The Wasatch Fault: SLC's Best Band

I first heard of The Wasatch Fault from a facebook group called the Loganscene back in 2013. I was in a journalism class with a writing emphasis on local music. Turns out only the drummer was in Logan, the rest of the band is in SLC. I listened to some tracks and I was a fan. I got the chance to buy the album last summer. Was this just a kind gesture to support local music? NO. I legitimately love this band, on any level.

I have a bias towards 90s lo-fi bands. The sound changed my life. I cannot forget listening to Pandora's Pavement station when I was a senior in high school. I learned more about bands I already loved and was introduced to bands I would greatly approve. To me, hearing stuff from Pavement was like hearing my own voice and my own guitar. Superchunk, Sebadoh, Built to Spill as well. I had been a music guy leading up to that point and I felt like I had now found my music. Just for me.

In Jerome, ID, it literally was my music and nobody else. The Wasatch Fault is comforting to me. A band with similar influences, making original music-- and one of these guys lives 2 miles away from me. This band is what I wanted college to sound like.

Pavement is infamously a "low budget' band, although they worked on more money than I personally have. The Wasatch Fault covers the space between my reality and my teenage dream of becoming Steve Malkmus.

The band unity and musical culmination of The Wasatch Fault reminds me of my teenage comrade re with guys in my high school theatre program: Abrasive and full of joy. The bass lines and drum fills are well-articulated and memorable. The guitar tones are reminiscent of 90s Modest Mouse or Built to Spill. And I will rarely admit this about local groups, but their lead singer's voice is easily identifiable; his screams actually come off as natural. The production as a whole is sweet and tattered.

This music isn't ripping off anybody. It's a noticeable collective of influences, for sure, but it adds to something unique. And their sole album, (The Wasatch Fault) is totally cohesive.

MY FAVORITE TRACKS
I legitimately listen to these songs regularly; pretty much any time I went for a hike this summer.

"Why Would You Want To Be Anything, When You Could Be Everything?"
 At first, one might think this is going to be some awkward reggae cover of MBV's "To Here Knows When," but it turns into something totally different. Probably the album's most adventurous track; constantly shifting.
"Baker's Chocolate"
This song is possibly the closest thing the album has to a "single." And lyrically interesting-- apparently about some bizarre, 1-man cult youtuber David Charles Baker and not about Jesus.
"We Live In The Sky"
GREAT RIFF

MY OTHER FAVORITES

"Dopamine"
I LOVE the guitar/drum syncopation on this track!
"Monster Falcon"
The least weird lyrics on the album... I think every lo-fi album should consist one track like this.
"Reality Is a Construct (Built from Legos)"
I hear more of a DC post-punk influence on this one.
"Eternity Pill"
There's a guitar tone mid-way through this song I'm pretty sure I've never heard before.

So their new album (Super Wasatch Fault) should be coming out in a month or so, and I'm stoked! I had the pleasure of watching one of their rehearsal recordings with drummer Aaron McCuiston last year. The next album should have 8 songs, all between 4 and 11 minutes in length; I predict some influence something along the lines of Perfect from Now On. Listen to their first album below!

https://thewasatchfault.bandcamp.com/

The 20 Best Live Bands I've Seen

-Ranked in order from worst to best
-I'm not including the time I saw the sitar player for The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man," Dave Mason, because I don't remember it

-I will not include underground Twin Falls or Logan shows I've been to :(

-But I am including opening acts (I can remember)

-I'm also including a show I went to on mistake

-Rankings are based on how good the actual band's performance was, personal experiences from the concert, how likable the band's personality was, the "live experience," the set-lists, etc.

20 Parachute (2013)

My first spring semester at USU, I heard there was a free concert at The Spectrum. I'd never heard of the band before. Thought I'd show up. There were tons of people there! Mostly girls! Part of me was like: "Wow, I must be in the right place! This local band is gonna get some exposure, and I can stand anywhere and meet some girls!" Turns out, Parachute is a popular "pretty boy" band, famous for songs like "She Is Love" and "Kiss Me Slowly." As these young men entered the stage with their skateboard shoes and tight, ripped jeans, the stadium full of white college girls went crazy. I left early.

19 Styx (2006)

Styx was my favorite band at age 10. I liked them for the entirety of my early teenage life. I thought I'd be ecstatic to see them live when I was 15! I have very few memories from this show. It was over 100 degrees outside. I knew every song they played. Never felt overly stoked. The operatic Dennis DeYoung was no longer a band member, thus they didn't play "Come Sail Away." And a Styx concert without "Come Sail Away" ceases to be a Styx concert.

18 Mike Doughty (2006)

Opening act for Barenaked Ladies. Mostly a adult contemporary guy. Although he did this cool remix jam called "More Bacon Than the Pan Can Handle." He then did an acoustic cover of "The Gambler" seguing into an acoustic cover of "Paradise City." I laughed and winced simultaneously.

17 Twin Shadow (2014)

These guys sucked. Their lead singer has this great voice, but he only used it to sound like a Bryan Adams impersonator. Quote of the night: "I dedicate this song to all the girls out there who wanna make out with me on Capitol Hill or something like that." 

Oh! And also, there was this shirtless old man there in a cowboy hat, smoking a doobie and swingin' his hips to every song. To quote my friend with me that night: "Now that's entertainment."

16 CSS (2013)

At least these guys made me dance. Also, they were the sole reason my buddy Via showed up.

15 Average White Band (2003)

Yes, they played "Pick Up the Pieces" and that's all we could ask for.

14 Elf Power (2014)

They opened for Neutral Milk Hotel; a fellow member of the Elephant 6 record co. NMH band member Scott Spillane (and Santa Claus lookalike) joined them on some songs. The moment I saw him, I knew he had to be that one dude with the beard from the old NMH band photos.

13 Eddie Money (2003)

I remember he wore a green jacket covered in $ dollar signs. Some guy played a saxophone that had 2 horns on it. He played "Take Me Home Tonight." That's why we came, Eddie.

12 Flying Lotus (2012)

Flying Lotus is one of my favorite modern artists alive. I didn't know much of his stuff back in 2012. But even if I did, I would've been just as disappointed with this show. It was basically a rave. The music sounded generally cool, but not jazzy in the least. He drank onstage the whole time and got drunk to the extent it wasn't entertaining. He opened up a mysterious box he simply called "The Box", where he presumably was sorting through types of marijuana. He said something about Vancouver and smoked it, back to the audience. 

However, he finished the show with this catchy club banger he said he'd been working on with Thundercat. The song was released an entire year later on Thundercat's Apocalypse and was titled "Oh Sheit It's X." A great live moment.

