What I did gone and listened to in 2015
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).
Everything has been compiled via the Last.FM scrobbler, which tracks my listening habits via phone, computer and laptop, so it isn’t exhaustive but still manages to snag the majority of what I listen to.
Top Albums
Nosaj Thing’s luscious album Fated garnered the highest amount of listens which I think in part was due to it’s short run-time and the fact that it was the perfect length for catching the train into the city… helped in part by the expertly crafted beats that Nosaj manages to serve up in a way that only he knows how to.
D’Angelo’s Voodoo might stand-out considering it’s 16 years old now, but his release of Black Messiah in 2014 spurred a heavy re-visit along with constantly finding its way to the stereo when relaxing with friends. It’s a very accessible, ageless album and I’m still yet to meet someone who doesn’t appreciate its brilliance.
If I had to pinpoint a favourite for the year it’d go to The Internet’s Ego Death. Since their inception the soulful 6-piece have grown into a talented group with a sound that has matured well beyond their years. After showing promise with their debut album it was extremely refreshing to see them find their feet and deliver what was one of the best albums of the year.
Top Albums
Top Artists
No surprise that Beck is at the top – coming into the start of 2015 I was still a bit obsessed with Morning Phase. Plus he’s got such a varied back catalogue there’s always one of his albums that will fit the mood or situation you’re in.
Mac DeMarco was new to my ears in 2015 after I was introduced to his music during his Australian tour for the Laneway Festival. It spurred on a heavy listening binge where I devoured everything I could get my hands on and discovered Salad Days. His deliberately aged and washed-out style hits all the right buttons.
Also new to my music library was one young Baro, a local Melbournian whom at only 18 years of age released his brilliantly crafted debut EP, 17/18. I can’t recommend him highly enough – if you’re into hip-hop you need his music in your life.
Top Artists
If you’re interested in delving deeper feel free to check my Last.FM profile. If you’re a user feel free to throw me a friend request, the voyeur in me enjoys going through over people’s music libraries 😉
I’d also love to hear what everyone else enjoyed from the year, or if there’s any similarities between what you were listening to! So please drop a comment below.