Spring 2015 saw some big albums released that were kind of disappointing (isn't that right, Mumford & Sons?), but it also saw some really good work by bands that typically fly under the radar. Some of this batch of nominees have been around for a long time, some are relative newcomers, and a couple of them made welcome returns from very long absences.
The next group of Song of the Year nominees are:
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE: Black Sun
From: Kintsugi (Released March 31)
For their last album with founding member Chris Walla, and first since lead singer/songwriter Ben Gibbard's divorce, Kintsugi is full of heartache and melancholy. Exhibit A: the dark, twisting and impressive lead single Black Sun.
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: The Legend of Chavo Guerrero
From: Beat the Champ (Released April 7)
As much of a novelty as a concept album based around wrestling may seem, Beat the Champ is more an honest and sincere tribute to childhood heroes than it is a cheap gimmick. As The Legend of Chavo Guerrero demonstrates, whether it's sweaty gladiators in spandex or troubled kids who grow up to play guitar, there's nothing fake about the way it feels when you've found something to believe in.
ROYAL THUNDER: Time Machine
From: Crooked Doors (Released April 7)
When a "metal" band crosses that threshold into accessibility, it's easy to cry foul. Unless you're crying foul about Royal Thunder's sophomore record, in which case you'll never win an argument with music as majestic and cathartic as what you find on Crooked Doors, especially the sweeping, soaring Time Machine.
BUILT TO SPILL: Never Be the Same
From: Untethered Moon (Released April 21)
Six years removed from their last record, Built to Spill's eighth record was the product of a band re-energized and, while there are better examples of this than Never Be the Same on the album, there may not be a better overall song in terms of execution.
SPEEDY ORTIZ: The Graduates
From: Foil Deer (Released April 21)
Thanks to such a host of strong female performances earlier in the year, I found myself more open to trying out a band like Speedy Ortiz. I'm certainly glad I did; though I never got around to doing a review of Foil Deer, don't let that fool you; just listen to the confident, effortlessly cool throwback style of The Graduates and make a mental note to slap me for not giving this band more coverage sooner.
BLUR: Lonesome Street
From: The Magic Whip (Released April 28)
In typical Blur fashion, the Britrock legends made their first album in twelve years a cold yet vibrant documentation of urban sprawl and isolation, not exactly the kind of album that screams out "we're back!" Of course, Blur wouldn't have it any other way; besides, at least they went for it with Lonesome Street, a loose rocker that slots right in with their best.
METZ: Acetate
From: Metz II (Released May 5)
What do you do when your debut album is praised for its no-nonsense, noisy onslaught? If you're Metz, you give them more of the same. There are baby steps toward what may be a shift in focus someday, but for the moment Metz are only interested in pummeling you.
MY MORNING JACKET: Big Decisions
From: The Waterfall (Released May 5)
We've come to expect the unexpected from My Morning Jacket, but the most shocking thing about The Waterfall is its relatively straightforward approach in comparison to the fearlessly experimental records that came before it. I say "relatively", of course, because there are plenty of oddities to be had. However, when they strip all the weirdness away and present something as pleasant as Big Decisions, you remember how potent this band could be before they went off exploring.
FAITH NO MORE: Superhero
From: Sol Invictus (Released May 19)
As welcomed a reunion as I could have ever hoped for personally, my excitement for the first Faith No More record in almost 18 years was forcefully tempered; I didn't want to be disappointed, so I kept a realistic point of view. This wouldn't be the same as their '90s output, and it certainly wouldn't be as good, I told myself. It turns out I was half right: it's definitely not the same.
THE HELIO SEQUENCE: Stoic Resemblance
From: The Helio Sequence (Released May 19)
Another one that just sort of found me this year, the lead single from The Helio Sequence's sixth album has an undeniable melodic quality of such severity that you can hear it a few times, think nothing of it, and suddenly wake up in a cold sweat with those "oooh-na-na-na"s firmly rooted in your brain.
Our third round of nominees will be announced next Monday.
The next group of Song of the Year nominees are:
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE: Black Sun
From: Kintsugi (Released March 31)
For their last album with founding member Chris Walla, and first since lead singer/songwriter Ben Gibbard's divorce, Kintsugi is full of heartache and melancholy. Exhibit A: the dark, twisting and impressive lead single Black Sun.
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: The Legend of Chavo Guerrero
From: Beat the Champ (Released April 7)
As much of a novelty as a concept album based around wrestling may seem, Beat the Champ is more an honest and sincere tribute to childhood heroes than it is a cheap gimmick. As The Legend of Chavo Guerrero demonstrates, whether it's sweaty gladiators in spandex or troubled kids who grow up to play guitar, there's nothing fake about the way it feels when you've found something to believe in.
ROYAL THUNDER: Time Machine
From: Crooked Doors (Released April 7)
When a "metal" band crosses that threshold into accessibility, it's easy to cry foul. Unless you're crying foul about Royal Thunder's sophomore record, in which case you'll never win an argument with music as majestic and cathartic as what you find on Crooked Doors, especially the sweeping, soaring Time Machine.
BUILT TO SPILL: Never Be the Same
From: Untethered Moon (Released April 21)
Six years removed from their last record, Built to Spill's eighth record was the product of a band re-energized and, while there are better examples of this than Never Be the Same on the album, there may not be a better overall song in terms of execution.
SPEEDY ORTIZ: The Graduates
From: Foil Deer (Released April 21)
Thanks to such a host of strong female performances earlier in the year, I found myself more open to trying out a band like Speedy Ortiz. I'm certainly glad I did; though I never got around to doing a review of Foil Deer, don't let that fool you; just listen to the confident, effortlessly cool throwback style of The Graduates and make a mental note to slap me for not giving this band more coverage sooner.
BLUR: Lonesome Street
From: The Magic Whip (Released April 28)
In typical Blur fashion, the Britrock legends made their first album in twelve years a cold yet vibrant documentation of urban sprawl and isolation, not exactly the kind of album that screams out "we're back!" Of course, Blur wouldn't have it any other way; besides, at least they went for it with Lonesome Street, a loose rocker that slots right in with their best.
METZ: Acetate
From: Metz II (Released May 5)
What do you do when your debut album is praised for its no-nonsense, noisy onslaught? If you're Metz, you give them more of the same. There are baby steps toward what may be a shift in focus someday, but for the moment Metz are only interested in pummeling you.
MY MORNING JACKET: Big Decisions
From: The Waterfall (Released May 5)
We've come to expect the unexpected from My Morning Jacket, but the most shocking thing about The Waterfall is its relatively straightforward approach in comparison to the fearlessly experimental records that came before it. I say "relatively", of course, because there are plenty of oddities to be had. However, when they strip all the weirdness away and present something as pleasant as Big Decisions, you remember how potent this band could be before they went off exploring.
FAITH NO MORE: Superhero
From: Sol Invictus (Released May 19)
As welcomed a reunion as I could have ever hoped for personally, my excitement for the first Faith No More record in almost 18 years was forcefully tempered; I didn't want to be disappointed, so I kept a realistic point of view. This wouldn't be the same as their '90s output, and it certainly wouldn't be as good, I told myself. It turns out I was half right: it's definitely not the same.
THE HELIO SEQUENCE: Stoic Resemblance
From: The Helio Sequence (Released May 19)
Another one that just sort of found me this year, the lead single from The Helio Sequence's sixth album has an undeniable melodic quality of such severity that you can hear it a few times, think nothing of it, and suddenly wake up in a cold sweat with those "oooh-na-na-na"s firmly rooted in your brain.
Our third round of nominees will be announced next Monday.
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