Contributing to Indie Music Filter has always put me in a playlist-oriented mindset.  However, in 2014, I’ve found myself digesting music in the context of the full-length album, which I have not really accomplished consistently since I was a teenager.  There were so many outstanding themes on albums, from power-pop cavalcades to existential caverns with new turns at every listen.  Ranking my favorites has proved near-impossible, but it was a dark, disco noir dealing with everything from sensuality to selfishness that took my top spot.

Best Albums:

10. Flying Lotus – “You’re Dead!”

https://soundcloud.com/flyinglotus/coronus-the-terminator

9. The New Pornographers – “Brill Bruisers”

8. Dum Dum Girls – “Too True”

7. Owen Pallett – “In Conflict”

6. Hundred Waters – “The Moon Rang Like a Bell”

5. TOPS – “Picture You Staring”

4. Real Estate – “Atlas”

https://soundcloud.com/real-estate-the-band/crime-1

3. Angel Olsen – “Burn Your Fire for No Witness”

2. Todd Terje – “It’s Album Time”

1. Mr Twin Sister – “(S/T)”