1. Jüppala Kääpiö: Animalia Corolla
Kääpiö here take the free folk musings of their 2010 album Sporing Promenade and expand them greatly. Many criticize the increased traditional musicality put on display here (the album is far less sparse than their previous attempt because of a bit of instrumental drone), but I found it very satisfying. The atmosphere here is different than before but still very earthy and meditative. A relaxing summer night spin that never gets old.
2. Jakob Ullmann: Fremde Zeit Addendum
In classic Ullmann fashion, this three-disc set contains four virtually silent compositions. As opposed to A Catalogue of Sounds, these compositions are much more Feldman-inspired. The "point" is no longer the low volume: it is the wellspring of airy sounds that lurk beneath a haze of nothingness. Comes highly recommended for those rainy days in particular.
3. Charles Gayle: Streets
Wonderful free jazz explorations here. A very solid disc from one of jazz's late-blooming greats.
4. Death Grips: The Money Store
A significant step up from Exmilitary, which was excellent in its own right - this is remarkably consistent and explores more of the harsh beat territory that I felt got skirted a bit by reliance on guitar in the mixtape. Really makes me wanna hear their sophomore LP, released later this year.
5. Vikki Jackman, Andrew Chalk & Jean-Nöel Rebilly: A Paper Doll's Whisper of Spring
An excellent ambient work from a few of the greats on the underrated Faraway Press label. Their strength certainly lies in unity: Jackman's usual escapes into the ether are curbed by the other performers and Chalk shines as always (though takes a step down from his previous collaboration with Daisuke Suzuki). This was my first listen to Rebilly's work, and she certainly rounds out the trio finely.
6. Grimes: Visions
"Oblivion" is irresistable. Though her public persona might be a bit anger-inducing, she is nevertheless accurate in a lot of her discussion of her music: a minimalist influence is definitely there, and the maximalist impulses of dance music are miraculously balanced here to generate a pop concoction that I can't avoid.
And those are the six I've heard so far this year that I think rate high enough to deserve mention, though other notables were Azealia Banks, Animal Collective's single, Beach House, Swans, Clams Casino, Lana Del Rey, and, if you count them, Trixie's Big Red Motorbike with their newly remastered compilation.
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