Top Ten Albums of 2014 (so far)

So the year is a little more than half over, and I decided to join the crowd this year and make on of these lists! This is in no particular order, just naming of my top 10 so far, enjoy!

#1. Sun Kil Moon: Benji

Singer-songwriter album of the year, easily. Benji was my first experience with a Sun Kil Moon record and I am now officially a fan of everything he's put out. Benji just connects with so many different emotions for me, though they are mostly sad. I love this album even more now than I did upon my first listen, it is simply a fantastic album, and one that I will be enjoying for years to come.

#2. Swans: To Be Kind

I first listened to Swans in 2012 when they put out The Seer, a truly nightmarish release that both scared me and enthralled me. Now, about a year and a half later we have this LP, To Be Kind, which is less hellish, but even more hypnotic. I wasn't able to write a formal review, mostly do to being busy, but partly because It takes me a really long time to digest a Swans album. Especially with this and their previous LP clocking in at over two hours. However, I just couldn't wait til the end of the year to talk about To Be Kind because it is not only one of my favorites from this year, but also from the entire experimental rock realm of music.

#3. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib: Pinata

With Freddie Gibbs' hard nosed rhymes and Madlibs vintage production, Pinata was bound to be a favorite of mine. This LP sends my mind to the streets of New York circa 1970, and Madlib paints a picture of a cold and calculated gangster, but also manages to throw in a few personal moments in as well, making for a well rounded character and album. Also, the title track may just be my favorite collaborative hip-hop track of the year, with one tight flow after another.

#4. Mac Demarco: Salad Days

Oh Mac, you're so goofy and lovable. Just like the LP 2, Mac Demarco writes some of the breeziest and carefree music you're bound to hear all year long. This album may not be a huge change for Mr. Demarco, but it sure does what it does better than anybody else can. I hope that Mac utilizes some different techniques in the future, but for now, I'll just listen to Salad Days and drift off for a while.

#5. Death Grips: Powers That b Part 1: N****S On The Moon

Alright, so Death Grips have broken up. The news was pretty sad, but honestly not vary surprising. To me, the group seemed like they were getting their best ideas and sounds out as quickly as they could and surely enough they claim that they are "the best they've ever been". Luckily, the first part off their now swansong The Powers That b is easily their most complex and experimental LP yet, combining every element that Death Grips has cultivated. This is also the most diverse LP vocally for Death Grips, seeing Ride go from whisper quiet, to his signature paranoid screams. So, even though it will be their last, it may just be their best as well.

#6. Timber Timbre: Hot Dreams

Timber Timbre have been getting better and better with each new LP. Their self-titled debut was a good swamp-folk album with a few great singles such as "Demon Host", while their sophomore LP Creep On Creepin' On was a fifties-tinged bit of spook-rock. And now there's Hot Dreams, an album that is equal parts alluring as it is alarming. From sensual cuts like the title track, to creepy, low key burners like the opener, this LP has proven to be a rewarding one that will most likely end up on my end of year list somewhere as well.

#7. Future Islands: Singles

I love Future Islands. That bias may be present, but only because they put out LPs like Singles and just demand to be loved. I've probably listened to this LP over forty times from the day it was released, and I'm still not tired of it. I just can' get enough of the smooth production, and Sam Herring's awe- inspiring vocal performances. This year has had some pretty amazing LPs so far, but this is easily one of my favorite.

#8. Mastodon: Once More 'Round The Sun

I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the first single from the latest Mastodon album "High Ground". It signaled that their latest LP was still going for a more accessible sound, but also could still pack the punch of LPs like Blood Mountain. While OMRTS may not be the band's best album, it is certainly their best attempt at their current sound, and a darn good metal album too. I also dig the album art immensely.

#9. Tune-Yards: Nikki Nack

Having gone from hating this band to being a fan, I can honestly say that Nikki Nack is one of those LPs that can completely change a person's few on a band. I think that the group has finally ( FINALLY!) managed to find a comfortable and smooth middle ground between their sappy and crazy side, and the result is an album that goes from hot to cold, but doesn't ever stop at room temperature. I think this album is great, and can't wait to see what Tune-Yards has in store on their next LP.

#10. YG- My Krazy Life

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Gangsta Rap. Sure, this LP isn't groundbreaking or "smart", but it is a whole lot of fun and the beats are great. Plus, there are a lot of good features on here from the boys at TDE and a couple good singers on some of the albums slower tracks. Finally, I have to give YG props for at least attempting to make this album flow smoothly, and create some kind of concept as well.