12-21-2014, 09:14 PM
Alright folks, it's that time of year again. For me this was a really strong year for new music, and I bought way more albums than I usually do. It's always tough trying to pare down my list to just 10 or 12 albums. But after some careful deliberation, here are my top 10 favorite albums of 2014:
1. Ryan Adams- Ryan Adams
This thing got more spins that anything else I bought this year. It's the best thing he's done in years, which is saying a lot considering the crazy amount of music this guy churns out on a yearly basis. The songs are all brilliant, the lyrics are great, and I really dig the deliberately excessive reverb and 80s rock vibe. He also gets bonus points for putting Elvira in his video for "Gimme Something Good". Speaking of which, how is it possible that she still looks exactly the same as she did when I was 12-years old? Seriously, the woman does not age.
2. Gord Downie, The Sadies, & the Conquering Sun
The best album Downie has been involved in since Phantom Power. Yea, that's right. I said it. As for the Sadies, those guys pretty much always knock it out of the park, so this is just par for the course for them. Everything they do is pure gold. Also I really like Gord's singing and lyrics on this record.
3. Cracker- Berkeley to Bakersfield
Another late-career gem from this highly underrated band. It's a double album: one disc featuring garage and punk-inspired songs. And the other one exploring the band's laid back California country side. Both discs are equally great. I love that these guys are still cranking out such remarkable music after 25 years in the biz.
4. Tweedy- Sukierae
Jeff Tweedy's first official solo album, featuring his son Spencer on drums. Two discs worth of intimate, stripped-down acoustic folk-pop. Very different from his day job in Wilco, which of course is exactly what a solo record should be. Arguably some of the best and most personal songwriting of his career so far.
5. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers- Hypnotic Eye
My favorite record of his since Wildflowers. Unlike other recent Petty albums, there isn't a single dud on the entire thing. And Mike Campbell is a f'n beast on guitar. Bluesy, swampy, greasy rock n' roll at it's finest.
6. Jack White- Lazaretto
I didn't think he could top Blunderbuss, but he went and did it anyway. I saw him live at X-Fest in Calgary back in August, and he completely stole the show and blew everybody's socks off. You want rock? Blues? Folk? Punk? Soul? Gospel? Country? This dude can play it all, and it's impressive as hell.
7. New Pornographers- Brill Bruisers
I didn't really dig their last two records, but they've come back with a bang on this one. 43 glorious minutes of sugary-sweet melodies and big, catchy, sing-a-long choruses. Not to mention layers and layers of guitars, keyboards, gang vocals, and multi-part harmonies. Pop music doesn't get any better than this.
8. Foo Fighters- Sonic Highways
If you approach this album on it's own, it can be argued that it doesn't quite reach the same heights as their best work. However, when combined with the brilliant companion documentary series of the same name, you'll see this record in an entirely different light. One of the best concept albums I've ever heard. Anyone who hasn't seen the series yet, I highly recommend checking it out.
9. The Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
I spun the hell out of this thing all through the summer, and I probably still listen to it at least once every few weeks. Craig Finn is one of my favorite lyricists/storytellers, and his songwriting on this disc is top notch as always. I'm also a big fan of the production on this record. Much better and "warmer" than their previous two albums (if that makes any sense).
10. Drive-By Truckers- English Oceans
These guys have had a rough go of it over the last couple of years; losing a couple of members, as well as their beloved long-time roadie/merch guy who passed away just before they recorded this album. Despite all the turmoil, they emerged on the other side with one of the strongest efforts of their long and brilliant career. The final track on the album, "Grand Canyon"-- a sprawling, epic tribute to the aforementioned merch guy, is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
Honorable mentions:
U2- Songs of Innocence
All the haters can suck it. Bitching about a free album? Really?? I honestly can't think of a more ridiculous first-world problem than that. Bottom line, this is a good fuckin' record, and certainly one of their better efforts of the last 10 years. I think people got so caught up in the hype and criticism surrounding the album's release, they forgot to listen to the actual music. There are some terrific songs on here, and Bono's vocals and lyrics are particularly good. It's nice to have them back.
