BRANDON’S TOP ALBUMS OF 2014

10. St. Vincent – St. Vincent 

Drawing from her work with David Byrne, Annie Clark combines social analysis with complex and almost alien sounding music.

9. The War on Drugs – Lost In The Dream

While the band has kept the model of classic rock injected with contemporary sounds, they have matured lyrically.

8. Mac DeMarco – Salad Days

The warped singer-songwriter offers up what has become his signature easygoing guitar lines and adds in hazy synths for good measure.

7. Run the Jewels – Run The Jewels 2

The chemistry between the duo of El-P and Killer Mike strengthens as they deliver this grimmer and more striking sequel.

6. Ben Frost – A U R O R A

A product of globalization, this well-connected artist creates a bleak minimalist album.

5. tUnE-yArDS – Nikki Nack

Tribal rhythms, intricate vocal melodies and composed bass lines combine in a stirring way.

4. Theo Croker – AfroPhysicist 

The album is an energetic painting depicted using a palette that draws from a wide variety of different jazz approaches.

3. Flying Lotus  – You’re Dead!

Flying Lotus offers an album that contemplates mortality and advances electronica, jazz and hip-hop with the help of an outstanding guest roster.

2. Fucked Up – Glass Boys

This record propels hardcore punk to an uncharted arena rock level as well as has a postmodern and introspective lyrical theme.

1. Thee Silver Mt. Zion – Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything 

The band’s mix of classical and rock arrives at its finest hour all while dwelling on family and parenthood.