Music we love.

There have been far too many amazing albums out this year and I gotta say it was tough figuring out a top ten. I managed to leave out even some of my favorite artists’s new releases this year (Bombay Bicycle Club, Drake, Interpol, Born Ruffians, etc.), so clearly this was a tough choice. But here it is!

10. Justin Nozuka - You I Wind Land and Sea

This particular artist was brought to me by my fellow blogger and friend, George. This album is one of those albums that I could listen to in bed all day because of how damn soothing it is. Not only is Nozuka’s vocals incredibly heartwarming but his soulful flavor brings a bit of an R&B mix to his music which I absolutely can’t get enough of. This particular album is filled with songs of love,heartbreak and all that usual stuff, however he brings so much emotion into what he does it feels different than most male solo artists out these days. This album is solid and beautiful, I can only hope he continues on and gets his name out there because he deserves the recognition.

9. Everything Everything - Man Alive

 

When I heard the song MY KZ UR BF, earlier this year I knew immediately that this band had major potential. That song itself was catchy, weird and just had you thinking “what the hell is this… I love it”. Low and behold, when this album came out and I had heard it all the way through I was pleased to hear that they were just as quirky and unique as I was expecting them to be. The obvious different between these guys and other bands is of course lead vocalist Jonathan’s voice. It fits along so well with the music they make, it’s all upbeat and just in a different direction than what I usually hear from bands in the UK. It’s safe to say many bands these days have a lot of similiarities, however I think EE bring something unique and fun to the table which had me loving this debut release.

8. Marina and the Diamonds - The Family Jewels

Now that we’re on the topic of unique, Marina happens to be no exception to that term. I discovered this lady while I was in Germany earlier this year, constantly saw her video on the television and constantly wondered who she was. I wasn’t sure I’d be into her as a whole but after I got the chance to listen to The Family Jewels, I instantly fell in love with her. She’s got a fabulous voice to go along with the catchy, upbeat, and quirky music she makes. She seems to have strong views that come out creatively through her album but not in an obvious way. She’s fun to listen to yet makes catchy music in a smart way. She may only be number 8 on this list, however she’s definitely one of my favorite new artists to emerge this year.

7. Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown

Despite the constant hate I see for this band, I will never not love them. You hear about people not liking anything that’s not their first couple of albums and well, I continue to disagree album after album. Come Around Sundown was no surprise to me when I listened and loved everything about it. It’s got more of an old KOL feel to it than the last album did, however of course it still had it’s own newer KOL flavor. I continue to love their grungy rock and also love their toned down songs because it’s all got that sound I love that they’ve always stuck with in some way or form. I can only hope they continue on making solid albums because I doubt I’ll ever stop loving them.

6. Good Shoes - No Hope, No Future

This may be one of my most listened to albums this year. It’s basically the perfect indie rock album, filled with catchy songs and just upbeat good ass music. I have a thing for English artists singing very distinctively in their accents and Good Shoes happens to be one of those bands that may just be making their music ten times catchier because of the way they sing. Regardless, this band is great at what they do and probably make my favorite type of music so I’ll definitely enjoy hearing more from them for years to come.

5.  Foals - Total Life Forever

I’m not sure if there’s a way to describe this band, I’m not sure if there’s any words I can use to rightfully describe them. They’re incredible, unique, amazing live, and if I could use this word… next to perfect. I loved their debut album and wasn’t sure there was a way to top it. Although Antidotes still remains my favorite Foals album, I adore the hell out of TLF. It’s probably one of the best sophmore releases I’ve ever heard and not to mention the album is amazing live. All I can say is, Foals keep doing your thing because I love you.

4. Vampire Weekend - Contra

Not only are these guys my favorite live act, but they continue some damn amazing music. It could be the coldest and snowiest day of winter and all I’d have to do is turn on this album and feel like I’m on the fucking beach. That’s a strong statement if you ask me. Contra has the same vibe as their first album had but even better. This album is easy to go through without skipping a single song and just loving every second of it. The vibe that this band gives is just too lively and ejoyable to turn down.

3. Tokyo Police Club - Champ

TPC are definitely one of my favorite bands and I can’t even express how excited I was for this album. I’ve loved every piece of work this band has done and Champ was just another great effort to add to the list. This album had that same spunk TPC has always had yet they’ve grown a bit from when they first came out. Songs are still quite damn short, but as always they’re all catchy and upbeat. All the songs on this album are so likeable and easy to sing along to, which has definitely made a TPC live show even more enjoyable for their fans. Champ is an ace third release that almost topped my list.

2. Kate Nash - My Best Friend Is You

Another favorite artist of mine with a new release this year and once again, no dissappointments here. Nash took her quirky, naughty mouth ramblings to a whole ‘nother level this time around. Each song has it’s blunt message with a fun beat and Nash’s wittyness attached. I tend to expect this girl to write an album to relate to and this album was exactly that. Girl power is in this girl’s blood and hell I’m happy there’s an artist like her out there to spill her heart out about topics we can all relate to. I really hope this lady never runs out of steam because she’s one of my favorite artists out there today. Keep it comin’ Kate.

1. Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History

And here it is, number one. Favorite band of the year, favorite new artist of the year, and of course.. favorite album of this year. TDCC might be one of my favorite finds ever. They’re incredibly addicting, energetic, and beyond catchy (if that’s possible to say). Tourist History is filled with hit after hit. Each song is impossible to not love because it’s always got that fun beat and even the words are catchy and easy to sing along with. They became that band for me that I became attached to, learned the words to, and just couldn’t get enough of this year.