Primavera Sound 2015: My Wish List

Another tradition in our blog to be honoured before the year ends, our Primavera Sound Festival wish list. With just two names announced so far, The Strokes (so so) and Ride (great one, very happy to see them!) this is one of the most mysterious editions I can remember so, as there was much more guessing than ever, the following bets have been done more with the heart than with the head (yeah, I also think bands like Ariel Pink, Jungle, Shellac or Modest Mouse will probably be in Barcelona, but I don't really care...). While we hope the forthcoming January (probably by the end of the month) will be the chosen one by the organization to reveal the complete roster, and as we did on previous years, here's how our wish list would like. We hope you like our bets!

Antipodean Bands. Every single music lover has a Festival curator inside. Mine would include an Australian/New Zealand stage for sure that this 2015 would look stunning. The Zebras (one of the best records of 2014), The Chills (after Indietracks, have to see them in my city), the majority of our dear Fishrider Records bands (looking forward to the new Prophet Hens album, such a crime it's so hard to have bands from down under...), The Ocean Party ('Soft Focus' rules)
Decemberists, The. Mandatory band, first chapter. Been asking them for ages, and with a new album to appear in three weeks chances are, fingers crossed, huge. We'll say it again: we can't wait to finally see them!

Desperate Journalist. Ultra-early contender for record of the year 2015, with such a debut LP and ten tones of talent they would be a perfect Primavera Sound fit.

DIIV. Here's a band that made a colossal record, then cancelled their gig at Primavera years ago and, somehow, vanished. Time for a comeback, maybe?

Lambchop. They are making some special shows celebrating 'Nixon's' anniversary, so what about Barcelona, at the Auditorium maybe? Could be amazing.

Line & Circle. Discovery of the year, what a pleasure would be discovering them live this spring...

Primavera Club repeaters. Three bands that should be in Barcelona again. Alvvays (because their gig was so-so), Fear of Men (because we just love them) and Ought, because they have an incredible live show.

Riot Grrrls stage. And the curator in me returns. This should be the year. Can you imagine a stage with Wild Balbina, Bleached, September Girls, Honeyblood (beyond exciting tunes), Ex Hex (best record of 2014?, we think so), The Julie Ruin, (unfortunately Kathleen Hanna cancelled last year due to her illness, but seeing they are touring again...)? And that leads us to the stage headliner, which is... 

Rose Elinor Dougall. I'll keep asking for her since. Every single year. 

Sleater-Kinney. The reunion of the year, new album, tour on the works. They HAVE TO BE IN BARCELONA. It's MANDATORY. MUST. YES OR YES

Teenage Fanclub. Rumours of a new album arriving in 2015? What about playing the hits in Barcelona? Haven't seem them yet, would be a most welcomed surprise!

The New Pornographers. With just a bunch of US dates until February, this looks like a secured sport at the Festival. We'll smile.  

Torres. Isn't she working on her second record? Among the most mind-blowing singer-songwriters, it's time we confirm it live.
TV On The Radio. Never been a fan of them, but even I can't explain why, I'm so addicted to their latest album, 'Seeds', so would love to see them live. 

New Year's Eve Playlist 2015

Overall, it has been a pretty shitty year... We've seen the worst side from many people we once called friends, several tough decisions have been made, and the factual powers ruling this country are proving how vile and miserable they are every single day...

But we have survived, learnt a couple of lessons and met many new great people along the way. Love and music (hope it doesn't sound too corny for you) beat all struggles. And, in that sense, what a great year 2014 has been. Thanks to all the bands, artists, music-related friends we have met and supported us.

So, in order to celebrate the good things of 2014, we didn't want to close the year without a little music tribute. Another playlist (6 hours of songs) with our 100 Best Songs of the Year (*those that are not included in Spotify option have been included in Bandcamp)! A great choice for a superb New Year's celebration! Have fun, enjoy and Happy 2015!

