The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #36: The People's Temple

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: The People's Temple

WHAT: Musical Garden

WHEN: February 2014

WHERE: Hozac Records

WHY: I have all sorts of love for Michigan psych band The People's Temple. They're one of the closest bands to touching the muscular Motor City magic of the MC5, as far as I'm concerned. Filthy, brazen riffs and built-in swagger ooze from every song, especially the audaciously excellent "Smooth Moves" and "Masters Touch," most notably. Musical Garden is a fantastic throwback to an era filled with greatness.

My jams: “Crimson Rose,” “Smooth Moves,” “Handsome Nick,” “I Heard You Singing,” “Male Secretary,” “Fast Thrills,” “Masters Touch,” “Dreamer”






[posted 4.25.15]