Here’s my annual year-end favourite albums post! 2014 was the most eventful year of my life, and music highlighted the great times and pulled me through the tough times. What were your favourites?
Tanya Tagaq – Animism
Although my top pick usually goes to what I listened to the most by the numbers, this year, sheer importance and merit greatly overshadowed my customary criterion. This masterpiece combines powerful traditional and contemporary musical elements, created and fronted by a true visionary and genius who has an unwavering passion and dedication to her Inuit throat singing roots. The accolades and awards are well-deserved.
The New Pornographers – Brill Bruisers
This album was the nicest surprise of the year for me. I’ve been a fan since they first formed as a quasi-supergroup, and I believe this is their strongest effort since those early days. The songs are catchy, fun, and sometimes eerie. There are intriguing layers to hear, and the result is the feel-good album of 2014.
Ty Segall – Manipulator
A lot of bands these days try hard for that throwback, straight-up rock n’ roll sound, but few pull it off. Leave it to this young gun to do it properly and put his own stamp on it. When I hear albums like this, I know that rock n’ roll will never die.
Run the Jewels 2
Loud and fun enough to be a party album, but serious enough to relay some important messages. This power duo of rap put together some real bangers, and invited some pretty stellar guests on board, including one of my all-time favourites, Zack de la Rocha.
Antemasque
This is the latest branch in the At The Drive-In family tree, specifically off-shooting from The Mars Volta. Unlike that incarnation, this is straightforward rock music in powerful, conventional doses. I found that focus enjoyable and refreshing.
Mastodon – Once More ‘Round the Sun
Yes, they are a changed band. But listening back to Remission, there are many underlying elements of rock music there, so a full departure from metal to rock shouldn’t be so surprising, in my opinion. The guitar work is as intricate and compelling as ever, and any player should appreciate this album.
Killer Be Killed
Metal fans either loved or hated this album. I’m in the former camp. This “supergroup” pulled together a pretty fun and heavy collection of songs that incorporates influences of each band from where they come – Sepultura, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Mastodon. It was my driving album of the year.
Jack White – Lazaretto
In my eyes, he can do no wrong, and this was a huge step up from his first solo album (which I still really enjoyed). I think the White Stripes was just a gimmick to get attention so he could get to this point of musical freedom.
Death From Above 1979 – The Physical World
If this came out soon after their breakthrough album, we likely would have forgotten about it and them altogether. But because it’s been so long, I was interested. Although it’s nothing new or groundbreaking, it is their signature sound, which is just as compelling as it was a decade ago.
Digging Roots – For the Light
Soulful, serene, and sexy. They continue to make me proud to be a fan and a friend.
Honourable mentions:
Freeman
The Great Sabatini – Dog Years
The Melvins – Hold It In