11 Boston (2004)

I was 13 and Boston rocked! They brought out a giant guitar that required 2 people to play it. The organ intro for "Foreplay /Long Time" was about 10 minutes long. When I heard the opening riff for "Smokin'" the entire place suddenly smelled like nicotine. Brad Delp almost couldn't hit his high note on "Peace of Mind," but was heroically saved by a band-mate. This is what classic rock shows are about! However, it was at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, CA, which made for the most awkward sentence ever yelled from a stage: "We love you Concord California!"

10 Night Terrors of 1927 (2015)

I interviewed the band for the USU paper after the show! This included The Honorary Title's Jarrod Gorbel as well as former Boy Meets World actor and Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennett!!!

The band's music is actually pretty crappy, and the interview was awkward. But whatever.

9 TV on the Radio (2014)
This show would be ranked lower, but I joined the mosh pit during "Wolf Like Me" and it was legit! TVOTR was one of my favorite bands as a teenager. The show as a whole didn't live all the way up to its potential nostalgic value, but I made it fun. Great drummer. The real bummers were that they didn't include as much vocal harmony as they do on their records, and they didn't play an encore :(

8 Bachman Turner Overdrive (2003)

My dad knew one of the security guards, and he let us stand front row! At age 12, I was ecstatic about touching the stage. Also, I saw their drummer taking a pee! This show was on the University of Pacific football field; he did it right on the ground, side-stage, and probably thought nobody was watching. But we were right up there! All because my dad student-taught this dude at Fresno State! I don't remember much about the actual performance, other than they didn't play "Let It Roll on Down the Highway" :(

7 Swearin' (2012)

For an opening act, these guys are okay. They get extra points because I stood next to the lead singer (Allison Crutchfield) during the Japandroids show! She's awesome! A punk show is no place to chat, so I had a brief conversation with her. Something along the lines of this... 

"Hey, you guys rocked!" 

"Thanks!"

"Japandroids rock!" 

"Yeah!"

6 Future Islands (2014)

I guess at the end of the day, Future Islands are just another indie 80s-throwback synth-pop band. Even their band members dress like it. Except their lead singer (and greatest man who ever lived), Samuel Herring. The band gained viral success after their performance of "Seasons (Waiting on You)" on Letterman. That dance he does in that video? He has a crazy dance for every song. He stands up there in a black t-shirt, sings like he's freaking Phil Collins, and every song has dramatic movement to it. Whether he's dancing like a monkey or re-enacting Phantom of the Opera, Herring is one of the greatest entertainers I've ever witnessed.

5 Barenaked Ladies (2006)

Confession: The Barenaked Ladies were my favorite band growing up. When it comes to pre-show excitement levels, this concert was easily #1. My favorite band on my 16th band birthday! And I admit, universally, it was a freaking fun show. The band even still had Steven Page, who undoubtedly is the greatest singer I've ever seen. And the set-list was awesome! They played all of my favorite Steven songs ( i.e. "Break Your Heart"). They did an improv rap about libraries. They did a 10-minute rendition of "If I Had $1,000,000." I loved it.

They ended the show with everyone switching instruments, where drummer Tyler Stewart took the mic saying: "Usually when the drummer starts singing, the whole show goes to hell. But tonight, in Mormon Town Utah, we're going to heaven!" Then they played "Feliz Thanksgiving" ("Feliz Navidad," but replaced "Navidad" with "Thanksgiving" every line... genius).

4 Neutral Milk Hotel (2014)

Neutral Milk Hotel is a hollowed name in the indie-sphere. This was the band's first tour in over 15 years. And I saw them. No photography was allowed at the show. This was a one-time-only experience and I had to take everything in. I was there with my buddy Taylor and some dude she met via Tinder. We watched from the front row! Apparently Jeff Mangum has a beard now... and I don't mean a "I'm-a-college-guy-trying-to-get-a-girlfriend" beard... I mean long and gray, like the prophets of old. 

Few words were uttered from the band between songs. The beardless Julian Koster, who looked like a pale-skinned 5-year old wearing a 2-foot long stocking cap, spoke in a backwoods child's voice: "We just love you guys!" And Jeff Mangum (who never smiled once) would close his eyes and put his hands together as though praying, and whisper: "Peace. my friends." Great show, great crowd to boot. Everyone sang along to "Two-Headed Boy." And the place went freaking bonkers when they played their bagpipe jam "[untitled]."

This could be ranked higher if not for the sad backstory. My buddy Via pre-ordered her tickets, but she couldn't get into the show. At age 24, she apparently doesn't have a driver's license. The show was at a bar. All she brought was Missouri driver's permit from 2006. Apparently this wasn't enough evidence to get her into the venue :(

3 Beck (2014)
Beck was my hero when I was a junior in high school. I even bought a Beck t-shirt with 2 turntables and a microphone on it. To see him on tour for his new Morning Phase album-- for $5, mind you-- was huge for me! I went with a random crew of friends who just wanted a fun Thursday night. And we sure got it...
It was a Twilight Concert Series show at Pioneer Park in SLC. The crowd was freaking NUTS. We were caught in the thick of it, towards the front. I showed up in my 80s-themed "Kanye glasses," but lost them by the end of the show. My buddy Andrew got stepped on and hurt his foot so bad, he left the crowd. I had no idea he was away from me the whole time. Mostly because I was moving the entire time. With all the people pushing each other and crammed so tightly, I never stood still once for the entire show. Discomforting, but memorable. Beck told the audience multiple times to "take care of each other out there" and mentioned that this was "the craziest crowd I've seen since like, 1996." I'll never forget the look on his face when he started playing his softest, most melancholia single "Lost Cause." The crowd freaking erupted and he was standing with his acoustic guitar, looking at us in pure confusion.
There were people watching the show from the tops of trees. I ran into a guy I served my mission with and a guy I went to high school with. That was cool. The whole place smelled like pot and I'm pretty sure I got second-hand high. I remember driving home the wrong way and smiling real big the whole time, feeling elated yet numb all at once. And I was super hungry. But what the hey. Beck played 15-minute versions of "Debra" and "Where It's At." It was a great time.

2 Japandroids (2012)
OK, I don't like Japandroids nearly as much as I used to. But their live show will make a believer out of anyone. These 2 working-class guys take the stage in their white t-shirts and just play their hearts out. The Urban Lounge is a small venue, but the show looked big. Lights hit them from every side. They motion their bodies melodramatically. The guitar tones sound better live than on the records. Hard to deny the magic in the room when they played "The House That Heaven Built."
My story: I was alone. I was supposed to watch the show with mission buddy Josh Lambert, but he never showed up. And I showed up an hour too early. I stood alone in my Vancouver Canucks Roberto Luongo jersey, in homage to the band's hometown. As I stood outside the club, this guy walks out, girl-in-arm, and says: "Hey man, nice shirt!"
I thanked him as he walked away. I thought: Funny, that guy looks like the lead singer. IT WAS! Brian King complimented my Canucks jersey! A night to remember!

