Top 10 Albums of 2014

This year was full of albums that were incredible from start to finish, but these are the ones that have permanently taken root in the soft spot of my music-loving heart.

1. Hozier, Hozier
2. Jack White, Lazaretto
3. St. Vincent, St. Vincent
4. alt-J, This Is All Yours
5. Benjamin Booker, Benjamin Booker
6. Cold War Kids, All This Could Be Yours
7. Damien Rice, My Favorite Faded Fantasy
8. Future Islands, Singles
9. The New Pornographers, Brill Bruisers
10. Conor Oberst, Upside Down Mountain

Top 10 Songs of 2014

1. Jack White - "High Ball Stepper"
As a stand-alone track, this instrumental balances slick, shrieking guitars with an underlying scuzz. I love that. However, it was its placement on Lazaretto that made me really take notice of this song. Coming out of the desperation of "Would You Fight For My Love?," "High Ball Stepper" provides a stunning juxtaposition to the rest of the album.

2. Hozier - "Jackie and Wilson"
At one point this year, "Jackie and Wilson" had become such a staple in my car that I began to measure commutes based on how many times I could play (and sing along with) this song in its entirety. It's got just the right mix of peppy soul and adorable storytelling that keeps me happy on those sometimes dragging drives.

3. The Kooks - "Bad Habit"
Any song with hand clapping is generally a win for me, so "Bad Habit" pulled me in pretty quickly. It held my interest, too; dance-y, a little dark. What's not to like?

4. Royal Blood - "Figure It Out"
I think I ended up liking this song so much because listening to it makes me feel cooler than I actually am. That creeping bass line building into such an explosive sound at the end just has that effect, you know?

5. Sleater-Kinney - "Bury Our Friends"
From the abrasive hook to the staccato vocals, this song makes you feel like you're about to get into the coolest fight imaginable. Not that I condone violence — this fight would be heavily choreographed ... hopefully by Miranda July.

6. Hippo Campus - "Little Grace"
"Little Grace" was starting to get a lot of airplay around the time that I moved to the Twin Cities. I still can't quite be sure if that's why this song reminds me so vividly of summer, but I guess that doesn't really matter. It's poppy and upbeat, with a sliver of teenage mischief underlying an air of innocence.

7. Paolo Nutini - "Let Me Down Easy"
Anyone who has ever been through a terrible breakup needs to hear this song. There just aren't two ways about it. Whether you've been on the giving or receiving end of the title's plea, you know all too well what Paolo's singing about. It helps that he places it against the backdrop of an irresistible groove ... a spoonful of sugar, right?

8. The Bots - "All I Really Want"
While listening to "All I Really Want," it's easy to forget at least two things about The Bots: that they're kids (literally — Anaiah is 15 and Mikaiah is 18) and that there are only two of them. This track is certainly impressive enough on its own, but as an exercise in appreciation, can we all collectively pause to remember what we were like when we were 15 or 18?

9. Courtney Barnett - "History Eraser"
I think it's safe to say that Courtney Barnett has been the epitome of cool this year. Her nonchalant--almost deadpan--delivery of stream-of-consciousness lyrics in "History Eraser" is strange and mesmerizing, to say the least.

10. Vance Joy - "Riptide"
"I was scared of dentists and the dark." Me too, Vance Joy! Remind me one more time that petty fears are not all that uncommon, and do it in that earworm-y way. I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful (anxiety-fueled) friendship ... or at least a very enjoyable listening experience.