Top 10 Records of 2015 As Chosen by Sell Out Records
The year is ending, and that means that we once again will unlock the vault and pick out 10 of the best records of 2015. A ton of music was released this year, and a lot of it I covered, and a lot of it I didn’t. There was so much that you may find yourself wondering what was the best. Then again, you may not even know that I exist, and that’s fine too. Whatever the case is, here are the top 10 records in no particular order of 2015. These are chosen by popularity, frequency of play, and my criteria of randomness.
Murs “Have a Nice Life”
The first major record I recommend as the best, is none other than this one from Murs. Murs signed to Strange Music and dropped what very well may be the best hip hop record that Murs has put out in a long time. Every track on this one is a banger, and the music videos are absolutely grand. If you have yet to listen, go for it, it’s an incredible record with a lot of attention to lyricism, unique beats, and high quality production. Order it here, via amazon.com
Czarface “Every Hero Needs a Villain”
You already know that I love Esoteric, so when he teamed up with 7L again for the second Czarface record, you knew I was all about it. This time around, however, I didn’t get into it as well as the first release from the duo. However, as you start to listen to the mix, and the guests on the album, you realize that this is a great record with a lot of hip hop flow from the mighty team. You can order it here, via amazon.com
P.O.D. “The Awakening”
P.O.D. still has some powerful music behind them. This concept record is absolutely a rock powerhouse. Even though some people thought that this was a failure because it didn’t hit number one in the charts, I thought it was a great one. The musical approach is great. It’s an amazing album with some incredible drumming, backed by Sonny’s powerful delivery. A message heard, with conceptual storytelling, and great guitar notes. There are some great songs on this one. Order it here, via amazon.com
Children 18:3 “Come In”
Children 18:3 was an incredible band that I first met at Tomfest or whatever it was called when I showed up. The bass player had me completely head over heels. I wish I had an opportunity to spend more time with her, and perhaps get to know her better. But alas, that’s what happens in life, we miss out on opportunities. Either way, this is by far the strongest effort from the trio. It’s a powerhouse of punk rock, and pop glory, with strong vocals, great rhythms, and a message of peace. It’s a beautiful record, and one of my favorites of this year. Order it here, via amazon.com
Local Resident Failure “This Here’s The Hard Part”
One of my absolute favorite new bands coming out of Australia is none other than Local Resident Failure. These guys put on a showcase of punk rock and pop that no other band is doing right now. The drums are incredible on this record, and the lyrics are a mix of personal and political movements that are second to none. They supported Nofx and Pennywise in Australia, so you know they are not just another band of punkers. These guys really are great, and the record is absolutely fun to listen to. Order it here, via amazon.com
Matisyahu “Live At Stubbs Volume 3”
As if you needed an introduction to this one, Matisyahu put on one of the best live shows of his career and it was recorded on this record. Live at Stubbs 3 is an incredible journey of reggae, roots, and hip hop from the amazing artist known as Matisyahu. Shaking the strict Jewish persona, to a more free formed spiritualist, this guy really shocked me once again. This is a record that makes you think, and love, and find peace. It’s a great one. Order it here, via amazon.com
Against ME! “23 Live Sex Acts”
Well, well, another live album? Yep, Against Me put out a great record here, and I loved it. Some reviewers had negative things to say, but not me, I loved the interaction with the crowd, the sound of the recordings from various shows, and the great intensity of the mix here. 23 tracks that span the best of the band live, and I truly enjoy it all. If you’re a fan of the band, there’s no introduction needed, you already have this, and if you don’t, what are you waiting for? Order it here, via amazon.com
Strung Out “Transmission.Alpha.Delta”
Oh man, this is one of the best punk rock releases of this year, and it still hits hard. The record has great production value, but it’s the fast guitar work and the drums that keeps you coming back for more. There are 12 tracks here, and it’s a tribute to the fans, or rather it’s just a record that feels so alive, you’re bound to want to listen to it on repeat. When it came out, I didn’t hear much from music critics, but now, people are starting to go back and listen to this surprisingly good record. Order it here, via amazon.com
Faith No More “Sol Invictus”
It came and it went. Faith No More put out one of their best records, and yet I didn’t hear nearly as many people talking about it. Mike Patton and crew put on a showcase of production here, with great overall rhythm, guitar work, and the signature metallic sounds of the band. If you hadn’t listened to the band in a while, this got you back into the groove, as the band showed off just why they are legends in the metal and hard rock world. You won’t want to miss this one. Order it here, via amazon.com
Kendrick Lamar “To Pimp A Butterfly”
Do I need to say much about this one? “To Pimp A Butterfly” is perhaps one of the best hip hop records ever put to wax. Kendrick pulled through a lot here, from fame to fortune to so much more of an inner struggle. There’s bravado here, but there’s also optimism, and there’s a lot to this record. The beats are fascinating, the song structures are crazy, and this is one of the best and perhaps the most debated records that you’re going to listen to this year. If you haven’t yet, pick it up, it’s a fascinating journey from start to finish. Order it here, via amazon.com
