Best Albums of 2016
2016 was a shit year, but at least there was some great music.
5. Goodness by the Hotelier
The Hotelier took two years to release their third album, after the electrical Home, Like Noplace Is There, the band bursts forward with a certain lightness that brings new breath into the discography. The writing remains also celestial and dreamy in quality, while the melodies remain anchors for the images creating unexpected hooks. A great compliment to the Hotelier's previous releases.
Listen to track 10, Sun | Get it Here
4. Camp Cope by Camp Cope
What can I say about Camp Cope besides that they are absolute heart breakers and fixers. They have a habit of ripping you up and sewing you back together again in a single song. Grim and beautiful, you just have to listen to fully understand the weight this album carries. So, get on it!
Listen to track 1, Done | Get it Here
3. Lost Time by Tacocat
Lost Time does exactly what you expect from Tacocat and then some. Tacocat fills the room with pop culture fun, stories of growing up, good humored teasing, and picks a fight with the first day of a period. The music and vocal stylings of this album celebrate the large range of possibilities Tacocat is capable of and lets their fearlessness in experimentation and discovery shine through, refusing to make an album with a predictable and safe track listing. A little less surf rock guitar and a little more bouncing and distortion, Lost Time is possibly even catchier than NVM and just as essential in any music collection.
Listen to track 5, You Can't Fire Me, I Quit | Get it Here
2. Shine a Light by Billy Bragg and Joe Henry
The mythology of folk music is rich and still going strong as shown by this truly wonderful set of songs chosen by Billy Bragg and Joe Henry. Each song not only celebrates the almost mystical use of trains in music but also the live recording process as each song was recorded in train stations across the USA. Both Bragg and Henry take turns leading songs and giving one another harmonies that portray an array of emotions. The record is human in it's ernest production, delivery, and thoughtfulness. Whether you're a dedicated follower of the folk genre, a traveler, both, or neither, you need this album in your collection. Play in a large room, open the windows, and enjoy.
Listen to track 4, Railroad Bill | Get it Here
1. Blisters in the Pit of My Heart by Martha
If you're not familiar with Martha, now is the time. With six EPs and 1 full length already under their belt Blisters builds upon an amazing collection of songs in ways a fan could only dream. Catchy, clever, well rounded, and above all honest, Martha absolutely kills it with an even mix of female and male vocals, heart break and joy, and good humor over all. I can't say enough about this record, it just gets better and better every time I listen to it.
Listen to track 5, Goldman's Detective Agency | Get it Here
Honorable Mentions
One of my all time favorite bands, this EP made me so excited to see what comes next for a mercilessly cool and punchy three piece (as if I wasn't on the edge of my seat already). You'll fall in love with the way the music weaves and thumps and charms all in earshot. Next month they're releasing a split with Camp Cope which I have already preorder, as should you. They also did an audio tree recording this year, but I was trying to keep EPs off the list, so an honorable mention will have to do it for this one.
Winter Classic / Boss Fight Split
Since this is my partner's former band, and our roommate's/friends' band, I didn't think it was fair to put in in my top five, though I do love this album. Both bands kill it and are selling the splits on their bandcamps and at shows, which you should totally go to, on 10" vinyl. (My partner also designed and illustrated this one!)
The Things I Never Say by I'm Glad It's You
One of my favorite bands from Redding, California. They stole my heart with their first EP, June, this is their first full length.
What were your favorite albums of the year? I've noticed Chance the Rapper on a lot of lists this year end (and I have to agree, it's a really wonderful album) and Angel Olsen (Much to be desired in my opinion), but what else have you seen celebrated that you agree or disagree with?