The Niki and the Dove record was kinda disappointing to me. But yay @ NAO and specially Olga Bell! 'Tempo' surprised me a lot, it is what I needed in 2016 to be honest.
Nick's Close is cute, album is NOT
Niki & the Dove omg, yas! so nice to see that group here they really slay with that album
yeah, I'm not 100% with Petite, mostly because her look but she has some good bops
It's nice to see some Laura stanning. I always feel like I'm the only one who really loves the album. In a year when we had Frank, Radiohead, Bon Iver et al., you had to pick on poor Mitski. Stan for the second best song on the album tho. You're right about Lion Babe tho, the album was quite boring but I loved Jungle Lady (and Treat Me Like Fire).
I agree that DYWM as a certain je ne sais quoi, I'm not sure what's so amazing about it but it's been a fav of mine since the first listen.
This next letter has some of my favorite musicians overall & from 2016, & I hope you enjoy them too
Replying to my fans
Quote:
Originally posted by Wicked
Only buy albums once you've heard 'em imo.
I still haven't listened to Ogla, idk.
Let me check my artists with a Q and see what I can do.
Edit: I've only got Q-Tip & a metal band, poor me.
Quote:
Originally posted by Wicked
Nick Cave is missing from the N section.
Yeah I almost always am the same way, but if there's an album that I really enjoy some songs too [spoilers]and can't find online lmao[/spoilers] I'll just buy it, and usually they're smaller musicians so at least my money's going to them (mostly).
Q always loses! Poor Q.
You're right about Nick Honestly, it's hard for me to go back to that album which is probably why I forgot to give him a shoutout. I did listen to it though.
Quote:
Originally posted by Legend E
I checked out Laura's Show Me Love thanks to yesterday's update and I liked it
Close Will check out the rest
I'm glad you liked it! I love Laura
Quote:
Originally posted by K$Ellie
Petite Meller has some cute songs
Close is kinda meh imo. You should be glad you didn't listen to the rest of his album tho
I was never really into Marina but I listened to her second album this year and it had some nice bops
Gaga disappointed this year but at least Joanne has a handful of good songs. Ayo Mirror On The Ceiling and Hey Girl
Ugh I Wanna Be is amazing!
Kero Kero Bonito Waking Up is my Top 3 from the album Lipslap tho >>>>
lol good to know not to bother with Nick's whole album. I like Lipslap! I'm a bit surprised so many people like it & I wasn't sure my thoughts on it (after listening to the whole album so recently) but it's good!
Quote:
Originally posted by TRF.
The Niki and the Dove record was kinda disappointing to me. But yay @ NAO and specially Olga Bell! 'Tempo' surprised me a lot, it is what I needed in 2016 to be honest.
WHAAAAT I'm surprised you think so! Did you like any songs from it?
Quote:
Originally posted by TheWayWeWere
Nick's Close is cute, album is NOT
Niki & the Dove omg, yas! so nice to see that group here they really slay with that album
yeah, I'm not 100% with Petite, mostly because her look but she has some good bops
WOOO glad you agree Really a highlight of April, that album.
Quote:
Originally posted by Eeveelution
It's nice to see some Laura stanning. I always feel like I'm the only one who really loves the album. In a year when we had Frank, Radiohead, Bon Iver et al., you had to pick on poor Mitski. Stan for the second best song on the album tho. You're right about Lion Babe tho, the album was quite boring but I loved Jungle Lady (and Treat Me Like Fire).
I agree that DYWM as a certain je ne sais quoi, I'm not sure what's so amazing about it but it's been a fav of mine since the first listen.
I always end up finding that one girl overrated lmao it was ****in Twigs that one year. Oh well!
The number of sections in Encyclopedia R is 9!
Ra Ra Riot "Then I saw you there, frozen there for weeks, up in the air, boundless and complete."
Song: Bouncy Castle by Ra Ra Riot
Why: I've never bothered to give these guys a listen, but the beginning of the year (at least most of February) ended up being pretty slow so I checked this album out. I like it! It's a nice & quick album that's pretty fun.
