I blinked and it's 2014. Time to recap my favorite music of the past year.
Haim - Days Are Gone - Three talented sisters from Los Angeles who write great songs and seem to be genuinely enjoying their ride to stardom. The songs are fresh takes on common themes (often with male/female roles reversed) and have a definite 70s/80s pop/rock influence. The production is a bit glossy, but the performances shine through.
They are loose and fun live, too.
The 1975 - The 1975 - A lot like Haim, except they are group of British lads. But they have many of the same influences. The album consists of several great songs that they've refined over the course of a few EPs, a couple of solid new cuts, and a bit of lightweight filler. At their best they rival the best of Phoenix, at worst they are merely pleasant. In all, a worthy debut.
Chvrches - The Bones Of What You Believe - Electro-pop with addictive melodies, insistent beats, and a bright, winsome voice add up to a solid debut album. Easy to enjoy, but still rewards multiple listens.
Autre Ne Veut - Anxiety - Skewed, melancholy alternative R&B with a trip-hop vibe, overflowing with lush synths, skittering beats, slick production and emotive vocals focused on love, sex, and relationships. Similar to The Weeknd, but leaner and more direct, without the poisonous, druggy vibe. Impressive album, hope to hear more from Autre Ne Veut in the future.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories - How much you like this album will depend on your opinion of disco. If you're still stuck in the "Disco Sucks" mindset, well, you're missing out. While there was plenty of crap in the disco era ("Disco Duck", ugh), there were also many superb artists and producers who just happened to make their names and score their biggest hits during that era. Daft Punk decided to go retro and visit the land of good groove, and brought along Nile Rodgers (co-leader of disco luminaries Chic, and rhythm guitarist par excellence) and Giorgio Moroder (famed disco producer) as tour guides. It's a left turn from their prototypical house beats, but they've always had a great love for disco. And the results are pretty glorious. "Get Lucky" is catchy as hell and features the funkiest rhythm guitar Nile Rodgers has recorded in years. "Giorgio By Moroder" consists of snippets of a monologue by the man himself describing his rise as a producer set to dizzying rhythms and beats he produced. Other guests stars such as Pharrell Williams, Julian Casablancas (of the Strokes) and Panda Bear add their distinctive flavor to the proceedings, but this is clearly Daft Punk's show. There are a few tracks that seem less than essential, but this is my favorite Daft Punk album to date.
Arcade Fire - Reflektor - Arcade Fire have produced several albums in the last decade, ranging from excellent to amazing. But they're not resting on their laurels. On Reflektor, they tackle themes of isolation, alienation, and death in their own idiosyncratic way and largely succeed again. Musically they manage to successfully incorporate Haitian and Jamaican musical elements into their rhythmic indie rock style. Here's to hoping they continue their streak of winners.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me - Another band that is on an impressive run. Since Alligator earned them wider notice in 2004, The National have moved from peak to peak. They've got their style and songwriting refined to perfection, and their latest album is just more of their best. If you're already a fan, it's a must, and if you're not, this is as good a place to start as any.
The Strokes - Comedown Machine - Another veteran rock band who are still getting it done on their most mature album yet. The trademark, chugging rockers are in fine form, but lyrics are more subdued than in the past. The near-mechanical precision of the band can sometimes work against the slower, more introspective numbers, but Julian Casablancas has improved his falsetto to the point where he brings a soulful vibe that rights the balance. Chalk one up in the win column for this NYC team.
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires Of The City - I was a fan of their previous releases, but their latest really finds Vampire Weekend coming into their own. Previously releases might have (incorrectly) given the impression they they were dilettantes, copping Africa-inspired licks to make their college radio pop sound fresher. But Modern Vampires Of The City is more direct, dynamic, and grown up. Looks like Vampire Weekend is in it for the long haul.
Various Artists - After Dark 2 - Ok, including a compilation on the list may seem like a cop out, but frankly, it's not. Many of the songs on the album are produced by Johnny Jewel, uber-producer and keeper of the signature sound of the Italians Do It Better label -- hypnotic, brooding, cinematic, electro. The whole album has a very cohesive feel, and could almost pass for the work of a single artist with some guest vocalists. Half the songs are by the two biggest names on the label, Chromatics and Glass Candy. But even the lesser known artists contribute some gems. If you liked the Drive soundtrack or enjoy Chromatics, Glass Candy, or any other artists on the label, this is a must have. For anyone else, it makes a great entry point into the label's catalog. And it sounds great on the car stereo at night.
Honorable Mention
Charli XCX - True Romance
Tegan & Sara - Heartthrob
Phoenix - Bankrupt!
Gliss - Langsom Dans
Free Energy - Love Sign
Kavinsky - Outrun
The Noisettes - Contact
Best Reissues
Smashing Pumpkins - The Aeroplane Flies High
The Postal Service - Give Up (10th Anniv. Deluxe)
The Faint - Danse Macabre (Deluxe)
The Clash - Sound System