Well since I've been keeping track my list of top songs has gone from 20 to over 100 now.
If you can make it all the way through this list.....you win. Over 7 hours of goodness. Perfect for a days work. Not in any particular order, just mixed together.
The Songs of 2015
8 tracks mix can be found HERE
Songs that were not on Spotify that should be on the list:
Reptar - In Through the Eyelids
Thee Oh Sees - Web
Conquer Monster - Noise Decay
Conquer Monster - Spectral Drift
I suppose you could call this a music blog, sure.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Friday, January 8, 2016
Favorite Albums released in 2015
This year was odd to me when deciding the top albums of the year. To me it seemed like there were more singles that hit hard then albums. I know we live in a 'single' world and not an album world but I've been giving a conscience effort to listen to whole albums this year instead of jumping from one single to the next.
So here we go.....
The Albums of 2015
22. luxury elite - World Class
I generally am not sure why I like this band or any that are considered 'vaporwave' bands. It seems like they are trying to recreate either elevator music from the 80's and 90's or intro music from sitcoms or even a commercial jingle from those eras. One thing I'm not sure of is if they are saying, "This music was so cheesy and bad that its cool" or what. It can be a little bizarre sometimes but for some reason I think its awesome. I suppose its for the same reason that people are going from digital to film and MP3 to record....they want something from an era...they want the imperfections and the weirdness it brings sometimes. I'm guessing that most that listen will be confused and won't like it, but that's ok. Hey, 7,265 monthly Spotify listeners can't be wrong, right? RIGHT?!?
Summary of the album: I would describe this album like the show Moonlighting starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shephard...but instead its starring Mac DeMarco and a saxophone that can talk.
Album Gems: S.W.A.K., Upscale, Attitude
22. luxury elite - World Class
I generally am not sure why I like this band or any that are considered 'vaporwave' bands. It seems like they are trying to recreate either elevator music from the 80's and 90's or intro music from sitcoms or even a commercial jingle from those eras. One thing I'm not sure of is if they are saying, "This music was so cheesy and bad that its cool" or what. It can be a little bizarre sometimes but for some reason I think its awesome. I suppose its for the same reason that people are going from digital to film and MP3 to record....they want something from an era...they want the imperfections and the weirdness it brings sometimes. I'm guessing that most that listen will be confused and won't like it, but that's ok. Hey, 7,265 monthly Spotify listeners can't be wrong, right? RIGHT?!?
Summary of the album: I would describe this album like the show Moonlighting starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shephard...but instead its starring Mac DeMarco and a saxophone that can talk.
Album Gems: S.W.A.K., Upscale, Attitude
21. Panda Bear - Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper
I was somewhat disappointed with Panda Bear's previous album 'Tomboy' since it was so highly anticipated in my mind after the previous album 'Person Pitch'. I thought perhaps it was just a fluke, however; 'Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper' regains the band's footing with a solid effort full of reverb soaked experimental pop tracks. It even mixes in a some mellow piano driven mixed with Panda Bear's patent echo'd vocals.
Summary of the album: Its like an actual Panda Bear discovered how to function as a human being and immediately started watching trippy acid washed music videos from the 70's and wrote down his experiences in his diary.
Album Gems: Crosswords, Boys Latin, Sequential Circuits
I was somewhat disappointed with Panda Bear's previous album 'Tomboy' since it was so highly anticipated in my mind after the previous album 'Person Pitch'. I thought perhaps it was just a fluke, however; 'Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper' regains the band's footing with a solid effort full of reverb soaked experimental pop tracks. It even mixes in a some mellow piano driven mixed with Panda Bear's patent echo'd vocals.
Summary of the album: Its like an actual Panda Bear discovered how to function as a human being and immediately started watching trippy acid washed music videos from the 70's and wrote down his experiences in his diary.
