Here they are:
10. London Grammar Truth is a Beautiful Thing
UK female artists - it's a weak spot. Saw her live at the Varsity a few years back. Amazing singer.
9. The Reputations Begging For More
Another band from Austin? Yep, and they deserve to be here.
8. Mammút Kinder Versions
Love this band from Iceland. Do they remind me of Björk? Of course they do!
7. Imelda May Life.Love.Flesh.Blood
Followed this wonderful singer from Ireland for a while. She has evolved and this might be her best album yet.
6. Little Coyote The Trouble With Teeth
Fantastic singer out of Toronto, recently stumbled onto her. I like this more every time I listen to it.
And Now....
5. Findlay Forgotten Pleasures
Big shock that I went with another female from the UK here, but, this album totally rates.
Sorry that this one is a little NSFW, but it's a great song.
4. Beth Ditto Fake Sugar
The third act from Arkansas to make my list this year. This album is just, well, spectacular.
3. Dia Frampton Bruises
Two years ago, her project ARCHIS came in at #11 on my album list. This album is even better. From Utah.
2. P!nk Beautiful Trauma
I don't think I need to say anything here.
Drum roll .......
1. Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton Choir of the Mind
This album hits deeper and deeper every time I listen to it. I have long loved Metric. But Emily Haines had taken it to another level with this effort.
I recommend watching the entire CBC Music Youtube series on this album.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Sunday, January 28, 2018
2017 Summa Cum Laude Albums, Part I
Down to my top 25 Albums of the year. Here is 25-11,
25. Alexandria Savior Belladonna Of Sadness
Another fine young artist form Portland. I must visit there someday.
24. In This Moment Ritual
I have enjoyed this band from Los Angeles for some time. The new album did not disappoint.
23. Wolf Alice Visions of a Life
Great band from London
22. Miya Folick Give It To Me
From Los Angeles.
21.Jade Bird Something American
The UK produces so many super talented young artists. Here is another one. And she is special.
20. Eisley I'm Only Dreaming
I think I am setting a record this year for Texas based bands.
19. Imagine Dragons Evolve
Bet you didn't see that coming. Hey, some of my best friends are guys.
18. Tori Amos Native Invader
What can I say about Tori Amos? The artist that more than any other triggered my love of female singers. While not bad, her "latter" career albums typically have not made my lists (though I own them all and enjoy them). This one stands out. It easily makes my Summa list.
17. Kohli Calhoun Take Me Away
From Brooklyn. I just found about about her.
16. Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas Telephone
This is a very special band and a very special singer. Love this band. See them live if you ever have the chance!! From Detroit.
15. Jillette Johnson All I Ever See In You Is Me
Was waiting for this super talented New Yorker to give us more music. I am happy now. I Don't understand why she isn't better known. So good.
14. Evanescence Synthesis
This is a really unique album. Orchestral reworks of their older stuff plus a few new songs. It's REALLY good.
13. Dessie Dessie
From Down Under (Melbourne).
12. Haim Something To Tell You
It would be fair to say that I adore this sister trio from Los Angeles. And with good reason.
11. Emily Bell Kali
Another great artist from Austin Texas. This is the good stuff.
25. Alexandria Savior Belladonna Of Sadness
Another fine young artist form Portland. I must visit there someday.
24. In This Moment Ritual
I have enjoyed this band from Los Angeles for some time. The new album did not disappoint.
23. Wolf Alice Visions of a Life
Great band from London
22. Miya Folick Give It To Me
From Los Angeles.
21.Jade Bird Something American
The UK produces so many super talented young artists. Here is another one. And she is special.
20. Eisley I'm Only Dreaming
I think I am setting a record this year for Texas based bands.
19. Imagine Dragons Evolve
Bet you didn't see that coming. Hey, some of my best friends are guys.
18. Tori Amos Native Invader
What can I say about Tori Amos? The artist that more than any other triggered my love of female singers. While not bad, her "latter" career albums typically have not made my lists (though I own them all and enjoy them). This one stands out. It easily makes my Summa list.
17. Kohli Calhoun Take Me Away
From Brooklyn. I just found about about her.
16. Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas Telephone
This is a very special band and a very special singer. Love this band. See them live if you ever have the chance!! From Detroit.
15. Jillette Johnson All I Ever See In You Is Me
Was waiting for this super talented New Yorker to give us more music. I am happy now. I Don't understand why she isn't better known. So good.
