Albums of the year – 2016
Albums of the year – 2016
It’s that time of year again for best of lists so I’m going to start with my favourite Albums of the year – 2016. And if you haven’t already seen them, check out my look back at 2016 with the picture highlights of my Weddings and Live Music.
So, music and 2016… For a year that saw us loose so many influential figures in the music world, 2016 will want to be forgotten. But on the flip side we have been inundated with some outstanding albums, so check out the list and crank it up to 11.
Both my favourite album and live show of the year. I’ve been a fan of California’s Thee Oh Sees garage rock sound for a while and their 11th album was the first to be recorded with both of their drummers. The sound is absolutely captivating both on record and to witness live.
Suggested track: Plastic Plant
An album recorded after the sad death of Nick Cave’s son. This album is a deep and personal journey for Cave but he somehow brings something beauiful to the songs.
Suggested track: Jesus Alone
An album with a dark subject matter and political undertones, it was influenced by Harvey’s visits to to Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Washington D.C. But the music has a classic American influence to it and was amazing to watch when she performed at the Eden Session in the summer.
Suggested Track: The Wheel
This is an absolute beast of an album. Clocking in at around two hours long, it’s not something you can just throw on for a trip to the shop and has been a companion for me on several long drives. With this album Michael Gira closes the current incarnation of Swans in a fierce and abstract way.
Suggested track: Finally, Peace
Probably my favourite Bouncing Souls album since 2007’s The Gold Record. It feels like a return to the more upbeat punk roots of old, but still keeping that catchy melodic sound.
Suggested track: Up To Us
6. Savages – Adore Life
Its taken me a while to catch up with how great Savages are but Adore Life has finally got me there. It’s a faultless album and shows the foursome at their post punk best. Jehnny Beth also put in a rare solo performance when she supported PJ Harvey at the Eden Sessions.
Suggested track: The Answer
Probably my new band discovery of the year. Signed to Sub Pop their sound goes from mellow psychedelic rock to the guitars exploding with frantic solo’s. But it was their 10 minute epic Rama that first grabbed me when I heard it playing in Falmouth’s Jam Records.
Suggested track: Rama
Patch The Sky is Bob Mould’s third album in an unoficial trilogy, the other two being 2012’s Silver Age and 2014’s Beauty & Ruin. Like the previous two this album pretty much sticks to the shouty pop punk formula that he does best.
Suggested track: Hold On
White Denim returned this year with Stiff and were my highlight of this years Boardmasters Festival. The album is soaked in blues rock, old school funk and soul which made for a perfect summers day in Newquay.
Suggested track: Holda You (I’m Psycho)
This was a real life & death album for me. I listened to the first half of Blackstar as I drove to the hospital for the expected arrival of our daughter Martha. When I next got in the car to listen to listen to the rest of the album Martha had been born and Bowie had died.
Suggested track: I Can’t Give Everything Away
Suggested track: Oxy Moronic
12. Agoraphobic Nosebleed – Arc
Suggested track: Not a Daughter
Suggested track: Glory Hallelujah
Suggested track: Racecar
Suggested track: Gardenia
Suggested track: Burn the Witch
Suggested track: A Greater Call
Suggested track: Love & Hate
Suggested track: You Will Never Be One Of Us
Suggested track: Dust
21. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Nonagon Infiniry
22. Dinosaur Jr. – Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not
23. Yak – Alas Salvation
24. Sumac – What One Becomes
25. letlive. – If I’m The Devil
26. Underworld – Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future
27. Metallica – Hardwired To Self Destruct
28. Deftones – Gore
29. Steve Mason – Meet The Humans
30. The Living End – Shift
31. The Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesone
32. Fat White Family – Songs For Our Mothers
33. Neurosis – Fires Within Fires
34. Mogwai – Atomic
35. The Blind Shake – Celebrate Your Worth
36. The Claypool Lennon Delirium – Monolith Of Phobos
37. Thee Oh Sees – An Odd Entrances
38. The Wave Pictures – Bamboo Diner in the Rain
39. James – Girl At The End Of The World
40. Primal Scream – Chamosis
