Bunch of Nonsense
Music, Books and Life in the SpiritBest Music 2019
1. We Speak Luniwaz: The Music Of Joe Zawinul by Scott Kinsey
This is probably not on a lot of year end “best of” lists, but it should be. This is an outrageously daring enterprise, taking on Weather Report tunes, some of the greatest music of the 20th century IMHO, by some of the greatest musicians of all-time (by everyone’s opinion) Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius to name just three. All you have to have to A+++ musicians playing and arranging at an astronomically high level and I’m please to say they do just that. Clearly Scott Kinsey has studied the master Zawinul and replicates his sound and tone and style perfectly, same with saxophonist Steve Tavaglione which matching Shorter is likewise a herculean task. Bassist Hadrien Feraud captures a combo of Jaco and late Weather Report bassist Victor Bailey which is not a bad thing at all. But the bottom line: this record cooks! The choice of tunes was at first surprising, but they basically won me over as they just kill these tracks. Everything here works with just the right amount of honoring the original and adding something new to them, even the rap on Cucumber Slumber works. Dare I say that a couple of these versions (Port Of Entry, Fast City, Victims of the Groove) may actually be improvements over the originals! What? It’s nice that people are remembering the great band which was Weather Report, IMO the greatest jazz-rock-world music band of all-time. For fans of Weather Report, Zawinul Syndicate. Best Song: “Running the Dara Down.”
2. In The Shape Of A Storm by Damien Jurado
Damien Jurado has made so many great albums that getting a new one is like being visited by an old friend. This is by far his most stripped down, just him and a guitar for the most part and apparently was recorded in two hours. This is a somber record that deals with typical Jurado subjects like death, love, the meaning of life and passing of time. This is so intimate and sparse it feels like he is talking, no whispering, just to you. All of these themes and thoughts come weaving in like Damien is making a dark powerful tapestry that won’t be soon forgotten, dare I say when a lot of today’s “great” music is long forgotten. Best Song: “Lincoln.”
3. Life by Parallel Stereo
Soul-Junk singer guitarist Glen Galloway made this record in his own studio between other people’s recording dates and anyone familiar with his background in bands like Soul-Junk (avant-garde Rap) Octagrape (avant-garde rock) and Sumatraban (rock trio) would not have been prepared for this recording! This is actually a lush warm beautiful melodic record with wonderful layers of vocals and thick solid arrangements, but it is, like all of his recordings, full of passion for God! This is a sold-out Christ-focused wonderful, dare I say deep worship album. The lyrics here are beautiful and have spoke to me like few records ever have. This album is a wonderful respite from all of the angst, sorrow and striving after the empty things that fills so much art and music today. Why these songs aren’t being sung in churches all over the world is a mystery to me and a crime. Best Song: “Sun.”
4. Super Doppler by Super Doppler
This Norfolk Virginia band just nails great pop-rock tunes, (with a whisper of 70s California country) and that’s all there is to it, tune after tune they just keep coming. One song after another that sound like they could have been played on top-40 radio in 1973, maybe not the deepest songs in the world, but everything fits like a glove. Everyone plays great, knows their place in the song which makes the songs work. There is great vocals throughout with several different lead singers and “just right” background vocals. What’s not to like? Best Song: “Love Instead.”
5. Spread The Feeling by Pernice Brothers
After waiting nine years, we Pernice Brother fans were finally rewarded with some new music. I’m happy to report that this album picks up where Joe and boys left off in 2010. Byrds inspired songs abound, not everything here works, but the highlights here are worth the price of admission. Best Song: “Mint Condition.”
