This is a simple list of my favorite music from last year.
These are albums that I listen to all the time.
You may disagree with many of these choices, and that is okay. It's nothing to fret over, I simply have better taste than you. (I'm just kidding........try not to take yourself and your tastes too seriously)
You may deride me for choosing bands that are popular and not underground enough. Sellouts you may say. First off, stop shopping exclusively at Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and thrift shops in order to solidify your hipster image. Next, stop listening to music you really don't like in order to establish an identity and something to talk about. Stop disliking bands because they are able to earn a really good living. And finally remember that Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Notorious B.I.G. were all popular. Incredibly popular. If you tell me there was someone out there in the 'underground' doing it better than any one of them, please let me know.
I love underground music, and am constantly seeking new artists to enjoy, but the fact that no one else knows about a band doesn't make their art more special.
If you only like one 'genre' of music, you are probably a boring person.
If you are not pairing food with music, or being inspired to cook through music, you are missing out.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Bon Iver- Bon Iver
From the soft opening of Perth to the quasi 80’s appeal of the final track, Beth/Rest, this album is stunning. There are times when it is beautifully melodic, and others when it tugs at memories of heartache and despair, seducing the listener in a comforting fashion. It is complex in its genre defying scope, and a testament to one man’s vision and drive to create something that is unique in both its delivery, and sweeping ambition. Plus Kanye loves it!
This is music to curl up to, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and maybe put a stew on the stove. Something braised, and deep in flavor, that cooks long and slow.
Jay-Z and Kanye West- Watch The Throne
Watch The Throne is ambitious hip-hop, showing off the best rapper alive, and the most unique ‘artist’ in music. Jay-Z continues to crush every track in his path, with swagger for days. Kanye continues to be far too honest in his rhymes, and I can’t help but love listening. The album is packed with great beats throughout, along with superb guest spots from Beyonce and Frank Ocean. Bonus points for funniest line in a song all year: New Day, Kanye, “And I’ll never let my son have an ego, he’ll be nice to everyone wherever we go, I mean I might even make him be Republican, so everybody know he loves white people.”
If I drank champagne, this would be the music to do it to. Instead, I’m going to vote for something clean and sexy, like high end sushi, or a perfect plate of pasta with shrimp, crushed red pepper, and olive oil.
Washed Out- Within and Without
Atmospheric electronic music with sparse lyrics, and a hypnotic quality that is hard to pinpoint. This one gets the “I never thought I would like this” award, as well as being my favorite album to write to as of late.
This one makes me think of modern culinary techniques. Break out the liquid nitrogen or an immersion circulator and get creative. Or just go to WD-50 and call it a day.
The Decemberists- The King Is Dead
Incredible mix of folk, country, and rock, with some of the purest songwriting I’ve ever heard. The album sounds vaguely old-fashioned, as if torn from another era, while retaining a distinctly contemporary vibe throughout. It’s like an R.E.M. album that I would actually like, and ‘Why We Fight’ is the jangle rock song of the year. The Decemberists have always been more of a progressive outfit, but this stripped down collection presents a stage for all their finest qualities. It is a shame that they broke up last year, but lead singer Colin Meloy will hopefully use his extensive talents for new projects in the future.
The King Is Dead is a perfect album for strapping on the apron and baking a pie, say classic apple, or maybe butternut squash. Maybe some cookies would suit the tone, or perhaps a go at making preserves or jam.
Frank Ocean- Nostalgia-Ultra Mixtape
The highly gifted singer from the Odd Future crew puts out a gem. Ocean’s voice is smooth and distinctive, allowing the tracks to feel organic and never forced. The subject matter is also interesting in its scope, covering everything from getting high at a festival with a girl, to belief in the goodness of people, marriage, suicide, and why he sings (women). This is not run of the mill R&B (thank goodness), and his first true major label release next year should be great.
For reasons yet to be identified, this album gives me a craving for Chinese take-out (though I make a lot of Chinese take-out at home), or perhaps some Americanized Thai food, because Pad Thai seems to be the new General Tso’s Chicken. There would definitely be a soda on the side, probably Dr. Pepper, or Strawberry Fanta. Dessert would be candy, maybe swedish fish.
Bayside- Killing Time
The New York based punk band delivers a 35-minute slice of rock and roll perfection. Bayside have been touring relentlessly for the past ten years, and in that time have released six solid albums, each one showcasing Anthony Raneri’s knack for writing stellar songs. Jack O’Shea is one of the best guitarists in rock and roll, proved once again on Killing Time, and the fact that he is given free rein in a punk band makes it even better. With most of the album centered on the subject matter of Raneri’s divorce, there are plenty of moments of angst and disgust, but his range as a songwriter shines with the show-tune inspired ballad of hope, ‘On Love, On Life’. Raneri has openly spoken of his love of a wide range of musical styles, particularly the songwriting at the core of good pop music, and it shows in the way his songs become infectious, and hard to forget.
Anthony Raneri has often expressed his love for New York, particularly his native Queens where he grew up, and continues to reside, so we will opt for a good NY-style bagel with butter, or cream cheese if you insist.
The Weeknd- House Of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes Of Silence
A 21-year old from Toronto drops THREE free albums in the span of a single year. Each one is like nothing you have ever heard. What?! Futuristic R&B from another planet is the only way I can really describe it. It is all sex, drugs, and rock and roll, minus the rock and roll. The trilogy is haunting and emotive, with each album containing its own special blend of weirdness, artistic triumph, self-deprecation, and story-telling. What?! Just listen, they are free!
