2014 was a great year for music - both my favourites and a heap of new stuff. Other than than my Haim and The 1975 obsession (yes, still) here's what I loved this year:

 

Allday - Startup Cult

Allday (aka Tom Gaynor) is an Australian rapper, originally from Adelaide who now resides in Melbourne. He describes his style as Soft Grunge Love Rap; raps and sings about girls, partying, drugs, sex and all that sort of thing his massive (mostly young) fan base inhale. He's definitely an online oversharer, but I love following what he's doing on his various Social Media channels including Tumblr, FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube. He's also vegan, which means he's extra cool.

His Startup Cult album debuted at #3 on the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) charts in July. Listen to his previous release on Bandcamp and buy the new album. He's part of the "new Australian rap" movement, including a couple of my other favourites: Remi and Tkay Maidza. Here's my favourite song from the album:

I really appreciate the fact Tom spoke about being more aware of the words he uses - oh and I love this cover of Taking Hold by Dominique.

The Griswolds - Be Impressive

With a name like Be Impressive, how could I not love this album from Sydney's The Griswolds? It's such an upbeat, up-tempo indie (with dance elements) album that makes me sing along and want to dance. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform live at Brightside in Brisbane a few months ago, and they were wonderful. They are another band that uses/overshares on Tumblr - with many a funny/witty/sarcastic post or response from Dan.

Check out their album on Bandcamp. Most people know them from the Triple J-staple, Beware the Dog. The rest of the album, and this song is better:

Infinity Broke - River Mirrors

Another Sydney band - this time from one of my favourite songwriters, Jamie Hutchings from (one of my favourite Australian bands) Bluebottle Kiss. Infinity Broke released River Mirrors this year with crowd funding of over 168% - their upcoming album was 254% funded! If you love sprawling guitars, two drummers, epic live jams of songs and lyrics that mean something, you will love Infinity Broke. Loved seeing the guys live this year at the New Globe in Brisbane.   

Listen to the album on Bandcamp and I hope to see you at Jamie's 20th (first BBK album release) anniversary Brisbane show next year. Here's a favourite track live:

Prince - Art Official Age & Plectrum Electrum (with 3rd Eye Girl)

You know it's a good year when Prince releases not one, but two albums. Art Official Age is Prince's solo album with Plectrumelectrum featuring his all-female band 3rdEyeGirl. They are both great.

My favourite song from Art Official Age:

Prince was on Saturday Night Live recently with the 3rdEyeGirl band performing a medley of songs (my favourites) from Plectrumelectrum. Here's the video footage - it's awesome.

Also here's another reason why Prince rocks my world.

Raury - Indigo Child

Raury is a new rapper from Atlanta whose debut album Indigo Child combines rap, pop, acoustic guitars, and some great guitar solos - oh and he's only 18. I'm loving a lot of people who using a variety of musical elements and styles in their sound. Listen or Download the album for free.

Cigarette Song is his most well-known, but my favourite track on the album, the epic closer Seven Suns combines all of the wonderful elements of Raury's creations mentioned above:

Stevie Nicks - 24 Karat Gold

Fleetwood Mac are my favourite band - ever. It was upsetting when they cancelled their Australian shows last year, but this time off gave Stevie Nicks the time to record some old tracks with Dave Stewart entitled 24 Karat Gold. I love when Dave and Stevie work together.

Buy the album here.

Lady is the only song so far with a music video, but this is my favourite song:

 

Taylor Swift - 1989

I must say I was worried about Taylor Swift's upcoming album when her first single came out. But 1989 is such a fun, catchy pop album so I didn't have to worry at all. I love so many songs on this album, and that Taylor and Imogen Heap worked together. Haven't seen Taylor live yet, so I look forward to that soon.

This is the best song on the album, and the video is wonderful:

Also, not sure what is cuter - Taylor and Harry or Taylor and Matty...

Tove Lo - Queen of the Clouds

I saw the music video for Tove Lo's hit song Habits (Stay High) late one night watching music video channels on TV. Discovered the rest of this gal from Stockholm, Sweden's songs later on Queen of the Clouds - a great pop album with songs about love, lust, heartbreak and sex - in the mono-genre style that myself and it seems a lot of people seem to be really into.

Not on Drugs is great, as is:

 

Hope you've enjoyed this list of my favourite albums for this year.

Here's some great Australian EPs that you should check out too:

• Emma Dean and the Hungry Truth - Feast
• Hope Springs - Sooner or Later
• Step it Up - Live
• Troye Sivan - TRXYE
• Tundra - Tender Thoughts

 

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