1. GIRLS | FATHER, SON, HOLY GHOST
This San Francisco band’s second album shows phenomenal proficiency, expressiveness and expansion, pushing the limits of multiple genres and eras (rockabilly surf rock, guitar pop, psych rock) in new and endlessly fascinating ways.
2. THE DEEP DARK WOODS | THE PLACE I LEFT BEHIND
The guys from Saskatoon are relatively unknown but absolutely one the best bands around, and their latest folk/roots record is another hauntingly beautiful and simply stunning masterpiece.
3. GILLIAN WELCH | THE HARROW AND THE HARVEST
After eight years Welch returns to the sparse sounds of her earliest works, employing guitars, banjos, and harmonica to stunning effect; it is simply another album of enduring beauty.
4. HAYES CARLL | KMAG YOYO
KMAG YOYO is a small snapshot of America – a collection of stories of richly rendered characters caught in the moment. With a devilish wit and a talent for true country as well as hard driving country rock, Carll has a surefire hit.
5. FLEET FOXES | HELPLESSNESS BLUES
Helplessness Blues shows a subtle increased complexity with elaborate, lush arrangements. While it does not surpass the greatness of their debut, it proudly stands alongside, a worthy addition to the Fleet Foxes discography.
6. WYE OAK | CIVILIAN
Built around the concept that “everyone wants to be normal, but no one truly is”, Wye Oak explores isolation and loneliness through the rich, fuzzy soundscapes of guitar, percussion, organ and spaces of silence.
7. WHITE DENIM | D
D’s ten songs tread a variety of rock styles, from psych to punk, from classic to garage to 70’s southern rock. Long considered up and comers, D is the first album that truly captures their charisma and genius.
8. DAWES | NOTHING IS WRONG
L.A. folk-rock band mines the Laurel Canyon country-folk sounds of the 70’s on their second album, showing steady development and fine-tuning, turning out beautiful melodies and rich instrumentation.
9. CHARLES BRADLEY | NO TIME FOR DREAMING
The Screaming Eagle of Soul is the real deal – a longtime funk, soul and R&B singer with his first release on Daptone. He’s got charisma, deep, world worn vocals, and evocative and intense delivery that is searing and touching.
10. THE LOW ANTHEM | SMART FLESH
On Smart Flesh The Low Anthem’s sound evolves; their lyrical storytelling and trademark sound of ethereal, melancholic Americana remains strong and is sure to garner even more fans.
11. THE WAR ON DRUGS | SLAVE AMBIENT
Thematically, Slave Ambient is a call to the open road, leaving town behind and the promise of something new, much like the band’s own regenesis. Musically, it is full of jangly guitars, ambient synth, traditional rock and soaring psychedelics.
12. EILEN JEWELL | QUEEN OF THE MINOR KEY
14 dark, haunting stories layered in a distinct indie brand of country folk and blues. At the center is Jewell’s mesmerizing voice, which is sweet with smoky undertones.
13. WILCO | THE WHOLE LOVE
The Whole Love is the album fans have been hoping for since 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Experimentation is still a focus but it is not the raison d’etre; the mostly acoustic soundscapes evolve and open-up.
14. MIDDLE BROTHER | MIDDLE BROTHER
Side project or supergroup, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), John McCauley (Deer Tick) and Matthew Vasquez (Delta Spirit) combine their songwriting abilities and vocal talents, resulting in a collection of songs that are fun, at times raw or playful, yet genuine.
15. ELLIOTT BROOD | DAYS INTO YEARS
Inspired by the sacrifices of Canadians in the two world wars, the ten tracks are densely textured and heavy with loss and mortality, richly conjured in the finely crafted songwriting.
16. BON IVER | BON IVER
The indie folk singer-songwriter moves in a new direction, conveying an emotional depth and a signature falsetto that we have come to love, alongside growth that bespeaks of newfound hope and rediscovered grace.
17. MEGAFAUN | MEGAFAUN
With each album, Megafaun demonstrates their evolution as a band; not in giant leaps but in finely crafted nuances and rich complexities, making their eponymously titled release their best yet.
18. DEER TICK | DIVINE PROVIDENCE
The indie folk band’s fourth album showcases both their honky tonk and rock and roll prowess. Raucous and bawdy, bold and unapologetic, the 12 tracks are all about the guys drinking, hanging out and making music.
19. BRYAN JOHN APPLEBY | FIRE ON THE VINE
Seattle songwriter-musician’s folk-pop debut includes masterful storytelling, which is both emotional and evocative. Appleby is a fine musician with skilled fingerpicking and an ear for arrangements and orchestration.
20. THE BLACK KEYS | EL CAMINO
This gifted duo is sure to orbit into superstardom. Catchy promo single “Lonely Boy” is already a hit on the radio and the rest of the ten straightforward classic rock tracks produced by Danger Mouse are just as strong.
21. KURT VILE | SMOKE RING FOR MY HALO
Ten hi-fidelity songs showcases the warm layers of Vile’s gravelly, Philly-tinged vocals and clear guitar.
22. MY MORNING JACKET | CIRCUITAL
Aptly titled, Circuital demonstrates a nice evolution in their work, journeying to new places while returning back to some of their Southern, alt-country fundamentals.
23. ALABAMA SHAKES | ALABAMA SHAKES
This quartet is making waves with their own brand of 60’s southern soul and R&B embellished with garage rock type electric guitar. The Alabama Shakes are a hot act and are only going to gain greater success.
24. MOUNT MORIAH | MOUNT MORIAH
The self-titled debut shows country and gospel folk influences, indie rock flourishes and alt-country leanings, but not firmly residing within any of these worlds for an album of striking, unapologetic beauty.
25. HA HA TONKA | DEATH OF A DECADE
Ha Ha Tonka is an increasingly tight band, employing both acoustic and electric instrumentation with coalescing four-part harmonies, enchanting melodies, polished storytelling, and well crafted, beautiful songs.