Since the beginning of Bearded Gentlemen Music back in January of 2012, our mission has always been to give our writers a platform and outlet to express whatever they were enjoying, or not enjoying about the world of music. With this freedom came a decent amount of separation between each writer’s tastes and opinions so Isaac and I always thought it would be best to let each author write up their own “Best Albums of the Year List.” However, this year our goal at B.G.M was to try and create more of a community between all of our amazing B.G.M. contributors and this year has seen a lot more interaction between writers to the point where it actually does feel like we are a family all united by our love for music. So to celebrate this new found writer’s community we thought it would be awesome to create a site wide Best Albums of 2014 list (a few of our writers still chose to do an individual list and they are great, check them out here, here, here, here, here, here and here.) Each writer was allowed to assign points to their top ten favorite albums that came out this year. The results were surprising and varied to say the least and with 110 albums picked we thought would be a good idea to split this list up into three pieces. May we present the first of these three installments. B.G.M’s favorite albums of 2014: 110 to 67.
Catch up on the list with our Best Albums of 2014: 66 to 30 and Best Albums of 2014: 29 to 1.
Best Albums of 2014: 107 to 67
107. Shamir – Northtown
I’ve never met Shamir but something tells me this dude is absolutely golden. I mean, look at this guy, he’s fucking adorable. R&B had a very good 2014–thanks in large part to D’Angelo and DJ Mustard, who is frankly on a tear–but Shamir seems blissfully out of place. Northtown is a tidy little EP but it tells you everything you need to know about Shamir; he’s playful, his songs rule and there’s no one else like him. Couple this with his excellent one off single, “On The Regular,” and you’ve got someone worth watching out for in 2015. – Dan Vesper
106. Mouth Of The South – Struggle Well
105. Restorations – LP3
I am now just hearing this album as we put this list together. But this band is legit. Such an awesome mix of sounds, punk, post rock, shoegaze the slightest hint of some sludge. They vocals are killer too! Sounding like they could fall anywhere from Big Business inspired to Bruce Springsteen or Gaslight Anthem. LP3 is great from beginning to end. – Isaac Atencio
104. Foo Fighters – Sonic Highways
The hype surrounding this album was enough to swallow a man, but rest assured it was (for the most part) totally worth it. Sure, Dave Grohl’s lyrics sound like an infant wrote them, but fuck that, this is rock and roll at its finest. It’s imperative to point out that eighth album Sonic Highways is a concept album and one must watch the accompanying documentary to truly understand it, but it’s very rewarding once you do. Grohl has said the next ‘proper’ album will be heavier and that is definitely worth getting excited about. – David Dring
Remember when Foo Fighters were a low-key band of up-and-comers doing something super interesting no one ever heard before? Me neither, because that’s never been who they are, nor what they’ve ever done. There’s a fire burning somewhere these guys are keeping alive with Sonic Highways, but you have to squint really hard to see it. Sometimes, it even feels like they’re the only ones who give a shit, but credit where it’s due: no one cranks out an over-stuffed, ham-fisted ode to quite literally anything like Dave Grohl, and this record is full of those. – JP Gorman
Check out Jeremy’s review of Sonic Highways here.
103. Banks – Goddess
Some have criticized Jillian Banks of novice song-writing in her debut full-length, but to my ears, the genius of Goddess lies in the mood and meaning of her lyrics and Banks’ impassioned vocal delivery of them. Were it not for the emotional dark clouds the disc evokes, Goddess would sit right next to Caribou’s Our Love as my favorite chill out albums of the year. But alas, nearly each song in this collection conveys the gut-wrenching ambiguities and anxieties inherent in human relationships from the impact of emotional instability (“You Should Know Where I’m Coming From”), to the consequences of separation (“Someone Else”), and unrequited passions (“Under the Table”). Despite the gloom, the album is appealingly bifurcated into a first half that provides some soulful electronic-based R&B tunes and a second half of mostly acoustic ballads – all of which convey Banks’ talent for sensitive song-writing. Goddess also delivers one of the best pop songs of 2014, “Begging for Thread.” – Nate Jones
102. You Me At Six – Cavalier Youth
101. Temples – Sun Structures
I was absolutely blown away by Sun Structures from my first listen. How a bunch of twenty-something British upstarts could seamlessly transcend back to the 60’s was completely beyond me. It’s refreshing too that some bands don’t feel like lyrics always have to be fully comprehended, because not many in Sun Structures even half make sense. Temples are definitely one to watch for the future. – David Dring
Check out David’s review of Sun Structures here.
