Throughout December we at PT:HQ are bringing you end of year lists from bands, labels and promoters. We’ll have a new one for you everyday so keep your eyes peeled for them! See all the lists here.

Jon Loudon (Restorations)

 

Top 3 albums of 2014

Swans – To Be Kind

My favorite album this year by a mile. This is the end result of decades and decades of work on a single idea. I caught them live in London after tour earlier this year and its dominated my musical thinking since. A huge, loose, powerful sound that doesn’t feel overly forceful or masculine.

Bry Webb – Free Will

Obviously one of my favorite songwriters. “Let’s Get Through Today” is about as good as it gets for me. File under: I would listen to this guy recite a technical manual.

Steve Gunn – Way Out Weather

More spacey/folky guitar music from Philly/NY. This sound doesn’t get old to me, no matter how many artists seem to be doing it at the moment. Everybody thats come out of this sub-scene is just on a whole different planet.

Top 3 songs of 2014

Sun Kil Moon – “I watched The Film ‘The Song Remains The Same’”

More of this, Mark. Less PR stunts.

Bry Webb – “Let’s Get Through Today”

Spacey folk music. You know where I’m at.

Strand of Oaks – “Shut In”

The Top-40 90s hit that was a decade or two late. Brilliant.

Top pick for 2015

A tie between Hopalong (Joe Reinhart and John Agnello locked in a room together?!) and Mock Orange (the most underrated band of all time).