{"id":7000,"date":"2015-12-30T14:20:51","date_gmt":"2015-12-30T20:20:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/?p=7000"},"modified":"2015-12-30T14:44:15","modified_gmt":"2015-12-30T20:44:15","slug":"the-reviews-are-in-the-best-music-of-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/?p=7000","title":{"rendered":"The Reviews Are In: The Best Music of 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

We love music and take it very serious here at In The Loop Magazine. Here are our reviews of what we consider the best music of 2015. \u00a0We all have our own reasons for making these decisions and may not meet eye to eye, but all agree when it comes to music, it’s an art and true art is in the eyes and ears of the beholder.<\/p>\n

Take a look and see if you agree with us or have something we missed.<\/p>\n

====================================================================================================<\/p>\n

James Currie \/\u00a0Editor in Chief<\/strong><\/p>\n

My musical taste is all over the place. I love it all, for the most part. As long as it’s real, passionate and makes my foot tap, I’ll listen to it. \u00a0Here is my top 15 of 2015. \u00a0I’ve broken it down into 3 categories. \u00a0Best Albums, Best Songs and Live Performances. \u00a0Alphabetical Order.<\/p>\n

Albums:<\/b><\/p>\n

1. Charlatans UK – Modern Nature<\/p>\n

2. The Chemical Brothers – Born In The Echoes<\/p>\n

3. Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit<\/p>\n

4. The Dead Weather – Dodge and Burn<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Deerhunter – Fading Frontier<\/p>\n

6. High on Fire – Luminferous<\/p>\n

7. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly<\/p>\n

8. Lamb of God – VII : Sturm Und Drang<\/p>\n

9. Nine Inch Nails – Record Store Day 2015 Box Set<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0Painted Palms – Horizons<\/p>\n

11. Peaches – Rub<\/p>\n

12. The Prodigy – The Day Is My Enemy<\/p>\n

13. Slayer – Repentless<\/p>\n

14. Tame Impala – Currents<\/p>\n

15. Wolf Alice – My Love Is Cool<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/b><\/p>\n

1. !!! – “All You Writers” from As If<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Beck – “Dreams” from Dreams single<\/p>\n

3. Crocodiles – “Cool TV” from Boys<\/p>\n

4. Django Django – “Shake & Tremble” from Born Under Saturn<\/p>\n

5. Elle King – “Ex’s & Oh’s” from Love Stuff<\/p>\n

6. Ghost – “Cirice” from Meliora<\/p>\n

7. Gary Clark Jr. – “Shake” from The Story of Sonny Boy Slim<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0Kurt Vile – “Like Like This” from b’lieve i’m going down<\/p>\n

9. Little Boots – “Get Things Done (Psychemagik Remix” from Working Girl The Remixes<\/p>\n

10. Missy Elliot – “WTF” from Where They From single<\/p>\n

11. Mini Mansions – “Vertigo” from The Great Pretenders<\/p>\n

12. New Order – “Plastic” from Music Complete<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0Speedy Ortiz – “The Graduates” from Foil Deer<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0Sleater-Kinney – “Bury Our Friends” from No Cities To Love<\/p>\n

15. Wilco – “Random Name Generator” from Star Wars<\/p>\n

Live:<\/b><\/p>\n

1. Foo Fighters at Wrigley Field<\/p>\n

2. Fuzz (2015 Tour at Thalia Hall)<\/p>\n

3. Grateful Dead at Soldier Field<\/p>\n

4. Ghost (2015 Tour at The Riviera Theatre)<\/p>\n

5. John Mellencamp (Farm Aid 30)<\/p>\n

6. Kinki at Ruidofest<\/p>\n

7. Lera Lynn at Fitzgeralds Americana Festival<\/p>\n

8. Misfits (The Static Age Revisited Tour at Portage Theatre)<\/p>\n

9. Paul McCartney at Lollapalooza<\/p>\n

10. Primus (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tour at Chicago Theatre)<\/p>\n

11. Pucifer (2015 Tour at the Riviera Theatre)<\/p>\n

12. RUSH R40 Tour at United Center<\/p>\n

13. Slipknot at Tinley Park<\/p>\n

14. Tobacco (Do Division Street Fest)<\/p>\n

15. Veruca Salt at Beat Kitchen<\/p>\n

====================================================================================================<\/p>\n

