Best Albums Of 2015

Modest Mouse were no Strangers in 2015

    
      As the year comes to an end, it's always refreshing to look back at all the great albums that found their way into our headphones, iPods, and car stereos.


Best Albums Of 2015

25. Blur  -  The Magic Whip

24.  Kurt Vile  -  b'lieve i'm goin down 

23.  Courtney Barnett  -  Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit

22.  Sufjan Stevens  -  Carrie & Lowell

21.  The Wombats  -  Glitterbug

20.  Muse  -  Drones

19.  Bjork  -  Vulnicura

18.  Jamie xx  -  In Colour

17.  Coheed and Cambria  -  The Color Before The Sun

16.  Grimes  -  Art Angels

15.  Wilco  -  Star Wars

14.  Bully  -  Feels Like

13.  Deerhunter  -  Fading Frontier

12.  Sleater-Kinney  -  No Cities To Love

11.  Alabama Shakes  -  Sound & Color

10.  Death Cab For Cutie  -  Kintsugi

9.  Wolf Alice  -  My Love Is Cool

8.  Toro Y Moi  -  What For?

7.  Kendrick Lamar  -  To Pimp A Butterfly

6.  Foals  -  What Went Down

5.  My Morning Jacket  -  The Waterfall

4.  The Dead Weather  -  Dodge and Burn

3.  Tame Impala  -  Currents

2.  Panda Bear  -  Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper

1.  Modest Mouse  -  Strangers To Ourselves

  

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: November 2015

Ellie Goulding experiences Delirium

     
     
     Another Thanksgiving is in the books and it's time to look forward to the winter. The turkey and mashed potato feast wouldn't be officially complete without a side of piping hot new tunes.
     English pop singer Ellie Goulding is riding high due to her latest album Delirium [Nov 6, via Polydor Records]. The sixteen tracks are more focused on pop lyrics and less on electronics like her previous efforts. On the club banger "On My Mind" she showcases her voice over a dance hall worthy beat. Check out her tour as it dips through the United States, Canada, and the UK.
     As the days grow darker and colder its a good thing to know that the iPod is all warmed up with fresh cuts.

November 2015 Playlist

1.  Foo Fighters  -  "Saint Cecilia"

2.  EL VY  -  "Return To The Moon"

3.  Weezer  -  "Thank God For Girls"

4.  Firekid  -  "Magic Mountain"

5.  Dr. Dog  -  "Badvertise"

6.  Cage The Elephant  -  "Mess Around"

7.  Brick + Mortar  -  "Train"

8.  Grizfolk  -  "Troublemaker"

9.  Coldplay  -  "Adventure Of A Lifetime"

10.  Great Good Fine Ok  -  "Take It Or Leave It"

11.  Panama Wedding  -  "Infinite High"

12.  Ellie Goulding  -  "On My Mind"

Check in every month for the freshest music from around the globe.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: October 2015

Coheed And Cambria see The Color Before The Sun

     The fall is in full swing and Halloween is just around the corner. While the trick-or-treaters will be stuffing their bags full of candy, the music lovers will be stuffing their mp3 players with hot new beats.
     New York prog-rockers Coheed And Cambria are making some waves with their latest record The Color Before The Sun [October 16, via 300 Entertainment]. Frontman Claudio Sanchez focuses on the theme of "time" throughout most of the ten tracks. On the rocking "Eraser", Sanchez wishes things would go back to the way they were before. The rest of the album churns through crunchy guitar riffs and catchy hooks. Check them out on tour as they swing through the U.S. with large stops at Monster Mash and Fun Fun Fun Fest.
     Halloween always brings out the ghosts and ghouls. As we get ready for all the costumes to go roaming into the night, it's reassuring to know that the mp3 player is reloaded with "scary" good tunes.


October 2015 Playlist

1.  Deerhunter  -  "Breaker"

2.  Nothing But Thieves  -  "Trip Switch"

3.  Coheed And Cambria  -  "Eraser"

4.  The Wombats  -  "Give Me A Try"

5.  Moon Taxi  -  "Make Your Mind Up"

6.  The 1975  -  "Love Me"

7.  Declan McKenna  -  "Brazil"

8.  Brothertiger  -  "Out Of Touch"

9.  Run The Jewels  -  "Get It"

10.  Albert Ryan  -  "Memory"

11.  Disclosure -  "Magnets"  ft. Lorde

12.  Adele  -  "Hello"

Check in every month for the freshest music from around the globe.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: September 2015