Single Tracks
1. This Boat by Innocence Mission
2. Harvest Fair by Summer Salt
3. Love is Everywhere (Beware) by Wilco
4. Neurology by JustMakeMeCry
5. Friends by Mr. Husband
6. Father Mountain by Calexico & Iron & Wine
7. Alegria by Cloudchord
8. No Quit by Michael Nau
9. Life’s Better by La Billy
10. Phantoms by Computer Science
11. There Won’t Be Trouble by Computer Science
12. Yard Gnomes by Max Gowan
13. Pearls by Computer Science
14. Poster Child by David Mead
15. Time Waits Patient by Max Gowan
16. Just Matter of Time Until I Cringe by Th Read the rest of this entry »
Best Music of 2018
1. Sun On The Square by Innocence Mission
After waiting four years since their last album (“Hello I Feel The Same” my album of the year 2014) Innocence Mission released what can only be described as a near perfect album. After almost 30 years together, Innocence Mission are at the height of their many and considerable powers. Like I have said before, listening to Karen Peris sing is one of the truly great joys in life. This is just a masterpiece of Innocence Mission music, Don Peris’ perfect-touch guitar playing, the lyrics (which seem to exist outside of time) and that voice. The day these guys release an album is a good day to be alive and one to be celebrated. May they never stop. (Can you tell I’m a fan?) This album is classic Innocence Mission doing what they do best, but it has the added bonus of adding something new: just a touch of strings, which of course they add in just the right places. For fans of Innocence Mission (there is no one like them, not even close). Best Song: “Green Bus”
2. The Horizon Just Laughed by Damien Jurado
Obviously I am listing this as my 2nd favorite album of the year but I would like to add: this and the Innocence Mission album were miles and miles above anything else I heard this year. These two albums dominated my year and as much as I loved the Innocence Mission album, this album comes pretty close to matching its greatness. With this, Damien Jurado drops his Maraqopa concept story of the last three records, but it is also musically quite different than those great albums. This is much more basic, going back to his folk roots with simple production and arrangements. This is his first self-produced album (maybe because Richard Swift the producer of those records was not well? he died this year, RIP). But Jurado proves to have a sure hand at the controls as this has subtle charms those bigger louder records did not. He has always been a storyteller at heart and this album is like reading the best short story anthology you’ve read in years. I simply can’t describe the richness of the strange early 60s and 70s references (Percy Faith, Ray Conniff, Charles Schultz, the TV show Alice) which are shocking and wonderful. A great piece of work. Best Song: “Allocate”
3. Con Todo El Mundo by Khruangbin
This Texas surf trio deliver on this album, great songs, great playing throughout. The only misstep (for me) is the cheesy disco of “Evan Finds the Third Room” which was clearly a joke, but for me, meh. The rest is solid Khruangbin (pronounced ‘crew-bin’) music which I would label as surf music with actual melodies. Mark Speer’s guitar playing is stellar on every track and he carries the album, though drummer Donald Johnson should get props for never straying a single iota from the pocket and while I’m at it, bass player Laura Lee keeps things solid and adds an occasional sweet choir vocal. Best Song: “Cómo Me Quieres”
4. There’s A Riot Going On by Yo La Tengo
In a year when so many of my favorite artists released albums, none was more unexpected (content-wise) than this one. Who would think that Yo La Tengo in 2018 would release their version of a ‘Can’ album? No one. They occasionally have had songs than might be labeled drone-ish, but this is another level. And only Yo La Tengo would name it after a legendary Sly Stone album! What is going on? All that said, is it any good? Well I doubt if this album is for everyone (but when has Yo La Tengo been for everyone?), but I like it and I’m not even sure why. Pretty much the same thing I would say about the classic Can albums of the early 70s. It’s crazy long and sleepy and just drifts along forever, (sometimes getting a little jungle drum funky with the bass looping along- ie see the Can reference) but somehow it’s still Yo La Tengo and strangely it works. “For You Too” was the single and is getting a lot of notice as a classic Yo La Tengo track, but I really like the little song “Polynesia #1” which is deeper into the album and comes as a breath of fresh air after some of the long blissed out tracks. Likewise the comedy of “Esportes Casual.” “Let’s Do It Wrong” is also great. And “Forever” could fit nicely on almost any Yo La Tengo album. Maybe its not so strange after all? Best Song: “For You Too”
5. Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread by Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread
