So. 2017. Fresh start. New colours. New determination.
I did 34 Top 5 lists last year. A far bit off one every week, but still, considering what a strange and busy year it was, I feel it shows a decent persistence. Will 2017 see my interest in making playlists wane, or will there be even more frequent updates this year? I don't dare to prophecy, but I'm currently listening through what's on other people's end of year lists and I feel as excited to discover new tunes as ever.
For the second year in a row I didn't do a best-of-the-year-list myself. I simply feel there's so much I still haven't gotten around to listen to, so it wouldn't be fair, plus a few of the obvious highlights are not on Spotify anyway.
So, the first list of the year is
not a Best of 2016, but nevertheless, it is comprised of only 2016 tunes:
Run The Jewels - Call Ticketron
On the one hand, I
knew it was going to be great. On the other, it seemed almost impossible that they could keep improving their formula three albums in a row without it becoming repetitive. But then RTJ3 blazed through my headphones and it seemed like the most obvious thing ever that El-P and Mike would actually be even better than before. No brakes, no lulls; this feels like the only album I need to power through another year. Killer Mike's baritone tongue-roller at 2:25 is the thing I would most like to see live this year.
Oransi Pazuzu - Lahja
I've missed my dose of experimental metal for a while. Luckily The Quietus turned me on to this rollicking powertrip.
David Bowie - Girl Loves Me
Trust David Bowie to include a song written completely in two different slang languages; one fictional (from Clockwork Orange) and one historical, on his farewell album. The sense of pain comes through strong though
Klara Lewis - Too
A track that
opens up.
Marissa Nadler - All the Colours of the Dark
Best I've heard from Marissa Nadler in a long while. I've always loved her voice, but at times her songs tip over into wishy washy preciousness. Not so here. Balancing just on the right side of gorgeousness.
I must have made years of surrender
Oh and ok then, here are my five favourite albums of 2016. In no particular order. No surprises I guess:
