Best of 2015
Favorite Albums
Bright production and stunning rhythms are some of the featured elements on this emerging English music producer’s debut album. From the lovely steel drum comeback on “Obvs” to the pop/dancehall-style “Good Times”, In Colour is a wonderful collection of tracks—no filler here. Check out the music video for “Loud Places” featuring Romy of The xx:
Canadian artist Claire Boucher (Grimes) took a bold, instantly appealing new direction on her latest album Art Angels, and it’s a masterpiece. Continuing her evolution as a musician and producer, I found it most interesting that, like all of her previous albums, it was written and recorded entirely as a solo endeavor. Watch the video for “Flesh without Blood / Life in the Vivid Dream” below:
Deerhunter’s seventh studio album is remarkable, and probably their poppiest yet. Tracks like “All The Same” are instant Deerhunter classics, and the record as a whole is powerful, emotional, and delicate, too. Check out “Living My Life”, one of two Bradford Cox-directed videos from the new release.
Beach House - Depression Cherry
The first of two 2015 releases from Beach House offers a gorgeous, cinematic listening experience with the dream-pop craft we’ve come to know and love from the band. “Levitation”, which you can stream below, is a perfect introduction to the band and album, too.
The third studio album from Tame Impala hurdles the band into an atmosphere of pop, while refining the psychedelic alt-rock sound that made them so distinct. New fans and longtime listeners alike will appreciate this collection of fine songs. For a taste of Currents, listen to the “Let It Happen”, the seven-minute opener, below.
More Faithful is an excellent release from Montreal rock shoegazers No Joy. Because it is shoegaze in nature, the album is perfect background music for writing or doing work that requires intensive focus. But that’s not to say this record is something to snooze on—it is in my opinion the most comprehensive album the band has put out to date. Don’t miss “Everything New” (“Moon in my Mouth” is also one of my favorite songs from this year):
Favorite Tracks
After working with Beyoncé for “No Angel”, Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly returned with a new Chairlift single this year that’s confident-as-ever. From their upcoming album Moth, “Ch-Ching” features hip-hop beats and influence, stunning vocals, and brass which gives the track lots of energy. The music video is equally as fresh and joyful as the song!
“Romeo” is the second single from Chairlift’s upcoming album Moth, and I love it just as much as the first single. The synth-pop duo continues to impress with bold, big beats and lovely vocals that together work as a stunning bundle. I’m also equally enjoying the videos the band has been releasing with their new songs. Check out the accompanying music video for this track below: