The Lists

The 10 Best Albums of 2015 (So Far)

  • July 23, 2015
  • 5 min read
  • 305 Views

10. De LuxGeneration
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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 BrothersBorn In The Echoes

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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 RonsonUptown Special 

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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 BearPanda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper

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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.

6. Big Data2.0

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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 MoroderDeja 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 MoiWhat For?

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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 VaccinesEnglish Grafitti 

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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 ReaperWhite Reaper Does It Again

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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 ImpalaCurrents

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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.

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Almost FUZZable…

11. MadonnaRebel Heart

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12. Kendrick LamarTo Pimp A Butterfly

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13. Courtney BarnettSometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit

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About Author

Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

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