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!
>br />
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?
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
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.
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.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
2016 Magna Cum Laude Albumns
Here is the next batch. Some really great albums, and these aren't even my Summas. Again, not rank ordered.
Against the Current In Our Bones
From Poughkeepsie, NY. This is their first full (non EP) album.
Anouk Queen for a Day
I have long been a fan of this Dutch singer. Never really all that well known in the US for some reason.
Blondfire True Confessions
Singer Erica Driscoll is from Michigan. Currently based in LA.
Soundcloud link -> Sex, Lies, and Destruction
Brooke Waggnoner Sweven
Based in Nashville, Brooke Waggoner is an amazing talent.
Gabrielle Aplin Miss You
This UK singer has established herself as one of my favorites. Miss You is a small EP, but it makes my list anyway.
Garbage Strange Little Birds
Been a huge fan of Shirley, Butch and company since the 90s. This album shows they still got it. And they seem to have captured their late 90s sound. Oh, and I still <3 Shirley
Green Day Revolution Radio
Speaking of 90s bands that are still awesome. Is this the only male fronted act on my list? Sorry about that.
Groenland A Wider Space
Canada consistently delivers bands I love. Here is another one. There is a lot of sophistication in this album. From Montreal.
Lucius Good Grief
Third album from this New York (Brooklyn) band.
Marina Kaye Homeless
This 18 year old French singer came to fame via the French version of "Got Talent" when she was 13. Another short EP that makes my list. (In case anyone cares, the EP came available in the US in 2016, so under my rules - which I break at my discretion anyway - it's a 2016 album)
Oathbreaker Rhea
I just discovered this band from Belgium. May take some adjusting to, but I love the sound. Love it!
OnDeadWaves OnDeadWaves
Polly Scattergood is one of my very favorite artists (UK based, big surprise). This is one of her side projects.
Rachel Curtis Rachel Curtis
Out of Michigan. Great little EP.
Rïcïnn Lïan
From France. I love this artist.
The Glass Child Under Northern Skies
Charlotte Eriksson is (IIRR) an American living in Europe (Germany now though it London not that long ago). She puts out some really wonderful music.
The Joy Formidable Hitch
This rock band from Wales puts out another great album.
Tove Lo Lady Wood
What can I say about this Swedish pop singer? I really like this alubum
White Lung Paradise
Hailing from Vancouver, I just discovered this band recently. Oh Canada, love you so much.
Against the Current In Our Bones
From Poughkeepsie, NY. This is their first full (non EP) album.
Anouk Queen for a Day
I have long been a fan of this Dutch singer. Never really all that well known in the US for some reason.
Blondfire True Confessions
Singer Erica Driscoll is from Michigan. Currently based in LA.
Soundcloud link -> Sex, Lies, and Destruction
Brooke Waggnoner Sweven
Based in Nashville, Brooke Waggoner is an amazing talent.
Gabrielle Aplin Miss You
This UK singer has established herself as one of my favorites. Miss You is a small EP, but it makes my list anyway.
Garbage Strange Little Birds
Been a huge fan of Shirley, Butch and company since the 90s. This album shows they still got it. And they seem to have captured their late 90s sound. Oh, and I still <3 Shirley
Green Day Revolution Radio
Speaking of 90s bands that are still awesome. Is this the only male fronted act on my list? Sorry about that.
Groenland A Wider Space
Canada consistently delivers bands I love. Here is another one. There is a lot of sophistication in this album. From Montreal.
Lucius Good Grief
Third album from this New York (Brooklyn) band.
Marina Kaye Homeless
This 18 year old French singer came to fame via the French version of "Got Talent" when she was 13. Another short EP that makes my list. (In case anyone cares, the EP came available in the US in 2016, so under my rules - which I break at my discretion anyway - it's a 2016 album)
Oathbreaker Rhea
I just discovered this band from Belgium. May take some adjusting to, but I love the sound. Love it!
