My top 10 albums of the year.
10) Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
Literally an album about being a transgender. The band is headed by a woman (formally a man) who went through all that she sings about. Except for the song “Osama bin Laden as the Crucified Christ” which is an odd song in the list and I would have been dismissed out right if not for a killer guitar line and powerful sound. What a song!
9) Ultravoilence by Lana Del Ray
Finally found that dark brooding sound that she has been looking for… probably helped that Dan Auerbach produced the album. Eagerly waiting for her next album. Hope she kicks it up a notch.
8) Thrash Rock Legacy by Mounties
A perfect summer record. A Canada indie supergroup which I honestly thought would fall flat on its face. But they really pulled it off and their sing “Headphones ” is my song of the year.
7) To be Kind by Swans
I will be honest, I have not heard the full album in one sitting. The album is more than 2 hours long!! But each song is sublime with angst and emotions embroiled within the music.
6) Alvvays by Alvvays
Another pop wonder this year. One of the few albums that my daughter likes (that is on this list). The one thing I really liked about this album was how the sweet innocent voice was laced with ironic and sexy lyrics. Hope this band does well.
5) Make My Head Sing by Jessica Lea Mayfield
Shows what you can do with delicate vocals and loud guitar riffs. Love it!
4) Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen
Man, never thought I would have Leonard Cohen’s album in my top 10 once he hit 80 years of age. But what a powerful album from the versatile singer. When you compare his first album “Songs Of Leonard Cohen” from 1967 and “Popular Problems” in 2014, you will notice the massive change in his singing style. Excellent album.
3) Love by Amen Dunes
Got this album on a whim and have not stopped listening to ever since it was released. I loved it so much that I bought the vinyl and played that over and over again. Reminds me a lot of Van Morrison’s works. Spacey, hazy and, on song, surprisingly loud.
2) Manipulator by Ty Segall
25 year old and 8 album (not including multiple collaborations)!! I don’t think this musician is ever going to worry about burn out. With this album, Ty Segall has really elevated his music. A little less noisy than his previous albums (therefore, more accessible?) and the songs all have a melodies. Something I have not seen on his previous albums. Started listening to it when NPR was streaming the album and still am listening it on the vinyl I bought.
1) St. Vincent
Strange, weird, in-coherent. That’s what I initially thought. That is until, I forced myself to “listen” to the album. From the first song the journey into her album has been illuminating and wonderful. This is by far the best album of the year.
This is a fun exercise and I look forward to it all the time. Here are my past “top 10 albums” links :
(Looks like I skipped 2012)
Desi In Toronto 
Love the list, Anurag! It gives me some things to try out during this lull in the record industry.
Loved the Ty Segall track! I anyways like heavy basslines and the guitar solo at 2:05 just takes it to another level!