!earshot Top 200 of 2020

Actor Lee Marvin was born under a wandering star. And while Calgary's Chad VanGaalen draws on country classics for his fifth record, Shrink Dust, his star would be more accurately described as reverberating. 2014's record saw Chad in a mellower state with a few tracks that even find soft strums out-weighing sonic chaos. Die-hard fans need not despair though, or head out to buy country boots, because Chad remains weird through and through to the delight and vague terror of his listeners. Shrink Dust explodes and serenades you through twisted landscapes alongside mutilated monsters with all the aural glory and wreckage Chad is known for.
By Megan Clark
8 weeks at #1 (May 27 to July 15, 2014)

DeMarco is so big now that during the last week of December he auctioned off some used sneakers for charity and raised $11,000. Vancouver indie music fans will always be the guy or girl at the party who can say, "I'm so cool. I saw Mac when he played in Makeout Videotape"--the band he was in here before he moved to Montreal and tried being a solo artist. His solo work is so simple and immediate that it's won over EVERY music writer in 2014. What Best of 2014 list is he NOT on?
By Scott Wood
7 weeks at #1 (April 8 to May 20, 2014)

Many names have been used for Canadian composer, musician and recording artist, Dan Snaith. Initially, he went by Manitoba. But Snaith had to look for another stage name after being threatened with a copyright lawsuit. He settled on Caribou and reissued his previous work. He also opts for a third moniker, Daphni, when working on for some side projects. He has more than 10 releases to his various names, since starting to release music back in the early 2000s; and this amassed discography has not gone unnoticed. Caribou's 2007 album Andorra won the 2008 Polaris Music Prize, followed by a 2010 Polaris Music Prize shortlist placement for the his Caribou album, Swim and then in 2013, his Daphni LP, Jiaolong, was long-listed for the 2013 Polaris Music Prize. Now his sixth Caribou release, Our Love put out on October 7, 2014 through Merge Records, seems primed to follow suit. The 2014 album retains the auditory charm found on his previous records but his themes and lyrics have shifted and matured. This latest record for Caribou embraces and explores Snaith's changing life circumstances, including fatherhood.
By Sarah Hoyles
10 weeks at #1 (October 14 to December 16, 2014)
Also #1 on the Electronic Top 20 of 2014

Vancouver's favorite garage duo made a power move this year and released their first record on Vancouver's big time Nettwerk label, leaving Mint Records (Nardwuar's home label) behind. This means Do Not Engage saw some mainstream radio play and was the soundtrack to a few TV shows. These two may be upwardly mobile, but they're still incredibly talented. Don't worry. They'll still drink all the beer at your Dad's BBQ party, pick a fight with your cousin and pass out under the picnic table--making the event talked about for years.
By Scott Wood
10 weeks at #1 (January 28 to April 1, 2014)

This release marks fourteen years since their first release, Mass Romantic, astounded listening and dancing audiences. Brill Bruisers harnesses the music multitude with a similar production formula and obvious enthusiasm. The vocals are exciting, and the lyrics are well-written reflections of the rock-pop persuasion. The lively music will have listeners relishing the inviting and passionate anthems. This is The New Pornographers' sixth studio release. Brill Bruisers has style, sass, depth, breadth and pizzazz much like their first release. The New Pornographers will not fail to bring the listener back to their fold with this thirteen-track release; Brill Bruisers is excellent quality music.
By Tristin N-Goodmanson
3 weeks at #1 (September 9 to September 23, 2014)

Death From Above 1979 from Toronto make music that lifts the roof, and smashes the pavement on impact. The eleven-track release is their second in a decade of uncertainty for the band as to their continuing on as Death From Above 1979; they disbanded in 2006. Reuniting in 2011 brought about the combination of attitude and energy evinced on The Physical World. It is produced by Dave Sardy (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis), and encompasses the very same brazen insistence that fans come to expect of the band: bass that slaps, drums that pound, shrill, intense vocals and sharp lyrics. Both band mates contribute to the songwriting and do not disappoint. The Physical World is a volcano exploding with brash synth, molten drum rolls and red hot popping bass that doesn't quit until you do.
By Tristin N-Goodmanson
2 weeks ar #1 (September 30 to October 7, 2014)

2014 was big for Halifax's Monomyth. This trip around the sun included signing with a label and releasing their debut album. This isn't the first band for many of the members, they also play with the East Coast bands, Nap Eyes and Psychic Fair. Having self-released a couple of singles and an EP since 2012, the band of Haligonians caught the ear of Vancouver-based Mint Records. In April 2014, the Nova Scotia band was officially announced as the label's newest act. Then on July 22, their first full length album, Saturnalia Regalia dropped. With a runtime just shy of 30 minutes, it truly resides in the pop rock tradition - a great hook, strong guitar riffs, cheery vocals and jangly tone. Some may feel the urge to draw a line from earlier Halifax bands (like Sloan or Thrush Hermit) straight to these gents, but I would caution against it. Their songs are very much of the now, allowing for distortion, dirt and touches of the psychedelic. Although the three of the band members share the song writing duties, the eight tracks are cohesive and speak (er...sing) to one another. It;s music that didn't leave the garage just because it found a label.
By Sarah Hoyles
7 weeks at #1 (July 22 to September 2, 2014)

Out of dark steamy forests came Timber Timbre's 2014 release, Hot Dreams. The record garnered rave reviews all around for its complex tone and sensual sound. Building on their unique vocal and lyrical style the band brought everything to the next level with Hot Dreams. The record is as soothing as it is unnerving. It's no wonder this, the band's fifth record, found them a place on the year's Polaris Prize shortlist.
By Megan Clark
Highest Rank: #2 (April 15 to May 2, 2014)

2014 saw the release of the new Pink Mountaintops record. Pink Mountaintops is really Stephen McBean and his collaborators. To give you an idea, McBean - who himself also plays in Black Mountain, Obliterations and Grim Tower - somehow charms contributions from J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), Anne Hardy (Giant Drag), Rob Barbato (the Fall, Cass McCombs), Gregg Foreman (Cat Power), Daniel Allaire (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and more. Is he just really charismatic? How does he convince all these people to guest on his records?
By Scott Wood
Highest Rank: #2 (June 17, 2014)

BadBadNotGood, are a Toronto trio of jazz schooled renegades whose music "keeps the joint jumpin" for hip hop, electronica and jazz lovers alike. People like visionary rapper Tyler the Creator and British broadcaster Gilles Peterson has embraced the experimental nature of pianist Mathew Tavares, bassist Chester Hansen and drummer Alex Sowinski as well as a new legion of fans from the four corners of the globe. There is a certain freedom that permeates BadBadNotGood. The name alone sets the stage for a rising trajectory, as does their willingness to rip up traditional rulebooks. From wide ranging musical influences that run from Mingus to Coltrane to Frank Ocean and MF Doom, the trio have crafted a sonic pallet that in its' originality points to a new era for the trio. III is BBNG's third full-length album and first of all originals. The instrumental music is at times moody and swirling, juxtaposed with a strong pointed rhythm. The album is a good indicator of where BBNG are willing to go musically and their future appears limitless.
By Shelley Gummeson
Highest Rank: #3 (July 1, 2014)
Also charting on the Jazz (11 weeks at #1) on on the weekly Hip Hop and Electronic charts

Specialty Charts #1s

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