someguest in 2015
I didn't hear most of these until 3Q and 4Q when I had a slight shift in listening priorities. I was not disappointed with anything I heard, but I wasn't surprised. Most of these acts kept their work consistent without throwing any curve balls. It's a fine way to continue; you don't always have to change the world. |
| 25 |  | Jamie xx
In Colour
It was good for a spin. After that it becomes 4am chill music. Not that interesting of a record.
2.5 |
| 24 |  | Myrkur
M
The non-metal portions are its strength.
2.5 |
| 23 |  | CHVRCHES
Every Open Eye
The art of playing it safe.
2.5 |
| 22 |  | Steven Wilson
Hand. Cannot. Erase.
The most boring and pointless output of Steven's career. He deserves an award for that.
2.5 |
| 21 |  | Liturgy
The Ark Work
Terrible, terrible mastering and production. There's good music under this mess.
3 |
| 20 |  | Elysia Crampton
American Drift
WHAT? YEAH! OKAY!
3 |
| 19 |  | Bjork
Vulnicura
Super arty release from Bjork that doesn't really pick up until the very end, and then it's over. Not a bad record by a long stretch, but definitely a bit dry musically. Lyrically it will break your heart.
3 |
| 18 |  | Tame Impala
Currents
"Let It Happen" is my song of the year. The rest of the record isn't even close to it. It's still worth a spin or two though.
3 |
| 17 |  | Deerhunter
Fading Frontier
Marfan syndrome
3 |
| 16 |  | Au-Dessus
Au-Dessus
Atmospheric black sludge. It flew under the radar of most people this year. It's great.
3.5 |
| 15 |  | Viet Cong
Viet Cong
Portions of this made me feel like I was listening to a post-punk record as important as something released by the Talking Heads or Joy Division. Other portions did nothing for me. However, the wonderful does outweigh the unmemorable.
3.5 |
| 14 |  | Sufjan Stevens
Carrie and Lowell
The beginning and end of the record are better than the stuff in the middle but it's a Sufjan folk album. You should already be familiar with the quality you're getting here.
3.5 |
| 13 |  | Carly Rae Jepsen
E MO TION
"Run Away With Me" is the pop song of the year. Some of the other tracks get close to its brilliance. A pretty good record from an old lady.
3.5 |
| 12 |  | Ghost (SWE)
Meliora
The only clergymen getting respect from me this year. They beat Pope the Dope by a wide margin.
3.5 |
| 11 |  | Lupe Fiasco
Tetsuo and Youth
It's not an album that jumps out at you, but the beats are great and Lupe sounds good on it. Half of the guest spots are garbage.
3.5 |
| 10 |  | Dr. Dre
Compton
One of the soundtracks to the best weekend of my summer. I can still recall the feeling of not showering for two days like it was yesterday.
3.5 |
| 9 |  | Shining (SWE)
IX: Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, ends.
Kvarforth's vocals and the over-the-top guitar solos will never get old for me.
3.5 |
| 8 |  | Lamb of God
VII: Sturm und Drang
A solid as usual album from the group with something to talk about lyrically this time around.
3.5 |
| 7 |  | Leviathan
Scar Sighted
The only new album besides To Pimp A Butterfly that I was jamming in Q1 and Q2. A moody, atmospheric black metal album that drowns you in the memories and hatred it recreates for the listener.
4 |
| 6 |  | Godspeed You! Black Emperor
'Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress'
Godspeed make an album that isn't really post-rock. It's nearly as good as their post-rock. And I can't dislike a band that ends a side of the LP pressing with an infinite groove - the second time they've done that on a pressing (the other was F#A#).
4 |
| 5 |  | Grimes
Art Angels
A big surprise for me this year. I didn't expect it to be very good when I read about her approach to songwriting on it. And what happened to the darkness? The California sun is frying Boucher's brain. Regardless, it's the best sugar high of the year.
4 |
| 4 |  | Deafheaven
New Bermuda
The best black metal sections the band has written to date, and their best output. I can see their sound getting stale if they don't switch it up after this one.
4 |
| 3 |  | Highly Suspect
Mister Asylum
A great rock outfit that received some mainstream radio play this year. Essential for anyone who likes the work of Queens of the Stone Age or even Thrice. Yes, I'm still saying the vocalist sounds like Dustin. Don't test me.
4 |
| 2 |  | Kendrick Lamar
To Pimp a Butterfly
You knew this was going to be high. America needed this record. We need fifty more of them.
4.5 |
| 1 |  | Refused
Freedom
Refused did all they set out to do: create an awesome record and make all their old fans upset simultaneously. I loved all the young adult backlash on this album, as if they dictate what the future of music sounds like. You only dictate what it sounds like if you make the art yourself, Mr. Critic.
4.5 |
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