The Best Music of 2014

Best Albums of 2014

PHOX – PHOX

PHOX was a great surprise. When I heard their lead single “Slow Motion” on a spotify indie playlist, it instantly stood out from the rest. Although the bands sound may come across as your typical indie pop, the more you listen the more you realise how unique they are. Monica Martin's smokey vocals are very distinctive and the bands choice of instruments mesh well with her voice. My favorite tracks on the album tend to build and change throughout the track, as is the case with "Noble Heart" my clear favourite. I also really like their lead single "Slow Motion". I'm very much looking forward to the future work of this very talented band.

After the Disco - Broken Bells

The Shins last album, Port of Morrow, is one of my all time favourite albums, so it came to no surprise that the next project by James Mercer would be great. Broken Bells is a collaboration between James Mercer, the Shins lead singer, and Danger Mouse, who has produced some fantastic albums. Thanks to Broken Bells, I discovered Electric Guest's album “Mondo” and Portugal. The Man's album “Plastic Soldiers”, which were produced by Danger Mouse. Both Albums would be in this list if they came out this year.

I don't think there is a bad track on "After the Disco" and although a lot of the songs sound familiar they are very re-listenable. My favourite track on the album is “The Remains of Rock & Roll”, a very laid back song about moving on and leaving the past behind.

Seeds - TV On The Radio

When I heard TV On The Radio's lead single “Happy Idiot”, I knew this album was going to be good. Like “Nine Types of Light” before it, the bands sound has got a lot more upbeat and the trend continues with “Seeds”. As my musical taste has progressed similarly over the years, I found this album to be very enjoyable. My favourite tracks are “Happy Idiot”, “Trouble”, “Ride”, “Test Pilot” and “Love Stained”.

Monuments To An Elegy - Smashing Pumpkins

Out of seemingly nowhere a new Smashing Pumpkins album appeared in front of me and like their previous album it is quite enjoyable. It may not be their best work but it has some great songs and in some ways is a stronger release than their last album “Oceania”, despite it's brief 32 minute length. My favourite tracks are “Drum + Fife”, “Dorian” and “Anaise!”.

St. Vincent - St. Vincent

I do enjoy St. Vincent, her music can be rather abrasive on the ears at times, but her songs are powerful and engaging. “St. Vincent” the self titled album is a mix of eccentric pop and moody ballads both of which are done very well. My favourite tracks were “Prince Johnny” and “Digital Witness”.

Other Honourable Mentions: Trouble In Paradise - La Roux, Brill Bruisers - The New Pornographers

Disappointments: This Is All Yours - Alt-J, Tomorrow's Modern Boxes - Thom Yorke