The Fashionably Late Top 60 of 2014 #9: Strand of Oaks

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: Strand of Oaks

WHAT: HEAL

WHEN: June 2014

WHERE: Dead Oceans

WHY: I'm not quite sure why, but I've somehow never gotten into Strand of Oaks. I know, it's a major oversight. So here I am, learning from my mistakes and discovering just how amazing Tim Showalter is. HEAL is without question one of the most beautiful records from 2014, filled with songs that ache and songs that reaffirm just what it is to be alive. Like I said, it's beautiful. Showalter's tendency to recall 70s and 80s Americana adds to the nostalgic feel, though this is a record that's firmly at home in today's world. And it's a record that shouldn't be missed.

My jams: All of 'em






[posted 5.12.15]