Album Gems: Crosswords, Boys Latin, Sequential Circuits
20. Sleater-Kinney - No Cities to Love
I've come into Sleater-Kinney late in the game. They were a big band within the Riot Grrl movement back in the 90's and I was a fan a lot of bands of that movement but for some reason we never crossed paths until they released this album. They could have fooled me as this album is as fresh as anything out there. It's rock with punk urgency.
Summary of the album: Its like walking in a sky full of mohawks, gear shifters and water falls of cool bass lines.
Album Gems: Fangless, A New Wave, Surface Envy
19. Part Time - Virgo's Maze
I guess you could put Part Time in the 'Vaperwave' genre. He (Part Time) has some of the same characteristics, some semi goofy/cool late 80's or early 90's tracks that seem to repeat. It also has elements where you aren't quite sure if they were added to be cool or funny or both. But he also includes his own semi sung and semi talked vocals to most tracks and his music has a distinct sound of lo-fi synth pop that sets him apart. I think Part Time is an acquired taste like luxury elite, but once you're hooked, you're hooked.
Summary of the album: You land on a living mustache planet and you walk into the mall and you hear this album playing.
Album Gems: The Cost of Living, Real Connection, Its Elizabeth, Honey Lips
18. Small Black - Back at Belle's
A great electro pop album. It seems like their sound continues to be refined with more big chorus featured songs. Not that I'm complaining, they are quite catchy and fun to listen to. Although the previous album was a hard act to follow they do a fine job.
Summary of the album: You went back in time to 1985 and made out with Michael J Fox's girlfriend Jennifer causing them to break up all while listening to this album.
Album Gems: Back at Belle's, Personal Best, No One Wants it to Happen to You
17. Cheatahs - Mythologies
gooThis band caught me by surprise. They started out with releasing a couple a different fantastic EPs and Singles before releasing their full length LP Mythologies. Although I think their EPs were a bit stronger, the LP still holds strong. Although I think its missing one of their best songs, "Sunne" from the self titled EP, the album provides some amazing lo-fi shoe gaze rock that includes some of my favorite songs of the year.
Summary of the album: A chaotic tornado of rainbows, mirrors and kittens. But then you wake up in your history class in high school and it was all of a dream. But then you look outside and there is a tornado made of rainbows, mirrors and kittens and you start yelling. <queue scary horror music>
Album Gems: Seven Sisters, Su-pra, Signs To Lorelei
16. Seapony - A Vision
A great effort by a band I've followed for a while now. Its nice to see them receive some positive exposure. Although their sound has remained consistently the same, if its not broken, why fix it? I happen to love autumn sunset female vocal'd guitar pop so the sound is perfect for me.
Summary of the album: The sunny days when it rains randomly for some reason even though there's no clouds in the sky.
Album Gems: Saw the Light, Bad Dream, A Place We Can Go
15. Wildhoney - Sleep Through It
I first heard the song 'Seventeen' last year and I enjoyed it but their album has far exceeded my expectations. This album is shoe gazer's delight. Its a wonderful mix of noisy shoe gaze and sunny dream pop. On top of this great album they put an almost equally stellar EP. I haven't quite fully absorbed these two albums but I'm excited for the future of this band.
Summary of the album: Its like that one girl in high school that was so nice to everyone and you discovered her edgy mean side. You attempt to blackmail her and get charged with extortion.
Album Gems: Fall In, Molly, Seventeen
14. SWIMM - Beverly Hells EP
After every small little release from SWIMM I'm always so excited for the next release. They've teased their fans with a couple of few EPs to help stoke the fire for their upcoming album that is set to be released in 2016 sometime. I generally only include EP's on album lists if I'm really into them.... and so there you have it. It is a tad long for an EP, so you can called it an EP plus. The song "All This Time" was among my top favorites of the whole year. Their music is filled with different influences as well as genres from psych pop, to mellow pop, to heavier psych rock, to just plain rock. Listen to this EP and then stay tuned for their LP this year as its sure to blow everyone's minds.
