Top 12 Albums of 2014: The War on Drugs — Lost in the Dream

This was the year of artists who had very good albums in 2011 and then came roaring back with even better ones this year, with maybe a single or EP in between. (See also: Real Estate, The Antlers). Maybe the three-year cycle is…

Top 12 Albums of 2014: Sondre Lerche — Please

Seeing old favorites reappear on these lists is satisfying. I’ve been a Sondre Lerche fan since 2003 and, naturally, have liked some albums more than others. This one required quite a few listens to acclimate to — let alone like — but eventually I…

2014 Concert Highlights: Three Nights And Three Jenny Lewis Shows

Three Jenny Lewis shows in three nights in November quickly doubled the number of woman-headlined shows I’ve ever attended. I didn’t even realize it until looking at the log afterward, but of nearly 200 shows, only…

Top 12 Albums of 2014: First Aid Kit — Stay Gold

The most basic description of First Aid Kit’s sound, “two young sisters singing folk songs in harmony,” while technically correct, brings to mind a wispy little sound. It fails to capture the lush, sweeping beauty of Stay Gold. (It doesn’t even…

Top 12 Albums of 2014: Beck — Morning Phase

This is perfect yoga music.

I know, I know. “Yoga music” has negative connotations: innocuous, fluffy, new-agey background tunes, right? Sure, it can be, but in this case, it’s high praise. I’m really serious about both my yoga…

2014 Concert Highlights: Neil Young At Carnegie Hall

When you see Neil Young at Carnegie Hall on the ninth day of the year, the end-of-year superlatives are immediately written and sealed, right? Any show by a mere mortal in a no-name club in the next 356 days need not apply.

2014 Concert Highlights: Back to the 1970s and 80s… at a Work Gala

May 20, Orlando

I’m duty-bound to report back on all concerts, even ones that take place in the most unexpected settings. At the awards gala during my own company’s big annual event, as we…

Top 12 Albums of 2014: Real Estate — Atlas

Interestingly — and perhaps intentionally — an album titled Atlas is short on definitive geographical guidance and certainty. Other than the vague guideposts of skies and horizons, missed connections, directional uncertainty, imposing distances and…

Top 12 Albums of 2014: Nikki Lane — All Or Nothin’

Perhaps the only brand-new 2014 discovery on the list, this album drifted onto my radar thanks to year-end publicity. Possibly NPR’s preamble “best of” discussion, when the hosts played brief song samples.