Best Of 2014: #50-41

#50: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - "Give The People What They Want"

I don't think this is her best album, but it's still a damn good one. It's awesome that she was able to bounce back from cancer to promote and tour this album. She's a soldier for sure. 

Key track: "Retreat"

#49: D'Angelo & The Vanguard - "Black Messiah"

He snuck this out at the end of the year, and I haven't had enough time to fully process it, but I like what I hear. It's not a phenomenal, classic LP, but it is a triumphant return, and it's good to hear his voice again.

Key track: "Really Love"

#48: Jason Webley & Friends - "Margaret"

Pretty much the same story as D'Angelo, above. A December release that I enjoy, but haven't had enough time to process fully, and someone who hasn't been heard from in a while. I really like all the collaborators on this album, especially Eliza Rickman, who's voice sounds really superb.

Only live versions of the songs are on youtube, but you can listen to and purchase the album here.

#47: Weird Al Yankovic - "Mandatory Fun"

I think this is probably the most solid album of his career, and I definitely didn't see that coming.

Key track: "Foil"

#46: King Buzzo - "The Machine Kills Artists"

When I heard he was coming out with a solo acoustic LP, I was kinda 'meh' about the whole idea, but he definitely pulled it off with flying colors.

Key track: "Drunken Baby"

#45: Sebastien Tellier - "L'Aventura"

This album is beautifully produced. So much so, that I don't even mind that the lyrics are mostly in French. Definitely for fans of Air.

Key track: "Love"

#44: Thee Oh Sees - "Drop"

Yes, this album was a bit of a letdown after "Floating Coffin" and the "Moon Sick" EP, but it's still Thee Oh Sees, which means it's still awesome.

Key track: "The Lens"

#43: Crowbar - "Symmetry In Black"

Very solid and well-rounded, hard rock album. 

Key track: "Symmetry In White"

#42: Buck 65 - "Laundromat Boogie"

He put out this underground album around the same time as he put out his major release, "Neverlove". It's all some nice retro, dj oriented, upbeat, boom bappy production, with him doing comedy raps that are basically sexual innuendos using laundry terms.

Key track: "A Million Little Pieces"

#41: DJ Shadow - "The Liquid Amber EP"

A couple new songs from him where it seems like he's been slightly influenced by footwork, and then a Machinedrum remix of "Six Days"? Yes, please.

Key track: "Ghost Town"