MKE Rocks: Top 14 for 2014

Here we go with my favs of '14...

14. Spoon- They Want My Soul

Austin, Texas's most consistently good rock band, produced another gem of three chord guitar hooks this year with They Want My Soul.  The signature Spoon sound is alive and well with tracks like "Rent I Pay," and "Knock Knock Knock."  

13. Sturgill Simpson- Meglamodern Sounds of Modern Country

This Louisville based troubadour exploded onto the scene with a traditional country style of songwriting.  His narrative tales and expert slide guitar work make this a standout release.  "Turtles on the Way Down," "Long White Line," and "It Ain't All Flowers" are exceptional numbers on the disc,

12.  Sylvan Esso- Sylvan Esso

The debut record from this electro-pop duo is infectious.  Driven by Nick Sanborn's expert beats and loops, and Amelia Randall Meath's unique vocal flow, Slyan Esso delivers a whole lot of sound for just two people.  "Coffee," "H.S.N.T.," and "Play It Right," are great tracks that showcase this artist's unique sound.



11.  Woods- With Light and With Love

Woods, a Brooklyn-based psychedelic folk-rock band released a gem this year.  Their sound has a jammy element coupled with more poppy vocals and arrangements.  The album showcases the diversity of this band.  The title track is a near 10 minute epic of a jam.  Other highlights include the more accessible, "Moving to the Left," and "Shining,"

10.  St. Paul and the Broken Bones- St. Paul and the Broken Bones

The big band soul sound of this outfit from Birmingham, Alabama fills the room.  Singer Paul Janeway has a mighty set of pipes which propels this young soul-revivalist band forward into fresh territory.  Their album is solid, but pales in comparison to their live show.  "Like A Mighty River," is the strongest tune off the record, followed closely by "Call Me," and "Broken Bones and Pocket Change."


9.  Ryan Adams- Ryan Adams
While not quite a comeback record, Adams delivered a very strong release that is up there with some of his better work of his career.  Adams is a true master songwriter as evidenced by rocking numbers like "Gimme Something Good," "Feels Like Fire," and "Stay With Me," alongside slower ballads like, my personal favorite, "My Wrecking Ball."

 

8.  Strand of Oaks- HEAL
An emotionally raw record from start to finish, Timothy Showalter delivers on Strand of Oaks's most recent release, HEAL. This record functions well as a whole piece as well as in individual tracks.  The first track, "Goshen '97" featuring J. Mascias of Dinosaur Jr. fame on guitar is a blistering rocker that drives the record towards other highlights like, "JM," "Shut In," and "Mirage Year."

 

7.  Tweedy- Sukaire
Jeff Tweedy and son Spencer's project ranges from folksy numbers to more experimental rock. While you can hear the Wilco frontman's trademark vocal style, this is a an album that stands alone as a solid record.  The playful "Summer Noon," country-rocker, "Fake Fir Coat," and jammy "Diamond Light, Part 1" stand out on this diverse record.

6.  Jack White- Lazaretto

You can't find too many artists who can genre blend as nimbly as Jack White.  Lazaretto has strong tracks that would be considered rock, blues, and country all on one disc.  The driving instrumental "High Ball Stepper," hard rocking title track, "Lazaretto," and laid back, alt-country tune, "Higher Ground," illustrate this point on White's follow-up to my 2012 album of the year, "Blunderbuss."

5. Beck- Morning Phase
Beck released what I consider to be one of his all time finest records this year.  Morning Phase sees the prolific artist in more a singer-songwriter mode, masterfully telling tales.  It is hard to believe that this is the same guy who brought us Odelay nearly 20 years ago!  "Morning," and "Heart is a Drum" are two of the classic tunes this record provides.  With thoughtful, well-constructed lyrics and melodies this will be a go-to record for some time.

4.  Real Estate- Atlas
The third record from this Brooklyn indie rock band sees them at their finest as songwriters and musicians.  Dreamy tunes like, "Past Lives," and "Crime" suck you in, alongside more sweeping rock tunes like, the stand out, "Had to Hear."  This band is tops on my "need to see live" list, as they continue to progress and hone their craft.  

3.  First Aid Kit- Stay Gold

The Swedish indie folk duo of Johanna and Klara Soderberg released a beautiful record this year, chucked full of pitch perfect harmonies, clever guitar arrangements, and reflective lyrics.  Folk music is nothing new, but these two sisters give it a catchy modern take.  "My Silver Lining," "Stay Gold," and "Waitress Song," help anchor this outstanding record from start to finish.

2.  Field Report- Marigolden
Marigolden is an exceptional record from start to finish which layers sounds on top of one another to create complex arrangements. Catchy melodies, great lyrics and a diverse pallet of music drives this record home.  You know an album is great when you listen to songs over and over and still get goosebumps.  While the whole album is fabulous, "Home (Leave the Lights On)," "Wings," and "Summons" are three of the best.

1.  War on Drugs- Lot in a Dream
Lushly layered instruments, exquisite production, and ultimately creative and contemplative songs make this year's "Album of the Year" a shoe in from early March.  War on Drugs is a progressive rock band hitting their stride.  Every time I listen to Lost in a Dream I discover something new.  This is the mark of a piece of music that is likely to withstand the test of time.  It is simply beautiful from start to finish.  "Under the Pressure," "Burning," "Eyes to the Wind," and my personal favorite, "In Reverse," are all A+ tracks.