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.

2. Grouper: Ruins

Gabe: Any new Grouper record is pretty much guaranteed to make my top 10, but Ruins was a master class in restraint, a pure and simple refinement of the soulful, celestial sonics Liz Harris has trafficked in for years.

Blake: Great, slow and boring (again). I feel like you're just trolling me at this point.

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
3. Fennesz: Bécs
2. Grouper: Ruins