I stopped doing top ten lists a few years ago but decided since there was so much incredible music that came out this year, I'd just give you 5 of my favorite things of the year. So without further ado...
W.H Lung. I just found out about this Manchester 3 piece recently, wow! Incredible debut album. Leave it to a Manchester band to make the most thrilling record of the year! It's like New Order meets the Stone Roses meet Echo and the Bunnymen on acid! Climbed straight to the top for me!
Another band I just came across recently. There's scant information about these guys online.
But their mix of funk, soul, drum & bass, and psychedelia, make for a potent, groovy stew of sounds. Perfect party record to ring in the new year!
Michael Kiwanuka is a British/Ugandan singer who's really found his voice on his new record, "Kiwanuka" Like a long lost Marvin Gaye record, with tinges of psychedelic soul, Scott Walker orchestration, and a gospel ish Spritualized, Screamadelica era Primal Scream vibe,that all works together to make a gorgeous album that resonated most with me this year.
Mdou Moctar is called the Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara. This amazing Tuareg guitarist is the real deal. You really need to seem him live to fully appreciate his dazzling, acrobatic guitar playing.
This incredible band from Perm, Russia, are the perfect mix of Krautrock, Shoegaze, and Psychedelia. Hopefully they can tour the States next year if Putin lets them!