Ramblings from an unashamed music snob.
I have recently realized that I am a snob about a great many things… music, movies, coffee, and food (I could go on). But you know… it really just means that I am passionate about what I consume. I don’t like to waste time on bad input. So if you care as much as I do about what goes in your ears, take a gander at my list of 20 albums that were simply “top-notch” in 2014. To help those who like to skim…I have broken the post into three tiers.
Tier One (You Simply Must Own These Albums)
- Sam Smith — In The Lonely Hour
In my opinion, In The Lonely Hour is the best album of the year. It is just as good as Adele’s 21…so in my mind it deserves the Grammy win. We will find out in February just how many Sam will bring home to the UK. Listen to “Stay With Me” and “Good Thing”.
2. Alvvays — Alvvays
It is very easy to dismiss a band like Alvvays (pronounced “always”) because of their unassuming brand of rock. Dream pop melodies and jangley guitar hooks don’t normally conjure up images of genius. This album is high on my list because there is plenty of brilliantly placed nuance (musically and lyrically) in this genuinely masterful debut . I suspect there will be great things to come from Alvvays in the future. Listen to “Marry Me Archie” and “Next of Kin”.
3. Spoon — They Want My Soul
Surprisingly, Spoon has been around since 1993. If you haven’t heard of them by now you should be ashamed of yourself. Their work with David Fridmann (The Flaming Lips/Mercury Rev) brought their fantastic songs to life with fervor. There is plenty to uncover for those who love “headphone” music. Listen to “Do You” and “Knock Knock Knock”.
4. Bleachers — Strange Desire
Imagine if John Hughes made a movie in 2014 and then visualize the soundtrack that would materialize. Bleachers would have undoubtably served up the tunes for this coming of age flick. But, instead of a movie, we get a fabulous nod to 80’s pop and electronic music with Strange Desire. It is ALL good folks. Listen to “ Rollercoster” and “Wild Heart”.
Tier Two (I’d Bet The Farm You Are Going To Love These)
5. Jenny Lewis — The Voyager
Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) sings about love, lust and loss on The Voyager. Melancholy without wallowing in self-pity, Jenny’s maturity in craft and life shines through with this stellar album. Lots of layers to fall in love with here. Listen to “Head Underwater” and “Just One of the Guys”,
6. Ryan Adams — Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams is just a great songwriter. His self-titled album is no exception to his sensational discography. This is the kind of album that gets better each time to listen. This album has classic written all over it. Check out “Gimmie Something Good” and “Am I Safe”.
7. NEEDTOBREATHE — Rivers In The Wasteland
NEEDTOBREATHE has always straddled the line between faith and doubt. Rivers In The Wasteland is a nice balance between this spectrum and the tracks really shine with thoughtful production and lyrics. Listen to “Multplied” and “More Heart, Less Attack”.
8. Arthur Beatrice — Working Out
Arthur Beatrice is a band not very many people are paying attention to. There is nothing flashy about the members of AB or the production of the album. The melodies on this album are dark but there is a certain air of hope in each track. Excellent bass and drums really keep the album moving. One of my favorite albums to listen to from beginning to end. Probably a good one to have on vinyl if you are so inclined. Listen to “Grand Union” and “Carter”.
9. Sir Sly — You Haunt Me
Sir Sly is most certainly a dance group disguised as an indie pop band. Though You Haunt Me stops shy of delivering a huge hit, there are tons of hooks throughout the album and the reprise of “Bloodlines” break the mood in exactly the right fashion. Listen to “You Haunt Me” and “Nowhere/Bloodlines Pt. 1”.
10. Matthew and the Atlas — Other Rivers
Despite having the most boring video (Nowhere Now) that I have seen in years…Other Rivers is sonically fantastic from beginning to end. Wonderfully soul-filled songs and captivaing lyrics make this album compelling to say the least. Listen to “Nowhere Now” and “Another Way”
Tier Three (If You Love Music Then You Need To Listen To These)
If you have made it this far down this list you will most likely appreciate these albums. These were by far the best of the rest of what I listened to this year.
11. Beck — Morning Phase
12. St. Vincent — St. Vincent
13. Sharon Van Etten — Are We There
14. Mac DeMarco — Salad Days
15. Laura Cantrell — No Way There From Here
16. Lykke Li — I Never Learn
17. The Hotelier — Home, Like Noplace Is There
18. Lecrae — Anomaly
19. Flying Lotus — You’re Dead!
20. Rival Sons — Great Western Valkyrie
Thanks for reading. If you liked what you read…share this list with your friends. You don’t even have to say you heard it from me (from one music snob to another).
When Tim Villegas is not writing about education at thinkinclusive.us, he usually has his headphones on dancing around in his kitchen hoping no one catches him.