Hailing from New York City, MisterWives is an indie band that has gained a lot of popularity over the last two years. They've had a chance to open for some fairly big bands like Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers, and The Mowgli's. Our Own House is their first LP and I like the direction they are going. Everything that I've read about them says that they are a great live band; almost better than a recording studio band. I hope I can see them play one day.
Sounds like: Of Monsters and Men, BØRNS, Black Light Dinner Party
Definitely listen to: "Our Own House," "Reflections," "No Need For Dreaming"
As I've heard, Julien Baker never intended to make a solo album. Being a member of the band Forrister (formerly known as The Star Killers), she was writing her own songs while away at college. Friends convinced her to get in a studio and track these songs out and that's how we got Sprained Ankle. I typically don't go for this style of music, but there's a rawness to it and Baker's voice that makes it feel like she's just playing these songs for me. Maybe it's also because these songs seem so intimate and personal. I honestly might not even want to share this album with anyone.
Sounds like: Long Beard, Angel Olsen, Marissa Nadler
Definitely listen to: "Sprained Ankle," "Something," "Everybody Does"
I've liked Twenty One Pilots ever since Regional at Best made #1 on my list in 2011. It's amazing how popular they have gotten. Blurryface hit #1 on the Billboard charts, which is something I never would have guessed. They continue to break the stereotypes in their music genre and pump out more good hits.
Sounds like: Owl City, Eminem, Panic at the Disco
Definitely listen to: "Lane Boy," "Stressed Out," "Tear in My Heart"
I'm loving that splits are coming back in the punk/rock world. There were a few this year, but Moving Mountains and Prawn produced the best one, in my opinion. They compliment each other so well that sometimes it's hard to tell that they are different bands. The four tracks of Split go by in the blink of an eye, which attests to how good all of them are.
Sounds like: Athletics, Gates, Thrice
Definitely listen to: "Deathless," "Seas," "Abby Normal"
One of my favorite games of 2015 also has one of the best soundtracks of the year. The whole album is very inspired by the modern indie folk rock scene. The score was composed by Jonathan Morali of the band Syd Matters, who also appears on the soundtrack. All of the music plays a big role in the feel of the episodic video game. In fact, the creative director Jean-Maxime Moris considers the music as "50% of the experience." Each episode has great songs, but Episode 1's soundtrack is what will really stick to you.
Sounds like: Syd Matters, Bright Eyes, Mogwai
Definitely listen to: "Main Menu Theme," "To All of You," "Crosses"
Though widely appreciated, I wasn't the biggest fan of Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence. I feel like she lost some of the catchiness that made her really entertaining to listen to for me. Maybe she thought so, too, since she started working on Honeymoon two months after Ultraviolence's release. I'm happy to say that I think Honeymoon brings a lot of that old school Lana back as I could not stop listening. Actually, it might be her best work yet as it adds grander sounds and more cinematic tones, which really appeals to me.
Sounds like: Nancy Sinatra, Marina and the Diamonds, Sky Ferreira
Definitely listen to: "Music To Watch Boys To," "High by the Beach," "Art Deco"
I love some good '80s sounds and Gunship is all about them. When you listen to this record, you will think it came straight out of the decade that we'll never get rid of. That's part of what's great about Gunship. They're not afraid to push the fact that they have a big '80s sound. Band member Dan Haigh admits, "I jumped headlong into synth land, got hopelessly addicted in the process, and we started the learning curve together." Haigh and Alex Westaway of the British alternative rock band Fightstar actually chose to work on Gunship as a side project. I am so glad they did.
Sounds like: Hurts, White Lies, Black Light Dinner Party
Definitely listen to: "Tech Noir," "Fly For Your Life," "The Mountain"
I've only recently gained an appreciation for Grimes during this past year. She is a brilliant craftsman and huge talent when it comes to music. Watching her play live concerts on YouTube shows what a real electronic artist should be doing. She does a whole lot more than these guys who simply hit 'Play' on their MacBooks and bob their heads for 90 minutes. She's scrambling all over her instruments, computers, and stage while holding up that microphone. It's fun to watch.
Sounds like: Calvin Harris, Allie X, Zola Jesus
Definitely listen to: "Flesh Without Blood," "Realiti," "Kill V. Maim"
Lonerism was pretty successful for Tame Impala back in 2012, but I can't say that I was a big fan of it. Currents, on the other hand, is a work of art for me. I think it's more poppy than Lonerism, and thus more catchy. You will already find Currents near the top of many album charts already and it's deserving. Rolling Stone placed it at #13, Pitchfork put it at #5, Spin ranked it at #4, and it was #1 for Q.
Sounds like: MGMT, Empire of the Sun, Deerhunter
Definitely listen to: "Let It Happen," "The Less I Know The Better," "'Cause I'm a Man"
Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for...
Sike!
Yumi Zouma is one of my favorite new bands. If "calm" was a music genre, they would fit into it. Yumi Zouma's first EP was incredible. Had I listened to it last year, it would have certainly made my list. Their second EP is just as amazing as you can tell their short experience has already improved their sound. I can't tell you how many times I've watched and listened to "Alena" (link below). Easily one of my favorite songs of the year. This is the song I play that gets other people hooked on this band. Check them out and do your earholes a favor.
Sounds like: Pure Bathing Culture, Wild Nothing, Beach House
Definitely listen to: "Alena," "Catastrophe," "Dodi"
Runners-up: Courtney Barnett's Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit, PSY's 7, Tanlines' Highlights, Botany's Dimming Awe, The Light is Raw.
Previous top albums lists:
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
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