The 2016 Boney Awards (10th Anniversary Edition!)

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The 2016 Boney Awards (10th Anniversary Edition!)

#1 Post by T_Bone0806 » Fri Mar 10, 2017 9:55 am

Hard to believe that I've been doing this for 10 years now.

Every year I say "next year I'm gonna post these sooner"...and every year I post them later. Nevertheless, it's time to
share my favorite songs and albums of the year past. As always I emphasize that I don't necessarily
mean to imply that these items are the most creative or artistically brilliant releases of 2016, just that this is the music I most enjoyed
last year.

Also, it may well be that after just recently completing my countdown of my favorite music of all time that 2016's music would naturally pale in
comparison, but both of my lists for last year, albums AND songs, are shorter than they have been for almost every year prior.

We start with my 10 favorite albums of 2016. Weird year-some of my favorite artists released albums that did not make the cut. Some, like David Bowie and Paul Simon, put out records that were fascinating and challenging, but I can't honestly say I ENJOYED them..that wouldn't be the correct word..admired them would be more accurate. Then there were underwhelming offerings from Bruno Mars, Elton John, Eric Clapton...others, by Green Day and Cheap Trick (a few outstanding cuts and a number of just ok ones), Bruce Hornsby (hey, I am OK with mixing things up, but forsaking his piano completely for the dulcimer?), and Santana (reuniting with most of the band members from their first three albums, including Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, who left the band back then to form Journey, it was the closest of these to making the list but in the long run, the material didn't quite measure up to those records). Topping it off was Dawes, who had my #1 album for 2015 and a couple of high ranking songs, too..but their followup album in 2016 did next to nothing for me.

So, most of the entries on my Top 10 are not household names, with a couple of exceptions, including the artists at #1 and #2, who in my opinion put out what were easily their strongest records in years.

Let's begin. First, the albums:


PLEASE NOTE: I'm not embedding the links here...I think the result would be an overly long, bloated, and unwieldy thread. The management apologizes for any inconvenience that clicking on a link may cause :wink:


10. TOGETHER-THE EXPLORERS CLUB

These guys love the Beach Boys. That's evident from start to finish. In the same way that Todd Rundgren's Utopia took cues from the Beatles in composing original tunes for their loving nod to the Fab Four, "Deface The Music", so do the folks here with musical moves out of Brian Wilson's playbook. Every song will have you thinking "where have I heard that bit before?" Very nicely done. Audio link only.

https://goldstarrecordings.bandcamp.com ... orers-club


9. GOOD TIMES!-THE MONKEES

Way, way better than it has a right to be. One would've expected an embarassing thrown together attempt at cashing in on their 50th anniversary. Instead we got a very nice, fun and good natured reminder of why this group still is so fondly remembered by so many. Of course it helps that material for the album was contributed by people including Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne (who also produced the record), Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, and Andy Partridge of XTC. Mike Nesmith even returned for the album, and although Davy Jones passed on several years ago, he is featured, through modern day studio magic, singing lead on one track. Not every track works, but many do, especially if you listen with a fun-loving ear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ckw4F ... Sb_LmA0VDi


8. AIN'T NOTHIN' LEFT TO SAY-MICHAEL CARPENTER & THE CUBAN HEELS

Carpenter had my #2 album for 2015 with the Power Pop oriented "The Big Radio". He's back this time with his Alternative Country outfit, the Cuban Heels. However, that does not mean he left his pop sensibilities behind..there are still hooks galore and a few tunes are more pop than country anyway. Good songs are good songs whatever ya call 'em. Audio link only.

https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/a ... eft-to-say


7. H A R D L O V E-NEEDTOBREATHE

Modern Pop/Rock with bold, brassy choruses and vocals not unlike Kings of Leon. Some strong songs here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-9-ksp ... eIO4Z8By5b


6. PIERCED ARROW-THE RIDES

Second album by the trio comprised of Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepard and keyboardist Barry Goldberg. Good ol' Rock 'n Blues are the order of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RbSbi1 ... mrsjvAUxGx


