Honourable Mentions
Blur : The Magic Whip
We said: “There are a few things that lifelong fans will nitpick over – Coxon’s otherworldly guitar is under-utilised, and knees-up Parklife (1994) diehards might have a hard time – but overall this is one of the best bands of its generation adding an essential chapter to its storied career.”
Key track: Lonesome Street
Royal Headache : High
We said: “On High, Royal Headache display the vibrancy that grew out of their debut and crawled its way through Sydney’s fractured urban sprawl. Emerging caked in dirt and grit, the result isn’t pretty but the beauty is definitely there – just beneath the blunt-edged guitars and world-worn battle-scars.”
Key track: Carolina
Tame Impala : Currents
We said: “These are the times, people: some of the best Australian music is being made right here, right now. Well, in Fremantle, to be precise. Currents is the sound of Parker dropping his guard and embracing everything he loves about great pop music.”
Key track: Let It Happen
Kurt Vile : b’lieve I’m Goin Down…
We said: “The pace is generally steady, if not lackadaisical, and the lyrics seem off the cuff yet contain radiant insight, near-psychedelic imagery and more than a touch of humour.”
Key track: Wheelhouse
Kendrick Lamar : To Pimp A Butterfly
We said: “To Pimp A Butterfly is not a comfortable or easy listen by any means – from its themes and musical persuasion to the sheer length of it – but it is certainly worthwhile. Lamar could’ve taken the easy route and continued along the same path as his first album. But on Butterfly you feel the pressure and responsibility he feels to act as a voice to the people and live up to the influences he idolises so much.”
Key track: King Kunta
Father John Misty : I Love You, Honeybear
We said: “Even with all the cynicism and humour, I Love You, Honeybear is an inexplicably touching listen, and more genuinely captivating than most of its romantic musical counterparts. It captures all the highs and lows that go along with love, right up to the closing line of the album, when Tillman approaches his wife-to-be and asks, “I’ve seen you around, what’s your name?””
Key track: Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
Album of the Year
Courtney Barnett : Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
We said: “There are many aspects of Courtney Barnett’s music to admire: the quirky lyrics, the catchy riffs, the wry humour, and the manifest absence of ego. But above all, it’s the sheer ordinariness that makes the strongest subconscious impression. While this album has caused Courtney Barnett’s star to rise spectacularly, she’s not a rock star: she’s just Courtney Barnett, and there isn’t anyone else like her.”
Key track: Pedestrian At Best
