Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue exploring the diverse sounds of 2014 with a focus on indie and electronic influences. This episode delves into Jungle’s vibrant self-titled debut, Taiko’s ambient soundscapes in Awake, and the experimental R&B from artists like FKA twigs and Banks. We also discuss how the resurgence of disco elements and ambient vibes shaped the year’s music landscape. Join us as we celebrate these unique records that added to the sonic palette of 2014.

Episode Highlights:

• In hindsight, was One Direction’s Four merely an average album, in turn marking an inevitable transition to their solo careers?
• Despite a positive reception, does Seeds by TV on the Radio remain an underrated gem of 2010s alternative?
• How did Jungle’s self-titled album manage to successfully revitalize disco?
• How was Tycho's Awake album a unique take on ambient and indie electronic music?
• Why did Alt-J’s “Left Hand Free” feel like a departure from their earlier experimental style?
• Instead of being despised, would U2's Songs of Innocence have merely been passed off as a basic effort, if it were not for its controversially invasive rollout?