Yes, I realize there is a lot of list-o-mania out there at this time (Phoenix pun, pretty poor) but I wanted to add one more on the pile. Earlier this month, NPR Music asked Jason Bentley to share his 5 top LA Albums of the Year.
I think everyone agrees it was an amazing year for music inside SoCal. KCRW plays music from all around the world, but our playlists were constantly topped by local artists all year. And, let’s be honest, there’s a little bit of a pride factor too – we are always specifically happy to help boost rings that start in our back garden. Here are Jason’s picks (in random order):
Best Coast, ‘Crazy For You’
Best Coast’s slacker anthems are quick, sweet and wildly transmittable. Topics range from boyfriends to be able to stoner boredom and youth worry, but each song is defined to garage-rock bliss and a sun-bleached mind-set.
Flying Lotus, ‘Cosmogramma’
Born out of the L . a . underground, Flying Lotus is charting new directions in modern-day music with his avant-garde fusion associated with hip-hop, jazz and psychedelia. Cosmogramma is an invigorating listen that’s challenging to the particular ear, yet strangely funky.
Fitz & The Tantrums, ‘Pickin’ Up The Pieces’
The cuent retro-soul revival may have started with all the likes of Gnarls Barkley and Amy Winehouse, however L.A.’s Fitz & The actual Tantrums excelled this year using great songs and dynamic live shows. The classic styles of heartache bring this band to life, while the biochemistry between Fitz and female vocalist Noelle Scaggs is palpable.
Ozomatli, ‘Fire Away
Flames Away was a return to variety for one of L.A new.’s great bands. The group celebrated 15 years together this year and continues to blend myriad influences. Check out our Ozomatli compared to KCRW Soundclash project, if you haven’t already.
Autolux, ‘Flow Transit’
Autolux’s new album is actually enormously compelling, with Beatles-esque music styling, Sonic Youth-style guitar and a brooding environment. This is a great album for that occasional gloomy, gray times we get in L.The.
I think everyone agrees it was an amazing year for music inside SoCal. KCRW plays music from all around the world, but our playlists were constantly topped by local artists all year. And, let’s be honest, there’s a little bit of a pride factor too – we are always specifically happy to help boost rings that start in our back garden. Here are Jason’s picks (in random order):
Best Coast, ‘Crazy For You’
Best Coast’s slacker anthems are quick, sweet and wildly transmittable. Topics range from boyfriends to be able to stoner boredom and youth worry, but each song is defined to garage-rock bliss and a sun-bleached mind-set.
Flying Lotus, ‘Cosmogramma’
Born out of the L . a . underground, Flying Lotus is charting new directions in modern-day music with his avant-garde fusion associated with hip-hop, jazz and psychedelia. Cosmogramma is an invigorating listen that’s challenging to the particular ear, yet strangely funky.
Fitz & The Tantrums, ‘Pickin’ Up The Pieces’
The cuent retro-soul revival may have started with all the likes of Gnarls Barkley and Amy Winehouse, however L.A.’s Fitz & The actual Tantrums excelled this year using great songs and dynamic live shows. The classic styles of heartache bring this band to life, while the biochemistry between Fitz and female vocalist Noelle Scaggs is palpable.
Ozomatli, ‘Fire Away
Flames Away was a return to variety for one of L.A new.’s great bands. The group celebrated 15 years together this year and continues to blend myriad influences. Check out our Ozomatli compared to KCRW Soundclash project, if you haven’t already.
Autolux, ‘Flow Transit’
Autolux’s new album is actually enormously compelling, with Beatles-esque music styling, Sonic Youth-style guitar and a brooding environment. This is a great album for that occasional gloomy, gray times we get in L.The.
"Esclusivo: una trilobite racconta della volta precedente"