I'm not here to post what I will call the "best albums of 2014." Best is an arbitrary word that has a different meaning to everyone and quite frankly if you know anything about me you know I hate almost absolutely everything. I'm not here to tell you what you should like, that would make me more of an asshole than I am. I'm here to list a few records, in NO PARTICULAR ORDER, that came out in 2014 that I enjoyed hearing. There's a comment section for hate mail.
J Mascis: Tied To A Star
It never ceases to amaze me how many people don't know who J Mascis is. The latest acoustic effort from our silver haired guitar hero compares to a Perfect 10 model being intellectual and well versed in foreign affairs. So pretty and at the same time equally noise packed, Tied To A Star isn't going to disappoint anyone.
Against Me! Transgender Dysphoria Blues
I'll admit, I've never gone through a sex change before. I cannot sit here and pretend that I have any idea what gender identification crisis's are all about. Can't speak on things I don't know. I do know this: If you're in a band fronted by a man and that man decides to be a woman and you still put out a record that tops most year end list than your record is really, really good. Still shocked at how much I enjoyed this record.
The Vaselines: V For Vaselines
Way out of left field this year came the Vaselines. A record full of spunk, fiery guitar jangles and at times almost heavenly harmonics, the Glasgow duo of Frances McKee and Eugene Kelly deliver 10 heady tracks (two iTunes exclusives) that we can all nod our heads to waiting for the weather to warm up.
Foxy Shazam: Gonzo
This one is most certainly a grower and not a shower, but after a few spins the Steve Albini recorded record will have you hooked into the dramarama that embodies what Foxy Shazam is all about. A big suggestion from me would be to experience these songs live, unfortunately the band is now on indefinite hiatus and you don't have that option. I offer something pretty good though, and that's a chance to view their whole set from New York City's Bowery Ballroom earlier this year.
Kasabian: 48:13
Most certainly not winning the crown for 'Most Creative Album Name of 2014', what the title lacks the album provides. This one pulls you in during it's first track bumblebee (EVERYBODY JUMP!)
and doesn't relinquish hold over you for the next, well, a little over 48 minutes. Just because I like their last record better than this one doesn't make this effort any less stellar. Hard to understand how America doesn't know who these guys are. 
.JPG)
.JPG)