The Dead Weather blaze on with Dodge and Burn

     The bad news is that the summer is officially over, but the good news is that a barrel of new tunes came rolling in at the last minute.
     Stoner-rock supergroup The Dead Weather are heating up again with their new album Dodge and Burn [Sept 25, via Third Man Records]. The foursome of Jack White, Alison Mosshart, Dean Fertita, and Jack Lawrence continue to pump out a huge sound with gritty guitar riffs. On "Cop And Go" lead singer Alison Mosshart delivers with a swagger while the boys on the axes and kit lay down a steady foundation. The whole record continues on with a similar vibe and makes for a fabulous listen. As of now, no tour dates are scheduled for the group.
     The joy of the summer has come and gone and it's nice to look back at all the good memories. The journey wouldn't be complete without one last soundtrack to reminisce about all the sunny adventures.


September 2015 Playlist

1.  MuteMath  -  "Monument"

2.  Walk The Moon  -  "Different Colors"

3.  The Dead Weather  -  "Cop And Go"

4.  Halsey  -  "New Americana"

5.  Broken Bells  -  "It's That Talk Again"

6.  The Neighbourhood  -  "R.I.P. 2 My Youth"

7.  Of Monsters And Men  -  "Empire"

8.  Derrival  -  "Shoes Grow Smaller"

9.  Big Grams  -  "Lights On"

10.  Twenty One Pilots  -  "Stressed Out"

11.  Vance Joy  -  "Fire And The Flood"

12.  Justin Bieber  -  "What Do You Mean?"

Check in every month for the freshest music from around the globe.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7 

Monthly Mix: August 2015

Grace Potter arrives at Midnight

   
     The wave of heat is coming to an end, but there is still plenty of good summer fun to be soaked up. The pontoon boats are still running strong and the new tunes keep rolling along.
     Vermont rock queen Grace Potter is taking a step into the pop world with her new release Midnight [August 14, via Hollywood Records]. Radio play isn't foreign to Potter, as her band The Nocturnals have churned out a few hits in the past. For Midnight, she takes the solo route and focuses on bubble gum beats and dance club anthems. On the song "Delirious" she combines her smooth voice with an infectious synth groove. The tour will weave through the United States with marquee stops at Red Rocks and Radio City Music Hall.
     As we continue to enjoy the summer nights, it's good to know the mp3 players are reloaded with a whole new arsenal of fresh tracks.


August 2015 Playlist

1.  Night Riots  -  "Oh My Heart"

2.  Hippo Campus  -  "Suicide Saturday"

3.  Silversun Pickups  -  "Nightlight"

4.  The Dead Weather  -  "I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)"

5.  Houndmouth  -  "Sedona"

6.  Grace Potter  -  "Delirious"

7.  Vundabar  -  "Darla"

8.  Tear Council  -  "My Car"

9.  Eagles Of Death Metal  -  "Complexity"

10.  CHVRCHES  -  "Leave A Trace"

11.  Nathaniel Rateliff  & The Night Sweats  -  "S.O.B."

12.  Trey Anastasio  -  "Sometime After Sunset"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: July 2015

Tame Impala sends out Currents

      The summer started off relatively hot and the good times keep on rolling. The beaches and lakes have been in picturesque form, and an added bonus has been the healthy doses of fresh tunes.
     Australian psych-rockers Tame Impala are generating some buzz with their latest effort Currents [July 17, via Interscope]. Band leader Kevin Parker has elements of his signature hazy 80's dance music throughout the thirteen tracks. For the lengthy tripped-out "Let It Happen", the group goes on an adventure down a path of fuzzy synths and acid rock. The rest of the record rides along a similar path and creates for a smooth listen. Check these guys out as their tour spins through the U.S. and Europe with big gigs at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
     It's great to be able to fire up the grill every night and knock a couple cold drinks down. As the summer continues to roll on, it's good to have gas in the lawn mower, beer in the fridge, and some fresh beats in the headphones.


