The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #14: King Tuff

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: King Tuff

WHAT: Black Moon Spell

WHEN: September 2014

WHERE: Sub Pop

WHY: The first thing I thought when I listened to Black Moon Spell for the first time was something along the lines of what the fuck is how is it possible I'm listening to a new Marc Bolan record? I still can't help but think of T. Rex every time I listen to this King Tuff gem, which is pretty inevitable given the level of sassy shredding and gleeful naughtiness on display. It's more grit than glam, of course. As far as I'm concerned, it's next to impossible not to fall under the spell of this here record, and I wouldn't even bother trying not to. 

My jams: "Black Moon Spell," "Sick Mind," "Rainbow's Run," "Headbanger," "Magic Mirror," "Madness," "Demon from Hell," "Eyes of the Muse," Staircase of Diamonds," "Eddie's Song"






[posted 5.10.15]