By: Christopher Rodriguez/ Jean Marques
Contributing Writers
The early months of 2015 have already demonstrated what may be a monumental year for the music industry.
As artists continue to find their own voice in an era of instant streaming, some have found ways to release music on their own terms. In hip hop, Drake and Kendrick Lamar (two of the biggest names in the genre) surprise-released their respective albums while capitalizing on the growing hype cultivated by their online fan bases.
This has been coupled with a wave of nostalgia marked by the increasing relevance of vinyl despite being well into a digital age and the surprise reunions of bands well after their heyday (Swervedriver, Ride, Sleater-Kinney, Built to Spill).
As the industry continues to adapt to rapid changes brought on by a generation with more access than any other before them, music lovers continue to find new and interesting sounds. merging nostalgia with the ultra-modern.
Below are 15 albums that have defined spring 2015. By no means is this a best-of list. These are albums, beloved or not, that encampulsate the current trends and perhaps, provide an identity to a year struggling to find one.
Title Fight- Hyperview
Kingston, Pennsylvania- based post-hardcore band Title Fight shift into a shoegaze-inspired aesthetic that manages to remain vulnerable and accessible through fuzzy walls of sound due to impressive lyricism and immaculate production.
Kendrick Lamar- To Pimp A Butterfly
Arguably the most dominant emcee in the game unleashes a masterpiece meditation on race, social injustice and the temptations associated with fame in the current state of hip-hop. Within sound textures that experiment with funk and neo-soul, Lamar’s clever wordplay and shifting vocal tones paint a gritty portrait that challenges perception while still sounding fresh on repeat listens.
Sufjan Stevens- Carrie and Lowell
Carrie and Lowell tells the story of the death of Steven’s mother. The album is filled with dark, suicidal lyrics that are capable of putting the listener in a very dark place.
The instrumentation is barren and puts a strong emphasis on the vocals.
It’s is the most memorable and emotionally harrowing album to come out this year.
Father John Misty- I Love You, Honeybear
Released around the time of Valentine’s Day, the album is a unique spin on the idea of love and affection. The unique packaging of the album also includes satirical listening exercises and pop-up artwork.
Cheatahs- Sunne EP
As part of a seemingly expanding crop of indie shoegaze groups, the part-American, part-English quartet deliver with their 4-song EP that keeps their forward momentum going following their acclaimed 2014 self-titled release.
Sleater-Kinney- No Cities To Love
The Seattle-based influential all-female trio consisting of Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss return with their first album in over a decade that touches on themes both political and personal and cementing their status as one of the greatest alternative rock groups of the past two decades.
Bjork- Vulnicura
Balancing orchestral swells with Arca-produced electronic textures, Bjork channels her heartache following the breakdown of a nearly twenty-year relationship into emotionally vulnerable performances that demonstrate her seemingly never-aging vocal capabilities.
Drake- If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late
Confident flows fortify Drake’s accessible “lonely at the top” narrative as he lyrically dodges through envious competitors and devious women all while bringing it back to his hometown of Toronto (“the 6”).
Earl Sweatshirt- I Don’t Like Sh*t, I Don’t Go Outside
The former Odd Future alum displays impressive workmanship and honest lyricism in his sophomore effort, a step in the right direction from his previous effort, “Doris.” Acclaim even came from Lamar, who called Earl his favorite artist in his game.
Soko- My Dreams Dictate My Reality
The French chanteuse/actress finds inspiration in notable 80s alternative groups such as The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees for the soundscape that accompanies her often quirky and self-deprecating lyricism. Highlights include duets with Ariel Pink.
Quarterbacks- Quarterbacks
A 22-minute long, 19-track album that comes at you fast with short yet complete twee punk songs. Bright melodies carry the lyrics that touch upon recurring themes of nostalgia, heartache and the thrill of youth.
Death Grips- Jenny Death EP
Stefan Burnett (MC Ride), drummer Zach Hill and producer Andy Morin excel at maintaining an enigmatic presence at a time when the mystery of the artist is being stripped away. On the second part of their two part, Powers that B, the trio unleash their unique sound marrying hip hop with hardcore electronic and noise music in a dissonant audio assault.
Panda Bear- Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper
An experimental bridging of neo-psychedelia and hip hop/electronica inspired beats, the former Animal Collective wunderkind cuts loose with his most accessible yet thought-provoking work yet.
Faith Healer- Cosmic Troubles
Solo project of Jessica Jalbert, who delivers a lo-fi collection of laid back tunes just in time for the summer. The sound recalls contemporaries such as Alvvays and Angel Olsen and predecessors such as Leonard Cohen.
Courtney Barnett- Sometimes I Think and Sit, And Sometimes I Just Sit
One of the biggest surprises of the year, this album has a strong garage rock vibe with witty lyrics. the singing is wordy and requires attention to keep up with, but the result is a unique combination that creates the ultimate slacker vibe.
Photo courtesy of: rapdose.com
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