Bob Mould- Beauty & Ruin
Another kick ass, balls-to-the-wall rock album from the 54-year old alt-rock legend. Great songs as usual, wonderful melodies, and guitars turned way up to 11. Put it on and crank 'er up!
1. Ryan Adams- Ryan Adams
This thing got more spins that anything else I bought this year. It's the best thing he's done in years, which is saying a lot considering the crazy amount of music this guy churns out on a yearly basis. The songs are all brilliant, the lyrics are great, and I really dig the deliberately excessive reverb and 80s rock vibe. He also gets bonus points for putting Elvira in his video for "Gimme Something Good". Speaking of which, how is it possible that she still looks exactly the same as she did when I was 12-years old? Seriously, the woman does not age.
2. Gord Downie, The Sadies, & the Conquering Sun
The best album Downie has been involved in since Phantom Power. Yea, that's right. I said it. As for the Sadies, those guys pretty much always knock it out of the park, so this is just par for the course for them. Everything they do is pure gold. Also I really like Gord's singing and lyrics on this record.
3. Cracker- Berkeley to Bakersfield
Another late-career gem from this highly underrated band. It's a double album: one disc featuring garage and punk-inspired songs. And the other one exploring the band's laid back California country side. Both discs are equally great. I love that these guys are still cranking out such remarkable music after 25 years in the biz.
4. Tweedy- Sukierae
Jeff Tweedy's first official solo album, featuring his son Spencer on drums. Two discs worth of intimate, stripped-down acoustic folk-pop. Very different from his day job in Wilco, which of course is exactly what a solo record should be. Arguably some of the best and most personal songwriting of his career so far.
5. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers- Hypnotic Eye
My favorite record of his since Wildflowers. Unlike other recent Petty albums, there isn't a single dud on the entire thing. And Mike Campbell is a f'n beast on guitar. Bluesy, swampy, greasy rock n' roll at it's finest.
6. Jack White- Lazaretto
I didn't think he could top Blunderbuss, but he went and did it anyway. I saw him live at X-Fest in Calgary back in August, and he completely stole the show and blew everybody's socks off. You want rock? Blues? Folk? Punk? Soul? Gospel? Country? This dude can play it all, and it's impressive as hell.
7. New Pornographers- Brill Bruisers
I didn't really dig their last two records, but they've come back with a bang on this one. 43 glorious minutes of sugary-sweet melodies and big, catchy, sing-a-long choruses. Not to mention layers and layers of guitars, keyboards, gang vocals, and multi-part harmonies. Pop music doesn't get any better than this.
8. Foo Fighters- Sonic Highways
If you approach this album on it's own, it can be argued that it doesn't quite reach the same heights as their best work. However, when combined with the brilliant companion documentary series of the same name, you'll see this record in an entirely different light. One of the best concept albums I've ever heard. Anyone who hasn't seen the series yet, I highly recommend checking it out.
9. The Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
I spun the hell out of this thing all through the summer, and I probably still listen to it at least once every few weeks. Craig Finn is one of my favorite lyricists/storytellers, and his songwriting on this disc is top notch as always. I'm also a big fan of the production on this record. Much better and "warmer" than their previous two albums (if that makes any sense).
10. Drive-By Truckers- English Oceans
These guys have had a rough go of it over the last couple of years; losing a couple of members, as well as their beloved long-time roadie/merch guy who passed away just before they recorded this album. Despite all the turmoil, they emerged on the other side with one of the strongest efforts of their long and brilliant career. The final track on the album, "Grand Canyon"-- a sprawling, epic tribute to the aforementioned merch guy, is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
Honorable mentions:
U2- Songs of Innocence
All the haters can suck it. Bitching about a free album? Really?? I honestly can't think of a more ridiculous first-world problem than that. Bottom line, this is a good fuckin' record, and certainly one of their better efforts of the last 10 years. I think people got so caught up in the hype and criticism surrounding the album's release, they forgot to listen to the actual music. There are some terrific songs on here, and Bono's vocals and lyrics are particularly good. It's nice to have them back.
Bob Mould- Beauty & Ruin
Another kick ass, balls-to-the-wall rock album from the 54-year old alt-rock legend. Great songs as usual, wonderful melodies, and guitars turned way up to 11. Put it on and crank 'er up!
