I'm Jeanette. Music writer and fan. I blogged last year about books. I usually compose a top 50 tracklist anyway, but I've kinda missed blogging so I thought I would make my choices this year more public. It's in alphabetical order, as it always is. Ranking the 20-50 area is just too fraught.
This year I moved back to London, went to shitloads of gigs and started writing a book on post-rock. I've never only liked one genre of music so I foresee people finding me through the post-rock route (or, via my previous book, on acid folk) skipping over Little Mix. Fair enough.
Everyone though, everyone, must listen to Copeland. No excuses.
Spotify playlist (minus Blood Of The Bull, Holly Herndon, Kelela and New York Endless) is here: Top 50 2014
And do follow me on Twitter, where you can find exciting Zeitgeist-catching tweets about the lack of leeks in greengrocers, and choice quotes from my post-rock interviews.
This year I moved back to London, went to shitloads of gigs and started writing a book on post-rock. I've never only liked one genre of music so I foresee people finding me through the post-rock route (or, via my previous book, on acid folk) skipping over Little Mix. Fair enough.
Everyone though, everyone, must listen to Copeland. No excuses.
Spotify playlist (minus Blood Of The Bull, Holly Herndon, Kelela and New York Endless) is here: Top 50 2014
And do follow me on Twitter, where you can find exciting Zeitgeist-catching tweets about the lack of leeks in greengrocers, and choice quotes from my post-rock interviews.
Lydia Ainsworth: Hologram
Clearly, Lydia adores The Sensual World-era Kate Bush. But then so do I. More importantly, 'Hologram'
also sounds a bit like a poorly-performing Estonian Eurovision entry.
Iggy Azalea featuring Charli
XCX: Fancy
Inescapable during the spring/summer crossover period. Iggy isn’t the most likeable character, (although Charli XCX seems a good sort. Anyone who does a thrashy cover of 'Allergic To Love' for Valentines Day is alright in my book), still I adore this song, and the Clueless video rules the (Bronson Alcott) school.
Banks: Brain
Possibly
my favourite lyrical narrative of the year: post-break-up fallout with a
scenester. Lines such as 'Trying to look smart, but not too smart to
threaten anything they say' and 'Wearing what you *think* is heart' make the song full both of hurt and ice-cold bitchery, something hard to pull off (see also Bjork’s ‘5 Years’).
Baths: Ocean Death
The measured start could belong to any number of doomy electronica 12"s sold in those old-school terrifying dance music shops. But then the circular vocals kick in: they seem so joyous. But the title is 'Ocean Death', and you would do well to remember that.
Blood Of The Bull: Hold Your Head Up High And Go Fuck Yourself
At The Drink's album launch (see below) the group carefully curated their support acts. Thus we were treated to Blood Of The Bull, an American by way of Glasgow. Her songs were quiet, too quiet for the chatter in the room (SHUT UP AT GIGS FOR GOD'S SAKE) and she and I had a misunderstanding at the merch table, but other than that, she's really fucking good.
Carla Bozulich: Ain’t No Grave
This is the kind of thing I've always liked, Yoko Ono skittery avant-rock. Carla used to be in a band called Ethel Meatplow who had a brilliant semi-riot grrrl, semi-US alt-rock song called 'Queenie', so it was quite nice to be reminded of that and its Alice-In-Chains-on-a-budget video too.
Broods: Never Gonna Change
This is basically the polar opposite of Destiny's Child's 'Survivor'. 'It's never gonna feel like it's done, 'cause it's never gonna change.'
This is basically the polar opposite of Destiny's Child's 'Survivor'. 'It's never gonna feel like it's done, 'cause it's never gonna change.'
Brooke Candy: Opulence
Like Stockholm Syndrome's 'Pretty Girl', 'Opulence' is a satirical masterstroke that doubles as a really fantastic pop song. THIS is the kind of record Gaga should make if she wants to see shit through. Video NSFW.
Copeland featuring Actress: Advice To Young
Girls
Track of the year, no question.
Track of the year, no question.
Failed Norwegian entry for Eurovision, but don’t let that put you
off etc.
