2015 Boney Awards...The Albums

[T_Bone0806]

That time of year again, when I share my favorite songs and albums of the
year past. Again I must issue the disclaimer that I don't neccesarily
mean to imply that these items are the most creative or artistically
brilliant releases of 2015, just that this is the music I most enjoyed
last year. In other words, beauty is in the ear of the beholder...well, you know what I mean.

We start with the Sweet 16-my 16 favorite albums of 2015...


16. A FOOL TO CARE-BOZ SCAGGS

Scaggs spends a lot more time with the blues...his original genre...than the slick pop sound
that scored him chart success in the 70's and 80's. Soul, Jazz, and a little
cajun figure in the mix as well. There's a nice duet with Bonnie Raitt and a terrific
version of The Impressions' "I'm So Proud" counting among the highlights.

http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Care-Boz-Sca ... boz+scaggs


15. EVERYTHING'S FINE-THE RAVINES

Power Pop that is just consistently listenable from start to finish.

http://www.amazon.com/Everythings-Fine- ... HE+RAVINES


14. NO PIER PRESSURE-BRIAN WILSON

As with most of Wilson's recent output, you notice that his voice isn't what it used to be.
And that sometimes the lyrics get a little lacking in sophistication. Inevitably, though,
those harmonies kick in, those brilliant, otherworldly harmonies....and you forget any
shortcomings...the man still puts a song together like only a select few have ever done. This
record features duets with artists old and new, including ex-bandmates Al Jardine and
David Marks

http://www.amazon.com/Pier-Pressure-Del ... ian+wilson


13. 25-ADELE

My oh my can she sing! Not everything here is the kind of music I'll put on the cd
player all the time, but I certainly liked it enough to put it on my list, and I
certainly appreciate the talent.

http://www.amazon.com/25-Adele/dp/B016W ... dele+25+cd


12. STILL GOT THAT HUNGER-THE ZOMBIES

Singer Colin Blunstone and Keyboardist Rod Argent carry the Zombie banner still, but this is no
oldies act. Their jazz-spiked sound sets them apart from most of their peers from back in the day.
Their albums are nicely crafted, and do not sound like something thrown together to make a quick
buck off their name.

http://www.amazon.com/Still-Got-That-Hu ... he+zombies


11. INTRODUCING DARLENE LOVE-DARLENE LOVE

Singer on a number of Phil Spector Wall of Sound Classics, that memorable voice is still largely intact. The voice is
part of rock and roll history..it's good to hear it again. Bruce Springsteen contributed a couple of compositions to
this record.

http://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Darle ... rlene+love


10. SO THERE-BEN FOLDS

Folds stretches out here. The first eight songs are backed with a chamber orchestra, then comes a piano concerto in 3 movements
composed by Ben and recorded with the Nashville Symphony. Challenging but rewarding listening.

http://www.amazon.com/So-There-Ben-Fold ... =ben+folds


9. A SILENT FILM-A SILENT FILM

Very much in the vein of The Killers and Keane, there are some memorable songs here, including..spoiler alert...a
couple that will figure prominently in my Top 80 songs countdown.

http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Film/dp/B0 ... ilent+film


8. BEFORE THIS WORLD-JAMES TAYLOR

The amiable Mr. Taylor scored his first number one album last year with this. While this is no Sweet Baby James or Mud
Slide Slim, it is a very nice musical gift to his fans...like me.

http://www.amazon.com/Before-This-World ... this+world


7. A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS-COLDPLAY

I was not all that thrilled with their last cd...waaay too downbeat. This one is brighter in tone overall, and
certainly easier to listen to. Coldplay haters won't be won over, but I liked it.

http://www.amazon.com/Head-Full-Dreams- ... +of+dreams


6. CROSSEYED HEART-KEITH RICHARDS

Country blues, folk, reggae, and of course, loud and sloppy rock and roll as only Keef can provide. More consistently good
than anything the Stones have done in quite some time.

http://www.amazon.com/Crosseyed-Heart-K ... h+richards


5. ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE-JEFF LYNNE'S ELO

It's really Jeff Lynne under the ELO name for all intents and purposes. The orchestration doesn't carry as much of a
load as it did in the band's heyday, but the sound is still unmistakably ELO. Lynne is a pop master chef.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... ular%2C144


4. PENTATONIX-PENTATONIX

The deluxe version has 17 songs on it. Ten went into my iPod. Ordinarily that would be enough to put it at #1. BUT...I REALLY don't
like the other ones, especially the focus track, which is presented here in TWO versions. That was enough to knock it down a few spots.
There is some really outstanding vocal work here, which you would certainly hope for considering this is the group at the top of the
acapella movement.

http://www.amazon.com/Pentatonix-Deluxe ... pentatonix


3. EYES WIDE, TONGUE TIED-THE FRATELLIS

This is predominantly a high energy rock n roll record, but there are just enough stylistic detours to keep things interesting.
We'll hear from them again in our Top 80 songs countdown

http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Wide-Tongue- ... +fratellis


2. THE BIG RADIO-MICHAEL CARPENTER

I have been enjoying this Australian's music for some time now. Much of it is in, although not limited to, the genre of power pop. I just
wish more folks knew about him. Now comes word that he's retiring from the active roster as a recording artist,
to focus on his career as a producer. This is the first of a planned trio of projects he's referring to as his
"ride into the sunset". If this is any indication of what is to follow, it's gonna be one heck of a swan song. The songs are
very well crafted, brimming with catchy hooks, shimmering harmonies, and punchy guitars and drumming. Enjoyable from
start to finish, and the only album of 2015 to produce 3 songs grabbing spots on the top songs list (although one of
them, "I've Been Loving You", was released in 2014 ahead of the album, and thus made the list LAST year).

https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/releases


1. ALL YOUR FAVORITE BANDS-DAWES

An album to melt into and get swept away by. Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Eagles, that kind of mellow rock vibe is the
primary characteristic here. I also hear traces of alt-country/roots artists like The Jayhawks. I've probably listened to this
album more than anything released last year...it takes the top spot. Meant for solo listening...it wouldn't go over big at a party.

http://www.amazon.com/All-Your-Favorite ... ords=dawes


That takes care of the albums. We'll take a look at my favorite SONGS of last year next....

[Ritterskoop]

I have four of these and looking forward to exploring some others. If I can get the Coldplay album for a discount I may try them but I've been disappointed every time so far.

Already have: Darlene Love, Boz Scaggs, Jeff Lynne, Pentatonix

Must get immediately: The Ravines, Ben Folds, A Silent Film, Michael Carpenter

[T_Bone0806]

I have four of these and looking forward to exploring some others. If I can get the Coldplay album for a discount I may try them but I've been disappointed every time so far.

Already have: Darlene Love, Boz Scaggs, Jeff Lynne, Pentatonix

Must get immediately: The Ravines, Ben Folds, A Silent Film, Michael Carpenter

Cool!