The fireworks have exploded, the champagne is flat and the hangovers have been nursed; New Year’s Eve, and thus 2014, are now but a memory. However, they’re not such a distant memory that one can’t look back. 2014 was a great year for music, with so many highlights that it’s hard to narrow down what really stood out. That being said, these are my choice records of the last year.

15.) Freddie Gibbs and Madlib – Piñata

Genre: Rap

A collaborative effort featuring Gibbs’ smooth flow over flawless beats by Madlib.

Choice Cuts: Deeper, Robes (ft. Domo Genesis and Earl Sweatshirt)

14.) Sleaford Mods – Divide and Exit

Genre: Punk/Rap

“Aggro-poetry” about the plight of modern day England over sample-based punk beats.

Choice Cuts: Tied Up in Nottz, Tweet Tweet Tweet

13.) Alex G – DSU

Genre: Indie

Hazy and sentimental with a sound reminiscent of ‘90s indie rock.

Choice Cuts: Harvey, Hollow

12.) Gridlink – Longhena

Genre: Grindcore

The band’s swan song after a ten-year career is a blistering and brilliant half hour of metal glory.

Choice Cuts: The Last Raven, Look to Windward

11.) Iceage – Plowing into the Field of Love

Genre: Post-punk

This Danish punk band’s foray into a cowboy-punk delivers some of the best sounds they have ever recorded.

Choice Cuts: The Lord’s Favorite, How Many

10.) Coaster – Tattoos

Genre: Rock

A five song EP showcasing why this Chicago four-piece could be big in the near future.

Choice Cuts: Write My Name, Swell

9.) B L A C K I E – Imagine Yourself in a Free and Natural World

Genre: Experimental Rap

The noise rapper who influenced Death Grips switches gears somewhat with a record of screamed vocals over free jazz.

Choice Cut: Forrest of Ex-Lovers

8.) Juan Wauters – North American Poetry

Genre: Indie

The solo debut from the lead singer of The Beets is the soundtrack to a lazy summer day featuring songs in both English and Spanish.

Choice Cuts: Woke Up Feeling Like Sleeping, Sanity or Not

7.) Shabazz Palaces – Lese Majesty

Genre: Experimental Hip-Hop

The second record from the Seattle group is a soulful, prog-opus featuring rhymes from the former rapper of Digable Planets

Choice Cuts: #CAKE, They Come in Gold

6.) Perfect Pussy – Say Yes to Love

Genre: Punk

Noisy, feedback-laden punk featuring hard to discern, but profound lyrics.

Choice Cuts: Interference Fits, Driver

5.) Run the Jewels – RTJ2

Genre: Rap

Killer Mike and El-P’s second collaborative album builds exponentially on their stellar debut and hits harder than any rap record of the past few years.

Choice Cuts: Blockbuster Night Pt. 1, Close Your Eyes (And Count to F***) (ft. Zac De La Rocha)

4.) The Bug – Angels and Devils

Genre: Electronic/Rap

The fourth album from the UK producer showcases his beat-making prowess and a slew of fantastic featured artists

Choice Cuts: Function (ft. Manga), F*** a B**** (ft. Death Grips), Void (ft. Liz Harris)

3.) Aphex Twin – Syro

Genre: Electronic

Fourteen years since his last album, Richard D. James has finally released new music as Aphex Twin. Over an hour of his signature glitchy sound that probably influenced your favorite EDM producer.

Choice Cuts: minipops67, XMAS_EVET10, 180db

2.) Parquet Courts – Sunbathing Animal

Genre: Indie/Punk

The third album from this New York group spotlights a more refined sound while still hitting hard.

Choice Cuts: Duckin’ and Dodgin’, Instant Disassembly, Sunbathing Animal, Dear Ramona

1.) Protomartyr – Under Color of Official Right

Genre: Post-Punk

This Detroit band’s second record is desolate and dark, but powerful nonetheless—a modern punk masterpiece.

Choice Cuts: Come & See, Trust Me Billy, Pagans, Maidenhead