Christopher David \/ Staff Music Reviewer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Album of the Year: Failure – The Heart is a Monster<\/div>\n
This is probably the most predictable #1 record I could possibly have had this year, but hey, man. Perfection is perfection. I didn\u2019t think we\u2019d ever get a follow-up to\u00a0Fantastic Planet, but I knew that if it ever happened, it would be exactly this fucking flawless.\u00a0Ken<\/a>,\u00a0Kellii<\/a>, and Greg, I salute you. Let\u2019s keep this thing rolling.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
2. Veruca Salt – Ghost Notes<\/div>\n
So the #1 and #2 slots this year go to two of my favorite bands of all-time, both of whom effectively came and went in the \u201890s. As with Failure, I knew that if Nina and Louise ever buried the hatchet and resurrected VS proper, they\u2019d come back with guns blazing. Which they did. Probably the most triumphant and joyful reunion I\u2019ve ever seen, both from the band members and fan base – and for this band, there\u2019s very little line between the two, making the release of and tour for this album that much more awesome. After all these years, their best record.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
3. Ghost – Meliora<\/div>\n
What to say about Ghost, at this point? They\u2019ve gotten more accessible with every move, while retaining the best elements of their sound right down the line – in particular, this record integrates some elements of 1970s Italian progressive rock in the vein of Goblin or Frederico Fabrizzi (albeit very slightly) which couldn\u2019t make me happier.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
4. Marilyn Manson – The Pale Emperor<\/div>\n
I have been a Manson loyalist for many years. We share an affinity for music, liquor, and overall deviance, so in a just world, we\u2019d get to hang out regularly, because I\u2019m fairly sure that we\u2019d be chums. But he\u2019s admittedly gone through a bit of a rough period in the last few years where his records were a little uninspired. That\u2019s clearly over. This is his strongest record since the triptych, without a doubt.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
5. Presents for Sally – Colours & Changes<\/div>\n
Should Kevin Shields unexpectedly die or retire, here are the rightful heirs to My Bloody Valentine\u2019s crown, as far as I\u2019m concerned. Amazing, virtually unknown shoegaze band from the U.K. Let\u2019s hope that changes.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
6. Kid Wave – Wonderlust<\/div>\n
Another big surprise and welcome new addition to the Brit-pop landscape this year.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
7. The Dead Weather – Dodge & Burn<\/div>\n
Round three of Jack and Alison\u2019s fuzzed-out psycho rock\/blues combo is every bit as delicious as I expected it be.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
8. Lucifer – Lucifer I<\/div>\n
I admittedly have an apologist streak for \u201870s rock, particularly the darker, occult-based stuff, but\u00a0very\u00a0few bands can pull it off without it sounding silly. Johanna Sadonis is the real deal. Sabbath-worthy riffs courtesy of the amazing Gaz Jennings (the clear inspiration for my new beard, fine, I admit it) and a stage presence that is utterly hypnotizing. The record backs it up.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
9. Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats – The Night Creeper<\/div>\n
Creepy garage rock and a loosely conceptual record about a serial killer? Pretty much a no-brainer on my end, and a fantastic third record from this horrorific U.K. quartet.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
10. Colleen Green – I Want to Grow Up<\/div>\n
This record is a massive leap forward from 2013\u2019s Sock It To Me, which was great in its own right. Polished, unapologetic throwback \u201890s-style indie rock that calls to mind the all-time greats of the genre – Kristen Hersh, Tanya Donnelly, and the list goes on.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
11. Gardens & Villa – Music for Dogs<\/div>\n
12. Death Cab for Cutie – Kintsugi<\/div>\n
13. Whitehorse – Leave No Bridge Unburned<\/div>\n
14. Swervedriver – I Wasn\u2019t Born to Lose You<\/div>\n
15. Speedy Ortiz – Foil Deer<\/div>\n
16. John Howard & the Night Mail – S\/T<\/div>\n
17. Florence + the Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful<\/div>\n
18. Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Style<\/div>\n
19. Grace Potter – Midnight<\/div>\n
20. The Butterscotch Cathedral – S\/T<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
===================================================================================================<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Fernando Martin \/ Staff Music Writer<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