5. ALEJANDRO'S VISIONS (MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE)-THE NINES

The Toronto based group offers music from a "motion picture" that doesn't actually exist, it follows the love story of a couple through the years and spans a variety of styles from early rock n' roll and doo wop through Phil Spector Wall of Sound and Beach Boys motifs, through British Invasion, ELO and more, most of it done very well indeed. Audio link only.

https://thenines.bandcamp.com/


4. LOVE & CANNIBALISM-THE HONEYDOGS

Versatility is the key word here for this band from Minnesota. They are equally adept at pop, 60's style Motown and Memphis Soul, barroom rock n' roll..you name it, they sound good playing it. But it never sounds haphazard. Instead it serves to hold your interest throughout..never gets boring. Audio link only.

https://thehoneydogs.bandcamp.com/album ... annibalism


3. LITTLE WINDOWS-TEDDY THOMPSON & KELLY JONES

Thompson is the son of noted English Folk musicians Richard and Linda Thompson, and scored big time on my year end lists with his 2011 album "Bella", including my #1 song that year, "Take Care of Yourself". Here he teams with American pop singer Jones for an album of duets that draw on early rock and "Metropolitan Country" influences. You'll hear Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison in the music, but more than anything else the songs totally pay tribute to the sound of the Everly Brothers, no mistaking their imprint all over this. A very enjoyable record if you like the Everlys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnwUaEe ... S8LLPlPt2h


2. KEEP ME SINGING-VAN MORRISON

As far as I'm concerned, Van's best record in years, reminiscent in many ways of his classic early 70's material. Gently rockin' R & B, soft and soulful ballads, all sprinkled with his jazzy seasonings. For dessert, the last song is a swingin' instrumental, finishing off this delight. Turn the lights down low, pour yourself some wine if you'd like, or whatever else floats your boat, relax and let Van the Man work his magic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl954d2 ... 9_HiCT6-SD


1. BLUE & LONESOME-THE ROLLING STONES

Mick, Keith & the Boys get back to their beginnings with this album of blues numbers, and the years just melt away. The band sounds more engaged with their material than they have in a long time. They sound like they're having a ball. And therefore, so does the listener. In my opinion, it's been 35 years since the last even halfway decent Stones album (Tattoo You). This is MORE than halfway decent. It's great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1yJzFWy2AY



That takes care of the albums. We'll take a look at my favorite SONGS of last year next....
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Re: The 2016 Boney Awards (10th Anniversary Edition!)

#2 Post by T_Bone0806 » Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:10 am

Beginning the countdown of Top 60 favorite songs for the year 2016:


60. LIGHTS GO OUT-ARVIDSON & BUTTERFLIES
Album: Arvidson & Butterflies

We begin our countdown in Sweden. Yes, Sweden, home to this band. The vocals are pedestrian, but the happy 60's vibe of the tune more than makes up for it. Link is to the audio only.

https://icecreammanrecords.bandcamp.com ... hts-go-out


59. UNLIKELY PLACES-THE POSIES
Album: Solid States

From the latest album by these power pop veterans. This one is on the more understated side of the genre..it reminds me a little bit of Squeeze.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcRCHTkpMp8


58. MOURNIN' GLORY STORY-DUERTE SANCHEZ
<single download>

A cover of a late 60's Harry Nilsson composition. There was much speculation that Nilsson wrote the lyrics as an imagining of the fate that may have befallen the young lady sung about in the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home". Adds an extra layer of sadness to that song if you listen to it with that in mind, whether it's true or not. Sad lyrics set to a sweet soft melody. This duo does a nice job.

https://jaredlekites.bandcamp.com/album ... lory-story


57. TAKE IT ALL-SAWYER FREDERICKS
Album: A Good Storm

Winner of "The Voice" a couple of seasons back, this young man comes from a small town just a couple of miles across the river from where I live. This is from his first release post-victory. It was an obvious attempt by his handlers at a "hit single", sounding more like a Phillip Phillips song than the introspective folk-flavored music that gained him a following on "The Voice", but there's no denying the infectious vibe on this one. And hey-ya gotta kick things up a LITTLE every now & then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MdndGS-fks