Last year Michael Nau released the excellent “Some Twist” and now I’m not sure if that was a solo record and he has since added a band (The Mighty Thread) or if the band on that record was also The Mighty Thread, (they sound about the same). Regardless this picks up where that one left off and the production is bigger and maybe even better, with this having an almost Phil Spector vibe to it, particularly the two best songs: “When” and “Less Than Positive.” Best Song: “Less Than Positive”
6. Singles Club by Lawrence Arabia
This was a kick starter album that I happily participated in. A unique idea, each month, we supporting fans, would get a new single in our inboxes. It was like a fruit-of-the-month club, only better. It was an interesting way to get to know an album. One downside I discovered was that if I liked a song I had a tendency to play it into the ground, until sometimes I needed months to pass before I wanted to hear it again. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, this album is a bit of a hit or miss affair for me and not as consistent as his last album, but if you like great pop music which knows who were the great ones from the past (Davies, Beatles, et) you’ll find much to your liking. Best Song: “Meaningless Words”
7. A Day At United by Mocky
This is what happens when drummer Dominic “Mocky” Salole gets a day in the United Recording studio. With only a few days notice, he contacts as many friends as he can, writes some amazing charts and they arrive at the studio and lay down what he’s written in one day! Impressive and not for amateurs. The result is a funky, cool jazz album that slips up on you. Imagine Traffic in a very chill mood with a horn section. ” Best Song: “Space Strut”
8. Filoxiny by Skinshape
Skinshape is British musician William Dorey’s brainchild and this album is his soundtrack to an imaginary film. It plays a lot like a soundtrack as there is more instrumentals here than last year’s record, but this has the same funky soul afro jive playing it oh-so cool. Best Song: “After Midnight”
9. Chorus by Mother Hips
A new release from another favorite band of mine who also have not released an album for several years. Lead singer Tim Bluhm was hurt in a speed-flying accident (an extreme form of paragliding) which has kept him out of action for several years. Continuing a trend that their last albums have done (like 2013’s Beyond Behind) this is a very polished album and with it, their indie country-rock roots are all but gone. This almost feels like it has been edited for radio. Bottom line: this is kind of hit or miss for me. Also, the lead guitar playing is getting a little out of hand (the nice song “January” is pretty much done in with Greg’s endless soloing IMO). All that said, Tim and Greg’s harmonies are as stellar as ever and they still know how to write a good song, Greg-“Clean Me Up,” and “End of the Chorus,” and Tim-“Meet Me On the Shore” and “It’s Alright” (which is the best song The Rolling Stones never wrote and how it was not a massive hit on the radio can only be chalked up to some kind of ‘no payola no play’ scheme). Anyway, glad to see they are back and love the highlights here (tho I wish they weren’t so polished), but here’s hoping the next album is more consistently up to their high standards. Best Song: “It’s Alright”
10. Warm by Jeff Tweedy
I can’t tell if Jeff Tweedy is raising his arms on the cover of this in victory or in surrender. Songwriting-wise this picks up where Wilco’s most recent albums have left off, odd little folk-rock songs that only Jeff Tweedy can write. Only this time, pretty much without any keyboards, or Nels Cline’s crazy wild guitar work or Wilco’s big jagged wonderful messiness. This is more of a lost Golden Smog record, simple playing, think Basement era Band, which lets the songs’ mournful thoughts speak for themselves. Jeff Tweedy is in a reflective mood and let us in on what he is feeling, ‘thinking about dying’ and what he doesn’t believe in anymore: Christianity and heaven (I personally would love to hear exactly what he believes he is rejecting in those two). But if Jurado is a storyteller, Jeff Tweedy is more of an abstract painter, with his lyrics containing short oddball word picture couplets and jumbled ideas, more like a collage than a song with a story. Bottom line: this has its moments, but I wish there were more great songs. Best Song: “Warm (When The Sun Has Died)”
11. Forever & Ever by Sales
Sales (singer/guitarist Lauren Morgan and producer/guitarist Jordan Shih) create what can only be described as minimalist pop. Every track, drum machine, simple dry guitar, and Lauren’s vocals. But this album, unlike some of their past work, delivers better songs. Almost everything here works and the hooks work their charm. For fans of Beach House, Wild Ones. Best Song: “Spiral”
12. Quebra Cabeça by Bixiga 70
This ten piece group from São Paulo Brazil deliver some tight horn-driven Latin-jazz. Some tracks work better than others, but the best songs here “Portal,” “Primeiramente” are great and the title track is a sublime bit of colossal funk that could tear up any dance floor. Love the muddy bass leading the way and the synthesizer player might just steal the show. Best Song: “Quebra Cabeça”
