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 - Overlooked Singles of 2015

I already created my annual 'Top Singles and Albums' listicle for 2015 nearly a month ago, and yet, I fear I have overlooked so many exceptional tunes.  Here is one last look at a few late 2015 discoveries before we move on to musical uncharted waters.


1.  Disappointing - John Grant ft. Tracy Thorn

John Grant's brassy baritone compliments both his new electronic disco sound as well as guest vocalist Tracy Thorn's voice.  I can't think of anyone better than John Grant to resurrect Tracy Thorn's career (Everything But The Girl).  In "Disappointing," both Grant and Thorn know how to implement such a melancholy timbre and longing against a discotheque backdrop.







2.  Akt Dit - Dungen

After a five-year hiatus, Swedish psych-rockers Dungen have finally dropped a new album (Allas Sak) as of last September.  Although they haven't strayed from their signature sound, their latest single "Akt Dit" delivers hints of growth and maturity which can only improve their (already) solid discography and artistry.






3.  Necessary Evil - Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Last February, the New Zealand/American band Unknown Mortal Orchestra gained critical success with their third album titled "Multi Love."  Their first single which shares its record's name, earned adoration from both Rolling Stone and Pitchfork critics.  Below I have included my own personal favorite single from that record titled, "Necessary Evil."

Top Albums and Singles for 2015

I usually scoff at people who claim that they like "all kinds of music."  How is that possible?  There are simply too many genres and sub-genres imaginable.  More specifically, there is so much music outside the confines of Clear Channel radio stations for most Americans to make such a bold statement.

Have I captured "all kinds of music" on my top albums listicle this year?  Not exactly. I've included an eclectic mix, but certainly not "all kinds."  With so much music being released each year, I could have overlooked a musical genius lurking about somewhere.

Who decides which musicians are relevant these days?  I'd like to think that in the Internet age, we, mere digital consumers, have more of an influence than we may realize.  Let's swap our favorites and introduce one another more kinds of music.

Top 5 Albums of 2015

1.  Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes

2.  I Love You Honeybear - Father John Misty

3.  Currents - Tame Impala

4.  Yours Dreamily - The Arcs

5.  Goon - Tobias Jesso Jr.

Top 40 Singles of 2015

1. Snakeskin - Deerhunter

2.  Easy Way Out - Other Lives

3.  A Heart Like Hers - Mac Demarco

4.  PPP - Beach House

5.  Huararche Lights - Hot Chip

6. Reality in Motion - Tame Impala

7. Chateau Lobby #4 - Father John Misty

8. Gimme All Your Love  - Alabama Shakes

9.  Green and Gold - Lianne La Havas

10.  Everyday - Diane Coffee

11.  Young and Dumb - The Bird and the Bee

12.  Northern Highway - Martin Courtney (Real Estate)

13.  False Hope - Laura Marling

14.  An Illustration of Loneliness - Courtney Barrett

15.  California Nights - Best Coast

16.  Tomato Can - The Arcs

17.  Little Ballerina - Emile Haynie ft. Rufus Wainwright

18.  Lonesome Street - Blur

19.  To Die in L.A. - Lower Dens

20.  Silent Ivy Hotel - El Vy

21.  You're Wasting Out - Andy Shauf

22.  What Part of Me - Low

23.  Big Decisions  - My Morning Jacket

24.  Taste the Ceiling - Wilco

25.  Falling From the Sky - Calexico

26.  Went to War  - Amason

27.  Lisa Sawyer - Leon Bridges

28.  Apollyon of Blue Room  - Of Montreal

29.  Eugene - Sufjan Stevens

30.  Empty Me Out - Liz Vice

31.  Hot Coals - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Fields

32.  Tropic of Cancer - Panda Bear

33.  Teenage Talk - St. Vincent

34.  Leaving L.A. - Tobias Jesse Jr.

35.  Yes Man - Ben Folds

36.  I - Kendrick Lamar

37.  Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

38.  No No No - Beirut  

39.  Black Star - David Bowie
40.  Busy Earnin' - Jungle

Who have I left out?  What are your top albums (or singles) of 2015?  

