Best albums and songs of 2015

In 2015, we saw (well, heard) some great music, locally and nationally. From Seattle to New Zealand, some great bands (old and new) delivered us music that helped us get through tough life moments, kept us company on long drives across the Puget Sound or gave us something to take our mind off the third set of squats in the gym.

Here is my list of the top 5 bands and songs of 2015:

5. New Politics &#8212 Vikings

This Copenhagen rock band (currently residing in New York) was a surprise hit for me. They wonderfully blend punk and pop for an album full of catchy tunes. The album’s best song is “West End Kids,” a beautiful rock anthem!

4. Ivan & Alyosha &#8212 It’s All Just Pretend

I keep waiting for this local band to get much bigger; this is a band that deserves a much bigger national audience. Lyrically vulnerable and personal, vocally complex and rich, the album is near perfect. “Bury Me Deep” is a great introduction to what this album is about. Support local music and share this with your friends.

3. Punch Brothers &#8212 The Phosphorescent Blues

Rich, plucky, and vibrant are three words I’d use to describe this bluegrass band. They breathe life into a genre that can fall victim to producing copycat sounds. My favorite song? “I Blew It Off” &#8212 here it is.

2. Chvrches &#8212 Every Open Eye

From beginning to end, this album is near flawless, consistent mix of EDM and pop that reminds me of the brilliant “Drive” soundtrack. For me, oddly enough, the track that passes the vocals to the guitarist/keyboardist Martin Doherty, is my favorite. Check out “High Enough to Carry You Over.”

1. BØRNS &#8212 Dopamine

Every. Song. Is. Perfect. I love this album. Each song mixes complex production with infectious (and sometimes broody) vocals that pull off a brilliant retro, psychedelic sound. Borns made their name off of “Electric Love,” which you should listen to, but my favorite song of the album (and of the year) is “Holy Ghost.” Listen to find out why.