And thus we come to the end of the infamous 2016. While it was fine for me personally and professionally, it was the Year of the Great Losses culturally and politically. I am still reeling from the many disappointments that hit us this past year and am genuinely worried about what lies ahead.
I found this poem online today and it speaks to me:
I love that it mentions music specifically as a coping mechanism and inspiration. Along with family and friends, of course, music has always been my comfort, and I’ve relied on it more than ever in the past months.
And with that in mind, here are my Top Ten Albums and Singles for 2016, in no particular order, as submitted to the annual Village Voice Pazz and Jop (not sure they’re using that title anymore) Critics Poll:
ALBUMS:
Wilco – Schmilco
Avett Brothers – True Sadness
Andy Shauf – The Party
David Bowie – Blackstar
Beyonce – Lemonade
The Monkees – Good Times!
The Hamilton Mixtape
Justin Bieber – Purpose
Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker
SINGLES:
Hell No – Ingrid Michaelson
S.O.B. – Nathaniel Rateliffe & The Night Sweats
Heathens – Twenty-One Pilots
Cake by the Ocean – DNCE
2 A.M. – Bear Hands
When the Tequila Runs Out – Dawes
When We Were Young – Adele
Trip Switch – Nothing But Thieves
Waste A Moment – Kings of Leon
All We Ever Knew – The Head and the Heart
Feel free to argue for your favorites. As much music as I buy and as many downloads/promos as are sent to me (keep ’em coming!), I don’t hear all the great stuff that’s out there, so tell me what I missed.
Happy New Year? We can do it. Keep your eyes and ears and heart open. Stay strong. Do what you can. Be kind.
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