Excellent write-up about Taylor. Unfortunately I never got beyond the "Lana please" stage with Ultraviolence, though from your review and others, I probably should have. Keep it comin'!
I thought Dierks Bentley was a country duo I didn't realize it was just one guy
I listened to Drunk On a Plane again & it was good, I had no idea that was where your avatar came from though
I thought Drunk On a Plane was the lead single with the way it performed on iTunes
I like I Hold On too, the lyrics to this one are really good,
as soon as I heard Kacey on Bourbon in Kentucky, Kacey has the voice of an angel
how did they get away with not crediting Kacey??? Kacey slays me so I'll jam to this one for a while
anyway, for your latest update: 1989 I only disagree about I Know Places, that's one of the highlights for me
I was disappointed with Ultraviolence too, but that disappointment never faded
Love how you called it a blockbuster of an album - it really felt like such a huge release, I wouldn't doubt that it goes down as one of the biggest albums of this decade. Still getting over how amazing it is, especially after following her career for so long its great to see her evolve into such an a-list artist!
I LOVE the idea of a Mixtapes countdown! Outstanding idea! I am not as clued into the hip-hop mixtape scene as I once was, but you are certainly right that mixtapes often can overshadow the eventual album release. I'm thinking of the Rick Ross mixtape from a couple years ago that was wayyyy better than God Forgives. I like Ferg a lot (R.I.P. ASAP Yams!), and Shlohmo is awesome too. I have liked what i've heard from BOOTS, too. And I need to check out Daye Jack and 100s from your descriptions.
I liked Taylor's 1989 (though who didn't, really?), and your write-up does a great job of describing what a big deal it was. Your Lana write-up is great too. "Sad Girl" absolutely reads as parody, you're right, but then the song itself is pretty great. But on first impression, for sure, it reads like a joke. I love The Antlers, though I haven't had a chance to listen to Familliars yet. Your write-up gave me just the kick I needed to listen to it. (especially the Lisbon comparison. I love that album!). You're right that KRIT is ignored, and it's a shame. If it was releaed in 2001, right around the same time the Dungeon Family compilation came out, it would feel more of a piece with the overall hip-hop scene at the time. Since I brought the Dungeon Family comp, it brought "Crooked Booty" to my mind, so excuse me as I dance out of this reply to the song.
Terrific stuff, Bloomers! Excited for what's next!
But those kind of monster, disaster films, I just don't like them at all. It makes me unnecessarily uptight.
OMG that took me awhile to get it BLOOMERS YOU NASTAYYYYYY
Sorry Bloomy
Okay mmmm it's not too bad actually, better than what Zune recommends me
Idk any mixtapes In fact I've not listened to one
The Lord Only #16 tho Expected top 10 The hatred for Wildest Intercourse, How You Get the Bop and I Know Heavens too.
Ultraviolence
I'm glad you were touched by my arm comment
Fair enough on the mixtapes. They are free though. You like the Neighbourhood I think. That would be the one I recommend. But, they're not essential or anything.
Sorry about The Lord. If she ditched those two songs I mentioned, she would probably go top ten. I like "Wildest Intercourse" though. That's one of the messiest names I have ever heard for a song title
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Originally posted by Allstar
oh no. Another Best Of I need to bookmark so I'll have great music to check out.
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Originally posted by Allstar
And go watch Jaws, holyground. Like wtf?
Thanks! Well I do have yours bookmarked also honestly
Not watching Jaws is like not watching Indiana Jones or something. They're classics everyone should know.
Also, just saw your wall post, I couldn't respond, but thanks for the offer. I definitely will this weekend.
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Originally posted by prezli
Ew @ Lana and Taylor
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Originally posted by THERihFan
Wow, that number one is so... random. But, yay, Vessel and "Out of the Woods"!
Honestly, TRF.
My taste is kind of all over the place But it's a great song. Country music needs more appreciation.
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Originally posted by TC
Excellent write-up about Taylor. Unfortunately I never got beyond the "Lana please" stage with Ultraviolence, though from your review and others, I probably should have. Keep it comin'!
