Favorite Albums 2014

A mixtape has been made with a song from each album, but this is not to take away from the fact that this is a list of favorite albums. Here at Still Love the Old World one of our guiding principles is the belief in music in the long form--the album form. Ideally, then, this mixtape will help readers jump off and have some new experiences. 

26. Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band - Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light on Everything

I included 26 albums this year because I just couldn't leave this one off the list. I know as soon as I go for a road-trip this one will vault up the list. Certainly it gets best title of the year.

Playlist track: What We Loved Was Not Enough
Genre: Post-Rock
Record label: Constellation

25. FKA Twigs - LP1

Some inventive R&B, but everyone knows this by now. I got addicted as well.

Playlist track: Two Weeks
Genre: R&B
Record label: Young Turks

24. Spider Bags - Frozen Letter

A punky garage album with surprising range.

Playlist track: Back With You Again in the World
Genre: Garage Rock
Record label: Merge

23. Frankie Cosmos - Zentropy

I love the personality of this girl. She's cool in my book. A collection of little, well-crafted songs. 

Playlist track: Sad 2

Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Lo-fi

Record label: Double Double Whammy

  

22. Caribou - Our Love

Stylish and grooving.

Playlist track: Can't Do Without You
Genre: Electronic
Record label: Merge

21. How to Dress Well - "What is This Heart?"

How to Dress well cleaned up his sound and got slightly cheesy, but I'm loving the results. This really works as an album.

Playlist track: Precious Love
Genre: R&B
Record label: Domino

20. Joyce Manor - Never Hungover Again

Guilty pleasure and tons of fun, but maybe I shouldn't feel guilty. This album and Tony Molina's were two that I immediately hit repeat when the album finished.

Playlist track: Christmas Card
Genre: Pop Punk
Record label: Epitaph

19. D'Angelo and the Vanguard - Black Messiah

Feels like the days when I found out about Al Green.

Playlist track: Betray My Heart
Genre: Soul
Record label: RCA

18. Todd Terje - It's Album Time

Very dynamic with a bit of smooth. Despite being ripped to shreds by my guy Anthony Fantano, Johnny and Mary is one of my favorite songs this year.

Playlist track: Johnny and Mary (feat. Bryan Ferry)
Genre: Electronic
Record label: Olsen

17. Open Mike Eagle - Dark Comedy

Great flows and funny stuff.

Playlist track: Doug Stamper (Advice Raps) (feat. Hannibal Buress)
Genre: Nerd Rap
Record label: Mello

16. Slothrust - Of Course You Do

Punky and jazzy--a nice mix. These guys and girls have chops.

Playlist track: Crockpot
Genre: Garage Rock
Record label: Bada Bing Records

15. Protomartyr - Under Color of Official Right

I guess punk rockers think this is soft, I, on the other hand, love this.

Playlist track: I Stare at Floors
Genre: Post-Punk
Record label: Hardly Art

14. Zammuto - Anchor

Former member of The Books, this guy is super creative and entertaining at the same time.

Playlist track: IO
Genre: Experimental
Record label: Temporary Residence

13. Gold-Bears - Dalliance

For me indie pop is a style to itself. Slumberland records shares my obsession with this 80's and 90's movement. (I'm overdue on an indie pop mixtape by the way). Gold-Bears carry on this tradition admirably. "Hey, Sophie" is one of my songs of the year. It's all about tone and texture. Lot's of energy here too.

Playlist track: Hey, Sophie
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Record label: Slumberland

12. Mogwai - Rave Tapes

I got stuck in this world while studying for a few weeks. Mogwai goes synthy and I'm liking the results.

Playlist track: Remurdered
Genre: Post-Rock
Record label: Sub Pop

11. Julie Byrne - Rooms With Walls and Windows

Eerie, whispery lo-fi. Just chill out and listen to some folks songs. Found some comfort in these songs on days when I was working too much.

Playlist track: Marmalade
Genre: Folk
Record label: Ordinal

10. The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream

Love the urgency that comes through here. Although he works with depressing themes, at times he's so excited that he needs to let out a "Whoo!". This a great album, too bad Mark Kozelek had to pick this band to mess with.

Playlist track: Burning
Genre: Indie Rock
Record label: Secretly Canadian

9. Alvvays - Alvvays

Just a bunch of fun. Probably the album I listened to most in 2014.

