Top Albums and Singles of 2017

Another year, another music blog post reflecting on the most prominent albums of the past 12 months....

Of course, 2017 wasn't exactly like any other year though.  Given the year's volatile political climate, it's easy for us to assume that music may have taken a backseat for record enthusiasts.  Or perhaps, on the contrary, music may have been the binding force that provided hope for many music geeks during a bleak turn of events.

The alcohol industry knows that customers are going to drink during both good times and bad.  Music is no different.  Whether we turn to music for celebratory or cathartic purposes, we are always lending our ears.  Here are my favorite albums and singles of 2017 that have either served as a form of escapism or solace: 

Albums

1.  Semper Femina - Laura Marling

2.  Drunk - Thundercat

3.  Painted Ruins - Grizzly Bear

4.  American Dream - LCD Soundsystem

5.  Soul of a Woman - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

Singles

1.   Ballad of a Dying Man - Father John Misty

2.   Everything Now - Arcade Fire

3.   Soothing - Laura Marling

4.   American Dream - LCD Soundsystem

5.   Die 4 You - Perfume Genius

6.   Just Wasn't Made For These Times - Jim James

7.   Los Ageless - St. Vincent

8.   The Strange Effect - The Shacks

9.   Third of May/Odaigahara - Fleet Foxes

10.  Catherine the Great - The Divine Comedy

11.  Dreams Tonight - Alvvays

12.  Losing All Sense - Grizzly Bear

13.  Crawl - Gabriel Garzon Montano

14.  Summer Girl - Jamiroquai

15.  Magnificent (She Says) - Elbow

16.  Dum Surfer - King Krule

17.  Name For You - The Shins

18.  Anymore - Goldfrapp

19.  Apocalypse - Cigarettes After Sex

20.  Deadly Valentine - Charlotte Gainsbourg

21.  Young Adult - Inara George

22.  I Want To Prove To You - The Lemon Twigs

23.  Cherrybomb - Dan Auerbach

24.  J-Boy - Phoenix

25.  Sleeping Powder - Gorillaz

26.  My Old Man - Mac DeMarco

27.  Over Everything - Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile

28.  Truth - Kamasi Washington

29.  Dear Life - Beck

30.  Replica - The XX

31.  I Miss That Feeling - Tennis

32.  Inferno - Thundercat

33.  Goose Snow Cone - Aimee Mann

34.  Tinseltown Swimming in Blood - Destroyer

35.  Never Know - Dhani Harrison

36.  Whiteout Conditions- New Pornographers

37.  When I Saw Your Face - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

38.  Talisa - Daniele Luppi & Parquet Courts ft Karen O

39.  Darling - Real Estate

40.  Freedom is Free - Chicano Batman

See also: Top Albums and Singles of 2016

               Top Albums and Singles for 2015

               Top Albums and Singles of 2014

Music Discovery Mondays - What Will Be This Year's Summer Anthem?

Image Source: FactMag 

What makes a summer anthem?  To most, summer symbolizes long hazy sunny days, vacation, weddings, bbq parties, beach parties....really just parties in general.  With that said, a summer anthem needs to typify our social gatherings.  It needs to be decidedly catchy and danceable.  I have selected three contenders that could easily qualify as this summer's anthem.  Let me know which song you think will be the song of the summer.

1.  Wow - Beck

Beck's music is like an eclectic box of chocolate.  You never know what you're gonna get.  After winning a grammy for his somber and reflective 2014 album 'Morning Phase', Beck is ready this summer to 'giddy up' and take on the responsibility of turning out infectious grooves.  His latest single 'Wow,' is no exception.

2.  Frankie Sinatra - The Avalanches

The Avalanches, an Australian electronic group earned international appeal with their 2000 album 'Since I Left You.'  Since that time, however, The Avalanches haven't left us with any new albums to enjoy...until now that is.  After a sixteen year hiatus, the Avalanches are back with a new album 'Wildflower,' and a new electro/calypso single titled 'Frankie' that will surely earworm its way into your noggin.  

3.  Can't Stop The Feeling

I never thought I would select a Justin Timberlake ditty on my blog, but it is so apparent he wants this year's 'Song of the Summer' title so badly.  With a feel-good vibe and music video that heavily resembles Pharrell Williams' 2013 hit 'Happy,' Timberlake is practically asking you to place this track on your summer wedding playlist.  

Music Discovery Mondays - Songs To Add To Your Workout Playlist

If you are anything like myself, you absolutely cannot work out without your iPod.  I refer to my workout playlist as a personal trainer.  The more motivating and upbeat my song selections are, the more likely I will prolong my workout.  If you are looking for new or noteworthy fitness songs to download for your workout playlist, look no further than the compilation listed below.

Busy Earnin' - Jungle

You may be busy earning a living, but this track will also inspire you to earn a few extra steps.  Download this Euro hit and mimic the mesmerizing dance moves from the music video.  (Or better yet, develop your own choreography).   

Use The Force - Jamiroquai 

When you have neglected your fitness goals, and you are looking for redirection, Jamiroquai can lead you right back into the fitness game with their track 'Use The Force.'  While working out to this tune, you will believe that you 'can do anything' all the while using the 'force' within.

Apollo Throwdown - The Go! Team

It is nearly impossible to listen to this track without grooving to the beat.  At the very least, you will catch yourself partaking in shoe-tappin' activity.  For optimum health results, crank this song on your Ipod to the highest level of ghetto-blasting amplification.

