2014 Album Favorites
There's no doubt that the idea of the full length album is dying. Releasing singles and EP's, once something only frequently seen in electronic music is starting to become common in most genres of music. Still, I'm an album guy. I see full length albums not as many separate pieces of music, but as one large piece of art very much appreciate artists who feel the same. Hopefully full length albums won't disappear any time soon and until then I'll be hunting for my favorites throughout each year. Here are my selections for 2014.
10. Quantic - Magnetica
I've been a fan of Quantic for a while now and it has been great to follow his musical explorations throughout the years. When I originally discovered him his sound was more chill jazz and funk. Over more recent years the sound has gotten a more latin vibe (perhaps because Quantic moved to Colombia a few years ago). Magnetica is an album that jumps between different vibes and speeds while spanning multiple cultures and genres. A great listen indeed.
Favorite Tracks:
Sol Clap // Muévelo Negro // Painting Silhouettes
Listen:
9. Todd Terje - It's Album Time
Over and over again you'll hear me say that I appreciate it when artists do things differently and this is why It's Album Time is on my top ten list. While a few of the tracks on the album aren't exactly new, the album has such a unique sound. Spacey, fat, and funky synths truly bring you on a journey while clever production adds interesting depth. Definitely check out "Johnny and Mary". Super odd track but after a couple listens it really grew one me.
Favorite Tracks:
Preben Goes to Acapulco // Johnny and Mary // Svensk Sås
Listen:
8. Temples - Sun Structures
Not a year goes by where a U.K. based group isn't in the running for my top 10. Temples takes a spot in 2014 and continues a trend I've seen of great psychedelic rock coming from the across the pond.
Favorite Tracks:
The Guesser // Question Isn't Answered // Shelter Song
Listen:
7. Caribou - Our Love
Dan Snaith, aka Caribou has been releasing music since the early 2000's and has built quite the following. His releases have always generated a good amount of anticipation and buzz and in my opinion, he has yet to produce a "bad" album. Our Love is no exception. This is a great album all the way through and like previous releases from Caribou, I connect with a lot of the tracks on an emotional level and I'm sure it's the same for many others.
Favorite Tracks:
Can't Do Without You // All I Ever Need // Our Love
Listen:
6. Nick Monaco - Mating Call
Reverends of funk Soul Clap, who happen to hail from Boston, launched their own record label not too long ago and have been on a tear in releasing great new music. Mating Call from Nick Monaco is an album I've listened to a ton this year. Sounds to me like rather than taking samples from somewhere else for his tracks, Nick Monaco creates them on his own often with his own voice as the instrument. Some creative looping and layering later; you've got some pretty funky tracks on your hands.
Favorite Tracks:
Babyface // Private Practice // Freak Flag
Listen:
5. Warpaint - Warpaint
Last year my number one album was from Savages, a four piece all-female band with a sound that was heavy as hell. This year Warpaint is another all-female band that is up near the top as well. Not as heavy but damn good. The ladies have been ripping it up in the music scene lately!
Favorite Tracks:
Disco Very // Keep it Healthy // Biggy
Listen:
4. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
Being a 32 year old male, I probably shouldn't be such a fan of this album but honestly I don't care; it is damn good if you ask me. I had never given Lana Del Rey a fair chance before this release but I have so much respect for her now. Maybe it's the lyrics, her don't give a shit attitude, or maybe it's the awesome production work of Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys. Either way, if you're a general fan of music I don't see how you couldn't appreciate at least a little bit of this album.
Favorite Tracks:
Shades of Cool // Fucked My Up to the Top // Ultraviolence
Listen:
3. Pillowtalk - Je Ne Sais Quoi
So many genres bubbling out of this one. Electronic vibes with splashes of 80's, alternative, and a little funk. I listened to this album a ton this year. Great stuff.
Favorite Tracks:
LA to the Bay // We All Have Rhythm // The Outcast // Lullaby
Listen:
2. Slyvan Esso - Sylvan Esso
The first time I heard the first track of this album, all I could say was "wow". I'm not usually to into acts that have just a singer and DJ, but the emotion and energy of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn is something special. They're amazing to see live as well.
Favorite Tracks:
Hey Mami // Dress // Coffee // Could I Be
Listen:
1. Jungle - Jungle
I've thought about it a lot this year and I still haven't been able to compare Jungle to any other band. A super chill, interesting sound with some great melodies and harmonies throughout their debut album. These guys who have an affection for b-boys and breakdancing (see videos) made an album that is by far my most listened to of the year. Hoping we can hear more from them in 2015!
Favorite Tracks:
Platoon // Busy Earnin' // Time // Drops
Listen:
Spotify // Buy on Amazon // Buy on iTunes
