Best of 2014
Brittany Strummer's picks (2014)
Brittany Strummer
[Brittany Strummer is a contributing editor at Punknews.org.]
I went to so many amazing shows this year. I saw Bomb the Music Industry!’s last show, Against Me! more than a handful of times, The Lawrence Arms (finally!) coming back, Descendents play Milo Goes To College in its entirety, the drunken fun time that was Red Scare’s 10th Anniversary and so so so much more. Those were the highlights of my year. It helps that a few of my favorite bands put out new records this year. Unfortunately it also doesn’t help because while I was spinning their records continuously I’m sure I missed out on a lot this year hence the short list. There’s always next year to find some gold that I missed from this year and kick myself for it. I’m not worried about it.
10
Chumped: Teenage Retirement
Anchorless Records
Just the best people making the best songs. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this group.
9
The Menzingers: Rented World
Epitaph Records
It felt so nice to get excited about a Menzingers record again. "I Don't Wanna Be An Asshole" will forever be stuck in my head.
8
Masked Intruder: M.I.
Fat Wreck Chords
Masked Intruder got way more poppier on this album but it's still catchy as hell. I hope this schtick never dies.
7
Rational Anthem: Emotionally Unavailable
Bloated Kat Records
I'm a sucker for good pop-punk album and this one is perfect. I had the pleasure of seeing this band this year and it was love at first listen.
6
The Bruce Lee Band: Everything Will Be Alright, My Friend
Asian Man Records
Everything Mike Park touches is gold. I didn't think I would like a ska record in 2014 but here we are.
5
Neighborhood Brats: Recovery
Deranged Records
This is perfect punk rock. I love it.
4
Antarctigo Vespucci: Soulmate Stuff
Really Records
I have been told that this is an album so here it is on my album list. I have been a follower of Chris Farren and Jeff Rosenstock's projects for a long time so it was beyond exciting for me when they collaborated to create this record.
3
The Lawrence Arms: Metropole
Epitaph
We waited a long time for a new Lawrence Arms record and it was very much worth the wait.
2
The Copyrights: Report
Red Scare Industries
The Copyrights are one of the best pop-punk bands going right now. This album is incredibly addicting.
1
Against Me!: Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Total Treble
It’s no secret that Against Me! are one of my favorites. Through all of the changes they have experienced in their career they still continue to put out solid music. In fact, Transgender Dysphoria Blues is one of the most important records of their career. Laura Jane Grace took a very personal, life-changing experience and made a work of art. Not only is this my favorite record of the year but it’s just about my favorite Against Me! record of their whole catalog.