Sunday, January 25, 2015

Best of 2014

wow. what a year! lots of good music came out. Some by long time favorites. This year I am going back to something I did years past where I actually wrote about the albums. But given the amount of records, I’m just going to write about select releases from the year. Believe me, I could write about them all. I just know this blog will be put up in a much quicker time frame this way.  I know you people don’t care what I think and just want to download the shit anyway. So lets get to it! As always, the records are listed in no particular order. And please, IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR PURCHASE IT!

This Will Destroy You – Another Language
Instrumental Post-Rock

This really had all the trimmings early on of potentially being album of the year for me. This Will Destroy You was a band I connected early on with. Instrumental post rock is something I love. Often times I feel like singing can take away from the power and feeling that a songs music may convey. And that’s really important to me. This album, no surprise, is powerful. I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this record. “Tunnel Blanket” took awhile to grow on me. But after that record came out they released their “Live in Reykjavik, Iceland” triple LP which contained songs from all their previous records and it really kicked my love for the band into overdrive. So this album hit at the best time possible for me and them. I also saw them live and they played a lot of songs from this album. And it was one of the best concert experiences I’ve had. Sadly, some personal things in my life have sullied this release for me in recent months. Making it hard to even listen to for me. But honestly, I would say this is their strongest release since “Young Mountain”. And I cant wait for the day when I can get passed my pain and hurt that I associate with this record and fully enjoy it again. It’s a great post rock record.
Download The Album Here

Shellac – Dude Incredible
Post Hardcore, Noise Rock

Download The Album Here

Kinoko Teikoku – Fake World Wonderland
Alternative Rock, Indie Pop

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Frameworks – Loom
Post Hardcore, Screamo/Skramz

This album was sort of a surprise hit in my life. I think, without exaggeration, I listened to it more times this past year than any other album. And it’s really surprising. I wont lie I had only heard of Frameworks when it got announced that they were signing with Topshelf. As a lot of you know, I am a lil bit of a fanboy in regard to that label. Now that’s not to say that I am a fan of everything that they put out. But as this list probably shows, I like A LOT of what they do release. Anywho, I figured, I should check them out. I listened to their EP “Small Victories” a crumb ton and built up a considerable amount of “stoked” for this LP. Though to this day I am not totally in love with the production, I can’t argue with the actual songs that are on this record. Great material in the way of screamy post hardcore. Almost comparable to the European skramz stuff in some aspects. Though there are some vibes on some of the songs that can only be described as American sounding. When you hear it, you’ll know what I’m talking about. These guys might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue like some bands they would be considered musical peers with. But I guarantee they are better then A LOT of those hyped bands.
Download The Album Here

The Rentals – Lost In Alphaville
Indie Rock, Alternative Rock

Download The Album Here

The Jazz June – After The Earthquake
Indie Rock, Emo

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Trembling Hands – Self Titled
Screamo, Skramz

Download The Album Here


Adebisi Shank – This Is The Third Album Of A Band Called Adebisi Shank
Instrumental Dance-y Rock

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The Life And Times – Lost Bees
Alternative Rock, Space Rock

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Sleep – The Clarity
Stoner Metal

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Prawn – Kingfisher
Indie Rock

I can not honestly say enough good things about Prawn. My band was lucky enough to play with them early in our life and they were super sweet. Not just sweet musically, which is a no brainer, but as people. You never know how genuine bands are when you play with them. I feel like bands always want to stay nice and keep the networking part of things prominent even if they don’t particularly like a opener/direct support band. I can honestly say I genuinely felt they were earnest with everything that they said. Now enough of my lame personal stories. This album follows numerous splits/comps as well as their amazing EP “Ships” and continues in the same vein. Prawn plays a form of indie rock that often times reminds me of being borderline shoegaze-esc or post rock-y. Just very atmospheric. Very spacey. I know those things can often times be a turn off and can sound like I am describing something you aren't into. I promise. This record is one of the best indie records of the year.
Download The Album Here

Watter – This World
Ambient Rock, Post Rock

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Coping – Nope
Emo

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Nothing – Guilty Of Everything
Shoegaze, Alternative Rock

