Andy Moe, a student at the University of Minnesota, is one of the college contributors to our Local Current blog.
Top 10 Albums of 2014
1. Todd Terje: It's Album Time
The best modern disco album I have heard in my life. Terje's first full LP effortlessly builds up synths in a way that could make anyone want to dance, I had been waiting for this since I heard the first "Standbar" two summers ago — an essential track. Play it at your next party and see what happens.
2. War On Drugs: Lost In A Dream
It seems everyone has already agreed the most beautiful listen of the year was Adam Granuciel's third effort — and I couldn't agree more. An instant classic rock album, containing some of the best 6+ minute songs of the year, as well as performing them at one of the best shows of the year in the Twin Cities not too long ago.
3. Spoon: They Want My Soul
Your all-time-favorite bands don't always put out the greatest new albums, but Spoon continue to do somehow. This time working with new producers and adding a keyboard while keeping such a Spoon sound. Washes of synths now grace many of the tracks which still contain Britt Daniel's unbelievable sincerity. The group was nice enough to give some samples of the new album before its release at Rock the Garden this summer.
4. Iceage: Plowing Into the Field of Love
Danish post-punkers Iceage blew my expectations away with their newest release, turning me into a huge fan — something I was not previously. The anguish in Elias Bender Ronnenfelt's voice is one of the highlights of music this year, and since signing to their label at the age of 17 in Copenhagen, they've since matured tremendously.
5. Julian Casablancas + The Voidz: Tyranny
One of the darkest, most unexpected albums this year has got to be Tyranny. Featuring Julian's new band, the Voidz, in one of the most underrated albums of the year, just like his solo debut. The muddy, abrasive concept album has some extreme highs in several songs, and unlike many critics I've read this year, believe it to be one of the most cohesive. It's nice to see this man with full creative freedom and some of the most intoxicating guitar riffs I've heard in a while.
6. Caribou: Our Love
The Canadian mathematician Dan Snaith released his best album yet, his most listenable by far. With tracks such as "Our Love" and "Can't Do Without You" it was hard to imagine this album not ending up on this list. The production of the album, also done by Snaith, is impeccable and while many of the songs could be played for a large audience, it's also a wild ride on headphones. He sought out to make the best electronic dance music without making EDM, and he nailed it.
7. Lana Del Rey: Ultraviolence
Sad rock and indie superstar Lana Del Rey expectedly brought the most sass to any album this year. While I may have fallen under the allure of this 29-year-old from New York, the addition of Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach behind the reigns of production is undeniable. This dark and gloomy dream rock album captivated me almost instantly and only grows on repeated listens.
8. Aphex Twin: Syro
This was my Aphex Twin year. After hearing (the strongest opening track of 2014) "minipops 67" for the first time, I proceeded to acquire all of Richard D. James's work, from his various alter egos and own name. The father of synths, influencer of Thom Yorke and countless others, returned to his stomping ground to prove he is still the best working with layers and algorithmic beats that he claims are up to ten years old.
9. Wild Beasts: Present Tense
One of the biggest Twin Cities snubs of the year has got to be Wild Beasts — a show made for the Mainroom. A live show not to be missed, they were a highlight of Pitchfork's festival for me this summer. These UK art rockers, like many other rock bands, built on their synthesizer work heavily as of recent, complementing their angular guitars well. This newest record fits nicely in their discography, which now contains four excellent releases.
10. Parquet Courts: Sunbathing Animal
The D.I.Y. New York punk rockers are back again, with an astonishingly solid sophomore release, just a few months before releasing yet another album this year, under the moniker Parkay Quarts (also fantastic). It's clear how much the group has grown with their lyricism and patience, releasing an album which takes what was great about their debut album Light Up Gold and refining their craft of minimal rock, angular guitars, and some of the best lyrics of the year.
Top 10 Songs (no order, not including songs from Top 10 albums)
Alpha Consumer: "Tool Makin' Hands"
Angel Olson: "Lights Out"
Hudson Mohawke: "Chimes"
ILOVEMAKKONEN ft. Drake: "Tuesday"
Jamie xx: "Girl"
St. Vincent: "Rattlesnake"
Sun Kil Moon: "Pray For Newtown"
Suzie: "Coffin In Houston"
Swans: "A Little God in My Hands"
Vic Mensa: "Down On My Luck"
Best New Local Artist
thestand4rd
King's Dead
Suzie