56. CELESTIAL RAILROAD-BRUCE HORNSBY
Album: Rehab Reunion

When you think of Bruce Hornsby, you usually envision him sitting in his customary place at the piano. Yet on his latest album, Hornsby plays not a single note on the black and whites, opting to perform throughout with the dulcimer as his instrument of choice. My reaction to the album was mixed, but his gospel-based album-closing number is a highlight. Even more so when the legendary Mavis Staples joins in for the ride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJoZ3IMaTfg


55. SHE MAKES ME LAUGH-THE MONKEES
Album: Good Times!

The Monkees celebrated their 50th anniversary last year with the release of the album "Good Times!". It was surprisingly good. One of the better tracks was this one, written by Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. It's so darn sunny and good natured you can't help but smile, even if the lyrics are a little goofy at times (although, since Cuomo is the composer, I suspect that's intentional).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpp-Ry2ZNhY


54. BACK WHEN I WAS OLDER-MICHAEL CARPENTER & ALLAN CASWELL
<single download>

This fun outing has some wonderful lyrics here that talk about the point in our lives where some things that seemed so crucial back in the day just don't carry the same gravitas anymore. As we age and our remaining days tick off, we give less and less of a rip about what people think about us, about keeping up with the Joneses, about things that in the long run, don't mean squat...and with the change in attitude, our frame of mind in some strange way becomes younger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=568p7JxwhTk


53. ROLL ME-CHEAP TRICK
Album: Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello

After all these years, these guys still rock like nobody's business. At 64 years of age, singer Robin Zander continues to bring those throat-shredding powerhouse vocals. Cool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUGbzebmyBw


52. HOME-PASSENGER
Album: Young As The Morning Old As The Sea

A pretty, slow building ballad with a nice, heartfelt vocal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAYZmIfHEiU


51. RAINBOW ENDS-EMITT RHODES
Album: Rainbow Ends

He released his self-titled first album in 1970 to much critical acclaim. It drew favorable comparisons to Paul McCartney and got up to #29 on the album charts. A single from the album, "Fresh As A Daisy", scraped the middle of the charts, but various marketing and contract snafus killed any momentum he might have had, and he retreated to a behind the scenes career. This song is from his first album proper in 43 years. Gone is the bright, upbeat McCartneyesque popster and in his place is a sadder but wiser man who's learned some hard lessons. Still, the lyrics and the bittersweet melody don't seem to suggest that he's completely given up looking for a better day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zcOvDouq_M


50. BROKEN TIES-ANDY BOPP
Album: Blisters And Thorns

This Power Popster from Baltimore fronted (still fronts?) one of my favorite bands in that style, Myracle Brah. Here he combines a Buddy Holly "Peggy Sue"-ish beat with some 1964 Beatle guitars and an early rock melody for a very agreeable little tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq2UTZqAKd0


49. COLD COMFORT-BOB EVANS
Album: Car Boot Sale

No, not the sausage guy. This Bob Evans is an Australian performer and this song is a solid midtempo recording with a hooky chorus which I am pretty sure has nothing do do with sausage, restaurants or being down on the farm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZDeb3-5ciA


48. MONEY & FAME-NEEDTOBREATHE
Album: H A R D L O V E

Driven by a solid beat and an in-your-face horn chart, there's no subtlety here. Guitars and saxes wail, and fists are thrown in the air one would presume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G981YiiC26w


47. CONTAINER ZERO-POWDER BLUE TUX
Album: <single download>

A great Steely Dan song that's not actually BY Steely Dan. This is the third band I've heard in the last couple of years that are HEAVILY influenced by the Dan. I can deal with a trend like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9AChlz8zLE


46. BUT NOT FOR ME-WILLIE NELSON
Album: Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin

I dunno, there is just something about the way Willie sings standards that appeals to me. Here he strikes the perfect mood of resignation and lost chances. He may not have a great voice, but he can sure capture the essence of a lyric like few others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFDavmOfJQY


45. TOO GOOD TO SAY GOODBYE-BRUNO MARS
Album: 24K Magic

I liked the album this comes from much less than his previous two outings, but this song is a really good weepy ballad...he pours a lot of heart and soul into it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SviE5fHCV0c


