I guess this is how Gawker writers come to be, what have i done *holds head in shame*
Hmm...I wonder if I'll find a way to sneak Gawker into the conversation tonight...
Three artists I've been meaning to listen to more in this latest set, especially S-K. I've really liked what I have heard, I'm not sure why I'm taking so long to check them out completely. I don't even know what I'm doing.
Sorry about no update yestersday, but that mistake shall not continue into today!
Also, posting my 2012 list made me think. Where the hell have Japandroids been? How are you gonna take over 3 years to follow up on Celebration Rock? I guess its also appropriate that this next artist never takes long to follow up on anything.
28. II by Fuzz
Best Song - "Pipe"
Also - "Rat Race" , "Pollinate"
-Ty Segall has become a regular here. This is a direct consequence of a talented musician releasing new material every single year. I've even given him credit for albums he hasn't created! Anyways this is my favorite project of his. It's his heaviest band and also the heaviest artist on the best of 2015 list somewhat surprisingly. Fuzz is certainly not inaccessible to people that dislike heavy rock though. According to the new bass guitarist, Chad Ubervich, the recording was weird for them as none of the band members were used to collaberating. They all like 'I can do it'. There's does seem to be more focus than on Sleigh Ride, though with this type of music a lack of focus and unity isn't necessarily the worst thing. I still prefer "Sleigh Ride" but "II" is just awesome and I'll be highly anticipating "III" or "Jingle Bells" depending on what kind of mood they are in.
27. Let The Good Times Roll by JD McPherson
Best Song- "Let The Good Times Roll"
Also- "All Over But The Shouting" , "Bossy" , "Everybody's Talkin Bout the All-American"
-JD McPherson immediately reminds me of the movie Clue, songs like "Rock Around the Clock" and Marty McFly singing Chuck Berry. A ballroom full of people doing big band dancing. The women have skinny ass legs and no butt. The men know they shouldn't be so desirious, but tonight the future is now. A simpler time, when only certain people had full rights. Alright maybe the last isn't so great when you really think about it. But I think you can still invoke those type of sounds. Music isn't racist after all, them vibrations don't give a freak about you. Rockabilly! That's the perfect word to describe him. So if you're craving that type of atmosphere without the oppression and intolerance, JD is the guy for you.
26. Storyteller by Carrie Underwood
Best Song- "Renegade Runaway"
Also- "Church Bells" , "Clock Don't Stop" , "Choktaw County Affair"
-My gawd that song is hot. Blew my freakin mind the first time I heard it. It had been told to me that Carrie was going in a more arena rock direction this album. I was definitely up for that. Despite the list reflecting otherwise, I'll never admit to liking country. You can torture me all you want, I won't do it. But I did like "Before He Cheats" and some of her other songs. Carrie always had an appealing voice, and adding that to arena rock sounded just right. Unfortunately I wasn't taken with "Smoke Break" on first listen and may have dismissed the album entirely because of it. Apple Music saved the day though, as it has been all year. Ten seconds into "Renegade Runaway" I was sold and promptly listened to the rest. "Church Bells" legit has one of, if not the best guitar solos of the year. "Smoke Break" improved and the rest of Jay Joyce's productions are great too. Hmm I wonder why that is, maybe cause hes from The Land Till he Dies. Yet despite all the arena rockiness and C-Town production, this is still an album about stories, which is probably what country does better than anyone else. So Carrie stuck to her roots whilst expanding enough to finally include me. What a gal.
Word life everyone. Thanks for continuing to read. Top 25 is next!
Do I smell a double update? I think so!!! Rankings are getting hard as this next group of ten is pretty much about equal.
25. Kintsugi by Death Cab For Cutie
Best Song - "The Ghosts of Beverly Drive"
Also - "Black Sun" , "Little Wanderer"
-At last a true favorite! This list has been dominated by newbies thus far, and Death Cab are actually one of only two former #1s to make the list at all (the other one is WAY later). This isn't a coincidence. I probably only still listen to about half the bands I really loved in high school. And while Death Cab is still pretty much the same lyrically, their music changes just enough each album to keep me hooked and coming back for more. Unfortunately, Kintsugi will be the last album with the full Death Cab team. But on the other hand, Chris Walla wasn't even gonna do this one, so at least we got one more. And if it called him back once maybe it will again? I'm not all that concerned about a three man DCFC, but its still a bummer. "Ghosts of Beverly Drive" is such a perfect mix of the eletro sound of their future and the guitar based indiemo of the past. A great way to go out, if it is indeed the last we see of Walla on this list.
