Top Records 2016

Material-Blaqk Audio

This album is a brand new take on the 80’s dark wave sound. It works well as 11 stand alone tracks that
vary from light hearted synth pop to a dark and edgy sound. “Graphic Violence” is a fun boppy track
reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. ”Ceremonial (Burst into stars)” is closer to what you would
hear in the clubs today. “Curious Friends” draws from the gothic Depeche Mode sound taking advantage
of Davie Havok’s awesome range and different registers to create a low ominous sound followed by a
soaring chorus. “To Be Alone” is something totally different with an eerie interesting opening riff
followed by a satisfying uptempo chorus. Every song is memorable and there are no throw-aways.
Material is a perfect blend of 80’s nostalgia and creative new ideas. It is by far my favorite album of the
year.

25-Adele

Adele’s 21 was one of the best albums of the last 10 years, and she followed it up with another fit filled,
dynamic record. “Hello” is once again Adele’s signature break up sound, but this album has more hope
and positivity. “Send My Love To Your New Lover” and “Water Under The Bridge” prove that Adele can
be light and fun. “The Remedy” is a positive song about reconciling differences instead of just moving
on. She even tries new things like the Spanish guitar in “A Million Years Ago”. But, as always, if it’s not
broken don’t fix it. “When We Were Young” is another heart throbbing tear jerker that you can jam and
cry to. I particularly love the grit that comes into “my god this reminds me”. Adele balances a husky alto
with a phenomenal belt. The thing that keeps me coming back to Adele is the emotional honesty,
despite her amazing vocal chops she doesn’t feel the need to always sound pretty, the emotions bleed
into the technique and create a beautiful truthful sound. While it doesn’t top the heights of 21’s “Rolling
In The Deep” and “Someone Like You” this is top to bottom a fantastic record.

Painkillers- Brian Fallon

This is the perfect soundtrack to an All American road trip. You can feel the wind in your hair with this
nostalgic sound. Its thoughtful lyrics, gritty vocals and catchy choruses will bring you back for more.
Fallon has not had a record this good since album since Gaslight Anthem’s 59 Sound. “Nobody Wins” is
an uptempo jam about wishing someone well post relationship. “Wonderful Life” has another upbeat
chorus looking for passion “I don’t wanna survive, I want a wonderful life”. It’s hard to not clap along to
“Smoke” with it’s repetitious drum and guitar rhythms. The album takes it’s moments to slow down with
“Steve McQueen” and “Long Drives”, but Fallon never loses momentum. It feels like an album for
another time, drawing inspiration from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Roy Orbison. Painkillers
follows the saying “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

Waitress-Original Cast Recording

Waitress is a beautiful combination of traditional musical theatre and Sara Bareilles’ unique sound. From
the opening “sugar, butter, flour motif” we can hear Sara Bareilles’ Acapella roots. Interesting
harmonies are sprinkled throughout along with varied piano rhythms. I particularly like the driving piano
in “Bad Idea” which feeds into the sexual tension of the scene. Jessie Mueller shines throughout but her
best moment comes in “She Used To Be Mine” she gives her amazing vocals and emotional depth to a
heartbreaking ballad. Sara Bareilles elevates a great story with this fantastic score and it deserves a spot
on the list.

Halloween- Ruston Kelly

Ruston Kelly’s debut ep is a different kind of Country record. It’s rough around the edges with Whiskey
filled lullabies and regrets. The lyrics are a sort of poetic stream of conscious, that sound organic but
polished. “I found the words to say but it just blisters on my tongue.” His sound is very distinct and
refreshing for the country market. In “Hollywood” he stays rugged, soft and sorrowful. However, in
“Black Magic” and “Poison” he slowly rises to an impassioned belt. I’m a sucker for a slow build and
deep lyrics so this album resonates strongly with me. But it’s not all sad “Hurricane In My Head” and
“Wildflower” pick up the pace for some catchier rallying country. He even uses some Neil Young esque
harmonica, and really who doesn’t love harmonica? This is my favorited album for an introverted sad
day, grab a glass of Jack on the rocks and enjoy!