Tuesday, November 22, 2016

2016: When Life Gives You Depression, Make Depressionade



It's just about that time again.

I have forty three records vying for a "Best Of 2016" Top Ten spot and bubbling under position.  Of the forty three artists, forty one have been making records for ten years or more and only one has released a debut, and they tragically lost their lead singer soon after.

(2016, you just won't quit, will you.)

So, while I sift and listen, and then drop and give you twenty, please suggest some of your fave records by "new" artists released this year.

Up top, one of my very favorite "new" artists, The Rails. They have a new one coming in 2017. Until then, this is an exquisite cover of Edwyn Collins' "Low Expectations."


16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello all...no, please remain seated,

Me? I liked Kaleo's album, A/B. Iclandic Blues Rock and folk sounds pretty good.

Regards,
RichD

Shriner said...

Is your definition of "New" a brand-new artist that had a debut in 2016? Or somebody you might have discovered for the first time in 2016, but has an existing set of albums under their belt? I could answer either way (I think...)

Sal Nunziato said...

Shriner, a fairly new artist, preferably under 40 years okd.

JAYESSEMM said...

I'm always impressed with people who are organized enough to remember the new records of the year -- I look forward to your "best Of" list.

As to "new artists" two quick thoughts off the top are country women:

Maren Morris -- Hero

Margo Price -- Midwest Farmer's Daughter

Let me go though the memory banks and see if I can recall any other new artists.

Troy said...

Don't know if it fits your criteria or not, but I loved Somerdale's 'Shake It Maggie'.

Anonymous said...

I wasn't as blown away at first by Starling Electric's second album as I was by their debut, but it's been growing on me. Their version of Left Banke-ish pop is preferable to me over Pollard or AC Newman.

Darcy James Argue's Secret City just released their 3rd album. It's a little more subdued than the prior two, but still imaginative.

kevin m said...

He's been around for only a few years and he's under 40. Michael Kiwanuka. His 2016 release is one of the year's best.

jeff said...

The Weeklings? ok, derivative but fun. Also derivative but fun Izzy Bizou.

Shriner said...

Not sure if they'd make my "best of" yet (I haven't given that thought yet...)

Fairly new artists/albums that I really liked: "Weightless" by Liz Longley and "Behind the Curtain" by Gretchen's Wheel

Older (?) band that I discovered and just love now: Winterpills. "Love Songs" will make my list this year.

I'm not sure if I will have a "Top 10" or not, this year, though. Top 5-8, sure... 10, maybe not.

cmealha said...

Field Music
Lemon Twigs

Anonymous said...

Since The Rails are in a strict sense not new (they've been around a few years) I will promote for my favorite new artist Lydia Loveless who's new album "Real" has be played constantly on my discman, I-Pod, in my car and on my radio show since it came out.

If The Rails had be around in the 1970's they would have been as big as Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span. Yes I know it's damning them with faint praise but at least they could have made a significant living. Heck with Kami Thompson in the act maybe a little mid seventies Fleetwood Mac sex appeal would have rubbed off on them and made them big stars.

Captain Al

Dr Wu said...

Big fan of both the Margo Price and Lydia Loveless albums! Looking forward to your Best Of!

Joelhb53 said...

Does the Sturgell Simpson record count?

Bombshelter Slim said...

A new artist is one who has a new record! Hopefully one that contains some new music.
Some of my fave '16 platters include:
David Bowie – Blackstar (you can be new & dead at the same time)
Carrie Rodriguez - Lola (this might be her best one yet!)
Wadada Leo Smith - America's National Parks (I think Leo is one of America's National Treasures)
Andrew Cyrille Quartet - The Declaration of Musical Independence (Ditto!)
Dale Watson - Under the Influence (Ditto again!)
As Shakey said, it's all the same song...

buzzbabyjesus said...

I'll give my answer with The Weekend Mix.

Michael Giltz said...

Mudcrutch! it's only their second album.

The Struts --- Everybody Wants Some
Car Seat Headrest -- Teens Of Denial
Nicholas Krgovich -- The Hills (he's new to me)
The Lumineers -- Cleopatra (thought I wouldn't like it but I did)
Dori Freeman -- Dori Freeman
Chance The Rapper
Teddy Thompson and Kelly Jones -- a new duo! :)
Sturgill Simpson