Johnny Vinyl

2015 was a great year for music. For better or worse, in the 21st century, music is available instantaneously in every genre, from literally every corner of the world.

That half of the artists represented here have a history of 30-plus years shows that for those who have ears to hear, music is ageless.

Here’s how Mr. Vinyl interprets the top from audio year 2015:

10. The Mountain Goats: “Beat the Champ”

John Darnielle, founder and only consistent member of the band, led a very messed-up childhood. It’s amazing that he lived to tell about it. That may actually be why he’s here. Since 1991, he has made 15 full-length releases that tend to be concept albums of a particular part of his personal pain. With this one, it is all about the one thing that he had in common with his abusive stepfather — pro wrestling. An entire album of songs about wrestling. It’s not all what you’d expect. It’s not a novelty record. It is a compelling suite of indie rock that continues to reward after repeated listening. John’s pain is our gain.

9. Tame Impala: “Currents”

For studio recording Tame Impala is Kevin Parker. He records everything himself. When it’s time to tour, he enlists the support of an actual band. “Currents” sees Parker trading guitar for keyboards as the instrument of choice, but the experimentation is still front and center.

8. Deafheaven: “New Bermuda”

Deafheaven sonically announced themselves with their black-gaze magnum opus “Sunbather” in 2013. “New Bermuda” is even more intense. The song lengths are shorter this time around. Caution, this one can blow your mind!

7. Goatsnake: “Black Age Blues”

Probably the most unexpected reunion of 2015 is that of the doom metal band Goatsnake. After 15 years, the boys are back with “Black Age Blues.” This is the most accessible these guys have ever sounded. Metallic music for the masses.

6. Faith No More: “Sol Invictus”

The core band is all back after an 11-year hiatus. The time off worked wonders. This is their best since the early ’90s. If you enjoyed “The Real Thing” or “Angel Dust,” you’re gonna love this!

5. Dead Weather: “Dodge and Burn”

This is Alison Mosshart’s album and the boys are just along for the ride. On her first two releases she was one of the guys. Here, she takes total control and her more famous bandmates seem to think that’s perfectly fine. She projects such force and conviction that with “Let Me Through,” when she sings “I’m a bad man, let me through,” you don’t doubt her for a second.

4. The Waterboys: “Modern Blues”

Mike Scott and the Waterboys continue to turn out Celtic-drenched, indie spirituals for the new age. If this doesn’t make you feel good about being alive, you might not be.

3. The Church: “Further/Deeper”

Australia’s merchants of ethereal rock and roll released the best since their ’80s heyday. Losing (literally) founding member Marty Willson-Piper caused nary a ripple. New guitarist Ian Haug, formerly of Powderfinger, fits in seamlessly. One of their best.

2. Public Image Limited: “What the World Needs Now”

This one could have easily held the top position on this list. There is no one alive quite like John Lyndon, better known as Johnny Rotten. Who would have guessed that this former lead singer of the Sex Pistols would have become somewhat of a sage as an elder statesman? The piss and vinegar are still there, but now it’s tempered with an undeniable truth.

1. Killing Joke: “Pylon”

In 1978, four British teenagers, Jaz Coleman, Kevin “Geordie” Walker, Big Paul Ferguson and Paul “Youth” Glover, formed the seminal band Killing Joke as a way to combat dystopian England under Thatcher’s rule. Killing Joke had a major effect on post-punk, new-wave, dance/house/rave, goth, and almost single-handedly invented industrial before anyone knew what to call it. Youth left after the third album in 1983 to concentrate more on dance and experimental music. Paul Raven filled the vacancy until his death in 2007. At his funeral, the four original members realized how much Killing Joke had meant to them and unfinished work needed to be completed. “Pylon” completes the trilogy initiated by that event with 2010’s “Absolute Dissent” and 2012’s “MMXII.” This set finds them firmly entrenched in what they do best, gargantuan riffs, fist-pumping chants and the heaviest rhythm section around. The deluxe edition adds 35 minutes of tracks that for some random reason didn’t make it on the album proper. As proven by the gatherings of 2005 and 2008, Killing Joke front a worldwide tribe who’ll follow them anywhere. Join the tribe, ride the vibe.

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Johnny Vinyl is a music connoisseur. His column, Ride the vibe, focuses on entertainment. Contact him in c/o tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com