Blue Healer by Blue Healer - They had me at stand up bass through a distortion pedal. The result is a dreamy mixture of pop and ambiant music from this three piece out of Texas. The boys can fill the space on a stage to boot setting the mood just right. If you listened and didn't know you would have trouble guessing there is no guitarist in the band. Just bass, keyboards, and drums.
The Ride by Catfish & The Bottlemen - Do you know how this one made my Top 10? I listened to it...a lot! Actually, I didn't realize I listened to it as much as I did until I tracked my listens in iTunes. Apparently I really liked this one. And why not? It is filled with catchy hooks and poppy tunes that I couldn't get out of my head. In an interview before it's release the band told NME this one was going to be a classic. I am glad they weren't just blowing smoke.
Higher Power by The Dirty Nil - I love when I can walk into a venue to see a band like FLAG and have an unknown opening act blow me a away. This three piece from Canada are one part Pixies, one part Replacements, and one part Fugazi. They sound so familiar yet I couldn't tell you exactly who they sound like. Their energy and attitude are completely dialed up. It amazes me how their sound changes from Punk to Indie Rock to Power Pop yet all stays consistent.
This Album Does Not Exist by DREAMERS - When I was given this album I was told that it would become my summer soundtrack. An album would have to be special to accomplish that. This album is that something special. It is pop anthem after pop anthem that makes you roll down the windows and drive for miles longer than than you need to. I have no idea why these guys aren't bigger.
(White Album) by Weezer - Every time I think I am done with Weezer they suck me back in. Their output is so prolific you are bound to be bored with some of it but occasionally they do more than hit you with a couple good tracks. They punch out a great album from start to finish. This is my favorite since Make Believe which makes sense as the two are very similar.
Why Are You OK by Band of Horses - I have a love/hate relationship with Band of Horses. I seem to only love every other album from them but the ones I love I really LOVE. Why Are You OK I LOVE! Just to be clear I do not love it as much as Cease to Begin. That was my first and you always remember your first.
iii by Miike Snow - These three swedes are men of many talents. Besides producing and writing they perform some of the catchiest pop dripping with synths and laced with R&B. The result is a strangely unique sound that makes you shake your hips. "Genghis Khan" may have sucked my in but "My Trigger" sealed the deal.
A Sailor's Guide to Earth by Sturgill Simpson - What scared me most about this release was how much I loved Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. That album embodied everything country music should be and I just didn't believe he could follow it up. Well, he did. Brilliantly. Sturgill Simpson is country music.
"Awaken, My Love!" by Childish Gambino - When my 16 year old son told me I would love this album I doubted it very much. To my surprise this actor/comedian/rapper put out a damn good R&B album not seen since the likes of D'Angelo. My son recommended it based on my love for Bernhoft who did not make the list this year but only because his release was an EP and not an LP.
The Boy Who Died Wolf by Highly Suspect - From the moment they teased us with "Serotonia" I could not wait for this album. The Boy Who Died Wolf is about dying and being reborn by your own doing. Lead Singer Johnny Stevens leaves his rough and rumble NYC past behind for California dreams. In the process they evoke Led Zeppelin and Ryan Adams to name a few. The scope is all over but it meshes together for a wonderful, singular product.
Honorable Mention - Three by Phantogram - This NY duo hasn't quite lived up to their debut in my opinion but "You Don't Get Me High Anymore" was such a great track it carried the rest of this album.
See you when the needle drops!
Fran
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