"Magic in the Moonlight", Good Ol' Woody

Magic in the Moonlight

Before 2014 ends, here's our yearly date with our dear Woody Allen. Despite being a devoted fan, one has to admit the quality of his latest works is far from, sometimes light-years distant from, his better moments, and for that reason, there's a growing little fear his next attempt is going to be a serious let down, like “From Rome with Love” and “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger”. On the other hand, even this less memorable Allen period has offered moments of genuine brilliance, with top-notch “Midnight in Paris” summoning all the talents the director has.

So where does "Magic in the Moonlight" stands? Luckily, in a much comfortable zone. Without achieving the levels of accomplishment of "Paris", but delightfully pleasant and full of undeniable charms. A lightweight affair, armed with a sweet-natured contrivance, solved without much mystery, but packed with grace, thanks to the cast and the funny (maybe not memorable) storyline, mixing magic and romance.

The plot of “Magic in the Moonlight” is pretty straightforward. Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth, playing the traditional Allen's alter ego), is a famous magician (Wei Ling-Soo), but also a realist-pessimist person (Nietzsche meeting Kierkegaard meeting Schopenhauer), skeptic and with a knack to identify a fraud when he sees one. That's exactly what his friend and also fellow magician Howard ask him to do: help him unmask Sophie Baker (played by Emma Stone), a supposed clairvoyant, who is amazing a wealthy family with her ability to guess things she couldn’t possibly know and contacting with the missed ones. As you might guess, too, Sophie is not just an intriguing woman, with Stanley slowly believing she might be a real psychic, but also an adorable one. summarized on Stanley's great one liner "Her smile is rather winning". 

Granted, you see the romantic side coming way even before the two appear on screen. Is predictable, sure, but it doesn't harm the movie as one would expect. Two obvious reasons explain why. One is the cast. It's impossible not to fall by Emma Stone impossible eyes and magnetic light in her face, with these flapper looks. And it's hard not to laugh with Colin Firth's messed up head. The skeptic collapsing, his solid way of thinking no longer valid, while neglecting he's starting to have feelings for Sophie. The dialogues between the two (funny, philosophic, flirtatious) are the highlights of the film. And they are also surrounded by a whole bunch of secondary roles that, like the memorable, almost final dialogue between Stanley and his aunt Vanessa, played by the  great Eileen Aitkins, puts the cherry on top of the cake. The Cote d'Azur impressive surroundings also does help.

The second, and luckily the main plot line of the movie is to discover whether or not Sophie is a fake, and Allen's has a far more interesting "trick" to play here, building up the mystery in a simple, yet effective way, letting the movie develop and finally, end in a well-rounded, thoroughly satisfying manner. Again, not groundbreaking or rating high among Allen’s filmography, but entertaining, smart and rather enchanting. Good ol' Woody doing some magic, again.

SCORE: 6,75/10

Best Songs of the Year 2014: 25-1

Drumroll, fanfare, revelry! We have reached the final round of the 4th edition of the Bloodbuzzed's Best Songs of the Year. Here are our top 25 favourite tunes of this 2014. Many great songs had been left out (we could have easily extended the list to 150), so we assure you it’s been an extremely hard, never-ending, but also a very fun list to make. We hope you enjoy this last selection, as well as the whole ride. Remember, you have  the playlist available at our Soundcloud page. And Happy Holidays!

25. Younger- SW/MM/NG
24. Distant Drive- The Luxembourg Signal
23. Try- The Zebras
22. Long After Tonite’s Candles Are Blown- Comet Gain
21. Goshen '97 -Strand Of Oaks
20. Els Dies S'Allarguen- Renaldo y Clara
19. In the Water - Radical Dads
18. Descent- Fear of Men
17. Trouble- TV on the Radio
16. Raised By Wolves- U2

15. Grey Is a Lie– Boutade
14. Last January - The Twilight Sad
13. Habit- Ought
12. Kissing Can Wait- She Sir
11. Wond'ring- The Very Most
10. Super Rat - Honeyblood
9. Horseshoe- Withered Hand
8. Don't Wanna Lose- Ex Hex
7. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight- U2