Murs “Have a Nice Life”
The first major record I recommend as the best, is none other than this one from Murs. Murs signed to Strange Music and dropped what very well may be the best hip hop record that Murs has put out in a long time. Every track on this one is a banger, and the music videos are absolutely grand. If you have yet to listen, go for it, it’s an incredible record with a lot of attention to lyricism, unique beats, and high quality production. Order it here, via amazon.com
Czarface “Every Hero Needs a Villain”
You already know that I love Esoteric, so when he teamed up with 7L again for the second Czarface record, you knew I was all about it. This time around, however, I didn’t get into it as well as the first release from the duo. However, as you start to listen to the mix, and the guests on the album, you realize that this is a great record with a lot of hip hop flow from the mighty team. You can order it here, via amazon.com
P.O.D. “The Awakening”
P.O.D. still has some powerful music behind them. This concept record is absolutely a rock powerhouse. Even though some people thought that this was a failure because it didn’t hit number one in the charts, I thought it was a great one. The musical approach is great. It’s an amazing album with some incredible drumming, backed by Sonny’s powerful delivery. A message heard, with conceptual storytelling, and great guitar notes. There are some great songs on this one. Order it here, via amazon.com
Children 18:3 “Come In”
Children 18:3 was an incredible band that I first met at Tomfest or whatever it was called when I showed up. The bass player had me completely head over heels. I wish I had an opportunity to spend more time with her, and perhaps get to know her better. But alas, that’s what happens in life, we miss out on opportunities. Either way, this is by far the strongest effort from the trio. It’s a powerhouse of punk rock, and pop glory, with strong vocals, great rhythms, and a message of peace. It’s a beautiful record, and one of my favorites of this year. Order it here, via amazon.com
Local Resident Failure “This Here’s The Hard Part”
One of my absolute favorite new bands coming out of Australia is none other than Local Resident Failure. These guys put on a showcase of punk rock and pop that no other band is doing right now. The drums are incredible on this record, and the lyrics are a mix of personal and political movements that are second to none. They supported Nofx and Pennywise in Australia, so you know they are not just another band of punkers. These guys really are great, and the record is absolutely fun to listen to. Order it here, via amazon.com
Matisyahu “Live At Stubbs Volume 3”
As if you needed an introduction to this one, Matisyahu put on one of the best live shows of his career and it was recorded on this record. Live at Stubbs 3 is an incredible journey of reggae, roots, and hip hop from the amazing artist known as Matisyahu. Shaking the strict Jewish persona, to a more free formed spiritualist, this guy really shocked me once again. This is a record that makes you think, and love, and find peace. It’s a great one. Order it here, via amazon.com
Against ME! “23 Live Sex Acts”
Well, well, another live album? Yep, Against Me put out a great record here, and I loved it. Some reviewers had negative things to say, but not me, I loved the interaction with the crowd, the sound of the recordings from various shows, and the great intensity of the mix here. 23 tracks that span the best of the band live, and I truly enjoy it all. If you’re a fan of the band, there’s no introduction needed, you already have this, and if you don’t, what are you waiting for? Order it here, via amazon.com
Strung Out “Transmission.Alpha.Delta”
Oh man, this is one of the best punk rock releases of this year, and it still hits hard. The record has great production value, but it’s the fast guitar work and the drums that keeps you coming back for more. There are 12 tracks here, and it’s a tribute to the fans, or rather it’s just a record that feels so alive, you’re bound to want to listen to it on repeat. When it came out, I didn’t hear much from music critics, but now, people are starting to go back and listen to this surprisingly good record. Order it here, via amazon.com
Faith No More “Sol Invictus”
It came and it went. Faith No More put out one of their best records, and yet I didn’t hear nearly as many people talking about it. Mike Patton and crew put on a showcase of production here, with great overall rhythm, guitar work, and the signature metallic sounds of the band. If you hadn’t listened to the band in a while, this got you back into the groove, as the band showed off just why they are legends in the metal and hard rock world. You won’t want to miss this one. Order it here, via amazon.com
Kendrick Lamar “To Pimp A Butterfly”
Do I need to say much about this one? “To Pimp A Butterfly” is perhaps one of the best hip hop records ever put to wax. Kendrick pulled through a lot here, from fame to fortune to so much more of an inner struggle. There’s bravado here, but there’s also optimism, and there’s a lot to this record. The beats are fascinating, the song structures are crazy, and this is one of the best and perhaps the most debated records that you’re going to listen to this year. If you haven’t yet, pick it up, it’s a fascinating journey from start to finish. Order it here, via amazon.com
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