14. Evanescence Synthesis
This is a really unique album. Orchestral reworks of their older stuff plus a few new songs. It's REALLY good.
13. Dessie Dessie
From Down Under (Melbourne).
12. Haim Something To Tell You
It would be fair to say that I adore this sister trio from Los Angeles. And with good reason.
11. Emily Bell Kali
Another great artist from Austin Texas. This is the good stuff.
Monday, January 22, 2018
2017 Magna Cum Laude Albums II
There are really good. But just wait for the Summas
In The Valley Below Elephant
Great band from Los Angeles.
Katie Costello Twice the Love
Love this singer from New York.
Lizi Bailey Learning To Be Human
Originally from Georgia. Based in Houston.
Maris Honey
From Montana, and very young. We'll here more from her in the coming years I expect.
Middle Kids Middle Kids
I really dig this band from Australia. Can I say "dig"?
Nicole Atkins Goodnight Rhonda Lee
I have seen her live twice. She is so talented!!! Love her! From New Jersey, but based in Nashville.
Ninet Paper Parachute
Apparently, super popular in Israel. Somehow she flew under my radar for a few years. Not this year.
The Pretty OK Wilder
From Detroit.
Swear and Shake The Sound of Letting Go
Was a great pleasure to see this Nashville based band at 7th Street Entry this Summer. A great and fun band.
Sweet Spirit St. Mojo
From New Orleans. Some really good stuff here.
Taylor Dukes ROSE
For Ohio and currently based in Nashville.
Vagabon Infinite Worlds Awesome band from New York City
Welles Codeine
I think the last artist from Arkansas that really caught my attention was Evanescence.
ZZ Ward The Storm Saw her at the Basilica Block Party back in 2013. Fantastic artist. Her new album did not disappoint. From Oregon (seems to be a good state this year)
Alice Merton No Roots
German I guess. Canadian, Irish, American. She in intriguing to be sure. Great music.
Liset Alea Going Home
A Cuban-American living in France. The world is wonderful.
In The Valley Below Elephant
Great band from Los Angeles.
Katie Costello Twice the Love
Love this singer from New York.
Lizi Bailey Learning To Be Human
Originally from Georgia. Based in Houston.
Maris Honey
From Montana, and very young. We'll here more from her in the coming years I expect.
Middle Kids Middle Kids
I really dig this band from Australia. Can I say "dig"?
Nicole Atkins Goodnight Rhonda Lee
I have seen her live twice. She is so talented!!! Love her! From New Jersey, but based in Nashville.
Ninet Paper Parachute
Apparently, super popular in Israel. Somehow she flew under my radar for a few years. Not this year.
The Pretty OK Wilder
From Detroit.
Swear and Shake The Sound of Letting Go
Was a great pleasure to see this Nashville based band at 7th Street Entry this Summer. A great and fun band.
Sweet Spirit St. Mojo
From New Orleans. Some really good stuff here.
Taylor Dukes ROSE
For Ohio and currently based in Nashville.
Vagabon Infinite Worlds Awesome band from New York City
Welles Codeine
I think the last artist from Arkansas that really caught my attention was Evanescence.
ZZ Ward The Storm Saw her at the Basilica Block Party back in 2013. Fantastic artist. Her new album did not disappoint. From Oregon (seems to be a good state this year)
Alice Merton No Roots
German I guess. Canadian, Irish, American. She in intriguing to be sure. Great music.
Liset Alea Going Home
A Cuban-American living in France. The world is wonderful.
Friday, January 19, 2018
2017 Magna Cum Laude Albums Part I
Here they are, not rank ordered.
Cherry Glazerr Aplocalipstick
From Los Angeles (Surprise!)
Chloe Foy Are We There Yet?
Female singer from the UK, my weak point.
Ghost Wolves Tesa$ Platinum
Another great band from Austin.
Joseph Staying Awake
I can never say enough good things about this trio of sisters from Portland.
Sive The Roaring Girl
Only recently discovered this wonderful singer from Dublin.
Slowkiss Ultraviolet
From Chile. A bit of a contrast from Sive.
Sumie Lost in Light
Another recently discovered (by me anyway) singer. This one is from Sweden.
Vonnie Kyle Cold and Bitter Girl
Currently based in Santa Fe, but originally from Minneapolis (where she caught my attention).
Aimee Mann Mental Illness
I remember way back in the day, when was the front for 'Til Tuesday. I have a lot of her albums.
From Virginia.
Priests Nothing Feels Natural
Punk band from Washington DC.
ailie West to the Evening Sun
From Scotland.