1 Flaming Lips (2013)

This show has no cool stories about seeing a rare band or meeting it's members. But as part of Twilight Concert Series, I paid $5 to watch. The entertainment was worth much more.
The fact that I made it there was a miracle. My car wasn't functioning, and I told this girl I'd drive her to SLC for the show. A couple hours before the show, some random chick we didn't know offered us both a ride! Flaming Lips lovers of Logan united to make this night happen!
And the show was just all spectacle. Wayne Coyne stood in front of us in a shiny blue space suit, holding a plastic baby and raising his hand in the air in a traditional greeting pose. Crazy psychedelic lights were flashing everywhere! I remember just staring at people throughout the show and not thinking anything. I'd stare to the stage and my eyes were melting off my face. I don't know much about technology, but when it comes to sound, it was an artistic triumph. I guess all the instrumentation was technically "live," they just didn't sound like "instruments."
Wayne noted that it was the Utah holiday Pioneer Day and he called it "Pie and Beer Day." The crowd wasn't as historically weird as with most Flaming Lips shows, yet he still referred to us as "the weirdest bunch of freaks" (as he probably does for every show). And I did see a fan who began the show fully clothed, but by the end was standing alone in his underwear. And this couple behind me kissed each other for the entirety of "Do You Realize??" Not making out, not even any movement of their faces. They were like a statue of people kissing. Also, I think I got secondhand high. I can't think of a better band for that to happen to someone.

Scott's Classic Rock Chronicles I: The Basics

Music is the most important topic on this blog. I often write about modern independent artists that receive little radio airplay. But long before I was streaming underground electronica albums on the internet... I was a classic rock guru.
I literally spent 2 years of my life not knowing any new music because I was listening to classic rock radio all the time. I would use my parents' dial-up internet to look up the discography of bands like Grand Funk Railroad and Heart. At age 13, I knew more classic rock band statistics than most adults. I even spent a summer making my own homemade version of "classic rock Monopoly." I would never know so much about hipster music if I didn't start out by obsessing over classic rock. 
The funniest part about the music critic world is seeing how they handle "rock" music. Because every time they mention "rock," they put the word "rock" in quotation marks. This is because, no matter who you are, nobody knows what "rock" is. I have to grace the world with my encyclopedic knowledge of the genre of classic rock. I will show you the light as to how good (or bad) everybody's favorite rock bands really are. There will be lists. There will tears. There will be superficiality. 
Here are the basics of classic rock according to Scott.

The Beatles Are Not Classic Rock 

The Beatles are the greatest band of all time. Their music features guitars, percussion and vocals. George Harrison is one of my favorite guitarists of all time. But that doesn't mean The Beatles classify as a classic rock band.
 The internet's most generic database (Wikipedia) defines classic rock as "music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on commercially successful hard rock popularized in the 1970s" (citation to NY Times writer Jon Pareles noted). The Beatles career just barely edge this timeline. However, they impressively wedged in some classic rock tracks during that time: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Come Together," "Helter Skelter," "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," to name a few. But while the classic rock genre was emerging from the live concert settings, The Beatles had already stopped touring in 1966. They were a studio-conscious band making experimental music. 
If you want to be a contrecoeur of pop music as a whole, study up The Beatles. If you want to grow your hair long and perform shredding guitar solos, keep reading.

Led Zeppelin = The Rule Book

Led Zeppelin wasn't the first hard rock band ever, but I dare say they were the best. They experimented with a wide flavor of genres, yet always focused on the essential elements of rock. See "Kashmir," "D'yer Mak'er," "The Battle of Evermore" for more. Aside from just the music, they looked like every hard rock band for the next 20 years. The hair, the wardrobe, the live light show, etc. And of course: DRUGS.

However, if I could make a case for any other band paving the way for classic rock, it'd be The Who. Much like Led Zeppelin, each member of the band was equally dynamic and influential. Their attempts at "poetry" were really just drunken and stupid ("Bargain" vs. "Thank You"). Their riffs were heavy and loud. Who's Next might be the best album between both bands. But from front-to-back of their careers, Led Zeppelin remained true to the genre. While Roger Daltrey was singing "rock is dead," Zep was recording Physical Graffiti. Why critique your own genre when you could be polishing it? 

How Good Were The Rolling Stones?

To be picky with genres, here's the general consensus of rock greatness:
Greatest band of all time: The Beatles
Greatest hard rock band of all time: Led Zeppelin 
Greatest rock band of all time: The Rolling Stones
I grew up always criticizing The Rolling Stones. I loved them and all, but I went as far as to question what made them so good. If anything, I've learned that most bands aren't as consistently good as the Stones were, releasing about 15 years worth of enjoyable hits. Mick Jagger's voice is possibly the most influential singer of all time. You try writing a 3-minute rock'n'roll song without somewhat imitating his vocal styles. Also, Charlie Watts is a super underrated drummer (the variety on "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" will make you a believer). Keith Richards guitars were always distinctly jagged. Bill Wyman's bass lines on songs on "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Bitch" are pretty hard to forget. And collectively, there was a fair amount of experimentation with latin music, gospel, R&B and proto-grunge. The Rolling Stones were a lovable band.
They were not lyricists.
But yes, they were indeed a great classic rock band. 

From hereon out, I will be dissecting popular classically classic rock bands (or rather, tearing them apart). So.. Who should I write about next??? Guns N' Roses? The Eagles? Aerosmith? Steve Miller Band? King Crimson? I wanna know! No one is safe.

Which John Mayer Album Cover Is The Worst?

John Mayer was the most popular male solo artist in adult contemporary music, what seems like only yesterday. The new title is easily taken by Ed Sheeran. But as much as 5 years ago, who stood a chance against him? Jack Johnson's last 2 albums went so far under the radar, their singles have yet to surpass the Spotify rankings of his 2006 non-single "Banana Pancakes." Jason Mraz has made a couple juggernaut singles that completely cover the fact he was once a 2000's one-hit wonder for "The Remedy." Yet even in his most sentimental moments, we cannot take him seriously. Who was the guy getting multiple Grammy nominations (and wins)? Who's the guy who could go a full concert without smiling and the crowd will believe him? Who still makes singles that barely creep into the Billboard Hot 100 yet gain 75 million Spotify hits? Only John Mayer.
However, despite his undeniable title, it's an undeniably stupid title. You have to narrow down, like, 5 different genres to pinpoint where he rules in the music world. The guy hasn't made an album in 3 years. He hasn't had a top 40 hit in 6 years. Yet people pay to see his shows far more than some coffee shop act.
There's a certain elegance about John Mayer's personality, yet many music critics set aside his work as things of naught. Then again, unlike Jack Johnson or Jason Mraz, he always stands a chance in the eyes of the Grammy Academy (18 nominations). And his guitar skills have proven him worthy of praise; check out his live John Mayer Trio album and his performance on Frank Ocean's "White." Yet at age 38, he still walks a fine line between The Boys and The Men. This is made most obvious-- not by his music-- but by his album covers.
Here are John Mayer's full-length album covers... and what they really say about his career.