What a year for heavy metal it was. There were sick releases from just about every genre of metal this year and I must say that this was one of the best years for metal in a while. Iconic releases from the greats such as Lamb of God<\/em><\/strong> and the almighty Slayer<\/em><\/strong> to releases from up and comers like Borealis<\/em><\/strong> and Unleash The Archers<\/em><\/strong>, heavy metal never ceases to amaze from every corner of the world. For any metal fan, you know it\u2019s a dire challenge ranking anything in order by performance, sound, favorite band, etc. So in no particular order, here are my favorite albums of 2015.<\/p>\n

A.D.D. – Core<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

From the Chicagoland area, Hard Rockers, A.D.D.<\/em><\/strong> aka Analog Digital Disorder<\/em>, bring an album that has all your signature hard rock elements. From the aggressive anthems to reminiscent tracks, the album surely will please any hard rocker. Recommended tracks include I Regret, Not My Way<\/em><\/strong> and Nightmare. <\/em><\/strong>Having achieved great milestones in their career, look out for this group to be one of the faces of metal in the Chicago area soon.<\/p>\n

Scorpions – Return To Forever<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not everyday someone releases their 18th album. That\u2019s right, 18 albums in and the Scorpions<\/em> still have that sting and spark from day one. I certainly hope this isn\u2019t their final album as the album is utmost perfect. The album encompasses twelve arena sounding, anthemic, electrifying tracks that really press the issues of everyday life, not to mention the homage to the world of Rock. Check out We Built This House, Rock N\u2019 Roll Band<\/em><\/strong> and House Of Cards.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Borealis – Purgatory<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The youngest, most talented metal band that I know of resides just north of us. From Canada, Power Metal quintet, Borealis<\/em><\/strong>, bring us their album, Purgatory<\/em><\/strong>. Highly talented, atmospheric, rigorous and harmonic, the album will appease any Power\/Progressive metal fan. Noticeably more mature than their previous album, if any emerging metal band deserves a spot in the metal hall of fame, I can bet that Borealis<\/em><\/strong> might be future contenders. Check out Past The Veil<\/em><\/strong>, My Peace<\/em><\/strong> and Sacrifice<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Frantic Amber – Burning Insight<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A metal band comprised of 4 females and 1 male. If you\u2019re seeking the most badass female metal group, these gals are it right here. Coming together from different regions of the world, Frantic Amber\u2019s<\/em><\/strong> album surely will give you something to go apeshit about. Easily one of the most intense albums of the year personally, speed, aggression and headbanging are heavily present throughout. All their videos are like mini-movies, which I highly recommend. They are a metal gem waiting to be found. Check out Soar, Bleeding Sanity<\/em><\/strong> and Awakening<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Bullet For My Valentine – Venom<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A group who\u2019s been gaining momentum quickly, their latest album, Venom<\/em><\/strong>, fuses some of their past signature elements in addition to a refreshing sound. Lyrically strong, there are several tracks that really tackle struggles that make select people\u2019s lives hard to come by. A win win for both the fan and band, this is their best album hands down. You\u2019ll be thankful once you get injected with the \u201cVenom\u201d. Check out Army Of Noise, You Want A Battle?, <\/em><\/strong>and Pariah<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Kamelot – Haven<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Take current world life events, symbolism and controversy. Mix that with melancholic tones, uplifting soaring melodies as well as addicting memorable tunes and you have Kamelot\u2019s<\/u><\/em><\/strong> latest album, Haven.