Best Of 2014: Tyler Hodg

Foxy Shazam

2014 was a year filled with big name releases. Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, The Black Keys, and U2 all presented new offerings in the way of albums. Despite having recognizable names, no major artist was able to capture my attention like the “little guys” were able to this year. Here are my favorite albums of 2014 that you might have missed.

(In no particular order. Listen to them all!)

Foxy Shazam, Gonzo
On April 2, Foxy Shazam shocked their fans with the announcement of a North American tour and a new album, free to download that very day. Despite Gonzo not being the band’s greatest offering (2010’s Introducing. . . wins that prize), it will still blow 90 percent of what you will hear this year out of the water. Foxy Shazam is arguably one of the most energetic bands you will ever see—and their albums have always reflected that—but Gonzo presented something different; it was their most low-key effort to date, making for an interesting listening experience. Recorded live in studio, its imperfections add to the vulnerability that makes it so special. The album was produced by the legendary Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies) so it came as no surprise that magic was made with this collaboration.
Personal Favorite Track: “Gonzo”

Sloan, Commonwealth
After 21 years and 11 albums, Sloan is still putting out quality music and Commonwealth is the cold, hard proof. The album is split into four “sides” and each member gets their own section, as per the playing card theme: Heart is Jay Ferguson, Diamond is Chris Murphy, Shamrock is Patrick Pentland, and Spade is Andrew Scott. Each member contributed four to five songs, with their respective songs in order like a solo EP, with the exception of Andrew Scott who submitted one 17-minute track. If you have somehow avoided listening to Sloan your whole life, there is good news: Sloan is timeless and have never put out a bad album, so go listen to them. Commonwealth is an outstanding rock album and goes down as one of their best records to date.
Personal Favorite Track: “Carried Away”

Thank You Scientist, Maps of Non-Existent Places (review)
This is probably the 700th time I have written about Thank You Scientist, but they are just THAT good. Maps of Non-Existent Places got its label release on Evil Ink Records this October, and the band found themselves supporting the incredibly awesome Coheed and Cambria on their latest tour. It’s impossible to categorize Thank You Scientist, because the band’s music is so eclectic. One minute they are a hardcore progressive band, the next they are channeling Michael Jackson. The mixed bag of genres really works for Thank You Scientist, and Maps of Non-Existent Places is one of the most original records you will ever hear.
Personal Favorite Track: “My Famed Disappearing Act”

He Is Legend, Heavy Fruit
2014 saw the triumphant return of what I consider one the most underrated bands of all time—He is Legend—with their new album Heavy Fruit. Originally formed in the late 1990s under a different name, the band saw its first glimpse of fame with its first full length album I Am Hollywood, before moving on to release two more albums and ultimately disbanding. Heavy Fruit is the comeback album that satisfies not only the old fans, but is sure to propel the band to the heights it once saw and higher. Easily categorized as metal, He is Legend is actually so much more; melodic harmonies, inventive songs, and energetic performances are what make the band—and Heavy Fruit—so irresistible.
Personal Favorite Track: “Be Easy”

Prince (with 3RDEYEGIRL), Art Official Age (review)
Prince may be a well-known name, but he’s still technically a little guy (just more so in the physical sense!). Art Official Age was one of two simultaneously released albums from Prince and his new band 3RDEYEGIRL—the other being the slightly less superior Plectrumelectrum—and the collaboration clearly breathed new air into his 36-year career. Funky and smooth, adventurous and original, Art Official Age is all you could ever want from the immensely talented musician. If you have any doubt about his ability to still rock, check out his awesome SNL performance from November. There is a reason why Prince remains a pop icon, and Art Official Age is a positive addition to his legendary repertoire.
Personal Favorite Track: “Art Official Cage”