The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #29: Ttotals

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: Ttotals

WHAT: Let Everything Come Through

WHEN: November 2014

WHERE: Twin Lakes Records

WHY: It really should come as no surprise to find Ttotals on my list of favorites. These two Nashvillians have been wrapping me around their collective little finger for years now with their transcendent, life-affirming psych noise. The release of their long player Let Everything Come Through is the culmination of years of hard work and constantly tweaking their work. Expertly contorted guitars, big ole drums, dissonant sax guest spots, and an overall sense of undeniability are all loud and clear on this delicious, lushly loud record, and to top it all off there's even a Spacemen 3 cover ("Mary Anne"). What more could a psych fan ask for? Long live the Outer Blues. 

My jams: “My Eyes Are Open,” “Life Thus Far Out,” “Tricks of the Trade,” “Hearts Always Start Up,” “Let the Light In,” “Sometimes You Just Are,” “Opposite Rabbits,” “String of Life,” “Mary Anne”








[posted 4.26.15]