The Fashionably Late Top 50 of 2015: The Helio Sequence

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: The Helio Sequence

What: The Helio Sequence

When: May 2015

Where: Sub Pop

Why: I'm probably well past fashionably late when it comes to The Helio Sequence. After all, the greater Portland duo has been together since 1996. But better late than never, eh? This self-titled effort from 2015 is addictive from the word go, with the band weaving together all manner of lush noise into gorgeous, enrapturing songs. At times more grounded, while at others the duo's compositions float into ethereal planes, singing into the sunset a million miles away.

My very favorite jam: "Red Shifting" but also "Deuces" and perhaps too "Phantom Shore" but then there's "Battle Lines"...oh hell. 




[posted 5.4.16]