Thanks for reading it! I loved Taylor's album. I just wish she would have went whole hog and carried the sound from the first half throughout.
Lana's album is pretty solid. I like how she starts out kind of optimistic and then ends up as "The Other Woman." It is filled with tons of "Lana please" moments though
Quote:
Originally posted by DejaEntendu
I thought Dierks Bentley was a country duo I didn't realize it was just one guy
I listened to Drunk On a Plane again & it was good, I had no idea that was where your avatar came from though
I thought Drunk On a Plane was the lead single with the way it performed on iTunes
I like I Hold On too, the lyrics to this one are really good,
as soon as I heard Kacey on Bourbon in Kentucky, Kacey has the voice of an angel
how did they get away with not crediting Kacey??? Kacey slays me so I'll jam to this one for a while
anyway, for your latest update: 1989 I only disagree about I Know Places, that's one of the highlights for me
I was disappointed with Ultraviolence too, but that disappointment never faded
Wow! You're the best Thanks for checking that stuff out.
I love I Hold On's lyrics. They're so well done. Most the songs on the album are that way. I have no idea why "Bourbon in Kentucky" didn't do well or credit Kacey.
I can't get into "I Know Places" I've tried. The way I see it, is that it doesn't have her usual trademarks. I don't know how to explain it, it just feels like she's singing someone else's song.
I think a lot of people felt that way about Lana's album. Lana's album is about disappointment, maybe she intended to release a disappointing album to make a meta-statement
Quote:
Originally posted by lovesong
I love everything you had to say about 1989
Love how you called it a blockbuster of an album - it really felt like such a huge release, I wouldn't doubt that it goes down as one of the biggest albums of this decade. Still getting over how amazing it is, especially after following her career for so long its great to see her evolve into such an a-list artist!
Can't wait to see your top ten.
Thanks for reading it! I love how 1989 was the event of the year. We need more albums like that. That people can get excited about. I mean, I like pop music, but it just sometimes feels like it's "on to the next one" and there's no time for anything to sink in.
1989 really is an amazing album. But, "How You Get The Girl" is honestly the first song I've ever skipped from her.
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Originally posted by sumthintoxic82
1989, Ultraviolence, are both great albums...both made my Top 10
Glad we share those. You have one of my favorite countdowns
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Originally posted by Superiore
Ferg Forever and BOOTS' mixtape are nice ones
100% agree with you on Ultraslayolence It was a grower!
1989
Someone else who listened to Ferg I love him. He needs to sample more Disney songs.
Ultraslaylonce should've been the name. That's what it's been doing to me lately. Lana Banana knows what's up
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Originally posted by Dr. Spaceman
I LOVE the idea of a Mixtapes countdown! Outstanding idea! I am not as clued into the hip-hop mixtape scene as I once was, but you are certainly right that mixtapes often can overshadow the eventual album release. I'm thinking of the Rick Ross mixtape from a couple years ago that was wayyyy better than God Forgives. I like Ferg a lot (R.I.P. ASAP Yams!), and Shlohmo is awesome too. I have liked what i've heard from BOOTS, too. And I need to check out Daye Jack and 100s from your descriptions.
I liked Taylor's 1989 (though who didn't, really?), and your write-up does a great job of describing what a big deal it was. Your Lana write-up is great too. "Sad Girl" absolutely reads as parody, you're right, but then the song itself is pretty great. But on first impression, for sure, it reads like a joke. I love The Antlers, though I haven't had a chance to listen to Familliars yet. Your write-up gave me just the kick I needed to listen to it. (especially the Lisbon comparison. I love that album!). You're right that KRIT is ignored, and it's a shame. If it was releaed in 2001, right around the same time the Dungeon Family compilation came out, it would feel more of a piece with the overall hip-hop scene at the time. Since I brought the Dungeon Family comp, it brought "Crooked Booty" to my mind, so excuse me as I dance out of this reply to the song.
Terrific stuff, Bloomers! Excited for what's next!