@LemoyneStreet: Linnea Dale (The Sceptic)
Dej Loaf: Try Me
Drake’s involved with this somehow, but don’t let that put you off etc. There's a really pleasing early 90s feel to this, down to the way she looks, and the charming Rice Krispies product placement.
'Try Me' Rapper Dej Loaf: 'What I'm Doing Hasn't Been Done' (Billboard)
Drake’s involved with this somehow, but don’t let that put you off etc. There's a really pleasing early 90s feel to this, down to the way she looks, and the charming Rice Krispies product placement.
Duck Sauce: NRG
I loved 'Barbra Streisand'. This is not dissimilar, and so I love this too. They also definitely have a way with a video.
Update: Duck Sauce (Pitchfork)
The Drink: Microsleep
I loved 'Barbra Streisand'. This is not dissimilar, and so I love this too. They also definitely have a way with a video.
The Drink: Microsleep
Yes, they’re my mates. In some ways that’s quite annoying, because
people will think I have an agenda for putting them in here. They’d be here anyway,
alright? Seeing them go from A Great Band to A Great Band That People Know About has been one of the really lovely experiences of the year.
A quest for perfect pop: The Drink interviewed (The Quietus)
East India Youth: Total Strife Forever I
In any non-Kate Bush, non-Knife year, EIY at Heaven would have won best gig. It totally transformed how I thought about his music - it became heavier, crazier, like he was throwing rocks from the stage.
East India Youth interviewed: the Mercury Prize's dark horse
In any non-Kate Bush, non-Knife year, EIY at Heaven would have won best gig. It totally transformed how I thought about his music - it became heavier, crazier, like he was throwing rocks from the stage.
Excepter: Maids
Another of my real big hitters of the year, exploratory psychedelic shoegaze with a real pop pulse. Reminds me a bit of Wendy & Lisa, which Excepter probably don't want to hear.
Excepter talks mourning, survival, and new album 'Familiar' (The Fader)
Another of my real big hitters of the year, exploratory psychedelic shoegaze with a real pop pulse. Reminds me a bit of Wendy & Lisa, which Excepter probably don't want to hear.
GABI: Koo Koo
Is it named after Debbie Harry’s first solo album? Probably not. In a year where Julia Holter couldn't be arsed to release much, this filled the gap very nicely.
'An amalgamation of sounds mixed with personal fantasy': an interview with Gabrielle Herbst
Is it named after Debbie Harry’s first solo album? Probably not. In a year where Julia Holter couldn't be arsed to release much, this filled the gap very nicely.
Liz Green: Where The River Don’t Flow
Oh, Lix Green, with that voice, that phrasing, I will always love you.
Holly Herndon: Chorus
She has done NOTHING wrong this year. ‘Home’ was also incredible, sounding like Madonna-era Ray Of Light, but 'Chorus just pips it: jittery, deliberately reflective of online life and the fragmented nature of our interactions.
Continuous partial listening: Holly Herndon in conversation (Rhizone)
Paloma Faith: Can’t Rely On You
Part of Pharrell’s campaign to get back into my good graces
following ‘Blurred Lines’, perhaps. Paloma Faith has never really bothered me before, and has gone back to not really bothering me again, but there's genuine soulfulness here.
Paloma Faith: 'I feel comfortable being observed. I enjoy it.' (Guardian)
Florrie: Seashells
Generally, she hasn’t developed much since ‘Call 911’, but she
does have very high quality control. 'Seashells' is a little different for her, psychedelia-tinged, and she's got a GREAT grumpy face going on in the video.
Florrie: interview (Nylon)
Islaja: Shit Hit The Fan
Another super-amazing gig this year at Café Oto. Islaja went from
experimental folk (enough for me to interview her for Seasons They Change) to THIS - all Malaria! up in
your face.
Islaja (Perfect Sound Forever)
Jakwob featuring Tiffani Juno: Somebody New [Seamus Haji Remix]
The original is fine, but your friend and mine Seamus Haji totally transforms its dancefloor melancholy into a poppers o'clock belter. Remix of the year. ‘When the clock strikes one, this mess will be undone.’ IF ONLY.