44. FUTURE LOOKS GOOD-ONEREPUBLIC
Album: Oh My My

Structured a lot like a Coldplay song, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your point of view. I'm not as enthusiastic about this one as I am about a few others, but it does stick in your head and, so far at least, not in a "somebody please knock me unconscious" kinda way..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3O2HO1Epq0


43. I'VE GOT TO USE MY IMAGINATION-THE RIDES
Album: Pierced Arrow

Led by Stephen Stills & Kenny Wayne Shepard, the band takes a 1973 Gladys Knight & The Pips hit and puts a slower, R & B/Blues based rock groove on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCrbyR_IETc


42. 1943-THE APRIL FAMILY
Album: <single download>

To say that Australian artist Michael Carpenter had a busy 2016 is putting it mildly. This is the second of FIVE appearances by him on this list. We heard him in a duet at #52, and yet to come is one with the band The Cuban Heels, a cover tune under his own name, and as a featured player on yet another artist's song. Here he's part of an Alternative Country trio, and it is a dark sounding tale featuring a ominous vocal that reeks of impending doom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNY6zjg4JOY


41. ANGELS IN THE AIR-THE JEREMY BAND
Album: Hit You With A Flower

A hippy, trippy blast of flower power that sounds like it traveled here in a time machine from 1967.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUAvIp7-BWc



More to come....
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Re: The 2016 Boney Awards (10th Anniversary Edition!)

#3 Post by T_Bone0806 » Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:25 am

40. TESTIFY-NEEDTOBREATHE
Album: H A R D L O V E

Another one of those boisterous, rousing singalongs that still carries some appeal for me. Too many more of them and they may wear out their welcome, but for now, this is good enough to make room on my playlist for it..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDcYsyx2mCg


39. HIM OR ME (What's It Gonna Be?)-BUN E. CARLOS with HANSON
Album: Greetings From Bunezuela!

The former Cheap Trick drummer released a fun album in 2016 in which he employs his rock solid percussion talents behind a wide array of guests. On this track, he hooks up with those Hanson dudes (whose talents go largely and unfairly unnoticed due to their reputation as the perpetrators of "MmmBop") for a remake of the 1967 Paul Revere & The Raiders hit. A rollickin' good time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ewoLvp60g


38. ME & MAGDALENA-THE MONKEES
Album: Good Times!

Mike Nesmith returned to the fold for the 50th anniversary festivities, and here he really shines on a gently rolling ballad. Mickey Dolenz adds some nice harmony. This song blows away any perception of the project being a mere nostalgia grab.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfruDTmFDUA


37. SHE'S SO ELECTRIC-WATTS
Album: The Black Heart Of Rock 'n Roll

On the Stones' latest album they returned to their earliest blues roots. For fans missing their early 70's style, they are hereby directed to this song, which should fill the gap quite nicely. The band puts on their best Mick and Keef and Company musical moves and come up with this goodie. This type of music may not be in fashion anymore, but these guys wear their colors proudly!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUGbg4WG2i8


36. SOMEBODY'S KNOCKIN'-ERIC CLAPTON
Album: I Stiil Do

Didn't find a whole lot to bowl me over on Clapton's latest, but this had him doing what he does best...playing his guitar on a slinky blues number. Not reinventing the wheel here, but it does sound good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvrnG2czN4k


35. MAKES NO SENSE-NEAL MORSE BAND
Album: The Simultude Of A Dream

The former Spock's Beard frontman returns with another wonderfully melodic progressive rock gem. A lot of Kansas in the DNA of this track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0VYqB8Imr0


34. 88 CONSTELLATIONS-MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
Album: The Things That We Are Made Of

A pretty, contemplative song, the type she excels at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmSfe5Mv7Lw


33. LAND OF CRIMINALS-BEN LEE
Album: Freedom, Love, & the Recuperation of the Human Mind

This Australian artist consistently lands on my year-end lists, and he continues that streak with this entry, an amiable slice of acoustic pie given an alternative country vibe with some well-emplyed banjo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rqkIP8zMuI