THE JACKET
Battle Studies
2009
When google searching John Mayer's album covers, this is the first one that come up. I'm not 100% why, but I think it's because he kinda looks like a stud on the cover.
-Let's start with the jacket. I want that jacket. That is one sexy jacket.
-That hair style will forever be considered attractive.
-His eyes look like he has sleeping problems. He probably burned a doobie at 2am that morning.
-The solid creme background is quite classy.
However, there is way too much writing on the side. Since the right side of the album cover represents simplicity, I was really hoping the only words I'd see here would be "JOHN MAYER BATTLE STUDIES." The album info is written in annoyingly large print.
And as much as I like his look here, the actual music on the album makes him look like "just another handsome guy making bland pop music." He looks like a MAN. But there's nothing bold here.

THE GET-UP
Paradise Valley
2013
I've heard a few tracks from this album. I can see what he tried to do. Especially considering the Western get-up on the cover. This album was supposed to be his breakaway from pop. The earthy, au naturale John Mayer. The desert plains-wandering prophet, showing roots from both the cowboys and the Natives of the land. The experienced songwriter who shares album covers with his pets.
Then why is he wearing faded jeans?
I'm pretty sure that dog is asking the same question in this picture. This isn't the Sublime dalmatian looking cool with the rest of the band. This dog is a confused companion, looking for attention from his owner. "John, will you please stop looking like a darn fool and play fetch with me?"

THE BEST ALBUM
Continuum
2006
This is easily his best album. I admit to a soft spot in my heart for the first half. (sigh) OK, I bought this when I was 16. Rolling Stone called it the 12th best album of 2006. I believed them. "Gravity" was a fairly original blues track for the time. The hook from "The Heart of Life" would later be ripped off by hipster songwriter genius Jens Lekman. "I Don't Trust Myself" is probably his best song. The album features collabs from Ben Harper and the guitarist of the then new band Maroon 5. This was a Grammy nominee for Album of the Year. Continuum doesn't suck (that is, until you get to his cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Bold as Love"-- holy fail, Batman). He tried to show off his soul skills, as well as his Clapton guitar impersonations.
By the way, yes, I am totally overplaying this. This album is actually pretty boring. Or is it just the album cover? Here we have a non-scripted words from a Circuit City customer in 2006:

Look at that word. It's the word "CONINUUM." I don't hear that word much. Oh, and below it says "MUSIC BY JOHN MAYER." I figured this was a John Mayer album, but I had no idea it would music by him! Maybe he's trying to make a statement against all the artists out there who are not making music. Hmmm... Well, nothing much else to look at here. The blue-white-gray color scheme is making me yawn. I wonder what other CDs they got here... ooh, look! The Curious George soundtrack! I could download that on my Zune!

THE TATTOO
Heavier Things
2003
These days, John Mayer's entire left arm is covered in tattoos. But in 2003, he was still just a kid with some cutesy flowers on his right arm. This album cover was a big career move for him. The blue tint presumes that he was gonna show us his best melancholia, mature side. He looks like he's been breathing heavily. You can tell he's really serious about his music. And that tattoo on his left arm is some kind of sign of tough skin, something you see no sign of on his first album cover (which I will definitely be talking about later).
The lead single "Bigger Than My Body" is musically lite-weight, but the he's trying to make a statement of maturity he'll actually accomplish on his next album. The most popular song was surprisingly its third single, "Daughters," which actually got a Grammy nod for Song of the Year nearly 2 years after this album release! It was an unlikely audience shift for a pasty white guy who made the Billboard top 20 with songs about high school reunions and playing with girls' bodies. Maybe there's more to little John Mayer than meets the eye?
I'd look harder, but those 2000s cargo pants make me laugh too hard.

THE LUCKY BREAK
Room for Squares
2001
As is a common theme for John, the album title Room for Squares implies the idea of growing up. He always admits to having growing up to do. Perhaps it's his emphasis on this theme is why the common world listened to him. Perhaps his sultry voice is what launched him into popularity. Well, I tell you what-- it wasn't this album cover.
If you ever wanna feel good about yourself, remember this: This guy-- in the picture below-- this totally scrawny, vague, white geek of a boy-- went on to go out with these women:
-Jennifer Love Hewitt
-Jessica Simpson
-Minka Kelly
-Jennifer Aniston
-Taylor Swift
-Katy Perry
-Jennifer Lawrence (rumor!)
As the Battle Studies album cover indicate, John's fashion skills and physical attributes improved over time. I'm just saying, this is one friggin lucky kid sittin' down right here.

THE BASEMENT
Born and Raised
2012
This is where we feel bad for John Mayer. This album cover was the stake through the heart of his consistently successful career. The lead single "Shadow Days" was a sincere ode to his issues with anxiety, which unfortunately never sells records. He just got dumped by Taylor Swift, who wrote a breakup song about him that is possibly her best songwriting work [(ouch) "ouch" because that really hurt his ego and "ouch" because Taylor can't write a song better than that crap]. And to add on to the heartbreak, no songs on here gained any notable popularity. I think this has to do with the fact that this album cover is super terrible.
I think the Black Crowes released an album with this cover every 5 years. Or maybe he was imitating Grateful Dead live albums. John Mayer is probably a fan of both, but Southern jam rock is definitely not his strong suit. Within 3 years, he went from sexy songwriting crooner to the secret 15th member of The Allman Brothers. Nobody can legitimately admit to remembering this album. John himself tried to cover it up with Paradise Valley but 1 year later. What doesn't help is some British dude named Ed Sheeran who pulled through with his surprise hit "The A Team" and followed it up with one of the highest selling albums of this decade. Since this album, John Mayer has become old news. Maybe there's still hope for him. My sister still loves the guy.

2015: The Year I Learned Stuff

2015 has possibly been the most beneficial year for self-development in my life. Was it the best? I hope not. But somewhere between the beginning and end of this year, I learned how to make "the best year of my life" possible.
Like most years, it started in January...

