1. The Front Bottoms ‘Talon of the Hawk’
An excellent album teeming with infectious hooks. Definitely the album I have returned to the most this year.
2. Bill Callahan ‘Dream River’
This album is a return to form for Callahan. It is my favorite of his since Red Apple Falls back in the Smog days.
3. Foxygen ‘We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic’
4. CHVRCHES ‘The Bones of What You Believe’
Wonderful beats, excellent pop sensibility, leave it on repeat for a while
5. Kurt Vile ‘Walkin on a Pretty Daze’
Complex, sprawling, understated in just the right ways.
6. Laura Marling ‘Once I was an Eagle’
I cannot help but thinking of Nick Drake when listening to Marling. She has updated UK folk without losing the core that makes it unique.
7. HAIM ‘Days are Gone’
Playful, fun, energetic. I look forward to see where they go with this sound.
8. James Blake ‘Overgrown’
Blake continues to develop. The influences and constructions here show a range well beyond his years.
9. Flaming Lips ‘The Terror’
I keep coming back to this album. A sonic masterpiece.
10. Atoms For Peace ‘Amok’
I have devoted love of Thom’s abilities as an artist. Amok is another excellent piece from his crew.
