10.Failure Machine - Shmoe
I had to include myself on here, not only because it’s my list, but i do genuinely love and still listen to the album. It’s 12 tracks of rock from all over the map. It’s Heavy, Soft, Experemental, we do it all and pull it off pretty well. Even has some cool collaborations with Hobo Obituaries, Brian Fuller, Jimy Grime and some others. Some of my favorite tracks are You’re The Infidel, A Custom Made Hand Grenade, Code Orange, and Grace. Now the self promotion will stop haha.
9.Brothers - The Black Keys
I always kind of liked The Black Keys, but never really got into them. Until this album that is. Wow oh wow, its bluesy, danceable, and has some real depth and soul that not a lot of other bands can pull off. The instrumentation on this album is really cool. (I love the synth work) Some of the standout tracks are Next Girl, Howlin’ For You, The Only One, and Ten Cent Pistol.
8.Transit Transit- Autolux
Autolux sure took they’re sweeeeeeeeet time getting this follow up album out. The first time i listened to it i was a bit dissapointed, but after a couple more listens it really started to grow on me and now i can’t stop. the first track Transit Transit is really beautiful, it starts the album off well. It’s mellow with some guest vocals from my man Tyler Parkford (mini mansions) and then the album opens up and starts rolling with the 2nd track Census. Great from beginning to end, and the pacing is just great. My favorite song from the album is definitely Supertoys. Great great work from a great band.
7.Gone For Good - My Jerusalem
My Jerusalem if you haven’t heard of them before, are a fantastic band featuring Jeff Klein, and Dave Rosser from The Twilight Singers. I had heard their EP “Without Feathers” and was really looking forward to this release. They did not dissapoint and it features some really killer tracks that are kind of all over the map. Some hard rocking tracks like Sweet Chariot, and some other more dark, mellow ones like Hit The Lights. (Featuring Mark Lanegan woohoo!) Definitely a band worth keeping your eye on. Some of the stand outs are like i mentioned Sweet Chariot & Hit The Lights, as well as Bury It Low, and Shake The Devil
6.Something For Everybody - Devo
It had been 20 years since their last album and Devo came back strong with this one. I was kinda skeptical at first, but i had heard Fresh here and there and fell in love with the song. I picked up the album and it took me by surprise. These dudes can still do it, and do it well. Their songwriting is still strong and they prove it again and again on this album. Also major points to them for including Don’t Taze Me Bro as the end to Don’t Shoot I’m a Man. Some of the stand outs are Fresh, What We Do, Human Rocket and Later is Now.
5.Say Goodnight to the World - Dax Riggs
I know what you’re thinking, Who the Hell is Dax Riggs? I was thinking that same thing up until about a year ago. A friend of mine introduced his music to me and i’ve been in musical love ever since. He’s got the most badass, angelic voice ever. I know that doesn’t make sense, but just listen to him and you’ll understand. He put out his newest album Say Goodnight to the World and its just amazing. From the first song Say Goodnight to the World you know you’re in for a cosmic, psychedelic, badass, Rock & Roll record. There’s even an amazing cover of the King’s Heartbreak Hotel! From beginning to end this album takes you on a beautiful ride and that’s what music is all about. Some of the standouts are Say Goodnight to the World, Gravedirt On My Blue Suede Shoes, Let Me Be Your Cigarette, and See You All In Hell Or New Orleans.
4.Mondo Cane - Mike Patton
Mike Patton is an insane genius. Besides reuniting with the rest of Faith No More this year, he put out this incredible album. Mondo Cane is Patton’s take on 1960’s Italian pop music. He sings in Italian and plays with a full orchestra but also mixes in his amazing vocal and musical talents. This is really a unique album to listen to, He really gives the songs a cool twist and its enjoyable from beginning to end. He’s one of my favorite artists ever and continues to just amaze me with each album he puts out. Some of the standouts are Ore D’Amore, Deep Down, L’Uomo Che Non Sapeva Amare, (that was fun to type) and Il Cielo In Una Stanza
3.Mini Mansions - Mini Mansions
This band is one of the coolest most amazing acts around right now. If you don’t know who they are they are: Tyler Parkford on Vocals and Keys, Michael Shuman (from Wires on Fire, & QOTSA) on drums, guitar and vocals, and Zach Dawes on bass. I’ve had the privilege to see them live a couple of times and they blew me away. I was counting down the days until the album was released and seriously did they deliver. The best way to describe them, and i hate to throw this around, but they sound like The Beatles, only darker and more stripped down. The vocal harmonies between Tyler and Mikey are just insane. They both are outstanding singers and compliment each other extremely well. Some of the stand out tracks are Seven Sons, Monk, Majik Marker, and Crime Of The Season.
2.Out Of Our Minds - Melissa Auf Der Maur
I really loved her first self titled album and was eagerly awaiting this one. My expectations were matched and she once again put out another really amazing rock album. The whole album surprised me really, she’s extremely talented but she really out did herself with this one. Every track is killer and the atmosphere of the entire album is breathtaking. One of the stand out tracks is her duet with Glenn Danzig “Father’s Grave”. The mood of the track is just incredible, it starts out minimal with Danzig & Melissa’s amazing voices, but it really grows and swells into something full and darkly dreamy. The album is a concept album, as well as a movie, and a comic book. I’ve only heard the album but knowing how Melissa works, I’m sure the rest of it is worth checking out as well.
1.Grinderman 2 - Grinderman
I was ready to call “Out Of Our Minds” the album of the year, but then Nick Cave & Grinderman came out and blew my mind. This albums encompasses everything i think music should be, Raw, Dirty, Sexy, Thought Provoking, and not afraid to test your and they’re boundaries. From the 1st song Micky Mouse & The Goodbye Man, you know you’re in for a trip. Palaces of Montezuma is another one of the stand outs, It’s a beautiful love song that only Nick Cave could bring you. If you haven’t you need to listen to this album right now! Just sit back and listen to one of the best poets of our generation go to work, and show the rest of us puny mortal musicians how to really do it.
