The Top 40 Albums of 2014 (20-1)

A few days ago I posted the first 20 in my “Top 40 Albums of 2014” list (check it out here). Below you will find this year’s edition of what I consider the top 20 albums of the year. You’ll find albums from varying genres and possibly a few albums that are new to you. I think it’s important to note what I define as a top caliber album. Great songs are always a plus, but more important to me is the ability of an artist to create a series of songs that tell a story, that convey an overall theme, that complement each other, and that make the listener think differently about the human experience. We are moving into an age where most consumers are more concerned with hit songs, which is why I feel compelled to highlight those musicians that have stayed honest to the age-old art of The Album and created something that’s about the whole and not a couple catchy songs.

BDWPS Podcast: Episode #23

In this episode we jump full speed into the best albums to come out already in 2014. Discussions include a history of Mali band Tinariwen and their inspiring back story, a look back at my discovery of Slough Feg at South By Southwest years ago, and an appreciation of the documentary “A Band Called Death.”As with all episodes we pay tribute to Bob Dylan, this time looking at his tumultuous days back in Hibbing, Minnesota.

Listen to it HERE! (or subscribe on iTunes – search: BDWPS)

Track List:

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks “Lariat” 
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra “Take Away these Early Grave Blues” 
Tinariwen “Imidiwan Ahi Sigdim” 
Self Defense Family “Nail House Music” 
Roc Marciano (ft. Ka & Guilty Simpson) “Squeeze” 
Slough Feg “Laser Enforcer” 
Death “Let the World Turn” 
Bob Dylan “North Country Blues”