My favorite albums of 2014

I asked others to submit their favorites earlier this week, so here are my favorite albums of 2014. 

Damon Albarn - "Everyday Robots"

My four and five-year-olds, who love Albarn's Blur and Gorillaz, had a big impact on my favorite albums this year. My husband and I didn’t expect Damon Albarn's solo album to top both of our best of lists this year (he posts one at the Stoner Rock forum he frequents), but this quiet, intimate solo debut is stunning. My husband digs all the real life sounds Albarn sampled to create the music. I dig the incredibly personal lyrics.

Against Me! "Transgender Dysphoria Blues"

My 3 year old started singing the chorus to "True Trans Soul Rebel" in the cart at Whole Foods. I’ve found kids are a good filter for music. A  toddler has no preconceived notions from friends or  the press and very few outside influences when it comes to taste. So when one of the kids instantly picks up on new music, I pay attention. Aside from that "Transgender Dysphoria Blues," which followed the public revelation that Against Me! singer Tom Gabel was transitioning to frontwoman Laura Jane Grace is also a game changing album when it comes to transgender stories and acceptance. She manages to make her personal story universal. Anyone that’s felt like an outsider can identify with this incredible album.

Phantogram - "Voices"

"Black Out Days" is another Whole Foods buggy favorite of my now 4 year old, who first heard it on Siriux/XM. It was already a front runner before it was on repeat constantly in our car. The Brooklyn duo showed great promise on its previous work, but "Voices" is a more consistent and cinematic effort.

Cory Branan - "No Hit Wonder"

In a perfect world (or in the `70s) Americana's no hit wonder would be a country music juggernaut. On "No Hit Wonder" he writes ample hooks with lyrics that shift from funny to heartbreaking to somewhere in between. "While she sleeps I trace the places where your tattoos use to be" from "The Only You" is the kind of zinger that Taylor Swift might covet. Branan is also about the most charismatic performer you could meet, as he proved opening for Justin Townes Earle in November.

Nostalghia - "Chrysalis"

The first time I heard Ciscandra Nostalghia’s song "Sunshiny Milk" driving home from the Y last Spring, I got chills. It was like the musical equivalent to BBCA’s "Orphan Black." The band’s debut album is a rare unique find, combining gothic elements (of bands like Curve, Rasputina, and Switchblade Symphony) with classical and electronica and an other worldly delivery reminiscent of an industrial Bjork.

Taking Back Sunday - "Happiness Is"

I call TBS’ latest album a soundtrack to transition. I listened to it every morning my first week of grad school. The emo vets tackle grown up issues with gusto on tracks that are easily put to memory. It doesn’t hurt that it can stay on repeat for days.

Neon Trees - "Pop Psychology"

The first time I heard "Pop Psychology" I thought the Utah foursome had gone too pop, but after repeat listens the band's third album grew on me (and my kids). Singer Tyler Glenn, who came out this year, and the crew create an infectious and youthful dissertation on finding love and building real relationships in the increasingly impersonal digital age.

Lydia Loveless - "Somewhere Else"

This twangy Ohio singer-songwriter has become one of my favorite performers. As a lyricist and live performer she speaks with brutal honesty and a sense of humor. She’s like a riot grrrl gone country writing songs for modern, fickle relationships and independent thinkers.

Iceage - "Plowing into the Field of Love"

I heard this while shopping at Lunchbox Records without knowing who it was, but I’m a sucker for a manly baritone and bass that practically drags the ground. It’s not what I expected given 2013’s noisier no wave-influenced “You’re Nothing.” Those influences remain, but “Plowing into the Field…” is more accessible and, in some ways that makes it even weirder. The rockabilly shuffle of “The Lord’s Favorite” is as odd as is the sort of retro crooning of “Against the Moon,” but that’s why it works.

Glass Animals - ZABA

It may be dubbed “indie rock,” but this Oxford band veers pretty close to sultry R&B with a sort of visceral, tribal feel. Its soft-spoken funk, electronica, and trip hop mines the same R&B feel as Daley, but there’s an experimental world music quality that’s all its own. 

Locals share their favorite music of 2014 Part 3

To start out our third day of the best music of 2014 as chosen by Charlotte artists, musicians, and others in entertainment, we have Ken Cotner, bassist for the Charlotte Americana band the Turnstiles who released the album "Souvenir Summer" earlier this year. The band's frontman Brad Thomas weighed in as well with two picks - Jeffrey Dean Foster’s “The Arrow” and the Loudermilks’ self-titled debut. Kotner calls Wussy's "Attica" his favorite album of the last five years, which bumped frontrunner "Night Surfer" to second place. 

