1. Regina Spektor – Remember Us to Life
If Bleeding Heart was a promise, then this album is delivery
on that promise. Expanding on those pitch-perfect vocals and the magical piano
fingers, Ms. Spektor has wrapped them in creative and full production. This album
has depth and covers a wide spectrum and it hits on all fronts, from singing to
storytelling to grabbing you right in the chest and squeezing very hard. Take Sellers of Flowers alone... Even before
her live show made me dizzy with wonder this album had already secured its
rightful spot here.
2. Donovan Woods – Hard Settle, Ain't Troubled
Donovan is a wordsmith which is obvious even from each 140 characters out of @donovanwoods but when he pairs this with his guitar picking the synergy carries you off and the strings on this album make it transcendental. A devastating romantic, he can express not just one emotion but an array of inner turmoil in a tangible three minutes. It’s not just skill, it’s masterful.
Donovan is a wordsmith which is obvious even from each 140 characters out of @donovanwoods but when he pairs this with his guitar picking the synergy carries you off and the strings on this album make it transcendental. A devastating romantic, he can express not just one emotion but an array of inner turmoil in a tangible three minutes. It’s not just skill, it’s masterful.
3. Bon Iver – 22, A Million
Even having guiltily read some of the pre-press reviews of
the album and the Eaux Claires Festival live debut I was still unsure upon the first
listen. Yet, I was compelled to try again. And again. The challenge quickly
paid dividends in being a thoroughly engaging and dynamic record. Boundary busting
and all the other terms that have surrounded this release, it is without a
doubt a true piece of art. Justin, I’d be happy as hell to stay for tea.
4. Basia Bulat – Good Advice
Basia, your confidence is showing and it’s making you glow.
That luxurious voice of yours is in top form and the full band backing that
you’ve surrounded it with is making my dreams come true. For all the warm
feelings I have for each previous album this is the point where all
that potential comes together. It’s a breakthrough and I wish for it to break
you through so you can continue to push yourself and deliver the goods for ages
to come. Thank you for this Good Advice.
5. Pup – The Dream is Over
After screaming along to the self-titled at as many shows as
I could get myself to I was entirely resigned to the sophomore not quite living
up. And yet I was completely wrong and feel like a dummy for doubting Stefan
and co. for even a moment. From the first time I heard DVP to the millionth time I threatened loved ones with “if this
tour doesn’t kill you, I will” and those are just the first two tracks of this
blast of a record. All the props these dudes are getting are fully deserved. No
pressure on that third album, fellas.
6. Wintersleep – The Great Detachment
With the top tier group of musicians in this band it’s
no surprise that their output is so consistently excellent. It’s not that
they are doing things that are entirely new but more that they do them so goddamn well.
Whether building tension, packing punches, or excising demons they are on top
of the game. Circumstances have not yet allowed me to witness The Great
Detachment live so for now I will put this album on again and close my eyes.
7. John K. Samson – Winter Wheat
Further building my case that John K. is the best lyricist
in this country (even with some stiff competition right here on this list) he
takes that and wraps a wonderful musical experience around it. His strongest
solo effort to date, surely with thanks to a few of his former rock
counterparts who play alongside him here. In this
post-Weakerthans world it’s reassuring that John will continue to enthral us
with each lyric, each line, transporting us around the country in a perfectly
worded phrase. I’ll even forgive the grammar on Postdoc Blue’s “so your
presentation went terrible” because you wrapped up Virtute, even if it wrenches
my heart.
8. Aidan Knight – Each Other
Delivering the full length follow up to Small Reveal that I
was fearful might not be coming. Aidan lays this work out with precision and
detail that allows it to whisper right where it should and burst just as it
needs to. It is a river ride that washes over and engulfs the listener until
you find yourself back on the beach, wet yet warm, full and refreshed.
9. Okkervil River – Away
Moving at the pace that Okkervil wants to move. It’s
lovely, from the sweeping music to the poetic lyrics, without even realising the
fine points I am compelled to return to it over and over.
10. White Lung – White Lung
A roar from front to back, this album is short and strong.
Led by the fierce female vocals and that wandering electric guitar it just
surges along with the only complaint being how quickly it finishes so you just
flip it on again from the start. A real fresh breath.
Andy Shauf - The Party
Anonhi - Hopelessness
Aqua Alta - Dreamsphere
BadBadNotGood - IV
Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
Case/Lang/Viers -
Drake - Views
Kanye West - Life of Pablo
Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack
Jazz Cartier - Hotel Paranoia
Memoryhouse - Soft Hate
Rae Spoon - Armour
Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
River Tiber - Indigo
The Strumbellas - Hope
The Strumbellas - Hope
Tuns - Tuns
