2014 Lists

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mc
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2014 Lists

Post by mc »

Well, it's that time of year again, and it's been a great twelve months for music IMHO. As usual, this forum is a treasure-trove of new discoveries and recommendations, so I'm looking forward to seeing everybody else's lists. I've split mine into a few categories, if you'll indulge me...

Favourite Albums of 2014:

1. Earth – Primitive And Deadly
2. The War On Drugs – Lost In The Dream
3. Eels – The Cautionary Tales Of Mark Oliver Everett
4. The Twilight Sad – No One Wants To Be Here & No One Wants To Leave
5. Honeyblood – Honeyblood
6. Manic Street Preachers – Futurology
7. Brian Eno & Karl Hyde – High Life
8. Swans – To Be Kind
9. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
10. Bruce Springsteen – High Hopes
11. Ai Aso – Lone
12= drcarlsonalbion – Gold OST / Dylan Carlson & Rogier Smal - Elephanto Bianco
13= Sunn O))) & Scott Walker – Soused / Sunn O))) & Ulver – Terrestrials / Sunn O))) – La Reh 2012
14. Grouper – Ruins
15. Pallbearer – Foundations Of Burden

Picking my top four of 2014 was exceptionally difficult. Mark Oliver Everett released one of the most personal, beautifully harrowing albums of his career. The Twilight Sad's newest might not boast the standout killer tracks of their first LP, but taken as a whole, the album is a tour de force of loneliness, isolation, desperation and longing. It's no wonder Lost In The Dream is topping the majority of critics' 2014 lists: it's a masterpiece, pure and simple. The glowing reviews it's getting from all quarters sum up my love for this album better than I ever could.

And then there's Earth's latest LP. As a confirmed Dylan Carlson acolyte, I knew it'd be wonderful - as are his two other solo albums released this year - but nothing could prepare me for the arrival of Primitive And Deadly. A majestic blend of Bees-era wide-screen Americana, Extra-Capsular Extraction-esque heavy riffing and his folky solo work, the sheer majesty of this LP astounds me. He's no 50-notes-per-second metal virtuoso, but for me, Dylan Carlson is the greatest guitar player of his generation. His control and mastery of his instrument boggles my mind - oh, the chords and tones and sustain! - and even in the smallest of provincial gigs, his guitar set-up and amplification is the clearest and most expressive I have ever encountered in a live venue.

Honourable Mentions of 2014:

Aphex Twin – Syro; Cosines – Oscillations; Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots; Bong – Stoner Rock; Mogwai – Rave Tapes; Pink Floyd – The Endless River; Ginger Wildheart – G.A.S.S Singles Club

Favourite Reissues/Live Albums etc of 2014:

1. King Crimson – Starless (40th Anniversary Edition Box Set)
2. R.E.M. – MTV Unplugged 1991/2001
3. Fripp & Eno – Live At The Paris Olympia, 1975
4. The Twilight Sad – Live At Paisley Abbey 2013
5. The Velvet Underground – S/T (45th Anniversary Super-Deluxe Edition)
6. The Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters (10th Anniversary Edition)
7. Miles Davis – Miles At The Fillmore 1970: The Bootleg Series #3
8. Craig Leon – Early Electronic Works
9. Mogwai – Come On Die Young (Remastered Edition)
10. Aphex Twin – Caustic Window

The 27-disc KC box set is going to take me years to digest fully, and two album length acoustic sessions (that I'd somehow never heard!) from my all-time favourite band was always going to be wonderful. And if you've never heard Fripp & Eno, get the live album listed above - a masterful combination of angular guitar improv and early electronic looping. The crowd hated it, apparently. Silly fools...

Favourite Gigs of 2014:

1. Earth – CCA, Glasgow
2. Manic Street Preachers/The Twilight Sad – Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
3. Swans – The Arches, Glasgow
4. Eels – Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
5. Yob/Pallbearer/Buried Sleeper – Audio, Glasgow

Earth stole the show, but the sheer brilliance of the Manics' gig was a wonderful surprise. I only went because The Twilight Sad were supporting them, but the main band pulled off a top-class show and showed me their latest material was more than worth listening to. Then they released Futurology, one of my happiest surprises of the year...

Biggest Disappointment Of 2014:

Mogwai – Rave Tapes

I hate to be negative, but Mogwai's latest really was a kick in the teeth. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad album by any means, but after Hardcore Will Never Die... it felt like a severe let-down; so one-dimensional and dirge-like and samey. Still very glad it made the UK Top 10 Album chart, and they put on a great show at the Usher Hall too. Next time, hopefully...

Favourite Track Of 2014:

Bruce Springsteen – Dream Baby Dream (Live, Sydney February 2014)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1nTfDAn2KQ

A Springsteen cover of the Suicide classic. The version on his latest album is wonderful, but gets too cluttered after the first couple of minutes. This is just him, a mellotron (I think) and later on, some strings from the unseen E Street Band, and it just breaks my heart. Apologies in advance for the maudlin personal anecdote related to this choice, but my partner is seriously ill with metastatic bowel cancer that's spread to her liver and spleen and abdominal cavity. She'd already have been declared incurable if she was a normal bowel cancer patient, but because she's so young (33) and otherwise healthy, they're putting her forward for a last ditch-attempt at some ultra-strong chemo and (if it controls the disease sufficiently) some horribly invasive and dangerous surgery that might get rid of it for a few years, or if miracles do indeed occur, for good. So every time I watch Bruce playing this song at his keyboard in the reverential, silent darkness and listen to those simple but oh-so affecting words, I can't help but well up with tears at the sheer beauty of it all, and the life-giving qualities of music in general.

