Well, it's Christmas. I guess that means another list of my favorite releases of the year. The art of making an album seems to be slowly dying, or is it? I still think there's a place for an LP in the modern landscape, and it seems these artists at least agree. It's pretty crazy for me to think that this is now the 5th year I've done this... but why? Dunno really, though it has been fun to look back at the older years and see how my picks stack up today. So far so good, thankfully. For those who haven't seen them yet, take a quick gander:
...then buckle up, 'cause heeeeere weeeee gooooo!
#21
Lake Street Dive
Bad Self Portraits
It's been a long wait for those who have been following this fantastic group over the past couple years. This album was actually done and dusted in 2012, but contract issues with lead singer Rachael Price's previous label led to its unfortunate delay. In that sense the release suffers somewhat, as most of these songs have already been listened to and performed ad nauseam, but if you can escape that lack of freshness it's a terrific release.
For those who haven't experienced their infectious energy as of yet, I implore you to check them out. They are a tremendously talented bunch who write catchy, soulful jazz rock, and the singing... well let's just say that Ms. Price is as gifted a vocalist as there is on the planet at the moment. Lofty praise, but believe me, she's sensational. "You go down smooth", Rachael tells us in a killer track. Yes indeed, you certainly do.
You Go Down Smooth
Seventeen
Bad Self Portraits
#20
Mastodon
Once More 'Round The Sun
So really, how many other lists that you've seen follow upbeat jazz rock with sludge metal? Just throwing that out there. In fact, try listening to the two albums back to back. You might notice some surprising sonic similarities. That wouldn't always apply to Mastodon, but they've kinda reined in the sludge on this one, and is has a more progressive, almost stoner rock feel to it.
The result is a more accessible album for those not into their really heavy stuff, or maybe who haven't ever given them more than a moment's thought, which I'm guessing is the majority of non-metalheads. Really though, if you're into hard rock or grunge, give this one a listen, actually give it a few listens. It's got a lot of depth once you get past the pretty tame (but dope) single "High Road" and give it some time. I think it's a kickass record, easily my favorite metal offering of this year.
The Motherload
Once More 'Round The Sun
Chimes At Midnight
#19
Kormac
Doorsteps
This was a pleasant surprise for me. I hadn't heard any hype, or even anything at all about this ahead of time, just picked it up and gave it a whirl, and it turned out to be really cool. The Dublin-based producer has cranked out a really interesting, eclectic mix of tracks that explore hip hop, house, pop, and even some jungle beats, and a bevy of guest vocalists. It's an electronic stew that tastes great.
There's even room for Irvine Welsh (the author of Trainspotting among others) to throw down some lyrics, and yes, they did actually sit in a room together to make the track. No cross-country conference call studio drops. It's a fresh-sounding album, one I highly recommend if you want something different, the best tracks aren't even the ones below, you'll have to do some research on your own to hear those ones. Do it. Dooooo iiiiiit.
There's even room for Irvine Welsh (the author of Trainspotting among others) to throw down some lyrics, and yes, they did actually sit in a room together to make the track. No cross-country conference call studio drops. It's a fresh-sounding album, one I highly recommend if you want something different, the best tracks aren't even the ones below, you'll have to do some research on your own to hear those ones. Do it. Dooooo iiiiiit.
Superhero
White Noise
Drown Me
EP #7
SBTRKT
Transitions
I'm not sure what to say about this one. This is one of my favorite producers, a previous album of the year winner, and he dropped an utterly forgettable LP this year that fell so flat it was hard to understand where he was coming from. Thankfully we have this little online EP of sorts to salvage something from the year. It's glitchy and experimental and a bit spacey, what you could expect from a cutting edge artist. I won't pretend like this is his best stuff, but it's worth a listen or three, if only to serve as ear bleach for the other dross. Highs and Lows couldn't be a more apt track to start with.
Highs And Lows
Resolute
Hold The Line
Tomorrow, part deux!
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