13. Bootikins by Augie March
Every Augie March release is a big occasion. Their last album ‘Havens Dumb’ was my album of the year in 2014. They have only released six albums since 2001, but sadly, this is a bit of a let-down. That’s not to say that this doesn’t have some fine songs on it, in fact “Mephistopheles Perverted” and “I Woke Up In Borgolombardo” are amazing and could stand up well with any of their past work. I’m not sure where this goes wrong for me, maybe the production, maybe the songs are just not up to par. Maybe it will grow on me, but as it stands now, better luck next time. Best Song: “Mephistopheles Perverted”
14. Hollow Ground by Cut Worms
Cut Worms (songwriter/singer Max Clarke) creates what can only be described as crisp and sweet vintage pop. Imagine if the Everly brothers played an album of early Beatles songs, or John and Paul sang an album of Everly brothers songs, take your pick. Tight harmonies, catchy songs. I’m a fan. Best Song: “Don’t Want to Say Good-bye”
15. River House by Taylor Leonhardt
I usually don’t tread too far into music that comes out of what you might call the Nashville pop-country factories, but the songs here and Taylor Leonhardt’s voice are just too good. Somehow, miraculously this rises above the slick production. This has nice insights into the Christian life as well. Love the chorus of “Everything” this change everything indeed. Warm, moving, good stuff. Best Song: “Everything”
16. Learning To Go Underwater EP by The Filters
This north Vermont trio lays down some nice tunes. A little pop, a little surf, a little rock: I like it. Only four songs, all good, all different. Best Song: “Arms of the Ocean”
17. Bubbles EP by ProleteR
French beatmaker Benjamin Roca produces another slice of 1920’s jive jazzed up with today’s beats. I didn’t dig his attempts at bringing in some rappers, but when he stayed in the 1920s all was good. Best Song: “What Lana Says”
18. Critical Equation by Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog is an old favorite of mine and a new album by them is always a welcomed sight, but this is kind of a slow dull affair. Some of this feels almost like a caricature of Dr. Dog album. Their albums sometimes grow on me with more listens, but so far I haven’t been able to turn the corner on this one. The songs are just not… something. Combine this with the 2016’s disappointing “Abandoned Mansion” (which had some of the same problems- weak songs) and these guys are due for a comeback IMHO. Best Song: “Coming out of the Darkness”
19. From The Light by The Sea The Sea
This is a spotty affair but when this New York band has the songs for its wonderful husky leader vocalist Cara May Gorman to sink her teeth into, nice things happen. Best Song: “Good For Something”
20. Grey Fidelity by Tow’rs
There’s probably thousands of little folk rock groups like this in this post-Munford world, but I think two of their songs here really are quite good, specifically “I Can’t Help Myself” and “Gold Parade.” Best Song: “Gold Parade”
Single Tracks (from artists not on the list above)
1. Girls From California by Lucie Silvas
2. Somnambule by Cœur de pirate
3. Talk All Night For Nothing by Tyson Motsenbocker
4. Forever In My Arms by Taylor Leonhardt
5. Enkounter by Objektiv
6. Sîfó by Nonku Phiri
7. Hold That Thought by bryZone_ybp
8. Jeannie Becomes A Mom by Caroline Rose
9. Paint My Face by The Devil Makes Three
10. Whisper by PRGMAT
11. Eaten by the Serpents by Wax Children
12. Nice to See You by Vansire
13. Trophy by Patric Johnston
14. Strychnine by Movie Brain
15. Casanova by Rayland Baxter
16. Throwback by Jim James
17. Whistle On Occasion by Kim Richey
18. Singularity by Darlingside
19. Snakes and Telephones by The Black Lillies
20. Jan by Buxton
Best Music Of 2017
1. Painted Ruins by Grizzly Bear
After something like a five year hiatus, Grizzly Bear returns with a solid effort from top to bottom. Maybe their best all-round album. They rein in a little of their epic-ness and complicated arrangements for a little more straight forward pop songs, but the songs are still top notch. Excellent playing, singing, what’s not to like? If you’re fan, you’ll like this from start to finish. Best Song: “Systole”
2. Beast Epic by Iron & Wine
Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) definitely won a lot of fans back with this, his step back toward his more folksy roots. This doesn’t have the lo-fi of his earliest folk albums, but gone are the jazz elements and large band arrangements. I for one, truly loved his recent albums that were in this direction, but this one is a grower as well. The best song here, Bitter Truth is definitely my favorite song of the year. Best Song: “Bitter Truth”
3. Some Twist by Michael Nau
The former Cotton Jones singer, released his first solo album and is a real treat with 12 great songs that range all over the place. This is a major step up when it comes to production from the CJ albums and the arrangements are tasty with the just right nods to 70s pop and country. For fans of Jimmy Webb, early 70s pop/country. Best Song: “Oh, You Wanna Bet?”
