In one corner: Flagpole Music Editor Gabe Vodicka, itching to unleash his list of Top 10 non-local albums of the year onto a probably-suspecting public. In the other corner: News Editor Blake Aued, a new father whose awareness of 2014 music is limited to "Shake It Off" and Pharrell's giant hat. From Dec. 22–31, Gabe will count down his list, and Blake will review each album in response.

4. Deerhoof: La Isla Bonita

Gabe: This record had me all *prayer hands emoji* *guitar emoji* *flushed face emoji* *ghost emoji*.

Blake: I like Deerhoof. This sounds like Deerhoof. Therefore, I like it. In fact, this even sounds like Deerhoof you can dance to, so, like, *Rudolph doing the Dougie emoji*. Is that right, Mr. Millennial Guy? Oh, wait, I forgot, you buy boring folk downloads at Starbucks now. Never mind, I'll ask an intern.

Gabe's Top 10, so far:

10. Aphex Twin: Syro
9. Chris Forsyth and the Solar Motel Band: Intensity Ghost
8. Daniel Lanois: Flesh and Machine
7. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib: Piñata
6. Against Me!: Transgender Dysphoria Blues
5. Beck: Morning Phase
4. Deerhoof: La Isla Bonita