Month: December 2014

For me, 2014 was the Year of the Late-Inning Rally. As in, during the first half it felt like nothing caught my interest at all (well, not nothing… there was Elbow). But the second half was a whole other story, as album after album appeared that convinced me to sit up and take notice. So, in the end, not half bad—or, since I’m an optimist by nature: half good. Best Miles Davis-King Crimson CrossoverLevin Brothers – Levin BrothersDrawing on a century’s worth of musical mastery between them, brothers Pete Levin (Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Freddie Hubbard) and Tony Levin (King…

Joining this site has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my writing career. Being able to access all of this great music has just been mesmerizing, and this year has also been a year that some great records have come out. Enough of my yakkin’! Enjoy the list.  10. The Dead Milkmen – Pretty Music For Pretty People The album that contains some of the most biting tracks the Milkmen have ever recorded. In a day and age where musicians take themselves so damn seriously, it’s great to know the Milkmen are still out there, pissing people off! Highlights:…

This was probably the toughest best-of list I've made since I started keeping up with new music. Unlike my previous lists, few records immediately jumped out at me as obvious frontrunners for my top spots. But some years are just like that. Nonetheless, I still discovered a lot of great music this year. Here's to 2014! 10. The Flaming Lips – 7 Skies H3 After nearly three years, The Flaming Lips finally succumbed to pressure and edited their infamous 24-hour song “7 Skies H3” down for a standard record release. Unsurprisingly, having 24 hours of material to pull from means that…

It’s 2014, and music has become more accessible than ever; but the constant availability means that the album experience can get lost in the shuffle. Not at the Daily Vault, where we’re bringing you the deep cuts, the discs you can immerse yourself in and get carried away. These were some of my favorite collections of songs, featuring a lot of debuts juxtaposed against some old favorites. There’s straight-up rock ‘n’ roll, there’s a pop crooner who I predict will stand the test of time, and some new indies to get you excited. So come on in and take a…

 Banner Pilot – Souvenir Though not as immediately memorable as their earlier work, these Minneapolis punks have greater lasting power on their most diverse album to date. If outfits like Jawbreaker, Against Me, Alkaline Trio, or Dillinger Four are in your interests, Souvenir should be, too.  Various Artists – While No One Was Looking: Toasting 20 Years Of Bloodshot Records The list of artists on this compilation is nothing short of mouthwatering, and the concept of the artists covering songs from the early days of Bloodshot Records is clever. Four of the best songs from the first Ryan Adams album are…

 5. Blondie - Ghosts Of Download Debbie Harry & company haven’t sounded this energized since bursting back onto the scene 15 years ago with No Exit. And even though I prefer their previous efforts, Panic Of Girls (2011) and The Curse Of Blondie (2003), there are still some gems to be found on this one. The best of the lot is the infectious Miss Guy-assisted “Rave,” which made both the fans and clubs proud, despite the record company blowing it and not choosing it as a single. Here’s an important tip: skip the misguided cover of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s…