In no particular order, I present to you my favourite albums of 2015. These were the ones that were constantly on repeat on my work/home commute, I listened to for days on end, belted out in the shower, etc. Some of these were also ones that took me awhile to get into, but once I did I was so unbelievably stoked on them. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do......
*Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly ( Youtube link )
This record is overwhelming in the best way, musically and emotionally. 2015 was the year of identity and inequality was the focus of public/media attention and Kendrick absolutely nails the feels and the importance of being aware of these issues in this album. The jazzy element he incorporated into this album is absolutely fantastic and adds to the emotion and passion of this record.
This record is radical and satisfying at the same time.
*Teenage Bottlerocket - Tales From Wyoming ( Youtube link )
These sweethearts have a special place in my heart, but when I started listening through this record it didn't do much for me.....until I heard Ray's first note in Been Too Long. I've always had a boner for his voice but this song and lyrical content gave me goosebumps and made me feel all gushy inside. After I had that song on repeat for a couple days, the rest of the album really came together for me and I fell in love with the whole thing.
Rest in power, Bran. Your work on this record is undeniably stellar and I just know you're kickin' it up there with the rest of those legends <3
*BOIDS - Superbafrango ( Bandcamp link )
Okay, if you don't listen to any of these records I talk about in this blog post, at least give BOIDS a listen. Superbafrango is their second release and it gets me all kinds of excited. I've been listening to this for the past month to and from work and it still rips just as hard as the first time I listened to it. Valois Loveletter hits me the same way Bottlerocket's Been Too Long does: hard, right to the heart, and aggressively romantic. I'm assuming it's about Marguerite of Valois and her many lovers, leading me to love this song (and band) so much more. This album is so wickedly raw and sounds as if it were the lovechild of NoMeansNo and Devo with some beer and sweat thrown in for good measure.
*toyGuitar - In This Mess ( Bandcamp link )
This was definitely one of the most refreshing albums I've heard in awhile. The jangly and excited guitar work paired with Jack's voice is a recipe for greatness and they totally KILLED it with this record! If you are in need of a mood boost, listen to this!!
*Leon Bridges - Coming Home (Youtube link )
When I first heard this beautiful human's voice I immediately thought to myself, "I never heard this Sam Cooke song before!". Leon Bridges is perfecting the revival of old soul and classic R&B with his powerful and gentle voice. This is my bathtub hangout go-to record, it's calming and satisfying, and (as cheesy as it sounds) transports me to another time. So stoked to hear more from Leon Bridges.
*Sabertooth - Spaces Between (Bandcamp link )
I felt like I've been waiting years for more Sabertooth stuff to be released, so when it finally did I lost my shit. This is definitely some of the most explosive punk shit I've heard from these babes, with catchy vocals and manic guitar work. This band and some of these dudes made my life in Calgary so much more enjoyable and exciting. I have so so so much love for them and you should too!
There were so many good releases this year but I have no more energy to type anything else out. I'll save them for another one of my semi-regular musical dumpings on here. Have a happy new year, turds. <3