<\/em><\/strong> Everything a Power Metal fan could want is here. This album will take you on a majestic journey from ominous and dark tracks to stimulatingly triumphant anthems. The Symphonic aspect adds that unique touch of chaos. You are missing out on a great album if you haven\u2019t listened to Haven<\/em><\/strong>. Check out Veil Of Elysium, My Therapy<\/em><\/strong> and the epic Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Slayer – Repentless<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Each Slayer album release causes havoc amongst the metal community and this album is more special than any of the albums since their beginning days. Their first album without original drummer, Dave Lombardo<\/em><\/strong>, as well as the late Jeff Hanneman<\/em><\/strong>, this album would be critical in the group’s career. Of course the album delivered and made us fans proud. That\u2019s not to say that the absence of Jeff and Dave made no difference. While some say that the addition of fresh blood made the album superior, there will always be those who say that Slayer will never be the same again. I am not one to jump into that argument, but nonetheless, Repentless <\/em><\/strong>has all the signature Slayer<\/em> elements and ferocity with a slight vibe of change. Check out Repentless, Cast The First Stone<\/em><\/strong>, and Chasing Death.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unleash The Archers – Time Stands Still<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This album is just insane for an up and coming band from Canada. From death metal to battle metal, power metal and straight up traditional metal, I knew this album would be in my top albums of the year. Perfectly composed and structured, this might be one of the best and most unique albums you\u2019ve ever heard. If you like your music heroic, epic, anthemic and all matters related Time Stands Still<\/u><\/em><\/strong> by Unleash The Archers<\/u><\/em><\/strong> needs to be in your library. Prepare to face beyond epic moments. Check out Hail Of The Tide, Test Your Metal<\/em><\/strong> and No More Heroes.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lamb Of God – Sturm And Drang<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Another metal band that had gone through misfortune lately, this was Lamb Of God\u2019s<\/em><\/strong> return to the metal scene. After lead man Randy Blythe <\/em><\/strong>finally owned his alcoholism and then thrown in jail for the death of a fan at a show overseas, the future of the band was in doubt. Their return with Sturm And Drang<\/em><\/strong>, was much received by the metal community. Combining classic Lamb Of God<\/em> with a fresher sound and lyrics that Blythe<\/em> wrote while imprisoned, the album delivers superior results. Check out 512, Engage The Fear Machine <\/em><\/strong>and Delusion Pandemic.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Disturbed – Immortalized<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Chicago boys are back and better than ever. This was their return album after a 4-year hiatus which was also ended with their first and only show in 4 years at the House of Blues in their native Chicago. Disturbed<\/em><\/strong> felt great to be back and their album, Immortalized<\/em><\/strong> brings in a fresh new sound as well as bring light to subject matters that are controversial and plaguing our society at the moment. They never disappoint with each album so if you haven\u2019t checked out Immortalized<\/em><\/strong>, what are you waiting for<\/em>??! Check out Fire It Up, Immortalized<\/em><\/strong> and The Vengeful One<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Another year gone, 2016 looks to be another sick year for the world of heavy metal. Who knows what albums will be coming out this year or who we will lose in the world of metal, if anyone. I can feel the genre more triumphant than ever. Cheers to a very metal 2016.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

====================================================================================================<\/p>\n

