Astral Cat's Best of 2014

Even though the blog may not have been updated for the past month and a half, the music hasn't stopped. The goal has never been to post any and every new piece of music that pops into into the world, but to share an inspiring discovery or moment when it strikes. One such moment is now, here at the dawn of a new year, as Astral Cat looks back at the incredible music of 2014. As always, there are no rankings or commentary involved, and, while diversifying the selections wasn't a concern, a variety of genres are represented nonetheless. Also enjoy the Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page containing a sampling of most of the albums listed here. Happy 2015!

D'Angelo and the Vanguard   Black Messiah

Flying Lotus   You're Dead

Taylor McFerrin   Early Riser

John Luther Adams   Become Ocean

Aphex Twin   Syro

Fred Hersch Trio   Floating

Ralph van Raat   Rzewski: Four Pieces

Tobacco   Ultima II Massage

Matt Wilson Quartet + John Medeski   Gathering Call

Shabazz Palaces   Lese Majesty

The Bad Plus   Inevitable Western

BADBADNOTGOOD   III

Unfortunately, the Fred Hersch and Matt Wilson albums are not on Spotify, and note that the excerpt of Rzewski's Four Pieces is a different version.