A Round of Sound: 2014 Mixtape

January 16, 2015

BW 2014

Now we come to my annual playlist that caps off my list. I find it way to difficult to do a ranking of songs, so this is my way to capture the tracks that defined the year. As always, I try to make a concise playlist that fits on a standard CD-R, so a bit outdated, but DEAL WITH IT. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily my favorite songs of the year, but rather a mix that I think is a good look at what 2014 had to offer. Also, the order is based on how the songs show up on their respective albums, and is in no way an order of a rank.

This year’s mix consists of 20 songs, which has been typical the last few years, but is a little more varied from year’s past. Seven of the songs come from albums in my top 10, with seven songs from albums in my 11-25 range, leaving the remaining six from those outside my top 25. The lowest ranked album to have a song featured is I Never Learn from Lykke Li, which despite some great moments was an album I found a little too melodramatic for my liking, rendering it 51st in my rankings.

Below, you’ll see the tracklist as well as the Spotify playlist. I’ve also created Rdio playlist if that’s more your bag. And finally, this is the 7th straight year Amy Boyd Runner has provided my album art for the mix. It really is a highlight for me every year having her help out, and this year is no different. Great stuff.

2015 is already off to a fast start, and promises to be a freaking HUGE year for music. I can’t wait.

1) “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” – Against Me! :: Transgender Dysphora Blues
2) “Seasons (Waiting On You)” – Future Islands :: Singles
3) “Goshen ’97” – Strand of Oaks :: HEAL
4) “No Rest For The Wicked” – Lykke Li :: I Never Learn
5) “Water Fountain” – Tune-Yards :: Nicki Nack
6) “Archie, Marry Me” – Alvvays :: Alvvays
7) “Murmurs” – Hundred Waters :: The Moon Rang Like A Bell
8) “Queen” – Perfume Genius :: Too Bright
9) “Red Eyes” – The War On Drugs :: Lost In The Dream
10) “Just One Of The Guys” – Jenny Lewis :: Voyager
11) “Two Weeks” – FKA twigs :: LP1
12) “Alexandra” – Hamilton Leithauser :: Black Hours
13) “Your Love Is Killing Me” – Sharon Van Etten :: Are We There
14) “Do You” – Spoon :: They Want My Soul
15) “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)” – Run The Jewels :: Run The Jewels 2
16) “War On The East Coast” – The New Pornographers :: Brill Bruisers
17) “Digital Witness” – St. Vincent :: St. Vincent
18) “Words I Don’t Remember” – How To Dress Well :: “What Is This Heart?”
19) “Coffee” – Sylvan Esso :: Sylvan Esso
20) “I’m Not Me”  – Cloud Nothings :: Here And Nowhere Else

Leave a Comment » | All, Music, Rounds of Sound, Top Albums of 2014 | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Hawkins

Top Albums of 2014: The Top 10

January 15, 2015

#10) Sun Kil Moon – Benji [Caldo Verde; released 2/11/2014]

homepage_large.8512d235

I’ve never been in a huge fan of Mark Kozelek, musically or personally, but in 2014 he at least impressed me by the former (while still being his usual dickish self thanks to his bizarre feud with The War On Drugs, so halfway there) with Benji, a beautiful collection of songs that pull off the rare feat of being personal yet immensely relatable.

#9) Parquet Courts – Sunbathing Animal [What’s Your Rupture?; released 6/3/2014]

homepage_large.5aca6a9e

The follow up to last year’s breakout Light Up Gold, Sunbathing Animal is the first of two releases for the band in 2014 (the other as Parkay Quarts) and shows a group maturing, while still retaining the DIY garage-rock ethos. This is a more ambitious album, but as intelligent and catchy as their previous work.

#8) Run The Jewels – Run The Jewels 2 [Mass Appeal; released 10/24/2014]

homepage_large.e0491b02

The year’s best hip-hop album, RTJ2 is the second album from Killer Mike and El-P, who seem to bring the best out of each other whenever they team up. This is a visceral listen, an angry airing of grievances largely needed after the civil unrest that unfortunately defined much of 2014.

#7) Strand of Oaks – HEAL [Dead Oceans; released 6/24/2014]

homepage_large.aa6e81c7

A similar album, in spirit, to last year’s album of the year Muchacho from Phosphorescent, labelmate Strand of Oaks has created a cathartic gem full of rock ‘n’ roll songs dealing with personal turmoil and nostalgia for the transformative power of rock music.

