Top 20 Albums Of 2014 (Updated)
My favorite albums of the last year. |
| 1 |  | Grouper
Ruins
This album is gorgeous. The simple, and sparse piano arrangements pair perfectly with the hushed vocals to create a flawless blend of ballads,
and ambient soundscapes.
favorite track: Clearing |
| 2 |  | Have A Nice Life
The Unnatural World
It took a while for me to warm up to The Unnatural World, but once I did I was hooked. The walls of noise wrap up the simplistic songs like a
blanket, and unlike "Deathconsiousness" They keep almost every moment of each track interesting.
Favorite Track: Defenestration Song or Burial Society |
| 3 | | Celer
Sky Limits
Celer has done some amazing things, but this may be my favorite album of his yet. The flow of this album going back and forth between
minimal drones, and field recordings is breath taking, and makes for a truly moving, and intoxicating listening experience.
Favorite Track: In plum and magenta |
| 4 |  | Oneohtrix Point Never
Commissions I
I love pretty much everything Daniel does. R Plus Seven was on of my favorites of last year, and this is very much a continuation of this sound.
somehow Daniel managed to make an EP that sounds even more fleshed out his previous release.
Favorite Track: Music For Steamed Rocks |
| 5 |  | Botanist
VI: Flora
Though I don't listen to a lot of black metal I do find an album here and there that really catches my attention. This record is very much one of
those. the main difference between this and other black metal acts is that rather then guitar the primary insturment is hammered dulcimer. this
creates an extremely interesting, and unique sound.
Favorite Track: Cinnamomum Parthenoxylon |
| 6 |  | Bones
Deadboy
Bones is an extremely polarizing artist, and I totally understand why. The over the top darkness, and extremely dull flows can be a real turnoff
for some people. But the vibe from his music really works for me. Although much of his music is over the top and ridiculous I find myself
listening to him way more then I should.
Favorite Track: Calcium or Wi-Fi |
| 7 |  | Ben Frost
A U R O R A
Ben Frosts last full length by the throat remains one of my favorite ambient/noise albums of all time, and although I wouldn't hold this up
there with that album A U R O R A goes in an awesome direction for Ben. This album more then any of his past releases really borders on
industrial. it can be extremely grating at times, but in the best way possible. The amount of urgency found in some of these tracks is
unparalleled.
Favorite Track: Venter |
| 8 |  | Sunn O))) and Ulver
Terrestrials
For a while this was my favorite album of the year, and though it has slightly worn on me I still think its a fantastic album, and extremely
underrated. I think the major issue people have is they were looking for sunn o))) to play a larger role when really it's more of an Ulver style
record. The lush production, and stunning movements through out this album create a thick sonic palet that stays fresh every time I re listen.
favorite track: Eternal Return |
| 9 |  | Dean Blunt
Black Metal
Dean Blunt for the last few years has been putting out some of the most interesting music of the decade. wielding very dry basic sounds and
turning them on there head. Though I wouldn't way I enjoy this as much as some of his past efforts like The Redeemer or Narcissist II I just
dont think dean can do anything wrong.
Favorite Track: Forever |
| 10 |  | Swans
To Be Kind
What can I say really, Swans is one of my favorite bands of all time, and they just keep putting out great albums. To Be Kind goes for a much
rougher and rawer sound then The Seer and I feel its beneficial. Its nice to hear Swans relive some of there more no wave roots, while still
improving on there sound over all
Favorite Track: Little Boy |
| 11 |  | Pharmakon
Bestial Burden
Bestial Burden is the follow up to last years Abandon, and I think it improved in pretty much every way. I found Abandon to be a little
uninteresting, but this album has had me hooked since my first listen. The wretched black metal like vocals mixed with the harsh industrial
beats is just a great combination. I look forward to what she puts out in the future
Favorite Track: Bestial Burden |
| 12 |  | Arrange
Their Bodies in a Fog
Another early favorite I bought this album on a whim from orchid tapes simply because I didn't own anything they had put out. I was pleasantly
surprised after giving this a listen. It's a gorgeous ambient pop record that flows perfectly track to track. I feel this is one of the most under
appreciated albums of the year. It truly deserves more attention.
Favorite Track: Home |
| 13 |  | Giant Claw
DARK WEB
Some have called this a poor mans R Plus Seven, but I think its a fantastic record. it fuses beauty , with interesting and off kilter song changes
just lie any good vaporwave album show. This is another one more people should check out. I think anyone who likes Oneohtrix Point Never will
enjoy this.
Favorite Track: DARK WEB 002 |
| 14 |  | Ariel Pink
Pom Pom
This was a real grower for me. Even though i've been a fan of lo-fi tinged pop I didn't see the appeal in "Pom Pom". This to me take what a
lot of my favorite lo-fi pop groups like starry cat, and ducktails have done and simply takes it one step further. Lots of awesome additional
sounds, and quirky samples is what pushes this album over the edge though. If I had to sight a record that sounds similer tot his it would
most definitely be "Cherry Peel" by Of Montreal, and seeing as that's one of my favorite albums of all time the sound of this very much
appeals to me. this album brings a wonderful burst of lo-fi goodness that most pop fans will be able to enjoy.
Favorite Track: White Freckles |
| 15 | | Padillion
Rayquaza Tape (part I)
Padillion is one of the best cloud rap producers i've ever heard. there isn't a whole lot more to say about this tape really. it's just some
extremely well crafted beats.
Favorite Track: Glow |
| 16 |  | Death Grips
The Powers That B - Part I: Niggas on the Moon
Death Grips once again makes some slight adjustments to there sound which makes a huge impact. this may very well be my favorite release
of there's strictly for how consistent it is. The way the tracks flow also adds a certain something that pushes it over the edge.
Favorite Track: Say Hey Kid |
| 17 |  | Nils Frahm
Spaces
There are few albums that perfectly encapsulate the art of the dynamic change. This album is one of them. The way these songs slowly boil to a
n always magnificent conclusion is jaw dropping. Though this is a live performance it manages to flow better then almost any album i've heard
this year. this is a truly magnificent, and underrated album.
Favorite Track:Says |
| 18 | | Rayning
Rayning
this EP proves to me that good shoegaze can still be made. though far more lo-fi this album channels the feeling of loveless better then any
other album i've heard, and also manages to do its own thing by introducing a few ambient interludes through out the album
Favorite Track: We Are |
| 19 |  | Sinoia Caves
Beyond the Black Rainbow
Though this is technically a sound track, if you have seen "Beyond The Black Rainbow" you know thats not all it is. The second effort from
Jeremy was clearly labored over. Every minute detail of the songs is crafted perfectly, and the production is beyond lush. This album truly
shows a sense of urgency i've never seen. This is an extremely underrated album, that i highly suggest everyone check out.
Favorite Track: Forever Dilating Eye |
| 20 | | ECO VIRTUAL
ATMOSPHERES ?2
I have a soft spot for vaporwave, and this is some of the finest around. perfectly crafted, mixing nostalgic vibes, and catchy hooks. the
production is fantastic, and since its so short it has great replay value. By far the best vaporwave release of the year.
Favorite Track: Fiji Waterfalls & EDEN |
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