Courage My Love Synethesia
Great trio from Toronto.
Gracie and Rachel Gracie and Rachel
This unusual duo previously caught my attention with the song Go. They released their first album in 2017. California natives based in NY.
He is We Fall Out of Line
This duo broke up and Rachel released a solo album titled "She is We". It made my list last year. They got back together and here they are. From Tacoma, WA.
High Up High Up
From Omaha, Nebraska.
Holy Wars Mother
From Los Angeles.
Cherry Glazerr Aplocalipstick
From Los Angeles (Surprise!)
Chloe Foy Are We There Yet?
Female singer from the UK, my weak point.
Ghost Wolves Tesa$ Platinum
Another great band from Austin.
Joseph Staying Awake
I can never say enough good things about this trio of sisters from Portland.
Sive The Roaring Girl
Only recently discovered this wonderful singer from Dublin.
Slowkiss Ultraviolet
From Chile. A bit of a contrast from Sive.
Sumie Lost in Light
Another recently discovered (by me anyway) singer. This one is from Sweden.
Vonnie Kyle Cold and Bitter Girl
Currently based in Santa Fe, but originally from Minneapolis (where she caught my attention).
Aimee Mann Mental Illness
I remember way back in the day, when was the front for 'Til Tuesday. I have a lot of her albums.
From Virginia.
Priests Nothing Feels Natural
Punk band from Washington DC.
ailie West to the Evening Sun
From Scotland.
Courage My Love Synethesia
Great trio from Toronto.
Gracie and Rachel Gracie and Rachel
This unusual duo previously caught my attention with the song Go. They released their first album in 2017. California natives based in NY.
He is We Fall Out of Line
This duo broke up and Rachel released a solo album titled "She is We". It made my list last year. They got back together and here they are. From Tacoma, WA.
High Up High Up
From Omaha, Nebraska.
Holy Wars Mother
From Los Angeles.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
2017 Cum Laude Albums part II
Hope you liked the first half (not ranked). Again, these are not rank ordered.
Lorde Melodrama
Much has already been said about this 21 year old New Zealander. It's a pretty damn good album.
Mothica Heavy Heart
Originally from Oklahoma City, currently based out of Brooklyn NY.
Mozart's Sister Field of Love
According to Wikipedia: Cecile Believe (formerly known as Mozart's Sister) is a solo project of Caila Thompson-Hannant from Montréal, Québec. It was established in 2011.
The Octopus Project Memory Mirror
I spent a lot of time this year going through the very large list of artists playing SXSW. One the things I learned is that there are a lot of terrific bands based in Austin. This is one of them.
Otoboke Beaver Love is Short
And now for something completely different. From Japan.
Paramore After Laughter
I first encountered this band in 2009 as the warm up for No Doubt. I have enjoyed them ever since. From Los Angeles.
Phoebe Bridgers Stranger in the Alps
Also from Los Angeles. She is showing up on many "hip" end of year 2017 lists.
Rebecca Loebe Blink
Ditto my comment on Austin, TX.
The Wrecks We Are The Wrecks
From Los Angeles, I really like this EP. Expect to hear more from them.
XETAS The Tower
Another band from Austin.
Zola Jesus Okovi
Been following this super talented 28 year old singer from Phoenix for a while. So good.
Maria Roate As I Go
"Christian" genre singers rarely get my attention (most of it is syrupy crap). But I really like this album. A lot. Nashville, by the way.
Lights Skin and Earth
One of the first shows I ever took Athena to was Lights, at the Varsity Theater. Toronto based.
PVRIS All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell
I am surprised that this Massachusetts based band is not better known.
Lorde Melodrama
Much has already been said about this 21 year old New Zealander. It's a pretty damn good album.
Mothica Heavy Heart
Originally from Oklahoma City, currently based out of Brooklyn NY.
Mozart's Sister Field of Love
According to Wikipedia: Cecile Believe (formerly known as Mozart's Sister) is a solo project of Caila Thompson-Hannant from Montréal, Québec. It was established in 2011.
The Octopus Project Memory Mirror
I spent a lot of time this year going through the very large list of artists playing SXSW. One the things I learned is that there are a lot of terrific bands based in Austin. This is one of them.
Otoboke Beaver Love is Short
And now for something completely different. From Japan.
Paramore After Laughter
I first encountered this band in 2009 as the warm up for No Doubt. I have enjoyed them ever since. From Los Angeles.