Wussy - Attica 

Chuck Prophet - Night Surfer   

Loudermilks - Loudermilks

Walter Salas-Humara - Curve and Shake

David Childers - Serpents of the Reformation

Hurray for the Riff Raff - Small Town Heroes

The Baseball Project - 3rd

Mike Strauss - The Whole Skinny 

Bobby Bare Jr. - Undefeated

Spottiswoode & His Enemies - English Dream

Lydia Loveless - Somewhere Else

Cameron Lee heads up CLTure - a Charlotte-based company that specializes in video production, digital marketing, and event promotions. Lee and his team also cover music festivals and blog about entertainment and regional food at http://clture.org/ , where his list originally appeared.

How to Dress Well - What is This Heart?
Lake Street Drive - Bad Self Portraits

Real Estate - Atlas

Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2

The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream

Future Islands - Singles

Sylvan Esso - Sylvan Esso

Shakey Graves - And the War Came

Sun Kil Moon - Benji

Caribou - Our Love

Charlotte rapper Stranger Day (aka Shane Coble) released his acclaimed, eclectic album "Graves" as a free download earlier this year (it's made a few Top 10 lists as well). The album - a Charlotte-centric effort which features several other local artists from disparate genres - is available here. 

Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2
Lotta - Final Fantasy 2
A Wax - Pulling Strings
Gene the Southern Child - Southern Meridian
Tim Barry - Lost and Rootless
White Lung - Deep Fantasy
Antwon - Heavy Hearted in Doldrums
Sun Kil Moon - Benji
Mac DeMarco - Salad Days
Hungry Girl - Chiefs EP

When not prepping his next album for a 2015 release, Charlotte pop-rock singer-songwriter Jon Lindsay was working with the NC Music Love Army to further progressive political work in North Carolina. The first seven albums on Lindsay's list come from other North Carolina artists, while the other three, he says, represent his favorites in the rest of the world. 

Alternative Champs - Feelings
Benji Hughes - Songs in the Key of Animals
J Cole - Forest Hills Drive
Hiss Golden Messenger - Lateness of Dancers
Lost in the Trees - Past Life
Sylvan Esso - Sylvan Esso
Angel Olsen - Burn Your Eyes for No Witness
Taylor Swift - 1989
Mac DeMarco - Salad Days
Perfume Genius - Too Bright

Locals share their favorite music of 2014 Part 2

As we look back on 2014, Charlotteans weigh in on some of their favorite albums of the year.

First we have Tammy Greene who has been booking jazz concerts in the Southeast through Jazz Diva Entertainment for years. She currently brings Grammy award winning jazz artists to CPCC's Halton Theater and is involved in the Swing Jazz Series at Blumenthal, among many other things. 

Gretchen Parloto - Live in NYC
Pat Metheny Unity Group - Kin
Jimmy Greene - Beautiful Life
Nathan East - Nathan East
Raul Midon - Don't Hesitate
Chick Corea - Trilogy
Harvey Mason - Chameleon
Dianne Reeves - Beautiful Life
Jazz Funk Soul - Everette Harp, Chuck Loeb, and Jeff Lorber
Nick Colionne - Influences

Tom Calhoun - one of my favorite people on Twitter - describes himself as a pop culture fanatic, punk rocker, wannabe cartoonist, and former Pharaoh who occasionally posts dusty tidbits from the far corner of the attic at The Adventurer's Club (http://the-adventurers-club.typepad.com/). He took a few suggestions from his sons Thomas and Phillip to complete his list, he says. 

Mikaela Davis - Fortune Teller
The Empty Hearts - The Empty Hearts
The Dollyrots - Barefoot and Pregnant
Michael Nesmith - Movies of the Mind
Alvvays - Alvvays
The Both - The Both
EMA - The Future's Void
East Indie Youth - Total Strife Forever
Death from Above 1979 - The Physical World
Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2

Dane Abernathy is a jack of all trades when it comes to music in Charlotte. He runs sound at The Milestone where he also sometimes records bands, does concert photography (check out his work here) and sings for the band HU/LK. His list previously appeared in "Crowdsurfer."

Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2
Warpaint - Warpaint
Andy the Doorbum - The Fool
Young and In the Way - When Life Comes to Death
Stepdad SS - Mad About It
The Foxery - Unless
Mikal Hill - The Snuggle Is Real
Hungry Girl - Chiefs
Braid - No Coast
Hollow Earth - Silent Graves

Locals share their favorite music of 2014

It's time to reflect on the year that was by looking back at the best concerts and the best music we saw and heard in 2014. It's impossible for one person to hear or see it all, so last year I asked other Charlotteans that work and play in music and entertainment to send in their favorite albums of the year. I for one enjoy seeing what other people are into, so I asked local artists, musicians, and writers to share their top tens again this year. I'll be running these through the New Year.

Rock Hill's Jeff Howlett, who directed the acclaimed music documentary "A Band Called Death" (which if you haven't seen, I highly recommend). You can read more about Howlett's photography work in Sunday's Arts section or online here. He'll be shooting tintype photos with Chris Morgan at the Neighborhood Theatre's New Year's Eve party Wednesday. Fans of Death will notice some familiar connections in this year's list.

Rough Francis - Maximum Soul Power
Swale - The Next Instead
Death - Death 3
Benji Hughes - Songs in the Key Of Animals
Today is the Day - Animal Mother
Il Sogno del Marinaio - Canto Secondo
Unearth - Watchers of Rule
The Roots - ...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin
Off! - Wasted Years
Stranger Day - Graves

Kevin Winchester is an author, professor and musician whose work includes the short story collection "Everybody's Gotta Eat." He currently plays bass and sings with the soulful Americana combo the Flatland Tourists who just released their debut EP. He says the Top 3 albums on his list are interchangeable.

Shovels & Rope - Swimming Time
Sturgill Simpson - Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
Old Crow Medicine Show - Remedy
Balsam Range - Five
Greensky Bluegrass - If Sorrows Swim
Hurray for the Riff Raff - Small Town Heroes
Lucinda Williams - Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone
Hard Working Americans - First Waltz
John Cowan - Sixty
The Loudermilks - The Loudermilks

This week's hot concerts

Sensational Santa Showdown

Friday  9 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35^th St., $5, www.chopshopnoda.com 

The eclectic jam-centered lineup includes the progressive jazz-inflected rock of Case Federal & the Agents, which features colorful interplay between sax, guitar, and vocals, the bluesy improvisations of Duk Tan, the organ-guided classic rock of the Goodnight Brothers, and the comedy influenced tunes of Crackers & Snackmeat, who’ve backed comedians like Doug Stanhope and Johnny Millwater.

Kool Keith

Friday  10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., $17, www.snugrock.com  

Santa delivered a quirky hip-hop treat under Plaza Midwood’s tree. The prolific, influential underground rap legend behind Ultramagnetic MCs and Dr. Octagon returns for How Keith Stole Christmas with DJ Justin Aswell (Mr. Invisible, Snug’s weekly Knocturnal events) and BlacKostume.

Another Lost Year

Saturday  7:30 p.m., Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St., $10-$12, www.amossouthend.com  

The Charlotte hard rock band whose high octane songs could score a NASCAR race or a WWE pay-per-view (and in fact have played during Panthers’ games) spent most of 2014 touring the East Coast and Midwest with bands like Saving Abel. It’s back for a post-holiday hometown show before hitting the pavement again in 2015.

Misguided Youth

Saturday  10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., $5, www.snugrock.com  

During its run from 1984 to 1989 this Charlotte punk band opened for some of the heaviest hitters in the `70s and `80s punk and hardcore - the Ramones, Circle Jerks, Agnostic Front, Exploited, and others. Its members, who went on to Aqualads, Leisure McCorkle, and Drat reunite for its 30^th anniversary.

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band/Big Something

Tuesday  9 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35^th St., $12-$15, www.chopshopnoda.com  

The formative Asheville funk-rock band, who has been laying down horn-laden grooves for 12 years now, teams with the Burlington-based sextet whose accessible kitchen sink approach manages to seamlessly marry rock, funk, hip-hop, disco, and jazz on its album “Truth Serum” providing a link between Pink Floyd, Incubus, the Chili Peppers, and the Grateful Dead.

John Tosco’s 5^th Annual NYE Variety Show

Wednesday  4:30 to 6 McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St., $15, www.blumenthalarts.org

The team behind the long running Tosco Music Parties and Beatles Tribute focus less on music and more on fun for the younger set with jugglers, comedians, bubbles, ventriloquists, kazoos, and dancing with acts like the Jolly Lollies and the Mud Puddles providing the tunes. Plus there’s time to put the kids to bed before the grown up parties start.

