Yes, I know. Most people with a blog are guaranteed to write a year in review post that no one really cares about because everyone has their own opinions. But that is exactly why I
am writing a post about what I listened to this year because I have an opinion, and I have a blog. For what it's worth, I listen to a lot of music throughout the year, and I also play in a band that is becoming more and more popular throughout the Brooklyn music scene, so I definitely know what I'm talking about, right? Regardless, all the music that I'm about to mention is old and played out by now, so don't even bother trying to listen to it. Anyway, here's to another year of great records.
Caveman "Caveman." I was surprised by this album, in a good way. I had seen these guys play a few times in years past and thought they were 'ok,' but this album is really well put together, and their mellow indie vibe is something that I really enjoy.
Ducktails "The Flower Lane," "Wish Hotel." A solid album and a great EP. You can't ask much more from a band in a year. I know this guy is in Real Estate, but these records are so much more creative sonically than his other band. All the songs have a great groove with some interesting guitar work. Well done.
Foxygen "We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic." This is probably my favorite album of the year. The songwriting is excellent and is accompanied by some great arrangements. This album just puts me in a mood where I want to create more music.
Fuzz "Fuzz." Fucking heavy, but in a 70s rock way that doesn't push this into the metal category. Ty Segall knows what he's doing.
Holy Ghost! "Dynamics." This is the record I want to hear every time I step into a club. Not only is it a great dance record, but the songs are great, too.
Local Natives "Hummingbird." A lot of people didn't like this album as much as their first, but I thought this record was much more mature and well written. These guys deserve to be respected after this release.
No Joy "Wait To Pleasure." This is a fun record with some great sounds. I'm not really into the whole punk/post-punk revival going on in Indie right now, but this is a nice in-between with some shoegaze that makes it work.
Pure Bathing Culture "Moon Tides." One of my favorites of the year, this album is a great listen. The vocalist shines over lush guitars that sound great and bring out some great songs.
Smith Westerns "Soft Will." In a similar vein as Foxygen, but more of a rock album. Another great listen of the year.
Speedy Ortiz "Major Arcana." I'm not exactly sure what drew me to this album, but the guitar parts are creative and just heavy enough that make me wish I was in this band. And she's a great vocalist.
Wavves "Afraid of Heights." This a good aggressive album. Most people prefer his stripped down bedroom recordings, but the subtle production on this album really brings out some great songs.
Weekend "Jinx." This album isn't perfect, but it's got that great shoegaze, uptempo feel that most bands wish they could achieve.
A few more records I liked:
Beach Fossils "Clash The Truth." Cool Brooklyn band puts out cool record.
Chvrches "The Bones Of What You Believe." Well produced dance-pop.
Delorean "Apar." More dance-pop.
Frankie Rose "Herein Wild." She continues with another solid album.
Kurt Vile "Walkin On A Pretty Daze." He continues with another solid album
Majical Cloudz "Impersonator." This was a weird, cool album.
Mikal Cronin "MCII." Fun songs.
Wild Nothing "Empty Estate." More fun songs.
And a few more artists that released albums this past year that I listened to:
Cass McCombs
Haim
King Krule
The National
Regal Degal
Small Black
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Vampire Weekend
Washed Out
Widowspeak
