Anne-Marie Schiefer — Writer
1. St. Vincent – St. Vincent (Loma Vista)
Annie Clark gives us yet another killer album that not only delivers with singable-pop rock singles, but confronts us with lyrics that force us out of our virtual worlds into reality. Gritty and ridiculous guitar riffs, fuzzy feedback, layered synth effects and a voice that sends chills up the spine, St. Vincent gives us a truly inspired album. Stream at: St. Vincent – St. Vincent
2. Bahamas – Bahamas is Afie (Brushfire Records)
Close your eyes and let this album transport you to a musical wonderland. Afie Jurvanen slays the guitar like a sexy beast while charming your socks off with his clear harmonies that rip open your chest cavity and dig out your soul. Stream at: Bahamas – Bahamas is Afie
3. Benjamin Booker – Benjamin Booker (ATO)
There ain’t nothing quite like a good ol’ rock-n-roll album to get your blood pumping. Benjamin Booker has burst onto the indie scene with a stellar debut EP that will shake you right down to your bones with a little bit of blues, punk and a lot of guitar rocking. Stream at: Benjamin Booker – Benjamin Booker
4. Phox – Phox (Partisan Records)
The self-titled and debut album from Phox, You know that feeling when you pick a dandelion and blow it into a gust of wind and watch it float up against a sun soaked sky? Well, that is what Phox’s debut album is like. It’s freedom, it’s sweet, It’s air, It’s beautiful and yet it has so much more. Stream at: PHOX – PHOX
5. Ryan Adams – Ryan Adams (PAX AM)
Ryan Adams has an uncanny ability to speak the truth of the heart that we are unable to express ourselves. His latest release gives us absolute gorgeous songwriting that leaves us breathless and yearning for more. Each track is a stand alone in a collection of eleven that reveal more depth with each listen. Stream at: Ryan Adams – Ryan Adams
6. Strand of Oak – HEAL (Dead Oceans)
This is the kind of album that highlights why singer/songwriters are so brilliant. With bold music and emotive lyrics born from real-life this is an authentic album that will rip your heart out and leave it on the floor. Not to mention the gorgeous musical elements that will give the most discerning ear chills. Stream at: Strand of Oaks – HEAL
7. Glass Animals –ZABA (Wolf Tone)
We dare you not to gyrate to the sexy sounds on the debut album of this Brit-pop group. Each song is a stand alone in this truly magnificent collection of indie-eclectronic-pop. Once you start listening you won’t stop. Stream at: Glass Animals – ZABA
8. Shakey Graves – And the War Came (Dualtone)
Starting as a one-man band out of Austin, Alejandro Rose-Garcia, was an instant favorite with music lovers. His long awaited LP finds him backed by a band and partnering with the beautiful female vocals of Esme Parsons. It’s a boot stomping-grungy guitar rock-soulful blues-extravaganza. Stream at: Shakey Graves – And the War Came
9. Angel Olsen – Burn Your Fire for No Witness (Jagjaguwar)
Olsen has struck the perfect a chord between the sound of a coffee shop singer songwriter and a garage rock bad ass. Her deep gritty voice weaves its way under your skin and then her guitar punches you in the gut when you least expect it. Stream at: Angel Olsen – Burn Your Fire For No Witness (Deluxe Edition)
10. Mr. Little Jeans – Pocketknife (Sony Music)
The long awaited LP from this Norwegian artist finally hit this year. After gaining recognition from her covers of Arcade Fire and Beyonce, Monica Birkenes put together a full-length of easy listening syth-pop that hints at dance grooves. Stream at: Mr Little Jeans – Pocketknife
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