My Top Underrated Albums of the Year

French Kicks-Swimming

Not as glamorous as previous efforts, but they still got the job done.

The Stills-Oceans Will Rise

This band was all but forgotten. They had a forgettable last couple of albums, but Oceans Will Rise, showed that this band too can rise.

Rubies-Explode from the Center

With all the all stars from the underworld on the record, I’m really surprised that it didn’t pick up any steam. Feist and friends Lars Skoglund (Laakso, Peter Bjorn and John, Lykke Li) Maria Eriksson (The Concretes), Karl-Johan Winqvist (Blood Music) and Erik Glambek-Boe (Kings of Convenience) all appear on the record.

Pacific! – Reveries

My penchant for cheesy synth pop sounding music is unmatched. The album reminds of what 80’s music was used in certain scenes in any given movie, i.e. when the young couple is about to learn that they were made for each other and a sweet montage hits you with some Pacific! while the two are twirling on the beach tossing sand at each other.

Juana Molina-Un Dia

Just once, I would love to know what’s going on in Juana Molina’s head. Her albums are a beautiful mesh of serenity and chaos with her soothing voice and manic chants. Don’t change.

Empire of the Sun-Walking on a Dream

I was starting to wonder what happened to Luke Steele. I found out that he was an extra in the movie Dune. In the meanwhile on location, he made this album.