The 18 Credit Semester

New Year: Be Positive 
I made a vague New Year's resolution to be a positive person. I always knew myself to be self-conscious, but by the end of 2014, I had totally burned out on negativity. And I had no idea. I read this note I wrote to myself from Halloween 2014 and realized it was the most depressing thing in the freaking universe. I still read that note today and use it as a motivator of what not to think. In January, I immediately romanticized my worldview and made it a goal to improve on positiveness throughout the year.
Business Law
I was taking 18 credits, and of all my classes, this class was hardest. I felt like I was the only non-business major in there. Everybody knew all these business terms and were super ambitious. I flunked my first two tests with a 55% and a 45%. We had semester-long group projects and I learned a lot more from those guys than they know. I remember after I flunked that second test, I had an F in the class. I was staring at the ground during a group meeting saying out loud: "I suck at this. I don't know what to do." This combines with my next story.
Rabbit Hole Risk
I was about assistant stage manage my 3rd show in a row. I was on fire! I was hot! I was failing 2 of my classes. I realized I had to either quit the show or quit my job. I didn't have to do the show since I already did my required 2 shows that year. But I was gaining a lot of status among the theatre department. Well, after only 3 rehearsals, I quit the show. I was scared that the directors wouldn't like me anymore or that I'd look like a flake. But by the end of the semester, I raised my 2 F's to a B and a C. I passed my dreaded Business Law class!
My 4:00 AM Job
I started working an on-campus janitorial job where I had to be at work at 4am, 5 days-a-week. I remember falling asleep everywhere I went, some weeks. But I also remember making money and being financially stable. And I got to listen to my music at work, which is always good. I kept this job for fall semester as well and I've learned to enjoy those ungodly hours of the day.

The Sawtooth Summer

Anti-Nostalgia
I've now worked 3 summers at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley, ID: 2009, 2012, 2015. This last summer, I really felt like I should get a job related to my stage management major. But I felt I needed 1 more summer at Redfish before I joined adulthood. I was worried that I came back because I was trying to re-live some past emotion. But no-- I learned new things.
The Bike Shop
For the most part, running the bike shop at Redfish Lake was the easiest job I ever had. I had minimal customers and had time to do whatever wanted. I learned from this experience... that I did NOT spend my time wisely. Because when I was working, it was super hard. I didn't know anything about bikes! How on earth did I score this job? I should have spent time studying bike parts and how to properly fix them. But for the record, yes, I did learn some important stuff about bikes. And those results were rewarding. But yeah, I was often lazy at work. I just needed confidence in my abilities, as well as my ability to learn.
The Church Song
I sang a song ("Let Him Heal Your Heart") at church on a Sunday in July. It went great! As the performer, I still remember the mistakes I made, but I also remember all the people crying in the congregation. Not like crying always means I invited the Spirit, but the compliments that accompanied them were sincere enough to prove I did something good. The compliment I'll never forget was from this 17-year-old girl. "You looked nervous up there before you sang. I don't think you have to be nervous. You're really good."
Trail Running
There's a trail-head next-door to our Redfish employee housing. I ran the 4.4 mile Fishhook Trail almost daily. For my previous 2 Redfish summers, I had been too scared to run the off-shoot trails from there that immediately went uphill. This year, I actually ran the Bench Lake and Marshall Ridge trails! I particularly liked the Bench Lakes trail to the National Forest border line and back. I was accomplishing great things and my life outlook had become super positive! On my last day at Redfish, I ran an entire hike-- all the way to the Bench Lakes!

The Return to the Island

The Man Behind The Mustache
I grew a mustache this semester. A real one. Started it over the summer. I've met lots of people this semester and most of them only recognize me based off my mustache. This is new. But I like. I might keep it going into 2016. And oh yeah, I moved back to the island in Logan! I LOVE THIS PLACE!
Paresthesia
I felt this a few times throughout the semester. At first, on a Sunday afternoon for a couple hours. Then I had it constantly for 3 days straight! I was tripping out and wondered if I was going crazy! I felt this abnormal tingling sensation along my scalp and my limbs would go numb. Even when my doctor diagnosed it, there was never a clear reason as to why it happened. I'm not sure how I got out of it, but I was just grateful to feel things again, even pain. I would wake up with paresthesia on some Saturday mornings, but that was all. I still don't know how it happened, but it drove me nuts and I should appreciate the benefits of physical and  feeling.
Cat Props
I was Props Master for USU's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I had no idea what I was doing. I blocked out my lack of knowledge by acting like this was some easy task. This only made it harder in the end. I spent the week of tech rehearsals awake for over 20 hours-a-day. This could have easily been avoided if I just asked people for help from the very beginning. When I had questions, I wouldn't ask. Everything turned out okay, but my procrastinating and fake self-confidence sucked in the end. 
Practicum Stress
I always felt stressed out during my practicum hours; reasonably less confident than outside of it. I almost never talked to anyone and did a minimal amount work. I didn't feel all the way there. I haven't figured out why. But dreading it never helped. 

The Stuff I Learned

How To Learn
I've struggled to actually learn things in the last few years. I would struggled focusing when I read, I would repeat mistakes, I would reflect on my past instead of thinking of ways I could change. This year, I learned how to learn. I learned that in order to achieve things you've never achieved before, you have to do things you've never done before. I am encouraging myself to make mistakes; actually DO things! I've been to afraid of the outcomes of my actions. Really, at the end of the day, what's the worse that can happen?
Believe In Yourself
In the last half of September and first half of September, I had nearly 10 people-- none of whom know each other-- go up to me and say: "Scott, you're too hard on yourself." What does that even mean? Is it possible that my whole life, I've been thinking more self-derogatory thoughts than everybody else? I found out the answer to this was "Yes." I always knew I've been too negative and too self-conscious, but now my actions have caught up to the surface of the truth. Not only can I be less negative, I can join the self-positive population. My mom always reminds me, "Everybody likes you and you have no idea." Whether or not everybody likes me, I figure the least I can do is love myself. I can do what I want, or to put it better, I can let myself be happy. I realized how often I prevent myself from having fun. I can be happy at any time. It's all up to me. I don't have to reserve my deepest, happiest thoughts for certain times. I can live them.
Love's In Need of Love Today
This is a quote from a Stevie Wonder song. An interesting principle: "Love" itself is spread throughout the world, and it's up to us individually to show our love to help it grow. How do we "show our love" for others? Be grateful for what we have, Also, don't separate time of the day (or week) just for you; don't feel like you deserve some kind of time for yourself. These moments will come on their own if you previously devote your time to others. This could mean anything: A play you're working on, your 4am job, your family, someone sitting by themselves at the cafe. Chances are people out there truly need you.
Your Life Is Real
When I've made mistakes before, I'd like to think "life is just a dream." But then something good happens, and I can't soak it in. People! I learned this! Live in the moment! These days, I'll find myself on facebook for a million years then realize, "Scott! You're only going to be 25 for one year. Don't waste it on the internet!"  Have you noticed that the happiest ghost in A Christmas Carol is The Ghost of Christmas Present? There's a character who pays attention to what's in front of him. The future and past are taken into account, but where you are now is most important!
Everywhere I go, my head is often in the clouds, if not in the ground. I'm always thinking of things outside of the room, outside of the moment. Sometimes they're important, sometimes I'm really just overthinking. You don't have to worry. I mean, worrying about things means you care about it, but you can solve overthinking that by actually talking about it and acting upon it! You have desires and they matter. How do you express them? You work hard and you play hard. Floating around life is very "chill," yet it wasn't until this year when I learned that outwardly expressing yourself is important to your health. Even if it's something you don't care about, you have to accomplish the matter at hand. And you will never internally succeed at that work unless you put your highest effort into it. Also, this makes your time off from work more enjoyable! True sadness is constant indecisiveness. True joy is having a duty to work on!
So this principle kinda covers all the previous ones-- serve other people, be yourself, act upon your impressions, get out there and embrace the reality of life. Next year, I expect I'll be doing plenty of things I don't necessarily want to do, but unlike years past, I will definitely do them the best I can. The more I do, the more I realize I still have LOTS to learn. And this time, I'm excited for it. Bring it on, 2016! I'm gonna learn to have FUN this year.