Amy Hughes \/ Staff Music Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n

20. Pentatonix,\u00a0“The Tonight Show Theme” (Acapella) [Live]<\/div>\n
An\u00a0out-of-nowhere-only-heard-on-the-broadcast interpretation of Jimmy Fallon’s intro. 1:18 of pure amazement.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
19. Missy Elliott, “WTF (Where They From)” [feat. Pharrell Williams]<\/div>\n
Slippery vocals with a long line of thumping buzz, punctuated by raps from Williams bring Elliott back to hip-hop form.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
18. Keith Urban, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”<\/div>\n
The funky bass line, coupled with nostalgic lyrics, pushes country boy Urban firmly into the rock mainstream.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
17. Nicolas Jaar, “Swim”<\/div>\n
Organic introductory rhythms turn into synth instrumental dance beats and end with pounding pulses.\u00a0Electronic meets club hopping meets ambient.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
16. Ryan Adams, “1989”<\/div>\n
The alternate universe to Taylor Swift’s, this is not a replica but a love letter to the queen of pop, re-imagined through the world-weariness of Adams’ personal transformations.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
15. Aphex Twin, “diskhat ALL prepared1mixed 13”<\/div>\n
Crisply arranged acousto-electronica with faint traces of African\u00a0world beats\u00a0move along spritely.\u00a0A\u00a0toe-tapper.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
14. Kiiara, “Gold”<\/div>\n
20-year-old hardware store clerk from Illinois makes misty electro-pop. Hit the dream button.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
13. Parmalee, “Already Callin’ You Mine”<\/div>\n
This\u00a0hook laden single should rope this\u00a0quartet into the country arena.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
12. Jack + Eliza, “Gentle Warnings”<\/div>\n
Debut album showcases the sun-dappled harmonies of these twenty somethings with breezy Sixties guitar backings.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
11. Alabama Shakes, “Sound & Color”<\/div>\n
Brittany Howard & Co. explode with earthy rock roots and careening side trips to smoky landscapes of 70s swamp and soul.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
10. Squeeze, “Cradle To The Grave”<\/div>\n
The smart pop of this very British band marks a return of original material after nearly 20 years. Jaunty, muscular and playful.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
9. Rhiannon Giddens, “Tomorrow Is My Turn”<\/div>\n
A complete package of Americana, coupled with deep emotion and throaty vocals. A joyful celebration.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
8. Leon Bridges, “Coming Home”<\/div>\n
Retro bluesy trippy throwback, mixed with confident notes gets Bridges a great debut turntable spin.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
7. The I Don’t Cares, “1\/22 P”<\/div>\n
Juliana Hatfield plus Paul Westerberg. ‘Nuff said.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
6. Blur, “Lonesome Street”<\/div>\n
Go back to the 90s and get caught up with the 21st century edition of Britpop.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
5. Selena Gomez, “Good for You” (feat. A$AP Rocky)<\/div>\n
Teen pop grows up and Gomez juts out her jaw with this dance mix-y slow burn.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
4. Beck, “Dreams”<\/div>\n
High octane, up beat\u00a0funk with swirls of bumpy garage alt flavors. Beck is going in another direction and it’s okay to follow.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
3. Dawes, “All Your Favorite Bands”<\/div>\n
There’s a lot of hope intertwined with the folk leanings the band is known for. Delivered with older brother sincerity and pinings for a better tomorrow.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
2. Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk” (feat. Bruno Mars)<\/div>\n
This homage to\u00a0electro boogie\u00a0pop, coupled with goofy lyrics wiped\u00a0up the\u00a0dance\u00a0floor\u00a0and\u00a0propelled\u00a0Ronson\u00a0skyward. Period.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
1. Sufjan Stevens, “Carrie & Lowell”<\/div>\n
Brilliant lo-fi folk, coupled with autobiographical references whisper to the core of these intimate tales. As Stevens stated, “This is my life.” The best so far.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
====================================================================================================<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We love music and take it very serious here at In The Loop Magazine. Here are our reviews of what we consider the best music of 2015. \u00a0We all have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,39,20],"tags":[221,223,224,219,218,222,220],"class_list":["post-7000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-music-news","category-reviews","tag-2015-in-review","tag-best-album-of-2015","tag-best-live-performance-of-2015","tag-best-music-of-2015","tag-best-of-2015","tag-best-song-of-2015","tag-music-review-of-2015"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7000"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7000\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/beintheloopchicago.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}