Summary of the album: Its pretty similar to a couple of guys from Florida playing music instruments in L.A.
Album Gems: All This Time, Topanga
13. Darwin Deez - Double Down
Ah, good old Darwin Deez never lets ya down. He has yet to put out a mediocre album, lets alone just an average album. Although I'd say this ranks last out of the three albums he's put out thus far, they are all ranked pretty close to each other. I first heard of Darwin Deez on the website thesixtyone.com back in 2008 or so. His song "Radar Detector" was a main stay on my Ipod for years. This album uses a lot of the magic of the previous two albums but adds some variation to it. His clever witty lyrics and personality is something that still shines through the music which is one of things that drew me to his music, not to mention his great guitar hooks and solos. Its an album that will make the sky seems bright blue, sunny and warm even if its cloudy and cold outside.
Summary of the album: Its like 1995 computer with a Screensaver of flying toasters in space except they aren't toasters, they are mustaches with melted cheese on top.
Album Gems: The Time Machine, Last Cigarette, Kill Your Attitude
12. Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color
The Alabama Shakes arrived onto the scene four or five years ago along with a several other southern soul bands. They have endured and have only gotten better. I would say a band with a very specific sound can almost be type cast into coming out with albums that sound exactly the same and eventually lose their savor. A.S. have passed that test and have added a very special album that very much is set apart from their previous effort. The recording is stunning as its fullness almost sounds like its coming out of a record player. Its an amazing mix of southern gospel soul, blues and funk. The guitar riffs and clean base lines only add fuel to Brittany Howard's absolutely amazing vocals.
Summary of the album: 1975 in New York...except that they swept up all the garbage that seems to be just sitting on the streets in all of the movies in the 70's.
Album Gems: Guess Who, Miss You, Sound & Color
11. Beach House - Depression Cherry
Well its an other year and another great Beach House album.....actually two albums. I had a hard time deciding between Depression Cherry and Thank Your Lucky Stars but ultimately picked this one. Its what you'd expect from Beach House, lush, rich dream pop at its best....not a whole lot else to say.
Summary of the album: In this album, Beach House has their sound and they know how to wield it......like a medieval knight wielding his broadsword into battle.
Album Gems: Space Song, Sparks, Levitation
10. Tamaryn - Cranekiss
I'd consider this album to be the bright, sunnier and popier? album out of the three they have released. I'd also say its the more consistent. Although the previous albums were good and had moments of greatness, Cranekiss solidifies them as a synth-pop power house.
Summary of the album: As simple as it sounds....a giant crane moving a pair of lips over to give an apocalyptic giant a kiss.
Album Gems: Cranekiss, Collection, Hands All Over Me
9. Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan is back. For the past decade he has put out music. Some of it good, some of it ok. But in my mind he hasn't put a great album since 'Illinoise' in 2005. So 'Carrie & Lowell' is a breath of fresh air and a return to his winning formula of multi-instrumental folk.
Summary of the album: Can't really make an outrageous summary of this since its about the death of his mother. But it reminds me of a Wes Anderson movie.
Album Gems: Death & Dignity, 4th of July, Should Have Known Better
8. Toro Y Moi - What For?
After taking a step back with his previous album he took two steps forward with this album. Its a great mix of funky disco 70's pop.
Summary of the album: Fat Albert and the Cosby kids TV series is revived and this album provides the soundtrack.
Album Gems: Empty Nesters, Lily, Buffalo
7. Neon Indian - Vega Intl. Night School
ng bAfter a semi lengthy hiatus of almost 5 years, Neon Indian has graced us with their presence. After two chill wave albums, this album has elements of chill wave but also has some reggae, disco funk pop going on as well. Neon Indian eases up on the synth and adds some rad rhythmic distorted guitars to add the flavoring. Never a dull moment in this album.
Summary of the album: Sega Genesis is being played by bob marley while sitting in the middle of a discotheque in the late 70's.