24. Revival by Selena Gomez
Best Song- "Same Old Love"
Also- "Revival" , "Kill em With Kindness" , "Sober" , "Good For You" , "Survivors"
-Well at least one super hot young pop star broke her mehdiocre album streak in 2015. I've always liked Selena's voice alot and knew she had it in her, but with pop there's never a guarantee. She could have gone on a 2 year coke binge and we'd never see her again. It was quite close actually, but luckily she ditched Bieber in time. Selena's music career had two phases in it up to this point. First she was a merc for Disney, making catchy songs intended for 12 year olds. Then she turned into a club song merc for her sexy phase. Stuff like "Slow Down" but anyone could have sang that song. Selena goes back into old habits a few times, with generic ballad "Camoflauge" and generic club song "Me and the Rhythm". Thats how she gets half the album listed in the best of but only ranks in the mid 20s. Most of the time is different though. And for the first time they sound like sounds she made, rather than songs that were made for her.
23. Higher Truth by Chris Cornell
Best Song- "Murderer Of Blue Skies"
Also- "Dead Wishes" , "Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart" , "Josephine", "Higher Truth"
-Cornell is back! The Soundgarden return came and went with a few good songs, but I think I would much prefer this type of stuff Sir Corn for the rest of my life. Unless Audioslave can return, then we have a whole different battle. "Higher Truth" is just very peaceful while still being as rockin as anything else Cornell has ever done. It's the type of rock you'd hear at the top of a mountain, raising its hands in triumph as it gazes upon the suddenly tiny world beneath it. Maybe this was because I was walking across a bridge over the Metroparks when listening for the first time, but I'm feeling the same sitting here on my butt. I'll also say that just from a purely vocal standpoint, this is his strongest work to date. He slays on every song. We have come so far from the days of hin ruining weenie roast sets. The torch has officially been passed to Billy "I hate you for liking me" Corgan!
Yay double update. I gotta work all day tomorrow, so 22-20 will probably come on New Years Eve.
O, these past couple of sets are two of the best sets you have ever done! Outside of the Selena Gomex album (which I haven't heard) these are all really good albums!
Fuzz!!! I love that they are your fav Segall-related project. Your JD McPherson write-up is one of your best ever hahaha. Outstanding! Love love that album. And Carrie!! Shout to C-Town's Jay Joyce! Your Death Cab write-up is perfect, I know how much you love them, so it's cool to see them still up there for you. And Cornell!! What a great album! I love your mention of when you first listened to it, those personal details are always welcome.
I said I'd update on New Years Eve and I technically didn't. So from my point of view, it is still Thursday and this update is right on time babycakes. Now get them ears ready for some Toons yo.
22. Our Own House by Misterwives
Best Song- "Reflections"
Also- "Our Own House" , "Best I Can Do" , "No Need For Dreaming"
-Here is a groovy pop band for those in the market for one. Wikipedia describes them as alternative dance but my name is better. I figured "Reflections" was the more well known of my two favorites and linked "Our Own House", but both are must listens. The whole album is groovy, thus the high ranking, but I know not everyone had that kind of time, that's why I'm here to simplify things. It also reminds me of Teegan and Sara's most recent, and also most awesome album. So if you're with me on that then this might just be welcome in your house too. See what I did there? Wiki fun fact, this band was created because singer Mandy Lee wanted an 80s cover band for her birthday. One thing led to another and bam! Magic.
21. Undertow by Drenge
Best Song- "Never Awake"
Also- "Running Wild" , "We Can Do What We Want" , "Snake", "Favorite Son"
-The UK can also be counted on to churn out a great new rock act or two or five every year. This is technically Drenge's second album, but it's their first time beint really really great. This is also another great two piece outfit, much like 2014's breakout brits Royal Blood. There's a certain controlled rawness to it that reminds me of my hometown boys Cloud Nothings and to bands as far back as Dead Kennedys, but without the angst of either lol. They would be the type of band you'd wanna see in a Bowling Alley, but they'd also be equally equip to open for The Black Keys.
20. Delirium by Ellie Goulding
Best Song- "Something In The Way You Move"
Also- "Holdin On For Life" , "On My Mind" , "Aftertaste", "Love Me Like You Do"
-And I'm finally on the Ellie train, one way trip to Dance Party Central U. Like everyone else, I really liked "Lights". But because it became a hit so late, I had already overplayed it by the time everyone else started overplaying it. Because of this I skipped out on his first album. Halycon .. Was fine but not really my thing. I thought I was done with Ellie until she brought down the house with mega singles "Love Me Like You Do" , "On My Mind" and Major Lazer's "Powerful". This gave me the push needed, and the powerhouse opening duo of "Aftertaste" and MVP "Something In The Way You Move". Seriously, just read my comments about "Sparks" and reapply them here. Add in a secondary addiction to the slow pumper "Holdin On To Life" that developed later on and we go from one of the years best pop albums to one of the years best overall albums.