Scott Discovers the True Meaning of Xmas

Scott was 25 and attending college at Utah State University in Logan, UT. Logan is a beautiful place, and would be all the more beautiful if it wasn't one of the 10 most air-polluted cities in the U.S... Anyways, when Christmas time comes, the whole valley get totally doused is snow. It sucks to drive in, but it looks beautiful! For every person who gets their car stuck on the side of the road, 100 people are filled with the magical joy of the season!

Scott had celebrated Christmas all his life and was always been a "Grinch" about it (traveling makes him cranky). But this time, he had been waiting for the holiday all year with a heart full of Christmas cheer! He was more engulfed in the true meaning of Christmas than ever before. But one day, as he passed a local department store, he saw a word that definitely wasn't in the English dictionary: "Xmas."

Scott had certainly seen this word before and always understood it to mean an abbreviation for "Christmas." Scott used to be disgusted by it, since the word replaces the title of "Christ" with an "X," although he's come to reason that "Xmas" is a lot easier to write down in short-hand. Not only that, but most of the time people write "Xmas," they're not writing anything about Christ at all. Perhaps using this word is justifiable in that they don't want their message to be too connected with Christian terms. But this year, Scott had a thought: When people do use the word "Xmas"... What are they actually talking about?

Like any other December night, Scott walked Logan's downtown streets alone, listening to The Carpenters' "Merry Christmas Darling" on his mp3 player and pretending he wasn't single. But even his imagination couldn't cheer his spirits tonight. He was bogged down by the true meaning of Xmas. To himself, eyes toward the stars, he said aloud, "I wish Xmas was never a thing to begin with."

'Twas then a giant snowball swiped the side of his face! He hit the ground like a frickin brick. He closed his eyes for what seemed like a brief second, but when they opened, Logan's Main St looked totally different. The cars were gone. Some of the stores had simply vanished. There were only a few Christmas lights left. He looked around, searching for somebody to talk to; bonus if he found the turd-burglar who threw the snowball at his face. After multiple spins, a silhouetted embodiment magically appeared before him. Stepping into the light, Scott saw the figure's face. This being must have been a ghost, because Scott recognized the face... and it was Ronald Reagan.

"Ronald Reagan?" Scott shouted, "You threw a snowball at me?"
"Had to, Scott," Reagan replied. "I felt like there was no other way I could get your attention."
"But you cannot throw a snowball at me, because you are dead."
"I've come back, Scott... I've come to show you the true meaning of Xmas."

Scott stood puzzled. "So, this... this whole empty Logan thing right here. Do you have to do with that?" "Yes," said Reagan. "What you see here is a world without Xmas."

Scott looked around. Nodded; rolled up his eyeballs in deep thought and protruding his lips and vocalized a high-pitched "hm." "It's quiet," he said. "I kinda like it," "No, Scott, you mustn't like it!" said a worried Reagan. "See, look over there. You can still see the LDS Logan temple and the tabernacle building. And if you look a little to you're left, the Old Main building is still up. Tell me, of all the important institutions in Logan, what's missing?"

Of course Scott noticed that a lot of buildings were gone, but he suddenly realized that he never knew what those buildings were for anyway. Looking across the street, he saw the Bluebird Restaurant was still there. So was the Lyric Theatre. "Honestly Ronald, everything I see here is all I need."

"Nonsense!" Reagan remarked. "They say you don't know what you got 'til it's gone. Just as well, you don't know what you need 'til the media tells you that you need it!"
Scott thought about it. "I don't follow." Reagan responded quickly with a sudden burst of concern, "Scott, your boots are terrible! You need to get some Sorel Tofino Flames!"
(naively, excited) "Wow, really?"
"Yes, a pair of Sorel Tofino Flames will keep you warm and dry while looking like a true gentleman!"
"I want some!"
"Let's go to Wal-Mart!"

With a snap of a finger, Scott and Ronald Reagan's ghost were inside the Wal-Mart in North Logan. "Whoa, this place looks different from the last time I was here," said Scott. "There's no ornaments or Christmas stuff or anything." "Notice any other differences?" asked Reagan. Scott looked down every aisle. "Wait-- there's barely any people here. This place is usually jam packed! Especially this time of year." Reagan stood next to a bulk package of toilet paper. "Hey kid, you need some of this?" "No way, how did you know? Gimme that," said Scott as he grabbed the toilet paper from Reagan. "Now let me see how much this costs..." Scott had to give the price tag a double-take.

$14.99.

"Wait, what? This can't be right. I thought we were in Wal-Mart!"
"We are in Wal-Mart, Scott. This is Wal-Mart without Xmas."

Scott was devastated. "You mean, nothing's nothing's on sale?" "I guess some things could be on sale," said Reagan. "Barbecue sauce, purple t-shirts, there will always be the $5 CD bin! ...But nothing's on sale for the holidays."

(cut to Scott and Reagan walking out into the parking lot, Scott's holding a grocery bag with a purple shirt and KISS album within) "So let me get this straight: With no Xmas, there are no holiday sales events?"
"Nope ."
"Not even Black Friday?"
"Nope."
"And that lingerie store on Main Street went out of business?"
"You noticed?"
"Yeah, well, there was this one time... never mind! I'm just confused as to what Xmas has to do with all these things."

Reagan smiled, and with the wink of his eye, he and Scott were teleported to the Macy's in Providence, levitating in front of its giant American flag. "Do you know what country you live in, son?" Reagan asked Scott. Scott rolled his eyes. "Does this happen every time you have a conversation with someone? I mean-" "This is America!" Reagan interrupted. "And just as much as we thrive on our tax-paying citizens, we thrive on Xmas. Xmas is possibly the most purely American holiday there is; kinda like Independence Day, but with more homegrown Christian magic."

Scott was going to make commentary about how America is a supposed all-religions cultural melting pot, but then he remembered who he was talking to.

"Xmas is the reason for the season, son," Reagan continued. "Without excessive market competition, the American economy goes bland, big businesses don't progress and nobody gets any ultra-cool Christmas presents."

