And I’m not even talking about the Trumpocalypse ®.
Beyond that crazy Electoral College kegger that went off the rails, the music world lost some real heavyweights this year: Leon Russell, Merle Haggard, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Maurice White, Paul Kantner, David Bowie, Glenn Frey — all gone to their final reward.
But, thankfully, music lives on, and I’m here to report a lot of good stuff burbled to the surface over the past 12 months, enough nourishment to sustain me through a trying time.
Finding chunks of ear candy is one of my favorite hobbies — it’s like a sonic treasure hunt. And in 2016, I collected a basketful of savory sounds, which I share with you here, in this 20-song playlist of my favorite tracks. In no particular order:
“Hepburn in Summertime,” Chris Staples — A playful, jaunty little tune with plenty of nostalgic references. From the album: “Golden Age.”
“(Baby) Hold On,” James Hunter Six — Danceable, horn-drenched retro soul from a British sextet. Album: “Hold On!”
“Is This Goodbye,” Dodgy — ’Nineties-era band makes a comeback. Album: “What Are We Fighting For?”
“Roll With the Punches,” Dawes — Fascinating wordplay build around a funky beat. Album: “We’re All Gonna Die.”
“Right Before Your Own Eyes,” Tim Easton — Midwestern roots rocker advises the tech generation to put down their smartphones. Album: “American Fork.”
“Magic Hour,” Aoife O’Donovan — Gives off a “Pet Sounds” vibe but with a darker undertones. Album: “In the Magic Hour.”
“Let the Blade Do the Work,” Slow Club — A meandering yet mesmerizing trip through emotional wasteland. Album: “One Day All of This Won’t Matter Anymore.”
“Humans,” Big Thief — A punk throwback, with lots of distorted guitars and vulnerable vocals. Album: “Masterpiece.”
“Lo,” Lisa Hannigan — Irish siren weaves a tale or anxiety and remorse. Album: “At Swim.”
“Let’s Get Lost,” Pretenders — So glad to see Chrissie Hynde still making music. Album: “Alone.”
“Pull My Arm,” Flowers — Crunchy guitar noise pop. Album: “Everybody’s Dying to Meet You.”
“Chekhov’s Hangnail, Martha — Another pulse-pounding new-wave throwback. Album: “Blisters in the Pit of My Heart.”
“Lazarus,” David Bowie — Major Tom’s riveting final sign-off. Album: “Blackstar.”
“You Can Come Round If You Want To,” Look Park — Light, airy pop tart from former Fountains of Wayne lead singer Chris Collingwood. Album: “Look Park.”
“Stand Up For It,” Brett Dennen — Reggae, anyone? Album: “Por Favor.”
“Omen,” I Am Oak — Hypnotic homage to the night. Album: “Our Blood.”
“New Love,” Amos Lee — Rich R&B that sounds both classic and fresh at the same time. Album: “Spirit.”
“Criminal Career, Glen Phillips — Effortless fable from former Toad the Wet Sprocket frontman. Album: “Swallowed By the New.”
“Me & Magdelena,” The Monkees — I’m still listening to this gem six months later, that’s how good it is. Album: “Good Times.”
“Moon at Dawn,” Blind Pilot — Luscious harmonies from Portland indies. Album: “And Then Like Lions.”
Listen online To listen to this playlist on Spotify, go to https://goo.gl/asruZo; to listen on YouTube, go to https://goo.gl/R1fg8P
Beesley is a production editor for 360. He can be reached at (208) 848-8208 or at beez@lmtribune.com