Which songs are currently on your workout playlist?

Top 3 Versions - I Put A Spell On You

There is something both mesmerizing and spooky about the 1956 song "I Put A Spell On You" recorded by Screaming Jay Hawkins.  It is clear that several other artists have been bewitched by the howling original.  So much so, that a myriad of performers in both the past and present have given the single their own artistic interpretation.  Listed below are my three favorite versions. 

 1.  I Put A Spell on You - Screaming Jay Hawkins

Ok, so I fully realize that I am cheating for I have included the original single.  However, I am certain that no other version, (as good as they might be), can capture the real bone-chilling sensation as the prototype.  

Screaming Jay Hawkins had intended to record a bluesy love song, but after a studio drunken shin-dig, the end result sounded a lot more haunting and shrill.  It was clear then, that a classic was born.

2.  I Put A Spell On You - Nina Simone

Featuring solid string and horn arrangements, Nina Simone's heartfelt rendition provides an earnestness that pierces deep into the soul.  It's no wonder that her 1965 version scored no. 23 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart.  

3.  I Put A Spell On You - Alan Price

Alan Price, originally of The Animals fame, knew how to give The Screaming Jay Hawkins hit an updated edge.  Price's organ-tinkering version puts a spell on you by giving the song a 60's modish flair.  As a result, the 1966 track landed all the way to no. 9 on the UK Singles Chart.

Which version is your favorite?

See Also:

3 Cover Songs That Are Better Than The Original

Top 6 Beach Boys Cover Songs

The 4 Greatest Soul Covers of Rock n Roll Songs

Music Discovery Mondays - Summer Edition

I can't think of a better time to create the perfect mix tape than in the summertime as you cruise the sunshine-blazed freeways.  Let me help you conjure the perfect summer mix with the latest singles before they blow up.


1.  Unstoppable - Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas embodies a spirit and voice that beautifully contradicts itself.  One minute she exudes glowing confidence, and the next, her voice emits a tender vulnerability.  Either way, her new sophomore album, Blood, due on July 31st is a tour de force that is truly indeed 'unstoppable.'






2.  Tomato Can - The Arcs

Dan Auerbach knows how to keep his hands full.  When he's not recording and touring as half of The Black Keys, he's producing albums for other highly regarded artists (*ahem* Dr. John) and generating dozens of other creative side projects.

Auerbach's latest musical venture includes his latest band The Arcs, comprised of his closest musical collaborators and pals.  Check out their Spaghetti Western-inspired fable of a doomed boxer.





3.  Love Isn't Anybody's Fault - BC Camplight

Brian Christinzio, also known as B.C. Camplight, has steadily released three critically acclaimed power pop albums in his newfound homeland via England.  Be sure to harken his latest infectiously somber single, "Love Isn't Anybody's Fault."




See also:

Music Discovery Mondays - Record Store Day Afterthought

Music Discovery Mondays - Lady Tunesmith Chapter

Music Discovery Mondays

Music Discovery Mondays - First Edition

Music Discovery Mondays - Lady Tunesmith Chapter

It's nearly spring, and love is (almost) in the air.  Fall in love with love itself against the backdrop of birds chipping, flowers blooming and these talented and lovely lady tunesmiths.


1.  Daydream By Design - Gaby Moreno

International sensation Gaby Moreno knows how to croon whether she is conquering jazz, blues, soul or rock.  It is perfectly acceptable to keep your head in the clouds with this delightful ditty on repeat.




2.  Suddenly - ALA.NI

After singing backup for Damon Alburn (Blur, Gorillaz) and Mary J. Blige, ALA.NI is ready to debut her own fervant material this year.  Be one of the first to discover her stunning voice and timeless jazzy arrangements.





3.  Sing To Me- Anna Calvi

Anna Calvi has been compared to respectable artists of the likes of David Bowie, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Leonard Cohen.  Although those comparisons are spot on, Calvi has proved that she is now in a class of her own while strengthening her fleshly vocalization and indomitable guitar skills.

Music Discovery Mondays

I didn't catch the Grammys this year.  In fact, I probably haven't watched the Grammys since 1998 when Paula Cole flashed us with her unshaved armpits.  It makes me sad when the Grammys instill nearly everything I despise when it comes to the music industry: lack of class and artistry.  To further my point, in what world is it acceptable for a singer to gracelessly interrupt an acceptance speech inferring that the winner isn't deserving of their craft?

Despite my hatred of the Grammys, I was elated when I heard that St. Vincent won for Best Alternative Album, as well as Beck's win for Album of the Year.  Below I have included some tracks from artists that deserve proper recognition either from the Grammys or elsewhere.

1.  British folkster Laura Marling already has three critically acclaimed albums under belt all at the tender age of 25.  Despite her youthful glow, her voice speaks as a woman with enough sage to command our attention and contemplation.




2.  Kitty, Daisy & Lewis is a sibling trio responsible for reviving the old timey genres of R&B, Rock n Roll, Western swing, and country....but with a modern edge.  In fact, The Clash's Mick Jones has stepped in as the band's first producer.  Listen to their latest track here:

 


3.  Fleet Foxes fans may be scratching their heads wondering when they can expect a new album from their favorite mountain men.  In the meantime, fans can revel in the fact that Foxes' drummer known publicly as Father John Misty has steadily maintained a solo career of his own with two hauntingly beautiful albums to show for it.