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#1NE-HI by NE-HI (Manic Static)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
NE-HI's first full length has been on heavy rotation on my record player and headphones since its debut in March. I love this album for its energy, mantra-style lyrics and its perfectly poppy, sunny rock 'n roll. It's not just a local classic, it's a classic through and through.
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#2Last War by Haley Bonar (Graveface)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
This was my female anthem album of 2014. The songs really resonated for me, and how can you go wrong when you have achy lyrics accompanied by pop rock.
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#3Just Enough Hip To Be Woman by BRONCHO (Dine Alone)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
I loved BRONCHO's first album and after four long years of waiting I was rewarded with an album composed of songs worthy of being released as singles. BRONCHO sets the standard for great, catchy rock. Class Historian and Kurt were my favorite tracks.
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#4Wild Onion by Twin Peaks (Grand Jury)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
This album grew on me over time. Immediately I was drawn to the B-side for its slower, more moody songs. The B-side is still my favorite but when combined with the punchier A-side it's another great album from one of my favorite locals.
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#5Burn Your Fire For No Witness by Angel Olsen (Jagjaguwar)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
Angel has this incredible talent for piercing your heart and soul with each of her songs. She's crafted incredibly beautiful music with poignant lyrics and wailing guitar. She's captivated us all once again with this stellar third album.
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#6Saturnalia Regalia! by Monomyth (Mint)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
It's not a list, unless I include someone from the UK. Monomyth put out great, jangly rock with a whole lot of quirk on Saturnalia Regalia!. One of my favorite songs describes the regret of leaving a beloved pet outside who ultimately dies of exposure to the cold.
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#7Love Chills by YAWN (Old Flame)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
YAWN, you guys put out a great album. You've got some of that tasty tribal rock they excel at, infused with electronic music and a whole lot of soul. Put on your headphones, and play this end to end, you'll have a smile on your face and will be better prepared to take on the world.
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#8Water Liars by Water Liars (Fat Possum)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
Water Liars really get me. Or perhaps I really get them. I wasn't someone who described myself as liking anything related to country music until I heard Water Liars. Water Liars are so much more than any adjective you could ever dream up to describe them. You get a little country, rock, folk and some of the best lyric writing in the music industry. Their third full length packs heart aching songs, as expected, but also injects songs easily described as 'happy.' What more could you ask for?
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#9Last Time For Everything by Shiloh (Bersek)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
Shiloh, better known as Logan Square's 111th most popular band, put out on of my favorite albums of the year. Had it gotten on my radar a bit earlier, I feel strongly it would be even higher on this list. For anyone who likes garage rock with punk details, this is something you need to get your hands on. 9am is THE track.
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#10Hunger by Dan Melchior Und Dan Menace (Castle Face Records)
 BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon
It's so weird and I love it so much. Beyond the other world (aka are you from planet earth?) lyrical sensibilities, you've got the fuzzed out rock that sets the mood for a very appealing album.
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Best EP's:
Landmarks, Self-titled, Walk-In Records
BUMMER, self-titled (formerly of Young Jesus) The Symposium, Drugs
Best 7":
Dream Eagle, Heavy Dreams, Public House Sounds
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