100. Ed Sheeran – x
I’m not going to lie, I’m a little depressed that Ed Sheeran made our list… – Jon Robertson
99. Grizfolk – From The Spark
Check out Jaci’s 5 star review of From The Spark here.
98. Full of Hell/Merzbow – Full of Hell Merzbow
Full of Hell doesn’t need any help proving their ferocity, but if anyone were up for the job of making them sound even meaner, Merzbow is the man. The legendary Japanese artist doesn’t effect the band’s sound as prominently as anticipated, but that’s partially because FOH are already so competent when it comes to melding harsh noise with their furious brand of hardcore. When the band relents a bit on the second half of the album, Merzbow is really allowed to shine in all of his mad glory. This is not for the faint of heart, but is beautiful in its brutality. – Ricky Vigil
One thing I have always wished Full of Hell would do is get noisier; and guess what? These young’uns teamed up with grandpa Merzbow and released a sonic assault of pure unbridled terror. Not since Discordance Axis’s Jouhou and The Inalienable Dreamless along with all three of the Gridlink’s full lengths, has a grind record breathed fresh air into such a stale genre. – Brandon Perras
97. Royal Blood – Royal Blood
Most people heralded the release of Royal Blood’s debut as 2014’s rock revival and while there has been much better rock albums this year, it’s still an impressive album in itself from the Brighton duo. The dirty wails and drones of the bass guitar is something I’ve never really heard before in a mainstream album and I love the garage/blues rock feel of the whole thing. Whether Royal Blood become just another flash in the pan remains to be seen, but for now it’s good to just get down and dirty with the debut. – David Dring
Check out Mickey’s review of Royal Blood here.
96. Timber Timbre – Hot Dreams
Unsettling and spooky, but in the right kinds of ways. When Taylor Kirk sings he’ll make good on all of his threats and promises and the saxophone swirls in a loop like a broken record, it’s downright menacing in a Twin Peaks kinda way and wonderfully effective. – Mark Milner
The one name that looms large of this album is Johnny Cash. It’s more of a “Delia’s Gone” affair than “Ring of Fire,” but the tone is romantic. It takes a couple of slow burners to start the album before Timber Timbre reminds the listener that they’re a rock band. By this point, the mood has been established and floats for the rest of the album’s duration. – Mickey White
Best saxophone solo of the year, “Hot Dreams” Best Salt Lake City shout out, “Grand Canyon.” This album is haunting and gorgeous. Hot Dreams is most definitely one of the most unique things I have listened to all year. – Isaac Atencio
I feel like Melissa’s review of Hot Dreams from earlier this year describes this album perfectly. – Jon Robertson
95. Crosses – Crosses
Look here’s the deal, if Chino Moreno sings on something we are here at B.G.M are going to love it. Plain and simple! Crosses combines the bands previous two EP’s with a third EP to create 15 songs of Depeche Mode inspired goth-pop. While this isn’t my personal favorite release from Moreno’s various side projects it’s still solid and Moreno’s vocals always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. #ChinoFever!! – Jon Robertson
Check out Jessica’s review of Crosses here.
