And as another year draws to a close, it’s time to announce the Top Twenty albums of 2016. This list varies wildly from synthpop, hip hop, emotional pop ballads, and even a strain of good old country. The order was difficult to pin down since there’s tons of great albums, but i’m very happy with this list and hope you enjoy it and can at least maybe pick up a few new records you may have not heard before. Enjoy guys!
HONORABLE MENTIONS: FLUME, SKIN GONE IS GONE, SELF TITLED KRISTIN KONTROL, X COMMUNICATE DAVID BOWIE, BLACK STAR 20.SOLANGE, A SEAT AT THE TABLE For a long time, Solange stood in the shadows of her much more famous sibling. Truth is, she still does, but the strength among this record makes it obvious that she’s no second fiddle. Sure the sister in question is a giant star, but Solange Knowles makes it look easy through every track on “A Seat at the Table.” It’s cohesive, and even better, every song is written by her, which is something Queen B never does. 19. MIIKE SNOW, iii These guys were a huge breakout success with their first record, but even though they might not be blowing up stadiums worldwide, this record is fucking good. It’s a conscious synth-pop rock album with savory vocals and beats throughout, and it shows the true and growing potential of this band. You may have forgotten about these boys, but you shouldn’t have, because they put out their best record this year. 18. MITSKI, PUBERTY 2 A late comer to the countdown finds us at number 18. I had only heard of Mitski in the last few months, but after hearing what she actually brought to the table i was more than impressed. With vocals reminiscent of Annie Clark of St. vincent, Mitksi is able to intermingle a sullen soft desperate voice that winds over a multitude of impressive sounds, which makes her all the more appealing. A nice chill record with a twist, all in all. 17. PREOCCUPATIONS, PREOCCUPATIONS I would have preferred they hadn’t changed their name from Viet Cong, but I guess you have to do what you have to do. Regardless of title though, Preoccupations keep their feet grounded in the style of music they always have. It’s heavy, dense, long winded at times, but thoroughly enjoyable throughout. It’s one of the better rock records of the year, and if you liked them before, you’re still gonna like them after you explore this album. 16. FRANK OCEAN, BLONDE After years of waiting, Ocean deciding to make everyone go crazy with two album releases in a matter of days. The other honestly was mostly a waste of time for me, but this record, “Blonde” is a natural step for the best member of OFWGKTA. It’s sexy beyond belief, and although none of the songs are even close to up tempo, the patience that exudes from every song makes this record a solid addition to his growing arsenal of thoughtful, relaxed and layered music. 15. SAVAGES, ADORE LIFE From the pummeling opening notes of “The Answer,” you know that Savages, the female foursome juggernaut, isn’t fucking around. Singer (INSERT Name), wails her voice chaotically but poised in a way I’ve never heard before. The musicianship that accompanies the record is also incredibly tight for a band still somewhat fresh in the giant world of growing bands. It’s crunchy in the best way possible, and I personally challenge all these macho tough guy bands to see if they can match the strength of Savages, because they might get fucked up. 14. EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, THE WILDERNESS EITS have been doing this for so long now that they basically have a framework for awesome albums pretty consistently. “The Wilderness,” the band's seventh album and first in five years, is more of the same that we’ve loved since 2000. It’s methodical and patient, never reaching out too much before the time is right. All the members of the band, from Chris Hrasky on drums to Michael and Munaf on varied instruments show their individual power and pull all of it together to give us a record that’s poignant and beautiful, and yet another solid record from a band that seems to be able to do no wrong. 13. DEFTONES, GORE After all these years, the Sacto boys are still making metal with a twist, but also metal that can perch itself atop all the best of the genre. Tracks like “Doomed User” take advantage of the one two punch that is Carpenters racing guitar parts as they accompany Chino high pitch scream in a beautifully dangerous way. I might be biased in my love for this band, but that bias comes from the fact that I’ve never been let down by the sheer power and energy of this band. They’ve not only emerged as the most notably talented band from the Nu Metal era, but they refuse to give up, and can still drop the hammer when it comes to making a solidly heavy record. 