2014 was definitely a spectacular year for local music. Amid astounding concerts like this radical 2,400-band lineup and local radio highlights like the time some guy named Daniel Murtaugh kept interrupting Corky on the Salt Lake Soundcheck, the local music scene blossomed during the year. In addition, dozens of incredible albums were released by local musicians. The top ten are:
10. SPÖRK - SPÖRK 2.0
Typically, I'm not a fan of bands with more than fourteen members. Somehow, however, SPÖRK manages to establish their own drums-and-guitar style with the number of members reaching a whopping nineteen. The band consists of ten guitarists, three drummers, and forty of the best blues-rock voices you could ask for. SPÖRK's sophomore release retains all the edgy, thumping sound of the first, and adds a whole new level of versatility as well, such as in the acoustic ballad "You Bring The Coors, Jesus Will Bring The Light," and the symphonic track "Hippie Grinder".
9. VanLadyLove - Love Matter
Rising from the hotbed of talent that exists in Provo (the birthplace of Imagine Dragons, The Used, Donny Osmond, and Beethoven), the band VanLadyLove powerfully communicates their thrash-death metal sound with the debut EP Love Matter. The disc hits peak volumes at all times with an assault of screechy guitars and guttural vocals. "Neverland" is essentially the most brutal track on the EP, and definitely it does not disappoint.8. Donny Osmond - Alone Together
Speaking of Donny Osmond, the superstar released a new album entitled Alone Together. Technically, it has been on shelves since 1973, but since not a single copy has been sold, MGM still considers it a new release. I would go into depth on the sound of the album, but I have not taken the opportunity to listen.
6. Jeff Goldblum - The Fly
Jeff Goldblum's highly-acclaimed performance in the 1986 remake of The Fly is nothing short of outstanding. Sure, Jurassic Park and Independence Day are incredible motion pictures, but there is nothing quite like the scene in which Goldblum seductively peels off his skin. Oh, and Geena Davis is in the movie too... so, there's that.
5. Cheese - Swiss
Arguably the best kind of cheese, Swiss cheese is riddled with holes known as "eyes" which exponentially enhance the flavor. Most types of Swiss cheese are actually manufactured on the moon (hence the name). Controversy surrounds the delectable dairy due to it's increased ability to hold air, causing explosive gas in many people.
4. Flour - Enriched
Flour is a great source of starch, iron, and B vitamins. The term "enriched" implies that eating it straight out of the bag will lead you to win the lottery multiple times. In addition, the enrichment processing leads to... wait a minute, I'm getting this list mixed up with my grocery list. Let's get back on track.
3. AC/DC - Back In Black
Need I say more?
2. Huldra - Black Tides
All of the local publications are raving about this local band's 2014 release, and with good reason. Written through the eyes of a man lost at sea, Black Tides is a behemoth of intense, heartfelt post-metal at it's finest. The title track is a sprawling twelve-minute journey that captures the mellow ambience of a calm ocean that gradually changes into a violent and unstable storm of terror, grief, and loss.
1. Royal Bliss - Chasing The Sun
Depsite the rumors floating around that bassist Dwayne Crawford inadvertenly impregnates fans with his bass badassery and energetic stage antics, there is no denying that Royal Bliss' most recent release Chasing The Sun is a brilliantly-crafted collection of soulful tunes, catchy choruses, and a seductive track or two. No wonder pregnancy announcements spike after a Bliss show!
Well, that is the top ten list of local albums released in 2014. With an incredible local scene such as this, the new year is looking brighter than ever!
