50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 5: #10-1

10. Real Estate- Atlas

Real Estate are pretty much as white as indie rock bands get. Their songs cover topics such as the suburbs, travelling, and fatherhood, yet they manage to not make these topics seem as lame as one would think. Through their use of dreamlike sounds, Atlas  shows Real Estate sounding more well-defined than ever, as they find the best way to express their nostalgic sound. This is a much more serious album than 2011's Days, but there is a certain familiar light which shines through the album's moodiness. Key Tracks: "Talking Backwards" "April's Song" "Past Lives" "Crime"

9. Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks- Enter the Slasher House

Enter the Slasher House is Animal Collective lead singer Avey Tare (Dave Portner)'s new horror-themed band's debut album. Rather than focusing on "scary" horror, the album instead shifts towards "fun" horror from the 60's aimed  at children (such as The Monster Mash and Scooby Doo). Portner takes this theme and wraps his signature warped indie rock in it, resulting in what is an all around fun album. His classic weird songwriting style is still very present, but the music is a lot more raw, and less electronic than his previous work with Animal Collective. While horror films have always been cited as an influence on Animal Collective, here Portner brings his homage to the genre to new heights. Key Tracks: "Little Fang" "A Sender" "Strange Colores"

8. Ariel Pink- Pom Pom

From the outside, Ariel Pink seems like some random artist from the 80's that time has forgotten about. But in reality, this indie-rock freak is one of the most unique artists in the genre out there. Pom Pom takes Pink out in the spotlight without his band Haunted Graffiti, and his 70's/80's themed vision has never been stronger. Each song on here takes a different variation of pop, with some genius songwriting and production. Pom Pom brings out sounds similar to legends such as Bowie and Zappa, while still maintaining a sound that couldn't have been made by anyone but the man himself. Key Tracks: "Not Enough Violence", "Picture Me Gone", "Put Your Number in My Phone" "Black Ballerina"

7. Lone- Reality Testing

After 2012's excellent Galaxy Garden, UK producer Matt Cutler aka Lone has had a high standard to meet. With Reality Testing, Cutler once again takes the listener to a different world which is similar, yet quite different than that of his previous work. Within the atmosphere Lone creates, he throws in a variety of different beat styles with influences from JDilla-esque hip-hop, to french house and also hints of jazz too. But despite the different beat styles Lone might have on here, he very well manages to hold the album together by the use of his atmospheric trademark sound. From the first to last song, Lone takes the listener on a journey through space and time, which by the end will make one want to take many more listens. Key Tracks: "2 is 8", "Airglow Fires", "Begin to Begin", "Cutched Under"

6. D'Angelo- Black Messiah

The R&B legend himself returns after 15 years with a soulful collection of some of his strongest statements, backed by his band The Vanguard, which includes drummer ?uestlove of The Roots. In an era where R&B has been taken over by electronic-leaning acts like The Weeknd and Frank Ocean, D'Angelo brings the genre back to its funky soul roots. Black Messiah  is an album which feels like it was released at exactly the right time, with the black community in America facing trouble surrounding law enforcement. D'Angelo rises up as a powerful voice of the people, rightfully gaining his place as The Black Messiah. Black Messiah almost feels as if it is a modern version of Sly and the Family Stone's There's a Riot Goin' on. Key Tracks: "Sugah Daddy", "Ain't That Easy", "Prayer" "Another Life"

5. Arca- Xen

Venezuelan producer/Kanye collaborator Arca's debut is about as personal of an album as one will find. The title comes from Arca's female alter ego named Xen. Within the album, Arca tells the emotional story of Xen without containing a single spoken word. The music itself is so powerful that Xen is characterized perfectly through strange orchestral-sounding synths and glitchy beats. This form of electronic music is purely original, nobody else really sounds anything at all like Arca. The sound of this album is so unique that it goes right over the heads of some listeners upon first listen, but if one can give it the time, the true beauty of Xen will reveal itself. Key Tracks: "Thievery" "Sad Bitch" "Sisters" "Xen"

4. St. Vincent- St. Vincent

Know who's one of the most badass women in modern rock music? Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent. She rips at the guitar, has a rebellious sense of lyricism, and a persona which is close to being the female David Bowie. St. Vincent is Clark's strongest statement yet, as her music takes on a bigger sound, while sticking to the same formula which made past albums such as Strange Mercy. Clark basically the closest there is to being a modern rock legend, yet she is severely overlooked by the mainstream music world. As far as modern female rock stars go, she is #1, and St. Vincent is a perfect example as to why that statement is true. Key Tracks: "Digital Witness" "Birth in Reverse" "Huey Newton" "I Prefer Your Love"

