2016 Summa Cum Laude Part II ( top 10)

10) Birdy Beautiful Lies

A familiar face on my list. Yet ridiculously young. <3







9)  Jessica Rotter   Plains

Not sure how I happened on this LA based singer song-writer. But I am very glad that I did.








8)  Epica   The Holographic Principle

I have loved this epic metal band from the Netherlands for some time. This may well be their best album. And it is truly an album, not just a collection of songs.





 
7)   Joseph   I'm Alone, You're Not 

This sister act from Oregon is beyond awesome. And not new to my list.





Not the album version, but what the heck.


6)  Ingrid Michaelson     It Doesn't Have to Make Sense


God I love her! What more to say. She never disappoints.





Don't cry. OK?


5)  Regina Spektor    Remember Us To Life


A Russian Jew raised in New York City. What could be more American?







4)  High As a Kite  Camp Echo

If I didn't already love Norway after this Summer. Well, here is another reason. Oh, saw them at 7th Street Entry this year. Another reason.







3)  Sia    This is Acting


Sia, OMG. She just keep getting more and more wonderful. I don't know what else to say. Get her music!


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2)  Lissie   My Wild West

From Illinois, I have been a fan for a bit. But I believe she took it to another level with this album. It's very special.







1)  Aurora  All My Demons Greeting Me As My Friend    

 
Norway was a theme for me this year. I spent a week there. Then I saw two acts live in Minneapolis that are from Norway. They both made my top 5.
Aurora is from Bergen, a beautiful and amazing city where Athena and I spent 3 nights.







There you go. I don't know if I am up to a top songs list this year. Maybe a short one?

2016 Summa Cum Laude Albums, Part I (11-20)

Sorry for the delay. Things happen.

20) Lucy Dacus   No Burden
 Singer songwriter from Virginia.






19) Wilde Belle  Dreamland

Sibling duo from Chicago. Expect more great stuff from them.




18) The Raign When It's Over


Rachel Rabin is her name and she is from London. The Raign is her stage name.






17) Lauren Aquilina Isn't It Strange
 Love the UK,  don't I?   Ms Aquilina has been on my list before.  Most likely will be again.










16) Lake Street Dive Side Pony
 From Boston.  Founding member Mike Olson is from Minneapolis -  explains the name.









15) Broods Conscious

Great Duo from New Zealand. 



 



14) The Pretty Reckless Who Are You Selling For
 This LA band keeps getting better.







13) Tonight Alive Limitless
 Australia is awesome.







12) Adia Victoria Beyond The Bloodhounds

From South Carolina and currently based in Nashville. Great album.







11) She Is We War

Seattle area denizen Rachel Taylor is the person behind this act. Was originally part of the duo He is We. I find this album to be addicting.