Best albums from 2014?

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Petrocelli
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Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

My top 10, in no particular order. I am basing this on how much I listened to the albums.

1. Miranda Lambert: Platinum - Great top 40 Country
2. Beck: Morning Phase - Very mellow, trippy rock. I can't recall anything like this album.
3. Run the Jewels: Run the Jewels - Very, VERY hadcore rap. Thickly layered, with beats heaped on beats.
4. Justin Townes Earle: Single Mothers - Mellow rock with a touch of country
5. The Strypes: The Strypes - 17 year old English kids that sound like the early Rolling Stones (Google their appearance on Letterman)
6. Mary J. Blige: The London Sessions - Amazing vocals, and heartfelt lyrics
7. Nikki Minaj: The Pinkprint - She raps about sex with men like male rappers talk about women. Interesting.
8. Prince: Art Official Age - His best album in decades.
9. The Wind and the Wave: From the Wreckage - Country Rock from a little known Austin band.
10. Pete Molinari: Theosophy - This album sounds like it was made in the late 60s or early 70s. It reminds me of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass.

I am always looking for good music. Post your favorites from 2014!
Petrocelli (not the real Rico, but just a fan)
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jamacq
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by jamacq »

Sound Mirror by Syd Arthur. Relatively new British prog group. Saw them at a recent YES concert as the opening act.
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matjen
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by matjen »

Good list. I would add:

Spoon – They Want My Soul (rock/pop)
FKA twigs – LP1 (trip hop modern R&B or whatever the kids call it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yDP9MKVhZc
Last edited by matjen on Wed Dec 31, 2014 4:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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SmileyFace
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by SmileyFace »

Wow - you like quite the range of music! I wish my tastes were across a wider spectrum. (Nikki Minaj I certainly can't take. Only forced to listen to it by teenage daughters :) I also don't like music where no musical instruments are used....some antiquated principle of mine).

I was happy that one of my teen daughters started embracing some non-pop rock (where they play instruments) - "The 1975" is one I like.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by iceport »

Lake Street Dive: Bad Self Portraits (Signature Sounds Recordings)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5w0qid5C9A

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b4real
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by b4real »

Popular Problems – Leonard Cohen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1N7RuMsvqE

Live in Dublin – Leonard Cohen https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 9x5bloVElA
rec7
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by rec7 »

Brian Free & Assurance - Album Unashamed
Here is the title cut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9TAL2DMer0
I love it. I am guessing I have played the title cut 70 times at least.
Another great one from the same album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8mC5Uaikaw

I just heard this song a few days ago not sure what album it is on but it is a very good song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYSJj-EHAAk
Last edited by rec7 on Thu Jan 01, 2015 11:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
sramina
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by sramina »

St. Vincent - St. Vincent: a good album if you are looking for some wacky indie pop
Future Islands - Singles: Is an interesting listen as well if you're looking for something new
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by dgdevil »

L.C. Cooke - The Complete SAR Recordings. You don't know him, but you know his older brother, Sam. This record (cheap on Amazon) was recorded 50 years ago, but released for the first time in 2014. A great classic-soul time capsule.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Igglesman »

Dottie's Charms --- Jill Sobule
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Billionaire »

What is an album?
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

sramina wrote:St. Vincent - St. Vincent: a good album if you are looking for some wacky indie pop
Future Islands - Singles: Is an interesting listen as well if you're looking for something new
Discovered St. Vincent on a top 10 list, and have been listening to it for a couple days. Really like it.

I like Future islands, but it didn't make the top 10 list.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

matjen wrote:Good list. I would add:

Spoon – They Want My Soul (rock/pop)
FKA twigs – LP1 (trip hop modern R&B or whatever the kids call it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yDP9MKVhZc
I haven't listened to the Spoon album. I will check it out.

I listened to FKA Twigs for a while. I liked the "Lights On" single. In fact, it's one of my favorites. I see that album on a lot of top 10 lists, but it's a little too dispassionate for me.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

jamacq wrote:Sound Mirror by Syd Arthur. Relatively new British prog group. Saw them at a recent YES concert as the opening act.
I just added it on Spotify. I will check it out.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

DaftInvestor wrote:Wow - you like quite the range of music! I wish my tastes were across a wider spectrum. (Nikki Minaj I certainly can't take. Only forced to listen to it by teenage daughters :) I also don't like music where no musical instruments are used....some antiquated principle of mine).

I was happy that one of my teen daughters started embracing some non-pop rock (where they play instruments) - "The 1975" is one I like.
My secretary recommended Nikki Minaj. I was surprised by how much I liked it.

If you like good rock and roll, check out the Strypes. Here they are live on Letterman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRs5G5j0SEs
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matjen
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by matjen »

Petrocelli wrote:
matjen wrote:Good list. I would add:

Spoon – They Want My Soul (rock/pop)
FKA twigs – LP1 (trip hop modern R&B or whatever the kids call it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yDP9MKVhZc
I haven't listened to the Spoon album. I will check it out.