Dream baby dream
Dream baby dream
Dream baby dream
Come on and dream baby dream
Come on and dream baby dream

We gotta keep the light burning
Come on, we gotta keep the light burning
Come on, we gotta keep the light burning
Come on, we gotta keep the light burning
Come on and dream baby dream

We gotta keep the fire burning
Come on, we gotta keep the fire burning
Come on, we gotta keep the fire burning
Come on and dream baby dream

Come open up your heart
Come on and open up your heart
Come on and open up your heart
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Come on and open up your heart
Come on and open up your hearts
Come on and open up your hearts
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Come on, we gotta keep on dreaming
Come on, we gotta keep on dreaming
Come on, we gotta keep on dreaming
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Come on darling and dry your eyes
Come on baby and dry your eyes
Come on baby and dry your eyes
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Yeah I just wanna see you smile
Now I just wanna see you smile
Yeah I just wanna see you smile
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Come on and open up your hearts
Come on and open up your hearts
Come on and open up your hearts
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Yeah I just wanna see you smile
And I just wanna see you smile
Yeah I just wanna see you smile
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Yeah I just wanna see you smile
Yeah I just wanna see you smile
Yeah I just wanna see you smile
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Come on and open up your heart
Come on and open up your heart
Come on and open up your heart
Come on dream on, dream baby dream

Come on dream on, dream on baby
Come on dream on, dream on baby
Come on dream on, dream on baby
Come on dream on, dream baby dream


And on that note, happy holidays everyone :wink:
runcible
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runcible »

Wow - that's quite a breakdown of 2014. You found a lot more of interest than I seem to have done!

My lists are comparatively simple.

Album of the year:
Rich Robinson - The Ceaseless Sight

Others:
Courtney Barnett - A Sea of Split Peas (not technically 2014 but good enough for me)
Woodsman - s/t
Camera - Remember I Was Carbon Dioxide

Gig of the year:
Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band, Hebden Bridge Trades Club

Others:
Camera. Three Wise Monkeys, Todmorden
Electric Moon, The Roadhouse, Manchester
Follakzoid, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
The Chills, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Pink Mountaintops, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Holy Wave/Woodsman, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Rich Robinson, Leeds University Union Mine

Musical moment of the year - Michael Head playing 'Lucinda Byre' at Hebden Bridge Trades Club. That whole gig was incredible but the delivery of that song will remain with me for the rest of my life.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Aquarian-Time »

Not given this much thought but I will shoot from the hip as it were

Albums Top 10

in no order
The Lightshines
Kikaguko Moyo
Allah Las
Mark lanegan Band
Brian jonestown Massacre
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Morgan Delt
Beck
First Aid Kit
Goat

Gigs Top 5
Slowdive @Hoxton
Jesus and Mary Chain @Manchester
Kikaguko Moyo@Manchester
Lumerians@Manchester
Carlton Melton@Manchester
Weird year for me from a a personel level, losing my mum was and still is a bit tough to take, but on the flipside a new addition will be with us at Camp Aquarian circa Feb, as always good friends and good music keep you smiling and looking forward.
Top year for music in my opinion, lots of new discoveries, some great re-releases, some wlecome reunions and as always great to catch up with all on sundry from this here forum.

Slowdive awaits on the 20th as do several oupatients and then we can do it all again :)
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by TheWarmth »

I'm only going to list the albums I found outstanding in 2014, rather than trying to rate them numerically. Here it goes:

Afghan Whigs : Do To The Beast
Albarn, Damon: Everyday Robots
Aphex Twin: SYRO
Grouper: Ruins
Lilacs & Champagne: Midnight Features Vol. I: Shower Scene EP
Mascis, J.: Tied To A Star
Mogwai: Rave Tapes
Moodoid: LE MONDE MÖÖ
Morrissey: World Peace Is None Of Your Business
Notwist: Close To The Glass
Olsen, Angel: Burn Your Fire For No Witness
Pale Blue Dots: Lots of Dots
Prince: Art Official Age
Rhys, Gruff: American Interior
Wareham, Dean: Dean Wareham
Watter: This World
Yorke, Thom: Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes

Live: Slowdive (Pitchfork & The Vic - both in Chicago). Hands down the most badass live gigs of the year for me.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by The Dr »

leonard cohen- popular problems
dylan- basement tapes
angel olsen- burn your fire for no witness (i think that was this year)

that's about it really
“You're not Dostoevsky,' said the citizeness

'Well, who knows, who knows,' he replied.

'Dostoevsky's dead,' said the citizeness, but somehow not very confidently.

'I protest!' Behemoth exclaimed hotly. 'Dostoevsky is immortal!”
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by The Dr »

Aquarian-Time wrote:N losing my mum was and still is a bit tough to take,
sorry to hear that, hope you are well
“You're not Dostoevsky,' said the citizeness

'Well, who knows, who knows,' he replied.

'Dostoevsky's dead,' said the citizeness, but somehow not very confidently.

'I protest!' Behemoth exclaimed hotly. 'Dostoevsky is immortal!”
Stuart X.Hunter
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Stuart X.Hunter »

I've only bought a bit of current stuff this year and all with the exception of one EP were released in the last three months.

So,

Rainer Veil - New Brutalism EP

IS my album of 2014

Bassment Jaxx - Junto

A close second, whilst

Dean Blunt - Black Metal

Would make every annual list.