Overboard II: Cruise Control

8 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 35^th St., Free, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com 

Local acts MTHR, Hungry Girl, Miami Dice, Dreamy D, Junior Astronomers, DJ Ahuf, and DJ STRTR provide the soundtrack for this sailing themed party, which includes Carolina photographers Jeff Howlett and Raleigh’s Chris Morgan shooting tintypes.

Simplified New Year’s Eve Party

10 p.m., Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., $18-$20, www.visulite.com

The popular Charlotte acoustic rock and reggae outfit returns for its annual feel good New Year’s jam. Although geared toward adults the show is open to ages 16 and up. Under 16 must be accompanied by parent.

Snug Harbor NYE

10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., $10, www.snugrock.com

December residents the Fat Face Band join long running holiday fixture Benji Hughes, rocking funnymen the Alternative Champs and rousing roots duo Sinners & Saints for this neighborhood party.

Billy Idol's autobiography adds depth to new album

Among the glaring omissions in the list of 2015 Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees announced earlier this week is Billy Idol, especially given the upcoming induction of second wave (or third, depending on who you ask) punks Green Day. I understand that some of my other favorite influential early punk rockers may not have the cultural notoriety or mainstream hits of the latter day favorites who certainly grew beyond its punk beginnings, but that's not true of Idol who has had a long, hit-filled career  nearing its 40th year.

Idol has a habit of recurring. Every decade or so I feel like he pops back up in my life in a big way. In 1981 he was one of the first faces I saw on my TV screen when my parents brought home the little brown cable box that brought MTV into our lives. The bloody finger of "White Wedding" was both horrific and fascinating to a 6 year old girl, but no matter how strange the images, I couldn't turn away from the infectious guitar rock.

A decade later he'd conquer MTV again with "Cradle of Love" and "L.A. Woman," but my true love for Billy Idol didn't really hit until another decade had passed. I was living in Arizona when VH1 released his "Behind the Music" special in 2001. My sister and I went to see him and Steve Stevens play live at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and it is hands down one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Part of that memory is that I was standing ankle deep in a pool by a man-made beach in a crowd that was reenacting an MTV Spring Break special. But it was also Idol reveling in the performance. I was clued into deeper cuts and lesser hits I'd never heard before and new material stood up to the old. You can watch one his other Mandalay Bay concerts here.

Fast forward another decade when my children discovered Idol, unearthing not only hits like "Dancing With Myself" but absorbing his 2005 album "Devil's Playground" and his work with his late `70s British punk band Generation X.

In October Idol released his autobiography, "Dancing With Myself" and new album, "Kings and Queens of the Underground." I wasn't completely sold on the album until I'd read the book. I think part of that was that the opening track "Bitter Pill" is a bit of a mid-tempo, reflective start that lacks punch and I'd grown accustomed to the punkier sound of "Devil's Playground" and Generation X. "Kings and Queens" is a more diverse record that plays on some of the earlier influences Idol covers in the book that - once he points them out - you start noticing throughout his catalog.

Knowing the stories behind songs like the title track adds depth as well. The bulk of the book covers Idol's early years growing up both in the US and UK and his membership in the group of Sex Pistols' followers known as the Bromley Contingent, which birthed not only Idol but my beloved Siouxsie and the Banshees. I get a kick out of reading about an era that made such a big impact on me as a fan.

Idol appears to have written the book without the aid of a co-writer. You can hear his voice in it as he recollects about these early years in great detail. The latter section is less detailed. When his longtime girlfriend Perri Lister (star of those `80s videos) finally leaves him after hearing him on the phone with his mistress over their son's baby monitor, you wonder if he really recalls it or if he read it in Rolling Stone like the rest of us. I wondered if the fog of drugs he was admittedly under makes this period in his life all blur together. Or maybe he just remembers it less fondly and doesn't want to dwell.

That's not to say the latter portion takes away from the strength of the book as a whole. It's one of the better music biographies I've read (the Carter Family's 2004 being the best - it reads like a soap; Lemmy's "White Line Fever" being the most disappointing for it's lack of intimacy).

As for the album, there are thought out musical and lyrical links both to the book and Idol's earlier years. During "Kings and Queens" (the song) I picture a young Siouxsie, Banshees' bassist Steven Severin, Idol, Lister, and those other characters of the scene. On "Kings and Queens," "Love and Glory" and, to a degree, "Bitter Pill," Idol illustrates his strength as a crooner, which we've heard throughout his career. It comes naturally to Idol. He is 59 (my son likes to remind me of this) so before he discovered rock n' roll he grew up with Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Elvis. Time hasn't hurt his range either.