I like mixtapes because you can really get a feel for a rapper and hear what's on their mind. Also, since they don't have to worry about selling them, they can experiment more and I like that. Check out 100s! It has titles like "Ten Freaky Hoes" and some of the best worst lyrics you'll hear. It's completely worth a listen. I need to check out more Shlohmo material because I like what I've heard; and I think you're talking about Rozzay's Rich Forever Mixtape. That's still in my iCloud
I love Lana's titles. "****ed My Way Up To The Top" was the song I was looking forward to most and it did not disappoint. The album is great. I love all the psychedelic guitar flourishes that make the album pop. I think I did "Sad Girl" wrong in my write-up, I love the track, I don't know if it came across that way. You like The Walkmen and The Antlers?! We need to talk more often. 'Lisbon' is an all-time favorite.
Hey, and I'll excuse your "Crooked Bootying" if you excuse my jamming out to that classic while I respond. Thanks for posting that, in all seriousness I did some serious jamming
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Originally posted by supaspaz
You have such an interesting, eclectic taste—Dierks Bentley, Azealia Banks and Coldplay all sharing space in the top ten.
I love those "Tuesday" and "Problem" mentions. "Lookin' Ass" and "Crying For No Reason" are ace as well.
It's a huge mess of artists. I saw that when I made my list
But thanks! "Looking Ass" especially is just on another level. I think that might be the most impressive track and feminist statement. She is capable of being great.
Do to some clever detective work and sleuthing, I reconstructed my elusive albums list so now I can finally finish this. Also, thanks everyone for the support and for reading along. I appreciate it.
Who's ready for a mess of a Top 10?
Favorite 2014 Albums (10 - 06)
11. Majid Jordan - A Place Like This - EP
Let's kicks off with an EP. The only EP on my best albums list. 'A Place Like This' dominated my song chart (I would have included all 5 songs if I didn't toss out a couple), and with good reason too! This EP is an excellent collection of luxuriously smooth R&B songs. If you aren't familiar with Majid Jordan, but think the name is vaguely familiar, you may be thinking of their hit collaboration with Drake: "Hold On We're Going Home (my second favorite song of 2013)." The songs here on the EP are more smoothed out, focusing more on atmosphere and a lived in feeling rather than fireworks (there's no cowboy hats here!) Even though this is only a 5 song set, it flows better than most albums and covers as much ground (soft disco, atmospheric bedroom jams, there's a little of everything that is commonly current in the cutting-edge R&B scene). The songs are endlessly listenable and repayable. Fans of Self-Titléd, Nothing Was The Same, The Weeknd, will all find something to like here. Majid Jordan could be huge, or at least huglely acclaimed with an album this year (Spring if Drake comes through with his promise on 0 To 100 ) Look out for these guys!
10. Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels 2
Alright, let me justify this one being so low despite the original Run The Jewels and R.A.P. Music being a couple of my favorite releases of 2013 and 2012 (R.A.P. Music in particular probably competes only with Red for my favorite album of that year). I love both Killer Mike and El-P, but I just couldn't listen to this album for the majority of time it was out. I took right to downloading it as soon as El-P tweeted it leaked, but numerous computer issues got in the way and I couldn't listen. But, the couple listens I did of this album before it got frozen in my computer, was enough to throw this one high up on my favorite albums list. Killer Mike and El-P just make sense together, they're the dynamic duo of hip-hop laying waste to the majority of the music scene and making it look easy. They always deliver fun music that's quotable, but still meaningful; best of all, their music knocks like no other and hits harder than other bangerz you might come across. And "run backwards through a field of dicks" is the line of the year
09. Mastodon - 'Once More Round The Sun
Mastodon have been one of my favorite bands for a long time and their releases are always something to look forward to. They're just one of those artists that you know is always going to offer up something quality, something interesting, and something different. They threw the biggest curveball with this one, they went "pop." As "pop" as a metal band can go anyway and still maintain their metal bona fides. At first, I was a little disappointed with this one (the motto of this countdown), I wanted something crazy and progressive. 2011's 'The Hunter' was a great album, even if it was criticized for its poppiness, but this one seemed to go a bit of a step further. There was no overarching themes based on the elements, no crazy concepts about astral projection and Rasputin, no more swamp monsters or bedazzled fingernails. But, they still remain one of the best bands out there and were victims only of their own expectations and track records. Why not let loose and have fun six albums in? That's what the album is, a singalong rollercoaster ride of an album instead of a hike up a bloody mountain or a voyage to find moby dick.