Killing Sound - Killing Sound EP (thx James)
Powell - 11-14

My song of the year is

Gorgon City ft. MNEK - Ready For Your Love

And my favourite track this year is from 2009; the wonderful never ageing

Hyph Mngo - Joy Orbison
Last edited by Stuart X.Hunter on Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by shalloboi »

a lot of the usual suspects for me. not as great of a year for music as last year, but still a lot of great new stuff. a lot of growers i've noticed too.

wye oak- 'shriek'
swans- 'to be kind'
grouper- 'ruins'
warpaint- s/t
angel olsen- 'burn your fire for no witness'
war on drugs- 'lost in the dream'
ty segall- 'manipulator'
white fence- 'for the recently found innocent'
thee oh sees- 'drop'
hookworms- 'the hum'
a winged victory for the sullen- 'atomos'
brian jonestown massacre- 'revelation'
lightfoils- 'hierarchy'
mogwai- 'rave tapes'
goat- 'commune'
runaway
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

Faves so far: the new Ariel Pink, Earth, J. Mascis, Mogwai (Rave Tapes).
Kind of disappointed with Ruins - sounds like plinky piano demos. Had high hopes. Will listen some more.
The latest Morrissey is horrible.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by shalloboi »

runaway wrote: Kind of disappointed with Ruins - sounds like plinky piano demos.
i'd say you should give the song 'holding' another listen. if that does nothing for you, then it's safe to say the album's not going to hold any interest for you.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by TheWarmth »

runaway wrote:The latest Morrissey is horrible.
I guess I'll take it off my list, then. Thanks for the insight.
Greeny
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Greeny »

Been a funny old year in many ways - as I get older and my life compresses to little more than a daily grind of work and parenting responsibilites, I've found it ever harder to keep the musical flames burning bright. However, of the limited stuff I have bought this year, I very much enjoyed:

Beck - Morning Phase (outstanding production on this I thought)
Thom Yorke - Tomorrow's Modern Boxes
Syd Arthur - Amorphous Androgynous remix EP (the standout of the year for me)
Miles Davis - Bootleg Series Vols I and II

Gig-wise I only managed three all year - Rufus Wainwright, Kate Bush and JAMC - but at least they were all fantastic shows!

Slowdive to come, mind....

Edit: sorry, just remembered I saw Hauschka as well this year. That was great also!
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by rameses »

Greeny wrote:as I get older and my life compresses to little more than a daily grind of work and parenting responsibilites, I've found it ever harder to keep the musical flames burning bright.
Totally with you on that one. In a way I miss the daily commute to work as it was a great opportunity to listen to some tunes. Now I work about ten minutes walk from home, the time commuting has been replaced by domestic stuff.

My year has been filled with:

New stuff
Nope - Walker
six by seven - Muzik Klub CDs
sunn 0))) & Scott Walker - Soused
Shellac - Dude Incredible (best bit of (music) TV this year was Steve Albini in the Foo Fighters doc.)
J Spaceman / Kid Millions - Live At Le Poisson Rouge

Old stuff
Miles Davis - mono recordings box set
Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde (MFSL reissue)
Led Zeppelin - I, II, III, IV, HotH reissues
It's nice to be liked,
But it's better by far to get paid.
The Dr
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by The Dr »

leonard cohen- live in dublin - 3 cds and one dvd! o yeah!
“You're not Dostoevsky,' said the citizeness

'Well, who knows, who knows,' he replied.

'Dostoevsky's dead,' said the citizeness, but somehow not very confidently.

'I protest!' Behemoth exclaimed hotly. 'Dostoevsky is immortal!”
stegraham
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by stegraham »

Top 10 in no particular order, but I do think the Wand and Gulp albums have been my overall favs of the year. I haven't heard the new ACDC album yet (it's on my Xmas pressie list), so maybe that will sneak on:

Wand - Ganglion Reef
Gulp - Season Sun
Dean Wareham - Dean Wareham
The Primitives - Spin-o-rama
Beck - Morning Phase
The Datsuns - Deep Sleep
Brian Jonestown Massacre - Revelation
Joel Gion - Apple Bonkers
Got A Girl - I love you but I must drive off this cliff now
Grand Collapse - Far from the callous crowd

I enjoyed the C86 re-release this year, and also the albums on the Croydon Municipal label - especially the Hoagy Carmichael compilation and the TV film themes of the 50s and 60s (Troxy Music) one.

Singles

Cud - Victoria: lovely green 12", great tune with two decent b-sides. Can't wait for their new long player next year
Dean & Britta: Love/Falling in Love 7"
Piss on Authority/Slug - split CD EP - nice fast and angry punk rock!

Disappointments??

Black Submarine debut : just rather dull (sorry!)
Engineers - Always Returning : I didn't like Ulrich Schnauss's last album, nor the two he did with Mark Peters, and now he's joined the Engineers full time he's given them that bland vibe. I love Goodbye and Strangely Isolated Place, but just don't dig his latest stuff.
White Mana - Come down safari: really like their first album, second one not as good, but this third one just does nothing for me.I was hoping for something a bit more heavy and guitar driven.

Stuff I'm looking forward to next year

Lightening in a Twilight Hour - debut album from Bobby Wratten's new band.
Cud - new long player
High Violets - hopefully new album
The Cult - 10th album?? Maybe - fingers crossed.
Oi Polloi - love these, and they promise this will be fast and aggressive. Yes please!!

Ste
runaway
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

shalloboi wrote:
runaway wrote: Kind of disappointed with Ruins - sounds like plinky piano demos.
i'd say you should give the song 'holding' another listen. if that does nothing for you, then it's safe to say the album's not going to hold any interest for you.
I really love her work - have practically everything. Maybe my expectations were too high?

TheWarmth wrote:
runaway wrote:The latest Morrissey is horrible.
I guess I'll take it off my list, then. Thanks for the insight.
I don't think you'll find too many who disagree with me.
cantona
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by cantona »

Not a great year for music, but still some good music.

