Albums
1. The National- Trouble Will Find Me
This record maintains a level of sophistication that no other album has this year and includes a number of standout songs. A fantastic record, and one in my view, that deserves to number one.
2. Milo Greene- Milo Greene
So near, yet so far. This record was my number one for most of the year, but fell at the final hurdle. This west coast pop rock band have produced a fine record filled with great songs, catchy riffs and lyrics to match. Only downside is its length.
3. The Kissaway Trail- Breach
A fantastic record from the Danish trio. It's been a few years since their last offering and after loosing a few members they have come back with an equally strong record this time round.
4. Sigur Ros- Kveikur
There aren't too many superlatives left to describe this album, but after taking time out, and losing members, Sigur Ros have come back bigger and better than before with their best album since Takk...
5. Local Natives- Hummingbird
The second record from the Los Angeles natives, produced by The National's Aaron Dessner was a corker to say the least. Nearly four years since the release of their debut, most people could be forgiven for forgetting about this band, but boy are they back.
6. Peace- In Love
A band from Worcester, who act like they are from Brooklyn. This is a debut that provides the swagger and rock n roll that a lot of indie bands lack.
7. Paul McCartney- New
Whatever you do, don't underestimate this record. Macca may have been on the tail end of some dodgy hits over the past decade, but this proves that working with the right people really does deliver.
8. Dutch Uncles- Out Of Touch In The Wild
The second coolest thing to ever come out of Marple, Dutch Uncles bring their typical time signatures to the mainstream with their toe tapping third record.
9. Everything Everything- Arc
Everything Everything returned this year with a sophisticated indie record that put them well on the road to success. This singles filled album is one that has seen their song writing improve tenfold.
10. White Denim- Corsicana Lemonade
Amazingly, their sixth album, this is a record that saw White Denim take a leaf out of The Black Keys book of success. A change from their usual sound to a catchier indie rock that, the masses want. A band to watch on the rise in 2014.
Gigs
1. Local Natives- The Junction, Cambridge
2. Walk The Moon- Scala
3. Milo Greene- The Barfly
4. The National- Alexandra Palace
5. Ryan Adams- Royal Albert Hall
6. Sigur Ros- Brixton Academy
7. The Killers- Wembley Stadium
8. Neil Young & Crazy Horse- O2 Arena
9. Fleetwood Mac- O2 Arena
10. The Staves- Scala
Festival Performances
1. The Rolling Stones- Glastonbury
2. Chic feat Nile Rodgers- BST Hyde Park
3. Haim- Glastonbury
4. Deap Valley- Glastonbury
5. Lucy Rose- BST Hyde Park
6. Bon Jovi- BST Hyde Park
7. Local Natives- Glastonbury
8. The Staves- Glastonbury
9. This Is The Kit- Shhh Festival
10. Phildel- Shhh Festival
Best Musical Experience
The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury- certainly worth the wait.
Daft Punk- Get Lucky