Summa Cum Laude (so far) albums for 2014

5)  Joseph, Native Dreamer Kin.  This band of three sisters from Eastern Oregon caught my attention via Noisetrade.  Folksie and religious lyrics, you wouldn't think it's my style.  But I love their music.




4) The Pretty Reckless Going to Hell.  I first discovered this California based band a couple of years ago listening to the credits from "Kiss Ass". I kept thinking, "Who is this band and why have I not heard of them before?" Anyway, I know who they are now. And I got to see them last year at the Varsity. Great band. And yes, they are just a bit different than Joseph.



3) The Strange Familiar The Day the Lights Went Out You probably have never heard of this band; but I am crazy about their music. They're from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (Between Akron and Cleveland). Give 'em a listen.



2) Birdy Fire Within This 18 year old singer from the UK came to my attention when she was only 16, and her most recent album came out just before she turned 18. It's amazing.



DRUMROLL..........


1) Nina Nesbitt Peroxide The UK Girls dominate! I was so existed when I got her first full album from the UK (autographed). This is such a great album and this 20 year old from Scotland is just going to get bigger I believe. Watch all three of these.


Make sure you watch this one

2014, Magna Cum Laude albums (so far)

Yesterday, was my "Cum Laude" so to speak.  Here are my Magna Cum Laude albums.

These are in random order by the way.

Christina Perri, Head or Heart.  A great follow up album from this wonderful singer from Philadelphia.



Gabrielle Aplin,  English Rain  I have such a weak spot for Brits.  This super talented 21 year old is no exception.  Enjoy, if you've never heard of her. And even if you have.




Katie Herzig, Walk Through Walls. Love her.  Period.  Another Nashville based singer (though originally from Colorado).  I was lucky to see her at the Varsity a bit back.   Proof:

Polly Scattergood,  Arrows.  Did I mention I like Brits? 





Ingrid Michaelson, Lights Out.  How did she not make my top 5?  It was very close.  Anyway, I can't really say enough good things.  Privileged to have seen her live twice now (including First Ave this year).

Favorite Albums of 2014 so far

OK, I have finally gone through most of the music I have downloaded this year (and it's embarrassingly  a lot).  I decided to start by picking by top 5 albums.  But of course, there are quite a few honorable mentions.  I will start with them.

Note:  These are my favorites.  I am not commenting on albums I don't own, nor am I ranking them from any other perspective than my personal preferences.

Here we go:

Nicole Atkins, Slow Phaser.  Third album from this New Jersey based artist.  A recent discovery for me however.  I had the pleasure of seeing her live at the Turf Club earlier this year.






Jillian Edwards, Daydream.  This Nashville based artist caught my attention because of her contribution to the Nashville Indie Spotlight 2014 compilation.





Elizabeth and the Catapult, Like It Never Happened. I have been a fan of this band from Brooklyn for some time. This might well be their best album.





No Sinner, Boo Hoo Hoo.  I'm not even sure how I discovered this Vancouver based band (internet, duh).  But I loved them so much I ordered the CD from the UK because you couldn't even buy it here.  It's out now though.




NoNoNo,  We Are Only What We Feel.   I loved this Swedish band's EP last year.  The debut album is even better (with all the songs from the EP of course).