OnDeadWaves OnDeadWaves
Polly Scattergood is one of my very favorite artists (UK based, big surprise). This is one of her side projects.
Rachel Curtis Rachel Curtis
Out of Michigan. Great little EP.
Rïcïnn Lïan
From France. I love this artist.
The Glass Child Under Northern Skies
Charlotte Eriksson is (IIRR) an American living in Europe (Germany now though it London not that long ago). She puts out some really wonderful music.
The Joy Formidable Hitch
This rock band from Wales puts out another great album.
Tove Lo Lady Wood
What can I say about this Swedish pop singer? I really like this alubum
White Lung Paradise
Hailing from Vancouver, I just discovered this band recently. Oh Canada, love you so much.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
2016 - Cum Laude Albums
OK
, I am so sorry to be so late. Be here we go. Anyway, as always, these are what I like. I make to assertions what matters to anyone but me. But I share because some like my music preferences.
And yes, it almost entirely female singers and female fronted bands. No apology for that.
Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude will come soon. The Cum Laude list is not rank-ordered.
Ash Koley - Elements
Love this Toronto act.
Colbie Caillat The Malibu Sessions
This California girl keeps putting out great stuff. Don't know why her popularity seemingly has fallen off (has it?). Don't care. She makes my list.
Daya Sit Still, Look Pretty
From Pittsburgh, young and talented.
KT Tunstall KIN
Love this singer from the UK. Saw her at the Cedar live a bit back; that was special.
Lera Lynn Resistor
From Houston Texas.
Mother Feather Mother Feather
From New York
Nemesea Uprise
I never really get tired of bands from the Netherlands.
Rachel Platten Wildfire
From Massachusetts, most of you have heard a couple of her songs, this is a very nice album front to back.
Skarlett Riot Sentience
A damn good hard rock act from the UK.
Sonia Rao Meet them at the Door
This Indian-American singer has had music on over 35 TV shows. Based in Nashville.
Steady Holiday Under the Influence
Singer Dre Babinski is based in LA
Stitched Up Heart Never Alone
Another LA based act, but quite different from the one above. This band ROCKS!
The Coathangers Nosebleed Weekend
From Atlanta
The Droids Divide By Zero
Husband Wife duo from North Carolina
Weaves Weaves
Toronto just keeps giving me acts I love < br />
And yes, it almost entirely female singers and female fronted bands. No apology for that.
Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude will come soon. The Cum Laude list is not rank-ordered.
Ash Koley - Elements
Love this Toronto act.
Colbie Caillat The Malibu Sessions
This California girl keeps putting out great stuff. Don't know why her popularity seemingly has fallen off (has it?). Don't care. She makes my list.
Daya Sit Still, Look Pretty
From Pittsburgh, young and talented.
KT Tunstall KIN
Love this singer from the UK. Saw her at the Cedar live a bit back; that was special.
Lera Lynn Resistor
From Houston Texas.
Mother Feather Mother Feather
From New York
Nemesea Uprise
I never really get tired of bands from the Netherlands.
Rachel Platten Wildfire
From Massachusetts, most of you have heard a couple of her songs, this is a very nice album front to back.
Skarlett Riot Sentience
A damn good hard rock act from the UK.
Sonia Rao Meet them at the Door
This Indian-American singer has had music on over 35 TV shows. Based in Nashville.
Steady Holiday Under the Influence
Singer Dre Babinski is based in LA
Stitched Up Heart Never Alone
Another LA based act, but quite different from the one above. This band ROCKS!