Swans - To Be Kind
Beck - Morning Phase
Last edited by cantona on Sat Apr 27, 2019 4:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
TheWarmth
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by TheWarmth »

TheWarmth wrote:
runaway wrote:The latest Morrissey is horrible.
I guess I'll take it off my list, then. Thanks for the insight.
I don't think you'll find too many who disagree with me.[/quote]

Wrong. All of my friends in the real world (not the internet) enjoy it quite a bit. I can't help but feel like your comment was directed at me specifically, as I was the only one to mention the album. So, we can have a discussion about it if you'd like. That's what this place is for, after all. If you found nothing to like in that record, my guess is that you simply aren't a Morrissey fan.
runaway
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

TheWarmth wrote:
TheWarmth wrote:
runaway wrote:The latest Morrissey is horrible.
I guess I'll take it off my list, then. Thanks for the insight.
I don't think you'll find too many who disagree with me.
Wrong. All of my friends in the real world (not the internet) enjoy it quite a bit. I can't help but feel like your comment was directed at me specifically, as I was the only one to mention the album. So, we can have a discussion about it if you'd like. That's what this place is for, after all. If you found nothing to like in that record, my guess is that you simply aren't a Morrissey fan.[/quote]

Don't be paranoid - didn't even see him on any list before posting that. My observation stems from the fact that I'm a big Morrissey/Smiths fan, bought the CD (thought it might be collectible in regards to the controversy surrounding its release, etc.!), listened once or twice and found it overwhelmingly boring and uninspired. I really don't think it even qualifies as a "good" record.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by TheWarmth »

Fair enough, but aside from a few clunky tracks ("I'm Not A Man" and "The Bullfighter Dies" are my least favorite), I don't get what any Morrissey fan would find so dislikeable. The production and overall musicianship is the best since Vauxhall. I rate it above Kill Uncle, You Are The Quarry, Ringleader of The Tormentors and probably Years of Refusal, too.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by shalloboi »

runaway wrote:
shalloboi wrote:
runaway wrote: Kind of disappointed with Ruins - sounds like plinky piano demos.
i'd say you should give the song 'holding' another listen. if that does nothing for you, then it's safe to say the album's not going to hold any interest for you.
I really love her work - have practically everything. Maybe my expectations were too high?
me too. only you would know.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Shinesalight »

I think this year has been very decent indeed music wise. For me it's mainly centred around modern psych stuff (Kikagaku Moyo, Anthroprophh, Black Bombaim, etc.) and, as to prove the point, here's a link to a piece I co-wrote on the best psych albums of 2014 over on Backseat Mafia:-

http://backseatmafia.com/2014/12/04/psy ... s-of-2014/

Aside from the more psych-influenced stuff these are some of the albums which I've enjoyed this year:-

The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream
Dean Wareham - S/T
Mogwai - Rave Tapes
Fuxa - Dirty Frequencies
Grumbling Fur - Preternaturals
Archie Bronson Outfit - Wild Crush
Gruff Rhys - American Interior
EL;BL - Into Forever
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johnnyboy
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by johnnyboy »

Shinesalight wrote:I think this year has been very decent indeed music wise. For me it's mainly centred around modern psych stuff (Kikagaku Moyo, Anthroprophh, Black Bombaim, etc.) and, as to prove the point, here's a link to a piece I co-wrote on the best psych albums of 2014 over on Backseat Mafia:-

http://backseatmafia.com/2014/12/04/psy ... s-of-2014/

Aside from the more psych-influenced stuff these are some of the albums which I've enjoyed this year:-

The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream
Dean Wareham - S/T
Mogwai - Rave Tapes
Fuxa - Dirty Frequencies
Grumbling Fur - Preternaturals
Archie Bronson Outfit - Wild Crush
Gruff Rhys - American Interior
EL;BL - Into Forever
So that's you is it Shines? I really enjoy reading the psych part on Backseat Mafia. Well done sir! I've put that link into my favourites so I can listen to the music throughout the day at work, plus I've not heard the majority so will be a good education for me. Keep up the good work there.

I tend to only listen to what I buy and I don't tend to but an awful lot over a year compared to some. I should download more or seek out stuff via other avenues but an old school bit of vinyl or a cd is how I take my dose of listening pleasures. From memory the albums I've really enjoyed this year, in no order, are:

Marissa Nadler - July
Woods - With Light & With Love
Archie Bronson Outfit - Wild Crush
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - I'm In Your Mind Fuzz
Goat - Commune
Ty Segall - Manipulator
Thee Oh Sees - Drop
Amen Dunes - Love
Sun Araw - Belomancie

Simmering under: Black Angels - Clear Lake Forest, Lay Llamas - Ostro

On the Xmas List and with high hopes: Hiss Golden Messenger - Lateness Of Dancers. I picked on an Uncut Mag cd a couple of months back and one of his tracks was on it, Mahogany Dread, and it's been a constant player when I'm in the car. Very Dylan. In fact the whole cd, for a freebie, is a treat and could well be in my albums of the year. In fact pop it in there on pure enjoyment factor alone. http://rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/v ... told_me.p/

I've been to a good few gigs this year, highlights being:

Wooden Shjips/ with Follakzoid/ Amen Dunes - Electric Ballroom, Camden
Woods/ with Marissa Nadler - Dingwalls, Camden
Goat - Roundhouse, Chalk Farm (a real highlight!)
Holy Wave/ with Wobbly Lamps - Railway Hotel, Southend On Sea

Wish I'd gone to JAMC at the Troxy. Bit of a mistake not getting a ticket for that one.

