As 2014 draws to a close, we're looking back at some of the records that have soundtracked our year. Join us as we reveal our Top Threes...
Andi
1. SBTRKT – Wonder Where We Land (Young Turks)
I eagerly awaited SBTRKT’s new album but was initially disappointed with the first single. New Dorp New York wasn’t my cup of tea but after repeated listens, it suddenly all clicked. The new album blends effortlessly with 2011’s self-titled debut and the guest appearances from Raury and Denai Moore are genius. It’s good to see that Aaron Jerome hasn’t sold out.
2. DELS – Petals Have Fallen (Big Dada)
3. Thom Yorke – Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes (self-released)
1. SBTRKT – Wonder Where We Land (Young Turks)
I eagerly awaited SBTRKT’s new album but was initially disappointed with the first single. New Dorp New York wasn’t my cup of tea but after repeated listens, it suddenly all clicked. The new album blends effortlessly with 2011’s self-titled debut and the guest appearances from Raury and Denai Moore are genius. It’s good to see that Aaron Jerome hasn’t sold out.
2. DELS – Petals Have Fallen (Big Dada)
3. Thom Yorke – Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes (self-released)
1. Call Super - Suzi Ecto (Houndstooth)
There have been loads of ace electronic albums this year, but Call Super’s debut Suzi Ecto tops the lot. It’s got everything – lush melodies, brittle techno beats, found sounds, surprise clarinet solos and a big, big heart. From opener Snipe until the very last crunch of closer Acephale I, UK producer Joe Seaton envelops the record with a lovely organic pulse that warms your cockles and soothes your ears.
2. Cloudface – Untitled (Opal Tapes)
3. Grouper – Ruins (Kranky)
1. Royal Blood – Royal Blood (Warners)
From the second the record starts with Out of the Black you know you’re in for a ride. With 10 perfectly constructed songs including Little Monster and Loose Change, Royal Blood's sound is so much grander than what you’d expect from a two-piece. This impressive debut gives you faith in the diversity of chart music and proves rock ‘n’ roll ain’t dead.
2. Jungle – Jungle (XL Recordings)
3. Pale Seas – Places to Haunt EP (Native Pop)
1. Various Artists - Down to the Sea and Back Again Vol 2 (Wonk)
Top selectors Balearic Mike and Kelvin Andrews have spent the past four years going through the dustiest recesses of their humongous record collections to put together the second in their Down to the Sea and Back Again compilation series. Volume 2 sees the pair digging just that little bit deeper than anyone else to come up with an ace, eclectic selection featuring everything from the icy electronics of Chris & Cosey to the wonky funk of Klout.
2. Caribou – Our Love (City Slang)
3. Royal Blood – Royal Blood (Warners)
1. Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage – The Legend of Dance Music Vol 1 (SalSoul)
Sorry, I know it’s a reissue but don’t discount it as this triple LP compilation is an absolute cracker. So many classics from the SalSoul archives including Loleatta Holloway (Love Sensation) and Candido (Jingo) are just guaranteed to get your wiggle on. In a year where the charts have been dominated by house-lite, this is a very timely reminder of an inspired and timeless period in dance music history.
2. Todd Terje – It’s Album Time (Olsen Records)
3. Kate Tempest – Everybody Down (Big Dada)
Tune into our Top Albums of 2014 playlist
What have we missed? Tell us your favourite albums of 2014 on Twitter and Facebook