The original is fine, but your friend and mine Seamus Haji totally transforms its dancefloor melancholy into a poppers o'clock belter. Remix of the year. ‘When the clock strikes one, this mess will be undone.’ IF ONLY.
As doomily avant as R&B gets. 'My lips are creeping up your neck...'
Interview: Kelela (Loud And Quiet)
Kiesza: Hideaway
The best number one since Robyn’s ‘With Every Heartbeat’. The bit near the end of the video, where the label is sticking out of her top, sums 'Hideaway', and its carefree beauty, up.
Taking things higher: Kiesza interviewed (Clash)
The best number one since Robyn’s ‘With Every Heartbeat’. The bit near the end of the video, where the label is sticking out of her top, sums 'Hideaway', and its carefree beauty, up.
Le Youth featuring Dominique Young Unique: Dance With Me
Something very mid 1980s about this, even though it samples 1990s music. Quite a feat. 'Dance With Me' is not doing much new or even much interesting. But it's technicolour pop chewing gum that sticks and sticks and I love it.
Something very mid 1980s about this, even though it samples 1990s music. Quite a feat. 'Dance With Me' is not doing much new or even much interesting. But it's technicolour pop chewing gum that sticks and sticks and I love it.
I first heard Legowelt through his reinterpretion of the theme from Halloween 3: Season Of The Witch (as you do), and I've never stopped liking his thoughtful, slightly retro electronica. Great The Curse Of Blair Witch style album sleeve too.
Superfreak: an interview with Legowelt (Electronic Beats)
Lykke Li: Love Me Like I’m Not Made Of Stone
Don’t hold back, Lyk.
Lykke Li: 'I think pop culture underestimates people' (Guardian)
Don’t hold back, Lyk.
Liars: Mess On A Mission
The rest of the album is underwhelming, but this… experimental pop genius.
A tidy mess: Liars' Angus Andrew on the band's new album
Little Mix: Salute
Little Mix: Salute
Girl pop groups haven't been doing artistically well in the 2010s. The Saturdays, blimey, have things really got that Lidl? Little Mix too, but they managed to obliterate
their mediocre back catalogue with this stomper. And then went back to being
useless.
Little Mix interview: 'Album number three is proving hard' (Digital Spy)
Madeon: Imperium
Only heard last week on Radio 1, and justified why I continue to listen to the station, despite DJs my age SHOUTING AT ME and a million excruciating ‘features’ (‘Rage Against The Answer Machine’).
GQ&A: Madeon (GQ)
Only heard last week on Radio 1, and justified why I continue to listen to the station, despite DJs my age SHOUTING AT ME and a million excruciating ‘features’ (‘Rage Against The Answer Machine’).
Nicki Minaj featuring Young Money: Lookin Ass
My second favourite track of the year. I have many conflicting feelings
about Minaj (encompassing everything from artistic responsibility to hyper-sexualisation to Mike Yarwood), but I am all over this dark, horrible, 18-certificate ‘No Scrubs’. Video NSFW.
Nicki Minaj: the real her (Complex)
Mogwai: Remurdered
It doesn’t actually sound like much they’ve done before. And the album is called Rave Tapes. (Yes, alright, a previous album was called Rock Action. What next, Slowcore Sludge?). I love the humour of Mogwai almost as much as I love their records.
No medicine for regret: an interview with Mogwai (PopMatters)
It doesn’t actually sound like much they’ve done before. And the album is called Rave Tapes. (Yes, alright, a previous album was called Rock Action. What next, Slowcore Sludge?). I love the humour of Mogwai almost as much as I love their records.
Myrkur: Latvian Fegurd
I’m still very scared about writing the post-metal chapter in my post-rock book. I like this very much though (which is a good start).
Myrkur on black metal, nature and her Danish homeland (Metal Injection)
I’m still very scared about writing the post-metal chapter in my post-rock book. I like this very much though (which is a good start).
New York Endless: Scale Those Heights
Every list of the year needs one utterly anonymous thing in it. (This is a bit post-punk Danceteria dancefloor).
Every list of the year needs one utterly anonymous thing in it. (This is a bit post-punk Danceteria dancefloor).