There's something I really enjoy about the opening line and idk why haha. This one's probably the most fun & in a way the least uptempo-uptempo song until the end of the song. It's interesting - I really like it.
I also enjoyed:
Absolutely
Suckers
Call Me Out
Bad Times
I didn't care for:
N/A
The Range
Song: Florida by The Range
Why: I COMPLETELY forgot that he released an album this year until I saw it in someone else's Best Of Florida was pretty much the only stand-out, THOUGH it's really good! It doesn't get great until about a minute in though. Cute album cover!
I also enjoyed:
No Loss
Superimpose
I didn't care for:
Copper Wire
Ray LaMontagne "Anything you want your life to mean it can mean."
Song: Hey, No Pressure by Ray LaMontagne
Why: His release was a cute... two-parter EP kinda thing? It's mostly his voice that I love, and this song is super cute. A nice way of being supportive to someone and saying that you want the best for them, but you don't mean it to PRESSURE them to be happy & all that. At least I think so. The guitar is SIIICK too.
I also enjoyed:
The Changing Man
In My Own Way
I didn't care for:
N/A
Rebecca Ferguson "And I lose my **** every now and then - I break down big then I start again."
Song: Superwoman by Rebecca Ferguson
Why: Usually I try to put the official video up if there is one, but this one used the censored version, and I vastly prefer the uncensored version.
I have supported Rebecca for quite a while - her debut Heaven is still a fantastic album & Freedom was cute. Her cover album... nice for 1 listen! Superwoman isn't so great either, but it still has some highlights.
I like this one the most because her voice shines in the standard Rebecca way with nice piano & guitar backing. Lyrically, it's nice to have a supportive song for women even though some lines can be a bit cheesy. The ending part is sung quite rough, but I like that!
Rihanna "If I get another chance to, I will never, no never neglect you!"
Song: Work (feat. Drake) by Rihanna
Why: Lowkey hope you don't all just comment on this
As I said last year, I've never really been a big Rihanna fan. Just enjoyed some singles and that's about it. LOVED FourFiveSeconds (still do, still will forever) and I actually listened to Anti and thought it was pretty alright! What have become the singles are the best songs, but it's not bad.
I've been strangely obsessed with Work since it came out. The "gibberish mumble" chorus, the production, the Bajan continued-mumble verses, the autotune moan, "I just HOAP!", Drake's nice verse... it's great. I mean, the chorus of course is the true highlight. I ****ing love dancing to this song, too.
I also enjoyed:
Love On the Brain - MUUUST BE LOOOOVE ON DE BRAAAAAEIN
Higher
Kiss It Better - This one actually took a bit to grow on me. I suppose because part of me hates that that woman helped write it
I didn't care for:
Never Ending
Close to You
Robert Ellis "And she says maybe I'll move to California, with the unbroken part of my heart I still have left."
Song: California by Robert Ellis
Why: I actually just listened to this album today! It's really good. Robert does a nice job of incorporating a mix of country, pop, jazz, and a touch extra to his music.
I also enjoyed:
Perfect Strangers
Elephant
Amanda Jane
I didn't care for:
N/A
Róisín Murphy "Humans are ****ed."
Song: Thoughts Wasted by Róisín Murphy
Why: Oh Roisin! Always love ya. Hairless Toys was a definite highlight of 2015 for me and, while I didn't necessarily feel the same about Monto, I do quite enjoy it & some great songs came out of it! It's basically the electro little sister of Hairless Toys, no? Similar to how Overpowered was the electro little sister of Ruby Blue.
Anyway, I picked Thoughts Wasted because there's so much going on in the 5:30 min of the song, and it's all great. The opening is a lovely little ditty that even includes some scatting, until there's that weird instrumental breakdown that includes a loud slide whistle! And it's a great part. You think the song ends after that, but Roisin draws the listener back in with a solemn poetic session about the follies of man, somewhat. It's great! (tho when she says "there's no way to be good..." I always imagine that damn Hilary Clinton gif of her explaining **** )
FUN FACT So I saw her live last month with my roommates - which was maaaaybe not the best idea even though they had a good time - and my GOD it was weird. It was really good, but she's so damn weird & some of her damn costume changes were... WHAT.
