The critics
dismissed this album as a group trying too hard to be commercially successful.
As somebody who was not fan of their often inaccessible earlier works, I found
the shift to more traditional, pop-based song structures and melodies to really expose the
band’s talent as it is more difficult to create within a structure. While some songs on this album miss, others rank up there with the best the band has created.
9. Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory
This album pays homage to Kurt Cobain and the 90’s Sub Pop
Seattle-era sound. Yet, the band do so in a unique way that doesn't sound like a bad parody. Moody, hard-rocking at times and melodic, but also well-crafted and
catchy.
8. Sigur Rose – Valtari
Two
Icelandic groups on one list? What are the odds? Known for lyrics created from
a made-up language, many overlooked this album as more of the same layered,
cosmic, operatic sounds. But it is a patient and beautiful album.
7. The Walkmen – Heaven
A band that
consistently makes great albums, I first found Heaven a little hard to embrace.
I wanted to hear a band looking to expand its repertoire. But after another few
listens, this album grew on me and made me appreciate artists working with a
sound they have perfected.
6. Willis Earl Beal - Acousmatic Sorcery
This album
is the equivalent of walking down a city street and encountering a street
musician that is mesmerizing and brilliant. As lo-fi as any album I have ever
heard, but genius in its simplicity. Part blues artist, part Jimmy Hendrix, but
in whole a unique, creative artist.
5. Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal
The best
thing out of Iceland since Bjork and Sigur Ros, this delicate little album is a
fun, playful listen. They are a happy, chipper version of Arcade Fire.
4. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
If you
haven’t heard or heard of Alabama Shakes by now, you’ve been living under a
rock. Anybody who loves Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Al Green knows that singing
with true, heart-wrenching soul is not something that can be faked or mimicked.
You have to have that God-given talent. And lead singer Brittney Howard has it.
3. Divine Fits - A Thing Called Divine Fits
Super groups
almost never work. Many times, you get artists who collectively compromise
their sound. But this combo of Britt Daniel of Spoon fame and Dan Boeckner from
Wolf Parade joined forces, we got a group that knew how to capitalize on that
talent. You get strong essences of Spoon and Wolf Parade in this album, and
that’s a very good thing.
2. Lotus Plaza - Spooky Action at a Distance
What makes
this album so great is that it doesn’t sound like a guy fighting to get a
single on the radio, yet each song is so
elegantly and expertly crafted, you want to listen over and over again. With
simple lyrics complimenting well-crafted melodies, this is a must own work.
1. Tame Impala – Lonerism
An album
that harkens back to the days of 60’s and 70’s rock, yet has a sound all of its
own. Perhaps I have a soft spot for
Aussie rockers, but these guys take more from the psychedelic-era Beatles than
they do AC/DC.
MOST OVERRATED ALBUM: Frank Ocean
MOST DISAPPOINTING ALBUM: Bloc Party
