Top 20 Albums of Twenty Fourteen
Today’s music consumption has turned into somewhat of a disposable process where more and more are opting to devour music at speed, often times choosing to digest it by skimming quickly though Soundcloud or Youtube links. And as much as some might go on about the album format being a dieing art, I think 2014 was an extremely strong year for it. I’m still a big advocate of listening to music in the album format and it’s something that’s been ingrained into my listening habits that I feel won’t ever change.
With this in mind I took to compiling my Top 20 Albums of Twenty Fourteen. There’s a fairly varied spread of styles and genres, but I very much think that’s reflective of the quality and diversity that was on offer this past year. Hip-hop ranked high, both for local and overseas releases – whilst the down-tempo styles also got massive air-play. The list is awash with both already established artists and new-comers – a handful of which had debut albums, signalling bright beginnings. It was a very interesting year, to say the least. I couldn’t even begin to rank them in order, so check them alphabetically. In my ears, the Top 20 Albums of Twenty Fourteen…
Aphex Twin – Syro
Announced off the back of one of the most elaborate viral marketing campaigns I’ve seen in recent memory, Richard D. James offered up his first album under the Aphex Twin moniker since 2001’s near-inscrutable double album Drukqs. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t disappoint. Using all manner of weird contraptions to construct the music contained within, this is the Twin doing what he does best; and it’s really fucking good.
Alexander Spit – Lady Killing In America and Other Short Stories
In conjunction with skate clothing label The Hundreds, beats producer come rapper, Alexander Spit, dropped the freely downloadable Lady Killing In America and Other Short Stories. Delivering a selection of slickly produced instrumental beats designed to “fulfill whatever lady killing, swoon-worthy vibes you’re looking for”, Spit takes a back-seat on the rapping for its entirety and instead lets a handful of guest vocalists do the talking to fantastic results. Technically it’s not an “album” per-say, but I thought it too good not to mention!
Asgeir – In The Silence
After the release of a haunting cover of Nirvana’s Heart Shaped Box, Icelandic solo singer-songwriter, Asgeir, dropped one of the most beautiful albums of 2014. A voice that sounds like it was gifted directly from the heavens, Asgeir’s reissued debut album, which was a re-recorded English version of his 2012 release Dýrð í dauðaþögn, is guaranteed to warm the cockles during the coldest of winter nights.
Banks – Goddess
Goddess ushers in 26 year old Jillian Banks debut studio album. Having a handful of EP’s and guest appearances already under her belt, along with a selection of singles from the album released in 2013, hype was big for this. And with producers Sohn, Shlohmo, Lil Silva and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs having put their magic touch to proceedings, there was never really any doubt that it would live up to it.
Beck – Morning Phase
Somewhat of a safe album for Beck, when I initially heard he was getting ready to release a new album I secretly hoped for something that would push the envelope – an ode to his earlier days where he’d fuse things that just weren’t meant to be fused then made them work like some divine entity. That all said, Morning Phase did anything but disappoint. It’s Beck doing what Beck does best. Extremely similar in sound and style to 2002’s Sea Change, Beck himself quoted saying it’s a “companion piece”, Morning Phase is a return to his more forthright style and provides for a lay-back affair. For me, it’s all about those strings on Cycle.
Bonobo – North Borders Live
A live follow-up to their 2013 album, North Borders Live chronicles Bonobo complete as a live entourage. Featuring performances at The Roundhouse in London and the incredible Pula Arena, a genuine Roman Amphitheatre in Croatia, this is an expertly recorded journey that perfectly captures the magic that happens when Bonobo performs as a full piece band live.
Chet Faker – Built on Glass
Under immense pressure after the release of such a strong EP in 2012, the debut long-player from Mr Faker did not disappoint. Taking out a bevvy of ARIA awards including Best Male Artist and Best Independent Release, this album proved that Faker is no one-hit wonder. And as much of a self-obsessed dick as he’s been coming off in the media as of late, there’s no denying that this is one brilliantly crafted album.
Flying Lotus – You’re Dead
It’s amazing to see the progression FlyLo’s sound has taken since his debut release of the genre-defying 1983. Not content in resting on his laurels, each album from there on in has seen FlyLo take a drastically different route to the last. You’re Dead was no exception. Hinted in 2013 that he’d been working on a “future-jazz” album, interests were piqued. In July 2014 he finally announced via Instagram that “LP#5” was on the way. Featuring guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and Herbie Hancock, and teaming up with manga artist Shintaro Kago for the design and illustrations, You’re Dead is an uncompromising, genre-defying, auditory acid-trip that fuses jazz elements with FlyLo’s trademark drum programming and beat workings. This album isn’t for the faint of heart nor will it have commercial mass-appeal, however there’s no denying its brilliance. It’s one of those albums you’ll keep coming back to, picking up on different elements and little nuances with every play-through. An immensely strong offering to an already amazing back-catalogue and well beyond its time, this was one of the highlights of the year.
