New Music Tuesday :: The Best Albums of 2015 (so far)

Let’s keep this simple. I love listening to new albums, and the following are my favorites of 2015 (so far).

Desaparecidos – “Payola”

Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Desaparecidos is a post-hardcore/emo/garage/something-like-that band headed by Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. The album contains sociopolitical commentary on America, which for some reason I always enjoy.

Here is the video for “City On The Hill”

Matt Pond PA – “The State of Gold”

The tenth album from Matt Pond and company is just enjoyable indie rock – if that fits your fancy.

Here is the video for “Take Me With You”

Alabama Shakes – “Sound & Color”

Plain and simple: this is my favorite album of 2015 (so far). I wasn’t a big fan of the Shakes’ first album, but you cannot go wrong with “Sound & Color.”

Enjoy a live version of “Future People”

Dan Deacon – “Gliss Riffer”

While Deacon is not blazing new territory with “Gliss Riffer,” it’s a really good album – especially if you need something to listen to while working.

Take a listen to “Feel the Lightning”

For bonus points, watch Deacon’s turn on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

Sufjan Stevens – “Carrie & Lowell”

I’ve always wanted to write an article about my connection and appreciation for Sufjan, the spiritual retreat we both participated in during high school, and the time in 2004 when I sat at a Barnes and Noble near Pittsburgh and said to myself, “I should Google that Sufjan Stevens guy and see what happened to him.”

I love the song “Should Have Known Better”

Death Cab for Cutie – “Kintsugi”

Sorry – love this album.

Take a listen to “Black Sun”

The Go! Team – “The Scene Between”

2015 is proving to be quite the indie rock year for me – The Go! Team’s album is as good as it gets. As Wikipedia says, they combine indie rock, garage rock, blaxploitation and Bollywood soundtracks, double Dutch chants, old school hip hop, and distorted guitars. What’s not to like about that?

Enjoy the album’s title song!

Purity Ring – “another eternity”

Another theme this year is that I don’t care if a new album from an artist doesn’t break new musical ground for said artist. Matt Pond PA, Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, Dan Deacon, Purity Ring; just give me the music I love.

Take a listen to “bodyache”

The Ballroom Thieves – “A Wolf in the Doorway”

This is the debut record for The Ballroom Thieves. I am really finicky about folk albums, but have grown to enjoy this one quite a bit.

Enjoy “Bullet”

The Decemberists – “What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World”

One of the best concerts I’ve ever been to was when my wife and I saw The Decemberists on July 27, 2011. They have a special place in my heart.

Most likely my favorite song of the year, take a listen to “Make You Better” and see what you think.

SOAK – “Before We Forgot How to Dream”

Our Director of Client Services has made it clear she does not like music from Ireland. Perhaps this debut album will be an exception to the rule?

Enjoy “Sea Creatures”

Bad Bad Hats – “Psychic Reader”

“Addictive hooks with melodic nods imbued with wistful lyricism and retro guitar riffs.” Interview Magazine

Can it get any better?

I love the album’s title song – take a listen!

Kodak to Graph – “Isa”

Another great album to listen to at work, including moments where you think, “Where did I hear that before?”

Here is the video for “IAMANTHEM”

Of Monsters and Men – “Beneath the Skin”

A broken record playing over and over in this post – new album, sounds similar to other albums, doesn’t matter, I love it!

Here is the video for “Empire”

What are your favorites of 2015? I’d love to listen to your recommendations.

And finally…the absolute perfect pop song. Hate all you want.