Happy new year! I should also have more time for updates and reading your threads in coming weeks. Stay fresh, atrl.
And as a bonus here is my list from 2006. So old! Some of you might not have even been born yet!
2006
1. My Chemical Romance The Black Parade
2. Panic! At The Disco A Fever You Cant Sweat Out
3. Muse - Black Holes And Revelations
4. The Killers Sams Town
5. Nelly Furtado Loose
6. Taking Back Sunday Louder Now
7. Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere
8. TV On The Radio Return To Cookie Mountain
9. Lupe Fiasco Food & Liquor
10. The Raconteurs Broken Boy Soldier
Unranked
Angels and Airwaves We Dont Need To Whisper
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, Im Not
Beck The Information
Billy Talent BT2
Clipse Hell Hath No Fury
The Decemberists The Crane Wife
The Game Doctors Advocate
Ghostface Fishscale
The Hold Steady Boys And Girls In America
Incubus Light Grenades
Justin Timberlake Future Sex/Love Sounds
Lostprophets Liberation Transmission
Mastodon Blood Mountain
Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium
Rise Against The Sufferer And The Witness
The Strokes First Impressions Of Earth
T.I. King
Thom Yorke The Eraser
Weird Al Yankovic Straight Outta Lynwood
Wolfmother Wolfmother
This was peak MCR fandom for me, so there was never any doubt. Panic actually released in 2005 so I cheated a little. I count Sam's Town and Black Holes among my favorite albums to this day, and am glad I don't have to repick a new #1!
Delirium is a solid pop album, love some tracks!
Our Own House! I need to check out that one, Reflections and Our Own House (the song) are my jams! I love the band, definitely need to get more into their music!
19. Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit by Courtney Barnett
Best Song- "Pedestrian At Best"
Also- "Elevator Operator" , "Nobody Cares If You Don't Go To The Party" ,
-I've been kinda surprised at the adoration this album has been receiving lately. I knew it was buzzworthy back when it came out, something that Pitchfork and Rolling Stone could gush equally about. But I figured it would come and go in the overall music scene, like most good rock nowadays. So it was quite when she got nominated for Best New Artist at the grammys. I've had my issues with the grammys and anything small like that is a win for me. Yet now I see thats she the #2 abum of the year according to the critics as a collective. Usually thats a collection of bee-boo-beep stuff and one hip-hip album I liked. So after that, and seeing the general recognition of Courtney on here, from mostly non rock fans, I truly believe shes going to win that Best New Artist award. And while maybe not my #1, I'll be overjoyed for her. And ask her to play at my next birthday party. She would probably have too much attitude to do it, but the outrage would inspire a great song. Though as she would say "put me on a pedastal and I'll only disappoint you". So maybe we should be worried about album 2 after all?
18. Summertime '06 by Vince Staples
Best Song- "Norf Norf"
Also- "Get Paid" , "Birds and Bees" , "Dopeman" , "Street Punks"
-Choosing between "Norf Norf" and "Get Paid" was tough. I had to go with the one that states "Folks need porsches, hoes need abortions" in the end though. This is another hip breakout artist of 2015, though I was more aware of that going in. The internet makes sure to let everyone know when theres a quality hiphop album out there. That'll show racism. Summertime's weakness isn't being hip though, its being really really long. There's a few albums coming up that could have been better with some tighter editing. I guess I shouldn't complain too much about getting more, especially when the songs as as high quality as Mr. Staples produces. Just can't let it not bother me haha. Anyways, I guess you'd call this a West Coast Revival album. Norf side long beach to be specific. So if you got a craving for those west coast 90s beats (my favorite era of hip hop) and somehow haven't heard Summertime, get yoself corrected.
17. What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World by The Decemberists
Best Song- "Make You Better"
Also- "Philomena" , "Cavalry Captain" , "Anti-Summer Song"
-The Decemberists are back! They took quite a while to follow up on the brilliant "The King Is Dead" , but it wound up being worth the wait. And I admit, with that album title, I was a little worried about them going back to their pretentious hipster ways. Luckily, with one exception, I was worried for nothing. That one is "Better Not Wake The Baby" , which is a fine song, but one that will surely be used an infinite numbers of times on tv shows about white trash dancing around the fire they just set to their trailer park. And I just can't support that. Most of the album combines their folksiness with the proper instruments and boom! Great stuff happens. The "Cavalry Captain" , "Philomena" and "Make You Better" run is the perfect example of this. Sure some deep intellectuals are probably sitting around dissecting how these songs relate to the world, but they also work as ear worms that you walk around humming all day. And air strumming of course. The Decemberists have evolved into a band that lets the listener decide if they're important or not. And it works. I think they are important beause they are making great music.