July 2015 Playlist

1.  Cold War Kids  -  "First"

2.  Astronauts, etc.  -  "Eye To Eye"

3.  Tame Impala  -  "Let It Happen"

4.  Atlas Genius  -  "Molecules"

5.  Day Wave  -  "Drag"

6.  Wilco  -  "Random Name Generator"

7.  Awolnation  -  "I Am"

8.  JR JR  -  "Gone"

9.  Foals  -  "Mountain At My Gates"

10.  Civil Twilight  -  "Holy Dove"

11.  Toro Y Moi  -  "Pitch Black"  ft. Rome Fortune

12.  The Weeknd  -  "Can't Feel My Face"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7


   

Monthly Mix: June 2015

Muse launches Drones

   
     The summer is officially here, and thankfully for us, a boat-load of fresh new music came down the pipeline just in time for the backyard barbecues.
     English mega-rockers Muse are back in the fold with their latest offering Drones [June 5, via Warner Bros.]. Frontman Matt Bellamy explains the new album as "more politically charged" and "has less synths and computers" than their previous three albums. This can be heard on the loud rocker "Mercy" which features the band's vintage heavy bass and Bellamy's operatic singing style. Check them out as their tour treks through Europe, Japan, and South America.
     It's good to know there is a fresh batch of tunes to refill the mp3 players on these warm summer nights. Whether mowing the lawn, or lounging by the pool, the June Playlist provides the perfect soundtrack.


June 2015 Playlist

1.  COIN  -  "Run"

2.  The Arcs  -  "Stay In Your Corner"

3.  Muse  -  "Mercy"

4.  Phases  -  "I'm In Love With My Life"

5.  The Moth & The Flame  -  "Young & Unafraid"

6.  Beck  -  "Dreams"

7.  Metric  -  "The Shade"

8.  Circa Waves  -  "T-Shirt Weather"

9.  Neon Indian  -  "Annie"

10.  The Struts  -  "Could Have Been Me"

11.  Jamie xx  -  "Loud Places" ft. Romy

12.  Major Lazer  -  "Lean On" ft. DJ Snake and M0

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: May 2015

My Morning Jacket slides down The Waterfall

   
     It seems as if summer is just around the corner. Pool parties and backyard barbecues will be in full swing and they wouldn't be complete without a fresh batch of new tunes.
     Kentucky rockers My Morning Jacket are riding high after releasing their latest album The Waterfall [May 4th, via ATO]. Packed full of  heavy guitars and complex rhythms, this record is vintage Jim James. For the cut "Compound Fracture" James sings a message of getting the most out of life before our time is up, while a summertime beat provides the backdrop. The whole album weaves in and out of smooth grooves and big ax shredding. Check out the band as their tour makes big stops at Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, and Forecastle Festival.
     It's time to dust off the grill and get the summer festivities started. The May Playlist will provide enough new beats to recharge the iPods just in time to keep the party going well into the night.


May 2015 Playlist

1.  Bully  -  "Trying"

2.  X Ambassadors  -  "Renegades"

3.  My Morning Jacket  -  "Compound Fracture"

4.  Panic! At The Disco  -  "Hallelujah"

5.  Rozwell Kid  -  "Kangaroo Pocket"

6.  Third Eye Blind  -  "Everything Is Easy"

7.  Leaf Erikson  -  "Looking For Signs"

8.  Ducktails  -  "Headbanging In The Mirror"

9.  Hot Chip  -  "Need You Now"

10.  Elle King  -  "Ex's & Oh's"

11.  Diamond Mind  -  "Acid Jungle"

12.  MS MR  -  "Painted"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: April 2015

Blur cracks The Magic Whip

     Spring is in full swing and the birds can be heard singing in the trees. Not only were the birds singing, lots of music lovers were as well as an influx of new tunes came pouring in.
     English alt-rockers Blur are creating some hype with their latest album The Magic Whip [April 27, via Parlophone]. Featuring twelve tracks, their newest effort touches on rock, pop, and psychedelia. The cut "Lonesome Street" is a delightful romp that contains post-punk guitars and a bouncy beat. The rest of the album plays out in similar fashion without a dull moment. Check them out as their tour swings through Europe, Australia, and Mexico.
     As the weather continues to get more enjoyable and the golf courses open up, it's a good feeling to know the mp3 players are stocked up again and are ready to go as we try for that hole in one.


April 2015 Playlist

1.  Tame Impala  -  "Cause I'm A Man"

2.  Wolf Alice  -  "Moaning Lisa Smile"

3.  Blur  -  "Lonesome Street"

4.  Twenty One Pilots  -  "Fairly Local"

5.  Built To Spill  -  "Never Be The Same"

6.  Zac Brown Band  -  "Heavy Is The Head" ft. Chris Cornell

7.  Umphrey's McGee  -  "Bad Friday"

8.  Toro Y Moi  -  "Buffalo"

9.  Meg Myers  -  "Sorry"

10.  Turbo Fruits  -  "Don't Let Me Break Your Heart Again"

11.  James Bay  -  "Let It Go"

12.  Tove Lo  -  "Talking Body"

Check in every month for the hottest music from around the globe.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: March 2015

Modest Mouse become Strangers To Ourselves

     

     While the majority of the country was caught up in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, otherwise known as March Madness, there was another madness going around in the form of exciting fresh music.

