20 Bands I Discovered in 2014
In between anticipated releases, I spend time looking into bands from the past or even newer ones that I've never heard of. Last year with the inclusion of Spotify in my life I was able to find a bunch of great bands. This year, more great results. |
| 1 |  | Warehouse
Tesseract
Atlanta based band who were name dropped during a Pitchfork year end review last year by Bradford Cox. They surprise released their blistering debut album via their Bandcamp for free. Think of Deerhunter with a female vocalist, and way more intensity. |
| 2 |  | Sleater-Kinney
The Woods
This one was before their reunion and announcement of tour dates/new album. Before the summer of 2014, I for some reason always though Sleater-Kinney was an all chick country act ala The Dixie Chicks. Dunno why. The Woods is awesome, but all of their albums are pretty damn great. |
| 3 |  | Old Time Relijun
Catharsis in Crisis
A message board I belong to began a complete 2000-2009 decade project, year by year. Through various recommendations, I came across this little gem. Weird, experimental, and definitely not for everyone. But wonderfully hooky to me. |
| 4 |  | Secret Machines
Now Here is Nowhere
I remember listening to Ten Silver Drops once and not caring for it. During the decades project, someone suggested I give this album a try and I'm damn glad I did. The rest of their catalog is good too, but I love this album tremendously. |
| 5 |  | The Angels of Light
Everything Is Good Here/ Please Come Home
During my exploration of Swans, I came across this excellent project of Michael Gira's. I haven't explored a lot of AOL yet, but I plan to. Excellent stuff here, and after listening to the 90s Swans material, then this, then The Seer/To Be Kind, tells a great story of progression and transition. |
| 6 |  | Life Without Buildings
Any Other City
Another decade's project find. A lot of people recommended it, I checked it out, and loved it. |
| 7 |  | Clinic
Internal Wrangler
I listened to "Do It" back in like 2008 and liked it enough to include "memories" on a playlist for awhile. During the decade's project, we started with 2000 naturally, and this was the first big surprise of the year. Instantly enjoyed it. If not for Kid A, this could have been considered quite revolutionary. |
| 8 |  | McLusky
McLusky Do Dallas
I've been into punk a whole lot more this year and this was a nice addition to the decades project. I listened to My Pain and Sadness as well but this was superior (imo). |
| 9 | | Songs: Ohia
Didn't It Rain
Not typically my type of music, but I found myself enjoying it. I haven't gotten into it a whole lot, but I'm including it as I'm still listening to the back catalog. |
| 10 |  | Lightning Bolt
Wonderful Rainbow
This was badass. Only a few listens at the moment, but it's definitely one of the highlights from 2003. |
| 11 |  | The National
Boxer
Yeah I know, The National is considered "dad rock" and I know I included the band on my "acts I don't get." Well, now I get it. I went out on a limb and caught their show (I originally went for Tame Impala) and was impressed by the intensity and diverse setlist. Now I'm a fan. |
| 12 |  | Tapes N Tapes
The Loon
I didn't like any of their other albums, but this one was unique enough to hold my attention. It's a shame they didn't keep this style. |
| 13 |  | Midlake
The Trials Of Van Occupanther
I don't remember which album of theirs I listened to and hated, but after going through over a hundred suggestions during our decades project, this stood out. I found myself listening to it quite a bit first, then taking a break, and now giving it another go round. Very rich. |
| 14 |  | Wovenhand
Refractory Obdurate
I'd heard of them before, but never really gave the music a chance. After exploring Swans, I saw Wovenhand on the label's page and gave a listen to "Masonic Youth." Hooked after that. |
| 15 |  | Mimicking Birds
Eons
Saw them a few years ago open for Modest Mouse and thought they were boring (I was a different person then). Caught them again, opening for Modest Mouse this year, and loved them. |
| 16 |  | St. Vincent
St. Vincent
It was kind of hard to avoid her this year. I can remember enjoying the casual song, but never really liking an entire album by her. After the excellence of "Birth in Reverse" I picked this up and now am a fan. |
| 17 |  | Slint
Spiderland
I know this one should be a gimme, but I didn't really listen to it for the longest time. Maybe I was avoiding it? Who knows, but I dig it now. It's not high on my list, but I'm enjoying it more during the colder months for some reason. |
| 18 |  | Lantlos
Melting Sun
You guys already know about this one I'm sure. It's excellent. |
| 19 |  | PJ Harvey
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
Once again, I don't know why, but I thought the music of PJ Harvey was totally different than what it actually was. I thought she was an electronic musician. This album was not that at all. I always have a brief period of stupidity when I find something like this that I judged before. |
| 20 |  | Galaxie 500
On Fire
I'm so late to the party on this one. It's taking a little while, but On Fire's probably my favorite at this point. Still a lot more to explore on them, but they stand out amongst others that I sort of found. |
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