12. MONO, REQUIEM FOR HELL Japan’s noisy, post rock masters Mono have steadily been releasing quality albums for the last sixteen years, and while their personal growth has been obvious, not all of their records can match the darkness in density and tone that they reach on “Requiem for Hell.” Over the course of forty-six minutes, the slow burn is evident, but it’s also somewhat beautiful, which might seem odd given the title of the record. If you’re into instrumentally based challenging bands who give you the gift of imagining whatever world you brain can conjure up while listening, I’d highly suggest this tried and true act. 11. CHANCE THE RAPPER, COLORING BOOK Over the last few years, Chance has been gradually becoming more and more of a big deal in the music world, and while I was late to warm to his unique brand of hip hop, I’m glad I did. His latest “mixtape,” “Coloring Book” is the best signal yet that he will be headlining festivals if his upward trajectory keeps going in a similar direction. It rips and roars enthusiastically, and has enough all star guests to put other rappers to shame. With his trademark voice rapping over a brilliant mix of traditional beats and horns and drums, “Coloring Book” adds to the testament that not only is Chance the next talented rapper set to blow up, but he’s done it entirely on his own, which isn’t easy when you consider how rough the music business is. 10. STURGILL SIMPSON, A SAILORS GUIDE TO EARTH Now you could probably look at me and see that I don’t get into too much country, but from my angle, Simpson has easily transcended that notion. Sure he’s not Tim McGraw or other mediocre musician under the vast country umbrella, but what works so well for him is how ancient, full hearted, and sincere he comes off. This is country done in the ways of Cash and Nelson. Sturgill’s voice is warm, compassionate, and full of spirit in the halls that the country legends of the past left for him to discover. This record had a great impact on me, and hopefully it will do the same for you. 9. BAT FOR LASHES, THE BRIDE Natasha Khan has grown so much from the early beginnings of her work as Bat for Lashes, but the more things change the more they stay the same. That’s not to discount her work on this record at all, far from it. This concept album about a wedding doomed before it even began has all the workings of her past records, but it’s decidedly darker and slower in pace. Many songs feature her deep and painful voice over low ambient beats, and it works in a way that it shouldn’t. Khan keeps somehow managing to stay under the radar, but in those shadows in the dark recesses of her own brand of melancholy atmosphere, she shines bright enough for you to find your way back to her. 8. DANNY BROWN, ATROCITY EXHIBITION On his fourth full length proper record, Brown explores more territory unknown to him than on his previous efforts, and well it makes for a compelling listening experience. The low tempo beats on opener “Downward Spiral” make for an interesting entry into his “Atrocity Exhibition,” but the wonder doesn’t stop there. “Rolling Stone” is a chill track that’s energized by Brown's trademark high pitched vocals. His voice should never work in the context of what he’s trying to do, but maybe that’s what makes him such a standout talent. He continually grows in his art and finds ways to make things stick that shouldn’t 7. ANGEL OLSEN, MY WOMAN Olsen has been on my radar for quite some time, but with “My Woman” she’s expounded her talent with an album full of mismatched songs in various styles, narratives and soundscapes. Some songs are slower and brooding, some are more clear rock oriented tracks, but all of them are hypnotizing and wonderful to listen to. “Shut up and Kiss Me,” the best song on the album and one of the best tracks of the year is a declaration to get out of your own head and be grateful for whatever happiness you can find. That type of mindset is sprinkled all over the album, and it plays to perfect effect as Olsen becomes the woman that indie rock needs right now. 6. NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS, SKELETON TREE For more than thirty years, Cae and his Bad Seeds have been steadily building a catalog that’s as different record to record as it is consistently amazing and unparalleled. On “Skeleton Tree,” the band's sixteenth record, the pain and dread is palpable throughout. Built on the background of the death of Cave’s son in an untimely freak accident, this record is dark enough to make you want to run. In that darkness though, you see the soul of a man who’s broken and left to wonder what it all means. This album isn’t an easy listening by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s one that radiates beauty in the way Cave’s voice and the musicianship of the band come full circle and make for a thoroughly thought-provoking example of loss explored in musical form. A tour de Force record. 