This year Pop music fought back. I'm not talking that shite that pollutes American radio waves, I am referring to the good stuff. Not bad considering this is a year that Phoenix came up short creatively.
Speaking of coming up short, Kanye decided to toss off some rhymes at the last minute which cheapened a record that went places musically - into NIN territory. Thankfully for all concerned, Trent Reznor returned to remind us all that there is a right way to grow old gracefully. If only Jay-Z had taken notes...
So on to the albums that I listened to (a lot) this year:
Vaudeville Smash - Dancing For The Girl
Funky Australian outfit that has some big cajones and bravado. Don't believe me?
The 1975 - The 1975
They breed them well up in Manchester. Their debut album is full of killer singles. Here is one of them.
St Lucia - When The Night
Anthem for the Summer (and the following one as well). I assume Peter Cetera's lawyers are filing papers as we speak.
City and Colour - The Hurry And The Harm
Four albums in and not a dud amongst them. Continuing to explore new sonic territories, Dallas Green now serves only one master - himself.
Jen Cloher - In Blood Memory
Full disclosure: I contributed to her Pozible campaign to complete and release this album. Of course that doesn't guarantee a successful product. Jen's third album is her most complete and her most ambitious. At only 7 tracks, she says what other bands take a double album to do.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Sure they are a bunch of miserable bastards, but damn it they give good music and lyrics:
"When I walk into a room
I do not light it up.
Fuck."
Haim - Days Are Gone
Not only is this the best pop album this year, it is the best album this year full stop. Haters can take their Wilson Phillips comparisons and shove it.