Album Gems: Smut!, News from the Sun, Annie
6. Sego - Long Long Way From The Fringe EP
Another non album I know....but they are just too good not to mention. Sego brings in Slack Talk Rock elements from their previous EP and more melodic lyrical driven tracks like "Townland" but also keeps the party going with "The Fringe" or the intense "Micky Macali". Their new album is already slated for a March 4th release. I anticipate it will grace my list as a legitimate album at the end of the year based on their previous EPs.
Summary of the album: Back to the Future (I know...another reference) and Apollo 13's scripts were combined and made into a teen romantic comedy.
Album Gems: The Fringe, Psychobabble.
5. Computer Magic - Davos
Finally release an LP after many EP's and singles that have come out over the last 5 years. Her outfit I think perfectly describes the music and album which is an astronaut wondering around New York in their space suit. Its a wonderful synth-pop album that I think is overlooked.
Summary of the album: Its like a world where all the land you step on is a keyboard and somehow when its being stepped on it sounds like this awesome synth pop album....and the water on this world is....just water.
Album Gems: Fuzz, Be Fair, Bionic Man
4. Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Any of these next four albums could be the top album. Every song is great. I think this was the most consistent album of the year. I started listening to Courtney late last year and really dug her style of talk rock and clever lyrics. She's nominated for the best new artist at the Grammy's and it would be a shame if she didn't win.
Summary of the album: Talk Rock - Rock Song - Song Cool - Cool Lyrics - Lyrics Clever - Clever Me
Album Gems: Pedestrian at Best, Depreston, An Illustration of Loneliness
3. Tame Impala - Currents
I'm not big on hyped albums but this album lived up to those expectations. Their previous albums focused more on psychedelic rock. This album adds a lot more synth and nearly removes guitars altogether. Its not a synth album in the way you'd think, it still has elements of psychedelic rock but its basically a pop album but done a tasteful way.
Summary of the album: In the pot of music, you add a dash of synth, a dash of bass and a pinch of guitar and mmmm....that's good Tame Impala
Album Gems: The Moment, Disciples, Cause I'm A Man
2. Mac Demarco - Another One
I couldn't award him the number one spot two years in a row....plus this is basically a long EP instead of an album. But it was probably my favorite listen from end to end. Mac decides to add a new element into his music. He adds syth into his music for the first time. His signature guitar riffs are still here in force but in "Another One" they are completely absent and it may be the best track on the album. He's odd character but he's hilarious and approachable and he keeps cranking out the hits.
Summary of the album: Its similar to a military ground war between electronic instruments and guitar bass and drums. They charge toward each other ready to destroy one another only to slow up before they meet and hug each other. Then we hear a DJ scratch a record and a dance party ensues.
Album Gems: Another One, No Other Heart, The Way You'd Love Her
1. Lower Dens - Escape From Evil
I first heard this album but didn't think much of it. Then I heard "To Die in LA" and I liked it a little more....then "Your Heart Still Beating" and was impressed and so on and so forth. My enjoyment of the album built up over the year and peaked at the right time. If it was earlier in the year I don't think this would have made the top 10 or 15. Its a great album that adds great 80's synths accented with guitars and dreamy vocals. Its a must listen.
Summary of the album: Its kind of like John Connor not sending a soldier back in time so the Terminator series is never born. Therefore Arnold's movie career flounders and collapses in the mid 80's and Skynet takes over the world.
Album Gems: To Die in LA, Your Heart Still Beating, Societe Anonyme
Honorable Mentions:
Thee Oh Sees - Mutilator Defeated At Last (Not on Spotify)
Here We Go Magic - Be Small
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Multilove
City Calm Down - In A Restless House
Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon
Conquer Monster - Metatransit (Not on Spotify)
Pure Bathing Culture - Pray For Rain
Here is the Spotify playlist
Here is the link for 8 tracks HERE
Top Songs of 2015 coming soon.