94. Interpol – El Pintor
The imminent loss of bassist Carlos Denger was evident on Interpol’s disappointing self titled release in 2010. Arguably, the band may never recover from the removal of such a significant cog in the Interpol machine, but with this year’s follow up to Interpol, the band proves their ability to revitalize. El Pintor draws from Interpol’s previous successes to demonstrate the potential of the band as a trio. The band’s acclaimed solidarity and cohesion may’ve taken a hit, but synth-heavy El Pintor successfully reestablishes Interpol’s ominous ambience and recreates the bands’ genuine anguish and vulnerability. Likely, the best of Interpol is in its past, but it’s comforting to know that the band isn’t ready to abandon their signature disparity just yet. – Amanda Best
93. United Nations – The Next Four Years
A lofty concept album tracing United Nations’ (fictional) history between 1981 and 2016, The Next Four Years is a chaotic, unrelenting album featuring just enough restraint to make it one of the most interesting punk albums in years. Fronted by former Thursday vocalist Geoff Rickly and featuring members of Glassjaw and Pianos Become the Teeth, among others, United Nations have twisted the re-emerging sound of powerviolence into something more substantive. By infusing elements of post-rock while hearkening back to the direct power of early hardcore, it comes across as The Shape of Punk to Come for the self-aware, social media-addicted generation. – Ricky Vigil
92. Lonely the Brave – The Day’s War
Hands down the best rock album of 2014, although most surprising of all is that it’s by a British band. Lonely The Brave are a band that are just as powerful on CD as they are live, as their set at Truck Festival was one of my live highlights this year. The lyrics carry a dark, atmospheric feel to them and the music is often fast, frantic, and anthemic. While 2014 has not quite been the ‘rock revival’ that people anticipated, Lonely The Brave have proven that rock is not dead at all and it’s a lot closer to home than we think. – David Dring
91. Bear’s Den – Islands
We’re all a little tired of the unmistakable sounds of a banjo right? I get it. I dare you to give Bear’s Den’s debut album a chance. I think you’ll find that they can transcend the popular radio hits and leave you satisfied. Islands is full of heartfelt lyrics that ask you to close your eyes and let the music unfold around you. Bear’s Den is hoping to make you see and feel their raw emotion. It’s not a perfect album, but it’s cohesive and a damn good first shot at a full-length alt-folk record. – Vi Tran
90. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Mended With Gold
Looking through Rural Alberta Advantage’s history it is clear that the difference between Mended with Gold and the band’s past efforts is the work of drummer Paul Banwatt, which is the absolute highlight of the disc. The eclectic combination of RAA’s tight and simple pop arrangements with Banwatt’s hyperactive drum kit is rather striking and adds a razor sharp edge to what would otherwise resemble the “hey ho-ness” of bands like the Lumineers. Those amazing beats, coupled with some pretty catchy pop tunes, decent lyrics (Nils Edenloff comes off as Colin Meloy before the Decemberists starting making Jethro Tull albums), and cute back-up vocals from Amy Cole makes Mended with Gold my frequent go-to. – Nate Jones
89. Sun Kil Moon – Benji
Ex-Red House Painters frontman Mark Kozelek may have caused a bit of a stir following his recent farce with The War On Drugs, but it is for his stunning release back in February of this year, Benji, which he will rightfully be remembered for. Comprised of his typical deadpan delivery, melancholy themes, and sparse instrumentation, it won early accolades from critics across the board, and confirmed something we already knew; namely that Kozelek is one of the most engaging and important storytellers in contemporary music. – Ben Lynch
In a chain of events that Kevin Krein’s review of Benji may have foreshadowed, singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek became a sideshow. As a result, “War On Drugs: Suck My Cock” became a temporary asterisk that put a damper on Benji’s massive bonus track. But as Ariel Pink proved this year, terrible people can make great music and Benji is still that. In Kozelek’s reflective period, this is his Ohio record, chock with cautionary tales about aerosol cans, the “Wet Dreamz” J. Cole isn’t mature enough to write, and a developed cast of characters from the small reaches of the curmudgeonly old man at Panera Bread. – Mickey White
Check out Kevin’s review of Benji here.
88. Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Rising from dirty basements, laundromats and anarchist squats to festivals, arenas and MTV reality shows, Against Me! has had one of the most unique career trajectories of an modern day punk band—and that’s even before considering front woman Laura Jane Grace’s very public transition from a man to a woman. Hints of Grace’s gender dysphoria have been hinted at in many earlier Against Me! songs, but with the new album, she has become the fierce Amazonian bad-ass she promised she would become, tackling trans-politics and her personal journey with plenty of vigor, piss and vinegar. It skews more towards the Foo Fighters than Crass, but it’s a solid album that will be remembered for Grace’s unflinching ferocity and her unique position in the world of rock. – Ricky Vigil
As abrasive, unflinching, and personal as anything I heard this year! That’s a good thing, too. – Mark Milner
As far as ideas go, Transgender Dysphoria Blues may be Against Me!’s most punk idea yet. It works twofold: this album was necessary as a bloodletting for Laura Jane Grace and her publicly coming out as a transgender woman as well as more music that treated trans people as people. The tale Grace spins possesses a heart and soul hiding behind a body neither of the two wish to possess. – Mickey White
Check out Josh’s review of Transgender Dysphoria Blues here.