6. Happening- Desperate Journalist
5. Mistakes of My Youth- Eels
4. Your Love Is Killing Me- Sharon Van Etten
3. Talking Backwards- Real Estate
2. Archie, Marry Me- Alvvays
1. Wounded Desire - Line and Circle

Best Songs of the Year 2014: 50-26

As promised yesterday, here's the third chapter of the Bloodbuzzed's Best Songs of the Year, now with our favourite tunes comprised between positions 50 to 26. Yes, we have reached the top 50, so this special music countdown is getting closer to its conclusion. You'd better stay tuned, the final top 25 is about to be revealed! Again, you have the complete playlist at our Soundcloud page. We are sure you're going to enjoy, many superb tunes here not to do so!

50. 1997, Passing the Hallway - Martha
49. Radiance - She Keeps Bees
48. Wishing Pool- The Luxembourg Signal
47. Just Like Before- Beach Beach
46. Wait- The Zebras
45. Far from the Pavilion- Comet Gain

44. Holding Pattern- Dean Wareham
43. Santa Fe Skyway- Martin Carr
42. Por Pequeño que Seas- Neleonard
41. Pale- Young Romance
40. My SIlver Lining- First Aid Kit
39. Fandango de la Libertad- Grupo de Expertos Solynieve
38. Radio On - Ex Hex

37. Way to Escape - Boutade
36. Losing to the Dark- La Sera
35. Every Time The Sun Comes Up - Sharon Van Etten
34. Hi-Five - Angel Olsen
33. So What - Avi Buffalo
32. Magazine - The Proper Ornaments
31. Moving On - James
30. Arsenal de Excusas - Los Punsetes
29. Familia/Trabajo - Cosmen Adelaida
28.Killer Bangs - Honeyblood
27. Luna - Fear of Men
26. Mine Is Mine - Line and Circle

Best Songs of the Year 2014: 75-51

The music keeps coming! Here's the second round of our favourite 100 songs of the year, now with tunes comprised between numbers 75 to 51. As the previous list, you'll find it also at our Soundcloud page. The countdown will continue shortly with the third part, so you should stay tuned! Hope you enjoy!

75. For the Feel- Bleached
74. Weekend- Arts & Leisure
73. Crime- Real Estate
72. Leave the family - The Skygreen Leopards
71. Flesh War - Total Control
70. All the Rage Back Home- Interpol

69.You can't make me make up my mind-The Sun Days
68. Ashes and Embers- The Casket Girls
67. Party Police- Alvvays
66. Stay Gold- The Hobbes Fanclub
65. Cool Runnings- Tashaki Miyaki
64. Simple And Sure - The Pains Of Being Pure
63. Embers- Night Flowers
62. Rimbaud’s Eyes- Dum Dum Girls
61. Now Time- Close Lobsters
60. Every Morning- J.Mascis
59. Visiones- Aries
58. This Is Pop- Latimer House
57. In My Teeth- The Rosebuds
56. Head Down- The Ocean Party
55. The Rent I Pay- Spoon
54. Running Wild- La Sera
53. Coming Down- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
52.Some Dreams Come True- SW/MM/NG
51. Rabbit Run- Lily and Madeleine

Best Songs of the Year 2014: 100-76

After Concerts, Books, EPs and Records, we start the 4th edition of the Bloodbuzzed's Best Songs of the Year. Here's our 100 favourite songs of this last twelve months. Please don't take the order's list too seriously and, as always, consider we would love to highlight more songs & bands included, but you have to put an end. So, after many hours of the loveliest debate, we have ranked them in four different posts of 25 songs each (maximum twice per group). So, today, we begin with the tunes from 100 to 76 that you can also listen in our Souncloud page. Play it loud, enjoy it and stay tuned to the rest of the list!

