Toto XIV by Toto
Key tracks: 21st Century Blues, Running Out Of Time, Great Expectations, Orphan, Holy War, Chinatown
(For me the best album of 2015 so far, and this is from a group who I considered washed up. Surprisingly it's the non-singles that impressed me the most. The opener rocks. Toto XIV is the band's first record in 9 years. RIP former Toto bassist Mike Porcaro who died at 59 on March 15)
Why Make Sense? by Hot Chip
Key tracks: Need You Now, Easy To Get, Huarache Lights, Why Make Sense?
(In an age when many albums only contain a couple of good tracks, Hot Chip have crafted a record I can listen to from start to finish)
Vulnicura by Björk
Key tracks: Stonemilker, Lionsong, Black Lake
Lyric from Black Lake: "Did I love you too much. Devotion bent me broken. So I rebelled"
(A melancholy breakup album, about Björk's split from her longtime partner and father of her 12-year-old daughter. The lyrics feel very personal and also universal, in that listeners who have gone through a painful breakup could mirror themselves in her heartbreak. As a commenter on YouTube said, the full album sounds much better than the songs separately)
Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
Key tracks: Fourth of July, Should Have Known Better, All of Me Wants All of You
(The first 6 tracks are outstanding. Inspired by the 2012 death of his mother, Carrie, and the family trips they took to Oregon in Stevens' childhood. The album title also references his stepfather)
Lost River (soundtrack) by Various Artists
Key tracks: Tell Me (Feat. Saoirse Ronan), YES (Love Theme), Shell Game
(A dreamy soundtrack by Johnny Jewel. Featuring Chromatics, Glass Candy, and members of the cast)
Agree or disagree? Which is your favorite album of the year? Later this month, I'll reveal my top 50 songs of 2015 so far.
I haven't heard a lot of albums lately with the exception with the new Bjork which I like. I'm just out of it when it comes to new music. Especially as I really dislike today's pop music at the moment.
ReplyDelete@thevoid99: I agree popular music was stronger in the past, but there's still some good contemporary stuff here and there. Toto’s new LP sounds like it was recorded years ago! I like Björk’s new album too, it feels timeless.
DeleteI still need to check out Bjork's latest, as well your top 2, but I love Carrie & Lowell and the Lost River soundtrack.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to post my top 10 so far early in July, but my top 5 right now would be something like this:
1. Ten Love Songs - Susanne Sundfør
2. How to Die in the North - BC Camplight
3. Carrie & Lowell - Sufjan Stevens
4. Ibeyi - Ibeyi
5. Froot - Marina and The Diamonds
@Josh: Happy we agree on a couple of the albums I listed. I love Oblivion song Susanne Sundfør did with M83, her other stuff hasn't blown me away to the same degree. I quite like her new track Fade Away. Interesting choices in your top 5, the French-Cuban duo of Ibeyi I had never heard of before. Look forward to your mid year reports!
DeleteNice list so far Chris! Here's my top 5 so far but I might be more into underground stuff:
ReplyDelete1. Dodheimsgard - A Umbra Omega
2. Panda Bear - Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper
3. Bell Witch - Four Phantoms
4. Caïna - Setter Of Unseen Snares
5. Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
@Michaël Parent: I don't listen to metal/black metal, so that explains why I'm not familiar with 2-3 of the albums you mention :) Glad we agree on Sufjan Stevens, it's such a beautiful, personal album, the confessional approach to lyrics reminds me of Sun Kill Moon's recent albums.
DeleteLove the Lost River soundtrack. Great choice there.
ReplyDelete@Alex Withrow: Thanks, I actually liked the soundtrack more than the movie.
DeleteNot been listening to a lot of new albums this year. Listened to Florence + The Machine's new one, but felt it was very forgettable. Not at all like Lungs or Ceremonials for me. I've really enjoyed Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly - didn't think I was still into hip hop/rap as much, but this album is brilliant. Recommend it!
ReplyDelete@Jaina: I included King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar in the top 50 songs of 2015 I just posted today. Very catchy tune.
DeleteI'll take your advice and skip Florence + The Machine's new one.