The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #10: Alvvays

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: Alvvays

WHAT: Alvvays

WHEN: July 2014

WHERE: Polyvinyl Records

WHY: For whatever reason, I just can't get it out of my head that Alvvays is the Camera Obscura of Canada. On this Chad VanGaalen-produced self-titled record, Alvvays proceeds to win hearts, one song at a time. I for one haven't been able to break up with the adorable, wistful "Archie, Marry Me," which probably ranks as my favorite (though that's a tough call). In any event, the perfectly lo-fi, cool as heck production and dynamite, fuzzy pop songs make this a must-have record. 

My jams: "Adult Diversion," "Archie, Marry Me," "Ones Who Love You," "Next of Kin," "Party Police," "The Agency Group," "Dives," "Atop a Cake"





[posted 5.12.15]