1. Real Estate – Atlas
Friends know I have strong admiration for the entire Real Estate group. I’m happy to report their early 2014 release Atlas is their best album to date, and firmly puts the band as my current favorite, which made me reflect on how music fans might go through the process of determining that.
The way music fans evolve their preferences is similar to a phenomenon in sports, particularly boxing. We mentally have a “championship belt” that one musician holds in our heads and hearts. They hold onto the belt until a challenger takes it away. Different life experiences are the trigger that transfers the belt. Maybe you come across a band in high school that spoke to your teenage angst. Maybe another reminds you of the time you fell in love. Or another is the perfect representation of your self discovery as you age into adulthood. Whatever the case might be, these moments prompt a change in musical preference, and in choice of favorite musician.
For me, I was introduced to music during high school. I know that sounds silly, but you know what I mean. Obviously I was aware of music as a thing while a child, but my only exposure was through pop culture mediums: TV and the radio. Up until that point my enjoyment of music was the latest top 40 hit. Of course I was a fan of Limp Bizkit and Kidrock as a 12 year old. What rural kid in the late 90s whose only exposure to music was the radio and Walmart CDs wouldn’t? At some point, though, someone introduces you to what music is really about. You become exposed to the art of it, and how it can move you. You shed the acceptance that music is a business force-fed to you. At that point, you’re at the genesis of an intimate relationship with music that will last indefinitely.
That first band was Modest Mouse, circa 1999. Isaac Brock held the championship belt until I stumbled across Radiohead and Kid A, which, retrospectively, seems so cliché. At any rate, Thom York was the holder until I grew into Sufjan Stevens in the mid 2000s, then Four Tet around 2010, and now Real Estate has taken the belt for the time being.
I’m glad they are making music, and I’m happy Atlas exists. It remains to be seen how long they hold the belt, and who takes it away from them.
2. Todd Terje – It’s Album Time
It’s funny. The first 6 months this album was out I ignored it because of the album cover. I don’t think this is uncommon. We DO judge books by their cover. Often music is no different. I constantly find myself assuming a music’s genre based on the album cover, only to discover later that the music is completely opposite what I believed—and in fact is pretty damn awesome.
Todd Terje fit this year’s mold, but I’m glad a close friend and trusted music compatriot kept nagging me. It’s Album Time was a treat from front to back.
3. War on Drugs – Lost In The Dream
Of my entire list, I think War on Drugs got the most public pop punditry. Few talked about it at release, but by the time year-end top 10 lists were in full fashion, Lost in a Dream was consistently in people’s top 3, which surprised me. I guess new-age americana has taken hold in the pop world.
And that’s ok with me. I hope Adam Granduciel makes a lot of money because he deserves it. For me personally, this album was tied with Real Estate with the most consistent quality from start to finish. It was only lacking the star single that Todd Terje had to make it number two.
4. Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
Oh man, Mac DeMarco is crazy. Fortunately he is a gifted guitarist, and boasts a legitimate new sound. Every time I listen to Salad Days or his earlier work, I’m shocked at how difficult it is to think of an earlier artist he sounds like. He is truly his own sound.
Salad Days is fun and goofy. Anyone who likes summery guitar drawl should check it out.
Favorite single:
5. Bahamas – Bahamas Is Afie
Uh oh, an album whose main single was in a James Franco / Verizon commercial. Anti-pop zealots, of which I shamefully tend to tilt towards too frequently, would be disgusted.
But Bahamas has put a legitimately stunner album as a whole. This was Rena’s favorite album of the year, and I found myself signing along and enjoy every song when she would play it.
The album reminds me of a mix between the electric guitar found on early Wilco albums and the poppy folksy pace you get with a Feist album.
6. Jack J – Looking Forward To You
Just a three-song EP, but yummy. I love the energy found in European dance music, but often it’s difficult to get past the obvious formula. Instead, I’ve started to appreciate the sub-genre of club music that pulls heavily on jazz, and in particular dropping the thumping 1/4 bass machine for actual drums and a bass guitar. This style has emerged as my favorite dance music.
Jack J, a Canadian, produced three exquisitely fun tracks that perfectly represent my sentiment above. Looking Forward To You is a simple treat. Put it on when making dinner.
7. St. Vincent – St. Vincent
First Confession: I didn’t start listening to this album until around the holidays. It laid dormant in the back of my awareness since release.
Second Confession: Seeing her do a live version of “Birth In Reverse” on Saturday Night Live was a revelation (Jesus, that last minute was incredible). I was completely in love with what I saw. Inspired by the subtle beauty of a simple song, and the way it was performed.
So why did it take me three seasons to check out the album since that live performance? I honestly have no idea, and I’m slightly embarrassed I didn’t get on the St. Vincent bandwagon earlier. She’s a talent, an inspiration, and makes incredible music. I have a feeling either this album or the next one from Angel Olsen will be 2014’s underrated album.
8. Angel Olsen – Burn Your Fire For No Witness
When end-of-year lists started trickling out around Thanksgiving, I saw a lot of Angel Olsen mentioned. I hadn’t come across the band prior, so decided to check them out. I’m glad I did. The last month I’ve been steadily listening to Burn Your Fire For No Witnesses. I’m betting this is the 2014 album that I listen to the most in 2015 while I wonder, “Why didn’t I check these guys out sooner?!”
9. Alvvays – Alvvays
I first heard about Alvvays when they opened for Real Estate. Over time I listened more and more to the album, and became impressed with what I heard. It’s an excellent first album, and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
10. Caribou – Our Love
Dan’s best album. “Silver” is a banger, but “Julia Brightly” is bliss for two minutes. I wish it were longer.