32. AIN'T NOTHIN' LEFT TO SAY-MICHAEL CARPENTER & THE CUBAN HEELS
Album: Ain't Nothin' Left To Say

Carpenter followed up his power pop record from late 2015, "The Big Radio", with this project by his alternative country group, The Cuban Heels. This particular song leans a little more to the pop end of the scale, with that instantly catchy melody that I've come to expect from him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U57yKG95hOw


31. FALLIN' APART-RED CABIN
Album: <single download>

The first time I heard this, I had it running around i my head all day. The hooks grabbed me that good. Simple but effective melody. No video link, audio only.

https://redcabinmusic.bandcamp.com/track/falling-apart


30. HARMONY LIES-CAIT BRENNAN
Album: Debutante

A big, bouncy pop tune that sounds as if it could've come off a 70's playlist. Audio link only.

https://caitbrennan.bandcamp.com/track/harmony-lies


29. CALIFORNIA'S CALLIN' YA-THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Album: Together

Love the Beach Boys? You'll love this affectionate tribute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe0RESujmqM


28. THROUGH-JIMMY EAT WORLD
Album: Integrity Blues

Their only Top 40 hit came in 2001 ("The Middle", #5), so I guess they qualify as One Hit Wonders (although they've been considerably more successful on the Alternative Music Charts). Here at The Boneys, we're still showing them some love. Here's the first of their two appearances on this year's countdown, featuring their usual AlternaPop sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGKFvZCAKkU


27. THE VALLEY RUNS LOW-JOE BONAMASSA
Album: Blues Of Desperation

Modern day torchbearer for blues rock, this has more of a soulful groove to it (think Squeeze's "Black Coffee In Bed" as a point of reference). In addition, he trades the usual electric workout and fiery solos for a more understated acoustic slant on this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOFx0dv7WQg


26. NEVER KNEW YOU LOVED ME TOO-TEDDY THOMPSON & KELLY JONES
Album: Little Windows

Thompson had the #1 spot on my list of favorite songs for the year 2011 ("Take Care Of Yourself"). Here he is on my list for 2016, and he's brought along a friend. From an album of country-pop duets is this pleasant little tune that is SO reminiscent of the Everly Brothers crossing paths with Buddy Holly. Bright, cheerful, and kinda cute really.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnwUaEe6fxg


25. JUST YOUR FOOL-THE ROLLING STONES
Album: Blue And Lonesome

The opening salvo on their terrific "back to our roots" album, the Stones sound like they've sipped from a musical Fountain Of Youth. I'm wagering they haven't had this much fun making music in a helluva long time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PacX2YgdLOo


24. THE ONE-CHRIS MURPHY
Album: Ghost Town

Chris' brother Courtney scored 3 spots on my list for 2009 (including the terrific "Salvation Jane") and now Chris joins the party. In fact <SPOILER ALERT> we'll hear from him again, so he's just one behind Courtney now. This is a solid midtempo power ballad with a soaring vocal on the chorus, and a strong melody, which would seem to be a family trait. On a side note: there is a third Murphy brother, Kieran, and the trio of siblings put out a record in 2012 that definitely would've made my year-end list had it not been for the fact that I did not hear it until about 3 years after it came out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTnJ5MfCYyw


23. SHE'S AMERICAN-THE 1975
Album: I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It

Unwieldy album title aside, this is light and bouncy pop that calls to mind the 80's (dance-pop outfits like ABC, Level 42, Scritti Politti, Johnny Hates Jazz...you get the idea) more than it does 1975. Quite catchy and reminds me of the stuff I used to spin on the radio back in that era.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5u8KRXnj6Q


22. LITTLE WORLD-ALLYSON SECONDS
Album: Little World

Light power pop with a nice, breathy vocal similar to Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6CAJPx30FQ


21. FREE AT LAST-S.L.D.
Album: Indigo Gray

Classy number with hints of later-period Beatles, E.L.O., and such. Those guitars are killer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rku90G4oHp8
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Re: The 2016 Boney Awards (10th Anniversary Edition!)

#4 Post by T_Bone0806 » Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:49 am

And...TA-Daaaa! Here are my 20 favorite songs of 2016...