5. THE AVALANCHES, WILDFLOWER And holy shit look at this, they finally released their second album. I won’t lie, i was very much in the corner of this record isn’t going to be worth the long wait we’ve endured since their first record came out in 2000. But in fact, I was wrong, and I can also see what took so long. The album moves forward much in the same way that “Since I Left You” did, but the added help from musicians outside of the confines of the band really adds a fresh layer to their sampling techniques. Danny Brown adds to the infectious ‘Frankie Sinatra,” while many others including Ariel Pink add their unique flare to this whirlwind that’s described as taking a cross country trip while experiencing the world through drug hazed eyes. 4. A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, WE GOT IT FROM HERE.. THANK YOU 4 YOUR SERVICE After so many years it’s easy to forget just how important this hip hop group is. For their first release in many many years, ATCQ manages to come off stronger and more potent than they ever did. The album resonates with the same like minded attitudes that made the group such a powerhouse decades early, and that’s where the strength comes from. Guest spots from the long forgotten but sorely missed Busta Rhymes makes it all the better, with each song exacting revenge and bringing banging beat after banging beat. With the tremendous loss of Phife Dawg earlier this year this makes it harder for the album to remain a full embodied ATCQ record, but i have a feeling Phife would love that his comrades came together one last time with a proper goodbye that fans everywhere can eat up. 3. LADY GAGA, JOANNE For all intents and purposes, my main complaint from Gaga up until this point was that she seemingly relied on theatrics and palor tricks rather than her proven voice. That all changed however with “Joanne,” her sixth record. The record is bare of most of her usual elements, but that’s what makes it such a profoundly good record. Her voice soars throughout the album, and songs like “Perfect Illusion” brings the good from the past into a new more mature light. It’s a rocking song that can pass as a radio hit while still staying true to what she’s trying to accomplish. Backed by Kevin Parker in the producer chair along with Mark Ronson, the album also features great guests like Florence Welch and Joshua Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. It’s a remarkably good record that everyone can get into it, even if you haven’t been hugely in love with her up until this part. I’m sold on this, and you might be too. 2. RADIOHEAD, A MOON SHAPED POOL After five years, the enigmatic kings of alternative rock finally returned this year. Plenty of people didn’t fall in love with the previous “King of Limbs,” but “A Moon Shaped Pool,” brings it back to the layered, thoughtful, solemn sound that made the band so interesting in the last decade or so. Song after song finds it grove in ways only Yorke, the Greenwoods and company can. Many of these songs are familiar to hardcore RH fans, but it’s the new ways the band can change styles among the same song that make it sound so fresh. “True Love Waits,” the longtime fan favorite b- side finally shows up on a proper record, but it’s not what we were used to hearing. It’s wonderful all the same, but it’s in those ways that the band is able to spread their experimental tendencies and produce something that sounds way ahead of the curve in areas that would see other bands fall to the ground in defeat. 1. CHILDISH GAMBINO, AWAKEN! MY LOVEDonald Glover has gradually been veering away from his indie sampled beats since his early records, but what he does on “Awaken! My Love” is truly remarkable. Glover as Gambino manages to make a record that keeps the spirit of Prince and Outkast in the forefront while still making an album that very much sounds like a Gambino record. Up until last week no one had heard this record, but it wasn’t until the record came across my path did I fully understand who should take the number one slot on the Top 20 albums of 2016. Glover sings and croons with the best of them, while injecting this soulful record with the attitude and gloss of a powerful avant garde funk record from the heydays of funk jams. Song after song on “Awaken!” makes me miss the old days where it was just Gambino and his beats, but that’s not the whole story. Sure the old shit is great, but on this record he breaks out in big ways and conquers everything he touches. It’s joyous, uplifting and a drastic about face that makes me excited for what he may have in store for us in the years and albums to come. My number one record of the year, “Awaken! My Love” by the incomparable Childish Gambino. Thanks for reading!