100. Just One of the Guys- Jenny Lewis
99. Yeah, Tonight- Gold-Bears
98. Erika K - The Understudies 
97. Comin On’- David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights 
96. Actuary- King of Prussia
95. Honey Do- Beverly
94. Jumprope- Gingerlys 
93. The Moon Song- Karen O
92. I Lost My Way, I Found a Friend- Anthony Atkinson
91. Without a Face- Luluc
90. Latin American Ficciones- Peter Matthew Bauer
89. Market Town- Echo and the Bunnymen
88. You and You- Me and the Bees
87. My Heart is a Lonely Hunter- The Pretty Greens
86. Wavy Gravy- Flyying Colours
85. Dream Happening- Sea Pinks
84. All I Can See- Tape Waves
83. Sister- September Girls
82. Lovejunky - The Popguns
81. Walk Me to the Bridge- Manic Street Preachers
80. Forget the Fall- Flowers
79. Feel It- Powder Blue
78. The Wolf is Free - Lily and Madeleine 
77. Feel- The Soft Science 
76. El Olivar - Las Ruinas

Best Records of the Year 2014

After EPs and Books, now it's time for the Best Records of 2014. As previous years, we have listed our favourite 30 LPs, the releases that we have enjoyed the most. Many of these bands have already appeared at our "Discoverer Section", others have been played at our "Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Series" and a bunch of them have done our "These Go to 11" questionnaire (thank you, thank you, thank you). Many tough decissions have been made, excluding many bands & records that we love, but finally, here it is. So many amazing music gathered here!

30. Our Years in the Wilderness - The Hi-Life Companion
29. Let You Go- Tape Waves
28. Mundo Fatal- Me and the Bees
27. Do What You Want To, It’s What You Should Do- Flowers
26. The Sea- Beach Beach
25. Une Longue Si Attente- Watoo Watoo
24. Seeds- TV on the Radio
23. Floristry- Trick Mammoth
22. Feel Not Bad- Sw/mm/ng
21. Too True- Dum Dum Girls
20. Fumes- Lily and Madeleine
19. Burn Your Fire For No Witness- Angel Olsen
18. Courting Strong- Martha
17. Before There Were Pictures- Pale Lights
16. Go Guitars- She Sir
15. Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave- The Twilight Sad
14. Fruits del Teu Bosc- Renaldo y Clara
13. Paperback Ghosts- Comet Gain
12. La Foto Fantasma- Cosmen Adelaida
11. Sealed with a Kiss- Alpaca Sports
10. Siesta- The Zebras
9. The Best Hunter- Boutade
8. Up at Lagrange- The Hobbes Fanclub
7. The Luxembourg Signal- The Luxembourg Signal
6. Are We There Yet?- Sharon Van Etten
5. Always- Alvvays
4. Honeyblood- Honeyblood
3. Atlas- Real Estate
2. Loom- Fear of Men
1. Rips- Ex Hex


Want to check last year's list? Then check here
And 2012's? Click here
And 2011's? Just click here

Best Books of (My) Year 2014

After Saturday's concerts of the year and Tuesdays' EPs of 2014 now it's turn for books. I've always been a bookworm, a compulsive reader. But due to my position at Indienauta and the support shown by many publishers and editors (many many thanks), 2014 has been the year I read the most in my life, so this list has been extremely challenging. Here are my top 10 reads. Hope you like it!

10. The Lowlife- Aleksander Baron 
(La Bestia Equilátera)
We all cheat to ourselves. That's what rediscovered writer Aleksander Baron is telling us in this short but extremely effective novel. In-depth explorer of the human mind, Baron exposes the constant clash between the "life that could be if" and the cruel reality. Miseries and ambivalence floating back and forth, waiting for the moment (or the person) that could change everything, or it is just an excuse to keep waiting? Built around the unique relationship between Harryboas and little Gregory, a silent kid with troubled parents, here's a fascinating character, a gambler that found the trigger to give a 360 change to its existence ... Or is it just another hoax? The threatening spiral awaits...

9. Paths of Glory- Humphrey Cobb

(Capitán Swing)

The inherent heroism of war, even in movies & books that are openly anti-war is frequent. But that's not the case of 'Paths of Glory', that goes straight to the jugular to show not only how absurd any conflict is, but to reveal how abominable is the military institution. The failed assault against the 181st Regiment of the French army against a unapproachable German position exceeds the account of the specific military feat. It's the terrible exposition of disgusted, fearful, exhausted, desperate soldiers leaded by petty, vile, bordering on madness officials, thanks to a system that gives them absolute power to decide on the lives of their troops, thanks to a justice that is just a pantomime. A machinery designed to obliterate any trace of thought, rationality and autonomy. An atrocity exhibition. Should be read at schools.

