The 2016 Boney Awards (10th Anniversary Edition!)
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 9:55 am
Hard to believe that I've been doing this for 10 years now.
Every year I say "next year I'm gonna post these sooner"...and every year I post them later. Nevertheless, it's time to
share my favorite songs and albums of the year past. As always I emphasize that I don't necessarily
mean to imply that these items are the most creative or artistically brilliant releases of 2016, just that this is the music I most enjoyed
last year.
Also, it may well be that after just recently completing my countdown of my favorite music of all time that 2016's music would naturally pale in
comparison, but both of my lists for last year, albums AND songs, are shorter than they have been for almost every year prior.
We start with my 10 favorite albums of 2016. Weird year-some of my favorite artists released albums that did not make the cut. Some, like David Bowie and Paul Simon, put out records that were fascinating and challenging, but I can't honestly say I ENJOYED them..that wouldn't be the correct word..admired them would be more accurate. Then there were underwhelming offerings from Bruno Mars, Elton John, Eric Clapton...others, by Green Day and Cheap Trick (a few outstanding cuts and a number of just ok ones), Bruce Hornsby (hey, I am OK with mixing things up, but forsaking his piano completely for the dulcimer?), and Santana (reuniting with most of the band members from their first three albums, including Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, who left the band back then to form Journey, it was the closest of these to making the list but in the long run, the material didn't quite measure up to those records). Topping it off was Dawes, who had my #1 album for 2015 and a couple of high ranking songs, too..but their followup album in 2016 did next to nothing for me.
So, most of the entries on my Top 10 are not household names, with a couple of exceptions, including the artists at #1 and #2, who in my opinion put out what were easily their strongest records in years.
Let's begin. First, the albums:
PLEASE NOTE: I'm not embedding the links here...I think the result would be an overly long, bloated, and unwieldy thread. The management apologizes for any inconvenience that clicking on a link may cause
10. TOGETHER-THE EXPLORERS CLUB
These guys love the Beach Boys. That's evident from start to finish. In the same way that Todd Rundgren's Utopia took cues from the Beatles in composing original tunes for their loving nod to the Fab Four, "Deface The Music", so do the folks here with musical moves out of Brian Wilson's playbook. Every song will have you thinking "where have I heard that bit before?" Very nicely done. Audio link only.
https://goldstarrecordings.bandcamp.com ... orers-club
9. GOOD TIMES!-THE MONKEES
Way, way better than it has a right to be. One would've expected an embarassing thrown together attempt at cashing in on their 50th anniversary. Instead we got a very nice, fun and good natured reminder of why this group still is so fondly remembered by so many. Of course it helps that material for the album was contributed by people including Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne (who also produced the record), Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, and Andy Partridge of XTC. Mike Nesmith even returned for the album, and although Davy Jones passed on several years ago, he is featured, through modern day studio magic, singing lead on one track. Not every track works, but many do, especially if you listen with a fun-loving ear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ckw4F ... Sb_LmA0VDi
8. AIN'T NOTHIN' LEFT TO SAY-MICHAEL CARPENTER & THE CUBAN HEELS
Carpenter had my #2 album for 2015 with the Power Pop oriented "The Big Radio". He's back this time with his Alternative Country outfit, the Cuban Heels. However, that does not mean he left his pop sensibilities behind..there are still hooks galore and a few tunes are more pop than country anyway. Good songs are good songs whatever ya call 'em. Audio link only.
https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/a ... eft-to-say
7. H A R D L O V E-NEEDTOBREATHE
Modern Pop/Rock with bold, brassy choruses and vocals not unlike Kings of Leon. Some strong songs here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-9-ksp ... eIO4Z8By5b
6. PIERCED ARROW-THE RIDES
Second album by the trio comprised of Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepard and keyboardist Barry Goldberg. Good ol' Rock 'n Blues are the order of the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RbSbi1 ... mrsjvAUxGx
5. ALEJANDRO'S VISIONS (MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE)-THE NINES
The Toronto based group offers music from a "motion picture" that doesn't actually exist, it follows the love story of a couple through the years and spans a variety of styles from early rock n' roll and doo wop through Phil Spector Wall of Sound and Beach Boys motifs, through British Invasion, ELO and more, most of it done very well indeed. Audio link only.