I also enjoyed:
Ten Miles High - JAAAAAM
Lip Service - It's so bossa nova & cute! I like Ro's love songs (see Through Time & Unputdownable)
Romantic Comedy - Love this one, especially once it gets to the "maybe I'm not that funny girl anymore"
I didn't care for:
Nervous Sleep - I mean most of the slow songs on the album I was like EH
Roosevelt "When you left you took your colours with you."
Song: Colours by Roosevelt
Why: Oh man, I think if Ology wasn't my favorite debut of the year then this one is. Idk. It's soooo good and I'm happy that I discovered it. The whole album is amazing synthy and electro goodness - Neon Indian fans (esp of his 2015 album) check him OUT!
Colours - I mean just listen to that production! That explosive chorus is everything.
I also enjoyed:
Fever - An "obvious choice" but a fantastic one
Night Moves - Reminds me a lot of another song/musician that I haven't been able to pin point... this one's great tho
Close - Super underrated & it's so pretty. It makes me wanna be in love
Heart - The chorus >>
Wait Up
I didn't care for:
N/A
Royce Wood Junior "Oh, what a world we live in now, when love's a lonely town."
Song: SONG NAME
Why: Couldn't find the song on Youtube so I just put up another song by him that I really love (besides the one I used last year).
OKAY GUYS - like Emily King, I noticed you guys sleeping on this dude last year & NOT taking my suggestion to listen. Here's your second chance - LISTEN. TO. ROYCE. WOOD. JUNIOR! His music is ****ing perfect & he makes a lot of songs by your faves (Nao, for starters).
He released a deluxe version of his album at the beginning of the year and it has 3 new songs on it. Love's a Lonely Town is my favorite because it's got that nostalgic feel to it and the piano backing is really cool. The chorus is GREAT!
I also enjoyed:
Ophelia
The rest of the standard album! LISTEN - If you need specific song rec's: Clanky Love, Bees, Midnight, Jodie, etc etc etc
Roosevelt is one of my favorite debuts. Love his stuff. Ray's Ouroboros was pretty nice too.
Work turned out to be one of my favorite Rih singles. I never really cared much for Close To You either. I tried to get into The Range but didn't work out.
Ray LaMontagne had some really good stuff on his album (I guess it's an album, the part one/two thing is confusing?), I enjoyed it a lot but didn't spend enough time to put it on my list. Ferguson was alright though I always listen to her albums once when they come out and then forget all about them. Am yet to hear what Roisin made this year but I'll probably like it.
You don't like America?! I love it. But also my least fave moment on that album is when she yells "am I ****ING USELESS" on ATA... idk I just think its corny.
I really liked Petite's song last year but really stopped paying attention. Shame on me!
OMG Natalia Kills was also responsible for Madonna's "kiss it better" moment lol but also Holy Water is better
Surprised you didn't mention Mastermind.
Aight, time for the last "large" letter and then the rest (well T is a bit large too) should be pretty easy to churn out!
HEEEERE WE GO
Quote:
Originally posted by Tom Vercetti
Roosevelt is one of my favorite debuts. Love his stuff. Ray's Ouroboros was pretty nice too.
Work turned out to be one of my favorite Rih singles. I never really cared much for Close To You either. I tried to get into The Range but didn't work out.
Yaaaaas Roosevelt love. The Range is very... specific to people's taste I feel like. I've never really loved his stuff but his song I love I LOVE!
Quote:
Originally posted by TRF.
I need to revisit the N&TD record so I can't really tell you to be honest. But I did like "Ode to Dance Floor"! That's all I remember lol.
But yay @ Rihanna, Róisín and Range!
Also If you're looking for an artist with a "Q" there's this, I literally only heard this song from her but it's good so... there's that.