#6) Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues [Total Treble; released 1/21/2014]

homepage_large.496ee6b8

The first release from the group since lead singer Laura Jane Grace came out as transgender, is as courageous an album as I’ve ever heard. 2014 was a defining year for the transgender community – Jared Leto’s Oscar winning portrayal, Laverne Cox’s Emmy nomination, the Grantland fiasco, the success of Transparent, etc. – and Grace’s honesty shown in these 10 punk-rock songs shines as a beacon of hope for those involved in the movement, as well as those struggling to understand.

#5) Cymbals Eat Guitars – LOSE [Barsuk; released 8/26/2014]

homepage_large.0dc5f671

In what I consider 2014’s most underrated album, the New Jersey based quartet’s third, and best, release uses their 90’s indie-rock style to take a spirited look at life and loss in the eyes of someone entering their quarter-life. It’s nine songs of guitar drenched rock, with a heart that elevates this album to astonishing heights.

#4) Spoon – They Want My Soul [Loma Vista; released 8/5/2014]

homepage_large.767bdf78

The first release since their under appreciated 2010 album Transference, the Austin indie-rockers return to form with an album that better fits alongside 2007’s Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, generally thought of as the band’s best work. They Want My Soul is one of 2014’s most consistent records with not a dud in the bunch appeasing all those that felt betrayed by Transference’s deviations.

#3) Sharon Van Etten – Are We There [Jagjaguwar; released 5/27/2014]

homepage_large.2592e138

An absolute monster of an album, Sharon Vet Etten has created gut-punch of a record full of personal songs that make this the most emotionally draining release of 2014. Self-produced by Van Etten, who felt she had something to prove after 2012’s breakout Tramp was lauded largely due to Aaron Dessner’s involvement, Are We There establishes Van Etten as a monumental voice in indie-rock.

#2) St. Vincent – St. Vincent [Loma Vista; released 2/25/2014]

homepage_large.67094c10

Using David Byrne inspired theatrics, the fourth, and possibly best, album from Annie Clark is another incredible release from my favorite artist. Clark has always been able to pair her anxious skittishness with accessible pop tunes – while shredding on guitar, of course – and St. Vincent is no different, only this time showing even greater ambition and innovation from one of the most talented songwriters and musicians we have today.

#1) The War On Drugs – Lost In The Dream [Secretly Canadian; released 3/18/2014]

homepage_large.9419e472

In what should come as no surprise, my album of the year is the majestic and stunning Lost In The Dream, the third album from Philadelphia band The War On Drugs. Adam Granduciel has crafted his masterpiece, 10 meticulously constructed Springsteen and Petty inspired classic-rock songs, serving as an expression of Granduciel’s demons, all the while being completely devoid of pretensions. With half the tracks over 6 minutes long, most build up to a climax of various proportions, whether they involve an emphatic “Woo!” and guitar solos of my song of the year “Red Eyes” or a Bruce Hornsby styled saxophone solo of “Eyes To The Wind”, but all do so organically. There’s no contrivances here as this is real, life-affirming, stuff which invites the listener to come as you are and get out of it whatever you feel you need.

2 Comments | All, Music, Top Albums of 2014 | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Hawkins

Top Albums of 2014: #11 thru #25

January 14, 2015

#25) Wild Beasts – Present Tense

The second time these English rockers have found themselves at #25 on my list, with their singular experimental rock sound that can be mistaken for no other band. Present Tense is an album that was largely forgotten by the time the end of the year came around but was indeed one of the year’s best. Perhaps no 2014 release had better bookend tracks than “Wanderlust and “Palace”.

#24) Tune-Yards – Nicki Nack

Merrill Garbus remains one of the most creative artists today with her follow up to 2011’s excellent Whokill. This album doesn’t quite reach the heights of that release, but Nicki Nack still exudes the eccentric songwriting techniques that make Tune-Yards such a unique an adventurous listen.

#23) The Hotelier – Home, Like Noplace Is There

The sophomore album from the Massachusetts quartet is the best we’ve gotten from any so-called emo revivalist to this point. Home, Like Noplace Is There is 9 hook-laden, energetic, and yes, emotional tracks with not a wasted moment to be found.

#22) Jenny Lewis – Voyager

Her best work since her Rilo Kiley days, Lewis has crafted a collection of lush pop songs that shows mastery of an assortment of styles, from classic-rock to alt-country, all the while showcasing some of the most personal lyrics of her career. Also, my favorite album art of 2014.

