10. De Lux – Generation
The funky, disco-ladden, synthesized beats of De Lux aren’t the only that make this band a spectacle. Their poignant, honest, and sometimes overly forward lyrics are the most entertaining piece of this band ex. “Staying wealthy by taking selfies”, one of our favorite lines from “LA Threshold”, which definitely makes us want to stay in NYC! Check out the new video for their single “Oh Man The Future” above!
9. The Chemical Brothers – Born In The Echoes
They changed the landscape of EDM and have nothing left to prove but yet they continue to impress with their big beats, incredible landscape of sounds, and trippy lyrics. Their first single “Go” welcomes back longtime collaborator Q-Tip and gives a new meaning to pole dancing! However, their new album “Born In The Echoes” goes far beyond catchy beats and famous collaborators, songs like “EML Ritual” and “Just Bang” echo hints of their past and a glimpse into the future of dance.
8. Mark Ronson – Uptown Special
Mark Ronson has explored all genres of music in his albums but his strongest influence seems to come from early R&B records and Motown. Well, Motown is VERY present in Uptown Special and the funk, r&b and blues influences come out strong on his first single “Uptown Funk” feat. Bruno Mars. Ronson doesn’t stop there though, he collaborates with the likes of Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), Stevie Wonder and Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow) and makes beautiful music with his cohorts.
7. Panda Bear – Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper
Panda Bear is at a crossroads on this record and the struggle between internal realities and uncontrollable external forces is powerful in his lyrics. Noah Lennox has an uncanny ability to meld melodies, foreign sounds, and emotion into songs that even trumps his Animal Collective bandmates. Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper is one of his finest works and a testament to the genius that Mr. Noah is.
Big Data is the creative genius of super producer Alan Wilkis. 2.0 is the second coming of this incredible artist that has produced a plethora of excellent tracks but goes above and beyond on 2.0, which features some of todays hottest new artists. The first single “Dangerous” feat. Joywave grew to immense proportions and is still hot on college radio. The electronic/pop sounds on this album don’t miss a beat and when you have the likes of Weezer, Kimbra, Joywave, Jamie Lidell, and more collaborating with you on your first album, you know you’re in good hands.
5. Giorgio Moroder – Deja Vú
Giorgio Moroder is the pioneer of electronic dance music (EDM) returns to the TOP of the charts at 75 years old with a dance album that tops them all, Deja Vú. The lush dance/pop melodies on Deja Vú minced with the signature synth sounds of this prodigy are perfectly matched with today’s top artists and we’re given one of the greatest treats by a legend that proves you can do anything you want at any age. Moroder created the sound we all listen to today, he didn’t have to lift another finger but he continues to inspire and create.
4. Toro Y Moi – What For?
Another pioneer of a completely different genre, Chill Wave, Toro Y Moi surprised us with What For?, a more electronic-driven record with a tinge of indie rock sprinkled atop. The record stands out as one of his best thus far showing his maturity, ability to be amenable to change, and his growth as far as a lyricist. While some of the songs might sound a bit too giddy at times that’s the wonderful nature of Chaz Bundick’s music and his place in the indie rock-sphere.
3. The Vaccines – English Grafitti
The third full length album,“English Graffiti”, from the English pop-rock group The Vaccines is their catchiest yet. Nearly every track will stick in your head after a listen. “20/20” and “Dreamlover” are the standout tracks on this album. While the punk-thrash songs might be gone we get a much more consistent, produced sound that rolls over the ears much nicer.
2. White Reaper – White Reaper Does It Again
The four men of White Reaper have put together an impressive debut album that echoes the sentiments of early garage rock and manages to sound modern in today’s electronic-driven, over produced music world. The simple melodies, earnest lyrics and catchy riffs are exactly what we needed to hear. Its refreshing, its fun, and in a world of complication, its simple. Take a listen to their first single above.
1. Tame Impala – Currents
And finally we come to our number 1 pick for album of the year and it shouldn’t be a complete shock considering our love for Kevin Parker’s music. Currents sees Parker move away from the lo fi, fuzzy guitar sound that was very present on Lonerism and InnerSpeaker and more towards a polished, produced sound that Parker has matured into. The albums songs are riddled disco/rock/indie melodies that when blended together sound masterful and not the train wreck you would come to expect. Parker and his band gave us their best efforts yet on their third full length album. Take a listen to “Disciples” above and notice the shift from lo fi to hi fi midway.
Almost FUZZable…
11. Madonna – Rebel Heart
12. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly
13. Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