4. Please Kid, Remember by Andrew Morgan
This Kansas-based songwriter delivers a lovely little chamber pop song cycle that really grew on me as the year wore on. Apparently this was seven years in the making and it shows in the details and thoughtfulness. This is unashamedly pop music with several little string interludes between the songs. Note: it’s 17 tracks but only 34 minutes long, so it gets to where its going and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Andrew’s voice takes a little while to get used to, breathy without a lot of range, but he knows his limitations and stays in his lane nicely. Maybe not earth shattering, but the songs are strong enough to bring it through with style. For fans of Badly Drawn Boy, Lawrence Arabia, Colin Blunstone and the softer side of Elliott Smith. Best song: “First Snow of the Year”
5.Life & Love by Skinshape
A nice British import one-man “band” which is a wonderful brew of some cool blue-eyed soul, pop, R&B with an occasional hint of some lite surf mixed in. Think a slightly more funky Jack Johnson with better grooves, more consistent songs, laid back yes, but in all the right places. For fans of Jack Johnson, Khruangbin, and The Californian. Best song: “The Bay”
6. Face Your Fear by Curtis Harding
This former backup singer for CeeLo Green delivers a wonderful 70’s pop-soul throwback album that’s got the goods and then some, eleven tracks, all of the them solid and on-point. You could have told me this was released in 1973 and I would not have doubted it, as if one of the members of the Temptations had released as solo album. The song “Dream Girl” is a little slice of heaven, and the strings on the title track are inspired. For fans of Bill Withers, Al Green, and 70s soul. Best song: “Face Your Fear”
7. The Load EP by Michael Nau
Not sure if these are just leftovers from his release “Some Twist” if so he truly had an embarrassment of riches as this little 7 track ep is just as good as his main release and “Sure It Can” might be the best song off of either of them. Best Song: “Sure It Can”
8. Northern Passage by The Sadies
These guys don’t stray from what they do, but what they do is so great, who cares? Just keep’m coming. Massive Byrds-aficionados with (maybe) any even great lead guitar player with massive guitars ringing out in full glory. Best Song: “Through Strange Eyes”
9.Abide With Me by Sara Groves
A simple idea, present a cycle of great hymns from the past with simple reverent arrangements (without a note out of place) by a wonderful, honest real artist (who sings like an angel). It’s enough to restore your hope of contemporary Christian music, something that Sara Groves has been doing for two decades now. Moving. Wonderful. Worshipful. For fans of Sandra McCracken and Over The Rhine. Best Song: “He’s Always Been Faithful”
10. Snowdonia by Surfer Blood
OK I know these guys get criticized for putting out the same thing year after year. It’s true, but as long as they write songs as good as the best ones here, I say, keep them coming. This is short album, 8 songs and not everything works, but there is enough here to bring it through in pure Surfer Blood style… that is, a solid prom band meets power pop drowning in hooks. For fans of Best Coast, Wavves and La Sera. Best Song: “Instant Doppelgängers”
11.Out Of Body by Mouse on the Keys
OK technically, this is only an EP, but its best songs just have too much good to be denied. This Tokyo-based band (duo?) lay down some pretty serious modern jazz-rock, funk-jive avant-garde electronica. This has a big full production that just lays down some deep fat bass, funky beats and wide and full-sounding piano, which is always upfront and leading the way. For fans of Joe Zawinul and especially early BadBadNotGood. Best Song: “Earache”
12. Oasi by Moodprint
OK also only an EP, but also a very solid one from start to finish. This Belgium based little combo, produces some nice guitar jazz with some modern beats always bubbling up into some cool grooves. For fans of BadBadNotGood and the earlier mentioned Mouse on the Keys. Best Song: “Oasi.”
