Best Rock Album of 2014

Toddnkaya- listened to Strand of Oaks a couple times. I think the group has promise. Interesting combo (post punk with rock cues), but still pretty raw imo. Some of this is intentional, but I look forward to see them grow.

Orenda Fink "Blue Dream".

I mention this one twice because it is absolutely wonderful!!!! Get it!!!

Bongofury: I was somewhat let down by Spoons latest. I felt it was too pop oriented and lacked the raw edginess and inventivness of the majority of their previous efforts.

Regarding the latest Spoon lp:.

Everyone seems to be gushing over it.

IMO, It's a step backwards. There's no SOUL. (Apparently, they took their soul)

They content isn't up to Spoon's past standards! The sonics are sterile, digital. No "soul".

They seem to have "jumped the shark".

New Pornographers "Bill Bruisers" is really, really good! (as is the sweet color vinyl/recording)

a couple I've enjoyed this year:
swans, to be kind; angel olson, burn no fire; real estate, atlas; fresh and onlys, house of spirits. also just heard ryan adams' punk ep, 1984, which i'm digging--sounds exactly like classic 80's sst buzzsaw rawk (husker du,dinosaur, etc.)