Top 10 Albums of 2016
Let’s be honest. 2016 has been as fun as a not so swift kick to the bollocks. No genre was spared as time took it’s toll on a swathe of glorious rockers and icons. We lost an Okie from Muskogee, an Eagle, a Starman and a Prince. Emerson AND Lake. The world sang a song for Leon Russell whilst the angels crooned Hallelujah as they welcomed Leonard Cohen to the great big gig in the sky. Earth, Wind and Fire suffered too, whilst the head of a Tribe called Quest checked in with the Big Man. A special mention too, for the Ace of Spades, who left on his own terms precisely when he wanted around this time last year.
Those lost this year spent hundreds of hours writing thousands of songs which inspired millions of people worldwide. 2016 was a testament to them. A doth of the cap to those that left. Proof that the their music would live on through the talent old and new that they left behind. A departing pop legend told us to have faith, and despite the sadness, 2016 certainly provided us with that.
Here are The French Inhaler’s Top 10 Album’s of the Year. Don’t view it a countdown. See it as a select group of records that can service a purpose or a feeling at any given time. Each is equally as impressive in it’s own right. A ‘favourite’ record is determined there and then, by current mood and outlook. With that in mind it’s almost impossible to choose, so enjoy all of them!
10. Cass McCombs – Mangy Love
[image error]
The ninth studio offering from the California native. A harmonious blend of soft rock and psychadelia move you back and forth from the beaches of Santa Monica to the rooftop bars of Venice Beach. All whilst suitably stoned, of course. It’s true gift is it lets you drift away and dream with ease. Stand out tracks include Laughter is the Best Medicine, Opposite House and Bum Bum Bum.
9. Kendrick Lamar – Untitled Unmastered
[image error]
“They say the government mislead the youth”. As far as 2016 goes, you may never find a more honest lyric. Important to clarify this isn’t simply a hip hop album. It’s got funk and soul enthused with winding jazz undertones. It’s a collection of unreleased, experimental tracks that, for clearly obvious reasons once heard, never made it on to Lamar’s more commercial offerings. It’s weird. Unusual. And I like it. Plus, it’s leagues better than fucking Kanye West. Check out Untitled 02 and Untitled 05.
8. Drive-By Truckers – American Band
[image error]
By no means new on the scene. Their 11th offering in fact, and surely the best. As the former band of the fantastic Jason Isbell, it is no surprise that they offer up a lyrical powerhouse of an album with mesmerising melodic backdrops. What it Means addresses the shooting of Trayvon Martin in quintessential Bruce Springsteen fashion with a southern twist, whilst Surrender Under Protest is surely an ode to the works of the great Neil Young. I look forward to exploring the back catalogue profusely.
7. Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesome
[image error]
It’s everything you’d expect and more from the rock & roll titans. A fantastic, rip roaring 45 minutes of blues covers, made famous by legends such as Howlin’ Wolf and Memphis Slim. This is the Stones going back to their roots, the reason they got into the game in the first place. It is number one with a bullet. Oh, and Eric Clapton plays slide guitar. Ridiculous. Try Hate To See You Go and Commit A Crime for starters. Actually. Fuck it. Listen to it all. Right now.
6. Mudcrutch – 2
[image error]
Tom Petty returns with his first band, an ecstatic mash up of Heartbreakers and high school friends. It is Petty at his simplest. He oozes cool like nobody else in the business and with such ease. As with the previous Mudcrutch offering, there is a strong country undertone which reflects the Gainesville Gangs upbringing perfectly. All in all it just sounds like friends jamming and having fun. They just happen to be really fucking good at it. Check out Trailer, I Forgive It All and Beautiful World, the latter not featuring Tom on lead vocals.
5. William Tyler – Modern Country
[image error]
A gorgeous album without a lyric in sight. William Tyler is a modern day Ry Cooder and he captures the mood of the South beautifully here. It’s a sweet pleasure too that, in a year when we lose a lyrical legend such as Leonard Cohen, a great album appears that doesn’t require any words at all. Stand outs include Highway Anxiety and the Cooder-esque Kingdom of Jones. Lie back and enjoy.
4. Sturgill Simpson – A Sailor’s Guide To Earth
[image error]
If Shooter Jennings and Lisa Marie Presley had a baby, Sturgill Simpson would be the incredibly satisfying result. His voice would not be out of place as part of The Highwaymen or on stage in the 70’s Vegas scene. It truly is a stand out effort. Merle Haggard would be proud. Check out All Around You, Welcome To Earth and the absolutely mind blowing cover of Nirvana’s In Bloom.
3. Chris Robinson Brotherhood – If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now
[image error]
Time for a trip down memory lane to the 70’s baby. Chris Robinson is better known as lead singer of The Black Crowes. With his Brotherhood, he has propelled that southern rock vibe into a funky psychedelic feel that wouldn’t be out of place at an LA Canyons party round Mama Cass’ house. This is the follow up to 2012’s Big Ritual, which I also implore you to listen to, and things have only got better. It is five ‘blow me down’ tracks of hippy heroism. It’s perfect for fans of… well, fans of anyone really. Check out the Dylanish Shadow Cosmos, The CSN-esque Roan County Banjo and From The North Garden, the musical embodiment of transcendental meditation.
2. Hamilton Leithauser + Rotsam – I Had A Dream That You Were Mine
[image error]
The French Inhaler Reviews Hamilton Leithauser!
I reviewed this offering a few weeks back and I have only grown more fond of it since. I always feel the sign of a good record is one where your favourite track changes periodically. I’m on about my fifth now. It is a fantastic rock & roll record with a precise pop infusion that propels it to the next level. The Brides Dad stands out currently, a beautiful ballad which manifests and grows until it hits its peak and explodes. It’s littered with potential hits from start to finish. If this was a third or fourth offering and not a debut, it would have been teetering near the top of the charts. Check out Sick as a Dog, In a Black Out and Peaceful Morning to get you started.
1. Kacy & Clayton – Strange Country
[image error]
Kacy Anderson is 19 years old. Her cousin Clayton is 21. This, is their third album. How apt that they hail from the Canadian outback because this is Joni Mitchell incarnate. It’s not just Mitchell. It’s King. It’s Rickie Lee Jones {Rickie Lee Jones – Rickie Lee Jones}. There’s no pomp and circumstance. It’s a guy with a guitar and a girl with one hell of a voice. It’s a tragic, bittersweet glimpse into a musical past which threatens to be forgotten. Because Everything I’m Doing Has Already Been Done / By The Time I Find My Purpose I will Have Burned Out The Sun. It symbolises the urgent plight to break free from small town tyranny and make something of it all. I have no doubt that Kacy & Clayton will do exactly that. Stand outs include Strange Country, If You Ask How I’m Keeping and Brunswick Stew.
Special Mentions
David Bowie – Blackstar
Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker
Graham Nash – This Path Tonight
Brandy Clark – Big Day In A Small Town
Dawes – We’re All Gonna Die
Happy New Year. Here’s to hoping the Grim Reaper gives us a fucking break in 2017.
The French Inhaler