     Washington indie-rockers Modest Mouse are topping the charts with their first album in eight years entitled Strangers To Ourselves [March 17th, via Epic].  Consisting of fifteen songs that are reminiscent of the band's vintage sound, it bobs and weaves through emotional highs and lows. On "Pups To Dust" frontman Isaac Brock wonders how we got here and if there's a bigger purpose or if maybe we should just wander. Check out the band as their tour swings through the U.S. & the U.K. and includes festival gigs at Sasquatch, Firefly, and Forecastle.

     As the snow melts away and the gardens begin to bloom, it's an added bonus that the mp3 players are also rejuvenated with fresh new cuts.

March 2015 Playlist

1.  My Morning Jacket  -  "Big Decisions"

2.  Absofacto  -  "Dissolve"

3.  Modest Mouse  -  "Pups To Dust"

4.  In The Valley Below  -  "Peaches"

5.  Lord Huron  -  "Fool For Love"

6.  Mumford & Sons  -  "Believe"

7.  The Mowgli's  -  "I'm Good"

8.  of Montreal  -  "Bassem Sabry"

9.  Muse  -  "Dead Inside"

10.  Penguin Prison  -  "Never Gets Old"

11.  Madeon  -  "Pay No Mind" ft. Passion Pit

12.  Snoop Dogg  -  "Peaches N Cream" ft. Charlie Wilson

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

Monthly Mix: February 2015

 

Imagine Dragons use Smoke + Mirrors

 

     In the aftermath of a bitter cold February comes a heat wave of piping hot new mp3s. The long winter is winding down and the excitement of spring is just around the corner.  

     Las Vegas alt-rockers Imagine Dragons are creating a buzz after releasing their latest record Smoke + Mirrors [February 17, via Interscope]. While not containing the stadium anthems of its predecessor, the album is still a colorful display of rock. On the single "Gold", the band uses a haunting beat and blends it into alternative pop song. Check them out as their massive tour makes stops through the U.S. this summer and features a festival spot at BottleRock.

     As the snow begins to melt, the iPod is reloaded with fresh tunes which makes the warmth of the spring seem that much closer.

 

 

February 2015 Playlist

 

1.  The Offspring  -  "Coming For You"

 

2.  Incubus  -  "Absolution Calling"

 

3.  Imagine Dragons  -  "Gold"

 

 

4.  Passion Pit  -  "Lifted Up (1985)"

 

5.  Saint Motel  -  "My Type"

 

6.  Awolnation  -  "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)"

 

 

7.  The Wombats  -  "Greek Tragedy"

 

8.  Fort Lean  -  "I Don't Mind"

 

9.  Alabama Shakes  -  "Don't Wanna Fight"

 

 

10.  Mew  -  "Satellites"

 

11.  Walla  -  "101"

 

12.  Florence + The Machine  -  "What Kind Of Man"

 

 

 

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

 

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

 

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

 

Monthly Mix: January 2015

Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper

     Although the sun hasn't seen much action lately, the year is off to a hot start thanks to a healthy portion of fresh tunes.
     Baltimore's Noah Lennox, better known as Panda Bear is back making experimental electronic music, and his latest record Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper is his most complete effort to date. Lennox states he's "psyched to be an old guy", and it shows throughout the album. He also shows off a more youthful vibe as can be heard on the track "Boys Latin."  A large tour will support the album with stops in Europe and coming back home with a big slot at Coachella.
     The January playlist is a good way to stay warm while shoveling the snow, skiing down a black diamond, or drinking an Irish coffee in the lodge.


January 2015 Playlist

1.  Torche  -  "Minions"

2.  Broken Social Scene  -  "Golden Facelift"

3.  Fall Out Boy  -  "Irresistible"

4.  St. Vincent  -  "Bad Believer"

5.  Toro Y Moi  -  "Empty Nesters"

6.  Panda Bear  -  "Boys Latin"

7.  Catfish and the Bottlemen  -  "Kathleen"

8.  Death Cab For Cutie  -  "Black Sun"

9.  Sleater-Kinney  -  "A New Wave"

10.  The Decemberists  -  "A Beginning Song"

11.  Clones of Clones  -  "I Don't Need Your Love"

12.  Matt and Kim  -  "Get It"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter @SteveFerris7