08. Tinashe - Aquarius
'Aquarius' was the official debut for the most promising debut act of the year. Tinashe is kind of an strange hybrid of Gaga's musical ambition, Rihanna's versatility and style, and (classic) Britney's charm and charisma and workmanlike attitude. She's the total package and offered up one of the strongest and most fully realized debuts in some time. 'Aquarius' lives up to its watery name: the calm and serene "Bated Breath," the smooth velvety title track, the jagged "All Hands On Deck," the stagnant and fetid "Bet," it all flows together. There are some near-dealbreakers here: Future's verse ruins "How Many Times" and the less said about "Bet" the better. But Tinashe delivered an album full of mostly excellent songs that come together to be something that many pop debuts fail to be, an album; and one of the year's best at that. The sky's the limit for TInashe.
07. Jhené Aiko - Souled Out
The most chill and laid back album I heard all year. I first heard of Jhené Aiko on her guest appearance on Drake's 'From Time' and loved the sound of her voice, so I was compelled to check this album. There are just sometimes when you need that refresher, that break from your stress, and 'Souled Out' is exactly that. Ms. Aiko has the softest voice and most pleasant tone, and the album caters to that. The production is lush and mostly on the bright side. If you do actively listen to the album, the lyrics are pretty good and the production deceptively deep and vivid. But, overall this is the kind of album you just set on play and let flow as you unwind.It's not the most dynamic album, or the most adventurous, but is is a gentle and cohesive album of smooth sailing and throughout 2014, that's all I needed to hear. .
It's not a problem It was worth it in the end. Stuff got deleted but I have everything backed up in Amazon's cloud so it's no big deal. It was just annoying when the stuff I didn't have in iTunes match disappeared from my playlists.
holyground has a Zune
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Originally posted by K$Ellie
Aquarius is perfect
Ultraviolence has a few good songs. 1989
Out Of The Woods
Aquarius is near perfect. If she cut Bet, one of the worst songs of the year, then it would be perfect.
Is Shades Of Cool one of Ultraviolence's best?
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Originally posted by Already Gone
Aquarius
Yes! Aquarius
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Originally posted by AshleeSimpsonFan
I love 2 On so much! I definitely need to check out Aquarius in full
2 On is great. Surprisingly, it's not the best on the album in my opinion. All Hands On Deck and Far Side Of The Moon are better in my opinion. A surprisingly good album
D'Angelo's last album 'Voodoo' came out in 2000. The length of time between 2000 and 2014 is so long in terms of pop music, it can be measured in careers. I'm not going to do that here, but that doesn't make it a false statement. So much can happen in that span of time, so much can change, there is literally a new generation of people that didn't exist when 'Voodoo' hit the CD and Cassette players of the world. How do you come back from that and expect to be current and fresh? That's the question a pop fan would ask. You lost momentum, there's no coming back.
Well, apparently D'Angelo left the pop world behind when he felt that his image was taking precedence over his music and left his fans waiting for him to come back and it seemed that he wouldn't. But, he did. After years of waiting and his return being teased, he simply announced the album and released it shortly after. The album definitely is not current, it's not trendy, it's not even that polished or labored over sounding. It doesn't sound like a 2014 album; it doesn't really sound bound to any particular time for that matter but certainly is welcome during current times of racial tension. Like some of the best albums, it may take time to grow, which is why it's so low here. At first listen, there might not be much to latch onto; just a bunch of spindly sounding instrument and near unintelligible mumbling. Spend some time with the album though, live with it and it will open up. It finally did for me while I was cooking one day and it just hit. It's an album that didn't need to be released in 2014 but just happened to be anyway, It's got the makings of a classic album.
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I'll be back to comment on everyone's shortly.
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