Playlist track: Archie, Marry Me
Genre: Garage Rock
Record label: Polyvinyl/Transgressive

8. Luluc - Passerby

Beautiful vocals with some interesting songwriting. We're left with a delicate, contemplative world open for our exploration. 

Playlist track: Without a Face
Genre: Folk
Record label: Sub Pop

7. Museum of Love - Museum of Love

An unexpected modern dance album. Feels like classic Brian Eno/Brian Ferry. Great grooves.

Playlist track: FATHERS
Genre: Electronica/New Wave
Record label: DFA

6. Posse - Soft Opening

A chill attitude with lots of style, my favorite mix.

Playlist track: Zone
Genre: Garage/Indie Rock
Record label: Beating a Dead Horse

5. Allo Darlin' - We Come From the Same Place

Allo Darlin' gave me my favorite concert of 2014. Elizabeth has an amazing voice. Really nice lead guitarist as well. Inevitably, I am invested by the end of each song. They have become flag bearers for modern indie pop. Straightforward in some ways but it feels so authentic. Sometimes I'm a big softy and can't help but feel emotional when this band plays.

Playlist track: Bright Eyes
Genre: Indie Pop
Record label: Fortuna Pop!/Slumberland

4. Dads - I'll Be the Tornado

Dynamics. This band is always moving. Impressive musicianship on top of some angsty teenage emotions. A sing along for sure. This emo revival is a lot of fun. 

Playlist track: Take Back Today
Genre: Emo/Indie Rock
Record label: 6131 Records

3. Sun Kil Moon - Benji

Like most, I was entranced when I heard this album. There is sadness, for sure, but it is also so thoughtful while on surface dealing with mundane detail. Beautiful guitar playing and a fresh take on songwriting. It is addicting like Karl ove Knaussgaard.

Playlist track: Micheline
Genre: Singer/Songwriter
Record label: Caldo Verde

2. Mark McGuire - Along the Way

This is an album. Ideas last and are given time to develop. They morph in new and interesting ways. I am quite happy to enjoy this world.  Besides a futuristic landscape, he creates some incredibly touching moments. The tape of a surprise birthday party for his Dad is the centerpiece of my experience.

Playlist track: For Friendships (Along the Way)
Genre: Electronic/Ambient
Record label: Dead Oceans

1. Amen Dunes - Love

Every song is masterful in my opinion. I love the idiosyncrasy but also the emotion in his voice. I'm even down with the goat sounds. Great fun as a sing along.  The tones are beautiful. Plenty of mood changes but all firmly grounded in some weird country-folk world. Each song has a sense of purpose even though I still haven't actually followed the narrative of any.

Playlist track: Lonely Richard
Genre: Psych Folk
Record label: Sacred Bones Records

Playlist

DOWNLOAD HERE

1. Amen Dunes - Love 
2. Mark McGuire - Along the Way 
3. Sun Kill Moon - Benji 
4. Dads - I'll Be The Tornado 
5. Allo' Darlin - We Come from the Same Place 
6. Posse - Soft Opening 
7. Museum of Love - Museum of Love 
8. Luluc - Passerby 
9. Alvvays - Alvvays 
10. War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream 
11. Julie Byrne - Rooms With Walls and Windows 
12. Mogwai - Rave Tapes 
13. Gold-Bears - Dalliance 
14. Zammuto - Anchor 
15. Protomartyr - Under Color of Official Right 
16. Slothrust - Of Course You Do 
17. Open Mike Eagle - Dark Comedy 
18. Todd Terje - It's Album Time
19. D'Angelo and The Vanguard - Black Messiah
20. Joyce Manor - Never Hungover Again
21. How to Dress Well - ``What is This Heart?''
22. Caribou - Our Love
23. Frankie Cosmos - Zentropy
24. Spider Bags - Frozen Letter
25. FKA Twigs - LP1
26. Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band - Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light on Everything

Favorite Albums 2013

Honorable Mention - Clare Macguire

Although she didn't release an album this year, the seven songs Clare Macguire shared on Soundcloud were some of the finest of 2013. Her voice has these unbelievable dynamics and maturity. The topics are simultaneously introspective and initimate, yet sincerely drug laden slacker. Maybe my most listened to artist this year.