3. Caribou- Our Love

In Our Love, Caribou aka Dan Snaith pulls off something that is rare in electronic music, here he has managed to create an album of detailed, well-produced, house-influenced music with such strong emotion that you can feel it deep down. Usually, deep, melancholy-emotion electronic music takes shape in ambient or IDM form, but Caribou manages to display these feelings through fairly accessible dance music.Both 60's psychedelia and 90's rave music are very present here, which makes perfect sense since both scenes were based around love, which is the main theme of the album. So while this album can make one want to get up and dance, it can also be a highly nostalgic and emotional at the same time. Key Tracks: "Can't Do Without You" "Our Love" "All I Ever Need" "Your Love Will Set You Free"

2. Flying Lotus- You're Dead!

With You're Dead!, L.A. producer phenom Flying Lotus aka. Stephen Ellison dips more into the jazz sound than he ever has before. Along with guests such as Thundercat, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg, Ellison paints his vision of death as an electro-jazz/hip-hop trip which fails to slow down once during its entirety. His vision of death is not exactly dark, it is more so a celebration, with a few moments of grim realization. From the first explosive moments of "Theme" to the iconic last words of "The Protest", FlyLo keeps the listener engaged, as each song seamlessly transitions to the next, resulting in one crazy psychedelic journey into the afterlife. Key Tracks: "Never Catch Me (ft. Kendrick Lamar)", "Turtles" "Moment of Hesitation" "Coronus, the Terminator"

1. Aphex Twin- Syro

For anyone who is unfamiliar with Aphex Twin (Richard D. James)'s music; this stuff is basically created in a different language. Nobody knows exactly why he chooses the sounds he does, but it just works. Syro, the electronic music wizard's first official release in 13 years is possibly his most dense album, but also one of his best. There are no genres which can even come close to describing this album; it has hints of ambient, electro-funk, glitch, and drum and bass, but none of those genres actually come close to describing it. This music is the one-of-a-kind sound of Richard D. James, and there is nothing else like it. Syro is also one of the most complex, and dense albums released this year. It is impossible to retain everything about this album in one listen, but after multiple listens you will start to pick out new sounds, grooves, and patterns which you didn't hear before. The one track which makes this album worth your money alone is "Xmas_evet10", a sprawling ambient trip-hop influenced track, which lasts for over 10 minutes yet never feels dull for a single second. So while this album may be too complex for everyone, for those who actually can give it the time, it is one of the most well-produced electronic music albums ever. Certainly a great addition to an already legendary artists catalog. Key Tracks: "Xmas_evet10" "Minipops 67" "Circlont14" "Produk29" 

50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 4: #20-11

20. Les Sins- Michael

Les Sins is Chaz Bundwick (aka Toro y Moi)'s side project which is more focused on his production skills rather than highlighting his voice. Michael takes Chaz into new unique territory as he experiments with house music beats, deep bass, warped synths, and distorted vocal samples. However, through all this experimentation, Chaz's lovable soulful style is still very present (especially on "Why"). Michael  is ultimately a feel-good album, which will stay stuck in your head for days at a time. Key Tracks: "Why (ft. Nate Salman)", "Bother", "Bellow"

19. Pharrell Williams- Girl

Ever since the release of Daft Punk's "Get Lucky", Pharrell Williams has been taking the pop music world by storm. The release of his hit "Happy" even furthermore justified his status as one of the most relevant pop stars. Girl uses tons of ideas from soul/funk/R&B music from the 70's to let Pharrell truly express his songwriting capabilities. Pharrell uses this album to paint himself in the image of a king, and it displays his incredibly positive sense of confidence which he has rightfully gained through his rise to pop stardom. Key Tracks: "Happy" "Gust of Wind (ft. Daft Punk)", "Come Get it Bae"

18. Shabazz Palaces- Lese Majesty

Lese Majesty shows Shabazz Palaces going even further down the experimental hip-hop route than their 2011 debut Black Up. In fact, there isn't anything hip-hop related that even sounds like this. Ex-Digable Planets member Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler and Tendai "Baba" Maraire present a seven-suite journey through sonic bliss, complete with spacey interludes and some inspiring lyricism from Butterfly. The songs are less accessible than on Black Up, but with time they can reveal themselves to be equally as rewarding. Key Tracks: "Dawn in Luxor", #CAKE", "Motion Sickness" "They Come in Gold"

