You know you're getting old when you start thinking 'Wow, another year sure has flown by', and really mean it. Thankfully, it's been another super fast fly-by year full of great music. Here are some of the albums that have kept me happy over the past year.
I Break Horses - Hearts
From the first track to the last, Hearts is immersive, blissed-out and much too short. Expecting big things for the future.
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Mature Themes
This album converted me into an Ariel Pink fan. Our shared affinity for schnitzel didn't hurt.
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Only recently got into this album, and regretting I took so long. While not a complete album, in my mind, highlights such as Super Rich Kids and Lost make it matter.
Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
One of the best albums early in the year, it's blues rock that even your mom will like. Whether that's a good thing or not is another thing, but they're definitely one of the breakthrough bands of the year.
Jessie Ware - Devotion
I've read that Jessie Ware had written off singing as a career option. Lucky for us, she stuck with it and put out one of the most impressive albums of the year.
Dan Deacon - America
Not even taking epic U.S.A into consideration, even the single tracks on this album have been masterfully composed. No filler here.
Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself
Skirting the fine line between world music and bohemian folk, Andrew Bird's latest is personal, compelling and familiar from the first note.
Animal Collective - Centipede Hz
Rather than try to repeat the indie anthems of Merriweather Post Pavillion, Animal Collective went the route of experimentation and ended up with some gems, such as Monkey Riches.
Tame Impala - Lonerism
Already named best album of the year by critics such as NME, Lonerism is a huge step forward from last year's effort, but only deserving the title of breakthrough album of the year, in my mind.
Grimes - Visions
Another album of the year for some critics, including Rough Trade, Visions proves that Montreal's music scene is still bearing fruit.
Grizzly Bear - Shields
Being missed off the Grammy's list of best alternative albums this year is only proof that some of the best music just isn't fit for mass consumption. One of the best live performances of the year as well.
DIIV - Oshin
The little band that could, DIIV have stormed through my iPod and iTunes to take over as one of my most listened to albums this year.
Beach House - Bloom
Coming off their breakthrough album, Teen Dream, it could only be hoped that Beach House's following effort would be more of the same. Rather than play it safe as The xx did with Co-exist, they continued to refine their sound and have put out the best of the year, in my opinion.
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