Cougar Microbes Writer Picks 2015: Jabes

jabes

1. Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Just Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit

Full review here

2. The Weeknd – Beauty Behind the Madness

Full review here

3. Leon Bridges – Comin Home

With the capabilities computers have brought to the overproduction of today’s music, it’s a sigh of relief to come across the sincere raw talent of Leon Bridges. Sultry vocals over 60’s soul guitar chords, audiences are catapulted back in time with a 60s style early r&b. ‘Comin Home‘ makes you wanna hold your lover close and just sway. With solid foundations blatantly rooted in the Temptations, even Bridges‘ backup doowop vocals are on point for the era of music he emanates.

4. Jamie Xx – In Colour

Full review here

5. Purity Ring – Another Eternity

Purity Ring returned to the scene with their sophomore album, another eternity, bringing bigger beats but the same tone and timbre delivered on their first album Shrines. The melancholic childlike vocals of Megan James dance playfully over the electropop sound in dreamlike wonder. Their subtle poetry over a stronger bass allows for much more movement on this beautiful compilation. With catchier standouts like “push pull,” and “bodyache,” this indie electronica duo is inching closer into the limelight with their unique sound.

6. Major Lazer – Peace is the Mission

After a year of being the busiest go-to producer for mainstream artists, and essentially reviving The Biebs’ career, Diplo reunited with Switch for another bass-thumping album as Major Lazer. Peace is the Mission is a solid round of reggaeton beats, unique featured artists, and that trademark Major Lazer sound that can only be described as an auto-tuned baby’s cry. The ubiquitous lead single “Lean On” featuring MØ is (and was) the perfect summer jam. With Elliphant on “Too Original,” their dance beats plaited together in dancehall harmony. Diplo and Switch continue to show off their talent, and as long as Major Lazer continues to have the time of their lives playing with friends, we will too.

7. Foals – What Went Down

Full review here

8. Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell

Full review here

9. Justin Bieber – Purpose

I caught Biebs fever this year – not even a guilty pleasure. wtf.

10. Miley Cyrus – Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz

Um, this is hands down the weirdest fucking album I’ve ever heard. And Her Dead Petz are The Flaming Lips of course.

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