My Top EPs/Live Albums/Comps Of 2014
Holy shit, its a tough competition over in the AOTY ring. It can be difficult to rcompare an album rrto an ep, so I made this list. Most of these would have rmade the honorable mention list. |
| 16 | | BLSHS
Abstract Desires
Retro-ey synth pop from a local band. Interesting enough for me to keep an eye on them. |
| 15 |  | Moonface
City Wrecker
Strong piano based album by Sunset Rubdown/Wolf Parade's Spencer Krug. Very strong lyrics and some cool synth work
thrown in. Daughter of a Dove, the 10+ minute closer, dominates this release. |
| 14 |  | iLoveMakonnen
ILOVEMAKONNEN
Really unique r&b-ish release. Unlikely success story with the Club on a Tuesday song. Curious how he will develop. |
| 13 |  | Seven Lions
Worlds Apart
Seven Lions continues to dominate the house-dubstep fusion genre (which admittedly isn't a very competitive genre).
Pretty fun EP. |
| 12 | | Various Artists
Work
Superbly sequenced compilation album showcasing music from Nicolas Jaar's label. The two previously
unreleased Darkside songs would earn it a shout out, but most of the other tracks are deserving of a listen as
well. |
| 11 |  | Jon Hopkins
Asleep Versions
Excellent companion to last year's album. Lives up its name (in a good way) as Hopkins finds new ways to
explore these songs. |
| 10 | | Various Artists
Boring Ecstasy: The Bedroom Pop of Orchid Tapes
Super chill bedroom pop at its finest. Great compilation for new discovery or just zoning out. |
| 9 |  | The Districts
The Districts
These guys have a bright future ahead of them. This EP is just the beginning. |
| 8 |  | Speedy Ortiz
Real Hair
Speedy Ortiz make a mild to the sound found on 2013's Major Arcana. The songwriting is similar but the
songs take up more sonic space and are a touch closer to mid-fi. Not sure if this release was really necessary,
but its solid nonetheless. |
| 7 |  | Container
Adhesive
Abrasive noise-techno (technoise?) album. These four songs relentlessly march in a haze of distortion, squeals, and booming
kicks. |
| 6 |  | Le1f
Hey
Immaculately produced rap EP. Le1f's murky flow adds a ton to his banging beats. |
| 5 |  | Shamir
Northtown
Shamir's debut brings his old school rnb vocals to perfectly executed house tracks that aren't afraid to say 'fuck
it' and jam out. |
| 4 |  | Baths
Ocean Death
Baths continues to develop the sound on his previous album. Really looking forward to what he has in store for the next
release. The titular opening track is absolutely stunning. |
| 3 |  | Vince Staples
Hell Can Wait
Vince is sure to become star after this excellent non-mixtape debut. Unique twists on production,
thoughtful lyrics, and great album art. I'm really excited to see what's next for both Vince Staples and hip-
hop in 2015. |
| 2 | | Tourist
Patterns EP
Probably the only release to come close to building on Disclosure's Settle from last year. The
momentum on each of the EP's four tracks builds perfectly as elements are added and subtracted. |
| 1 |  | LCD Soundsystem
The Long Goodbye
Kinda wins by default. If you're a fan of LCD you already love this. |
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