87. Neulore – Animal Evolve
86. The Hotelier – Home, Like No Place Is There
85. Magic Man – Before the Waves
84. Gridlink – Longhena
Longhena may be the last album from this offshoot of grindcore legends Discordance Axis. This parting gift is about as melodic as music this violent gets. Exhibit A is “Thirst Watcher,” a touching example of a group using art to break up the math and science without it sounding gratuitous. Longhenais still a dense 22 minutes, which in this genre is also known as an eternity. – Mickey White
83. The New Pornographers – Brill Bruisers
Having been a huge fan of Dan Bejar and Destroyer for the last few years as well as a casual admirer of Neko Case and A.C. Newman, I was primed to fall in love with the latest effort by the Canadian super-groupers, the New Pornographers. Brill Bruisers is the very definition of “indie pop” if it were actually a legitimized musical genre. The album’s greatness stems from A.C. Newman (as the default bandleader) who brilliantly manages the eccentric nature of New Pornographers’ guest star-esque lineup with a consistent sound and feel as though it were the sole musical project of each of its members. For example, even as wacky and distinct as the lyrics and Bejar’s unique crooning are on “War on the East Coast,” the tune doesn’t sound out of place coupled with the powerful opener and title track “Brill Bruisers,” or the super swan song closer, “You Tell Me Where.” However, the success of Brill Bruisers occurs for the most part within the unapologetic pop-fun of its delicious hooks found in just about every song on the disc. – Nate Jones
Check out JP’s review of Brill Bruisers here.
82. Mansions on the Moon – Mansions on the Moon
This LA based band is not afraid to sound like it. Their feel good indie/pop/electronic tunes are west coast all the way, a summer sound forever. Don’t be afraid to get hooked. -Kelsey Simpkins
81. WIFE – What’s Between
James Kelly stepped away from his metal band Altar of Plagues to record this dense electronic project. With The Haxan Cloak on production duties, his first LP as Wife brims with darkness, yet remains strangely immediate and accessible. – Robert Masiello
80. Phantogram – Voices
A few years ago I predicted Phantogram would be headed for big things and complete stardom. They are definitely on that track. Voices was a great continuation in their repertoire. It was hard to imagine their songs becoming bigger and dancier than those in Eyelid Movies, but they did. Plus there’s a song named “Bill Murray.” Solid, solid album! – Isaac Atencio
Phantogram released some killer electro-dance driving jams this year. The beats are legit, the guitar work is solid, and Sarah Barthel’s vocal are haunting, powerful, and sultry all at the same time. I feel like every song on Voices could be a hit single. Plus their performance on Letterman earlier this year was legit! – Jon Roberston
79. Protomartyr – Under Color Of Official Right
Post-Punk has been well established as a genre at this point, but not often is there an album that delivers so much while consisting of seemingly so little. Protomartyr don’t need loads of distortion or layered guitars to keep post-punk alive, all they need is they’re perfect formula of simple guitar twiddles, spacious drum patterns and Joe Casey’s lazy but incredibly engaging croons. – Tom Vickress
78. Athletics – Who You Are Is Not Enough
I’m supposed to tell you about this album in a paragraph. It won’t happen. This album was made for those who are experiencing heart break and loss. If you don’t feel sad or upset after listening to this album. You’re a fucking dick head. – Todd Rackham
77. Caribou – Our Love
This album was not one of my personal top 10 picks, but it was incredibly close. Our Love is a great album from start to finish. Press play and from the opening track “Can’t Do Without You,” you are hooked. – Isaac Atencio
Canadian producer Dan Snaith’s first album under the Caribou moniker since 2010’s Swim is an ode to pop music’s tried and true trope: love. Anyone familiar with Snaith knew an album like this would inspire the same tired adjectives that would be a logical crossroads between the genre and the producer. As such, it feels corny using words like ethereal, dripping, or saccharine to describe this album. More gripping about Our Love is how Snaith’s pop mastery sounds like he isn’t trying at all. The point is for you to zone out as opposed to dropping your jaw. – Mickey White
Check out Melissa’s 5 star review of this album here.