20. IT MATTERS-JIMMY EAT WORLD
Album: Integrity Blues

Their second entry on my list. An achingly sincere musical plea. I could hear Hall & Oates in their heydey doing this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IICR7je4VkQ


19. BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS-GREEN DAY
Album: Revolution Radio

Another fist-pumping anthem from the boys. It ain't fancy, but it rocks. They've gone to this small handful of chords format many times, but as long as the song still sends me into head-banging mode when I hear it, it is gonna get a spot on my playlist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPGsNMdjlUU



18. EVERY TIME I SEE A RIVER-VAN MORRISON
Album: Keep Me Singing

Mellow, a little jazz, a little soul...and Van The Man. In other words, magic time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMnzWNEBaCo


17. BROKEN SKY/LONG DAY-NEAL MORSE BAND
Album: The Similitude Of A Dream

Morse left his band Spock's Beard after becoming Born Again, as he felt he did not want his newfound beliefs to keep his bandmates creatively constricted nor force him to compromise what he might want to express. His solo career has found him expressing his outlook in lyrics of varying degrees of subtlety. Some are explicit, others open to more general interpretation. The previous item on my list this year is more the latter, while this leaves little room for doubt. One constant is some great progressive rock music. This finale from his band's latest album combines several powerful songs into a 10-minute extravaganza.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFh_QhNVkU0


16. EVERYTHING HAS ITS SHAPE-KT TUNSTALL
Album: KIN

Upbeat put-a-smile-on-your-face pop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVQEuGxyn-A


15. THE SOUND-THE 1975
Album: I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It

Their second entry on my list and again it's a very infectious pop ditty rooted in the sound of the mid-80's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSnAllHtG70


14. DEVICES-THE HONEYDOGS
Album: Love And Cannibalism

This band is equally adept in a number of styles. Here they take on a 60's Memphis Soul groove complete with a cool horn chart
and a wistful melody to boot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX_AXD_cjbw


13. SHOCK ME-WESLEY FULLER
Album: Melvista (EP)

No apologies, pure sugary pop...but crafted lovingly and with much skill. The tunes this guy concocts stick to your ears..so, yeah, we're gonna hear from him again on this list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_vADLZda-8


12. NOT MY CIRCUS, NOT MY MONKEYS-MYRTLE PARK'S FISHING CLUB
Album: Benches

Don't let the strange band name fool you...this is some well-thought out, intelligent stuff going on here. Reminds me a little of The Corrs..nice harmonies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsY1YD- ... I&index=17


11. HALLELUJAH-PENTATONIX
Album: A Pentatonix Christmas

OK, first of all, despite the title and its inclusion on a holiday album, this Leonard Cohen composition has nothing to do with Christmas, but hey-whatever. My first reaction on seeing this on the album's track listing was..."yeah, just what we needed..another version of this song". It has become the go to song choice for many a contestant on "The Voice"/"American Idol"/"America's Got Talent"/"Amateur Night at the Pig Belly Saloon", so I thought I'd heard my fill of it before it finally occured to me to just stop watching those shows! Well, I do like Pentatonix, as does my wife, so I got the album and figured I'd just grin and bear yet another rendition of "Hallelujah" when the track came up. Hmmm..seems we CAN use just one more version, because this is a massive performance. There IS much to be said for an understated reading of the song, to be sure...but on the other end of the spectrum, Pentatonix offers a powerful and emotional take, in their usual acapela style, that I couldn't deny..so here it is. It might have finished right near the top except...well, yeah, I can only hear this song so many times..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRP8d7hhpoQ


10. QUIET CORNERS & EMPTY SPACES-THE JAYHAWKS
Album: Paging Mr. Proust

The latest gem from the veteran alternate country band. Easy rolling tune with a killer melodic hook in the chorus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjoFrhU5ikU

9. I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU-STING
Album: 57th and 9th

Sting has come up with some songs here and there since The Police disbanded that I've liked, sure, but very often I've found his solo career loaded with pretension...like he'd forgotten that it's ok to have fun making music sometimes. THIS is more like it, Sting! OK, the lyrics still don't paint a field of daisies, but the music ..it's the closest he's come to sounding like he did in the Police since...well, since he was in The Police, actually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtEIuz71tEk


