. This new album is a little more smoother around the edges and is a tad more mellow with some added 70's soul beats and clean syth. But still encompasses the same airy vocals that sometimes blend into the background and thumping bass lines as the previous efforts had. This is an album to be listened to while drifting off to sleep and that is very much a compliment. Its so warm and fluffy in parts that I just want to stop what I'm doing and just sort of drift into my own thoughts.
Song Recommendations: Zero Wonder, Iguana City and Space Age Utopia
18. War on Drugs - Lost In The Dream
I'm generally not into bands like The War on Drugs. Their alt-country, Wilco-esque songs are all seven minutes long and it seems like you'd get bored with it. But this album seems to hit it just about right. For one, each song goes in a different direction. Some have only guitars and bass, some have piano, others keys, some all of the above. But they all have one thing in common, which is they all seem to build up something good in the middle of them. "Under the Pressure" has its piano hook within the first 40 seconds and rides that throughout the whole 9 minutes.
I couldn't quite get into their previous album, I think I gave it one listen or so but this album had/has lasting power within my Ipod.
Song Recommendations: Under the Pressure, Red Eyes and Suffering.
17. Peaking Lights - Cosmic Logic
Its interesting, the band Churches was such a big hit in the indie scene and was acclaimed by most everyone. But I couldn't get into them as much as I tried. I remember thinking that there are too many of these types of bands around, they are all starting to sound the same to me. Then I hear Peaking Lights new album which is another synth pop band and I really like it. Churches and Peaking Lights definitely sound different so I can't say they are the same band. I think Peaking Lights uses more interesting synth beats and sounds, some sounding similar to 16 bit video game music....her voice isn't cookie cutter perfect like Churches either. Churches synth beats and voice have a very main stream sound in my opinion, which means kind of bland and boring and cookie cutter. I'm not proclaiming P.L. is doing anything ground breaking or super different, but what they are doing is more catchy and fun. Peaking Lights previous albums were filled with seven or eight minute dub dance songs. For their new album, they have definitely honed their sound into more workable three to four minutes.
Song Recommendations: Breakdown, Bad With the Good and Hypnotic Hustle.
16. Gardens & Villa - Dunes
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| Gardens & Villa at SXSW 2014 |
Song Recommendations: Domino, Bullet Train and Echosassy.
15. Fear of Men - Loom
This british four piece has the sounds of The Cranberries, especially on the track 'Waterfall' and also Camera Obscura. The lyrics are a bit of a downer but that's not a knock on the band itself or this album. This album is great to listen to on a rain/snowy day even though the lyrics can be a little bleak at times, the melodies can also be rich and sunny.
Song Recommendations: Waterfall, Luna and Tephra.
14. tUnE yArDs- nikki nack
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| tune-yards performing at the Urban Lounge in SLC |
This is an album that was very excited for it to come out based on my love her previous album "WhoKill". Although it doesn't live up to its predecessor, it still brings plenty of glitter and paint to the table. This is a great album, with great songs like the playful "Water Fountain" and the synthy "Hey Life". The sounds are a little bit more clear and full and the beats a little bit more deep but its still got the same tUnE-yArDs flair minus the ukulele. I really loved seeing her live earlier in the summer, she's a major talent and this album proves she can expand her sound and still sound catchy and different.
Song Recommendations: Hey Life, Water Fountain and Sink-O.
13. Dum Dum Girls- Too True
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| Dum Dum Girls perform at SXSW |
Song Recommendations: Lost Boys and Girls Club, Evil Blooms
12. Parquet Courts - Content Nausea & Sunbathing Animal
Putting out one album a year would be tough, but putting out two albums in a year would be really hard, but the band Parquet Courts have pulled it off and done an excellent job. From the description of the band (which is kind of like a straight talking rock similar to Pavement, Television and Velvet Underground) its not a band that I'd leap to go see or check out their album, however; there is something about the awkward voice of Andrew Savage and the sometimes slow and sometimes fast jangly tunes they have put together that is amusing to listen to. To pull this off on two albums in one year is pretty remarkable.
Song Recommendations: Black and White and Content Nausea
11. Eyes Lips Eyes - Place to Be
I already did a big write up on them a few posts ago on their last show and also a big album review so there isn't anything new to add, however; this album has not left my I-Pod since its release and I still listen to it quite often. Amazing album if you want to get pumped up for something. The songs "Old", "Getting Late" and "Language Lessons" have yet to loose their luster.
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