Albums of 2014

Perhaps I was spoiled by 2013's selections, which included The National's most excellent "Trouble Will Find Me," David Bowie's "The Next Day", and Arcade Fire's "Reflektor."  There was enough fine music in 2013 to put together a full CD of favorite songs and have plenty of room left over.

Not so, in 2014.  Even pop music experienced a dearth and a regression, both in musical tastes as well as social attitudes.  Eminem is rapping about rape, while the latest one hit wonders are talking about "booties" and skinny-shaming.  Ugh.  Have we come so far that I'm embarrassed to look back on the year with a shudder?

Still, there are some standouts, most under the radar.

5. Jack White, "Lazaretto."  I have some mixed feelings about this album.  It's great to hear someone who actually plays real instruments and plays them well.  Still, it's a step behind his previous album, "Blunderbuss."  When Jack White is singing about privilege it's hard to tell whether he's being serious or sarcastic.  I give him the benefit of the doubt, at least he's singing the blues.

4. TV On the Radio, "Seeds."  One step forward, one step back.  The songs are quite good, but there are very few chances being taken musically anymore.  This is probably their most accessible album, which most people will enjoy.  For me, I miss the blaring horns, squawks, fuzz bass, and craziness that made their first two albums stand out so much.  Not a masterpiece, but good music nonetheless.

3. The Black Keys, "Turn Blue."  Most people will remember certain songs of the Black Keys rather than much else about the Black Keys themselves.  This album is musically rich--but, of course, entirely devoid of pop sensibility.  In the first track alone, I hear echoes of David Gilmour, Carlos Santana, and Jimmy Page.  If you are into rock guitar albums, this is a must-listen for 2014.  If that isn't your bag, or if you have ADHD, you are probably going to be immensely bored.  Personally I liked it from the start, and I'm not much of a Black Keys anything.

2. Mariachi El Bronx, "Mariachi El Bronx (III)."  Apparently this is the year for optical illusion album covers!  Of the above, this is my personal favorite.  Mariachi music played by an L.A. punk band named after the Bronx might seem like a one trick pony, but this album is by far their best work to date, proving that it might not be such a one trick pony after all.  The discarded bonus track "Loteria" is my own favorite, and, for whatever reason, didn't make the cut.  Well worth seeking out, even without the superb track.

1. "Weird Al" Yankovic, "Mandatory Fun."  I suppose it's only inevitable that, in a year where there are so many crappy, generic pop songs, "Weird Al" puts out his best album in decades.  I know he isn't for everyone, but I've thought about it long and hard: this is the album of the year.  Sure, there are some cheap shots, but he never lets a gag go on too long ("Foil" ends a verse or two short, just enough for you to get it and move on).  Meanwhile, he shows us how musically dedicated he is by giving us "Mission Statement" and "First World Problems," wonderful homages to CSNY and the Pixies.  The weak point of the album is "Sports Song," which the likes of Tom Lehrer and George Carlin have already worked to better effect--but Al would probably be the first to admit it when he's standing on the shoulders of giants.