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Dikembe – Mediumship
Emo Rock

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Sun Kil Moon – Benji
Acoustic, Slowcore, Sadcore

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Braid – No Coast
Emo

So there were 2 releases this year that were kind of a big deal. Both coming from long defunct emo bands. Braid’s release being not as surprising as The Jazz June’s return given their releasing the “Closer To Closed” EP in 2011 and then a split in 2013 with Balance and Composure. What I think shocked a lot of people was how truly good the album is. At least within my present social circles, not a lot of my peers loved EP. Everyone I talked to didn’t hate it. But being the follow up to “Frame and Canvas” there was a lot to live up to. And there comes a lot of scrutiny in that situation. “No Coast” blew fucking everything away. I’ll just say it. From the opening track it rocks the hell out. The big surprise on the album would be that Bob Nanna is sharing vocal duties WAY more with Chris Broach than in the past. And Broach’s singing style is more like singing and less like shouting on this release. View that however you like. I actually really liked his shout-y vocal style that you can hear on “Frame”. I won’t lie that his actual singing reminds me of Tom Delonge of Blink-182 at points. All that said, this album just fucking rocks. Some of the catchiest songs of the fucking year. And realistically, a proper return for one of the most important Midwestern emo bands. End of story.
Download The Album Here

Restorations – LP3

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Mogwai – Rave Tapes
Post Rock

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Owls – Two
Indie Rock, Experimental Rock

The first Owls record is hugely important in so many ways. It was the original Cap’n Jazz members (yes, Davey Von Bohlen was in Cap’n Jazz…later. Not originally) getting together later on in life and seeing what they wrote. By that point both Victor Villarreal and Mike Kinsella were at almost virtuoso levels of playing and writing. And what was released blew away the math rock AND indie worlds. Influenced countless bands. In addition to the Albini recorded full length there were some other random songs that appeared on compilations. All of it gold. I will say this, this is not that band. The biggest note is that 2 guitars are very prominent on this record. Where there is some of that in notable amounts on the first LP, its VERY noticeable on this record. Take that how you will. I think I would prefer just a Villarreal heavy record personally. But that’s the band I love. I also wish the record was produced by Albini again. His drum sounds are what I crave. So where does this leave us? Well, beside a record of more straight forward (time wise) material and a less noodlely, less Villarreal-y Villarreal, it’s good. I know, I know. It sounds like I am shitting on it. But believe me, I wouldn’t put the record on here if I didn’t enjoy it. Just the classic follow up falling a lil bit short. And being this came out over 10 years after all their initial material was released, they get a pass. Still a hugely influential band. I wouldn’t even be surprised if this album influences new bands to come out.
Download The Album Here

Sore Eyelids – For Now
Shoegaze, Emo

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Pianos Become The Teeth – Keep You
Post Hardcore, Emo

You would think it is a different band if you compare this album to their previous album. I don’t know if it was the producers doing. I don’t know if the band is just trying something different. I just don’t know. The only thing it’s slightly comparable in their musical history is their split with Touché Amoré. I really liked that song when I heard it. Cause historically, the band has been all screams. And to have that break up was nice. If their other music previous to that split is on one side of their musical spectrum, this is complete opposite end of the spectrum with the TA split lying in the middle. The music in general is not as aggressive as I am used to from the band. There are almost no screams on the album. And the ones that are there, sound different from previous releases. I feel like the lack of screaming allows for the introspective lyrics to punch through a little easier. I know this album got a lot of hate when it was released. And truthfully, there are elements from the older albums that I miss. But the truth is, I whole heartedly enjoy this record. I think it’s a great album. And if you can get away from how different it is from previous releases, I think you can really enjoy it.
Download The Album Here


Reissues
Slint – Spiderland
Math Rock, Post Rock


Download The Album Here

Street Smart Cyclist – Discography
Emo

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Nirvana – In Utero 2013 Mix
Grunge, Alternative Rock

