We invited artists, labels and publicists to tell us which records or artists they’ve personally enjoyed over the last twelve months. Brandon Kellum‘s picks below. American Standards’ EP, Hungry Hands, is out now via iTunes, Bandcamp, and Spotify with a new full-length album due to be released in early 2016.
“It was difficult for me to put together a top ten albums list. If anything, my friends and fellow band mates know I’m probably far better suited for a top ten podcasts blog. Not because there was a lack of good music in 2015 but for fear of sounding pretentious spouting off a slew of unsigned bands. I truly feel there were some really impressive things coming from “off the radar” bands this year though and encourage everyone to take advantage of all the great music streaming on sites like bandcamp and soundcloud. I’m sure you’ll find something new that you enjoy and when you do, throw the band a few bucks so they can support their recording and touring habits.
That being said, here are some of my favorite label releases of 2015. No particular order and no witty captions. If you dig the list (or don’t) and think there’s another artist I’d like (maybe your band), I’d love to hear from you.”
Top 10 Albums of 2015:
Refused – Freedom
KEN Mode – Success
Retox – Beneath California
Cancer Bats – Searching For Zero
Lamb Of God – VII: Sturm und Drang
Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear
Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love
Deafheaven – New Bermuda
Baroness – Purple
Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell
Honorable Mentions:
Ghost – Meliora
Ryan Adams – 1989
Stray From The Path – Subliminal Criminals