Year in Rock 2014: And the Winners Are...

It's been a long year, and another great one for rock n' roll. While the pop charts were overrun with barely legals obsessed with their asses, rock soldiered on undeterred even as pundits (hell, in some cases even rockers themselves) mourned the genre.

Sure, rock didn't dominate the money game in 2014, but that shouldn't evoke sad nostalgia and eulogies. Even for as little perceived impact rock music made, a hell of a lot happened if people had only paid attention.

From grizzled vets adding jewels to their crown (Springsteen, Petty) to new beginnings (Against Me!, Antemasque) to happy returns (Faith No More, The Tea Party) and all points in between, rock continued to thrive, evolve and thrill in 2014.

Enough talk. It's winning time.

Your Year in Rock winners for 2014 are...

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Dan Mangan + Blacksmith: Vessel

NEW ARTIST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Shakey Graves (feat. Esmé Patterson): Dearly Departed

COMEBACK RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Veruca Salt: The Museum of Broken Relationships

CANADIAN RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Big Wreck: Hey Mama

HEAVY RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Kyng: Electric Halo

SOLO ARTIST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Brody Dalle: Don't Mess With Me

SONG OF THE YEAR
Against Me!: Black Me Out

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Swans: To Be Kind

There you have it. Thanks for checking these artists out, and also for making 2014 a well-read one here at the ol' blog. Knowing someone actually takes the time to read my ramblings makes all the rambling worth it. Enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer, and we'll talk again in 2015.

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