Playlist track: Whenever You Want It
Genre: Singer/Songwriter

25. Eleanor Friedberger - Personal Record

Normally an eccentric and esoteric lyricist, Eleanor has taken a more direct, and yeah, personal approach. The results are often touching; still delivered with her uncanny sense of songwriting. Total babe.

Playlist track: I'll Never Be Happy Again
Genre: Singer/Songwriter

24. Daniel Avery - Drone Logic

Just a techno thrill.

Playlist track: Free Floating

Genre: Techno

  

23. Yo La Tengo - Fade

The old masters are back with a head to toe solid album. Reminds me of my favorite period of theirs, the Fakebook years. Classy.

Playlist track: Well You Better
Genre: Indie Rock

22. PORCHES. - Slow Dance in the Cosmos

Unexpectedly sucked into this one. The opening track stands as one of catchiest of the year--great fun to sing, but when you realize what you're singing things might get a bit awkward.

Playlist track: Headsgiving
Genre: Indie Rock/Post-Hardcore

21. The Debauchees - Big Machines and Peculiar Beings

Funky and weird with awesome baselines. Tons of fun and energy. These guys can play.

Playlist track: Jack
Genre: Indie Rock

20. Weekend - Jinx

Post-rock highway cruising. The soundtrack you'd want if you were a ski racer. Each song presents a new element, well constructed. Driving, if you will.

Playlist track: Just Drive
Genre: Post-Rock

19. Rhye - Woman

A bit of an uneven album. If every track was as strong as the first two, it would be the album of the year. Sensual, sophisticated Scandinavian.

Playlist track: The Fall
Genre: Pop

18. Sonny & The Sunsets - Antenna to the Afterworld

Forthright, endearing, absurd. Will chill you out and keep you entertained. Might even tug a heartstring while discussing alien robot love. Great guitar tones, earthy.

Playlist track: Green Blood
Genre: Garage

17. The Range - Nonfiction

A great ride. A nice concatenation of disparate elements.

Playlist track: Everything But
Genre: Electronic

16. The World Is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die - Whenever, If Ever

Some beautiful moments here. It was a grower. Heartfelt and soaring.

Playlist track: Heartbeat in the Rain
Genre: Indie Rock/Post-Hardcore/Post-Rock

15. Savages - Silence Yourself

Perhaps they lost of few spots with an excellently executed, but ultimately too polished a live performance--seemed to clash with their ascetic philosophy. But holy shit these women play some powerful rifts; not to mention baselines galore. And I shouldn't be too snooty about the live performance, the lead singer is one of the most charismatic performers I have ever witnessed.

Playlist track: Shut Up
Genre: Post-Punk

14. Bent Shapes - Feels Weird

Some smart indie rock that gives you a little taste of everything. Staying right about in my sweet spot for the whole album. Would love to see them live. One of my more heavily listened albums this year.

Playlist track: Indie Rock
Genre: Check My Vitals!!

13. Milo - Things that Happen at Day/Night

It was a bad year for rap. Not for the genre I'm sure, but a bad listening year for me. Maybe it has to do with my grinding-on-math-all-day lifestyle. Here's my only rap entry to the countdown. I'm cheating here a bit-- combining these two EP's into one and calling it an album. Milo has great lyrics. Not your typical rapper, if anything sometimes he gets annoyingly esoteric. If you ever get annoyed though, just listened to the great beats and production. Lots of nerd name dropping, but in the end more funny than irritating. Super refreshing rap angle. "Maybe if learned to sing raspy like Gongasufi, I wouldn't always feel so fuckin' poopy."

Playlist track: Almond Mile Paradise
Genre: Nerd Rap

12. Swearin' - Surfing Strange 

Perhaps this should be moved higher but sister act Waxahatchee creates a natural force opposing further ascension. Anyways, great rock album with one of the best singles of the year. Good thick tones and some nice variety. Both of these sisters have voices that cut straight through.

Playlist track: Dust in the Gold Sack
Genre: Indie Rock

11. Bill Callahan - Dream River

Bill Callahan's back doing the thing only he can do. To tell you the truth I've only listened to this a handful of times, but it holds potential for further exploration. Like most Bill Callahan work: it is usually slow, always thoughtful, and emits strange rhythms.  

