RecommNeds | Mid-Year In Case You Missed It
By Aaron Stein Jul 15, 2015 • 10:40 am PDT
Words By: Aaron “Neddy” Stein
We’re just past the halfway point of 2015, which gives me a chance to look back at the fantastic music released in the first half of the year. Like I did last year, I’m offering you a mid-year look at some of my favorite albums so far. I’ve picked 10 that may or may not be under your radar; half of these were previous RecommNeds and hopefully you’ve heard the rest as well, but just in case you’ve missed them, here’s my second annual…
#ICYMI (in alphabetical order)
The Amazing: Picture You
Hailing from Sweden, I profiled this one back in March and it’s only grown on me since then. I hope you heeded my advice and have this one in regular rotation as well. A modern day prog masterpiece by way of Scandinavia: quiet, moving, dreamy… there’s much to unpack inside each track.
Caitlin Canty: Reckless Skyline
Another re-up from an earlier rec, Canty is one of my favorite roots discoveries of the year. A killer, unique voice sets off some superlative songwriting, all backed by a pro’s-pros band. One of the best country albums of the year.
John Zorn: Pellucidar: A Dreamers Fantabula
While I’m throwing around superlatives, there are a lot of –est’s involved when Zorn gets this group together. Super talents Marc Ribot, Cyro Baptista, Joey Baron, Jamie Saft, Trevor Dunn and Kenny Wolleson combine forces to create some of the most beautiful, magical, transportive music you’ve ever heard. Pure bliss.
Papir: Live at Roadburn
Bands like Papir were meant to be heard live, so lucky for us they put out this album of their set at Roadburn music festival last year. This is powerhouse improvisation of the Nth degree. You like sick jams? Look no further.
Elvis Perkins: I Aubade
Elvis Perkins is back! After a too-long hiatus from playing and recording, Mr. Perkins returns with an evolved sound that’s weird and wonderful and worth chewing on slowly. His already excellent songwriting enters a new dimension here. Old fans already know, but if you’ve somehow missed the boat, it’s time to get on board.
Natalie Prass: Natalie Prass
Natalie Prass arrives on the scene sounding like a seasoned pro. Working with the able hands at Spacebomb records (the geniuses who made Matthew E. White sound so damn good), Prass’ debut album is a groovy pop masterpiece. I had the pleasure of seeing Prass live for the second time last night, confirming she’s the real deal.
Thee Oh Sees: Mutilator Defeated At Last
John Dwyer has found that sweet spot between being “too big” and “toiling in obscurity,” a spot made all the sweeter by the nearly constant output of amazing music. The newest may very well be Thee Oh Sees best yet. Garage rock, psych and even a prog-y flavor combine under Dwyer’s manic guidance to deliver a heavy-hitting wrecking ball of awesome, jammy goodness. I can’t stop listening to this album.
Ryley Walker: Primrose Green
If you were to force me to pick an absolute favorite album of the first half of 2015, Ryley Walker’s Primrose Green would have to be my choice. The intersection of folk, jazz, jam and psych has never sounded so good and hits my personal taste bullseye dead-on target. This RecommNed from back in April is still putting a smile on my face, so if you missed it then, do yourself a favor and queue this one up now.
Kamasi Washington: The Epic
When you name your album The Epic, you’re either boastful or you’re telling the truth. In Kamasi Washington’s case, I think you’ve got yourself one honest musician here. Over the course of three discs, Washington shows a mastery over all flavors and subgenres of jazz, reinventing and making fresh what should seem familiar. This is an album for the ages, the best jazz release so far this year.
WOLF!: WOLF!
JamBase readers are probably familiar with Scott Metzger via his killer guitar work in bands like Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and beyond. But outside NYC, many might not be aware of Metzger’s under-the-radar trio, Wolf! Yes, the exclamation point is part of the name and totally warranted as he unleashes a fun, accessible blend of twangy country groove instrumentals in the tradition of many past Telecaster greats. Their debut release captures the unbridled joy-of-music energy of their live shows and if you haven’t listened yet, well, what are you waiting for?