#21) A Sunny Day In Glasgow – Sea When Absent

As hard to classify as any album in 2014, the genre busting Sea When Absent contains 11 songs of experimental pop that despite their unconventional structures are still accessible and create a captivating listen.

#20) How To Dress Well – “What Is This Heart?”

A surprisingly divisive album among fans and critics, Tom Krell’s third album is another example of the burgeoning indie-R&B scene with this collection of slow jams highlighted by “Words I Don’t Remember”, one of 2014’s finest tracks.

#19) Cloud Nothings – Here and Nowhere Else

Follow up to 2012’s breakout is a continuation of that album’s raw melodic rock leanings, but at an even more intense pace, largely thanks to a rejuvenated rhythm section which takes the energy to an even greater level.

#18) Owen Pallett – In Conflict

When he wasn’t explaining the genius of pop music using music theory, Pallett was busy releasing another excellent collection of his patented chamber-pop  songs, which, as usual, is accessible while being intelligently crafted.

#17) Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire For No Witness

One of my most listened to albums in the early part of the year that got shuffled to the back as the year went on, Olsen’s second album eschews the folk singer songwriter stigma for a more inspired sound that places her in more rarefied air.

#16) The Antlers – Familiars

Long since one of my favorite bands, what Silberman has done with Familiars is partner the band’s pop stylings of Burst Apart with the intimacy and atmospherics that the trio has always done so well. The album is a grower, but it’s as textured and stirring as anything they’ve produced.

#15) Future Islands – Singles

Breakout album from the Baltimore synth-pop band – largely thanks to song of the year contender “Seasons (Waiting On You)” and their performance on Letterman – is a dark, cathartic album hidden beneath a plethora of pop hooks. As unassuming of an album as the artists behind it.

#14) FKA twigs – LP1

This is the debut album from the mysterious British artist formerly known as twigs (hence the FKA) and it features a masterwork of minimalistic R&B using experimentation, all the while displaying a confident intimacy and fragility that makes this the year’s best debut.

#13) Perfume Genius – Too Bright

The powerful third album from the Seattle singer-songwriter is an absolute gorgeous collection of subtle pop songs that reminds me in spirit of Antony and The Johnson’s The Crying Light, a similarly themed look at LGBT culture, and is just as vulnerable and majestic.

#12) Sturgill Simpson – Metamodern Sounds In Country Music

I wouldn’t expect a country album to ever have reached this high on my list, but this isn’t the radio friendly pop-country you’ll find on one of the 19 country music award shows (heck, even the Grammy’s call this Americana), but rather the country that fits along side that of the Highwaymen. Simpson’s style includes a bit of experimentation, but even when he doesn’t, this is country music I can get behind.

#11) White Lung – Deep Fantasy

A fist-pumping and heart-pounding release from the Canadian quartet is 22 minutes of passionate, catchy as hell punk rock songs that leave no time to relax.  Perfect Pussy was this year’s punk darlings, but if you ask me, it’s White Lung and the exhilarating Deep Fantasy that deserve the praise.

Leave a Comment » | All, Music, Top Albums of 2014 | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Hawkins

Top Albums of 2014: Honorable Mentions

January 13, 2015

Honorable Mentions

Let’s get things started with my honorable mentions for 2014. These are not necessarily albums 26-30, but rather just some albums that I think deserve extra attention for one reason or another. Interestingly enough, these are all debut albums from these artists, although that wasn’t intentional on my part. Also featured is a dishonorable mention as well as a few other awards.

———-

Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso

Mountain Man’s Amelia Meath and Megafaun’s Nick Sanborn teamed up to create this electronic album full of pop gems that also retain the folk sensibility of the duo’s main projects. “Hey Mami” and “Coffee” are two of the year’s best songs.

———-

Pup – Pup

Toronto quartet’s debut album which was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, and with good reason. It’s full of infectious and intelligent punk rock tunes, that while not breaking new ground, is a refreshing and reaffirming listen.

———-

Alvvays – Alvvays

Pronounced Always, this Toronto band specializes in indie pop tunes in the same vein as Camera Obscura, or a lo-fi version of Eisley. “Archie, Marry Me” is the best example of how great this group can be, and reaches the heights of their contemporary’s best work.

