Hey Everyone it’s been awhile
10. Colin Stetson/New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges- This guy plays sax for Bon Iver and has played with tons of other acts as well. The album is simply Colin Stetson playing saxophone, bass saxophone and more in his unique way. “captured entirely live in single takes with no overdubs or looping, using over 20 mics positioned close and far throughout the live room.” (Thanks wikipedia). There’s really no way to explain it, you just gotta listen. I love this album because he creates these moods and feelings in such an amazing yet simple way.
9. Tom Waits/ Bad as Me- I love Tom Waits. First time I heard Tom Waits sing I laughed. Now I laugh and I love DUUUUUUHHH. I’ll always admire a person who can do whatever they want and get away with it. This new record has some great tracks on it. Check out Chicago and Hell Broke Luce.
8. Coldplay/Mylo Xyloto- I think there are enjoyable songs on every Coldplay album. However I really enjoy this album more than I have the last two Coldplay records. I like where this one takes me and it’s become one of my favorites of the year. The cover art fits the music well. this album is colorful and great for crappy winter Chicago days.
7. Active Child/You are all I See- I saw this guy play with M83. I expected a crappy opener but he was great and really added to the entire show. The album is danceable on tracks like Playing House, or Call Me Tonight, and then really atmospheric on tracks like Ancient Eye and Johnny Belinda. While the album as a whole focuses more on mood there are so many other feelings hidden through out You are all I See. I love cranking this one.
6. St. Vincent/Strange Mercy- Listen to this!!!!! Oh my my. Annie Clark’s voice is delicate and her guitar is rough. the tension is the best part. I can hardly choose a favorite off this. St. Vincent’s music is so cool and this album is great.
5. Tune Yards/Who Kill- You’re SUppOsed To mESs WiTh the FoNt In Tune Yards, but I’m not going to do that. This album can get weird but I tell ya, the weirder it gets the better. This girl is getting to the status of “Whatever, I do what I want!” and that makes me glad. Listen to this album and check out her tiny desk concert. that should seal the deal.
4. Alexi Murdoch/Towards The Sun- This guy does what I love so well. Acoustic and pretty and relaxing and well written. Listen to these songs with good headphones in a cabin or a peaceful place. I did that and I learned that this is one of my favorite little albums this year.
3. M83/ Hurry up, We’re Dreaming- DOUBLE ALBUM ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE SKY. I’ve liked M83 but I looooove this one. sometimes it’s danceable, sometimes it’s atmospheric, sometimes it’s beautiful, and most of the time it’s all three. can you go wrong? uh no you can’t? maybe you can but this DIDN’t!!! also saw him live, just braggin a little.
2. Bon Iver/Bon Iver- This is self-titled but nobody wants to say self-titled, they always say “Bon Iver Bon Iver.” Maybe it’s out of respect. If it is I get it. My mind is still trying to decide if I like this one more than the first (For Emma). I find that debate to be foolish. Both amazing albums and unique experiences. This is what we get this year and I’m quite happy. Beautiful album, great instrumentation. hey Bon Iver… Great Job!
1. Fleet Foxes/ Helplessness Blues- THANK YOU FLEET FOXES. These guys have really upped their game. When You listen to this album you forget that Robin whats hisPeckface isn’t really a coal miner or train hopper. He’s just a guy that writes pop songs. But this music sounds really authentic. When I first got this I listened to it non-stop. I find myself coming back to it still. I find new songs to be my favorite and songs I didn’t care for before have grown on me. This is my number one.
thanks Great Job
