Concert Monkey takes a look at 20 of the best albums of 2014

Not a countdown. Not a Top 20.

Previous entry: Best albums of 2014: Pink Floyd - The Endless River

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Many themes and directions within this album. Infinite blend of styles. And still harmony, uniqueness and a degree of excellence beyond description. Who else could touch the opening lyrics of Thank You so nonchalantly evocative: “and if the sun refused to shine” brings back not only memories from Led Zeppelin era, it brings back an entire bordering universe.

Everything he pours down turns into something new, without being avant-garde. He’s like a guru achieving the ultimate nirvana and laying upon us his experience acquired through his entire artistic journey. Not a happy album, at least not in depth. But it melts wisdom with sadness in such heartbreaking ways. The album is charming, is magical, is full of bitter sweet search for comfort. It's an album which can dissipate and sooth at the same time.

It’s so beautiful that it hurts.

Musicians

Robert Plant – vocals, production
The Sensational Space Shifters (as backing band):

Justin Adams – bendirs, djembe, guitars, tehardant, background vocals
Liam "Skin" Tyson – banjo, guitar, background vocals.
John Baggott – keyboards, loops, moog bass, piano, tabal, background vocals
Juldeh Camara – kologo, ritti, Fulani vocals
Billy Fuller – bass, drum programming, omnichord, upright bass
Dave Smith – drum set
Julie Murphy – vocals on "Embrace Another Fall"
Nicola Powell – background vocals on "Poor Howard"

As Rober Plant is an active opponent against the free online music, I couldn't find the Pocketful of Golden anywhere on youtube, but here it is another beautiful track and the first single, Little Maggie

Robert Plant 'Little Maggie' | Official Track