Another great year for releases from Bay Area bands is coming to a close, but some of the 2014’s most impressive releases may not have initially received the attention they deserved. Those sorts of oversights are understandable given the volume of new albums coming out year-round. This mixtape collects songs from San Francisco bands that you may not have caught earlier this year, but that you definitely should listen to before committing pen to paper on any “Best of” list. It’s a wide-ranging collection showing that Bay Area bands offered up exciting works in a variety of genres this year.
About the Bands:
Joyride! – “Jump Start”
From Bodies of Water (Salinas Records/Lauren Records)
San Francisco’s Joyride! followed up last year’s terrific self-titled album with a new LP in September. The group has mastered the art of composing ultra-catchy noise-pop songs, performed with an upbeat punk rock enthusiasm and augmented with thoughtful, engaging lyrics.
Blood Sister – “Ghost Twin”
From Blood Sister (Bloodmoss Records)
Blood Sister’s early songs — employing devastating noise and melodic heft to great effect — caught our attention last year, and the band’s first EP further hones that sonic attack. The group is led by Ezana Edwards, who relocated to SF after the dissolution of Brooklyn’s Night Manager, and recently solidified a four-person lineup that includes K. Dylan Edrich of The Mallard.
Greg Ashley – “Prisoner #1131267”
From Another Generation of Slaves (Trouble in Mind Records)
Greg Ashley’s solo career is part of a lengthy and impressive resume, which also includes leading the acclaimed Gris Gris and recording and producing countless local bands at his Creamery studio. Another Generation of Slaves is the latest collection of lyrical psych-folk from this Oakland singer-songwriter, and it’s another welcome addition to this cult artist’s discography.