In hot pursuit of my Top Albums of 2014 list, here comes my Top Songs of 2014 mix!  Instead of the typical 20-ish-song, 80-ish-minute compilation, this year I decided that FIFTY is the magic number.  That’s right, you’re in for a treat…3 hours 17 minutes of top-notch, grade-A tracks that were the soundtrack of my year.  I didn’t bother splitting hairs to decide the order of the Top 50.  Rather, I mixed them in the order I felt most appropriate.  So take a listen.  All you have to do is press PLAY above!

If you prefer to SPOTIFY, here is the link.  LDD – Best of 2014
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It’s that time of year again.  At least it WAS that time of year…two months ago.  Still, it’s never too late for an Albums of the Year list, right?  I just wanted to be sure nobody copied my answers.

According to some parts of the internet, 2014 wasn’t a triumph in the album arena, with the exception of Taylor Swift’s 527 ft home run, 1989.  Speaking of monster home runs and 1989, shout out to the Bash Brothers – Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire.  Despite this ruling by the interwebs that doesn’t mean there are some serious gems out there.

Thanks to all my favorite people for slangin’ recommendations my way throughout the year.  Per the usual, gimme a shout with any albums that I absolutely, positively haaaave to check out, lest my street cred flow directly into the sewer.  I’m all ears.

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for….the L.I.S.T.  My Top 50 Albums of 2014. Continue Reading

DECEMBER 2014

1. Young Fathers | No Way
2. Ghostface Killah | Call My Name
3. J. Cole | No Role Modelz
4. Run the Jewels | All My Life
5. Panda Bear | Mr. Noah
6. Giraffage | Chocolate
7. Yppah | R. Mullen
8. TV on the Radio | Seeds
9. The Rural Alberta Advantage | Terrified
10. Ex Hex | Waterfall
11. The Decemberists |  Philomena
12. Rubblebucket | Young and Old
13. Alvvays |Party Police
14. Stars | No Better Place
15. Borrisokane | Andrew Torrey Amos
16. Horse Feathers | Violently Wild
17. Jamie T | Love is Only a Heartbeat Away
18. Ultimate Painting | Winter in Your Heart
19. Hiss Golden Messenger | O Little Light

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NOVEMBER 2014

1. Death from Above 1979 | Right On, Frankenstein!
2. Run the Jewels | Lie, Cheat, Steal
3. Black Milk | What’s It Worth
4. TV on the Radio | Careful You
5. Bee Caves | Heaven and the Come Down
6. Zola Jesus | Dangerous Days
7. Röyksopp | Monument (feat. Robyn)
8. Museum of Love | In Infancy
9. Stars | No One is Lost
10. Borrisokane | Soft Circles
11. Ex Hex | Radio On
12. Rubblebucket | Origami
13. Jamie T | Zombie
14. OK Go | Another Set of Issues
15. Alvvays | Archie, Marry Me
16. The Rural Alberta Advantage | Runners in the Night
17. Ultimate Painting | Ultimate Painting
18. Parquet Courts | Pretty Machines
19. The Gaslight Anthem | Sweet Morphine (Bonus Track)

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Occasionally I get an email from a friend about to embark on a music festival weekend, seeking advice on what bands to check out.  I’m always flattered and usually eager (to the point that my boss should be concerned) to dive head first into the lineup and/or schedule to start curating my fantasy music experience.

Seeing as how these events are always chock-o-block with seasoned artists as well as top rookie prospects, it never hurts to have a second opinion on what acts will maximize the dollars spent on the astronomical ticket prices. Continue Reading

Given the fact that everyone is equipped to whistle, it’s a wonder there isn’t more whistle-driven music out there.  One possible explanation is that while it is relatively easy to whistle for the sake of making noise, it is very difficult to whistle for the sake of making decent music.  The former usually results in a ragged and bleating distress signal used to get the attention of a: Continue Reading

MAY 2011

1. Foster the People | Warrant
2. The Kills | Satellite
3. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart | Heaven’s Gonna Happen Now
4. Okkervil River | Rider
5. Peter Bjorn & John | Dig a Little Deeper Continue Reading