"Now if you don't mind me saying sir, I thought you said there was something 'Christian' about Xmas," Scott brought up. "Considering the fact that Christmas is a Christian holiday anyway, doesn't what you're saying draw away from the Christian themes of Christmas?"
"Not really. When we have holiday sales, all the stores get decorated with Christmas lights, fake snow and pine needles! Looks like a traditionally Christian Christmas to me!" Reagan then put his arm around Scott's shoulder. "Don't let the political correctness of noting every holiday bring you down. You can keep the spirit of Xmas in you, all year long!"

Scott deflated. "Please, take me somewhere else. I do not wish to see this place." The two then hovered in the sky, looking over Logan. Scott realized he hated Xmas, yet there was no way things could ever be the same without it.

See, Scott grew up on the outskirts of Stockton, California. Stockton is the 63rd largest city in the U.S. and the 2nd largest U.S. city to ever file for bankruptcy protection. Xmas was an important holiday for Stockton, but far different from his high school experience in Jerome, Idaho. He remembers seeing Santa sweating up a storm at the Stockton mall, and Christmas lights being hung up on city streets that would otherwise look totally ghetto and shady as all get-out. As for Jerome, Christmas was a stroll through the country neighborhood filled with smiling neighbors and traditional snowmen. Xmas tries to represent the holiday spirit of Jerome; tries to bring that feeling into Stockton. But at what cost?

Lost in deep thought, Scott suddenly realized that Reagan had been talking non-stop for the last 15 minutes. Scott started paying attention mid-storytelling.
"...And that's how Walter Mondale lost his jelly beans!"
"Listen, Ronald, can you just drop me off at the Lyric Theatre? I really want this dream to be over. And I left my roll of gaff tape backstage again."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want to tape my mouth shut? HAHA!"
"It's like you're joking, only not."

Scott and Reagan entered the empty Lyric Theatre. For a moment, Scott found himself alone onstage. "Hey Ronald, have you ever seen the Charlie Brown Christmas special?" Scott continued, "There's a scene like this, where Charlie Brown fears that Christmas has gone too commercial, then Linus goes onstage and tells the story of the birth of Christ." "Yes, I have seen that," said Reagan. "You know-- I always thought Charlie Brown had some mental health issues..." "Okay, for the record, you're not wrong. But I don't think I'm over-worrying here," said Scott. He suddenly found himself lit under a spotlight. What a conveniently perfect setting for a speech!

"I think that you can still be a spirited, colorful, decked-out fan of Christmas without believing in Xmas. It took me 25 years to realize that, but it's true. I've always been conscious of the commercialism of Christmas, but I want to be festive about it myself this year, and I don't need Xmas bringing me down. Perhaps even businesses can celebrate holidays without there being some kind of catch behind it. Maybe they're not showing symbolic stuff, like a Christmas tree or a giant window sticker of a menorah, just to grab people--consumer's attention. My guess is they are. But whether you're truly celebrating 'Christmas' or 'Xmas' can only be determined in your own heart."

Reagan was silent for a few seconds. which is a rare thing for him. After thinking a while, waiting for a Great Communicator's inspirational response:
"WELL. WE'RE STILL GONNA DO IT ANYWAY."

He then flew to through the ceiling, dropping something on the way up. Scott ran into the house seats to fetch it as the ghost of Reagan slowly disappeared. It was a small Christmas present. Scott made sure he was alone before he unwrapped it, because he's self-conscious like that. What was inside? A John Cena action figure!

"John Cena?" Scott questioned. "Why did he get me this?" He found a note attached to the packaging. As he opened the letter, gold dust sprung from inside. "Whoa. Reagan Dust." Scott made sure he was alone before he read it aloud, because he's self-conscious like that.

"Dear Scott,
This collector's edition John Cena action figure is a friendly reminder of what Xmas is all about. I hope you keep it and remember me every time it catches your eye. I also hope you remember that America is the spirit of freedom in God's beloved nation of magic and brave family of soldiers of the heart that's hand-in-hand with eagles flying to heaven in the golden sunset of faith and love.
-Ghost of Ronald Reagan"

Scott had to collect his immediate thoughts, thinking his mind was lost in a maze of Bruce Springsteen lyrics. He looked at the action figure for a moment before stepping outside onto Center St. All the cars were back on the roads, all the stores were back up in business and all their Xmas lights were up. As snow began to fall, Scott looked into the night sky and laughed. "I promise to keep Christmas in my heart all through the year! And to avoid the spirit of Xmas like the plague!" He then passionately spiked the John Cena action figure into a trash can.

Scott didn't put his headphones back on to listen to The Carpenters, but instead remained aware of the people around him and waved at them all. He learned that the best way to escape the pressures of Xmas was not to make political rants on the internet, but to not even think about it at all! The less he focused on the material, the better his Christmas would become.

Xmas may fit better on a billboard, but true Christianity cannot be bought or sold.

The Best Albums of 2015

Of all my post-mission years of making end-of-year albums lists, I think I've cared about this year the least. I followed the music scene intently. Heard some great stuff. Even bought a couple new albums. But I realize my opinion is susceptible to change in the future. It always does.
Compared to 2015, I think there have been more memorable releases when it come to a year as a whole, in the last few years. I feel like everything I heard throughout the year was overshadowed by the year's obvious #1 album. This is unfair, but it's also true. I read lots of different publications, but the only reviews I follow religiously are usually The Needle Drop, maybe Pitchfork and sometimes Tiny Mix Tapes. If there's some great music out there that none of these 3 publications approved, I probably never listened to it. Sorry :( Fill me in!!!

The Most Honorable of Honorable Mentions
These are pretty great albums. I mean, when I admit I'm just too picky. I listen to these and hear some great tracks placed right next to total duds, and as good as some of the stuff here is, I'm often frustrated thinking about it. "WHY??? WHY DID THEY DO THAT???" Anyways, I generally recommend this stuff, although I may not be listening to much of it in my future.

+ Vince Staples Summertime '06
I love this guy's straightforward rap approach. This album just isn't a consistently enjoyable hour.
+ Courtney Barnett Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit
I love this girl's lyrical personality so much! But her garage rock often comes off lax and dry.
+ Protomartyr The Agent Intellect
I like the purist post-punk sound enough, but the singer often underwhelms.
+ Drake If You're Reading This It's Too Late
DRAKE! I BELIEVE IN YOU! The first part of this album is GREAT! Interesting, powerful, dark, basic. Why do you keep returning to your "trademark" style of lazy, drunken, false alt-R&B? It still sucks! You have so much potential! This is your best album! BUT WHY???

The 25 Best Albums of 2015

25 Alabama Shakes Sound & Color

This isn't nearly as corny as their last album. It keeps the same garage sound, only darker. Reminds me 2000's Jack White alt-rock, but with an amazing lead singer.










24 Travi$ Scott Rodeo

I actually like how these songs are divided into super different sections; very interesting and dark. But no, you probably won't like this album.