Oh well You did like that one tho!
AND OOOO I enjoy this Qrion song! Thanks for sharing.
Quote:
Originally posted by Legend E
I've seen Roosevelt being super appreciated here, I'll check him out.
Yas at Rih, but ew at Work
I've also checked out Rebecca's song in the past but I forgot how it sounds like
Not surprised Work is a touch polarizing BUT YAS Roosevelt is bae
Quote:
Originally posted by MP2K
Nao, Rih, Róisín Murphy - why of course
I love Niki and the Dove but their album sucked imo. Don't remember a single track besides the greats YSMH and SMIH
Well those are absolute tops from the album, so fair enough!
Quote:
Originally posted by Vilppu
Ray LaMontagne had some really good stuff on his album (I guess it's an album, the part one/two thing is confusing?), I enjoyed it a lot but didn't spend enough time to put it on my list. Ferguson was alright though I always listen to her albums once when they come out and then forget all about them. Am yet to hear what Roisin made this year but I'll probably like it.
Yeah it kinda doesn't even reeeally feel like an album, tho the songs are so long. I guess it's an album... but two parter idk. Yeah I think you'll enjoy at least half of "Monto"!
Quote:
Originally posted by AlexisNeiers
Not me missing so much, I blame the Christmas break Those Mitski (not here for this slander ), NAO, Olga Bell and The Range albums are my favs
All good, it's a busy time of month! Soz for hating Mitzi
Quote:
Originally posted by TheWayWeWere
Rebecca Ferguson but I agree, Heaven + Freedom >>>
Rih
Róisín's Hairless Toys was good, but that new album is kinda not for me
That's understandable! I think a lot of why I like it actually is cause it's kind of a "big city" album (esp Ten Miles High) and I work/kinda live in a city so that made for an enjoyable listen.
Quote:
Originally posted by madonnas
You don't like America?! I love it. But also my least fave moment on that album is when she yells "am I ****ING USELESS" on ATA... idk I just think its corny.
I really liked Petite's song last year but really stopped paying attention. Shame on me!
OMG Natalia Kills was also responsible for Madonna's "kiss it better" moment lol but also Holy Water is better
Surprised you didn't mention Mastermind.
Eh yeah I just don't really like it. I totally know what you mean with ATA tho, but I do enjoy it regardless. Check out the Petite songs I recommended! I only just found out about her this year.
Lol at Kills Her Career invading our faves like this. And you know - I used to not really like Mastermind much! Once I saw her live I kinda appreciated it more. I love the "Stylo-esqe" breakdown tho.
The number of sections in Encyclopedia S is 15!
Saint Motel "I don't break hearts, no, that's not me, I don't break hearts - I destroy them!"
Song: Destroyer by Saint Motel
Why: I saw these guys open for LIGHTS like 2 years ago and they were fun live! Their EP was nice, but they released an album this year that's really samey and I didn't care too much for.
Destroyer is my favorite for sure - the sax in the opening is cool & the chorus is super fun. I destroy them!
I also enjoyed:
Move
I didn't care for:
Eh another "rest of the album" situation here
Santigold "Ain't a gambler, but honey, I'd put money on myself."
Song: Can't Get Enough Of Myself by Santigold
Why: Pretty disappointing album, but some good songs still! This one's my favorite. I think the cockiness (it ain't even confidence at that point) is funny & I like the production/whistles.
I also enjoyed:
Banshee
Chasing Shadows
I didn't care for:
Who Be Loving Me
Walking in a Circle
Savoir Adore "You don’t have to suffer, to let yourself grow."
Song: Giants by Savoir Adore
Why: I really liked this album! Very good indie pop & lots of loud, upbeat, & fun production. This one in particular probably most embodies the album. So good.
I also enjoyed:
Crowded Streets
Lovers Wake
Devotion
Heaven
I didn't care for:
N/A
SBTRKT "You're the girl that I'm gon marry."