8. Sister of the Road: The Autobiography of Boxcar Bertha-
Ben Reitman (Pepitas de Calabaza)
What a discovery. Let me tell you about "Hobohemia", the parallel universe of the hobos. One that, for a time in the history of the States, was very real. Migrant workers, homeless, revolutionaries, but above all a counterculture movement as unique, authentic and powerful as to challenge the established society. The incredible adventures of the hobo "Boxcar" Bertha Thompson are not just a shock, but also a serious, resounding slap for those who worship Kerouac and 'On the Road', because where the Beatniks crossed the country to deal with their confusion, longing and rebellious young spirit, the hobos journey was an ambitious way to transform social reality.

7. Death Row Breakout and Other Stories-
Edward Bunker (Sajalín)
Edward Bunker. Short stories. Unpublished. Four words that in a normal world, one that really loves literature, should mean celebration, excitement and immediate purchase. 'Death Row Breakout' is a superb collection of six stories -only six, dammit-, with little surprises, but who wants them when we are talking about Bunker? His criminal and prison universe, precise prose with not a second for anything superfluous, hyper-realistic dialogues, complete control of the pace and tempo of the stories... An unparalleled strength that grabs the reader without remission, leaving you breathless. Half of this brief anthology is just extraordinary, easily ranking among his best.

6. Shotgun Lovesongs- Nickolas Butler
(Libros del Asteroide)
The best folk songs are stories about real people, dealing with real, recognisable situations or moments, and pouring down their emotions, sharing their feelings with the world, connecting with the sensible listener. That's exactly what you'll find within 'Shotgun Lovesongs'. We are not facing the literary equivalent of an empty season hype boosted by hipster media like Pitchfork. No, although Bon Iver (no spoiling) wouldn't be my choice, this book traps your without artifices, engages you without additives, telling the most universal of stories. Loving, growing, learning. With intensity and truth as unique weapons. And wins with a performance full of emotion.

5. Skagboys- Irvine Welsh (Anagrama)
Welsh's most ambitious work to date, this titanic choral novel is full of his trademark narrative pulse, but also offering several literary registers (Renton's diaries are brilliant). Energetic, lewd, sardonic as usual, 'Skagboys' is also reflective, even poetic. Renton & Scott Fitzgerald? Fascinatingly enough, the answer is yes. I knew Welsh could be brutal. But his dynamite used to stay on the surface, in the form of black (very black) humour or high voltage stories that were immediately enjoyed. Now I know that he can be severely grim, but with a depth charge too, one which leaves no stone cold and endure over time. Irvine Welsh has not "killed" our heroes. He has settled them down to Earth and, by delving into their past, they have become more miserable, but also more complex and complete characters, showing that behind the stupid junkie smile there's only emptiness and frustration. So hell was this ...

4. Rivethead: Tales from the Assembly Line- 
Ben Hamper (Capitán Swing)
Within the machine of General Motors, Hamper traces a nightmarish account of stories that have the bright virtue of making the reader laugh, with amazing and crazy moments such as the giant "Quality Cat" or the "Rivet Hockey" while, at the same time, he is showing us the madness-inducing bowels of the multinational beast. In that particular world (almost a prison where inmates are wandering), weary workers buried by noise pass through, about to explode but fearful of losing their privileges or their checks​, fully alienated not just in its endless shifts, but also outside them. Forever. Every day a defeat. Is that the American dream? Worse. This is the slow, agonizing death by the deadliest of diseases: capitalism. More than highly recommended. Funny. Stimulant. Necessary.