13. Last Place by Grandaddy
The California slacker indie band reforms (after ten years) and delivers a solid album, with some real classic Granddaddy gold mixed in. Some of these songs over stay their welcome, but the best here hold up to their best moments from the past. For fans of Earlimart, Jason Lytle. Best Song: “Evermore”
14. Lesteoeste by Baoba Stereo Club
OK also an EP, but again… so good. This Brazilian band (recently expanded to a five piece) cooks up some tasty great jazz with lots of good North American and South American flavors. For fans of Hailu Mergia, Mercury Falls and forward thinking modern jazz. Best Song: “Lesteoeste“
15. So Polite by Summer Salt
Still another EP (definitely the year of the EPs!), this is this Austin Texas band’s second release and it’s just as good as their first, which was solid from top to bottom. Fun surf pop with hooks galore. For fans of The Walters, Peach Pit and The Seams. Best Song: “So Polite”
16. Gord’s Horse by Cool Ghouls
A self release EP (of course) from this San Francisco band’s spring tour. This is kind of a hit or miss affair, but the best songs here, “Unionize” and “Fly Fishing” are top notch. “Unionize” would probably be my favorite song of the year (or at least most played). For fans of Quicksilver Messenger Service, people who like garage rock power pop with a Bakersfield twang and a 60’s San Francisco jam bands vibe. Best Song:” Unionize”
17. A Groovy Thing by Flamingosis
This release from New Jersey-based DJ beatboxer Aaron Velasquez is 18 tracks long (not an EP!) with touches of a wide variety of styles, disco, funk, jazz, and even a little bossa nova. Some of this is just too disco easy listening for me, but the best stuff here is addicting, like the title track, Not Like The Others, Soul Crusade and the wonderful Brazilian Guilty Pleasure. For fans of Question, Volume Arcade and Swam. Best Song: “A Groovy Thing.”
18. Moonlight Anthems by Super Doppler
This Norfolk Virginia band is like a hyper 70’s pop-rock band that had a little too much coffee. Lots of energy, lots of blue-eyed soul with a pop rock edge. For fans of 70s bands like Blues Image or Gene Chandler (of Groovy Situation fame). Best Song: “Over and Over”
Single Tracks
1. A Little While Longer by Radcliff
2. Lemonade by The Seams
3. He’s Fine by The Secret Sisters
4. Quarrel by Moses Sumney
5. Totoro Requiem by Serph
6. Jiraya by Swam
7. Somewhere by Sleep Good
8. Fruit Stand by Onyx Collective
9. What Have I Become by The Parson Red Heads
10. Dance Maria by Khruangbin
11. Brasilian Distortion by Automne
12. Caroline by Sono Oto
13. Moonlight Jive by ProleteR
14. Wyrm by Evan Geesman
15. Brown Study by Vansire
16. Turtledoves by Gingerlys
17. The Ends and the Means by Robby Hecht
18. Woken The Wildflowers by Jesse Terry
19. Elvis is in the Freezer by Ratboys
20. Floating By by Washed Out
Best Music of 2016
1. Absolute Truth by Lawrence Arabia
This New Zealand export lays out even more classic pop than Andy Shauf, inspired by west coast 70’s pop (and sometimes a little 50’s vibe like on song Another Century) with a little Ray Davies (maybe George Harrison) thrown in for good measure. Great songs from start to finish. For fans of Beach Boys, Kinks, Beatles. Best Song: “A Lake.”
2. Wilco Schmilco by Wilco
Very much in keeping with the vibe of their last record, Star Wars (2015), except this one is turned way down until Jeff Tweedy seems at times to be whispering (and or speaking) the vocals. This is very much a minimalist record, no wild crazy jagged angular excursions here, just simple great songs, almost like a Tweedy solo record, except guitarist Nels Cline always seems to make his presence known, as is the case in the odd-timed ‘Common Sense.’ For fans of Wilco, Tweedy. Best Song: “Locator.”
3. The Party by Andy Shauf
Yes simple classic pop here, no shame in that, only great song after song, several five star songs and the rest are solid as well. This Canadian from the far north, at times sounds like he has just been given some sad news, at other times he sounds like he has a mouth of cotton, but the songs are just so good, the melodies so memorable, they pull you into their simple gentle I’ll-get-there-when-I-get-there world. For fans of 70s pop music, Brian Wilson. Best Song: “Alexander All Alone.”
4. Visions of Us on the Land by Damien Jurado
Somewhat of a return to form for the great singer-songwriter (who has had pretty much an unrivaled run over the last 20 years). This the third (and I believe the last) in a Maraqopa trilogy (which I still don’t get). But the great songwriting is back (not a clunker in the bunch) with Damien’s boss-a-nova-like acoustic guitar meets Phil Specter sound working perfectly song after song. For fans of Iron & Wine. Best Song: “QA China.”