Phoebe Bridgers Stranger in the Alps
Also from Los Angeles. She is showing up on many "hip" end of year 2017 lists.
Rebecca Loebe Blink
Ditto my comment on Austin, TX.
The Wrecks We Are The Wrecks
From Los Angeles, I really like this EP. Expect to hear more from them.
XETAS The Tower
Another band from Austin.
Zola Jesus Okovi
Been following this super talented 28 year old singer from Phoenix for a while. So good.
Maria Roate As I Go
"Christian" genre singers rarely get my attention (most of it is syrupy crap). But I really like this album. A lot. Nashville, by the way.
Lights Skin and Earth
One of the first shows I ever took Athena to was Lights, at the Varsity Theater. Toronto based.
PVRIS All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell
I am surprised that this Massachusetts based band is not better known.
Monday, January 8, 2018
2017 Cum Laude Albums, part I
Here we go folks! I have identified 87 albums that were released in 2017 and that I purchased and am giving my seal of approval to. I am sorting them into Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude. Time permitting, I will put a list of top songs.
The usual disclaimers: These are my rankings, based on my preferences. YMMV. Also, I don't care if most are female fronted. There are few male fronted bands. Can you find them?
The Cum Laude Album list is not rank ordered.
CUM LAUDE
Alice Jemima - Alice Jemima
Without a doubt, I love female singers from the UK. This year that will be quite evident.
Anna Tivel Small Believer
From the great city of Portland, OR. Love so many of the artists based there.
Annie Sumi In The Unknown
Toronto is of course another favorite City.
Ariela Jacobs Dare You to Run
Well, did you think I was going to ignore Australia?
The Big Moon Love in the 4th Dimension
Enjoy this band from London.
Diane Barbarash River - Songs From the Poetry of Allison Grayhurst
Singer-songwriter from Vancouver. Album inspired by the poet from Toronto.
The Dig Bloodshot Tokyo
A cool band from New York City.
Duke York Sincerely
This Seattle Based Band has been on the edge of my radar for years. Made my list this year.
Epica The Solace System
One of the very great symphonic metal bands from the Netherlands. And near and dear since I saw them back in the day at Station 4 ( who remembers that place?).
Fantastic EP.
Feist Pleasure
This Calgary based singer came on to many people's radar via an Apple Commercial a decade ago. But there is more to her than an Apple song.
Gabrielle Aplin Avalon
At 25, she has become a mainstay on my list, as she continue to generate great music. She does have that UK thing going.
Halsey Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
It's unlikely we've heard the last from this New Jersey singer. At 23, she is already headlining in large arenas.
Izzie Walsh The Curse
Another UK singer. I have understated how much I like her music.
Jordan Collins Compartmentalize
From Spokane. Quite under-rated.
MORE TO COME
The usual disclaimers: These are my rankings, based on my preferences. YMMV. Also, I don't care if most are female fronted. There are few male fronted bands. Can you find them?
The Cum Laude Album list is not rank ordered.
CUM LAUDE
Alice Jemima - Alice Jemima
Without a doubt, I love female singers from the UK. This year that will be quite evident.
Anna Tivel Small Believer
From the great city of Portland, OR. Love so many of the artists based there.
Annie Sumi In The Unknown
Toronto is of course another favorite City.
Ariela Jacobs Dare You to Run
Well, did you think I was going to ignore Australia?
The Big Moon Love in the 4th Dimension
Enjoy this band from London.
Diane Barbarash River - Songs From the Poetry of Allison Grayhurst
Singer-songwriter from Vancouver. Album inspired by the poet from Toronto.
The Dig Bloodshot Tokyo
A cool band from New York City.
Duke York Sincerely
This Seattle Based Band has been on the edge of my radar for years. Made my list this year.
Epica The Solace System
One of the very great symphonic metal bands from the Netherlands. And near and dear since I saw them back in the day at Station 4 ( who remembers that place?).
Fantastic EP.
Feist Pleasure
This Calgary based singer came on to many people's radar via an Apple Commercial a decade ago. But there is more to her than an Apple song.
Gabrielle Aplin Avalon
At 25, she has become a mainstay on my list, as she continue to generate great music. She does have that UK thing going.
Halsey Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
It's unlikely we've heard the last from this New Jersey singer. At 23, she is already headlining in large arenas.
Izzie Walsh The Curse
Another UK singer. I have understated how much I like her music.
Jordan Collins Compartmentalize
From Spokane. Quite under-rated.
MORE TO COME
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