Playlist track: The Sing
Genre: Folk

10. Fear of Men - Early Fragments

Another new favorite UK indie pop band following in the footsteps of Standard Fare and Allo' Darling. Landing in this genre we are assured delicate beauty of the girly voice variety, but there is subtlety here as well. This is well crafted pop that rewards repeated listens.

Playlist track: Born
Genre: Indie Rock

9. Chris Cappello - Could Be Bitter Forever

The pick that may de-legitimize this whole endeavor. I've grown increasingly curious with emo and post-hardcore. Knowing very little about emo, this was sort of an initial immersion. One may criticize this album for being whiny and overly emotional in a teenage first relationship sort of way, but it was cathartic for me. After all going to grad school and taking comps probably feels similar to a teenager with girl problems in that sometimes you just want to cry when you get home. I listened to this more than most everything on this list.

Playlist track: Could Be Bitter Forever
Genre: Emo

8. Laura Marling - Once I Was an Eagle

Once Laura starts singing she's got your attention. The sternness in her voice and sophistication in her songwriting combined with her 23 years produces an enthralling experience for this guy.

Playlist track: Saved These Words
Genre: Folk

7. DJ Koze - Amygdala

Every song here is a journey. Layers upon layers ripe for exploration. With some nice speakers or headphones, some concentration, and perhaps a strong coffee you will be rewarded for your efforts. Over the holiday, I just sat in my parent's basement staring at the speakers for an hour mesmerized by all the strange sounds arranged in pleasurable order.

Playlist track: Magical Boy
Genre: Deep House

6. Chastity Belt - No Regerts

At times clearly outrageous, talking about nip slips and wide vaginas, but you'll hear no complaints from me. Just my type of sacrilege. Guitar tones are amazing. Super chill, good for a wide range of energy levels and moods.

Playlist track: Black Sail
Genre: Garage

5. Diarrhea Planet - I'm Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

You might expect some ridiculousness here, and you wouldn't be completely wrong, but defying expectations this album holds some of my most inspirational moments of 2013.

Playlist track: Separations
Genre: Garage

4. The Future Dead - The Future Dead

Catchiest album of the year, best attitude of the year, a fresh take on garage pop/rock that I didn't see coming. Maybe this should be my number one, but I'm too much of a prick to put something poppy at the top spot.

Playlist track: Nearest Shop
Genre: Garage Pop

3. Waxahatchee - Cerulean Salt

Jagged, disjointed. Love this woman's voice. Beautiful tones and a handful of my more poignant moments of the year.

Playlist track: Swan Dive
Genre: Indie Rock

2. The Drones - I See Seaweed

Two years ago my favorite album was Destroyer's Kaputt, last year Spiritualized's Sweet Heart, Sweet Light. Both albums were able to create a new, strange world for you to explore. This is album is along those same lines. The evidence suggests I reserve my highest esteem for this form. Step in, absorb the mood, and live with it for a while (might get a little dark).

Playlist track: Why Write a Letter That You'll Never Send
Genre: Garage

1. Bored Nothing - Bored Nothing

This was the album that I couldn't get away from this year. I am simply obsessed with the guitar tones here. There's no fear of switching directions here, but these gritty yet beaming tones weave the piece together to create a dull bright world that I want to live in.

Playlist track: Bliss
Genre: Indie Rock


Playlist

DOWNLOAD

1. Bored Nothing - Bliss
2. The Drones - Why Write a Letter That You'll Never Send
3. Waxahatchee - Swan Dive
4. The Future Dead - Nearest Shop
5. Diarrhea Planet - Separations
6. Chastity Belt - Black Sail
7. DJ Koze - Magical Boy
8. Laura Marling - Saved These Words
9. Chris Cappello - Could Be Bitter Forever
10. Fear of Men - Born
11. Bill Callahan - The Sing
12. Swearin’ - Dust in the Gold Sack
13. Milo - Almond Milk Paradise (ft. Safari Al)
14. Bent Shapes - Check My Vitals!!
15. Savages - Shut Up
16. The World Is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die - Heartbeat in the Brain
17. The Range - Everything But
18. Sonny & The Sunsets - Green Blood
19. Rhye - The Fall
20. Weekend - Just Drive
21. The Debauchees - Jack
22. PORCHES. - Headsgiving
23. Yo La Tengo - Well You Better
24. Daniel Avery - Free Floating
25. Eleanor Friedberger - I'll Never Be Happy Again
26. Clare Maguire - Whenever You Want It