17. Rustie- Green Language

Over the past few years, Russell Whyte aka Rustie has been the king of the modern "future bass" movement in electronic music, with many artists (such as Wave Racer and Sophie) building off of the standard he set with 2011's Glass Swords. Green Language however, somewhat strays away from the wonky, glistening sound of Glass Swords, and instead focuses more on Rustie's ability to build his music with the help of vocalists. With these vocalists, Rustie throws a rave which sounds like its happening inside a bayou (notice the flamingos on the cover), and the results are glorious. Rustie is no longer the nintendo-sampling bass geek he was a few years ago, he is a defined artist with some pretty high standards to meet. Key Tracks: "Raptor", "Attak (ft. Danny Brown)", "Velcro", "He Hate Me (ft. Gorgeous Children)"

16. Panda Bear- Mr. Noah EP

With the upcoming release of Animal Collective member Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox)'s upcoming album Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper, Lennox decided to put out a four track ep to give the world a taste of what he has been cooking up. The title track "Mr. Noah" along with the other three amazing b-sides show that he has indeed been bringing his sunny psychedelic pop into new territories. Never before has Lennox sounded so fun, and so straightforward. It is clear that despite time, he is still on top of his game, and the world will see this even more when the full album is released on January 13th. Key Tracks: "Faces in the Crowd", "Mr. Noah"

15. Thom Yorke- Tomorrow's Modern Boxes 

The Radiohead frontman returns with his second solo release which he self released via BitTorrent. Tomorrow's Modern Boxes focuses primarily on Yorke's wispy vocals hovering above glitchy, minimalist electronic music. Fans of Atoms for Peace as well as the more electronic-based Radiohead albums will fit right in with this release, while the casual "Creep" Radiohead fans will be slightly confused. Here Yorke focuses more on sound textures and perfectionist production rather than songwriting, but yet his vocals still manage to retain their usual charm. After first listen it may seem quite average, but after multiple listens the beauty of this album will reveal itself. Key Tracks: "Interference" "The Mother Lode" "Truth Ray" "Nose Grows Some"

14. Run the Jewels- RTJ2

The hip-hop kings Killer Mike and El-P return in full force for their second album as Run the Jewels. This time they're sharper, angrier, and more acquainted with each other's styles. The duo is more fueled than ever, as they speedily rip through El-P's thick beats and they pass off and pick up the mic where the other left off. This album was exactly what the true hip-hop heads needed, in an era where meaningless cheaply-produced singles are gaining the attention of the masses (Bobby Shmurda, Young Thug), Run the Jewels stand strongly to bring political hip-hop in the vain of visionaries such as Chuck D. and N.W.A. back. Key Tracks: "Blockbuster Night pt. 1", "Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck) (ft. Zack De La Rocha)", "All Due Respect (ft. Travis Barker)"

13. Mac DeMarco- Salad Days

Mac Demarco is a one of a kind person- one will discover through watching interviews and performances by this Canadian oddball. His unique behavior is reflected in Salad Days, the laid back, sun-soaked album which feels like one of the best chillwave albums to ever be made. DeMarco's humble voice is extremely inviting, and the guitars sound like they're straight out of a Hawaiian luau. 60's and 70's folk vibes are very present on Salad Days, with DeMarco's undeniable charm guiding the listener throughout it. Key Tracks: "Passing Out Pieces", "Chamber of Reflection" "Salad Days"

12. Clark- Clark

Feelings of destruction and doom are heavy throughout Clark, the recent release from UK Warp Records producer Chris Clark. It's almost like this album is the soundtrack to some apocalyptic film such as World War Z or 28 Days Later. These feelings are brought upon by Clark's dark and detailed production, along with his haunting piano work which appears on a few tracks. Without a single spoken word appearing on this album, Clark succeeds in translating his message through his professionally crafted sound. Key Tracks: "Winter Linn" "Unfurla" "Banjo" "The Grit in the Pearl" 

11. Beck- Morning Phase

Morning Phase brings Beck back to the atmospheric acoustic sound which he previously explored on the album Sea Change. He is a lot more mature now, and less willing to go as far down the experimental routes which he has before. However, this doesn't mean that he can't still exercise his amazing songwriting skills through a much more conventional path. Morning Phase is a beautifully warm album which feels like you're reuniting with an old friend. He's changed, but he's still got that light in him which brought you together in the first place. Key Tracks: "Blue Moon", "Unforgiven", "Heart is a Drum", "Morning"

50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 3: #30-21

30. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Pinata

In a year where hip-hop didn't necessarily thrive as much as previous years, rapper Freddie Gibbs and producer Madlib joined forces to make a modern overlooked classic. Madlib's soulful beats and Gibbs' OG lyricism make an unexpected yet brilliant example of why hip-hop is not dead yet, and both classic and modern hip-hop fans will agree. Also has an all-star collection of featured rappers including Danny Brown, Raekwon, and Earl Sweatshirt. Key Tracks: "High (ft. Danny Brown)", "Shame", Thuggin'"

