The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #1a: The Horrors

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 Horrors

WHAT: Luminous

WHEN: May 2014

WHERE: XL Recordings

WHY: My fandom for this English outfit has been steadily growing over the past few years, but after listening to this record lord knows how many times, it's safe to say I'm a fangirl. It was actually quite appropriate of The Horrors to call this spectacular record of theirs Luminous, because that word can very easily be used to describe it. Every song on it is a masterstroke, thoughtfully composed and positively running over with elegantly epic, grandiose swirls of impeccable, polished, and flat out gorgeous rock. Faris Badwan's vocals, once they've snared you, are impossible to resist, and the smoldering, smoky delivery of his really shines on Luminous. It's a lush record filled with sensuous shadows, and a record that I find nigh on impossible to resist (not that I'd ever feel like putting up much of a fight, mind you).  

My jams: All of 'em




[posted 5.20.15]

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