"Save Me Now" and "Can't Break Me Down" (featured in the video above) are two of the more rocking tracks. Knowing Idol's father preferred the former as he was lying on his death bed earlier this year also gives it more weight. It's my kid's favorite too, which I guess speaks of its cross-generational pull. "Postcards from the Past," a phrase Idol ends the book with, is a heavier rocker that includes musical references to "Rebel Yell," "White Wedding" and his Cyperpunk days. "Eyes Wide Shut" obviously references "Eyes Without a Face."

The album has grown on me. It's now a staple in our car. It helps that the kids love him too, of course. But if you're on the fence or just want to expand your understanding of the record, I recommend checking out the book too. Although I'm still surprised by the level of functioning drug addict role models that my childhood had to offer (he did not look like an extra from "Trainspotting" even at his worst), "Dancing With Myself" gives new respect for Idol's work and career - a career that should garner him a place in rock n' roll history.

This week's hot concerts

Traveling Wilburys Tribute and Benefit

Friday  9 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36^th St., $10, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com  

Ancient Cities, Elonzo, Sam the Lion, and the Sammies join members of the New Familiars, Reeve Coobs Band of Men, the Midwood Horns, Hectorina, the Shana Blake Band, the Bleeps, Heywire, the Near Misses and the Hot Gates to raise money for Levine Children’s Hospital. In its fourth installment, the fundraiser pays tribute to the beloved, yet short-lived super group.(The above clip is a preview from the Lou Reed tribute benefit concert last winter). 

Frontier Ruckus

Friday  10 p.m., Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., $8, www.doubledoorinn.com  

Avett Brothers’ manager Dolph Ramseur was onto something when he released this Michigan quartet’s second full-length in 2010. Dubbed “gothic Americana” by Rolling Stone - depending how you see it, the outfit plays charming indie rock like a harmonizing band of forest dwellers or harmonious string music like a bunch of hip, indie rockers. It works either way.

Angie Aparo

Saturday  8 p.m., Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., $12-$15, www.eveningmuse.com

Since his 2000 modern rock hit “Spaceship,” this Atlanta songwriter has stayed under the radar writing songs for Faith Hill (the Grammy winning “Cry”), Tim McGraw, and Miley Cyrus, while continuing to tour and release his own albums. He remains a stunning vocalist whose performance will stop utterances of “one hit wonder” in their tracks.

Bubonik Funk

Saturday  10 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35^th St., $8-$10, www.chopshopnoda.com

The Charlotte jam-funk band finishes up what’s likely been the biggest of its eight years together, having played New Orleans Jazz Fest and released its new album, “Oddfish Volume 1” earlier this year. The colorful crew returns to Chop Shop for what it’s calling Winter Wondercod with Batsheet and Viva La Hop.

The Hawthornes

Saturday  10:30 p.m., Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., $6-$8, www.eveningmuse.com  

With new vocalist Ade` Herbert on board, this versatile Charlotte combo whose 2014 debut album “More Than Eyes Can See” was built on soulful grooves, lyrical, classic rock inspired guitar work, and shades of jazz and funk, is prepping their first single with the New Orleans-bred singer.

K. Michelle

Sunday  8 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St., $40-$80, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com  

On her just-released second album, “Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart,” the VH1 reality star taps guitar rock (“Love `Em All”), James Bond (“Judge Me”), dramatic balladry, and dreamy Autotuned dance music for a cohesive and addictive album of modern R&B that shifts from motivational and inspirational to the female version of Usher.

Fat Face Band

Wednesday  10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., Free, www.snugrock.com  

Let this Charlotte trio of trumpet/melodica, guitar and tuba score your Christmas Eve with its mix of New Orleans jazz and avant-garde as you wait for Santa’s arrival. Having toured Europe earlier this year and played the Democratic National Convention in 2012, the trio is sticking close to home as Snug’s December artist in residence.

Plaza Midwood Christmas

Thursday  8 p.m., Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., $

Charlotte pop singer-songwriter Jon Lindsay hosts this intimate Christmas night get together that should fill the void after packages are opened, family has departed, and bellys are full. The lineup includes Lindsay, Wilmington’s Free Clinic, Brooklyn/NC’s Spirit System, and Charlotte’s Bless These Sounds Under the City, Toleman Randall, and Perry Fowler and Slade Baird from Sinners & Saints and Amigo, respectively.