Top 10 Records of 2015!

It's always fun to reflect back on the year and think about all the amazing music that came out considerably somewhat a short time! Unfortunately I'm still playing catch-up with a lot of the music that came out in 2015, so hopefully I won't change my mind twenty times over about this! Based on what I have managed to hear, I'd say these are my top ten:

Korpiklaani's, "Noita"

1. Korpiklaani- Noita: Korpiklaani always brings something interesting to the table with their unique brand of Humppa-infused heavy metal-- and it's usually musically in the form of a wooden pint foaming full of crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and above all extremely well crafted tunes! For die-hard fans or newcomers to the band, the Finnish folk-metal masters have done it again!

2. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin- The High Country: After reading about this record and enjoying their previous albums, I was surprised by their approach on their latest album in contrast to the past few-- it seemed intentionally more simplistic than the previous album, "Fly By Wire" and simultaneously just as, (if not more) beautiful a record. Fuzzy indie garage rock pop gems to get lost in, a soundtrack to a summer to remember!

3. Night Birds- Mutiny at Muscle Beach: With their Fat Wreck Chords debut, Night Birds really hit one out of the park again! They didn't quite out-do themselves with this, but it certainly tied their last effort, "Born to Die In Suburbia" and it doesn't disappoint! This record proves them an exciting band to keep your eye on and will certainly be pleasing their older crowd while gaining them so many more fans along the way! Can't wait to see what is next up their sleeves!

Melt-Banana's, "Return of 13 Hedgehogs"

4. Hop-Along- Painted Shut: I had the privilege of seeing this band open for the War on Drugs at the Norva one night, and was instantly blown away; I dare say they stole the show that night (man was their drummer incredible!) I had to rush out and scoop up this great album and then review their past releases too after that show! Indie-rock that oozes with spirit and their latest record that captures the intensity of their live show! Don't you dare miss out on this one!

5. Melt-Banana- Return of 13 Hedgehogs (MxBx Singles 2000-2009): Normally this would've made #1, this isn't really new--- it's just the second installment/part two of a compilation of all their various EP's, miscellaneous compilation tracks, B-sides, rarities, etc. on another disc--- nevertheless, as per usual- Melt-Banana is still the best craziest band you've probably never heard and still my all-time personal favorite!

6. Taraf De Haidouks- Of Lovers, Gamblers & Parachute Skirts: Once again proving that Taraf De Haidouks are a force to be reckoned with: an album of the finest musicianship with mind-blowing speed, exquisite Balkan melodies, and of course an impeccable sense of style! The Romanian gypsy folk masters simply can't run out of steam!
 

The latest from the Taraf De Haidouks!

7. Beirut- No No No: Zach Condon and company have done it again!  Condon seems to have slightly gone even further in the direction, "Rip Tide" coupled with the soft electronic quality of his Real People project. A beautiful record of indie-pop gems consisting their usual bright melodic flare.

9. Joanna Newsom- Divers: Joanna Newsom continues to blow audiences away this wonderfully progressive indie-folk record, her trademark harp playing, and her increasingly expansive songwriting. Every note is gorgeous from start to finish. Another masterpiece in the amazing catalog of her discography.

10. Swallow the Sun- Songs From the North I, II, & III: Three LP's of truly crushing, beautiful, and powerful doom metal-- it's laid out in a fantastic manner, almost like a play- Act I pummels you with riff after riff, Act II calms things to beautiful acoustic passages just before the storm, and Act III all hell breaks loose! A massive doom metal epic from these Finnish masters!

*Other notable albums of 2015:
Amorphis- Under the Red Cloud
Belle & Sebastian- Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance 
Jello Biafra & the New Orleans Raunch & Soul All Stars- Walk on Jindals Splinters 
Bixiga 70- III
Bjork- Vulnicura
Children Of Bodom- I Worship Chaos
Deeradoorian- The Expanding Flower Planet
Destroyer- Poison Season
Father John Misty- I Love You, Honeybear
Horrendous- Anareta
Joanna Gruesome- Peanut Butter
Slayer- Repentless
Young Husband- Dissolver
Youth Brigade- Demo re-release