See also: Top Albums and Singles of 2014

Music Discovery Mondays - Record Store Day Afterthought

Last Saturday was our country's annual Record Store Day where tons of music enthusiasts celebrate and support their local or favorite independent record stores.  After giving in to crate digging bliss, I have felt musically renewed and inspired to share some more new tracks with you.  (From one record collector to another, I hope you will do the same with me.)   Kudos to all my dusty-fingered record completists.


1.  Easy Way Out - Other Lives

Hailing from the college town Stillwater, OK, Other Lives are ready and eager to release their long awaited sophomore album "Rituals" this May.  Check out their latest single "Easy Way Out" that emits both a bleak and hopeful sentiment.






2.  End Of The Night - Phony PPL (Louis Fulton remix)

Brooklyn-based Phony PPL is a multifaceted funk/soul band worthy of your ears and groove-inspired dance moves.  Give this single a whirl, and it very well may turn into a heavy rotation track on your party playlist.





3.  Other Men's Girls - Baxter Dury

Baxter Dury is a British singer that had originally signed on the much coveted London-based label Rough Trade Records.  Listen to Dury croon in a Serge Gainsbourg fashion while backed by guest vocalist Parisian singer Debarre.

Top Albums and Singles of 2014

2014 has proven that the traditional music business model is officially doomed.  Taylor Swift is the only artist that has reached platinum this year.  What does the future hold for the other thousands of musicians barely surviving?

I appreciate the fact that we now live in a DIY age where nearly anyone can produce, release and distribute their albums independently.  The only problem is that there is almost too much talent lurking about, and not an easy solution to filter all of the noteworthy acts flying just below the radar. 

That is why I believe that it is crucial for all music enthusiasts to contribute their favorite musical discoveries via the Internet or through word of mouth.  I don’t believe every artist that has “made it” is necessarily talented.  Sometimes fame is coincidental or based purely on luck. This year, I want to give a shout-out to my favorite albums and singles that may or may not have had the exposure it rightly deserves. With that said, here are my favorite albums and singles of 2014:

Top Albums of 2014

1.  Morning Phase - Beck

2.  St. Vincent - St. Vincent

3.  Give the People What They Want - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

4.  My Favorite Faded Fantasy - Damien Rice

 5.  Phonovisions Symphonic Orchestra -Wax Tailor

 

  Top Singles of 2014

1.  Strange Weather - Anna Calvi and David Byrne

2. Almost Like The Blues - Leonard Cohen

3. It Will End in Tears - Phillip Selway

4. Algiers - Afghan Whigs

5. Duvan - Amason

6. Careful You - TV On The Radio

7. Stay Awhile - She and Him

8. Coconut Sofa - Jaded Incorporated

9. Do You - Spoon

10. Am I Safe - Ryan Adams

11. Late Bloomer - Jenny Lewis

12. Digital Witness - St. Vincent

13. Low Key - Tweedy

14. Lucky Guy - Sondre Lerche

15. The Bend - Real Estate

16. Alone In My Home - Jack White

17. Silver Lining - First Aid Kit

18. Brill Bruisers - New Pornographers

19. Everyday Robots - Damon Albarn

20. No Sir - The Both

21. Someone New - Hozier

22. Pools - Glass Animals

23. Rainy Day Woman - Kat Edmonson

24. It Takes a Lot to Know a Man - Damien Rice

25. Stranger To My Happiness - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

26. Going Out - Hospitality

27. Wave - Beck

28. Me at the Museum, You in the Wintergardens - Tiny Ruins

29. Wolf - Lily & Madeleine

30. 1999 - Hollie Cook

31. Artifact #1 - Conor Oberest

32. Avant Gardener - Courtney Barnett

33. You Will Return - Quantic ft. Alice Russell

34. If I'm Unworthy - Blake Mills

35. Passing Out the Pieces - Mac DeMarco

36. Ojai - Ray LaMontagne

37. How Can You Really? - Foxygen

38. Turnaround - Dru Chen

39. Ben's My Friend - Sun Kil Moon

40. Sometimes - Wax Tailor

What are some of your favorite picks from this year?