Best of 2015 Part 2

These last days of the year always seem to fly by, even more so than the rest. Could be the constant eating, drinking, and all the writing... or maybe my internal clock is just scrambled beyond repair, Whatever it is, we've got three more album to look at, so let's hop to it.

#18

Iris

Liquid Sunshine

There aren't too many prominent female hip-hop producers on the scene these days. That fact doesn't actually earn her any bonus points, just throwing it out there. I have no idea what her real name is (maybe it's Iris), and again, it doesn't matter. Her beats are dope.

In the past I've championed the likes of Brock Berrigan, Apollo Brown, and Wax Tailor, This is something similar, sample based with elements of the funk soul brother tied together with crispy drum tracks. There are some great sounds on this one, I highly recommend it if you're into instrumental hip-hop. Pick it up online here!

Seoul Soul

Azoto Rain

Bustability

#17

Laszlo

Cartoon Hero

Another 80's inspired album, this time from Aaron Wheeler, a disco producer often found on the Monstercat label. The majority of his work seems to be electro-dance stuff that doesn't really appeal to me, but he clearly has some talent and versatility as he shows here. That might sound strange considering this isn't far off electro, but there is actually quite a range of interesting sounds jammed together on this album.

It's a proper concept album, an audio tribute to the great cartoon heroes we used to watch as kids. It's definitely not for dancing, with eclectic grooves and quick transitions, Elements of dubstep, electro, synth pop are all there. It's a great listen, lots of fun for the kids, and at 38 minutes not too taxing on the brain.

What Did We Learn Today Kids?

Cartoon Hero

Supermassive

#16

Owiny Sigoma Band

Nyanza

It's been a while since these crazies have graced the blog, four years since they checked in around the same spot on my 'Best of 2011' chart. This album isn't quite as good as their self-titled debut, it's a bit faster and heavier rhythmically, but it's still very injoyable.

There are times when this album feels very techy. Thumping tribal Kenyan house music of sorts. Most of the vocals are heavily processed to give it a dub feel. Reverb and delay are applied liberally. If I have a complaint it's that the pacing of the song order is a little off. Some re-organization might have gone a ways to fixing that, but that doesn't take away from the quality of some serious jams.

I Made You, You Made Me

Changaa

Luo Land

EP #6

Foreign Fields

What I Kept In Hiding

These guys are really good, but they're also really boring. Kind of like the Mumford & Sons of indie folk but half the speed. It's like they only have one tempo, and one way to write songs. What they do, though, they do very well. Their sound is great, they're polished live, but man.. branch out a little gentlemen. Don't get me wrong. This EP is excellent, and the format suits them perfectly. I'd just like to see something different from some obviously talented individuals. 

I Have Your Weapons

In Hiding

Subtle Weight

Part 3 ahead, with some experimental sounds.

Best of 2015 Part 1

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:

Best of 2010

                                   Best of 2011

Best of 2012

                                                                                                                   Best of 2013

Best of 2014

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.

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!