2015 is over and gave us a great musical year. Lots of new bands and songwriters provided something exciting and fresh every few months. Old artists came up with surprising twists and delivered the goods. Compiling my 15 Best of 2015 took some time, but here you go:
15 – Lenny Kravitz – The Chamber – Lenny’s comeback got some ink because his pants split in an unfortunate place in 2015, but his single surprised me with it’s mature groove. Lenny’s grown up.
14 – Kaleo – All The Pretty Girls – mmmm Icelandic falsetto. Very pretty song that stayed in my heads for weeks.
13 – Modest Mouse – Lampshades on Fire – Issac Brock is back at his hooky best. Modest Mouse does indie rock right: Dance music for aging hipsters.
12 – Houndmouth – Sedona – Just yes. Nicely crafted song and harmonies. Looking forward to more from Matt Myers and co.
11 – My Morning Jacket – Compound Fracture – Jim James’ voice is smoother than Froyo. The bridge in this song makes me smile. Dunno why.
10 – Best Coast – Feeling OK – Bethany Cosentino’s lyrics rarely are deep and meaningful. Mostly love and loss, but man, the grunge poppyness guitars keep me listening.
9 – Saint Motel – My Type – Remember this song? You danced to it, didn’t you? Love comes wearing disguises.
8 – EL VY – Return to the Moon – Matt Berninger’s side project displaying the playful synth side of his unique baritone. And a helluva cool bass riff.
7 – Broncho – NC-17 – I refuse to capitalize BRONCHO. But I loved this song. Stayed with me quite a while. If you’re unfamiliar, check out Broncho.
6 – Good Old War – Tell Me What You Want From Me – Philly band writes sing-along song of the year. Hey!
5 – Father John Misty – True Affection – J. Tillman wants to talk. With the face. Put down your phone, please.
4 – SOAK – Sea Creatures – Wish I was this talented when I was 18. Great stuff, Bridie. Keep it up, kiddo.
3 – Courtney Barnett – Pedestrian At Best – Aussie’s Ms. Barnett won over everyone in 2015 with her smash Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit LP. Including me. Keep making Origami.
2 – Fly Golden Eagle – Tangible Intangible – This song surprised me with it’s staying power. Lush, dreamy, melodic. I couldn’t hear it enough in the sweaty summer nights of 2015. The video is fucking amazing.
1 – Beck – Dreams – No more sad Beck? Mr. Hansen shucks his acoustic blues for some good ol’ Odelay style dance rock. Hooks? Yup. Samples? uh-huh. Fuzzy Guitar Riffs? You got it. A Big Beat earwig that typified the Summer of ’15. It was everywhere, because it was awesome.
Honorable Mentions (Songs that have been constant on my iPhone this year)
Josh Rouse – You Walked Through the Door
Alvvays – Archie, Marry Me
Boy & Bear – Walk The Wire
Beach House – Sparks
BORNS – Electric Love
Death Cab For Cutie – Black Sun
Laura Marling – False Hope
Marian Hill – One Time
Foals – Mountain At My Gates
Of Monsters And Men – Crystals
Lord Huron – The World Ender
The Arcs – Outta My Mind
St. Germain – Sittin’ Here
Courtney Barnett – Dead Fox
Wilco – Random Name Generator
X Ambassadors – Renegades
Wolf Alice – Bros
Beirut – No No No
Elle King – Ex’s & Oh’s
St. Vincent – Bad Believer
Strand of Oaks- Shut In
The New Pornographers – Backstairs
The Wind and The Wave – It’s A Longer Road To California
The Lone Bellow – Take My Love
Tired Pony – All Things All At Once
Whitehorse – Downtown
Alabama Shakes – Don’t Wanna Fight
Good bye
We said goodbye in 2015 to: Lesley Gore, Percy Sledge, Jack Ely, Ben E. King, B.B. King, Ornette Coleman, Chris Squire, Allen Toussaint, Scott Weiland, Natalie Cole, Kim Fowley, Steve Strange, Nick Marsh, Lemmy.
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