My Top 30 Albums of 2015 :: 5-1

5. Self-Titled :: July Talk
Sleepless Records
Released 2015 (United States)

What I originally said about the album:

No review week of release.

Now:

One of my good friends, and fellow music obsessives/bloggers told me about July Talk back when all I could find was an EP of their music – it was enough to make me a fan, and then this album was released here, and I fell so hard and fast, AND THEN, I saw them play live, and they stole my heart and music soul completely (I kid you not, if you EVER get a chance to see them live, do not hesitate). This was one of my most played albums in 2015, especially in the Summer months, and I’m still playing it all the time.

Top 3 Songs:

I’ve Rationed Well, Gentleman and The Garden

I’ve Rationed Well (live)

4. Live at Carnegie Hall :: Ryan Adams
Blue Note Records
Released April 21, 2015

What I originally said about the album:

No review week of release.

Now:

It doesn’t get much better than live Ryan Adams as he is on of the most amazing live performers I have ever seen. His songs fit into my heart and soul, and mean more to me than I have words to say, so having a collection like this, of so many songs, all live, is incredible, and such a gift. The music is so beautiful it makes me cry.

Top 3 songs: 

Oh My Sweet Carolina (11/17/2014), Crossed Out Name (11/15/2014) and Call Me on Your Way Back Home (11/17/2014)

Oh My Sweet Carolina (live, 11/17/2014)

3. Afraid of Ghosts :: Butch Walker
Lojinx
Released February 2, 2015

What I originally said about the album (here):

Sometimes an album comes into my life and from the first notes of the first song (oh, and the spoken count of “one, two, three, four…yes please) I get that feeling that this is going to be my next musical obsessions, maybe it is timing, maybe it is because it has the sound and emotion and lyrical punch that I fall hard for, or maybe it it because it’s going to be just that good. For Afraid of Ghosts, I think it is all of the above, and trust me when I say, this album will be on my end of the year favorite albums, I just know it. Also, there is a song here called Chrissie Hynde – how could I not be strung out on the album?

Now:

This album, oh my stars, this album, I fell completely in love with from the very, very first listen, and it never let me go. I needed it this year – badly – and it was there for me, though good times and bad times, and everything in-between. Seeing him live, twice in one week, for this album, was one of my favorite moments of 2015.

Top 3 songs:

Chrissie Hynde, Still Drunk and 21+

Chrissie Hynde

2. All Your Favorite Bands :: Dawes
Hub Records
Released June 2, 2015

What I originally said about the album (here):

Honestly, this should be tied for number one, as I have been also anxiously awaiting its release, and love it nearly as much as Florence’s new one. This album feels similar in tone and feel to their favorite of mine, Nothing is Wrong, with perhaps a bit more time and life woven lyrically into each song. There is wisdom in these songs, bittersweet sentiments, heartbreak and hope, all of it mixed together I find so very relatable (I look forward to hearing them live tonight at the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery).

Now:

There is not a single song on this album that I don’t love, and love big. This is my second most played album of the year, and seeing them play it, from start-to-finish, the night of release, was incredible. These songs, the lyrics, the stories within them, they have meant so much to me this year, and I feel so connected to all of them – I am grateful for this album.

Top 3 songs:

To Be Completely Honest, All Your Favorite Bands and I’ll Be Waiting for Your Call

To Be Completely Honest

1. Anthems for Doomed Youth :: The Libertines
Virgin EMI Records
Released September 11, 2015

What I originally said about the album (here):

Although I will be doing a Top 5 New Release post later today/tomorrow (needless to say this one is #1), I would be remiss if I did not devote an entire post to the album I’ve been anticipating, and counting down, from one of my all-time favorite bands, The Libertines. I woke to the album waiting to be heard, and have listened at least a half a dozen times already this morning. This was heavily anticipated, and yes, I had the hugest of expectations, and they did it, they went above and beyond my expectations with an album that is emotional, raw, real, literate, heartbreaking, rich, rocking, rollicking, rough, bitter and beautiful all at once, full of sorrows and hope and love and history and story, and I could go on and on. Instead, I will do a track-by-track account of my feelings, at least my first day with this album feelings, about each song. This will be a breakdown of the album itself, though there is an amazing deluxe version with four extra songs that is definitely worth a (many) listen(s).

I am not going to include each track because I want you to go out and get this album and listen to it in its entirety. Seek it out, listen to it, share your thoughts. You can stream it on some of the music platforms out there, too. I will add a few tracks in, though.

You have my heart boys, and you did a mighty fucking fine job on this album. Cheers to you four today, and thank you for the music.

(For song-by-song click on the here above)

Now: 

The album that I never thought would happen, that I wanted to happen, that I was so excited about when I heard it was happening, is my most played album of the year, and one of my all-time favorite albums ever. I love every song, every single song, with all of me. This band has my heart, and this album is definitely the best of the year.

Top 3 songs:

The Milkman’s Horse, Anthems for Doomed Youth and Belly of the Beast

The Milkman’s Horse