8. WHEELS-THE HONEYDOGS
Album: Love & Cannibalism

The other entry on my list from this band opens with a nod to George Harrison ("My Sweet Lord", anyone?) It eases into a really sweet melody that carries this amiable number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHZPqtUShpE


7. I'VE GOT NO MORE TO SAY-MICHAEL CARPENTER
Album: S.O.O.P. #6-Songs of Other People

Let's get this out of the way..I'm on this track. As part of a crowdfunding campaign I contributed to, I got to pick a song for Mr. Carpenter to record for his 6th album of cover tunes. This obscure single from the 60's by The Thomas Group (The Grass Roots also recorded it for an early album) was one I've long felt would be a great candidate for a Power Pop remake, and I thought Michael would do a stellar job with it. I was 100% correct, so pats on the back for me. What I didn't see coming was to be asked to participate! So...through the magic of the internets and the help of my son, I sent some background vocals to Mr. Carpenter, he mixed them in, and there I am, part of a real honest-to-goodness rock 'n roll recording! So what are the ethical implications of honoring something one was a part of? Ummmm...who cares? I would love this even if I had not suggested the song or contributed a (very) small part to it. And I had a real blast making my little contribution to the process. So there. AUDIO LINK ONLY.

https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/t ... ore-to-say

But if you'd rather, feel free to substitute this most excellent cover of George Harrison's "What Is Life?" from the same album..now THERE'S some bigtime PROFESSIONAL-type background vocals!)

https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/t ... at-is-life


6. SPELLBOUND-DAVID MYRH
Album: Single (from the movie "Flykten till Framtiden")

He was one-half of the Swedish pop duo The Merrymakers and scored a couple of spots on my year-end list for 2012. This comes from a Swedish movie, the name of which I'm glad I don't have to try to pronounce. It is VERY heavy with ELO influences with a little bit of George Harrison tossed in for good measure..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8D7N6TQZlA


5. TENDER SOULS-PETE RG
Album: Tender Souls

A world-weary baritone over a lightly galluping beat drives this beautiful track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQQoRYblK2k


4. I'M IN LOVE-TEENAGE FANCLUB
Album: Here

This Scottish band has been making records since 1990 and has a loyal, if small, following. Their unerring melodic sensibilities have not deserted them, as evidenced by this joyous, lovely ode to l'amour. The simplicity of the lyrics and the tune...heck, even the "every note in its proper and perfect place" guitar solo, sparkle with innocence, underlining the notion that love is not rocket science.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDOLKSp2AWU


3. RUNAWAY RENEE-WESLEY FULLER
Album: Melvista

Unabashedly pop, I hear it once and it plays in my head the rest of the day. So far that hasn't been a problem. Driven by a rompin' stompin' drum beat, it calls to mind the Brit Pop/Glam Rock of the early 70's (The Sweet, for instance).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFkCXGyYRwg


2. HOME-BLUE OCTOBER
Album: Home

This song just touches the heart. That's all I need to say. Listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fNAVW4Otks


1. REAL LOVE-CHRIS MURPHY w/MICHAEL CARPENTER
Album: Single download

For the first time in the ten years I've been doing this list, the top spot is occupied by a cover tune...and the original was by The Beatles, no less, making it even more of a rarity for me (I'm extremely fussy about my Beatles remakes). The song first saw the light of day as one of the two John Lennon demos that Paul, George and Ringo, with considerable assistance by Jeff Lynne, added parts to to make "new Beatles recordings" for the Beatles Anthology project. I really liked it, but the one drawback was the poor sound quality of the original Lennon demo..it was recorded, after all, on a home cassette recorder. Jeff Lynne did an unbelievable job given what he had to work with, but John's voice still had that "ghostly, from another room" quality..to me, an unfortunate reminder of the circumstances. So here comes Murphy and Carpenter to offer a wonderful version of a simple but lovely tune. Murphy sings the heck out of this one..a really, really nice job...John would approve, I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNK29zCgPAU


And there you have it...till next year...
"#$%&@*&"-Donald F. Duck

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