29. Wen- Signals

UK Grime producer Owen Darby's debut is a perfect culmination of the London Grime sound which dominates the city's club scene. Signals is dark yet dancey, with a sinister feeling looming underneath each song. The production is about as clean as grime has ever gotten, with thumping kicks, deep basslines, and ghostly samples. When listened to with good headphones/big speakers, this album is quite a treat for bass fans. Key Tracks: "Persian", "Vampin'", "Signals"

28. How to Dress Well- What is this Heart?

While the explosion of experimental R&B came in 2012 with acts such as Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, it still remains a prominent genre in 2014. With What is this Heart?, Tom Krell brings forth what is basically a pop album seen through the experimental R&B approach. With heart-melting lyrics, and lo-fi production, this is one of the most interesting pop albums of the year. Key Tracks: "What You Wanted" "Repeat Pleasure" "Pour Cyril"

27. Dalhous- Will to be Well

Producer Mark Dall's second LP is a unique take on atmospheric IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) sounds from the 90's. Will to be Well is not an electronic album made to dance to, it is more so aimed to take your mind into another world for its entirety. Fans of 90's electronica such as Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin will be in love when they hear it. Key Tracks: "A Communion with These People" "Four Daughters by Four Women" "Transference"

26. Damon Albarn- Everyday Robots

The Gorillaz/Blur frontman once again shows that he is still one of the most important names in rock music. Everyday Robots is much more straightforward and serious than most of his past works, but it still retains a little bit of his experimental edge to it. Never before has Albarn sounded so into the mature singer/songwriter style, and this seems like his statement where he's trying to say he's grown up. Key Tracks:  "Mr. Tembo" "Heavy Seas of Love" "Lonely Press Play"

25. FKA Twigs- LP1

Singer/producer FKA Twigs' first full debut brings experimental R&B to new emotional heights. Twigs' lyrics show a strong sense of feminine pride, while the production (from guests including Arca and Clams Casino) is extremely abstract and unpredictable. Not in a long time has their been a debut quite like this, where the artist seems to know exactly what they want, and FKA Twigs certainly succeeds in executing her vision. Key Tracks: "Two Weeks", "Pendulum"

24. Andy Stott- Faith in Strangers

UK Techno producer continues his chain of incredibly unique releases. With ambient sound textures, ghostly vocals and classic techno style beats, Stott manages to create a sound which others have attempted to recreate, but none have ever quite mastered. Stott truly has a one-of-a kind style, and Faith in Strangers is a perfect example of his flourishing creativity. Key Tracks: "Science and Industry", "Faith in Strangers", "No Surrender"

23. Todd Terje- It's Album Time

Retro/cocktail lounge vibes are plentiful in disco producer Todd Terje's first full length album. Although this technically is electronic music, it is filled with synths and keyboards which sounds a lot like 60's lounge and elevator music. Does this sound lame in theory? yes, but is it actually lame upon listening? no. It's Album Time is like watching the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in electronic music form. It's classy, smart, and most importantly, it's fun. Key Tracks: "Preben Goes to Acapulco", "Delorean Dynamite" "Inspector Norse"

22. Schoolboy Q- Oxymoron

Oxymoron brings L.A. rap-superstar Schoolboy Q another step towards manhood. He's smoked many blunts, done many drugs, and had his moment with many "hoes", now it is time for him to settle down, and he knows this. It's much less of a bragging statement than Habits & Contradictions and more of an internal reflection, which is shown especially on "Prescription/Oxymoron" (which is an incredibly dark track). While this does have a more solemn tune to it, Oxymoron will still make the whole party go nuts when it's put on. Key Tracks: "Man of the Year" "Prescription/Oxymoron", "Blind Threats (ft. Raekwon)"

21. Pink Floyd- The Endless River

This time last year, no one would have guessed that Pink Floyd would ever put another album out, because after all keyboardist Richard Wright is dead, and Roger Waters still hasn't made amends with David Gilmour. However this summer they announced that an album of leftover  material from the 1994 Division Bell sessions was mixed and compiled into an album. Since The Division Bell wasn't all that great, expectations weren't too high, but The Endless River is actually a nice send off to a band that has made such a giant impact on music. While almost every track is instrumental (yes, don't expect many Gilmour vocals), it still retains a classic Pink Floyd feel to it, as Gilmour, Wright, and Mason guide the listener down the endless river above the clouds. The music is extremely ambient, and it is crucial that each song is listened to in order from first to last. Key Tracks: "Things Left Unsaid" "Anisina" "Allons-Y (1)" "Louder than Words"