3. Fresh Fields- Peter Kocan (Sajalín)
Bloodcurdling journey towards madness. Written with stark reality and zero affectation, the Australian author Peter Kocan translates his terrible real life into paper and achieves a narrative miracle. He brilliantly reflects all the quiet pain and the staggered desolation an abandoned teenager has to deal with. A fragile tramp that builds up a delusional fiction to keep surviving, to add another day while he experiences how cold this place called Earth can be. A book with pages that weight a ton. The weight of the world into the shoulders of someone who shouldn't carry all that baggage.

2. The Revolt of the Cockroach People- 
Óscar Zeta Acosta (Acuarela)
Could have been called 'Fear, Loathing and Race in L.A.' Fiction within real facts that are history (poignant history) of the United States. Facts in which Zeta had a starring role, making him the speaker, delirious and irreverent, an impossible hero, of the Mexican-American people fighting for their rights in California. A theory of chaos entering Bear State Courts, an explosive cocktail about late 60s-early 70s, a moment where everything seemed ready to be blown away. Politics, violence, drugs, revolution, counterculture, and a good, hilariously demented laugh at the face of the vile and racist power, the rotten American Dream. Gonzo goes Mexican.

1. The Class of 49'- Don Carpenter (Gallo Nero)
No heroics (as the great Carver would say) please, no flounces. Don Carpenter masterfully dissected his generation in this little gem, full of disarming clarity and naturalness of style. If there's cruelty, he is brutal. If there's sadness, he is appalling. It's so mind blowing to read so much about the ephemeral nature of existence written in chapters sometimes shorter than just a page. It's all here. The vacuum of memories. The merciless that humans can be, especially being part of a group. The fear of the future. Fate is just around the corner and finding meaning in life is not easy. At all. Carpenter asks: growing up means losing innocence? But as only the greatest writers do, he leaves it open to our interpretation. 'The Class of 49' is the toughest lesson. But it is a mandatory one if you want to pass the complicated course that is life.

Want to check last year's books list? Click here
Or do you prefer checking 2012? Then click here
And 2011's? Check here

Best EPs of the Year 2014

After the best concerts' list, it's time for the EPs. As you know, many times best things in life come in small packages, so we couldn't miss the chance to review the best 15 EPs of the year (no singles, 3 to 6 songs). Nothing more to say, just play it loud & enjoy!

15. Expert Alterations- Expert Alterations
14. Agosto- Neleonard
13. Drag- NO/NO
12. Xeristar- Linda Guilala
11. Set Sail Someday - Parrot Dream

10. The Hills Around- The Hills Around

9. Night Flowers- Night Flowers

8. So Very Small- Blooper

7. Fool of a Kind- Marine Life

6. Indiepop or Whatever!- When Nalda Became Punk

5. Colinas Bermejas- Grupo de Expertos Solynieve

4. Veneer- September Girls

3. Jumprope- Gingerlys

2. Things Too Obvious to Sing- The Very Most

1. Line & Circle- Line & Circle

Want to check the best EPs of 2013? Click here
And 2012? Click here

The "Records List" coming shortly!

"Interstellar", Hollywood in hyper-space

Interstellar

It was bound to happen. As technology keeps advancing, the movie industry is eager to show the new available possibilities and tricks on visual effects, introducing them on "the next mind blowing" experience. One that is usually packed within a seriously silly film but announced ad nauseam as the must-see movie. In that sense, 'Interstellar' must be considered a triumph. Is highly impressive, epic and visually bombastic, but is not offending your intelligence. Thanks Christopher Nolan for creating a blockbuster (or better said, the mother of all blockbusters) that doesn't insult you.

It's admirable to have a film willing to reach massive audiences with a product that introduce bits of science, poignant dilemmas about mankind's future and a thought-provoking nod to what we are currently doing with the planet we have inherited. The global crop blight and second Dust Bowl that are Earth's death toll are a suggestive and intriguing way of exposing the consequences of the damage we are inflicting to our planet, wasting its resources and degrading it until becomes uninhabitable. It also has a lot of merit the movie lasts for almost three hours, taking its time to develop, but doesn't become (at least to me) boring.