76. Joyce Manor – Never Hung Over Again
At least once this year, my neighbor has stopped mowing his grass to watch me sit in my driveway and yell/sing along to “VICTORIA!!” This is a nineteen minute pop-punk-explosion that somehow makes getting your girlfriend’s name tattooed inside a heart seem like a great idea. Songs about swimming pools, tattoos, summer, and losing your love to the United States government….SOLD! – Daniel Jackson
75. Thou – Heathen
Even though it is an incredible collection of music, for the uninitiated, Heathen is not necessarily an easy album to listen to. Deeply rooted in doom, but with the hypnotic sprawl and shrieking yelps of black metal,it is loud in every imaginable way. It is incredibly long. The melodies, though present, are buried under heavy walls of reverb. It is, however, the most clear and refined Thou has ever sounded. Make no mistake, because Heathen is heavy as hell and Bryan Funck’s unmistakable shrieks are as fierce as ever, but Thou as a whole seems more comfortable with their own style than ever before. – Ricky Vigil
Check out Ricky’s review of Heathen here.
74. Dan Croll – Sweet Disarray
A young singer-songwriter from Britain, Croll has captured the essence of pop music this year in a way that is fresh and unexpected. I found myself replaying several tunes from this CD in my car for a week straight, with no shame. I expect his sophomore release to avoid the slump, and instead top the charts with a single in the next few years. -Kelsey Simpkins
73. GIANT SQUID – Minoans
Such a beautiful album that is part 3 of a concept series. This band reminds me of Pink Floyd had they done today’s drugs and not the ones that were around in their time. – Todd Rackham
72. Moose Blood – I’ll Keep You In Mind From Time To Time
71. Ricky Eat Acid – Three Love Songs
Three Love Songs is an album best digested in solitude. The meticulous nuances of Sam Ray’s sparse electronic work vie for attention, but ultimately pale in comparison to the beauty conveyed by the sum of all their parts. From euphoric outbursts to pained cries to pensive reflections, Three Love Songs runs the emotional gamut in full and leaves an aching desire for more. – Sam Clark
70. Taylor Swift – 1989
I’ll admit, I’ve previously been very critical of Swift and her music. Her cack-handed attempt to revive country pop (Michelle Branch did it much, much better) and her never ending list of disgruntled ex-fellas have all led up to this, her fifth album, which for a 24 year old is impressive in itself. I’m a sucker for synthpop and this has it by the bucket-load, while obviously being very well produced. This is one of many albums that has surprised me in 2014. Maybe I’ll grow to like her one day, maybe even take her seriously. Who knows? – David Dring
1989 is the sound of Taylor Swift addressing the goofy criticism that has been lobbied against her. In a more pop-friendly press than yesteryear, 1989was the right album to drop at the right time. The lead single “Shake It Off” was a major “ladies to the front” moment in a year that seemed to never run out of them and that was only the fifth best song on the album. – Mickey White
So many words have been spilled (including a couple thousand by yours truly), what else needs to be said? It’s a monster success and she’s arguably the biggest pop star around. But don’t kid yourself, she’s been a pop star for a least a couple of years now. – Mark Milner
69. Sisyphus – Sisyphus
68. Girl Band – De Bom Bom / The Cha Cha / Lawman
This Irish quartet make some of the poppiest post-punk noise that just makes you want to dance. These dudes haven’t released much more than singles since 2012’s France 98 EP, but the three singles that Girl Band did release this year “De Bom Bom,” “Lawman,” and “The Cha Cha,” show the band growing further into their industrial inspired bubble gum grooves. Here’s hoping for a more substantial release from the band in 2015. – Jon Robertson
67. Young Widows – Easy Pain
The kings of dark gloom pounding action returned this year with yet another amazing album full of killer tones and timbres. I have always enjoyed Young Widows noise-rock action and I covered them extensively on the site this year with both an interview and concert review. – Jon Roberston
Hands down the best guitar tones of 2014. – Phil Maye
