Great records are overlooked every year for many different reasons. We put together our list of the 5 vinyl records overlooked in 2015:
5. Braids - Deep in the Iris - Pitchfork gave this record a strong 7.4 for the third release from this Montreal-based trio. The subject matter ranges from broken and abusive relationships to the self-disgust one feels after watching internet porn. Hazel Cills from Pitchfork explains, "Deep in the Iris never lets you get quite too familiar, or comfortable. The glitchy, warped surface is offset by the clarity and versatility of Standell-Preston’s narrative vocals, which pull everything into focus."
4. Calexico - Edge of the Sun- On the surface the guest stars on this record catch the eye: Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), and Neko Case (Solo work and New Pornographers). Calexico and lead singer's Joey Burns' voice are the highlight in this album that contains internationally diverse sounds. Pitchfork gave Edge of the Sun a high 7.6 rating and we say it's one you do not want to miss.
3. Chastity Belt - Time to Go Home- Guitarists Julia Shapiro and Lydia Lund, bassist Annie Truscott, and drummer Gretchen Grimm are four friends that make up the indie rock group Chastity Belt. Pitchfork gave this record 7.6 and Hazel Cills wrote, "Time to Go Home is a beautifully composed record about confronting your fuck-ups, but it’s also a record about feeling numb to them. And with every hit they seem to take to the heart and head, Chastity Belt proves that sometimes the best response is a big shrug of indifference."
2. Ibeyi - Ibeyi - 20-year-old French-Cubans Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Díaz make up the sister duo named Ibeyi.. "Ibeyi" is the Yoruba term for the divine spirit that exists between twins. Their father was Cuban conguero and master percussionist Miguel "Angá" Díaz of Irakere and Buena Vista Social Club. "Vocally, Lisa at times channels Nina Simone, and in her higher register, she can even recall Kate Bush circa "Wuthering Heights". Her ability to imbue deep emotion and other worldliness into simple lyrics, meanwhile, is Björk-like. Naomi, in turn, explores the ways that Yoruba tradition and contemporary rhythms can meet." - Minna Zhou, Pitchfork (7.4 Rating)
1. Speedy Ortiz - Foil Deer - This is a band growing quickly into its second full-length release. The Graduates and its early Liz Phair-ish flair was a great way to introduce this band to a new set of fans when this record was released earlier this year. Pitchfork gave this a huge 7.9 and praised lead singer Sadie Dupuis for her lyrically strong anthems that take on her sour experiences. Do not miss this record.