Bahamas – Little Record Girl
‘Little Record Girl’ is a musician’s love song. The track features Afie Jurvanen reflecting on his girl, her love of music, and all the little ways they compare and contrast with one another. While the track doesn’t quite show off Jurvanen’s guitar chops, it does balance his instrumental talent with the sooth sounds and style that make Bahamas songs so wonderful. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Shakey Graves – Dearly Departed
Alejandro Rose-Garcia has grown considerably as a musician since first bursting onto the scene as a bedroom artist named Shakey Graves. Since then the energetic Austin, Texas native has thrilled audiences with his lively blues-based set, however ‘Dearly Departed’ is a new direction for the musician, proving there is more to Rose-Garcia than he and his custom suitcase kick-drum. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Caribou – All I Need
‘All I Need’ is the second pillar of Caribou’s latest release Our Love. While the infectious ‘Can’t Do Without You’ is certain to result in abuse of the repeat button, the third track on the album is equally well-crafted and worth multiple listens. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Kimbra – 90s Music
I know, I know. What is ‘90s Music’ doing on my list after I gave it a 4/10? Well, it’s on this list for one simple reason: it’s catchy as fuck. There’s no other way to describe it. ‘90s Music’ has all the elements of a catchy pop song, and it works. You just can’t get away with an entire album of it. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Temples – Sun Structures
If you didn’t know better you mind think Temples were from decades of old. On Sun Structures the British quartet have managed to synthesize psychedelic rock of long ago into their own modern solution. The result is a cohesive psych-rock record that closely reflects its influences, just as the title track above indicates. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
los GROWLERS – Chinese Fountain
I just had to get another track from los GROWLERS up here. The California surf-goth group are an acquired taste, but once you’ve taken a nice big gulp from that fountain it’s hard to go back. The title track on Chinese Fountain is a great example of the Growlers’ sound they seem to have forged all by themselves – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Run The Jewels – Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck) Feat. Zack De La Rocha
Killer Mike, El-P, AND Zach De La Rocha, how could listeners go wrong? ‘Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck) is of the hardest tracks on RTJ2, demonstrating the rap duo’s skillset in a way that stands out against the backdrop of rap album of the year. Looping De La Rocha’s voice for the hook was brilliant. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Lady Lamb The Beekeeper – Billions Of Eyes
Lady Lamb The Beekeeper has a way of creating music out of life’s everyday moments. On ‘Billions Of Eyes’ listeners will hear more of Aly Spaltro’s stream-of-consciousness lyrics and danceable melodies that made 2013’s Ripely Pine so rewarding. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Reignwolf – Are You Satisfied?
Fans have been waiting years for a full release from Reignwolf, but only a few singles and live cuts were released in 2014. While Jordan Cook has been playing ‘Are You Satisfied’ live for some time, the studio version seems to reflect the sound of 2014 tour-mates Black Sabbath, who Reignwolf opened for across Canada this year. Keep an ear out for The Wolf in 2015. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
Father John Misty – Bored In The U.S.A.
Father John Misty is back with a sophomore album and his signature wit. On ‘Bored In The U.S.A.’ singer Joshua Tillman reflects on his surroundings, wondering how he became so unimpressed by his home country, and all its fascinating quirks. – Written by Kevin Vanstone
