The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #55: Death Vessel

2014 was quite a year. Not the best of years, on a personal level, but a rather good year from a music standpoint. Having given a listen to record after record after record from the year that was, I’ve pulled together a list of favorites, finding it next to impossible to whittle the list down any further beyond 60 (I tried). In this group of 60 you’ll find records from old, faithful friends, upstart newcomers, and even a headscratcher or two. You’ll probably see some records that were a Big Deal not on this list. I either didn’t bite or didn’t buy the hype. I’m pleased as punch with this list, and I hope you’ll come across something that might have otherwise passed you by. And so, without further ado, my favorite records of 2014.

WHO: Death Vessel

WHAT: Island Intervals

WHEN: February 2014

WHERE: Sub Pop

WHY: Mercurial and mystical, Island Intervals is a wonderful concoction indeed. Songs are spirited, lively, and full of texture, anchored by lovely vocals that ring as true as a dozen church bells and dance against a cacophony of delightfully eccentric instrumentation. It’s a special record indeed.

My jams: “Velvet Antlers,” “Mercury Dime,” “Ilsa Drown,” “Island Vapors,” “Loom”







[posted 3.12.15]