Lowlight/ Disappointment:

Black Bananas at the 100 Club - really like the album, absolutely love Royal Trux, excitedly went along (with a head cold admittedly, or the debris of a weekend booze up), left after 4 'songs'. Bitterly disappointed.

Earworm of the year: Future Islands - Seasons. Bloody love that song.

Absolute highlight of the year: being happy and in love. *rest of forum vomits* . sorry, but it's true. Few years of shit beforehand so yes, I will say it loud and proud via a public forum.

Happy holidays!
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by Shinesalight »

johnnyboy wrote:So that's you is it Shines? I really enjoy reading the psych part on Backseat Mafia. Well done sir!
Not quite Johnny Boy. I only helped to contribute to Simon's page on the Backseat Mafia site. Hope to write more stuff on there in the future though. I have the FB page, Psychedelic Drone Rock and Simon approached me to help him with the end of year list for his psych column.
johnnyboy wrote:Absolute highlight of the year: being happy and in love. *rest of forum vomits* . sorry, but it's true. Few years of shit beforehand so yes, I will say it loud and proud via a public forum.
Great news and glad to hear it. Its always extra special to find love when you've been through the mill.
Last edited by Shinesalight on Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by heisenberg »

The highlight of my year was being in love too. Just a shame the other person didn't feel the same :) ..... :(
Multi
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Multi »

runaway wrote:My observation stems from the fact that I'm a big Morrissey/Smiths fan, bought the CD (thought it might be collectible in regards to the controversy surrounding its release, etc.!), listened once or twice and found it overwhelmingly boring and uninspired. I really don't think it even qualifies as a "good" record.
What a joke. You're a really BIG fan that listened to the album once (not twice, you would know if you listened to it for a second time) and decided that your opinion defines reality. You are clearly uneducated and terribly narcissistic to go around behaving in such a way.
TheWarmth wrote:Fair enough, but aside from a few clunky tracks ("I'm Not A Man" and "The Bullfighter Dies" are my least favorite), I don't get what any Morrissey fan would find so dislikeable. The production and overall musicianship is the best since Vauxhall. I rate it above Kill Uncle, You Are The Quarry, Ringleader of The Tormentors and probably Years of Refusal, too.
I like "I'm Not A Man". In my opinion, the weakest song on the album is "Earth Is The Loneliest Planet" and it is his best solo album following the wilderness years (WPINOYB > YOR > YATQ > ROTT). And just for the fuck of it, my ordering of the pre-wilderness years albums is YA > V&I > VH > SG > Maladjusted > KU.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

Multi wrote:
runaway wrote:My observation stems from the fact that I'm a big Morrissey/Smiths fan, bought the CD (thought it might be collectible in regards to the controversy surrounding its release, etc.!), listened once or twice and found it overwhelmingly boring and uninspired. I really don't think it even qualifies as a "good" record.
What a joke. You're a really BIG fan that listened to the album once (not twice, you would know if you listened to it for a second time) and decided that your opinion defines reality. You are clearly uneducated and terribly narcissistic to go around behaving in such a way.
You're right; I went back and listened to it a few more times and now I realize how great it is. Definitely one of the best albums of the year! How could I have been so wrong?
Christ...
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Multi »

runaway wrote:How could I have been so wrong?
Because you choke on the proverbial cock of ignorance.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

Multi wrote:
runaway wrote:How could I have been so wrong?
Because you choke on the proverbial cock of ignorance.
Nice try. Your insults are just as lacking as your taste in music.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Multi »

runaway wrote:
Multi wrote:
runaway wrote:How could I have been so wrong?
Because you choke on the proverbial cock of ignorance.
Nice try. Your insults are just as lacking as your taste in music.
Mhmm.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Stuart X.Hunter »

One that slipped my mind as I don't own it is

The Killing Sound EP on B.E.B

Only released on vinyl so I have to listen to it on YouTube.

Killing Sound are a few members of Bristol's Young Echo Collective who had an album out on RAMP in 2013
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by mc »

Jeez, even the year-end lists descend into snark-fests these days :( :roll:
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Stuart X.Hunter »

I quite enjoyed the "cock of ignorance" put down, mc...

Tres camp :)
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by heisenberg »

Conclusive that bitchfests and Morrissey go hand in hand. Or is that Hand in Glove? (boom tish).
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

Even the year-end lists? Especially the year-end lists!
:twisted:
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by johnnyboy »

I once knew two Morrissey/ Smiths obsessives who'd always argue about who liked him/them the most. Ridiculous scenes of them quoting B Side lyrics and playing 'guess the song', then not talking to eachother after the insults had been traded. Funny to witness something similar all these years later on another bands forum. :lol:

Another album for my list:

Dylan Howe - SUBTERRANEAN - New Designs On Bowie's Berlin http://dylanhowe.bandcamp.com/
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by The Dr »

johnnyboy wrote:I once knew two Morrissey/ Smiths obsessives who'd always argue about who liked him/them the most. Ridiculous scenes of them quoting B Side lyrics and playing 'guess the song', then not talking to eachother after the insults had been traded. Funny to witness something similar all these years later on another bands forum. :lol:

Another album for my list:

Dylan Howe - SUBTERRANEAN - New Designs On Bowie's Berlin http://dylanhowe.bandcamp.com/
i didn't know you knew the gallagher brothers?!
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by niamhm »

Like most folks here I can`t put my albums in an order, so some albums that have really kept me listening this year, in no order,
Allah-Las- Worship The Sun,
Temples - Sun Structures & Sun Restructures,
East India Youth - Total Strife Forever,
Anthroprophh - Outside The Circle,
The Vacant Lots - Departure,
Kikagaku Moya- Forest Of Lost Children,
Wand - Ganglian Reef,
War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream,
Goat - Commune,
Twilight Sad - NBWTBHBNWTL,

and an honourable mention for Glasgow`s James King And The Lone Wolves who came back after almost 30 yr with a debut album, Lost Songs Of The Confederacy, that was so much better than it had any right to be, pretty life affirming to see that unexpectedly happen.


