The album. In this age it's somewhat fighting for its survival. But there are still artists striving to give us the gift of music. The complete statement. The tapestry of heart and soul. I thought 2014 presented some great albums but probably only one that could be called a masterpiece. "Lost in the Dream" was a beautiful epic record of beauty and passion. It flowed and flowed and I never tired of it. Also 2014 proved that rock was not dead. The Men and Hallelujah the Hills gave us classic sounds of beautiful anger. Spoon returned with an album that was fresh and joyful, as good as anything that they have produced. There were some great solo albums too. Kevin Morby and Sharon Van Etten raised the bar again, showing there is joy in pain. And Ty Segall, the prolific one, tried his best to save rock and roll yet again. The best Australian album for me was clearly the new one from The Smith Street Band. They lit a fire under a tepid local scene. Interpol showed that they still had some gas in the tank. As did The New Pornographers. Albums by FKA Twigs and St Vincent were some of the ones that I couldn't get into. But luckily there were plenty that I could. Fight on music!

1. Lost in the Dream-The War on Drugs
2. They Want My Soul-Spoon
3. Still Life-Kevin Morby
4. Are We There-Sharon Van Etten
5. With Light and With Love-Woods
6. Tomorrow's Hits-The Men
7. Have You Ever Done Something Evil?-Hallelujah the Hills
8. Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything-Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra
9. ...And Star Power-Foxygen
10. Manipulator-Ty Segall
11. Sukierae-Tweedy
12. Black Hours-Hamilton Leithauser
13. Shrink Dust-Chad VanGaalen
14. HEAL-Strand of Oaks
15. Too Bright-Perfume Genius
16. Darlings-Kevin Drew
17. Axxa/Abraxas-Axxa/Abraxas
18. Brill Bruisers-The New Pornographers
19. Atlas-Real Estate
20. Familiars-The Antlers
21. Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son-Damien Jurado
22. Mended With Gold-The Rural Alberta Advantage
23. Throw Me in the River-The Smith Street Band
24. At Best Cuckold-Avi Buffalo
25. Owl John-Owl John
26. Free Will-Bry Webb
27. Singer's Grave-Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
28. Take Pride in Your Long Odds-Centro-Matic
29. Love-Amen Dunes
30. Mess-Liars
31. The Cover of Hunter-Liam Betson
32. El Pintor-Interpol
33. Here and Nowhere Else-Cloud Nothings
34. Seeds-TV on the Radio
35. Drop-Thee Oh Sees
36. Favorite Waitress-The Felice Brothers
37. Liberation!-Peter Matthew Bauer
38. Whine of the Mystic-Nap Eyes
39. Close to the Glass-The Notwist
40. Island Intervals-Death Vessel
41. Only Run-Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
42. Lazaretto-Jack White
43. Exegesis-Alden Penner
44. Wigout at Jagbags-Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
45. Burn Your Fire For No Witness-Angel Olsen
46. More Than Any Other Day-Ought
47. Neuroplasticity-Cold Specks
48. Our of Hands We Go-O'Death
49. Benji-Sun Kil Moon
50. 9 Songs-Dub Thompson