Robby’s Top Ten Albums of 2014
This year wasn’t what I would consider one of the better years for album releases, but there were some that stood out from the crowd for me.
10. Grouper — Ruins
Sneaking into the top ten is Grouper, a musician from Oregon that I’ve still not managed to catch live. After this album, I’m going to make a solid effort to see her the next time she plays in Portland.
Just a really solid ambient album. Perfect for relaxing to on a soggy Sunday evening in the Pacific Northwest.
9. Clark — Clark
Self-titled glitchy delight from Chris Clark. Doing his thing.
8. The Will Destroy You — Another Language
Despite producing wonderful soundscapes, they’ve never really caught my attention until this year. I’m willing to admit that Texas is big enough for all of the post-rock that is coming out of the state.
7. Plaid — Reachy Prints
If it weren’t for Aphex Twin’s album, this would have been my favorite Warp Records album of the year. This album feels so damn good… great music to code to.
6. Beck — Morning Phase
Honestly, I am just as surprised as you are to find Beck being found in any top album list written by me. I’ve never really been into his work over the years… never would have considered purchasing an album of his… and wow, this one got played more than anything else while I was wandering around Europe.
As of 2014, I am now a Beck fan.
5. Luke Abbot — Wysing Forest
A fantastic contribution to the IDM archives. There are periods where this album feels like you’re listening to a remix of a Las Vegas casino…it’s chaotic, nonsensical, yet warm.
4. Timber Timbre — Hot Dreams
Having been a huge fan of them for a few years after being introduced to them three years before in Paris, I was eagerly waiting to see what would come next. At first, I found myself conflicted and within a few listens, had engulfed my attention
Best usage of a saxophone in 2014. Really disappointed that I didn’t get to see them when they were in Portland.
3. Lone — Reality Testing
If I were to open a futuristic lounge bar, this album would play on the opening night.
2. Mondkopf — Hadès
The fucking world is coming to an end… and this will be our final soundtrack. Amazing doom electronic music.
1. Aphex Twin — Syro
We waited 13 years for this. I’m hoping that by bumping this to the top that we’ll not have to wait another 13 for his next release.
It really is a wonderful album.
Honorable Mention
Here are a few other albums that got some heavy rotation this year… but didn’t quite make my top ten cut.
Midnight Faces — The Fire is Gone
Mono — The Last Dawn
SOHN — Tremors
Mogwai — Rave Tapes
Sylvan Esso — Sylvan Esso
Pink Floyd — The Endless River
Lykke Li — I Never Learn
patten — ESTOILE NAIANT
MNDSGN — Surface Outtakes
As a Spotify Playlist
Most of these albums are available on Spotify, so I put together a playlist. Enjoy!
What were your top albums of 2014?
