Album of the year

Beck, Morning Phase

I only have one nomination for album of the year, primarily because it's the only 2014 release that I keep coming back to and listening to all the way through. This album seems to be a sequel to 2002's "Sea Change," and I love the sleepy Pink Floyd/Nick Drake feel that runs through it.

Top Ten Songs of the Year

10. Run the Jewels, "Blockbuster Part 1"
This duo had a knockout first album, and I'm really digging the follow-up. It's smart hip-hop with a touch of humor. Plus, this tune samples Doctor Who. And yes, I did donate to their recent Kickstarter campaign for "Meow the Jewels" — a project involving remixing their "RTJ2" album using nothing but cat sounds.

9. Jack White, "Lazaretto"
The first time I heard this — with it's otherworldly guitar sounds, crunchy/funky riffs, and brash vocals — I thought Rage Against the Machine was back. This furious blues incarnation of Jack White is my favorite version of Jack White, by far.

8. J. Roddy Walston and the Business, "Take It As It Comes"
I didn't know anything about this group until a friend introduced me to them last year. They quickly became one of my favorites, especially after seeing them live at the Fine Line in September, and "Essential Tremors" has become one of my favorite albums of the last five or so years.

7. Future Islands, "Seasons (Waiting On You)"
I can't explain what it is exactly about this tune that makes me like it. My first exposure to them was seeing their performance on Letterman, and my immediate reaction was "whoa, this cat is weird." But then I watched it again and again, and I love how the singer just goes for it. They're a fun group to watch.

6. Courtney Barrett, "Pickles from the Jar"
It's a somewhat silly play-on-words tune, but so, so catchy. Plus... Christopher Walken.

5. Hozier, "Jackie and Wilson"
My favorite newcomer of the past year, and there were a number of songs I could have added to this list. Great voice, great lyrics: "We'll name our children / Jackie and Wilson / Raise them on rhythm and blues."

4. The Rural Alberta Advantage, "Terrified"
This trio tends to take their time between albums, and it's always well worth the wait. This tune comes from my favorite album of theirs thus far.

3. Royal Blood, "Figure It Out"
I love the chugging guitar riff on this track. One of those tunes that if you hear it while driving, you'll catch yourself speeding. Such a big and brash Led Zep-esque sound for a duo. Rock lives. \m/

2. Lizzo (feat. Sophia Eris), "Batches and Cookies"
This quirky tune gets in my head and will not let go, and it doesn't matter that I have little clue as to what she is talking about. Infectious. I can't wait to see where Lizzo goes next.

1. St. Vincent, "Digital Witness"
I'm a huge fan of just about everything Annie Clark does, and it's difficult to put any sort of conventional label on it. Her musical style is all her own. This tune is dense and complicated, yet has the feel of a straightforward pop song. And the futuristic video is all at once stunningly beautiful and completely trippy.