Top 10 Songs of 2014

In no particular order.

Jake Bugg - "Me and You" Jake Bugg performs live in MPR's Forum
Just a sweet little song that's been stuck in my head for months!

The Black Keys - "Gotta Get Away"
It's nice to see one of the biggest bands in the land still have some songs left in them on this wonderful road tune.

The War On Drugs - "Eyes to the Wind" The War on Drugs perform live in The Current studio
Would somebody please tell Mark Kozelek that these fellas aren't the enemy!

Benjamin Booker - "Violent Shiver" Benjamin Booker performs live in The Current studio
This guy is the perfect combination of the new, the old and the punk-rock!

alt-J - "Left Hand Free" alt-J perform live in The Current studio
This alt-J track was a pleasant surprise. It features a funky little groove!

Trampled By Turtles - "Hollow" Trampled By Turtles perform live in The Current studio
Love how this one marries the old bluegrass tradition with a more modern Americana feel.

Sturgill Simpson - "Turtles All the Way Down"
The Americana artist to watch. This track perfectly marries outlaw country, psych rock and countrypolitan sounds.

Damon Albarn - "Mr. Tembo"
I am hoping this one saves at least a few endangered elephants from extinction.

First Aid Kit - "Stay Gold" First Aid Kit perform live in The Current studio
The sisterly harmonies and beautiful melody are pure gold!

Ty Segall - "Manipulator" Ty Segall performs live in The Current studio
This guy makes his brand of psychedelic garage rock sound fresh and new.

Honorable mentions:

Jeremy Messersmith - "Hitman" Jeremy Messersmith performs live in MPR's Forum
Nikki Lane - "Right Time" Nikki Lane performs live in The Current studio
Parquet Courts - "Black and White"
Ray Lamontagne - "Drive-in Movies"
Jeremy Messersmith - "Hitman" Jeremy Messersmith performs live in MPR's Forum
Robert Plant - "Rainbow"
Wild Cub - "Thunder Clatter"
Spoon - "Rent I Pay" Spoon perform live in The Current studio
St. Paul and the Broken Bones - "Call Me" St. Paul and the Broken Bones perform live in The Current studio
The Avett Brothers - "Morning Song" The Avett Brothers perform live in The Current studio
Tweedy - "Summer Noon"
Israel Nash - "Rain Plans" Israel Nash performs live in The Current studio
Courtney Barnett - "Avant Gardener" Courtney Barnett performs live in The Current studio

Top 10 Albums of 2014

In no particular order.

Jake Bugg, Shangri La Jake Bugg performs live in MPR's Forum
This holdover from late 2013 probably spent more time in my player in 2014 than any other!

The War on Drugs, Lost In the Dream The War on Drugs perform live in The Current studio
They've kind of been the underdog since Kurt Vile left the band, but they struck it big with this album.

Tweedy, Sukierae
A sweet little album from Jeff and his son Spencer for their wife/mother who's been battling cancer.

Tinariwen, Emmaar
Don't understand a word they sing, but it doesn't matter. Their desert blues transports me instantly to another place.

Jeremy Messersmith, Heart Murmurs Jeremy Messersmith performs live in MPR's Forum
Jeremy really delivered with this one. It's just plain good!

St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Half the City St. Paul and the Broken Bones perform live in The Current studio
just when you think the retro soul thing has run it's course, this Alabama band comes along to tell you otherwise.

Spoon, They Want My Soul Spoon perform live in The Current studio
It was a very welcome return for these Austin, TX vets.

Trampled By Turtles, Wild Animals Trampled By Turtles perform live in The Current studio
If you are a fan of well-crafted songs with a rootsy sound, this one belongs in your collection.

Benjamin Booker, Benjamin Booker Benjamin Booker performs live in The Current studio
This debut is raw and immediate and showed elements of blues, garage rock and punk. It's all music to my ears.

Israel Nash, Rain Plans Israel Nash performs live in The Current studio
Love this album! Can't go wrong with their Neil Young inspired sounds with that two guitar and pedal steel assault!

Top 10 Americana Albums of 2014

In no particular order.

Parker Millsap, Parker Millsap
The Avett Brothers, Magpie and the Dandelion The Avett Brothers perform live in The Current studio
Lucinda Williams, Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone
Sturgill Simpson, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
Nikki Lane, All or Nothin' Nikki Lane performs live in The Current studio
Marty Stuart, Saturday Night/Sunday Morning
Shovels and Rope, Swimmin' Time Shovels and Rope perform live in The Current studio
Trampled By Turtles, Wild Animals Trampled By Turtles perform live in The Current studio
Old Crow Medicine Show, Remedy
Drive-By Truckers, English Oceans Drive-By Truckers perform live in The Current studio