23 Viet Cong Viet Cong

Almost as good Women!
(you either understood that or you didn't)











22 Neon Indian Vega Int'l Night School

Neon Indian surprised me! It's super fun and sounds great at 1am!











21 Algiers Algiers

These guys fuse post-punk with gospel music. It sounds spooky, and it's the soul music within that does the trick. I'd love to hear them do Abattoir Blues covers. 










20 Joey Bada$$ B4.DA.$$

Do you like 90s New York rap? I do.












19 Matana Roberts Coin Coin Chapter Three: River Run Thee

Avant-garde jazz... like... "Matana plays saxophone and says (chants?) some random spoken-word stuff behind some brash noise, non-stop for one hour" avant-garde.










18 Zs Xe

I discovered these guys via Tiny Mix Tapes. I highly recommend their 2010 album New Slaves. This album reminds me of early stuff from Battles. Weird, artful, kinda fun.










17 Ought Sun Coming Down

Ought can never escape the fact that they'll always sound like a distinct mix of 80s post-punk bands. But they really take the cake here; more Mission of Burma and Sonic Youth influence.










16 Open Mike Eagle A Special Episode (EP)

I think this might be ranked too high, but if you haven't tried it yet, try it out! It's sick!











15 Dr. Dre Compton

I knew I'd like it, whether I liked it or not.
Over-produced? Come on, people. He's still Dre.











14 Chelsea Wolfe Abyss

It's like a Physical Graffiti for goth rock. Which sounds better than you'd think.











13 Prurient Frozen Niagara Falls

I really don't know much about industrial music. In fact, is that even what this classifies as? I think it's "ambient/electronica" covered in silky black blood and buzzing drills.










12 Death Grips The Powers That B

Disc 1 gives me a headache. Disc 2 deserves a spot in the top 10! You can tell why they used to open for Nine Inch Nails. And if you know Trent Reznor, you'd know why Death Grips pretended to break up for the sole reason of ditching their tour with Nine Inch Nails. Anyways-- they've ditched "rap" but kept their experimentation alive. Has music in common with Ex-Military.






11 Joanna Newsom Divers

I like the direction Joanna Newsom took on this album. She needed a more direct, accessible set of songs in her catalog. And this isn't "selling out," it's just more easy to enjoy.









10 Jamie xx In Colour

I've never liked The xx! So overrated! I wanted to hate this album. But it's consistently enjoyable. When it comes to matching a year to a "sound," I've wondered if this album will go down as the exampling sound of 2015. It has this very crisp, modern production to it. And the songs are as colorful as the album cover.








9 FKA Twigs M3LL155X (EP)

These 5 songs are as great as any song from her LP2 debut. The rhythms are weird, the instrumentation is... questionable made up from actual instruments. Her voice is on point-- it's hard to find this much vocal emotion in an EP. It's dark, it's sexy, I can rock this shizz all day.








8 Destroyer Poison Season

My most biased placing on this list. I love Destroyer. And this album was a surprise to me. Most of the music/instrumentals here strikes me as a soundtrack to 60s metropolitan England, but he peppers some Bruce Springsteen and some funk here and there. Lyrically, you can tell Dan's getting old. He's full of exquisite, aging memories. He's still got it!






7 Sufjan Stevens Carrie & Lowell

I have a love-hate relationship with this album. The fact that I ever actually love it sometimes must mean something though, cuz I'm pretty picky. He sings about birds too much. Nobody cares about birds. And the last song is pretty boring.
Anyways, this album is the ghost of Sufjan's youth speaking his mind through an Elliott Smith overdub machine. And "No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross" is a great track.





6 Bjork Vulnicura

It's hard to rank Bjork in any given list. She's done better than this. Critics often use this as a way to overlook the fact that she's still better than everybody else out there.
This is arguably her biggest production; her most "baroque" album. It's also her "breakup" album, making for some discomforting and heartbreaking moments here. Her voice is still gold. And you can tell she worked darn hard composing these tracks.





5 Kamasi Washington The Epic

The hardest album to rank.
Jazz music is hard to make. But I have to think: among jazz musicians, is this anything big? I feel like I don't know enough about modern jazz to critique this album fairly.
But listen: It's 3 albums (3 hours!) of pure jazz-fusion. Most of these songs are super complex, heavily produced and include countless instruments. There's a cosmic feel to it all around. Can I judge how "talented" it is? Not fairly. But it sounds friggin great, which is why all these other albums are on here,
Kamasi wins.


4 Julia Holter Have You in My Wilderness

Julia Holter always gets some critical acclaim, but it's been hard to tell how her work sounds amidst other artists in the scene; she rarely stands out in a playlist. This new album, however, comes with a very distinctive baroque sound. The lyrical imagery takes me to some mysterious place; a mystified, 1910's gray-sky ocean-side town created by Julia herself. The string arrangements are gorgeous, and any accompaniment is delicate and airy. This music is "light," but far from "lightweight."




3 Oneohtrix Point Never Garden of Delete

In my Team Management class this week, we were talking how modern technology and teamwork approaches has made things easier for us to accomplish harder business projects more efficiently. We have enough resources to produce business miracles.
It's 2015 and there's no reason why we can't make albums like Garden of Delete. Just like the old days of music, all you have to do is actually work hard. The songs here twist every minute like a symphony, and these turns are always unpredictable. The synth sounds are as modern as any high-budget EDM artist, only 0pn actually works on crazy production dynamics and unrepeatable arrangements. It's 2015 most enigmous album.


2 Father John Misty I Love You, Honeybear

Falling in love is the greatest thing that can ever happen.
I wasn't really a fan of the first Father John Misty album and came to this album 100% doubtful. From the very beginning, I was blown away. Josh Tillman is a tortured artist; a skeptic, depressed 34 year-old man. He shakes off his title as "former Fleet Foxes drummer" and replaces it with "your favorite singer-songwriter." His lyrical personality is lovable, his voice is totally identifiable, his songs are catchy, his arrangements are thick... this album was love at first listen. This will go down as one of the great Sub Pop releases.
Singing mostly about his wife (or having sex with his wife), he goes over every topic imaginable without straying from the central point. Some of my new all-time favorite love songs: "I Love You, Honeybear," "Chateau Lobby #4," "Holy Shit," "I Went to the Store One Day." And oh yeah, outside of love, "Bored in the USA" is classic.

1 Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly

...I've written an entire separate blog post dedicated to this album. So instead, I'll water it down:
-Kendrick Lamar grew up in the hood of Compton, CA
-Kendrick Lamar became reasonably famous
-Kendrick Lamar suffers from depression under the thumb of the jaded, racist, American commercial industry
-Kendrick Lamar is humbled
-Kendrick Lamar bands his people together to defeat the external and internal evils against them
-Kendrick Lamar says all this solely metaphorically
-Kendrick Lamar is a genius, but more so proud of his heritage