5. Songs From a Golden Dream by Greg Loiacono
The guitarist/vocalist from the great band Mother Hips delivers his first solo album (not counting his earlier release, the side band Sensations {which btw was sensational}) and this too is terrific. This is just a beautiful rich sounding record that fans of California 70s pop would just love, if they ever heard it. What’s not to like? great vocals, solid songs, stellar guitar playing (and that perfect touch of pedal steel occasionally drifting off into the ether ). The song ‘Ship of Fear’ has a wonderful Allman Brothers Melissa feel to it. For fans of Mother Hips, Jackson Browne. Best Song: “Ship of Fear.”
6. The Psychedelic Swamp by Dr. Dog
Leave it to Dr. Dog to do what no band has ever had the guts to try and that is to go back and re-record their first long-forgotten album (and even bring back the original lead singer to sing the first song! which doesn’t really work, but wow! gutsy!). The record is some kind of strange (maybe over ambitious?) concept record that probably isn’t for everyone, but over time, it has really grown on me. For fans of (probably only) Dr. Dog, or maybe 60’s strange psychedelic bands. Best Song: “Dead Record Player.”
7. Press Play by Breezewax
Electronic DJ sampler music this good should be known far and wide, so I will continue to support this Oxford UK artist. This was actually two EPs (Side A and Side B), so in a way I’m kind of cheating here, but all 8 tracks on both EPs are equally good (except Early Riser, which is even better, the Beach Boys sample at the outro is simply brilliant). For fans of Kill Emil, KOGNITIF and The Nothing. Best Song: “Early Riser.”
8. The Odd Tape by Oddisee
This Washington DC rapper, decided to make an all instrumental album (following one day-in-the-life kind of idea) and it works wonderfully. Interesting jazz chords, R&B flavors, Hip Hop beats, at the end of the day its just good music. For fans of Breezewax, Jack Lion. Best Song: “Alarmed.”
9. Skip a Sinking Stone by Mutual Benefit
While the highs here might not be up to Jordan’s best songs in the past, this is his most consistent album ever. Probably best described as orchestral folk, lush chords, strings, beautiful harmonies, this is a slow moving train, with not a beat to be heard for miles. For fans of Kid Mountain, Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Best Song: “Lost Dreamers.”
10. Love & Cannibalism by The Honeydogs
I’m beginning to have my doubts about kick-starter projects (maybe there are good reasons why some of these artists don’t have record deals anymore), but fortunately, The Honeydogs 2016 release is an exception (kind of). This is not a perfect record, there are some clunkers here (Blue-Backed Speller, Sandstorm) and some filler, but the best songs (Left Alone, Devices, Little Sister) are right up there with the band’s best moments from its stellar past. For fans of The Long Winters, Clem Snide, Adam Levy. Best Song: “Left Alone.”
11. Drakkar Nowhere by Drakkar Nowhere
Okay now for something completely different. Imagine Todd Rundgren at his most jam-band spacey mixed with some European prog band with a hankering for blue-eyed soul R&Bish vocals and you might begin to get an idea of what Drakkar Nowhere is all about. When this works (which is about half the time, At the Edge of the Mangroves, Higher Now) its good to great, when its bad (In the Eye of Time) its cringe-worthy, but with music like this and a cover like this… that’s almost expected. For fans of Utopia, Soft Machine, Matching Mole, Climax Blues Band. Best Song: “At the Edge of the Mangroves.”
Other Favorite Tracks:
- Trip by The Innocence Mission
- Stalks by Evan Geesman
- If You Find Here by Kerosene Halo
- Sophia by United Vibrations
- Rhapsody In Berlin by The Pyramids
- Tropical Eel by Jimi Tenor
- Call It a Shame by Knife in the Water
- Force Majeure by Vansire
- Fio da Memória by Luísa Maita
- Saints feat. Cazeaux O.S.L.O by Prequel
- Blood (SYNKRO Remix) by Equador
- Too Far Out by Shy Layers
- The Ballad Of Ice Cube Boy And Snow Flake Girl by Eef Barzelay
- I Have Been to the Mountain by Kevin Morby
- Arigatou For Surviving by Serph
- Resurrection by N-qia
- Clock by Tape Runs Out
- Ceramic People by Nonkeen
- Gemini by Hoops
- Golden Shades by The Magnificent Tape Band
Bunch of Nonsense 