https://thenines.bandcamp.com/
4. LOVE & CANNIBALISM-THE HONEYDOGS
Versatility is the key word here for this band from Minnesota. They are equally adept at pop, 60's style Motown and Memphis Soul, barroom rock n' roll..you name it, they sound good playing it. But it never sounds haphazard. Instead it serves to hold your interest throughout..never gets boring. Audio link only.
https://thehoneydogs.bandcamp.com/album ... annibalism
3. LITTLE WINDOWS-TEDDY THOMPSON & KELLY JONES
Thompson is the son of noted English Folk musicians Richard and Linda Thompson, and scored big time on my year end lists with his 2011 album "Bella", including my #1 song that year, "Take Care of Yourself". Here he teams with American pop singer Jones for an album of duets that draw on early rock and "Metropolitan Country" influences. You'll hear Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison in the music, but more than anything else the songs totally pay tribute to the sound of the Everly Brothers, no mistaking their imprint all over this. A very enjoyable record if you like the Everlys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnwUaEe ... S8LLPlPt2h
2. KEEP ME SINGING-VAN MORRISON
As far as I'm concerned, Van's best record in years, reminiscent in many ways of his classic early 70's material. Gently rockin' R & B, soft and soulful ballads, all sprinkled with his jazzy seasonings. For dessert, the last song is a swingin' instrumental, finishing off this delight. Turn the lights down low, pour yourself some wine if you'd like, or whatever else floats your boat, relax and let Van the Man work his magic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl954d2 ... 9_HiCT6-SD
1. BLUE & LONESOME-THE ROLLING STONES
Mick, Keith & the Boys get back to their beginnings with this album of blues numbers, and the years just melt away. The band sounds more engaged with their material than they have in a long time. They sound like they're having a ball. And therefore, so does the listener. In my opinion, it's been 35 years since the last even halfway decent Stones album (Tattoo You). This is MORE than halfway decent. It's great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1yJzFWy2AY
That takes care of the albums. We'll take a look at my favorite SONGS of last year next....
Every year I say "next year I'm gonna post these sooner"...and every year I post them later. Nevertheless, it's time to
share my favorite songs and albums of the year past. As always I emphasize that I don't necessarily
mean to imply that these items are the most creative or artistically brilliant releases of 2016, just that this is the music I most enjoyed
last year.
Also, it may well be that after just recently completing my countdown of my favorite music of all time that 2016's music would naturally pale in
comparison, but both of my lists for last year, albums AND songs, are shorter than they have been for almost every year prior.
We start with my 10 favorite albums of 2016. Weird year-some of my favorite artists released albums that did not make the cut. Some, like David Bowie and Paul Simon, put out records that were fascinating and challenging, but I can't honestly say I ENJOYED them..that wouldn't be the correct word..admired them would be more accurate. Then there were underwhelming offerings from Bruno Mars, Elton John, Eric Clapton...others, by Green Day and Cheap Trick (a few outstanding cuts and a number of just ok ones), Bruce Hornsby (hey, I am OK with mixing things up, but forsaking his piano completely for the dulcimer?), and Santana (reuniting with most of the band members from their first three albums, including Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, who left the band back then to form Journey, it was the closest of these to making the list but in the long run, the material didn't quite measure up to those records). Topping it off was Dawes, who had my #1 album for 2015 and a couple of high ranking songs, too..but their followup album in 2016 did next to nothing for me.
So, most of the entries on my Top 10 are not household names, with a couple of exceptions, including the artists at #1 and #2, who in my opinion put out what were easily their strongest records in years.