Live, I do okay, not as much as some but better than others, managed 12 night out and a visit to Liverpool Psych Fest, never thought I would be saying JAMC doing Psychocandy would be my fav. though, just got to back up some favourable reviews on the forum earlier, they were astonishingly good, saw 2 shows and blown away both times. Saw them in 2008 and they were so meh! I was going to see them more from force of habit last month (probably the band I`ve seen most only second to Spiritualized, so I know how hit an miss they can be live), an then ... ... words can hardly describe the aural/sonic firestorm William Reid unleashed, Jim was sober, and great really, but this was all about William, so if you get the chance next year, highly recommended, might even go again in Feb to the dreaded Corn Exchange, soulless shithole.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by Stuart X.Hunter »

Final, final late contender to hit my very shortlist of 2014 is

Powell - 11-14

His EP's all collected on one nice 18 track download.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

I think an honorable mention has to go to Charlie XCX-

Image
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by angelsighs »

great reading people's lists here. I think this has been a rather good year for music myself. still digesting many of the albums from earlier in the year. I'm picking three records that truly have soundtracked my 2014.

Albums of the Year:

The War on Drugs- Lost In The Dream. yep call me Mr Obvious but I think this album is superb. it's been the first time in a few years that I've been agreeing with an album many of the music sites are placing high on their lists. It's the slickest and most accessible WOD album yet but it's also got real substance to it. sometimes commercial appeal and substance happily coincide and a band takes a step up. It's also (not coincidentally) the first WOD album where the lyrics actually mean something- they were a bit abstract on the first two, but here we've got the theme of Adam's neuroses/anxiety, and I don't want to reinforce the myth that "suffering = great art" (infact the themes are fairly subtle) but I think that might be another reason why this album has struck a chord. It's a very reflective and introverted album even though it's quite grand sounding (even the big single Red Eyes is fairly subdued). I have listened to this album many many times and I still hear new atmospheres and layers. I find it really addictive.

Sleepy Sun- Maui Tears. I don't know why more people aren't trumpeting this from the rooftops. not only probably Sleepy Sun's greatest but the best psych album for me in a long while. It's got all the elements that they do so well- chunky riffing, proggy bits, elements of folk and country layered in, and the production is just spot on.. thick and powerful. I've always found the band has a great depth to their sound that you don't get with psych bands that just beat you over the head with noise (although that can be cool too). again, I've been playing this a lot so just in terms of number of listens it deserves to be on this list.

Inventions - s/t. this is the wildcard. I've not seen this on any end of year lists, infact I've not seen it mentioned anywhere much at all. Side project between Explosion In The Sky and Eluvium. side projects usually lack something from the main project but this actually becomes more than the sum of it's parts. There's that gorgeous, chiming delayed guitar sound that Explosions deploy so well, but with added loops and processing from Eluvium. it's really otherwordly and ambient without being wallpaper music. and it sounds much fresher than the last Explosions album which was more of the same. the nearest thing I can compare it to is The Durutti Column. this has been my go to album this year for late night listening, and also to destress.

Gig of the Year
Six Organs of Admittance, Coventry. usually I lean towards loud and bombastic gigs in terms of what really impresses me, but this was really quiet and intimate. just Ben and a clean electric guitar into an amp. it was totally hypnotic watching his skills up close. and he played many of my favourite Six Organs tunes. to think, I only found out about this gig the day before...

also big shout out to the usual fun and games at Liverpool Psych Fest.. I think this may become an annual thing.. just hope they sort out the toilet situation :)

Disappointments of the year
Mogwai- Rave Tapes. this album really left me cold. it's just kind of 'okay' after the brilliance of Hardcore..
Black Submarine- New Shores. some of my favourite musicians involved here but after years of waiting it was a damp squib.
Telescopes live- I am no philistine when it comes to playing a noise set but this just bored me.
heisenberg wrote:The highlight of my year was being in love too. Just a shame the other person didn't feel the same :) ..... :(
join the club.. fuckin sucks doesn't it!
as Aquarian Time said earlier in the thread, music can be a great healer for all the shit life throws at you!

2015 already looking pretty fine for gigs, and Slowdive still to come this year... bring it.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by TheWarmth »

Interesting that you dig Hardcore, but don't like Rave Tapes. I love both. The melodic side of the band is getting stronger. I just got their brand new EP and listened to it for the first time this morning. Awesome stuff. Have you heard "Teenage Exorcists" yet?
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by angelsighs »

yeah I had one sneaky listen to the new EP, the lead track is just a great concise rock song! it's great, but I can also see it would have stood out too much on Rave Tapes.
the rest of it didn't leave much impression though, and it's probably just me but I don't consider remixes 'proper tracks'
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by One Asian Under A Groove »

Personally, it's been a decent year for music but not one of the best. My favourite albums have been:

Hookworms - "The Hum"
St. Vincent - "St. Vincent"
Run The Jewels - "Run The Jewels 2"
FKA twigs - "LP1"

And I had a gap for the fifth album... then D'Angelo happened. I *think* it's better than anything else I've heard this year, but I just need to make sure that I'm not overreacting out of sheer joy that he came back, came back suddenly and came back GOOD.