I listened to FKA Twigs for a while. I liked the "Lights On" single. In fact, it's one of my favorites. I see that album on a lot of top 10 lists, but it's a little too dispassionate for me.
I think that is a fair criticism. I honestly rarely really listen to it just to listen, I put it on while cooking or reading, etc. Same for the Beck album but that one you can really listen to as well. Really a great album that I have noticed has gained steam as the year went on.
Last edited by matjen on Wed Dec 31, 2014 5:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

petrico wrote:Lake Street Dive: Bad Self Portraits
Added on Spotify. Thanks.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by VesperLynd »

It's just cool to see these still referred to as albums.... :)

Dark Side of the Mule - Government Mule.


Vesper
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by G12 »

Petrocelli wrote:My top 10, in no particular order. I am basing this on how much I listened to the albums.

4. Justin Townes Earle: Single Mothers - Mellow rock with a touch of country

I am always looking for good music. Post your favorites from 2014!
I really like JTE, have seen him live 6x, I think he really is more "Americana" than anything, with a good dose of blues the last 3 releases. Like some tunes from Single Mothers, but like his other releases better, especially the two just prior. St. Vincent I listened to it a few weeks ago, will revisit and see if she sticks or not.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by windaar »

The Tony Bennett CD with LGG is a really great listen if you like standards.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

VesperLynd wrote:It's just cool to see these still referred to as albums.... :)
What word should I be using?
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Kenkat »

Petrocelli wrote:
VesperLynd wrote:It's just cool to see these still referred to as albums.... :)
What word should I be using?
Album probably beats digital or analog physical media as a term.

I don't really buy music in albums anymore but rather tend to buy individual songs in digital format. I would say my music tastes are more diverse because of the advent of digital downloads rather than less so.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by bhsince87 »

"Album" is proper. It means a collection of things. Like a photo album or what have you.

If you're getting them through spotify, CD or LP would not be correct. :)
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by stickman731 »

Not new but I got addicted to No Sinner -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIhDILaxLxw

Bruce Springsteen - High Hopes
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by VesperLynd »

It was just an observation - I have no idea whether there is a single term anymore....ciao!
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by speedbump101 »

Royal Wood -The Burning Bright
Damien Rice -My Favorite Faded Fantasy

SB
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by bac573 »

Houndmouth, "From the Hills Below the City". Best described as a hipper version of The Band.

The Pack A.D., "Do Not Engage", two women garage band from Canada.

And eagerly anticipating March 3, 2015 for the new album by Modest Mouse called "Strangers to Ourselves", which has been seven years in the making.
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200couches
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by 200couches »

Ok, enough trolling...time to post! In no particular order:

War on Drugs: Lost in the Dream
Real Estate: Atlas
Jungle: Jungle
DeLux: Voyage
Little Dragon: Nabuma Rubberband
TV on the Radio: Seeds
Flight Facilities: Down to Earth
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Jeff Albertson »

Some nice (free) music courtesy of Mercedes Benz, as described at the bottom of this post from Barry Ritholtz -
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2014/12/be ... usic-list/
I stumbled onto the Benz Mixed Tape site sometime ago, a curated hand-picked string of musical discoveries. Every ten weeks, they release a new download compilation featuring some very interesting new talents from around the world.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by dsmil »

"Growing In" by I Can Make a Mess

I will be presently surprised if any Bogleheads have heard this album
nordsteve
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by nordsteve »

First Aid Kit-Stay Gold
TV On The Radio-Seeds
Jeremy Messersmith-Heart Murmurs
Gary Clark Jr.-Live
Hozier-Hozier
The Hold Steady-Teeth Dreams
Joseph Arthur-Lou
The War On Drugs-Lost In The Dream
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by topper1296 »

Petrocelli wrote:1. Miranda Lambert: Platinum - Great top 40 Country
I've been working on music row in Nashville for over 10 years, so I'm glad to see a country album on your list. :sharebeer
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by 22twain »

For classical music, the bargain of the year is a "complete" set of Haydn string quartets, recorded by the Festetics Quartet, the equivalent of 19 CDs as high-quality MP3 downloads for $9.99:

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.a ... etpref=mp3

I put "complete" in quotes because this set doesn't include some early works that either (a) probably were not actually written by Haydn or (b) are nowadays considered to be "divertimentos" rather than "quartets".
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by iceport »

Petrocelli wrote:If you like good rock and roll, check out the Strypes. Here they are live on Letterman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRs5G5j0SEs
The punk influence is unmistakeable — but they play well!
bac573 wrote:Houndmouth, "From the Hills Below the City". Best described as a hipper version of The Band.
Thanks for that... very cool.

Can't help posting one more — Rachael Price is just amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcUeothSPyc

8-)

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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

stevep001 wrote:First Aid Kit-Stay Gold
TV On The Radio-Seeds
Jeremy Messersmith-Heart Murmurs
Gary Clark Jr.-Live
Hozier-Hozier
The Hold Steady-Teeth Dreams
Joseph Arthur-Lou
The War On Drugs-Lost In The Dream
Stay Gold, Hozier and Seeds were close to the top 10 for me.