Let's begin. First, the albums:
PLEASE NOTE: I'm not embedding the links here...I think the result would be an overly long, bloated, and unwieldy thread. The management apologizes for any inconvenience that clicking on a link may cause
10. TOGETHER-THE EXPLORERS CLUB
These guys love the Beach Boys. That's evident from start to finish. In the same way that Todd Rundgren's Utopia took cues from the Beatles in composing original tunes for their loving nod to the Fab Four, "Deface The Music", so do the folks here with musical moves out of Brian Wilson's playbook. Every song will have you thinking "where have I heard that bit before?" Very nicely done. Audio link only.
https://goldstarrecordings.bandcamp.com ... orers-club
9. GOOD TIMES!-THE MONKEES
Way, way better than it has a right to be. One would've expected an embarassing thrown together attempt at cashing in on their 50th anniversary. Instead we got a very nice, fun and good natured reminder of why this group still is so fondly remembered by so many. Of course it helps that material for the album was contributed by people including Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne (who also produced the record), Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, and Andy Partridge of XTC. Mike Nesmith even returned for the album, and although Davy Jones passed on several years ago, he is featured, through modern day studio magic, singing lead on one track. Not every track works, but many do, especially if you listen with a fun-loving ear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ckw4F ... Sb_LmA0VDi
8. AIN'T NOTHIN' LEFT TO SAY-MICHAEL CARPENTER & THE CUBAN HEELS
Carpenter had my #2 album for 2015 with the Power Pop oriented "The Big Radio". He's back this time with his Alternative Country outfit, the Cuban Heels. However, that does not mean he left his pop sensibilities behind..there are still hooks galore and a few tunes are more pop than country anyway. Good songs are good songs whatever ya call 'em. Audio link only.
https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/a ... eft-to-say
7. H A R D L O V E-NEEDTOBREATHE
Modern Pop/Rock with bold, brassy choruses and vocals not unlike Kings of Leon. Some strong songs here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-9-ksp ... eIO4Z8By5b
6. PIERCED ARROW-THE RIDES
Second album by the trio comprised of Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepard and keyboardist Barry Goldberg. Good ol' Rock 'n Blues are the order of the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RbSbi1 ... mrsjvAUxGx
5. ALEJANDRO'S VISIONS (MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE)-THE NINES
The Toronto based group offers music from a "motion picture" that doesn't actually exist, it follows the love story of a couple through the years and spans a variety of styles from early rock n' roll and doo wop through Phil Spector Wall of Sound and Beach Boys motifs, through British Invasion, ELO and more, most of it done very well indeed. Audio link only.
https://thenines.bandcamp.com/
4. LOVE & CANNIBALISM-THE HONEYDOGS
Versatility is the key word here for this band from Minnesota. They are equally adept at pop, 60's style Motown and Memphis Soul, barroom rock n' roll..you name it, they sound good playing it. But it never sounds haphazard. Instead it serves to hold your interest throughout..never gets boring. Audio link only.
https://thehoneydogs.bandcamp.com/album ... annibalism
3. LITTLE WINDOWS-TEDDY THOMPSON & KELLY JONES
Thompson is the son of noted English Folk musicians Richard and Linda Thompson, and scored big time on my year end lists with his 2011 album "Bella", including my #1 song that year, "Take Care of Yourself". Here he teams with American pop singer Jones for an album of duets that draw on early rock and "Metropolitan Country" influences. You'll hear Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison in the music, but more than anything else the songs totally pay tribute to the sound of the Everly Brothers, no mistaking their imprint all over this. A very enjoyable record if you like the Everlys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnwUaEe ... S8LLPlPt2h
2. KEEP ME SINGING-VAN MORRISON
As far as I'm concerned, Van's best record in years, reminiscent in many ways of his classic early 70's material. Gently rockin' R & B, soft and soulful ballads, all sprinkled with his jazzy seasonings. For dessert, the last song is a swingin' instrumental, finishing off this delight. Turn the lights down low, pour yourself some wine if you'd like, or whatever else floats your boat, relax and let Van the Man work his magic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl954d2 ... 9_HiCT6-SD
1. BLUE & LONESOME-THE ROLLING STONES
Mick, Keith & the Boys get back to their beginnings with this album of blues numbers, and the years just melt away. The band sounds more engaged with their material than they have in a long time. They sound like they're having a ball. And therefore, so does the listener. In my opinion, it's been 35 years since the last even halfway decent Stones album (Tattoo You). This is MORE than halfway decent. It's great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1yJzFWy2AY
That takes care of the albums. We'll take a look at my favorite SONGS of last year next....