I listened to this constantly when I first heard it. South African
electro with a really happy video.
Angel Olsen: White Fire
In a year of Miserable Women, Angel doesn’t quite top Lykke Li, but
she does do something very different to everyone else trying to
rip off Sharon Van Etten. Unfortunately, as with the Liars' track, the sheer majesty of 'White Fire' casts a long shadow over the rest of the album.
Update: Angel Olsen (Pitchfork)
Perfume Genius: Queen
Tight AS. The kind of first-album-Hurts tune you'd wish was a big hit, but never is. He also looks a bit like Harry Enfield.
Q&A: Perfume Genius on the weird politics of being a gay artist (Stereogum)
Tight AS. The kind of first-album-Hurts tune you'd wish was a big hit, but never is. He also looks a bit like Harry Enfield.
The Pierces: Kings
‘They are comfortingly bland’, said my best mate Kathryn.
The Pierces: 'We're the indie ABBA' (Guardian)
‘They are comfortingly bland’, said my best mate Kathryn.
Ariel Pink: Black Ballerina
He’s a knob of the highest order and I really should leave him off in protest. But
unfortunately I like this weird and stupid little tune way too much.
Ariel Pink: 'I'm not that guy everyone hates' (Guardian)
Ravioli Me Away: Hit By Love
Sounding like a riot grrrl revival in a DIY performance arts school. When I saw them live, by chance as a support act, I wished I was 15 again.
So circular, so crazy-yearning, no way around the emotional punch of
this one.
Ricky Eat Acid: Fader Mix (The Fader)
Robyn & Royksopp: Do It Again
I thought this would be my track of the year when I first heard it. Now it’s barely top ten, and I haven't gone off it; shows what a high-quality twelve months this has been. Bonus points for being the only person who could pull off that mullet.
Silver Mt. Zion: Birds Toss Precious Flowers
The perfect song to follow R&R, I think. Efrim from Godspeed You! Black Emperor, 12 minutes 11 seconds, going everywhere from Goblin to Joy Division, come ON!
A joyful noise: an interview with Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra (PopMatters)
The perfect song to follow R&R, I think. Efrim from Godspeed You! Black Emperor, 12 minutes 11 seconds, going everywhere from Goblin to Joy Division, come ON!
The Soft Moon: Black
The kind of chillwave miserabilism I have liked since I was about 15 and, to quote The Broods, that’s never gonna change.
Between introspection and retrofuturism: an indepth interview with The Soft Moon's Luis Vasquez (Secret Thirteen)
The kind of chillwave miserabilism I have liked since I was about 15 and, to quote The Broods, that’s never gonna change.
Tanika: Bad 4 U [Hamilton Remix]
The remix is the one, but the original does come with a video where she tries to fuck an articulated lorry.
Interview: Tanika (MOBO)
Todd Terje: Delorean Dynamite
The remix is the one, but the original does come with a video where she tries to fuck an articulated lorry.
Todd Terje: Delorean Dynamite
Transports me back to the early 2000s, living in Hackney, buying loads of Bungalow 12”s. Even the video reminds me of that time. Something very retro about its retroness.
Todd Terje on the obscure influences behind his electronic summer jams (Rolling Stone)
To Rococo Rot: Down In The Traffic
Everyone’s favourite palindromic post(Kraut)rockers. (I stole that from The Quietus.)
Tove Lo: Stay High [Habits remix by Hippie Sabotage]
Alright I know everyone else prefers the original 'Habits' but this to me is far better, more nihilistic, and a perfect reflection of that state where you try to force feeling to stop feeling. You don't need the narration, you just need the emptiness. The most depressing top tenner I can remember for a while.
Jane Weaver: Argent
I once called her music ‘bare-fanged’. I’m still proud of that one.
Zhala featuring Robyn: Prophet
And when someone channels the first two Ebony Bones singles, and delivers a Swedish Grammis performance that satirises ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, how could it NOT be one of the best things all year?
An interview with Zhala (Popjustice)
And when someone channels the first two Ebony Bones singles, and delivers a Swedish Grammis performance that satirises ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, how could it NOT be one of the best things all year?
