Top 10(-1) albums of 2014 or something that nobody cares about?

Seems like people are posting lists, but my video games are all the same, so I guess I'll share music.

9. Flying Lotus - You're Dead!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXD0vv-ds8

Is it Experimental Jazz? Hip-Hop? Avant-Garde Electronica? All of the above and then some.

8. Grouper - Ruin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJgXdSVFnJE

I still can't quite 100% identify what it is about Grouper that I like, but she keeps me coming back so something is obviously working.

7. Mogwai - Rave Tapes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ5nEuG-CRc

Machinelike precision sounds best when turned up past 11. Like 18 or 19 for the full effect.

6. Nickel Creek - A Dotted Line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIt8aN01NlY

This album feels like a warm fire and a cup of apple cider. It's so sweet, charming, and deceptively complex.

5. Laurel Halo - Chance of Rain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6dN1WB8Az0

Technically 2013, but I mostly experienced it this year. Laurel Halo boggles me. I have no idea who she is or where she came from, she just seems to be this force that consistently churns out perfect downtempo beats.

4. tUnE-yArDs - Nikki Nack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbiFcPhccu8

Merrill Garbus is out of her fucking mind and I love her for it. The sense of play and child-like joy running through this album comes from all angles to both parts entertain and impress.

3. Fight Like Apes - Whigfield Sextape EP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66GRBR-RX14

I will listen to literally anything these guys produce, while continuing to run up to every music fan I know, grab them by the shirt-collar, and shake them vigorously while demanding that they listen to the entire FLA catalog immediately. Why these guys aren't massively popular is a complete mystery to me. I'm looking forward to their next full LP early 2015, and so should you.

2. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Mended with Gold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4x1q7brdwA

I was waiting to see how these guys bounced back from a slightly disappointing 2nd album. Granted, their debut "Hometowns" was so goddamn good that any followup was destined to be a disappointment. I guess "Mended with Gold" is what we call a "return to form"? It's not that simple, though. "Mended" shows growth and maturity. These guys feel like the working man's musician. Blue collar folk music.

1. St. Vincent - St. Vincent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUKQWCzGEc

It's Annie's world, we're just living in it.