Worst/most disappointing album: U2 - Songs Of Innocence. Having grown up with U2 after hearing Achtung Baby at the age of 10 and having my mind blown, I can forgive them almost anything since. No Line On The Horizon was pretty dull, but this new one just hasn't grabbed me at all (apart from the last song, The Troubles). It just sounds like it's trying too hard. Personally, finding a new U2 album in my iTunes was awesome... until I listened to the thing. Which probably puts me behind most other people in the queue to dislike the album.

Favourite song: Elbow - "My Sad Captains". Actually, Elbow's album was pretty disappointing too, but this song is just gorgeous. Also, as a Liverpool fan, I just see Steven Gerrard in my head when I play this song. It takes me back to watching the 3-2 win over Man City while I was in Vancouver, and I was starting to believe. And then... well, if it's so we only pass this way but once, what a perfect waste of time.

Favourite gig: Prince, Glasgow Hydro. By a mile. Up there with Spiritualized's LAGWAFIS show in Gateshead and Daft Punk at Rockness. Utterly unreal.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runcible »

I just heard Holy Wave's excellent 'Relax' album, - so I am chucking that in as a latecomer...
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by BzaInSpace »

One Asian Under A Groove wrote:
And I had a gap for the fifth album... then D'Angelo happened. I *think* it's better than anything else I've heard this year, but I just need to make sure that I'm not overreacting out of sheer joy that he came back, came back suddenly and came back GOOD.
WHAAAAT?

How did I miss this???!

Good on ya about Prince too. I regret nothing, yet I still regret not making that one... bloody family weddings! :cry:
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by One Asian Under A Groove »

BzaInSpace wrote:
One Asian Under A Groove wrote:
And I had a gap for the fifth album... then D'Angelo happened. I *think* it's better than anything else I've heard this year, but I just need to make sure that I'm not overreacting out of sheer joy that he came back, came back suddenly and came back GOOD.
WHAAAAT?

How did I miss this???!

Good on ya about Prince too. I regret nothing, yet I still regret not making that one... bloody family weddings! :cry:
It was last weekend! Friday: pictures circulating about a new album called Black Messiah. Saturday: listening party in New York confirmed, streamed a new song called "Sugah Daddy". Sunday: at that listening party, Questlove confirmed it was getting released at midnight that night (New York time). Monday morning, 6am UK time: woke myself up, and there it was, ready to download. I actually can't believe he did it!

The best thing about the whole episode is: the album is just wonderful.

Prince was rubbish, mate. Only played for 2 1/2 hours, only encored with "Housequake" and "Hot Thing", only played "Let's Go Crazy", "Little Red Corvette", "Kiss", "Raspberry Beret", "Controversy", "1999", Nothing Compares 2 U", "Purple Rain"... you missed nothing... Did that work??
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by spzretent »

In order:
1. The Lightshines- Now The Sandman Sings Lp
2. Mark Lanegan Band- Phantom Radio Lp
3. Brian Jonestown Massacre- Revelation LP
4. Beck- Morning Phase LP
5. Courtney Barnett- A Sea Of Split Peas LP
6. Violet Woods- S/T Lp
7. Screaming Trees- Last Words LP.
8. Phosphorescent- Muchacho LP
9. Dean Wareham- S/T Lp
10 War On Drugs- Lost In The Dream LP.

Reissues:
Neil Young Official Releases 5-8. Tonights The Night, Zuma, On The Beach & Time Fades Away.
Velvet Underground S/T Cd box set.
Jorma Kaukonen- Quah Lp
Led Zeppelin ll LP/CD
Rolling Stones Brussels Affair 1973 box 3xLP/2xCD from Rolling Stones Archives(Eric said it's ok).
http://www.lilmoxie.com
Detroit, Music, Sports and Other Stuff(including Spiritualized, Spacemen 3)
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by johnnyboy »

Just had a listen to that D'Angelo album online to get a flavour of it and see what the fuss is about. Not for me at all.

Only just listened to Run The Jewels 2 as well. Fuck me that is good!! Stick it on my list.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by James T »

In no order...

Dean Wareham - Self-titled
Grouper - Ruins
A Winged Victory For The Sullen - Atmos
Trans Am - Volume X
Kikagaku Moyo - Forest of Lost Children
Sun Kil Moon - Benji
Earth - Primative & Deadly
Leonard Cohen - Popular Problems
Klaus Johann Grobe - Im Sinne der Zeit
Peaking Lights - Cosmic Logic


Shows...

Slowdive at Hoxton Bar & Grill (Sonic Cathedral 10th Birthday)
Jesus & Mary Chain at Manchester Academy
The Cure at the Royal Albert Hall
Prince at Manchester Academy
Manic Street Preachers at Manchester Albert Hall (Holy Bible set only, second set a disaster)
Kikagaku Moyo at Manchester Roadhouse
Carlton Melton at Manchester Kraak Gallery
Trans Am at Manchester Ruby Lounge
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by shalloboi »

i made this best of 2014 mix that i think turned out pretty well-

http://www.mixcloud.com/shalloboi/best-of-2014/
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

Ruins is finally sinking in. Very side B of Before And After Science.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by shalloboi »

runaway wrote:Ruins is finally sinking in. Very side B of Before And After Science.
i'm liking it more and more. the only problem is that i listen to most music while i'm commuting and it doesn't work super well for that.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by runaway »

shalloboi wrote:
runaway wrote:Ruins is finally sinking in. Very side B of Before And After Science.
i'm liking it more and more. the only problem is that i listen to most music while i'm commuting and it doesn't work super well for that.
Yeah, I can see that. It's tailor made for rainy Sunday mornings, though.
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Re: 2014 LIsts

Post by James T »

I listen to it a lot at work, helps block the crap out.
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by BzaInSpace »

mc, can I just say that your initial post here was probably one of the most emotional and heartbreaking things I've ever read on here. I do sincerely hope your good lady gets through it all, what a horrible fucking thing. Your post is so inspiring as it doesn't focus on the negatives - although you'd have every right.