Interesting that you didn't really get into Ellie before Delirium, considering that I think Halcyon is one of the best pop albums ever made. Can't fault the Delirium love, though. It's another really well-made pop album for Ellie.
Lol R. Perfect emoticon, takes me back to aim chat days. You're probably not gonna like this set much more though lol.
16. The Documentary 2.5 by The Game
Best Song- "My Flag / Da Homies"
Also- "Quik's Groove" , "Crenshaw / 80s and Cocaine" ,
-Yep, you read that right, The Game is back and better than ever. Sure he had some Great singles on his first two albums, but never has he made a more complete record. He did have a lot of help though. Including the best producer in the game today, Dj Mustard, on my favorite track "My Track". Both The Documentary 2 and 2.5 feel more like compilation records than anything else. I also believe they achieved what Dre tried, and imo failed, to do on Comptom. Note that this is just Doc 2.5. Doc 2 is pretty good as well, and was right on the bubble, but got left out. And I couldn't reward 36 songs at once. Some of them are even double songs. But there's a good mix of grooviness, gangster and god damn real shiz. The Game might be auditioning for Black Dynamite 2 with this album, that's the type of mood it puts me in. And if that isn't a glowing recommendation I don't know what is.
15. The Incredible True Story by Logic
Best Song- "Young Jesus"
Also- "Like Woah" , "I Am The Greatest" , "Fade Away", "Innermission"
-Yep more hip hop. And another white rapper! I didn't even notice he was white, but that's how he identifies himself and I think that's what matters most. It's kinda funny how hip hop is the only place where being white gets you discriminated against. This far, only Eminem had managed to turn that around, keeping the chip on his shoulder and using it as motivation to keep making the best music on the planet. Until the drugs got him of course. I'm not sure Logic has that same drive, but there's atleast a little bit of it in him, which hopefuly means good things for the future. For now, I think he'a just a creative guy who is using hip hop as his art. And he's a nerd. True Story is a concept album where the last humans alive have abandoned Earth, heading to a new planet called Paradise, and are listening to Logic's album on the long journey. I normally dislike skits, but these mostly worked for me. So if you're into swift rhymes and smooth beats, with a sci-fi story dessert, Logic's second album have a five star meal for your ears.
14. Future Nostalgia by The Sheepdogs
Best Song- "Where I Can Roam" through "Where I Can Roam (Reprise)"
Also- "Bad Lieutenant" , "I'm Gonna Be Myself" , "Downtown"
-With 17 from The Game, 18 from Logic and now 18 from The Sheepdogs this set caps off at 53 total songs. That has to be a record. Making overlong records in hip-hop is common, however seeing that 18 on a rock album made me feel a little overwhelmed before even stepping in. I didn't need to be worried though, as songs 13-18 all form pretty much one really really good song. "Where I Can Roam" functions as a Voltron of rock n roll. Or like the end of Abbey Road, which is the all time best example. Which is why I gave all 6 the top song honors, despite being challenged by the double excellent "Bad Lieutenant". Anyways, Sheepdogs naming their album Future Nostalgia was a bold move. Their last album, which placed in the top ten in 2012, was much more of a current sound, produced by The Black Keys Patrick Carney. This one was produced by singer and guitarist Ewan Currie, so it feels more organic and lived in. Maybe the future nostalgia is for a road trip that hasn't happened yet? I'm in for that. Can't be beat with some excellent pure rock n roll - The Sheepdogs.
And boom once again I am pumped these updates out, giving each album a properly respective paragraph and not getting at all burned out. I'll probably just keep rolling to the end and do the other lists then. Tomorrow is a long work day, so no guarantees, but I should be at #1 by this time next week.
*Most recent update is the final post of page 3. For me anyways
2008
17. Rising Down - The Roots
16. Ghosts I-IV - Nine Inch Nails
15. Off With Their Heads - Kaiser Chiefs
14. Attack & Release - The Black Keys
13. Oracular Spectacular - MGMT
12. Chinese Democracy - Guns N' Roses
11. Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie
10. Feed The Animals Girl Talk
9. Day & Age The Killers
8. Viva La Vida Coldplay
7. This Gift Sons & Daughters
6. Consolers Of The Lonely The Raconteurs
5. Tha Carter 3 Lil Wayne
4. 808s And Heartbreaks Kanye West
3. Evil Urges My Morning Jacket
2. Dear Science TV On The Radio
1. Death Magnetic Metallica
Peak Metallica love here. Death Magnetic hit at the right time and is still mostly awesome. I'd say that Evil Urges is the one that stuck with me the most though. I listen to it about once a year, usually right as spring is coming in.