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And on the second installment of the Year End editions, we cover the Top Ten songs of the past year. included among these tracks are deep thoughtful songs, upbeat party anthems, and perhaps tracks you've never even heard. i hope you enjoy! 10. RADIOHEAD, TRUE LOVE WAITS, A MOON SHAPED POOL For years this song was among the best b-sides from the band, until one day it shows up on a new record. Reworked from the liver version, this version is a more somber track that features Yorke’s haunting vocals dangling over an even more melancholy piano piece with distant soundtracks further in the mix. It’s a brilliantly haunting song about lost love that yet again proves that Radiohead is a band of many flavors, nearly all of them delicious and moving. 9. FLUME, NEVER BE LIKE YOU, SKIN I never got into producer Flume before last year, but this poppy, atmospheric song quickly became one of his best tracks. Accompanied by Kai is a more slow building electro track that takes the best parts of the current EDM craze but rightfully abandons most other properties of the doomed genre. It’s a song you can dance to with a special someone, while singing to the precisely layered vocals that offer a new insight into how good electronic music can be. 8. NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS, JESUS ALONE, SKELETON TREE Easily the most haunting song on this list, Cae and his bad seeds yet again manage to sound distinct not only among their contemporaries but also compared to the other records the band has produced in their long storied career. It’s a eerily slow song with minimal production backing it, but it’s in those moments that Cave shines. Perfect for a person lost in the wilderness surrounded by fog, “Jesus Alone” starts the record on a super somber note filled with death, and those feeling persist through the rest of the album. 7. BANKS & STEELZ, GIANT, ANYTHING BUT WORDS I only just recently heard this song, but clearly it had an impact on me. At first glance a pairing of Interpol and Wu Tang members sounds downright awful, but the strength and intensity in this lead track is enough of a reason to give this band a chance. The beats are great and immediate, and once the song actually gets going it doesn’t stop. Featuring Rza and Paul Banks, the two worm and snake their way in out of verses and choruses to deliver a song that fans of either band could dig on. 6. ANGEL OLSEN, SHUT UP KISS ME, MY WOMAN What a year this lady has had. In my opinion a big part of her success this year has to do with this down and out love song. Olsen’s vocals are atmospheric without trying to be, and the upbeat nature of the guitar and drums give the song the oomph it needs to be memorable. It’s just a fantastic rock song that carries its message to a rousing successful point. If she keeps up with quality like this, expect to be seeing much more of her as time flows. 5. CHANCE THE RAPPER w/ LIL’ WAYNE, NO PROBLEM, COLORING BOOK Among the many great songs on this album, “No Problem” is easily the best. Hip-Hop at it’s finest, Chance the Rapper has exploded in the last year in an undeniable way. From the early moments, “No Problem” bounces proudly and joyously in it’s attempts to entertain, which it does in spades. Chance for me took time to appreciate, but with this track as the centerpiece of his excellent new album, it’s hard for me to understand just what exactly took me so long to understand how awesome and jubilant he is. 4. THE AVALANCHES, FRANKIE SINATRA, WILDFLOWER Welcome back boys! For years news of a potential Avalanches album floated around, and then out of nowhere, we get a first, actual single from the long in gestation sample wizards. And thankfully our first introduction to the new record was a great sneak peek at what lay ahead. Nestled in a realm where Danny Brown raps over South American music while various beats and other samples cascade over the speakers. Independently the song works well but it also fits into the overall free flow of ideas and inspirations that the band is able to pull from. One of the best of the year. 3. MIIKE SNOW, GENGHIS KHAN, iii First things first: Watch this great video, which offers a genuine twist on the evil men tormenting his enemies until he realizes all is not what it seems. Getting to the song though, it’s more of the same of what we’ve come to expect over the course of the band’s previous efforts. Also though, it genuinely showcases that the band can make an upbeat rock song that Pop lovers can also get behind and support. The drum synthesizer beats are solid, but it’s Andrew Wyatt is more than able to do even more wondrous things with the use of his smooth, sultry man vocals. 2. BECK, WOW For over a month i heard only snippets of this song, and honestly didn’t think much of it. I also had no idea that this was a Beck song. In fact it wasn’t until I saw Beck live that i found out that not only was that Beck Hansen himself, but the song was dope as hell. Fixed firmly outside of the rock world but firmly planted in the weird, all over the place eclectic nature of who Beck is as a person, “Wow” is a gentle day swimming and cavorting while drinking fancy colored mix drinks with silly names. The song is another testament to the chameleon nature of Hansen as a person, but I mean it’s Beck. You never quite know what to expect. 1. DJ SHADOW w/ RUN THE JEWELS, NOBODY SPEAK, THE MOUNTAIN WILL FALL There was simply no other song this year that insisted on forcing you to experience the force of the song. To hear shadow say it there was no other person or group of people better to provide vocals over this track, and well, he was absolutely correct. Hearing El & Mike rap over this song makes it impossible to imagine anyone doing anything even half as good as what they brought to the table. From the jangle of the opening beats to the powerful, confrontational styling from Run the Jewels, “Don’t Speak” is a giant fuck you to all the naysayers and also to the people who would have you think you must abide by their set of rules. Also referencing our next President in such a deliberate and insulting way is a treasure I wish most artists had the balls to present to the world. Easily the best song of the year, “Don’t Speak” is the song that many others in the rap world will be compared to for some time. Come back next week for the TOP TWENTY ALBUMS OF THE YEAR! Thanks for reading! Much the same every year, we kick off the Year end editions with he Top Ten shows of 2017. After many shows, multiple festivals, thrills and smiles, I’m pleased to announce the shows that were a cut above the rest. Without further adieu, here they are. Enjoy!
