I've had people tell me that this album sounds just like noise. I've had other people say it is the most beautiful thing they've heard this year. Doesn't matter where those folks stand because I enjoy this album a lot. I can understand where both are coming from. A Sunny Day in Glasgow don't exactly fit the mold of your typical rock band, or even any indie rock band that I'm aware of. It's intimidating at first, but if you push through the top layer and really listen, it'll rock your socks off. There's something about it because I catch myself humming the music every now and then. Bethany will ask me what I'm humming sometimes and I don't even bother explaining. It's this.
Sounds like: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Hundred Waters, The War on Drugs
Definitely listen to: "In Love with Useless (The Timeless Geometry in the Tradition of Passing)," "Byebye, Big Ocean (The End)," "The Body, It Bends (ペルセポネが帰ってきた!)"
I think, like most people, I did not enjoy Encyclopedia the first time I listened to it. I feel like the same was true for The Drums' second album, but perhaps they are a band that takes a little getting used to with each new album they put out. Encyclopedia is an amazing record that I have found many favorite songs on now. I just want to go to the beach, load every The Drums song on my iPhone and play it out of my new Bluetooth speaker. One day, they'll disappoint me, but not yet.
Sounds like: The Beach Boys, The Smiths, Surfer Blood
Definitely listen to: "I Can't Pretend," "Kiss Me Again," "There is Nothing Left"
I keep waiting for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to come out with a song that just doesn't do it for me, but she is incredibly consistent. In fact, she might even be getting better with age as her stuff is getting catchier. Pika Pika Fantajin is filled with tons of that bubbly Japanese pop stuff that you would expect to hear in the middle of Tokyo.
Sounds like: Tempura Kidz, Perfume, AKB48
Definitely listen to: "Kira Kira Killer," "Yume no Hajima Ring Ring," "Mottai Night Land"
This is one I am excited to talk about because NYVES is a band of a good friend of mine. I used to work with Randy Torres at Microsoft and he has even been on my podcast a couple of times. Now he has moved to L.A. and started a musical project with the lead singer from Demon Hunter, Ryan Clark. Now, this album is not released for the public yet, but I got a special preview of it thanks to Randy. It's #7 on here for a reason. It's really good and I keep coming back to it. There's a lot of Tron: Legacy (well, I guess I should say Daft Punk) influence here, mixed with Clark's vocals. They've created a unique sound and I'm excited to see how music fans react to it.
Sounds like: Tron: Legacy Soundtrack, Black Raven Unit, MXD
Definitely listen to: "Something Divine," "The Exit," "Return"
Sounds like: Del the Funky Homosapien, Flying Lotus, Run the Jewels
Definitely listen to: "Forerunner Foray," "#Cake," "Motion Sickness"
Yumi Zouma has this indie sound that mixes with a soft disco thing, which makes EP sound familiar, yet timeless. It's a delightful little listen. YZ has captured the indie world's heart and everyone is looking forward to what is to come from these guys.
Sounds like: Pure Bathing Culture, Beach House, Chromatics
Definitely listen to: "The Brae," "A Long Walk Home for Parted Lovers," "Riquelme"
What are the odds that two bands with EPs released this year titled "EP" would be on my top 10 list back-to-back? Pretty good when you have sounds as good as Yumi Zouma and this band, Beginners. Beginners is one of those bands that I would have bet all my money on this year. I felt like they were going places. "Who Knows" was one of my favorite songs of the year and it is catchy as can be. Sadly, I still don't see too many folks keying in on their style yet. Perhaps, with some more experience and maturity, this will not be the only time we ever hear from this band.
Sounds like: Metric, Elementary Penguins, The Naked and the Famous
Definitely listen to: "Who Knows," "Ever Love," "So Close I Almost Believed It"
The War on Drugs' Lost in the Dream is the album that you are going to find on the majority of lists this year. Many will put the album at the top, and deservingly so. Since forming in 2005, it has taken the band nine years and three LPs to get people to pay attention to their sound. Americana, shoegazing, and neo-psychedelia are all ways I have heard The War on Drugs described. I just like to call them good.
Sounds like: Real Estate, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, The Antlers
Definitely listen to: "Red Eyes," "Under the Pressure," "Disappearing"
Porter Robinson has been a well-known electronic musician for some time now, but he definitely did a lot of growing up before releasing his debut studio album, Worlds. Robinson does well to follow in the footsteps of Avicii and Calvin Harris, but makes sure to add his own unique sound and not let others trample all over it. Worlds is one of those albums that I am shocked by how much it didn't grow to be super popular.
Sounds like: Avicii, Calvin Harris, Bassnectar
Definitely listen to: "Sad Machine," "Lionhearted," "Flicker"
Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for...
Sike!
Glass Animals clinch the #1 spot for me with their amazing debut album that released in June, Zaba. Glass Animals combines indie flare with hip-hop beats and sensually soft lyrics. The first time I heard lead singer Dave Bayley's voice, I thought it was a woman. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not listening to this album. I hope Glass Animals comes to Seattle one day so that I can see them play. And I hope they aren't just here for one party.
Sounds like: Rhye, Jungle, The Acid
Definitely listen to: "Black Mambo," "Hazey," "Gooey"
Runners-up: Schoolboy Q's Oxymoron, Bleachers' Strange Desire, Keys N Krates' Every Nite EP, Todd Terje's It's Album Time, Katy Perry's PRISM, Tycho's Awake, Real Estate's Atlas, Morning Parade's Pure Adulterated Joy
Previous top albums lists:
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
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