Download The Album Here

Fugazi – First Demo
Post Hardcore

Download The Album Here

The White Octave – Style No. 6312
Post Hardcore, Emo Rock

Download The Album Here

Tangled Hair – Two EPs
Math Rock, Indie Rock

This collection of the bands previous 2 EP’s (hence the clever name) is pretty unstoppable. Tangled Hair’s lineage sprouts from their Singer/Guitarist and Drummer coming from the defunct Math Pop (yes folks, it’s a genre. Well, maybe not, but pretty sure these guys were it haha) band Colour. I’ve often described Colour as a combination of Bloc Party and Damiera. Does that get you interested? it should. and you should go listen to their “Anthology” record stat. BUT, we are talking about Tangled Hair. Colour breaks up. These guys start Tangled Hair. And shit gets a lil crazy. Like no joke. Not to say the pop sensibility is gone. But there there some leaps on all levels with the music these guys pop out. The drumming especially is super interesting and crazy. Like pretty sounding guitar and vocals? Crazy time changes? Just listen to this record. And join the kickstarter campaign I’m going to make to bring these boys over to the States.
Download The Album Here


Local/Friend’s Bands
Del Paxton – Worst. Summer. Ever.
Indie Rock, Emo


This should probably be in the reissue area. But fuck it. These guys are my friends and I am seriously so happy for them. Its like, the classic story of what you’d like to see happen. Band comprised of friends who have all played in other bands, toured, etc. Self release a EP. Plays loads of shows. EP gets lots of hype. Next thing you know they are signed to local label with all sorts of other larger labels showing interest in signing or releasing future material. This is what you want to see happen for your friends! This all too short 6 song EP consists of some super fun and high energy indie rock. Influences range from more twinkly indie/emo stuff to alternative rock mainstays like Third Eye Blind. I’ve heard and seen what the future holds for these guys. Its awesome. And this is where it all started. Get on these guys and hold on for dear life. They are going places.
Download The Album Here

Human Lanterns – Debut
Post-Metal

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Stepfriends – All We’ve Got
Indie Rock, Emo

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Bridge Under Fire – I Got A Guy For That
Punk, Post Hardcore

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Living Room – Moonchaser
Emo, Post Hardcore

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League – Self Titled
Indie Rock, Emo rock

Another record that should be in the reissues. Another one where my friendship and connection with the members of the band warrants its inclusion to this section. League were a early Post Hardcore/Emo Rock band hailing from the Buffalo area of NY. They did what was pretty common place. Play a shit ton of shows. Tour seemingly endlessly. Break up. Members go to be in other awesome bands like Saxon Shore and Damiera. Ultimately, for me, this record brings back early thousands. I was playing guitar and sing in a band called Amorous Radio. We were trying to do the same thing as League. Play. Tour. Release. Be awesome. They just did it better. But we shared lots of bills with them. We broke up long before they did. But all stayed friends. It was that connection that spanned all our future friends. And we are still friends to this day. Music time. If you have heard Damiera, then you know what you are getting vocally. Though Dave’s singing in League tended to be even higher. There are often some cool time switch ups here and there. But usually its more straight forward and rocking. Breakdowns! and not chug chug, money grab breakdowns as much as what Helmet used to do all so well. Seriously there is a part in the song “Scarecrow” that I argue needs to be played as loud as fucking possible. If you like anything like what I’ve mentioned, and have not heard these guys, you need to listen to this record. Just listen to it anyway. <3
Download The Album Here


Honorable Mention
Department – Conversation

I’ve done this one other time. But at the time it was a band I had just joined and a record I had nothing to do with really. This record is a big deal to me personally. My band Department self released it in August. We faced much adversity getting to this point. The fact we even released it is often a feat to me. Most people don’t even know we’ve been a band since 2012. Within that first year we wrote 10 songs. 6 of which our featured on this EP. Our bassist quit and we spent what seemed like forever finding someone who liked what we were doing enough to join and learn everything we had. But it finally came together. And since then its been a really great ride. We’ve played so many great shows with bands that are amazing. Met great people. And released this EP. Thank you to everyone that was a part of our first real and active year as a band. More great things await!
Download The Album Here

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