I've come into Sleater-Kinney late in the game. They were a big band within the Riot Grrl movement back in the 90's and I was a fan a lot of bands of that movement but for some reason we never crossed paths until they released this album. They could have fooled me as this album is as fresh as anything out there. It's rock with punk urgency.
Summary of the album: Its like walking in a sky full of mohawks, gear shifters and water falls of cool bass lines.
Album Gems: Fangless, A New Wave, Surface Envy
I guess you could put Part Time in the 'Vaperwave' genre. He (Part Time) has some of the same characteristics, some semi goofy/cool late 80's or early 90's tracks that seem to repeat. It also has elements where you aren't quite sure if they were added to be cool or funny or both. But he also includes his own semi sung and semi talked vocals to most tracks and his music has a distinct sound of lo-fi synth pop that sets him apart. I think Part Time is an acquired taste like luxury elite, but once you're hooked, you're hooked.
Summary of the album: You land on a living mustache planet and you walk into the mall and you hear this album playing.
Album Gems: The Cost of Living, Real Connection, Its Elizabeth, Honey Lips
18. Small Black - Back at Belle's
A great electro pop album. It seems like their sound continues to be refined with more big chorus featured songs. Not that I'm complaining, they are quite catchy and fun to listen to. Although the previous album was a hard act to follow they do a fine job.
Summary of the album: You went back in time to 1985 and made out with Michael J Fox's girlfriend Jennifer causing them to break up all while listening to this album.
Album Gems: Back at Belle's, Personal Best, No One Wants it to Happen to You
17. Cheatahs - Mythologies
gooThis band caught me by surprise. They started out with releasing a couple a different fantastic EPs and Singles before releasing their full length LP Mythologies. Although I think their EPs were a bit stronger, the LP still holds strong. Although I think its missing one of their best songs, "Sunne" from the self titled EP, the album provides some amazing lo-fi shoe gaze rock that includes some of my favorite songs of the year.
Summary of the album: A chaotic tornado of rainbows, mirrors and kittens. But then you wake up in your history class in high school and it was all of a dream. But then you look outside and there is a tornado made of rainbows, mirrors and kittens and you start yelling. <queue scary horror music>
Album Gems: Seven Sisters, Su-pra, Signs To Lorelei
16. Seapony - A Vision
A great effort by a band I've followed for a while now. Its nice to see them receive some positive exposure. Although their sound has remained consistently the same, if its not broken, why fix it? I happen to love autumn sunset female vocal'd guitar pop so the sound is perfect for me.
Summary of the album: The sunny days when it rains randomly for some reason even though there's no clouds in the sky.
Album Gems: Saw the Light, Bad Dream, A Place We Can Go
15. Wildhoney - Sleep Through It
I first heard the song 'Seventeen' last year and I enjoyed it but their album has far exceeded my expectations. This album is shoe gazer's delight. Its a wonderful mix of noisy shoe gaze and sunny dream pop. On top of this great album they put an almost equally stellar EP. I haven't quite fully absorbed these two albums but I'm excited for the future of this band.
Summary of the album: Its like that one girl in high school that was so nice to everyone and you discovered her edgy mean side. You attempt to blackmail her and get charged with extortion.
Album Gems: Fall In, Molly, Seventeen
14. SWIMM - Beverly Hells EP
After every small little release from SWIMM I'm always so excited for the next release. They've teased their fans with a couple of few EPs to help stoke the fire for their upcoming album that is set to be released in 2016 sometime. I generally only include EP's on album lists if I'm really into them.... and so there you have it. It is a tad long for an EP, so you can called it an EP plus. The song "All This Time" was among my top favorites of the whole year. Their music is filled with different influences as well as genres from psych pop, to mellow pop, to heavier psych rock, to just plain rock. Listen to this EP and then stay tuned for their LP this year as its sure to blow everyone's minds.