Your message about the transcendent power of music was so apt and beautifully put. Wishing you and your families all the very best...
O P 8
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by mc »

Thanks, Bza - your good wishes are much appreciated. Hope you and all those close to you have a wonderful 2015 :)
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by mc »

In terms of 2014, the D'Angelo album is absolutely stunning. I was also given some HMV vouchers for Xmas I ended up spending on CDs - a strange feeling for me nowadays! As well as Mark Hollis' solo album and a Caribou album, I ended up acquiring the latest Goat and Hookworms albums. So perhaps my list will require updating in a month or so...
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by BzaInSpace »

Well OK. Catching up today with a rare break from The Madness with emptying my draft-box.

As Feb 2015 is now here, I better get my list in from last year.

2014 was pretty strange in that the majority of stuff I liked the most appeared suddenly near the end of the year with little warning. Other than that some exceptionally high quality stuff, some great new and old discoveries...


Favourite Albums of 2014

Prince - ART OFFICAL AGE

I've rattled on about the Prince album a lot on here I know, but I genuinely think this is a truly unhinged psychedelic masterpiece, and easily one of his best ever albums - maybe THE best (his 34th!). Apparently he wanted to make "a definitive statement", and he certainly has. Continual listening brings forth further joy. I'd rather he spends more time on his albums like he did here as the whole thing is quite beautiful, experimental and flat-out bonkers in equal measures. Plus, one the finest mixed albums I've ever heard, and truly stunning production. Every song has at least one 'WTF?' moment.
All-time classic.

Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste

My go-to driving album of the last few months, and the perfect soundtrack to some crazy scenes recently too. The fact that either through familiarity, or just the sheer breadth of material on offer here, means that '212' isn't even the stand out track on here says it all. I really love stuff like 'Desperado', 'Soda' and the mental co-write with Ariel Pink: 'Nude Beach a Go-Go'... sounds like tripping Beach Boys. Elsewhere the album runs through every kind of modern pop style but with a wit and taste for experimentation a lot (or most) of chartbound pop lacks. Initially it sounded a bit thrown together, but like her Fantasea mixtape there is a definite flow though the whole album. Very special. I'm reasonably sensible these days but I imagine this would sound awesome on MDMA. I guess that's a recommendation... :wink:

D'Angelo & The Vanguard - Black Messiah
mc wrote:In terms of 2014, the D'Angelo album is absolutely stunning...
WOW.

A late addition to the top-tier shit, pretty much via One Asian Under A Groove's post in here some time back - cheers!
Holy shit - I was pretty much blown away from the first listen. I love how since Voodoo he's learned to play guitar and now possesses this down and dirty warped guitar style & tone - totally unique IMO.
The record itself is incredible, there's masses going on but repeated listens reveal further layers and all-sorts going on. 'The Charade' and 'Prayer' is so much like circa 1986 Prince it's ridiculous but it works anyway - and you won't hear me complaining of anyone referencing that...
'Sugah Daddy' has the most addictive piece of funky piano as a rhythm I've heard in years, and 'Betray My Heart' sounds like the JBs via 1980 Minneapolis. '1000 Deaths' is like hardcore mixed with funk. And there is this totally understated and beautiful song called 'Till It's Done' that is just perfect, this hypnotic guitar and keys loop you can melt into.
The whole thing is wrapped up in this heightened and frazzled production - simultaneously murky but impossibly hi-fi, and with the bold sleevenotes referencing Ferguson, MO and uprisings across the globe as well as a metaphorical explanation of what the title really means... it's like the true 21st Century successor to There's A Riot Goin' On. Believe!

Prince & 3rdEyeGirl - PlectrumElectrum
Andy Stott - Faith In Strangers (cheers Mr. H!)
Laura Marling - Once I Was An Eagle
Manic Street Preachers - Futurology (glad I wasn't the only person to list this... late and unexpected great album!)
Lee 'Scratch' Perry - Back On The Controls - (esp. the dub disc!)
Pharoahe Monch - PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Courtney Barnett - A Sea Of Split Peas
Tricky - Adrian Thaws
Jah Wobble feat. PJ Higgins - Inspiration

One last addition has to be 36 Seasons by the mighty Ghostface Killah. Basically a soul album, performed live and spliced by his production team, with Ghost doing his ever-amazing thing on top. Stunning. Makes up for the (slight?) disappointment that was the Wu-Tang Clan's A Better Tomorrow...

Even if it's nowhere near as good as the epochal 8 Diagrams (but what is?) a fair bit of it just sounds a bit... deflated. Hopefully repeated listenings will sort that out, just Ghostface got me right away, and both were released at the same time. The Wu do a great take on 'Son of a Preacher Man' though...
Last edited by BzaInSpace on Mon Feb 02, 2015 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Grammar... and enhancing the shit.
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Re: 2014 Lists

Post by One Asian Under A Groove »

BzaInSpace wrote:
Favourite Albums of 2014

Prince - ART OFFICAL AGE

Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste

D'Angelo & The Vanguard - Black Messiah
mc wrote:In terms of 2014, the D'Angelo album is absolutely stunning...
WOW.

A late addition to the top-tier shit, pretty much via One Asian Under A Groove's post in here some time back - cheers!
Holy shit - I was pretty much blown away from the first listen.

Prince & 3rdEyeGirl - PlectrumElectrum
Andy Stott - Faith In Strangers (cheers Mr. H!)
Courtney Barnett - A Sea Of Split Peas
Bza: A man after my own heart :mrgreen:
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