50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 2: #40-31

40. Vince Staples- Hell Can Wait

The MC known for his collaborations with Odd Future finally puts out the statement which the world has been waiting to hear from him. The powerful lyrical content on tracks such as “Hands Up” (referring to the Michael Brown incident) shows that Staples has truly blossomed as a solo artist, and the aggressive production helps a whole lot as well. Staples is no longer just an OF collaborator, he is here to prove his message. Key Tracks: "Blue Suede", "Hands Up"

39. Phish- Fuego

Trey Anastasio and the boys come back to prove that they've still got it after more than 30 years since they formed as a band. The instrumentation is as strong as ever and the lyrical content is fun and goofy, just like good old times. While the hardcore Phish fans might not have warmed up completely to these tracks yet, they will soon be singing along every word at future live Phish shows. Just like they say in the first track, they are indeed here to "keep it rolling". Key Tracks: "Fuego", "Waiting All Night", "Wingsuit"

38. Porter Robinson- Worlds

With the predictable downfall of 'EDM', producer/DJ Porter Robinson decided it was time to change his ways and move to a more mature, less repetitive sound. The result is a very atmospheric, 80's-esque collection of songs which at times is very reminiscent of M83. Robinson is a talented producer, and this album was a great chance for him to morph his skills which made him so big in the EDM scene into something that is a very ecstatic listen without any MDMA involved. Key Tracks: "Sea of Voices", "Sad Machine"

37. SBTRKT- Wonder Where We Land

After his phenomenal 2011 self titled album, mysterious producer SBTRKT spent some time out of the spotlight until this release Wonder Where We Land which takes his production in quite a different direction. Instead of creating thick-layered synth heavy dance tracks, here SBTRKT relies heavily on his guest vocalists, as he lays down the foundation for this collection of  (somewhat) poppy ballads. While this is not as cohesive as his first album, it is still well worth a listen. Key Tracks: "Lantern", "New Dorp, New York"

36. The War on Drugs- Lost in the Dream

Complete with 80's-esque rhythm and hazy guitars, Lost in the Dream is perfectly summed up by the image on the cover. The War on Drugs' create a very euphoric, dreamlike atmosphere by combining shoegaze with classic rock n roll reminiscent of legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. The "dream" referenced in the title is neither a good or a bad dream, it is more of a nostalgic look back into the past. Key Tracks: "Red Eyes", "Suffering"

35. MF Doom & Bishop Nehru- NehruvianDOOM

Hip-hop legend MF Doom and newcomer Bishop Nehru combine as duo almost like Batman training Robin to begin fighting crime. Doom sits back and lays down the beats for most of the album while his apprentice Nehru does most of the rapping. While Doom does an excellent job on the production, he only raps on about three songs, so if you were looking for some classic verses by him you'll have to wait til the next release (collab. with Ghostface Killah coming in 2015). However, Nehru does show a lot of potential to be an upcoming solo force in the game. Key Tracks: "Caskets", "Om"

34. TV on the Radio- Seeds

Seeds shows TVOTR taking a step towards making more accessible music than their previous works such as the beloved Dear Science (2009). Although it is less experimental, it still retains their signature alternative/electronica sound. This is about as straightforward as they have gotten, but it still holds together very well. Key Tracks: "Happy Idiot", "Right Now", "Careful You"

33. Prince- Art Official Age

The R&B legend returns with an extremely impressive release considering how long he's been around. Here, Prince crafts some awesome experimental R&B while his lyrics reflect the artificial nature of the current generation (get it? art-official age). Many songs show Prince embracing current music styles, but at the same time you always know that nobody else could have made it except him. Key Tracks: "Clouds", "Funknroll", "Breakfast Can Wait"

32. Hudson Mohawke- Chimes EP

While this is only a four track EP, the title track caused enough of a boom to land this release on the #32 spot on the list. With a feature on an Apple commercial and a remix with French Montana, "Chimes" has become Hudmo's defining song, complete with heavy bass and booming horns. While the title track shows off his TNGHT influenced side, "Brainwave" and "King Kong Beaver" lean more towards his sound on the 2009 album Butter. Key Tracks: "Chimes", "King Kong Beaver"

31. J. Mascis- Tied to a Star

The classic indie group Dinosaur Jr.'s frontman presents a beautiful collection of acoustic tracks which really highlight his vocal capabilities. Tied to a Star shows that despite all the time gone by, Mascis is still an amazing songwriter. While it is a lot less heavy than Dinosaur Jr., this album is just as good. Key Tracks: "Me Again", "Every Morning"