Music we love.

It’s been a decent year for music. I’ve discovered tons of new music and have compiled my favourite 10 though I have difficulty with the order (so try not to take the order seriously).

10)

Anarbor-The Words You don’t Swallow

Anarbors first full length album is great. Slade’s vocals are great and the instrumentation equally as good. This album is filled pop rock goodness (it can get a bit cheesy at times, just like that sentance), constant awesomeness. It’s the best pop Rock album of the year in my opinion. 

Listen to: Gypsy Woman, Drugstore Diet, Mr Big Shot

9)

Portugal The Man- American Ghetto

Portugal the Man have always been one of my favourite bands. While they may of departed from the bluesy feel of the Satanic Satanist, the re-emerged electronic vibe of the old portugal the man albums are back. While I think that it might not be as good as their old albums its certainly worthy of a top 10 spot. 

Listen to: Dead Dog, 1000 Years, The Pushers Party

8)

Eli Paper Reed and The True Loves- Come and Get it

A new discovery of mine. This man really does capture the vibe of the 50’s and 60’s. His blend of soul, funk, blues and rock n Roll just makes you want to put a suit on, don a 50’s haircut and roll out on the streets. He’s an amazing talent that shouldn’t be passed on.

Listen to: Come and Get it, Young Girl, Pick A Number

7)

The Tallest Man On Earth- The Wild Hunt

Kristian Matsson is an amazing musician. He is the new Bob Dylan without a doubt. Many have tried to replicate the style and failed but The Tallest Man On Earth has no problem with this. The folky guitars and off tune vocals might not be everyones cup of tea but no one can take away his lyrical prowess. I love this album.

Listen to: Troubles Will be Gone, Love is All, The Wild Hunt

6)

Plan B- The Defamation Of Strickland Banks

I was an old follower of Plan B. I use to listen to his angry raps about english societies worst, but this album, hes transformed into a completely different artist completely. He sings in a soulful manner, sometimes mixing it up with raps. Its great to see him move on to something better and it’s obvious to see Ben Drew is a ridiculously talented man. I can’t wait to see what he does next. 

Listen to:  Writings on The Wall, Stay Too Long, She Said

5)

Pierce The Veil- Selfish Machines

I’m probably going to get a lot of shit for this, but this album is amazing. I’m not the biggest fan of the metal or post hardcore genre, but something about this album just clicked with me. I understand that Fuentes’s voice might get annoying(I like it but hey) and the lyrics sometimes don’t make any sense but the musicianship and when fuentes actually makes sense, is just great. I like the fact that there are alot of mexican influences in this album. If you’re at all interested in something a little more heavy than the normal, listen to this album.

Listen to: Besitos, Caraphernelia, Stay Away From My Friends and Million Dollar Houses.

4)

Mac Miller- K.I.D.S

Mac Miller is insanely good at what he does and hes only 18 years old. He’s one of my favourite rappers, with a chill flow and maybe at times a little stoner-ish, which might put some people off. I love the laid back vibe though, as though theres not a single worry in the world. Any album that can make me feel like that definitely is in my top 10. 

Listen to: Senior Skip Day, Traffic In the Sky, Knock Knock 

3) 

Cee-Lo Green- The Lady Killer

I’m also going to get shit for this because, I was going around saying this was my album of the year. As amazing it is there are two albums that I realize are better than this one. Barely though. Cee-Lo brings mo-town and soul back to modern age. He also managed to create the catchiest song in the form of “Fuck you”, which everyone should of heard of. The whole album is pretty great though and he’s an amazing vocalist. Definitely Check out. 

Listen to: Fuck you, Cry Baby, Satisfied, Wild Flower

2)

Sufjan Stevens- The Age of Adz

How do you describe Sufjan Stevens? He’s highly ambitious and this album really shows it. He’s crafted everything to perfection. It’s definitely not for everyone but everyone should listen through this whole album once. You’ll get lost in the instrumentation and it really does put you into a dream world. Theres nothing between the top 3 really except for my biased, which you’ll see why with my number one.

Listen to: All for Myself, Vesuvius, Impossible Soul (its 25 minutes long…beware)

1)

Justin Nozuka- You I Wind Land And Sea

I absolutely fucking love Justin Nozuka. For those who don’t know, hes an American- Japanese musician with an extremely gifted voice. Holly has been one of my favourite albums for a while, then this came and took me over. From the opening song “Grey” to the end with “How low”, it is literally is musical heaven. He is my favourite vocalist, this is my favourite album of the year, yes I am being biased because he’s half asian like me, but this is most definitely worth checking out. 

 Honorable Mentions:

• Big Boi- Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty
• Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy  
• Shad- TSOL
• My Chemical Romance- Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys
• I can Make A Mess Like Nobodies Business- Dust’n Off The Ol’ Guitar 
• Tokyo Police Club- Champ
• Hot Hot Heat- Future Breed

I hope you liked some of the stuff on my list, if not, well, I apologize. It’s been a decent year, one full of change for me and to be honest I can’t wait till its over. Wish you all the best and hope you have great Christmas. 

George