Song: Good Morning (feat. The-Dream) by SBTRKT
Why: This was... a really pointless release that I forgot every song until I relistened to it for this Best Of. This was the only one I remembered cause of his intense autotuned voice so... I guess it's my favorite?
I also enjoyed:
I Feel Your Pain
Bury You
I didn't care for:
Ready or Not
TBD
Seth Bogart "Now that my secret's out everyone wants to hear my song - it's all they can think about, and I keep singing along!"
Song: Club With Me by Seth Bogart
Why: This album was a late but great discovery (THANKS MADONNAS). I think I listened to one song maybe in October & forgot to go back to the full album, but finally gave it a full listen a week ago & I love it!
I'm not sure why this one's my favorite... the pulsating beat is awesome & I weirdly really like the chipmunk beat. Lyrically, it's pretty relatable with the typical thoughts of wanting to lose your anxiety & inhibition and just ****ing dance at the club! Love the lyric I highlighted above.
I also enjoyed:
Forgotten Fantazy
Hollywood Squares
Plastic!
Sunday Boy
I didn't care for:
Eating Makeup - The only one I actually didn't like from the album
Shovels and Rope "And I'm up too damn early in the morning, watching the world around me come alive."
Song: St Annie's Parade by Shovels and Rope
Why: Honestly, this is an album that I still need to spend time with to get more of a feel of (it was another late December album listen). They're cool though because they're married & make some good music, and this was my favorite pick from the album. It's very optimistic & kinda needed at this time in the year.
I also enjoyed:
I Know
Botched Execution
Mourning Song
I didn't care for:
Buffalo Nickel
Shura "Game over - nothing's real."
Song: Nothing's Real by Shura
Why: This was an album that I really quite liked, but unfortunately I only listened to it once and NEVER went back to it! I've always loved the title track though, production & the story in the lyrics too.
I also enjoyed:
Touch - Didn't realize the song was so popular, but I understand why.
Indecision
I didn't care for:
N/A
Shy Girls "Throwing my weight through trivial motion"
Song: Trivial Motion by Shy Girls
Why: I've been obsessed with this dude since I heard his amazing EP in 2014. He released one of my favorite mixtapes of 2015 & he's going to be finally releasing his debut album next month! So expect to see more of him on next year's list.
This song I am TRULY in love with. It's sooo good. It's standard Shy Girls production with the atmospheric R&B/electro mix that's so sexy. His voice is so smooth on the track. Seriously, just give this song a spin!
I also enjoyed:
I Am Only a Man - Also to be on his album
From previous releases... - Renegade, Second Heartbeat, Voyeur's Gaze are my top 3.
I didn't care for:
N/A
Sia "U WORT MORE DAN DIAMON, MORE DAN GOAL."
Song: Cheap Thrills (feat. Sean Paul) by Sia
Why: Normally (and pretty much still) I really don't like Sia's music, however I found myself drawn in when I heard this song for the first time. THEN when I heard the version with Sean Paul... it all came together.
I touched on this a bit with Rockabye, but Sean Paul truly derails every song that he's on recently and I seem to absolutely love it. It makes the song so ****ing hilarious! Plus, I must admit, the song in general is quite a jam.
I also enjoyed:
N/A
I didn't care for:
The Greatest - Awful
Alive - I think this came out last year but I STILL hate it.
SOHN "I can feel it coming - we can never go back!"
Song: Conrad by SOHN
Why: I'm very excited for his new album! His album in 2014 was great and this one is shaping up to be amazing. Never have I ever wanted to jam so much to a song about global warming. And he doesn't usually do upbeat stuff like this for his own stuff, but it's really good!
I also enjoyed:
Signal - I know a good amount of people don't seem to like this one, but I LOVE it!
Solange "You know this hair is my ****, rolled the rod, I gave it time... but this here is mine."
Song: Don't Touch My Hair (feat. Sampha) by Solange
Why: I love this album, much like everyone else! HOWEVER I must say that I like Lemonade better, but they're not really comparable. Also, Solange really knew how to make GOOD and cohesive interludes, which I appreciate.
