I make lots of lists. Mostly lists of things I have to get done. It calms me to do this and makes anything seem possible if I put it on a list. It’s even more satisfying when I get to scratch something off the list.  In keeping with that, here’s my Best of 2014 list, all neat and tidy, and ready to be scratched off and move into 2015.
1. Sun Kil Moon/Benji – I told you what I thought of this great record. See here.
2. Sturgil Simpson/Metamodern Sounds in Country Music – Once again, see here.
3. Afghan Whigs/Do to the Beast – Y’all know I love some rock and roll in my twang. Nobody does rock and roll better these days than the Afghan Whigs. If you haven’t seen the new lineup live, do yourself a solid and check that off your list.
4. Water Liars/Water Liars – A friend recommended this album early in the year, and I have to say it got lots of play in my car. A nice mix of alt-country with some heavier bits throughout.
5. Damien Jurado/Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son – This guy just keeps churning out interesting and compelling albums.
6. Spoon/They Want My Soul – Hooks abound in this release. Easily the best album Spoon has released since Kill the Moonlight.
7. Hardworking Americans/Hardworking Americans – Anything Todd Snider does I enjoy. His playful, loose band puts a nice new spin on some tried and true Americana favorites.
8. Ryan Adams/Ryan Adams – Ryan gives us something good, something good…
9. Old 97’s/Most Messed Up – Messy, fun, rock and roll. The first song is brilliant.
10. The Hold Steady/Teeth Dreams – The eight minute, 56 second closer, Oaks, could have gone on for ten more minutes. These guys rock.
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.