I know everyone is crazy about the War on Drugs, but it didn't grab me when I first listened to it. I may have to give it another go.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

topper1296 wrote:
Petrocelli wrote:1. Miranda Lambert: Platinum - Great top 40 Country
I've been working on music row in Nashville for over 10 years, so I'm glad to see a country album on your list. :sharebeer
I find that Country is now closer to the rock I grew up with than rock is. Other albums country alums that I liked from last year:

Lee Ann Womack: The way I'm Livin'
Robert Ellis: The Light form the Chemical Plant
Strugill Simpson: Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

dsmil wrote:"Growing In" by I Can Make a Mess

I will be presently surprised if any Bogleheads have heard this album
I listened to a few cuts this morning. Great stuff!
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rec7
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by rec7 »

This song from the Unashamed album picks me up every time I hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8mC5Uaikaw
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by nordsteve »

Petrocelli wrote:
stevep001 wrote:First Aid Kit-Stay Gold
TV On The Radio-Seeds
Jeremy Messersmith-Heart Murmurs
Gary Clark Jr.-Live
Hozier-Hozier
The Hold Steady-Teeth Dreams
Joseph Arthur-Lou
The War On Drugs-Lost In The Dream
Stay Gold, Hozier and Seeds were close to the top 10 for me.

I know everyone is crazy about the War on Drugs, but it didn't grab me when I first listened to it. I may have to give it another go.
First Aid Kit is tops on the "shows I missed that I wish I would have gone to." The frenzy over Hozier tickets recalls early Adele -- ticket broker price of $200+ for upcoming show locally.

I'm also liking:

King Tuff -- Black Moon Spell
Broken Bells -- After the Disco
Ex Hex - Rips
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by nordsteve »

I've placed all of the suggestions so far in a Spotify playlist.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Aptenodytes »

windaar wrote:The Tony Bennett CD with LGG is a really great listen if you like standards.
I gave it a try after a recommendation but I found most of it unlistenable owing to the too-great difference in quality between Bennett and Gaga.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by raidman »

Royal Blood - Royal Blood. (debut album)

They're touring with the Foo Fighters -- if they're good live, they just might upstage them.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by chaz »

I like Lady Antebellum.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Petrocelli »

Igglesman wrote:Dottie's Charms --- Jill Sobule
I listened to this several times this morning. Great album!
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sunshinebottom
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by sunshinebottom »

Cory Branan--One Hit Wonder
Primus--Primus and the Chocolate Factory
Doug Paisly--Strong Feelings
Rural Alberta Advantage--Mended With Gold
Scott H. Biram--Nothing But Blood
While No One Was Looking--Toasting 20 Years of Bloodshot Records
American Aquarium--Dances For the Lonely
Les Claypool-- Duo De Twang
David Bazan + Passenger String Quartet--Volume 1

And finally:

Lucero--Live From Atlanta

A great year for music
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by brian2013 »

I was excited to chime in on this topic, but then i realized i can't name many albums. I grew up in the days when you held the album in your hands, looked at the pictures, read the lyrics, etc. Now i am lucky if i can name the artist. That being said, i want to name a couple, and i'm going to depart from the OP's guideline a bit on the last two:

Ben Howard - I forget where we were; i'm just beginning to discover this one.
Vienna Teng - Aims. OK this came out end of 2013, but i discovered it early 2014. It's one of the best total albums i've heard in a long time, and noone has heard of her.
Xavier Rudd- ok he didn't release an album in 2014, but he is pretty much the best thing ever.
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by surfhb »

I'm really impressed with the Strypes. I'm 45 and feel so old now......especially love Letterman's comment at the end. :D

http://youtu.be/JRs5G5j0SEs

It's nice to know a bunch of teenagers are out there covering The Specials, The Ramones, Bo Diddley and the Yardbirds! Their originals are great too.

http://youtu.be/1QPn1xrghlo

Also.....Saw Sturgill Simpson recently and was blown away
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by bhsince87 »

Here's some interesting data. It certainly applies to me.

I own almost 2,000 albums (all legal), but I haven't bought one in 4-5 years.

I stream now.

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/7d9cd2b0 ... abdc0.html
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. William Penn
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by Ketawa »

My favorite albums from 2014, not necessarily what I would call best.

Azealia Banks - Broke with Expensive Taste
Cloud Nothings - Here and Nowhere Else
Death From Above 1979 - The Physical World
FKA Twigs - LP1
Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
Lykke Li - I Never Learn
Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2
Spoon - They Want My Soul
Taylor Swift - 1989
Tinashe - Aquarius
Tove Lo - Queen of the Clouds
The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream
YG - My Krazy Life
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Re: Best albums from 2014?

Post by 200couches »

Bogleheads is full of hipsters. Who would've thought...
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