———-

Fear of Men – Loom

Another indie-pop group, this one from Brighton UK, features a bit more darkness and melancholy in their tunes as compared to their peers. The maudlin and almost vengeful subject matter keep this trio from falling into the twee-pop trap and allows the dreaminess of their songs to come to the forefront.

———-

St. Paul & The Broken Bones – Half The City

Seven-piece soul band with gospel roots from Birmingham wears their influences on their sleeve, but Paul Janeway’s vocals take the band to a level not to be expected upon first glance. They aren’t there yet, as Janeway’s vocals could use a little restraint here or there, but this is a very promising debut.

———-

Most Underrated Album: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Days of Abandon

Let’s call this my most underrated album that didn’t finish in my top 25, because my actual most underrated album of the year is quite high on my list. This is certainly the worst of TPOBPAH three albums, as the band continues to move away from the fuzz-pop that made their early work so charming, but these are still very good twee-pop songs that I believe deserve the benefit of the doubt considering the lineup turnover this band has gone through last few years.

———-

Biggest Surprise: Braid – No Coast

Likewise, my actual biggest surprise is probably up in my top 25 somewhere, so I’ll call this my biggest surprise that didn’t make my top 25. This is the first LP from the emo band in 16 years, after reuniting in 2011 to release an EP, which ended up being really bad. So, expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised at how strong this album was from start to finish. The songs feel like a natural progression of what we could’ve expected from this band had they not gone their separate ways a decade and a half ago.

———-

Dishonorable Mentions

Only one Dishonorable Mention this year, but also included is my most overrated album, and my biggest disappointment.

———-

Christopher Owens – A New Testament

How the mighty have fallen. Just three years ago Owens was responsible for my album of the year as frontman of the band Girls. This is his second solo album and follow up to the underwhelming Lysandre, but this album may be even worse. Owens’ new found alt-country leanings do not work for him no matter how sincere they may be. The heart and soul that made Girls so affecting has been completely lost by the cheesiness of these tunes, and while I’m thankful of his Girls catalog, he’s probably lost a fan in me.

———-

Most Overrated Album: Real Estate – Atlas

Another band who just three years ago found itself in my top 5 with the fantastic Days, Real Estate has returned to their boring forgetful tunes that made me think they were overrated when they debuted in 2009. Sure, there are a couple very good songs on this album and it’s beautifully produced and musically tight as ever, but as a whole, it’s completely devoid of memorable melodies, and makes me think Days is going to turn out as a fluke for these guys.

———-

Biggest Disappointment: The Gaslight Anthem – Get Hurt

These guys exploited their blue-collar punk image to create three straight fantastic albums in The ’59 Sound, American Slang, and Handwritten, however, with Get Hurt they’ve devolved into an arena rock band while trying to retain their blue-collar image and it now just screams of pandering.

1 Comment | All, Music, Top Albums of 2014 | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Hawkins

Top Albums of 2014: Eligible Albums

January 12, 2015

tumblr_n25i5jHtD71s5yopwo1_400

2014 has come and gone, so time again for my Top Albums countdown. I didn’t find 2014 to be a great year for music, as it only had a few, what I’d call, elite releases. It was, however, a fairly deep year for albums, in that while there weren’t many that blew me away, I did find there to be a large amount of good albums that made choosing my #5 to say #35 albums quite a chore. Now, it’s always hard to come up with a theme for the year, and kind of a pointless exercise, but what I did notice about many of this year’s releases is how cathartic they were for the artists. Many of this year’s albums were records that the artist needed to make, not necessarily just wanted to make. So you’ll notice that theme coming up a good bit in many of the albums I’m featuring here. That said, I’m not going into quite as much effort this year in actually writing about the albums. I might have a sentence or two for each, but don’t expect more beyond that. Today is, as always, when I present the list of albums eligible for my countdown.

This past year I purchased, in some form, 83 albums, 80 of which are eligible. I do not include EPs, reissues, soundtracks, live albums, holiday Albums, or b-side/rarity type releases as eligible for my list, and this year three of my purchases were EPs. As always, there’s plenty of albums that I never got around to procuring, so yes, there’s going to be very worthy albums that don’t make my list. So if you have a question as to why your favorite album isn’t on my list, well it’s because I either didn’t get it, or just plain didn’t care for it as much as you, simple as that. After the jump, you can see the list of all albums I purchased, in order of release date. Also, over to the right, you can see the schedule over the next few days as I continue the countdown.

Continue Reading >>

1 Comment | All, Music, Top Albums of 2014 | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Hawkins