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Piñata
Piñata see’s legendary beat-smith Madlib, and Indiana born rapper Freddie Gibbs, team-up to deliver one of 2014’s most interesting hip-hop albums. Somewhat of an odd pairing and appealing to disparately different audiences, this collaborative project works on all fronts with Gibbs versatile flow complimenting the Loop Digga’s dusty, 70’s sample heavy beats at every turn. And whilst Gibbs’ vocal additions aren’t to be overlooked, appearances from the likes of Raekwon, Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, Domo Genesis, Ab-Soul and Mac Miller (to name a few), help to make for a well-rounded album that will appeal to both hardcore rap fans and hip-hop purists alike.
Little Dragon – Nabuma Rubberband
Swedish electronic group Little Dragon dropped their fourth studio album to rave reviews in May of 2014. In my eyes anything Yukimi Nagano puts her sultry vocals over is going to be good, add in the elements of her talented band members and you’ve got yourself a sure fire winner. Nabuma Rubberband see’s the group further enhancing their connection between down-tempo trip-hop and livelier dance music, exploring both their familiar slow jam territory whilst delving deeper into heavier explorations. Marking the first time Little Dragon have collaborated with outside musicians, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra provides strings on a handful of the tracks, helping make Nabuma Rubberband that much more special.
Mister Lies – Shadow
After parting from Lefse Records and moving to New York Based DIY label Orchid Tapes, Nick Zanca aka Mister Lies, released Shadow. Available for free in digital formats Nick toured extensively through the US with a newly formed 4-piece band off the back of its release. A lot can be taken from releasing music digitally for free, and I feel it speaks volumes for the current climate. While in one respect it’s sad to see artists having to give away art that they’ve worked so hard on, it’s really encouraging to see them evolving with the times. Gone are the days where simply releasing an album can pay the bills – touring and live performances have now become a huge part of the process. The album itself received physical releases with a fantastic 12″ pressing available, which I’m sure a lot of fans flocked to getting their hands on – myself included. A significant departure from Nick’s previous work, Shadow takes us on a vocal lead journey as organic instrumentation lays the groundwork for him to step forth and deliver vocal performances for the first time. Not as dance-floor orientated as his previous album Mowgli, Shadow is a deeply mature and in-depth excursion that makes for one of 2014’s most underrated gems.
Mr Scruff – Friendly Bacteria
Chances are you’ve already heard Mr Scruff if you’ve used a PC running Windows 7 – his tune Kalimba from his 2008 album Ninja Tuna came pre-loaded with the operating system’s sample music. He’s been around a minute, signed to the label Ninja Tune since the late 90s. Boasting an impressive and consistently amazing stream of releases, it’s pretty easy to see why they’ve kept a close hold of the man. We’ve seen five studio albums over the course of his signing with Ninja Tune, all with varying degrees of success. Friendly Bacteria marks his sixth studio album for the label. Joined by guest vocalists, Scruff takes a more mature tact, yet still utilizing his minimalistic production techniques which are lead by his trademark sawtooth basslines. It may be discounted as a dated sounding album, but I enjoy the sound that Scruff offers here, and a depart from his previously playful mannerisms is a welcome change. One for the purists or already established fans.
One Day – Mainline
Spit Syndicate, Joyride, Horrowshow and Jackie Onassis joined forces in early 2014 to create the Sydney based hip-hop super-group One Day. All amazingly talented artists in their own right, the collaborative project paved the way for one of the years strongest Australian hip-hop albums. Bursting onto the scenes in September, Mainline delivered tightly produced beats, lyrical content with depth and an Australian tour that took no prisoners.
For the uninitiated, make sure you check the two-part video promo they dropped before the album was released, here and here.
Odesza – In Return
Sun-kissed melodies and pitch-shifted vocals lead Odesza’s second long player, an expertly produced offering that utilized live vocalists Zyra, Shy Girls, Jenni Potts, Py, Monsoonsiren, Madelyn Grant and Briana Marela. These live vocal additions very much helped to catapult their album into the pop sphere without compromising on quality or depth. Hands-in-the-air anthems like Say My Name and Echoes are stand-out moments that beg to be played at high volume. Signed to Ninja Tune, the future looks bright for this production duo.
