It’s July and 2014 is halfway over already. That being the case, I’d like to step back, take a breather and reflect on the year so far. I have heard, reviewed, and seen a whole mess of new music over the past 6 months. Some of it has been so-so and some of it has completely taken me aback. Those things that I have heard (and are at least NEW to me this year) that have simply blown me away. The list below is no where near exhaustive of what has wowed me, but 7 things that truly have stood out and I have been forced to play over and over again, because quite frankly, I can’t stop myself from listening. The type of music that gets stuck in your head. The type of music that you aspire to create. The type of musicians who you respect.

Anyway, here is my top 7 for the beginning of 2014.

Arc Iris “Self Titled” – Sure, it may not be as “rootsy” per se as Jocie Adams’ previous project, but this record had it all for me, plus it forced to stray outside my typical “dudes with guitars and mandolins” listening box. IT was a wistful listening experience, with hints of folk, jazz, indie rock…all over the place. It peaked my interest and kept it there for a long time to come.

Haunt the House “Jack Rabbit Jones” – Spooky, moving…well, haunting, yes. This is the kind of music that stays with you for a long time, eating into your head and leaving you wanting more. I find Will’s music to be so evocative and emotion-drive. There is very little music out there today that is quite as sincere as Houlihan’s. This record is absolutely beautiful.

Hayley Sabella “King Solomon” – Hayley has a way with vocal inflection and melody that leaves other singer-songwriters in complete envy. Her musical patterns are interesting, different, yet still approachable. Its not so far out in left field that you are like “OK, someone is trying to be different”, I just think that Hayley’s mind works in this wonderful way with music and it comes natural. Plus she has one the most gorgeous voices I have heard. Good songs, beautiful voice, interesting arrangements = Top 5 List.

M.R. Poulopoulos “Harvest the Heart” – Ok, ok this may not have been released this year, but it was new to my ears this year and I loved Mike’s music so much that I felt it deserved a listen. A great mix of songs with a groove reminiscent of The Band with stuff that is poignant and terribly sad (so you know I f’ing love it) like “Ink Fades”. Seriously, listen to that song, its absolutely gorgeous. This record has been played daily since he and I swapped records at a gig a few months back. Truly amazing stuff.

Julie Rhodes “Who’s That Yonder” – The little EP with a huge sound that hit me like a ton of bricks. Julie is a powerhouse of a singer and the songs on this are stripped  down to perfection, highlighting all of the right parts of the songs on this collection. Her version of “Wade in the Water” struck me particularly hard. It’s carefully spun, but intense on the soul and feeling. Look out for this gal breaking out in a big way this year and into next year with her debut full length. Bluesy, soul inspiring goodness.

Jonah Tolchin “Clover Lane” – That voice…and wait, that guitar playing. And wait, just everything man, everything. This record is certainly a step outwards for Jonah in exploring more sounds, but deep at the root it is still all Tolchin. That deep rooted, blues sound with hints of rock n’ roll that made me fall in love with his music in the first place. And man, that voice. Wait, did I mention the voice yet? Jonah has a grumble and a grit smoothed over with a fine sand paper tone to his voice. Its silk and sand all at the same time. Man oh man!

Mark Whitaker “Nowhere to Land” – This will be my favorite record of 2014. I am just making that statement now. Beautiful textures and harmonies, incredibly talented musicians across the board, and the arrangements are pure genius. Whitaker’s voice is soothing, soulful, and smooth. The writing is great, it’s positive and positively wonderful. This is what music is supposed to be…and the main instrument is a banjo.