The Fashionably Late Top 50 of 2015: CHVRCHES

I am forever running late. While it may not be a part of my charm, I would refer you to the old saying about better late than never. In any case, after probably way too much thought, I finally settled upon my favorite 50 records from the year that was 2015. I'm also mixing it up a little this year, y'all. Instead of ranking every record, I'm giving you my picks in alphabetical order, saving my number one, very favorite record of the year for last. So sit back, relax, and refresh your memory of last year's best with a group of records that I hope will tickle your fancy.

Who: CHVRCHES

What: Every Open Eye

When: September 2015

Where: Glassnote

Why: What would CHVRCHES do for an encore, one couldn't help but wonder, after releasing such a breathless, impressive debut? Every Open Eye is primarily more of the same from the Glaswegian trio, but there's a more grown-upness to their 80s-esque synth confections. Lauren Mayberry's voice still has that charming air of vulnerability, though songs like "Never Ending Circles" and "Leave a Trace" show a steely strength. I'd say they've successfully avoided the potential pitfalls of the sophomore record. 

My very favorite jam: "Bury It" (with "Never Ending Circles" and "Clearest Blue" nipping on its heels)



[posted 4.25.16]