Summary of the album: Its pretty similar to a couple of guys from Florida playing music instruments in L.A.
Album Gems: All This Time, Topanga
13. Darwin Deez - Double Down
Ah, good old Darwin Deez never lets ya down. He has yet to put out a mediocre album, lets alone just an average album. Although I'd say this ranks last out of the three albums he's put out thus far, they are all ranked pretty close to each other. I first heard of Darwin Deez on the website thesixtyone.com back in 2008 or so. His song "Radar Detector" was a main stay on my Ipod for years. This album uses a lot of the magic of the previous two albums but adds some variation to it. His clever witty lyrics and personality is something that still shines through the music which is one of things that drew me to his music, not to mention his great guitar hooks and solos. Its an album that will make the sky seems bright blue, sunny and warm even if its cloudy and cold outside.
Summary of the album: Its like 1995 computer with a Screensaver of flying toasters in space except they aren't toasters, they are mustaches with melted cheese on top.
Album Gems: The Time Machine, Last Cigarette, Kill Your Attitude
12. Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color
The Alabama Shakes arrived onto the scene four or five years ago along with a several other southern soul bands. They have endured and have only gotten better. I would say a band with a very specific sound can almost be type cast into coming out with albums that sound exactly the same and eventually lose their savor. A.S. have passed that test and have added a very special album that very much is set apart from their previous effort. The recording is stunning as its fullness almost sounds like its coming out of a record player. Its an amazing mix of southern gospel soul, blues and funk. The guitar riffs and clean base lines only add fuel to Brittany Howard's absolutely amazing vocals.
Summary of the album: 1975 in New York...except that they swept up all the garbage that seems to be just sitting on the streets in all of the movies in the 70's.
Album Gems: Guess Who, Miss You, Sound & Color
11. Beach House - Depression Cherry
Well its an other year and another great Beach House album.....actually two albums. I had a hard time deciding between Depression Cherry and Thank Your Lucky Stars but ultimately picked this one. Its what you'd expect from Beach House, lush, rich dream pop at its best....not a whole lot else to say.
Summary of the album: In this album, Beach House has their sound and they know how to wield it......like a medieval knight wielding his broadsword into battle.
Album Gems: Space Song, Sparks, Levitation
10. Tamaryn - Cranekiss
I'd consider this album to be the bright, sunnier and popier? album out of the three they have released. I'd also say its the more consistent. Although the previous albums were good and had moments of greatness, Cranekiss solidifies them as a synth-pop power house.
Summary of the album: As simple as it sounds....a giant crane moving a pair of lips over to give an apocalyptic giant a kiss.
Album Gems: Cranekiss, Collection, Hands All Over Me
9. Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan is back. For the past decade he has put out music. Some of it good, some of it ok. But in my mind he hasn't put a great album since 'Illinoise' in 2005. So 'Carrie & Lowell' is a breath of fresh air and a return to his winning formula of multi-instrumental folk.
Summary of the album: Can't really make an outrageous summary of this since its about the death of his mother. But it reminds me of a Wes Anderson movie.
Album Gems: Death & Dignity, 4th of July, Should Have Known Better
8. Toro Y Moi - What For?
After taking a step back with his previous album he took two steps forward with this album. Its a great mix of funky disco 70's pop.
Summary of the album: Fat Albert and the Cosby kids TV series is revived and this album provides the soundtrack.
Album Gems: Empty Nesters, Lily, Buffalo
7. Neon Indian - Vega Intl. Night School
ng bAfter a semi lengthy hiatus of almost 5 years, Neon Indian has graced us with their presence. After two chill wave albums, this album has elements of chill wave but also has some reggae, disco funk pop going on as well. Neon Indian eases up on the synth and adds some rad rhythmic distorted guitars to add the flavoring. Never a dull moment in this album.
Summary of the album: Sega Genesis is being played by bob marley while sitting in the middle of a discotheque in the late 70's.
