I’m sure many people have been wondering, “what were Matt’s favourite albums of 2014?” Well, wonder no more. I have to say I thought this year was really disappointing for music in general and especially the alternative scene. Pop ruled the roost although I honestly can’t imagine looking back and really wanting to listen to a lot of them all the way through. But still, here are the ones that I enjoyed the most.
1. The National – Trouble Will Find Me
By far my most listened album this year and keeping up the impeccable high standards of the Brooklyn band. Melancholy and humour wrapped in a perfect package.
2. The Front Bottoms – Talon of the Hawk
Stumbled across these guys thanks to a Spotify recommendation. Similar to The Menzingers and other American pop rock. Witty lyrics and catchy tunes and not one bad song on the album won me over straight away.
3. Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap
Best Hip Hop album of the year by far. Even better, he released it for free
http://www.datpiff.com/Chance-The-Rapper-Acid-Rap-mixtape.483826.html
Two of the catchiest songs of the year in “cocoa butter kisses” and “favourite songs”.
Have a listen you won’t regret it.
4. Bring Me The Horizon – Sempiternal
Best metal album of the year and even though I’m not a fan of their members I think BMTH are the best british metal band around. With every album they’ve improved and refined their style. Still can’t get enough of “shadow moses”.
5. Lorde – Pure Heroin
Brilliant pop music and she’s only 17.
Not one bad song on this album.
6. Deafheaven – Sunbather
Hipster Metal…supposedly. It was heralded as original by a lot of people who have never heard Isis, Envy or Neurosis.
But it is still brilliant the musicianship is incredible and brutal.
7. Touche Amore – Is Survived By
Brilliant modern take on post hardcore. Great lyrics and music, slightly easier on the ears than the previous two excellent albums.
8. Haim – Days are Gone
Great pop music, shame it took so long between the singles coming out and the album as I’d listened to them to death. But still “falling” is pop perfection.
9. Kanye West – Yeezus
Absolutely stunning production with some terribly ridiculous lyrics make for a great album about racism and other stuff. Glad Rick Rubin got involved to cut down only the essential songs needed for the album. Also the car crash interviews he’s been doing recently are amazing.
10. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City
Brilliant as always from these New York Boys. Not too dissimilar to their previous too but not one bit of filler on the whole album.
11. Fuck Buttons – Slow Focus
12. The 1975 – S/T
13. Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse
14. Peace – In Love
15. Dessa – Parts of Speech
16. J Cole – Born Sinner
17. 65daysofstatic – Wild Light
18. Arctic Monkeys – AM
19. Drake – Nothing was the Same
20. Hot 8 Brass Band – Tombstone
Would love to hear anyone else’s lists via the medium of social media.
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