Chocolate covered strawberries, and various other classic romantic desserts. Crème brulee, or chocolate souflee for two?
Adele- 21
Adele blew up in 2011, and for very good reason. She sings with bonafide soul, reminiscent of an earlier era, where vocalists weren’t trying to sound perfect, but instead poured there heart out in the booth. The album is loaded with heartbreak, and we all know that a broken heart can lead to some beautiful art. ‘Turning Tables’ and ‘Someone Like You’ are stunning ballads, smoky and weathered, while everyone at this point has bobbed there head to the bluesy ‘Rolling In The Deep’. The album makes you root for this young woman who sings with a passion so far beyond her years that is easy to ponder where it all comes from.
A cigarette perhaps? How about a bacon sandwich? They love those in England. Maybe fish and chips under an umbrella in an old part of town would suit the bill.
Action Bronson- Dr. Lecter, Well Done w/ Statik Selektah
The former chef from Flushing, Queens delivers two heaters, staking his claim as one of the best lyricists in the game. With a voice that is reminiscent of Ghostface, but a flow that is distinctly his own, Action has proved that you don’t need fancy hooks or gimmicks to get the job done. Peppered with food references and love for his native borough, Bronson crushes every track he gets his hands on. Best New Rap Artist, hands down.
These albums call for some good charcuterie, a hearty pasta course, and a perfectly cooked rib-eye steak. Wash it down with a good vintage wine, because that is what Action would do. Or break out the San Pellegrino if you are behind the wheel.
Wilco- The Whole Love
Without a doubt, Wilco is the most underrated band in America. For close to twenty years, Jeff Tweedy and his bandmates (who have actually remained constant for several years now) have been making incredible albums, The Whole Love being no exception. Seamlessly weaving between the worlds of experimentation, country, folk, rock, and progressive composition, Wilco are a band that first demands to be listened to alone, in a dimly lit room, to fully absorb the nuances inherent in everything they do. Jeff Tweedy is probably this generation’s greatest songwriter, stretching back to his days in Alt-Country pioneers Uncle Tupelo. He has even managed to buck the trend of artists who fall off creatively after getting sober, instead producing some of his best work in the years since he emerged from rehab a new man.
Something Mid-Western seems apropos. Better yet, start the day by making a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, with a nice pat of butter, and real maple syrup. Some time later, it will be time to light the grill, toss on some meat, and let the wafting scents transport you back to a memory of that perfect holiday barbeque back in the day.
Drake- Take Care
It has become quite popular as of late to hate on Drake, but I refuse to fall into this trap. They say he is too emotional, sings too much, or he isn’t hard enough! Rubbish, all of it. He sings, he raps, he tells stories, and he lays his thoughts and emotions squarely on the table. I applaud him for this, because there is only so much fake bravado I can stand. Drake makes albums that blend elements in unique ways, both sonically and lyrically. Take Care was a million times better than his mentor Lil Wayne’s subpar Tha Carter IV, along with just about anything else that came out last year. The thing to remember is that Drake isn’t trying to be Wu-Tang, Tupac, or Kool G Rap, he’s just being Drake, which is refreshing. If Drake was from the projects in Brooklyn, what would you think of him? Instead, he is half-white, hails from Toronto, and acted on Degrassi High, which too many people can’t seem to get past. It doesn’t matter where Drake came from, or who he is, Take Care is an amazing album, end of story.
Late night eats for sure. We could give a nod to our brothers to the North with a plate of poutine or a dozen oysters, but I think a serious plate of chicken and waffles would do just fine.
M83- Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
M83 is Electro-pop that will get under your skin, in the best way possible. ‘Midnight City’ is the catchiest song of the year, and it was memorably featured—perhaps the perfect marriage of song and television—at the end of an episode of HBO’s ‘How To Make It In America’ where the characters are in a taxi riding through the streets of NYC (how did they cancel that show?!). Though there are many stand out tracks, this is a real album, and deserves to be listened to as such. With 22 tracks that vary considerably, this is a dense piece of work that will continue to reveal itself over time.
Make some really delicious tacos at home. If you want to be out and about, I suggest a taco truck, or a couple of kick ass arepas at Caracas.
The Black Keys- El Camino
El Camino is a dirty rock album, plain and simple. It sounds like it was birthed from the stage of a nasty little dive bar, complete with weathered wood floors, and an old-school juke box. It makes you tap your foot uncontrollably with every beat of the snare drum. This is the perfect album to drive fast to, preferably in an American made muscle car.
Drink whiskey, or a bottle of beer. If you don’t care for that, may I suggest Fried Chicken, stewed okra, and the best damn BBQ you can get your hands on!
Jay-Z + Kanye West + Adele- Brooklyn, Chicago, London Mixtape
Best mash up mixtape I heard last year, mainly because the three artists seem to go together like cheese, dough, and sauce. You can decide who is who.
Staying true to my analogy, this album deserves to be rocked in the headphones, while eating a slice on the go. It must be eaten on a paper plate, and it must be folded. Either BEST Pizza in Brooklyn, or Joe’s in the Village.
Honorable Mentions:
We Are Augustines- Rise Ye Sunken Ships
Childish Gambino- Camp
The Roots- undun
City and Colour- Little Hell
Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues
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