I'm alone in this

Albums of the year

I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon and share a few of my favorite albums this year and why I loved them.

Brand New-Daisy

When I first downloaded this album and heard “Vices”, my first thought was, “Holy shit!” Brand New is a band that somehow manages to make completely different albums yet still remain familiar. In ways it felt like Daisy was BN’s first regression in terms of albums as each one had upped the ante in terms of musicianship and experimentation. Daisy is a more stripped down album and in that sense is more like YFW. Where as the complexity of TDAGARIM required the band to add a third guitarist, Daisy feels as if it could be played with just one guitar. Daisy is not a lyrical masterpiece by any means (it’s apparent Vinnie is no Jesse in that department) but it suceeds in showing a raw side of BN that most of us never knew existed. There’s more yelling and screaming then I ever remember hearing from them over the course of an album. Each song feels urgent and important and makes the listener eager to hear what comes next. This is one of those rare albums that feels old and new at the same time. Great to sing (scream) along to and has been a constant listen since it’s release.

Portugal. The Man-The Satanic Satanist

This album makes me smile. TSS is a brighter version of Censored Colors, and that’s definetly not a bad thing. While the transition from CC is not as extreme as it has been with all of their previous albums, PtM seems to have found their groove. There’s shredding, grooving, and lots of major chords. While PtM is often hard to sing along with due to Jon Gourley’s mind-bending lyrics which sometimes feel a bit forced, they seem to really get it right with TSS. It’s trippy, fun, and smiley all at the same time.

fun.-Aim and Ignite

The most underrated album of the year, Aim and Ignite improves upon the smart pop sensabilities established in The Format and bends them ever so slighty. I don’t think there’s was a more catchy and smart album released this year. Nate Ruess’ lyrics are the best they’ve ever been. Not since “My Friends Over You” have I been been pulled in by a single like “All the Pretty Girls.” What first comes off as a fun song about going out an partying is actually a disguise for a depressed guy who can’t find anyone like the girl he’s now lost. There’s songs about reconnecting with old friends into nu-metal, learning to live with guilt, and calming down when you’re freaking the fuck out. The album feels more like a journal, but is still completely accessible. My favorite song is The Gambler, a sweet ballad wriiten from the perspective of (I assume) his parents about love and family. If you haven’t given this album a good listen then please do. This is without a doubt my album of the year.

Honorable mentions:

Thrice-Beggars Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Partum Grizzly Bear-Veckatimest Manchester Orchestra-Mean Everything to Nothing The Dear Hunter-Act III: Life and Death Death Cab for Cutie-The Open Door The Decemberists-The Hazards of Love Jenny Owen Youngs-Transmitter Failure mewithoutyou Regina Spektor-Far

All of these are great albums but the first three have amazing replayability for me. Maybe I’ll do a blurb about each one when I’m not on the iPhone.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!