Pig & Dan – Destination Unknown
One of the more unexpected offerings of 2014, European Techno dons Pig & Dan well and truly proved the proverb “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” true when releasing this blissful trip-hop infused down-tempo album. Paying homage to the musicians and artists they’ve met and been inspired by since the beginning of their career, this two disc offering drips with character and is as far away from their usual techno sound as possibly could be. As much as I love their dance-floor-friendly productions, the direction this album takes is nothing short of mesmerizing – if nothing due to the fact that it truly transcends the broad spectrum of electronic music whilst reflecting Pig & Dan’s diverse musical pallet.
Remi – Raw X Infinity
Australian hip-hop has very much found its feet over the past few years, and it’s artists like 22 year old Melbourne based MC Remi who have helped play a huge part in that movement. Ushering in a new wave of fresh and original forward thinking music, Remi has shown to have some serious mass-appeal – touring extensively both locally and overseas off the back of the release of Raw X Inifinity. It speaks volumes for the quality of the album, and whilst Remi’s rhythmic lyrical delivery can’t be discounted here, neither can the ageless backing beats provided by the talented production duo of Sensible J and Dutch. It’s a match made in heaven.
Run The Jewels – RTJ2
A punchy and aggressive outing, and another freely downloadable album, RTJ2 proved that Killer Mike and El-P are a force to be reckoned with. Letting their ideals take the front seat, El and Mike hold no punches, delivering some of the most quote-worthy raps you’re bound to hear this year, or any other year for that matter. A guest appearance from Rage Against The Machine front-man, Zach De La Rocha, on Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck), makes for the album’s crowning piece – Zach’s verse showing us that he still has the chops to deliver great lyrical content and hinting at a re-introduction to the game (one can hope, right?). Production on the album can’t be overlooked, or more importantly won’t let it be over looked. Up-beat, uncompromising, party-starting beats crafted with the utmost attention to detail accompany the team’s raps perfectly and very much sound like RTJ2 was made with live performances in mind. Going by the reports from their most recent tour, it seems like they’ve set it up perfectly.
SBTRKT – Wonder Where We Land
It was always going to be hard living up to such an amazing debut album. Even four years after it’s release, SBTRKT’s self titled debut still holds it’s own and, in my opinion, it’s still as fresh as the day it dropped. Wonder Where We Land doesn’t feel like the album that should have been, but taken for what it is, it’s still a very strong release. His same amazing fusion of RnB, garage and hip-hop is still there and much to our ears delight Sampha’s vocals are back and make for highlights of the album. That all said, I think it speaks volumes for an artist when an album that didn’t live up to your expectations still manages to be one of your favourites of the year.
Sticky Fingers – Land of Pleasure
Delayed for quite some months with release dates being bumped up time and time again, I was a little worried this album would never see the light of day. Early released singles teased fans with airplay on commercial radio stations, with their first Gold Snafu, receiving a tongue-in-cheek 70s styled video clip. Their second single, Just For You, was a depart from their tried and tested sound; a ravey, drum-heavy piece that sounds like it could have been lifted off an early Underworld album. Appealing directly to my electronic roots, this hinted at a different direction from the group. Once the album landed I was happy to find that predictably electronic elements are utilized throughout, helping to make for great results. Used modestly these elements aren’t allowed to overshadow the groups lyrical content, neither are they allowed to dull the more organic elements that have become a staple to their sound. Established fans will be happy to hear dub elements are still noticeable throughout and help give cohesion to the journey. New listeners will simply be blown away. This is an album that makes me feel proud to be Australian – something I happily recommend to friends with a knowing smile, joyous in the fact that I know I’m doing their ears a solid.
Tycho – Awake
It’s always really interesting seeing electronic artists make the move to a live format. There’s so many things that go wrong, but when things go right, it’s a very amazing thing to hear. In 2014 Awake saw Scott Hansen move his Tycho project to a live format. Forming a 4-piece band, the album was recorded using live elements rather than the previously software based sequenced outings that we saw on Dive, Past Is Prologue and Sunrise Projector. It’s a noticeable difference in sound but it’s refreshing to hear that Scott and the band haven’t compromised on doing their best to stay true to the emotion and melodic stylings that have long defined the Tycho sound. Crisp drum hits lead luscious melodies while washed out guitar riffs pave the way for a sense of nostalgia that’s both warm and inviting. It’s heaven to your ears and helps make for one of 2014’s most beautiful albums.
[…] Instead of writing a “best of 2015” article I’ve instead decided to drill in on my Last.FM listen history for the year that was. Partly because I was a too lazy to write a full article (but you can check last year’s article here). […]