Holy it's Christmas Day. That means it's time to start my 6th annual 'Best of" list, 21 albums that grabbed my attention this year. I have to say it hasn't been the greatest year music-wise, for me anyway. I've heard varied opinions, as one does in the subjective arts business, but I felt that while there were a lot of 'interesting' albums, not many really grabbed hold of me like in years gone by. Just one of those years? Could be.
Only two repeat 'champions' find their way into the reckoning this year, and many of these artists were entirely new to me. That's a good thing, I suppose. In case you're wondering who made it in the past five years, you can check them out here:
Actually I should add that this year could be described as 'year of the EP'. I had serious trouble trying to narrow it down to only seven, there are plenty of contenders that have missed out that on another day could easily have sneaked in. On the LP side, not so much. The top half of the table is pretty solid, the bottom a bit here and there.
Let's get stuck in, shall we?
Only two repeat 'champions' find their way into the reckoning this year, and many of these artists were entirely new to me. That's a good thing, I suppose. In case you're wondering who made it in the past five years, you can check them out here:
Actually I should add that this year could be described as 'year of the EP'. I had serious trouble trying to narrow it down to only seven, there are plenty of contenders that have missed out that on another day could easily have sneaked in. On the LP side, not so much. The top half of the table is pretty solid, the bottom a bit here and there.
Let's get stuck in, shall we?
#21
Sufjan Stevens
Carrie & Lowell
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not really a Sufjan Stevens fan. Not a great way to start an appraisal is it? He's flighty, often limited in scope, and just doesn't really grip me all the time. I really enjoyed his Illinois album, but otherwise found him very hit and miss.
This offering isn't a masterpiece. It's still whispy yet it has a certain weight to it, both lyrically and harmonically, that makes it stick out from other indie folk albums this year. It's sparse and droning, with just enough instrumentation in the background to keep its momentum creeping forward. For what it is, it's a solid effort from an unusual fellow.
Death With Dignity
Should Have Known Better
Carrie & Lowell
#20
Timecop 1983
Reflections
This one is unapologetically one dimensional 80's synth wave, and it's juicy. I guess the name might have given that away. Jordy Leenaerts is the man behind the brand, and he's created some serious throwback tunes. Nearly every track on this album sounds like it could have been a one hit wonder about 30 years ago.
If you're not into epic cheesy synth ballads, don't even bother with this one. If you're like me and enjoy some dreamy synthesizer accompanied by a drum machine, dive right in. This won't make any best-of-the-decade lists, not even close. It's still a fun album, which just so happens to be good enough in a bit of an off year.
New Horizons
Lost Without You
My First Crush
#19
Humans
Noontide
This is a new band for me, who I actually discovered from a shirt that Shamos was wearing. He said I might like them, and hey, I do. Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq are from Vancouver, and they play with lots of buttons and dials and vocoders and such, it's pretty cool. Reminds me of a heavier Caribou, or a more conventional take on The Knife.
Like the others, this album isn't a grand slam for me, but it's getting better with each listen and there are some undeniably catchy beats that reach out amidst the sludgier sounds. 'Ennio' has a relatively mainstream sound, while 'Cold Soba' is glitchy and washed out. It makes for an intense hour of listening. I haven't delved too deeply into their older stuff, but based on this I've got some catching up to do.
Like the others, this album isn't a grand slam for me, but it's getting better with each listen and there are some undeniably catchy beats that reach out amidst the sludgier sounds. 'Ennio' has a relatively mainstream sound, while 'Cold Soba' is glitchy and washed out. It makes for an intense hour of listening. I haven't delved too deeply into their older stuff, but based on this I've got some catching up to do.
Follow
All My
Tell Me
EP #7
Zero 7
EP3
My first EP selection has a terrible name. In case you haven't noticed it's a pet peeve of mine. Anyway we won't let that get in the way of the great tunes on it, four originals and one remix. Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker have put together a terrific little release with some great vocalists like José González and newcomer Danny Pratt, whose style is very similar to Sampha of SBTRKT fame. The opening track, '400 Blows', is one of my favorites of the year. I can't for the life of me understand how it doesn't have a video!
Last Light
The Colour Of Spring
400 Blows
Tomorrow, part 2!
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