Oh yeah – there was a lot to enjoy in 2014! Here are the records that excited me the most!
The Rolling Clone Blogazine’s Top 5 Records of 2014:
Weezer came back in a big way this year. Everything Will Be Alright In The End modernizes the band’s signature sound and is their strongest record of the twenty-first century. Read the RCB’s full review here.
Jack White’s second solo album continues to mash up the retro and the modern. On Lazaretto, he gets funky on songs like “Three Women” and the title track, channels the Stones on “Just One Drink” and goes into guitar hero mode on “High Ball Stepper”. It’s another perfect record from a true genius.
This is a genuinely kick-ass punk record that also addresses some very important social issues. Laura Jane Grace dug deep with these extremely personal songs. Transgender Dysphoria Blues is one in-your-face collection that cannot be ignored.
Sleeper Agent is one of the most under-rated indie rock bands. The band’s sophomore album shows their continued development with great tracks like “Be Brave” and “Impressed”. On About Last Night, Sleeper Agent deliver great songs that are also very catchy and fun.
Fusing the best aspects of the Yardbirds with the Arctic Monkeys, the Strypes’ debut is a rockin’ good time. The teenage band sounds amazingly seasoned. They have the potential to be real contenders in the rock world. If you missed this record, check out “I’m A Hog For You Baby” and try not to dance. I dare you.
The Honorable Mentions:
U2 made a lot of people mad when they suddenly appeared on their iPhones. However, if you ignore all the fuss and just focus on the music, Songs of Innocence is an excellent record that sits comfortably next to the band’s best work. Read the full RCB review here.
The Candy Hearts recall the best parts of golden age of emo pop-punk. All The Ways You Let Me Down shows the band stepping up with its strongest release yet. Read the full-RCB review here.
I can see your eyes rolling, but here’s the thing – the songs on the band’s full-length debut are pretty much perfect. I am a little ashamed and want to dislike this band, but I cannot. They are too much fun. “She Looks So Perfect”, “Don’t Stop” and “End Up Here” are absolute modern power-pop bliss. Now you know my secret shame. In 2015, it is okay to like this band.
The Black Keys turned away from the arena dominating sound of El Camino for a more psychedelic slow-burning experience. It works. Check out the full RCB review here.
In an age where EDM music and glossy over-produced soulless pop songs dominating the radio, AC/DC's unchanging rock and roll formula felt like fresh air. Rock Or Bust rocks. Read the full RCB review here.
The Rolling Clone Blogazine’s Top 5 Records of 2014:
- Weezer – Everything Will Be Alright In The End
Weezer came back in a big way this year. Everything Will Be Alright In The End modernizes the band’s signature sound and is their strongest record of the twenty-first century. Read the RCB’s full review here.
- Jack White – Lazaretto
Jack White’s second solo album continues to mash up the retro and the modern. On Lazaretto, he gets funky on songs like “Three Women” and the title track, channels the Stones on “Just One Drink” and goes into guitar hero mode on “High Ball Stepper”. It’s another perfect record from a true genius.
- Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues
This is a genuinely kick-ass punk record that also addresses some very important social issues. Laura Jane Grace dug deep with these extremely personal songs. Transgender Dysphoria Blues is one in-your-face collection that cannot be ignored.
- Sleeper Agent – About Last Night
Sleeper Agent is one of the most under-rated indie rock bands. The band’s sophomore album shows their continued development with great tracks like “Be Brave” and “Impressed”. On About Last Night, Sleeper Agent deliver great songs that are also very catchy and fun.
- The Strypes – Snapshot
Fusing the best aspects of the Yardbirds with the Arctic Monkeys, the Strypes’ debut is a rockin’ good time. The teenage band sounds amazingly seasoned. They have the potential to be real contenders in the rock world. If you missed this record, check out “I’m A Hog For You Baby” and try not to dance. I dare you.
The Honorable Mentions:
- U2 – Songs of Innocence
U2 made a lot of people mad when they suddenly appeared on their iPhones. However, if you ignore all the fuss and just focus on the music, Songs of Innocence is an excellent record that sits comfortably next to the band’s best work. Read the full RCB review here.
- Candy Hearts – All The Ways You Let Me Down
The Candy Hearts recall the best parts of golden age of emo pop-punk. All The Ways You Let Me Down shows the band stepping up with its strongest release yet. Read the full-RCB review here.
- 5 Seconds of Summer – 5 Seconds of Summer
I can see your eyes rolling, but here’s the thing – the songs on the band’s full-length debut are pretty much perfect. I am a little ashamed and want to dislike this band, but I cannot. They are too much fun. “She Looks So Perfect”, “Don’t Stop” and “End Up Here” are absolute modern power-pop bliss. Now you know my secret shame. In 2015, it is okay to like this band.
- Black Keys – Turn Blue
The Black Keys turned away from the arena dominating sound of El Camino for a more psychedelic slow-burning experience. It works. Check out the full RCB review here.
- AC/DC – Rock Or Bust
In an age where EDM music and glossy over-produced soulless pop songs dominating the radio, AC/DC's unchanging rock and roll formula felt like fresh air. Rock Or Bust rocks. Read the full RCB review here.