The Coathangers Nosebleed Weekend
From Atlanta
The Droids Divide By Zero
Husband Wife duo from North Carolina
Weaves Weaves
Toronto just keeps giving me acts I love < br />
Sunday, February 14, 2016
2015 Favorite Songs - Summa Cum Laude (top ten)
#10 Ship to Wreck by Florence + The Machine
#9 High by Zella Day
#8 Go by Gracie and Rachel
#7 Authority by Genevieve
#6 New Americana by Halsey
#5 Woman by Joy Williams
#4 Shadow Preachers by Zella Day
#3 Blood by ARCHIS
#2 Mayhem by Halestorm
#1 Used to be Mine by Sara Bareilles
#9 High by Zella Day
#8 Go by Gracie and Rachel
#7 Authority by Genevieve
#6 New Americana by Halsey
#5 Woman by Joy Williams
#4 Shadow Preachers by Zella Day
#3 Blood by ARCHIS
#2 Mayhem by Halestorm
#1 Used to be Mine by Sara Bareilles
Friday, February 12, 2016
2015 Favorite Songs - Magna Cum Laude
#25 -tie Written in Water by Gin Wigmore
#25 -tie Desire by Meg Myers
#24 Ghost by Ella Henderson
#23 Glow by Ella Henderson
#22 Oh My My by Little May
#21 Remedy by Adele (sorry once again, nothing to link to )
#20 Undo by Sanna Nielsen
#19 Fighter by Sumo Cyco
#18 Light Up the Dark by Gabrielle Aplin
#17 Ex's and Oh's by Elle King
#16 Lie Lie Lie by Metric
#15 Freak Machine by Fit For Rivals
#14 Gonna Get Mine by Halestorm
#13 Queen of Peace by Florence + The Machine
#12 Colors by Genevieve
#11 New Rush by Gin Wigmore
#25 -tie Desire by Meg Myers
#24 Ghost by Ella Henderson
#23 Glow by Ella Henderson
#22 Oh My My by Little May
#21 Remedy by Adele (sorry once again, nothing to link to )
#20 Undo by Sanna Nielsen
#19 Fighter by Sumo Cyco
#18 Light Up the Dark by Gabrielle Aplin
#17 Ex's and Oh's by Elle King
#16 Lie Lie Lie by Metric
#15 Freak Machine by Fit For Rivals
#14 Gonna Get Mine by Halestorm
#13 Queen of Peace by Florence + The Machine
#12 Colors by Genevieve
#11 New Rush by Gin Wigmore
2015 Favorite Songs - Cum Laude
I've been holding back when linking songs from my top albums. But no more! What follows is some of the very best stuff!
The "cum laude" part of the list is not rank ordered. FYI
You Don't Like Dancing by Gabrielle Aplin
What Kind of Man by Florence + The Machine
Vaganbond by MisterWives
Stranger At My Door by Brandi Carlile
The Shade by Metric
Suicidal by Dead Sara
Sorry by Meg Myers
Smoke And Mirrors by Imagine Dragons
Roll Up your Sleeves by Meg Mac
Rescue by ZZWard
Never Ending Circles by Chvrches
Million Years Ago by Adele ( sorry, nothing I can link to right now. But this song is on this list)
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding
Instigators by Grace Potter
I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons
Hello by Adele
Dear Daughter by Halestorm
Blue Skies by Lenka
Black Water by Of Monsters and Men
Black Eye by ARCHIS
Apocalyptic by Halestorm
Alive Tonight by Grace Potter
The "cum laude" part of the list is not rank ordered. FYI
You Don't Like Dancing by Gabrielle Aplin
What Kind of Man by Florence + The Machine
Vaganbond by MisterWives
Stranger At My Door by Brandi Carlile
The Shade by Metric
Suicidal by Dead Sara
Sorry by Meg Myers
Smoke And Mirrors by Imagine Dragons
Roll Up your Sleeves by Meg Mac
Rescue by ZZWard
Never Ending Circles by Chvrches
Million Years Ago by Adele ( sorry, nothing I can link to right now. But this song is on this list)
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding
Instigators by Grace Potter
I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons
Hello by Adele
Dear Daughter by Halestorm
Blue Skies by Lenka
Black Water by Of Monsters and Men
Black Eye by ARCHIS
Apocalyptic by Halestorm
Alive Tonight by Grace Potter
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