Album Gems: Smut!, News from the Sun, Annie
6. Sego - Long Long Way From The Fringe EP
Another non album I know....but they are just too good not to mention. Sego brings in Slack Talk Rock elements from their previous EP and more melodic lyrical driven tracks like "Townland" but also keeps the party going with "The Fringe" or the intense "Micky Macali". Their new album is already slated for a March 4th release. I anticipate it will grace my list as a legitimate album at the end of the year based on their previous EPs.
Summary of the album: Back to the Future (I know...another reference) and Apollo 13's scripts were combined and made into a teen romantic comedy.
Album Gems: The Fringe, Psychobabble.
5. Computer Magic - Davos
Finally release an LP after many EP's and singles that have come out over the last 5 years. Her outfit I think perfectly describes the music and album which is an astronaut wondering around New York in their space suit. Its a wonderful synth-pop album that I think is overlooked.
Summary of the album: Its like a world where all the land you step on is a keyboard and somehow when its being stepped on it sounds like this awesome synth pop album....and the water on this world is....just water.
Album Gems: Fuzz, Be Fair, Bionic Man
4. Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Any of these next four albums could be the top album. Every song is great. I think this was the most consistent album of the year. I started listening to Courtney late last year and really dug her style of talk rock and clever lyrics. She's nominated for the best new artist at the Grammy's and it would be a shame if she didn't win.
Summary of the album: Talk Rock - Rock Song - Song Cool - Cool Lyrics - Lyrics Clever - Clever Me
Album Gems: Pedestrian at Best, Depreston, An Illustration of Loneliness
3. Tame Impala - Currents
I'm not big on hyped albums but this album lived up to those expectations. Their previous albums focused more on psychedelic rock. This album adds a lot more synth and nearly removes guitars altogether. Its not a synth album in the way you'd think, it still has elements of psychedelic rock but its basically a pop album but done a tasteful way.
Summary of the album: In the pot of music, you add a dash of synth, a dash of bass and a pinch of guitar and mmmm....that's good Tame Impala
Album Gems: The Moment, Disciples, Cause I'm A Man
2. Mac Demarco - Another One
I couldn't award him the number one spot two years in a row....plus this is basically a long EP instead of an album. But it was probably my favorite listen from end to end. Mac decides to add a new element into his music. He adds syth into his music for the first time. His signature guitar riffs are still here in force but in "Another One" they are completely absent and it may be the best track on the album. He's odd character but he's hilarious and approachable and he keeps cranking out the hits.
Summary of the album: Its similar to a military ground war between electronic instruments and guitar bass and drums. They charge toward each other ready to destroy one another only to slow up before they meet and hug each other. Then we hear a DJ scratch a record and a dance party ensues.
Album Gems: Another One, No Other Heart, The Way You'd Love Her
1. Lower Dens - Escape From Evil
I first heard this album but didn't think much of it. Then I heard "To Die in LA" and I liked it a little more....then "Your Heart Still Beating" and was impressed and so on and so forth. My enjoyment of the album built up over the year and peaked at the right time. If it was earlier in the year I don't think this would have made the top 10 or 15. Its a great album that adds great 80's synths accented with guitars and dreamy vocals. Its a must listen.
Summary of the album: Its kind of like John Connor not sending a soldier back in time so the Terminator series is never born. Therefore Arnold's movie career flounders and collapses in the mid 80's and Skynet takes over the world.
Album Gems: To Die in LA, Your Heart Still Beating, Societe Anonyme
Honorable Mentions:
Thee Oh Sees - Mutilator Defeated At Last (Not on Spotify)
Here We Go Magic - Be Small
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Multilove
City Calm Down - In A Restless House
Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon
Conquer Monster - Metatransit (Not on Spotify)
Pure Bathing Culture - Pray For Rain
Here is the Spotify playlist
Here is the link for 8 tracks HERE
Top Songs of 2015 coming soon.
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