This is something that I really just have to do. If I'm not contributing to the massive ensemble of year-end lists, then I've failed as a supposed music blogger. It's been a pretty interesting year in the music world: several Twitter beefs, Mark Kozelek's endlessly hilarious antics, the end of Death Grips, a Neutral Milk Hotel reunion tour, etc. But beyond the drama, a lot of really talented artists took huge steps forward, and that's really what this is about.
These are the albums that I really loved this year, and I think they're in order, the last album being my absolute favorite of 2014.
Prepare for some serious adjective spewage.
These are the albums that I really loved this year, and I think they're in order, the last album being my absolute favorite of 2014.
Prepare for some serious adjective spewage.
Cymbals Eat Guitars - LOSE
It's a little derivative, but solid nonetheless. If you want something new and mind-blowing, you may want to take a pass on LOSE (at the risk of missing out on some gems). If you want to hear a band that wears their indie rock influences on their sleeves, then this is the album for you.
tUnE-yArDs - Nikki Nack
Merrill attacks Nikki Nack with the same degree of quirkiness, this time with more elaborate harmonies and more provocative songwriting.
The Wytches - Annabel Dream Reader
"Surf doom," not "psychedelic." One of the few good contributions to the surf revival of 2014.
Grouper - Ruins
"Ruins" is ambient and folksy, a meandering instrumental album. The sonic manifestation of the word "delicate" or the words "meandering instrumental album."
Angel Olsen - Burn Your Fire for No Witness
Stripped down and heartfelt. Angel Olsen keeps it honest, and her lovely, gravelly voice complements her guitar strumming wonderfully.
The Hotelier - Home, Like No Place is There
As far as sheer emotional force goes, The Hotelier stood unmatched in 2014. Housebroken will most likely be the best song about a dog that you've ever heard. Thanks to Peter for turning me on to this one.
Iceage - Plowing Into the Field of Love
Man, it's so good... What do I even say? I don't know how Iceage went from 2013's "You're Nothing" to later come out with this jangly behemoth, but I'm glad that it happened.
Open Mike Eagle - Dark Comedy
This album is hilarious and thought-provoking. My introduction to art rap. I listened to this on repeat for most of the summer. Hellfyre Club!
Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2
RTJ returns for the most in-your-face hip-hop album of 2014. Explosive, politically charged, unapologetic. Killer Mike will make you laugh, blush, and do that thing where you frown a little bit and nod your head, all in the span of one verse.
D'angelo and The Vanguard - Black Messiah
"Black Messiah" barely made it out in time for music critics to even listen to, but it somehow still made it onto every other "best of 2014" list. Rightfully so, I'd say. Soul and R&B, beautifully produced and executed.
Perfume Genius - Too Bright
No family is safe when Mike Hadreas sashays. Per usual, Perfume Genius brings gentle piano to accompany intimate vocal melodies. But this time, Hadreas shifts the focus and meets hate with honesty and defiance.
Flying Lotus - You're Dead!
A fantastically holistic approach to hip-hop instrumental productions. I've seen some people call this a jazz album, and I won't try to say that they are wrong. Improvisation meets ethereal production for a hugely progressive step forward in FlyLo's discography.
Milo - A Toothpaste Suburb
Easily the most quotable album of 2014. Milo is unashamedly well read, a representative for the Tumblr generation in hip-hop, an outright champion of lyricism and humor, and so much more. Hellfyre Club strikes again!
Busdriver - Perfect Hair
Another Hellfyre Club kingpin. Busdriver hits hard and fast, bringing the same lyrical mastery as Milo and Open Mike Eagle with twice the intensity. Plain and simple, Busdriver is a genius on Perfect Hair. He asks the good questions, too, like "what does hip-hop check in the gender box?"
Thar she blows! As always, I would love to know what you were listening to this year. Did I miss anything good? If you disagree with anything, let's fight about it! Have a good 2015. I love you!
- Kane
Thar she blows! As always, I would love to know what you were listening to this year. Did I miss anything good? If you disagree with anything, let's fight about it! Have a good 2015. I love you!
- Kane
