Top 10 albums of 2014 (all links to Rdio)
1) Spoon – They Want My Soul
Absolutely killer album from top to bottom. Arguably Spoon's best.
2) Angus & Julia Stone – Angus & Julia Stone
Considered putting this number one. Stellar album from this duo.
3) Weezer – Everything Will Be Alright In The End
Boys came back big time with this. Up there with the Blue & Green albums.
4) Strand of Oaks – Heal
Hardcore Jackson Brown retro vibe runs through this fantastic album.
5) Conor Oberst – Upside Down Mountain
Doesn’t offer much variety, just brilliant Oberst songwriting.
6) Workman Song – Lamb
Sneaky & ambitious EP that grabbed me and never let go. Much respect.
7) The War On Drugs – Lost In The Dream
Philly boys get it done. Arcade Fire and Springsteen influences all over this.
8) TVOTR – Seeds
Starts strong, stays strong, finishes strong. Can’t ask much more.
9) Beck – Morning Phase
A return to his Sea Change sound. Positively beautiful. Beck at his best.
10) Elbow – The Take Off And Landing Of Everything
Not the lads best, but still gets a spot because Garvey’s voice is butter.
Top 10 Tracks of 2014:
1) Inside Out by Spoon
2) Artifact #1 by Conor Oberst
3) Varmit by Workman Song
4) Return To Ithaka by Weezer
5) Shut In by Strand of Oaks
6) Alexandra by Hamilton Leithauser
7) Suddenly Suddenly by Small Wonder
8) Bridge On Fire by Shovels & Rope
9) Calico Man by PHOX
10) Diamond Light Pt. 1 by Tweedy
Some more albums that just missed my top ten you should check out:
Hamilton Leithauser – Black Hours
Christopher Owens – A New Testament
Shovels & Rope – Swimmin’ Time
Broncho – Just Enough Hip To Be Woman
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Mended With Gold
Tweedy – Sukierae
The Afghan Whigs – Do To The Beast
PHOX – PHOX
Painted Palms – Forever
Cataldo – Gilded Oldies
Small Wonder – Wendy
J Masics – Tied To A Star