Having said that, this is a blockbuster. And there are TOO MANY letdowns, weak moments and plot holes to make the overall result satisfactory. To begin with, 'Interstellar' settles its plot in one of the most overused and ridiculous excuses. Again, it's another "chosen one", former NASA pilot Cooper (the now vindicated Matthew McConaughey, funny how trends change everything) who has mankind's future in his (supposedly) experienced hands. Probably more convincing than 'Armaggedon'... but not that far away from it. The moviegoer has to concede quite a lot to believe the whole Professor Brand's (played by the great Michael Caine) hidden plan...

Then, through wormholes, unexplored galaxies and new tempting planets that could be the right one for humans to settle in, there's Hollywood all over the storytelling, highlighting the sentimental, human side of this galactic adventure. But even if you can't argue against the impeccable McConaughey and Jessica Chastain (who plays Murph, Cooper's daughter, essential part of the movie and Earth's salvation) performances, the mixture between bland sentimentalism and bigger-than-ever plot hurts the film. And finally there are some secondary roles that are really underdeveloped, Brand (played by Anne Hathaway) being the most obvious. And although others might help the film keep going (I'm thinking on Matt Damon's role as Dr. Mann) giving 'Interstellar' some action, there are several question marks about what they offer in terms of story development and credibility.   

Entertaining and way more than your average blockbuster. But light years from a masterpiece.

SCORE: 6/10

Best Concerts of the Year 2014

The day has arrived... it's time to begin with our Best-of-the-year LISTS! As we did in 2013, we start with our favourite concerts. Exciting new bands, two amazing veterans I thought I was never going to see, the fulfilled dream of attending (at least one) Indietracks... and, in the most personal note ever, seeing your own blood brought you into tears. Yes, it's been a fabulous year in what regards to live music. Hope you like it!

Cosmen Adelaida - La [2] de Apolo
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

10. Cosmen Adelaida (La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, February 5th)
One of my favourite Spanish bands, and they have just nailed this 2014 with the release of 'La Foto Fantasma' (look for it at the best albums of the year list), but this gig arrived even before we heard the record. Very powerful, tight and straight to the jugular show from start to finish, with stunning new indie-rock tunes like 'El Parque', 'Familia/Trabajo' or 'Becerro de Oro' adding diversity and strength to an already exciting collection of tunes (go hurry and check out '7 Picos'). Flawless.

The Chills - Indietracks
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

9. The Chills (Indietracks, Ripley, July 25th)

The first day of the Festival at the Midland Railway Center had a very special date, with one of Flying Nun's most unforgettable bands. Of course, I was eager to hear, for the first time, quintessential, eternal tunes like 'Pink Frost' or 'Heavenly Pop Hit' (sounded glorious, just glorious), but I admit I wasn't expecting to see a band in such full form, with still so much to say, something new tunes proved (looking forward to new album). It doesn't rank higher because it was too short, but still, for an hour I was in New Zealand, one of the realms of indiepop. 

Courtney Barnett - Primavera Sound
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

8. Courtney Barnett (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 31st)
The Melbourne singer-songwriter is one of the most exciting acts that have appeared recently. She's charismatic. She's extremely talented, creating excellent tunes ranging from folk to rock packed with outstanding lyrics (she's easily one of the best lyricists out there today, funny, witty, thoughtful while being the opposite of pedantic). She's spontaneous and things look natural, unforced and genuine with her. And my Goodness! She really knows how to deliver a dynamic, relentless show. Courtney Barnett took Pitchfork's stage and won us over. Fingers crossed there's a chance to see her in a more intimate venue. Could be priceless.

Withered Hand - Indietracks
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

7. Withered Hand (Indietracks, Ripley, July 27th)

Indietracks again. Dan Willson has offered us 'New Gods', among the best records of the year. So expectations were high, very high. Then you realise Ms. Pam Berry is doing backing vocals. And you have your friend and admired musician Jeremy Jensen from the Very Most next to you, smiling just like you when masterpieces 'Horseshoe' and 'Black Tambourine' are played. Could it get better than this? Yes indeed. For me it did with 'Religious Songs'. Larger than life tune. Larger than life performance. More than five months after I still get goosebumps.

