Music of 2014

[troutman]

To wrap up 2014, here is the famous Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll:

http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/
This year, 612 Pazz + Jop voters submitted their top ten albums and singles. With albums, they have 100 points to divide among their top ten picks, with each entry receiving no more than 30 points or less than five. There's no point-ranking system for the singles category, which remains amorphous, comprising individual songs, remixes, downloads, viral sensations, etc. Literal release dates aren't binding, but a record or single's "impact" should have occurred primarily in 2014; in most cases, if it got votes in 2013 and 2014, we combined the two two totals. It's not as complicated as it sounds. Thanks especially to all voters, commenters, and essayists.

Pazz + Jop: 2014's 50 Best Albums
http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/albums/

Pazz + Jop: 2014's Top Songs
http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/

[macker]

An album from 2014 that I am dragging into 2015 is Chris Staples "American Soft" Didn't see it on any lists so an undrafted gem!

[troutman]

Beck Responds to Kanye Grammy Diss: 'I Thought Beyonce Was Going to Win'

During post-Grammy interview, rapper said, "Beck needs to respect artistry" and give his Album of the Year award to Beyoncé

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...o-win-20150209

[Senator Clay Davis]

Kanye is the biggest asshat in the history of the entertainment business. His new album is gonna tank regardless of how good it is because no one likes him anymore as a person and no one wants to see him do anything but fail. Still a good artist overall but easily the most unlikeable musician ever.

And his "artistry" comment is borderline offensive considering Beyonce appears to have nearly 30 writers on her album while Beck has one, and she and Kanye both use auto-tune and heavily sampled music. He's not even likeable as an anti-hero. He's just a dick.

[troutman]

Garbage’s Shirley Manson Calls Kanye West A “Twat” In Open Letter

http://www.stereogum.com/1736545/shi...eres-the-beef/



Dear Kanye West
It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK.
You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own.
Grow up and stop throwing your toys around.
You are making yourself look like a complete twat.
Ps.I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.

[Burke Salad]

What was so different about this Beyonce album vs. all her other pre-written over rated crap?