Sandra Burciaga — Founder / Editor-In-Chief
1. Death From Above 1979 — The Physical World (Last Gang Records / Warner Bros Records)
It wasn’t an easy feat to get Sebastien Granier and Jesse F. Keeler back together to perform again, let alone cut another album, but I am so glad that they did. This new album shreds your ear drums alive and fulfills that insatiable craving for music that is hard, fast and loud (and even melodic). Stream the album here.
2. Phantogram — Voices (Republic Records)
I remember catching Phantogram at a small L.A. bar called the Bordello back in 2010 or so and it’s truly amazing to see just how much this talented duo has become. They started underground and indie and now rule the radio airwaves, and rightfully so. This new album is beyond addictive.
Stream the album here.
3. Spoon — They Want My Soul (Loma Vista)
Even educated folk singers want Brit Daniels’ soul. I mean, who wouldn’t be jealous of that signature voice that just screams he’s the king of indie, along with those impeccable lyrical stories. Yet again, Spoon have aced another new album with this one proving to be more than just “indie”.
Stream the album here.
4. Future Islands — Singles (4AD Records)
Wow. Just, wow. Talk about a band that has seriously come up. We covered Future Islands at The Smell in 2010 and I can’t tell you how much joy it’s brought me to see this stunning band (especially Samuel Herring ) finally get the recognition they deserve. This album is such an impressive work.
Stream the album here.
5. Sylvan Esso — S/T (Partisan Records)
Vocalist, Amelia Meath won my heart years ago with her stunning trio Mountain Man, but teaming up with electronic producer, Nick Sanborn has given her voice a new life and sound. From bombastic rhythms to soothing electronic ballads, Sylvan Esso have delivered a brilliant album.
Stream the album here.
6. Run The Jewels — RTJ2 (Mass Appeal)
I first caught Run The Jewels in early 2013 at the Echoplex just as their self-titled debut album was about to drop. Not many had realized just how ill the partnership between EL-P and Killer Mike was going to be, but after the release of their monstrous RTJ2 everyone definitely now knows.
Stream the album here.
7. White Sea — In Cold Blood (Crush / Songs)
Morgan Kibby of M83 has given me an instant girl crush with this album. It soars so damn high with synth pop brilliance and incredible vocals. Absolutely infectious, I’ve even caught my boyfriend singing along trying to hit that perfect Kibby pitch. LOVE. IT.
Stream the album here.
8. The Pack A D — Do Not Engage (Nettwerk Records)
Nothing but pure rock ‘n’ roll right here. While they may just be all but two people, The Pack A.D.’s sound blows that away of a five-piece ensemble. Turn up the volume and rock out to the drum and guitar slayings, and ferocious howls of these badass women.
Stream the album here.
9. Sharon Van Etten — Are We There (Jagjaguwar)
I love this women so much it hurts. I got all nervous when I met her a few years ago at Sasquatch!. Sharon Van Etten can do no wrong in my book. She is without a doubt one of the best vocalists and songwriters of our time. Her music is so damn moving and this latest album only proves she just keeps getting better.
Stream the album here.
10. The War On Drugs — Lost in The Dream (Secretly Canadian)
This album grew on me. And eventually I found myself completely moved. We covered War On Drugs in 2011 at The Satellite, and this album has revealed their incredible growth. The band has created a transcendent, classic rock album that will be forever timeless.
Stream the album here.
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