Class of 2014
Peter N's Top 14 International Albums of 2014
2014 was an odd year for me musically. I stepped back from blogging until it dragged me back kicking and screaming in the Summer. I was still an avid fan of Irish music but I spread my tastes far and wide such that I fell in love with some awesome albums from International artists. Here are my top 14 International albums of 2014.
1. Bear's Den - Islands
You know that album you find that you can't turn off for weeks? Island's is that for me. They do Mumford & Sons so much better than ... well .... Mumford & Sons.
2. Angus & Julia Stone - Self-titled
Australian siblings Angus & Julia's vocal harmonies are a perfect match. Anyone mourning the demise of The Civil Wars should look no further than this album for comfort.
3. Stu Larsen - Vagabond
Another Australian, Stu Larsen is a nomadic musician who is in Ireland for a show in Whelans in February. His 'Vagabond' album is simply gorgeous.
4. Drive-by Truckers - English Oceans
Released at the beginning of 2014 the country rock of Drive-by Truckers filled the blog void with tales of deep south debauchery.
5. Nick Mulvey - First Mind
Moody atmospheric sounds from an English singer-songwriter? Not Ben Howard ..... better than Ben Howard!
6. Dry The River - Alarms of the Heart
My most anticipated album was 80% awesome and 20% meh. Some great tunes but it wasn't as good as their debut.
7. First Aid Kit - Stay Gold
You know when you give in and check out a band everyone loves and wait to be blown away? While this rarely happens for me with 'Stay Gold' from Sweden's First Aid Kit I was suitably blown away.
8. Ryan Adams - Self-titled
Merging Americana with an 80's vibe, Ryan Adams returned with a great album.
9. Royal Wood - The Burning Light
Canadian Royal Wood wrote and recorded some of this superb album in Slane of Co. Meath. Every song has ambition for greatness.
10. John Butler Trio - Flesh & Blood
A return to form for another Australian band in this list. Disappointment of the year goes to the fact that i couldn't attend their Vicar Street gig in April.
11. Ben Howard - I Forgot Where We Were
Unique sounds from an awesome talent.
12. Cold War Kids - Hold My Home
Piano driven indie anthems with one of pop's best vocalist's 'Cold War Kids' returned with one great album in 2014.
13. Shovels & Rope - Swimmin' Time
Folk music rarely sounded better in 2014 than this album from duo 'Shovels & Rope'.
14. Joan as Police Woman - The Classic
This album is a stylish pop album from the majestic 'Joan as Police Woman'
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