We asked PIV staff, a bunch of local musicians, and other generally awesome people what their favorite albums of 2014 were, and after spreadsheets and formulas and math and staff, we boiled all that down into the definitive Punks in Vegas top 10 list! Want to know who contributed? Be sure to check out our individual lists in part one, two and three. And after you’re done reading, tell us what you agree with or what we missed out on in the comments!
1) Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues (Total Treble Music)
This concept album is actually just ten incredibly good, hook-laden pop-punk songs, which is what made it so enjoyable on the first few spins. What keeps me coming back is the admirably passionate Laura Jane Grace and her unique perspective. As she’s gone through a public identity overhaul, her band has only striven even harder for integrity than they already did. The results so far are amazing, and more bands should be seeking to shake things up this effectively. (Joey Hines)
Against Me! on Facebook | Purchase Transgender Dysphoria Blues
2) Mercy Music – When I Die, I’m Taking You With Me (SquidHat Records/Tighten It Up Entertainment)
Anytime someone from outside Vegas asks about the quality of our local scene, I point to Mercy Music. Brendan and Jarred’s previous band Deadhand was great (albeit terribly named – sorry guys), but Mercy Music surpasses great, and delves into some pretty magical rock territory. This trio of incredibly talented dudes deserves super stardom – and I think this record might take them there. (Ashleigh Thompson)
Mercy Music on Facebook | Purchase When I Die, I’m Taking You With Me
3) Joyce Manor – Never Hungover Again (Epitaph Records)
I bought this album to listen to on a long road trip and didn’t even make it out of Las Vegas before the damn thing ended! That being said, it’s all killer. (Christopher Piro)
Joyce Manor on Facebook | Purchase Never Hungover Again
4) Code Orange – I Am King (Deathwish Inc.)
Code Orange took the scene by surprise when they dropped “kids” from their previous name earlier this year, and then dropped the biggest news, their second studio album, I Am King. From the day it came out, I heard nothing but rave reviews about it, so I had to stop sleeping on it. Admittedly more abrasive than my usual taste, I couldn’t turn it off. The album showed as much growth for the band, as it was gripping. (Hunter Wallace)
Code Orange on Facebook | Purchase I am King
5) Modern Baseball – You’re Gonna Miss It All (Run For Cover Records)
If Motion City Soundtrack and The Weakerthans had a baby, it would be Modern Baseball. These guys blend double (and sometimes triple) vocals with awkward yet relatable lyrics and infectious melodies to create this little gem. (Emily Matview)
Modern Baseball on Facebook | Purchase You’ll Gonna Miss It All
6) Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown (Epitaph Records)
ETID is simply put one of my favorite bands musically. This album continues the trend of awesome musicianship coupled with some fantastically grooving riffs. (Rory Child)
Every Time I Die on Facebook | Purchase From Parts Unknown
7) Lagwagon – Hang (Fat Wreck Chords)
This is their first record in 9 years and in that 9 years have grown to love this band. This album is the perfect amount of badass punk rock and sentimental lyrics. (Andy Harrison)
Lagwagon on Facebook | Purchase Hang
8) Tigers Jaw – Charmer (Run For Cover Records)
I keep coming back to this. It is rock songs not too much unlike others you may have heard but there is a certain sincerity and charisma there that makes these stories and riffs feel more believable. Very solid release. (Jonas Vece)
Tigers Jaw on Facebook | Purchase Charmer
9) Ringworm – Hammer of the Witch (Relapse Records)
I’m starting to doubt the possibility of Ringworm making music that doesn’t shred. Pretty much every song on this record is a straight fuckin’ furious banger. This thing is a riff machine, super dense, yet super heavy, and vicious. So good. (A.J. Perez)
Ringworm on Facebook | Purchase Hammer of the Witch
10) Masked Intruder – MI (Fat Wreck Chords)
Masked Intruder is back on Fat Wreck with their sophomore effort M.I. This is no sophomore slump. Honing their do-wop meets pop punk style, they bring another 13 tracks about girls, stalking, and crime sprees. (War Called Home)
Masked Intruder on Facebook | Purchase M.I.
“PIV Best of 2014” banner created by Adam Blasco of Adam Blasco Design.
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