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).