This song is an awesome celebrating of black pride and being confident with your identity. I feel like Solange especially has done a great job of using her voice to speak about all the racist **** she's had to deal with, which is unfortunately quite a lot. Also I love Sampha being her hype man, as well as the video.
I also enjoyed:
Cranes in the Sky
Mad (feat. Lil Wayne) - Lil Wayne, you did pretty good this year! Usually I hate you
Where Do We Go
I didn't care for:
Junie - Still good tho!
Sophie Ellis-Bextor "Come with us, if you give us all your money, we'll give you your dreams"
Song: Come With Us by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Why: Disappointing release. Her 2014 album wasn't fantastic either, but she knew what she wanted to do with it & fully go on that singer-songwriter whatever (and it had some good songs). This album is trying to be a weird mix of that & her older disco self and it doesn't really work.
Come With Us, however, is one shining song on this album. It's the most disco & radio-friendly of the song, & from a musician with songs like Groovejet, Murder on the Dancefloor, and Me & My Imagination, these seem to be her best vibes to go for.
I also enjoyed:
Hush Little Voices - Eh I don't even love it tho
I didn't care for:
Cassandra
Unrequited
Death of Love
St. Lucia "Now I’m a child, child without a mother who was a stranger to the American way, but now I’m fully acquainted so, you gotta help me run away!"
Song: Help Me Run Away by St. Lucia
Why: I'm obsessed with this album & have been since January. It's for sure tied as my favorite pop release of the year with Foxes... tho this actually might be more of a contender for my album of the year. Every song is fantastic!
Help Me Run Away was my favorite song from THIS year. It's incredibly catchy, super upbeat, I love the lyrics, the bridge & build up to the drop is perfect... I love this song so much.
FUN FACT - I saw these guys live! AND I met Jean & the drummer! They were both incredibly nice. The concert was ****ing SICK, & me and my roommate were 2nd row and got some good love from the band for jamming hard. Might have been my favorite concert of 2016. ( tho they didn't do this one live )
I also enjoyed:
Game 4 U - Ooooo so 80s in all the right ways.
The Winds of Change
Home - You'll never be the one for MEEEEEEEEEEE!
All last year songs - Dancing on Glass, Physical, Love Somebody
I didn't care for:
N/A
Stephen "Can you hear that, darling? A revolution's calling"
Song: Sincerely by Stephen
Why: This actually is a song I listened to today & the album has been on my to-listen to list for a little while now. I love the song & will be sure to check out the album before the end of the year!
I also enjoyed:
N/A
I didn't care for:
N/A
Sylvan Esso "Gonna to know all the words before you come on top, and I sing them back at you while you try to nap"
Song: Radio by Sylvan Esso
Why: I'm so excited for their next LP, which I assume will be out next year. Radio is an awesome sign of the direction that these guys are going in, especially the lyrics! They're so obscene towards verse 2... I mean sucking dick?! Whoa.
I completely ignored Santi this year.
Shura, Solo, Sylvan Esso, SOHN
Most people don't like St. Lucia but I think they have some great selections in their disc. I completely forgot about "Love Somebody" but I LOVED that song at the top of the year.
But yay @ NAO and specially Olga Bell! 'Tempo' surprised me a lot, it is what I needed in 2016 to be honest.
omg, yas! so nice to see that group here 
they really slay with that album 
Stan for the second best song on the album tho. You're right about Lion Babe tho, the album was quite boring but I loved Jungle Lady (and Treat Me Like Fire).
Replying to my fans
Honestly, it's hard for me to go back to that album which is probably why I forgot to give him a shoutout. I did listen to it though.
I'm glad you liked it! I love Laura 
Lipslap tho >>>>
Florida was pretty much the only stand-out, THOUGH it's really good! It doesn't get great until about a minute in though. Cute album cover!
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), NAO, Olga Bell and The Range albums are my favs 
BUT YAS Roosevelt is bae