10. THE WEEKEND, VOODOO FEST While I’ve been a moderate fan of Abel’s for quite some time, I had never seen the act commonly known as the Weeknd as he closed the opening night at Voodoo in tremendous fashion. With an otherworldly stage truss hoisted and moving above the stage, the Weekend dropped plenty of hits and slow games in a show that drew in both old fans and newer fans. 9. MARIAN HILL, BONNAROO Oozing seductive qualities on the Thursday at Bonnaroo, the trio known as Marian Hill captivated the audience for her hour long set. I had listened and loved the music beforehand, but seeing the up and coming band serenade the crowd during the set made it clear to everyone in the crowd that this was an act that we should plan on hearing more of in the coming years. 8. CHVRCHES, BONNAROO Since first falling in love with Lauren, Iain and Mike on a clear blue day at Roo truly brought my love to the next logical height. The band engaged the large main stage crowd for the duration of their set, dropping all the best known songs with a similar electronic bounce that cultivates their sound. One of the great acts of the whole festival, and our number 8 on the top shows of 2017. 7. TAME IMPALA, BONNAROO Much like the times before when I’d seen them, Kevin Parker and company rocked the late night set in true fashion. Sure they didn’t play their entire scheduled time, but no one in attendance seemed to mind during moments where tame clearly had control of the massive crowd at the Which stage. Hearing songs like “elephant” and “Feels Like We’re Going Backwards,” made the crowd rock and swoon in ways few psychedelic rock bands can manage to entertain a crowd. 6. TOOL, VOODOO Having seen them over twenty times by this point, You mostly know what to expect fromthe Prog rock gods from California. This show, much like all the other shows I’ve seen, didn’t disappoint. Their strength lies in the way the band can go from heavy clunkers and bass heavy beats, while also showcasing Keenan’s voice. They’re a band I’ve loved forever, and they still know how to deliver a show that leaves everyone in awe and excited at what they’re witnessing. 5. THE CURE, U.N.O. LAKEFRONT ARENA Meant to be the first show of the tour until a date the previous day was added, The Cure killed the audience for well over three hours. They way they can manage to play for ages and not lose a step is both admirable and intimidating, even to fans like me. Sure I love love the cure, but damn, three hours is a long ass time to watch a band. That being said, the song selection, vastly different from the previous night's show, is a testament to not only how much this band loves to play shows, but also just how many songs they have in their moody, dark environment 4. REFUSED, FREE PRESS FEST Literally the only band I was super excited to see at this middle of the road fest. Like many I had fallen in love with their seminal release “The Shape of Punk to Come,” but once you see the band present those songs live, a whole new element emerges. Infused with the spirit of punk, the Swedish group delivering a shockingly tight show despite the less than enormous crowd. Truly one of the last unicorns in the world of music, and boy am I happy to have seen them. 3. BECK, SAENGER THEATER For years and years I had tried to see Beck Hansen to no avail. One show sold out instantly, and the next chance at Jazz Fest was rained out to do a hardcore storm. Finally though, the time came to see Beck deliver his eclectic brand of alternative rock. To say it was great show would be an understatement. The gentle nature Hansen brings to his art shone bright, and hit after hit had the capacity crowd dancing and singing alone. 2. KRAFTWERK, ORPHEUM THEATER Wow, what a show. Not only in the sense that this was the German electronic foursomes first ever New Orleans show, but it was in 3d too! The show was mind-altering in many ways, and firmly cemented their status as a band who can deliver in the live format in spades. Trippy visuals accompanied every song, and while the band barely said a word to the crowd, they really didn’t have to. The music was more than enough and drops on the countdown at number 2. I don’t know how many more years this band will be active, but do yourself a favor and check it out if you get the chance. 1. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, BONNAROO Having never gotten the chance to see the New york ensemble, the trip to Roo was done out of necessity in order to finally see on my favorite all time bands. Many people were less than thrilled at the band headlining, but anyone who saw that show quickly found out they were a clear choice for headliner. In my opinion not only was it the best show of the festival, but one of the top ten shows I’ve ever seen. Every song fed off the crowd's energy, and it doesn’t hurt when the band closes their 90 minute set with the one- two punch of “Dance Yrself Clean,” and the beyond legendary “All My friends.” Dancing and singing along with friends new and old truly made for a once in a lifetime set from this absurdly talented band. Thanks for reading! |
AuthorLandon Murray is a music connooisseur who craves sounds of all shapes and textures. He's seen over 2000 bands and looks forward to welcoming you into his world of sound, Categories
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