Savages - Sala Apolo
Photo: Rafa Piera - Indienauta

6. Savages (Sala Apolo, Barcelona, February 18th)

Unfortunately, the FAKE & DEAD city of Barcelona wasn't ready for a band like Savages. People prefer to chat or constantly check their stupid Iphones. That's why it ranks a 6. It's a shame because here's a band that battles on stage. They try to remind us there was a time when music was powerful, interesting, intriguing, meaningful. And they do taking no prisoners live. A gig without concessions, fuelled with dense and long new tunes. The quartet is one of the most impressive stage presences I have ever seen. The magnetism and fierce attitude of Jehnny Beth, the guitar transformed into a machine gun in the hands of Gemma Thompson and the terrific, striking rhythm section of drummer Fay Milton and bassist Ayse Hassan. They are an earthquake. A landslide. 

Slowdive - Primavera Sound
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

5. Slowdive (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 30th)
Many will say My Bloody Valentine. Others Ride. Mine is Slowdive, by far, far, far. On a day where The National was also playing, this was the concert to remember. First time hearing live tunes like 'Avalyn', 'Catch the Breeze', 'Machine Gun' or 'When the Sun Hits'. First time seeing my dear Rachel Goswell on stage, shining. First time going ecstatic in a massive, open space with tunes always dreamt to be enjoyed that way. Slowdive, you made my forget myself for a while...

Boutade - Sala Razzmatazz
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

4. Boutade (Razzmatazz 3, Barcelona, October 17th)
And just when you thought it couldn't get more personal... I don't know if you can imagine what it means for someone so passionate about music to write about a band that is fronted by his own brother, also a stubborn music lover himself. And how hard is to write about it without losing your composure. Wasn't the first time seeing him on stage, but it was clearly the finest. In total command of the scenario-situation, the band was almost flawless, putting a show that ignited after 'Grey Is a Lie' and became simply majestic in tunes like 'In My Own Desert', 'White Rats', or that heavenly, breathtaking finale that was 'Lost Friends'. How you've grown, my beloved little brother. Here's a real band waiting for you to be discovered.

Ought - Primavera Club
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

3. Ought (Primavera Club, Barcelona, November 2nd)
We were tired and seriously considering leaving the Festival. We didn't have any expectations with this Canadians. But what a tragic mistake it would have been. We would have missed a mind-blowing, completely hypnotic gig from the very first second. An impossible and extraordinarily personal music, recalling Wire, The Velvet & The Fall at the same time. Explosive and expansive combination, full of twists, tone changes and surprises, and propelled by Tim Beeler, an incredible frontman, summoning Mark E. Smith, David Byrne and Jarvis Cocker altogether. What a discovery.

St. Vincent - Primavera Sound
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

2. St.Vincent (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 29th)
Almost every magazine is rating Annie Clark's latest album among the best of the year. That's not my case (I prefer 'Strange Mercy' and her earlier works), but it's hard for me to suggest many better options to see an artists performing live. At Primavera Sound she delivered a masterful example of what does it mean arriving to a state of absolute control and knowledge about playing live while showing all possibilities of your own skills. Superb show of a unique, true artist.

Fear of Men - Primavera Club
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

1. Fear of Men (Primavera Club, Barcelona, October 31st)

Topping the list I have chosen one of the Blog most beloved bands, praise dand hailed recurrently from the very first time I discovered them. Was hoping for a great gig for sure, but at Primavera Club they surprised me in the most positive way. More upbeat and danceable than expected. Jangle-pop combined with the mystery of post-punk, far from the fragilty Jessica Weiss' sweet vocals can suggest on a first impression. With Daniel Falvey fabulous guitar playing and Weiss showing she's a strong, engaging frontwoman (striking rendition of 'Pink Frost' from The Chills included), the gig was a triumph from start to finish. I left my throat trying to reach the higher notes, I danced like no many people has seen and was lucky enough to greet them after the show. Just a perfect night...

Want to check last year's best concerts? Just click here
What about 2012? Click here 
And 2011? Then check here