Soundtrack of the year no question. Air has not released a record since the huge disappointment, Love 2 in 2009. For the most part, the French duo has always been on top of their game creating some great mellow electronica. After being so turned off by their last release I was somewhat skeptical but optimistic that their new record would be another spectacular Air release and especially being it was written to a remastered version of one of the most monumental films ever created. Sure enough, Air is back and sounding better than ever. It is exactly what one would have hoped for and so much more. The sound fits so perfectly along with the newly remastered film as well as shows how Air has kept their same style while progressing within their sound to new regions. People have claimed this record to be better than their incredible debut album, Moon Safari which need less to say is a tough reach, but honestly, these people might be right. This record is easily worth the wait and makes me fall in love with the band I have loved for awhile all over again and frankly, it was much needed.
7. Sun Araw, M. Geddes Gengras & The Congos - FRKWYS Vol. 9
RVNG is having a pretty good year to say the least with this release being one at the top of their list. The FRKWYS collections are great experimental collaborations that have provided artists with a great outlet to meet different artists and create a new sound in its entirety. The latest edition in the series featuring electronic artist Sun Araw and M. Geddes Gengras working together with legendary dub band, the Congos is nothing short of amazing. The sound that is created from this collaboration which was recorded in 2 days in Jamaica is so innovative. Both music styles are integrated to meld such a wonderfully experimental dub sound that is so pleasantly surprising it will keep you coming back for more throughout the year. It is such an intriguing listen with so much dynamic that this record should be a part of any avid listeners collection. Its a beautifully weird record that most record collectors should seek for their personal collection.
8. Mount Eerie - Clear Moon
Anyone a Microphones fan? Mount Eerie is Phil Elverum who is more notably known for his work as the Microphones. Clear Moon came out this spring as the first part of a two part installment to be released this year. Clear Moon is a dark, spacey, droney, distorted, mellow, atmospheric sounding record which is filled with so much to listen to. There are so many effects with transitions being carried out so well along the beautifully created noisy record. This record carries a charmingly morose sound throughout its entirety and I know it does not sound appealing but their is something unique about this record that will make you fall in love with it. This record is charming like fog on a lake early in the morning of a gloomy day. Don't pass judgement due to its unattractive appeal but rather listen and fall absolutely in love with this record like I have. I am sure you will.
9. Dirty Three - Toward the Lower Sun
Ditry Three is back after 7 years and sounding just as good as ever. Warren Ellis is back after the recent departure of the Nick Cave Grinderman project and thankfully so if we can see some other great releases; not to say I'm not bummed about the recent break up of such a great sounding group. Dirty Three is beautifully chaotic creating an intensely formulated post-rock jazz style which is for anyone willing to give it a listen. The talent is so brutally raw and crazed that one listening to this record at night on a pair of headphones alone can't help but overcome with its brilliance. This record may not be for everyone and I can see that based off of its style but if you can dig it, you will totally understand where I am coming from in being so in love with this record. By all means this record is the one record in my top ten that is probably not for everyone but it is still brilliant and worthy of recognition in my opinion. Love it or hate it, it makes my top ten so far and will be a record I will love for many years to come.
10. Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself
Let me start of by saying if you are an Andrew Bird fan and have not listened to this record, you are probably missing out on his best piece yet. This record truly shows how this breathtaking artist has progressed throughout his career and continued to create music that reaches new levels. The loops that he creates whistling, plucking his violin, playing violin lines all building on top of one another are almost unfathomable. He truly is a talented musician fine tuning his niche into beautifully crafted music for just about any music lover out there. Not only is Andrew Bird full of talent in it of himself but so is the rest of his band which includes the ever so uniquely skilled Martin Dosh on drums to list one. This record reaches new areas within Andrew Bird's realm and creates catchy hooks which are layered with so many sounds and elements throughout the whole record. A very noteworthy record for the end of the top ten so far list.
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