BadBadNotGood – IV
The best music from Canada usually comes from oddball
collectives and BadBadNotGood are no different. The acid jazz group has
released a collection of fascinating and brilliant songs that transcend the
genre into pop, rock, and of course, hip-hop. IV is one of the best and
freshest albums of the year.
FINAL GRADE: A+
Blood Orange – Freetown Sound
Take the sounds of Africa and mix it with the funk of Prince
and passion of Michael Jackson and you get the latest offering from Blood
Orange. Dev Hynes has released his finest album to date and one for all to
enjoy.
FINAL GRADE: A
The Bouncing Souls – Simplicity
The iconic New Jersey punks return for their latest offering
and bring forth a social commentary of today’s issues. With their legendary raw
power and inspiring sound, The Souls are still standing on solid ground.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Mumford & Sons – Johannesburg
Inspired by their first tour to South Africa, Mumford &
Sons recorded an EP with local musicians to please their creative nerve and let
the world know about a sound that is captivating a continent.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Pup – The Dream is Over
Take the early 2000s emo scene and give it a modern twist
and Pups latest is a bit of nostalgia as well as a bit of much needed energy in
2016. The album is like a cup of black coffee and will wake you up straight
away and after one listen you will be looking for more.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Descendents - Hypercaffium Spazzinate
The punk icons first album in 12 years
picks up right where they left off and gives fans hope for the future.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Clams Casino – Ghost in a Kiss
The beatmaker, producer, DJ and
hitmaker has finally released his long awaited debut and it does not
disappoint. Ghost in a Kiss has it all – it is sexy, it is a banger and it is
transcendent.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Caveman – Otero War
New York City indie rockers return with
their latest and best album. Otero War is unlike any other Caveman LP, in fact,
it is more than just a Caveman record. Otero War is a walk into the unknown.
Combining space age themes and progressive rock, Caveman are out of their
slumber and into your earbuds.
FINAL GRADE: B+
DJ Shadow – The Mountain Will Fall
The latest offering from electronica
hero DJ Shadow is another galactic trip that takes you into another planet
without leaving the comfort of Earth.
FINAL GRADE: B
Bat For Lashes – The Bride
In one of her darkest and most personal
albums, Bat For Lashes returns as The Bride. What feels like a concept album
about falling in and out of love, Bat For Lashes delivers a haunting and
introspective into her heart.
FINAL GRADE: B
Band of Horses – Why Are You OK
In a total turnaround from 2012’s disappointing
Mirage Rock, Band of Horses saddle up and sound like they are having the time
of their lives. Experimenting with prog, psychedelic, and ambient, the band is evolving
past the Americana folk rock that made them fan favorites.
FINAL GRADE: B
Puro Instinct – Autodrama
The Hollywood sorority return with another
record of sexy sounds from the Sunset Strip.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Jake Bugg – On My One
With Jake Bugg’s third record, there
was so much promise since it was revealed he was doing it all on his own –
playing each instrument, writing the songs an going back to basics in a way.
Yet, the outcome is far from it. Bugg needed a bit more direction for On My One
as the record is all over the place. From garage rock hits to dismal folk tunes
and even rapping at one point, it is one of the disappointing releases of the
year and discouraging album from someone who had so much promise.
FINAL GRADE: C
Biffy Clyro – Ellipsis
The Scottish band returns with another album
of stadium rock songs that seem to not evolve from their previous efforts.
FINAL GRADE: C-
