Henry Lipput's Top 10 Albums of 2015 Plus 1

Kansas City's New Baboons top Henry Lipput's 2015 list.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER (AGAIN): MY TOP TEN (PLUS ONE) FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2015 

By Henry Lipput

I usually wait until the end of the year before I put together a list of my favorite albums, but this one took a little longer. In the past few years, because of finances or not having heard enough music to justify a longer list, I’ve only had five albums on a best-of list. 2015 was different, and so it’s taken a little longer to pick the ones I liked best and to finalize an order -- especially with the last five. I’ve also added an 11th album that reflects my missing the boat on having heard it when it was originally released.

So here’s my Top 10 from 2015. They include two debuts, some artists who have been around for a while and continue to produce fine work, and a couple of artists who have not released an album for a while but put out really good stuff last year. This list also includes a song from each of these albums that I’ll be putting on my personal 2015 compilation CD.

1. New Baboons, New Baboons

New Baboons are a self-proclaimed rock and roll band from Kansas City, Missouri, and this album is their self-titled debut. A major touchstone for the New Baboons' release is the Velvet Underground, especially that band’s Loaded album. On the first New Baboons song “Sci-fi Runaway” they lift the guitar riff from “Rock & Roll,” and “Dress” has a very VU guitar opening and a Lou Reed-style lead vocal. There’s also some garage rock as well as pure pop. The album is lo-fi, incredibly melodic, and it’s my favorite album of 2015.

Song on the compilation CD: “Velcro Underground” 

2. Robert Forster, Songs To Play

Robert Forster, along with Grant McLennan, formed The Go-Betweens in Brisbane, Australia, in 1978. That band ended its run with the untimely death of McLennan in 2006. Forster’s new album, Songs To Play, is the first since his terrific solo disc, The Evangelist, from 2008. He is a master lyricist and storyteller and he has provided us with more literate (not to mention tuneful) songs on the new disc including “Let Me Imagine You,” “And I Knew” (classic Forster), and the gorgeous “Turn On The Rain.”

Song on the compilation CD: “I’m So Happy For You”

3. Ron Sexsmith, Carousel One

In an interview last spring with The National Post, a Canadian newspaper -- not long after his new album had been released -- Ron Sexsmith came close to apologizing for being an “old-fashioned” songwriter: “There’s a new kind of songwriter and I feel like I’m making antique tables and chairs. I really like melody, structure and lyrics that make sense.” To paraphrase that old song, “If being an old-fashioned songwriter is wrong, why are all these people on my Top 10 list?” 

Sexsmith is a major talent, and Carousel One is another example of his ability with tunes and words. Although not as well known outside of Canada as he should be, fans like Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello have put the word out about Ron. Speaking of McCartney, Sexsmith has a melodic gift that is the near-equal of Macca’s. 

Highlights on the new album include the countrified “Loving You” (with a hint of “Lay Lady Lay”), the bluesy “Getaway Car” with Allen Toussaint piano stylings, and the rocking “Can’t Get My Act Together.”

So why didn’t I review this album when it came out? I’ve reviewed at least three of Ron’s albums in the past and I felt I had nothing left to say except that it was really good. In putting this appreciation together I realized I had a lot to say which is why it goes on a little longer that the others.

Song on the CD compilation: “Sure As The Sky”

4. Marshall Crenshaw, #392: The EP Collection

For the past few years, Crenshaw has been putting out a series of limited-edition vinyl EPs, taking that path rather than releasing  albums. But at some point he realized the EPs had enough material to, after all, make an album. #392: The EP Collection is made up of songs mostly taken from the EPs -- six originals, six covers, and two bonus songs. Crenshaw is one of the best guitarists in the business and he brings out his axe and plugs it in for “Red Wine,” “Stranger And Stranger,” and “I Don’t See You Laughing Now.” Covers on the new album include a straight-faced, faithful “(They Long To Be) Close To You” with a piano intro that may very well have you expecting Karen Carpenter to start singing instead of Crenshaw. The Jeff Lynne song “No Time” has a really cool Mellotron that gives it a nice “Strawberry Fields Forever” vibe.

Song on the CD compilation: “Red Wine”

5. The Chills, Silver Bullets 

Silver Bullets is the first album by The Chills since 1996’s fine Sunburnt disc. Hailing from New Zealand, the band had a brief moment of international success in the early 90s with albums like Submarine Bells and Soft Bomb and videos on MTV -- mostly on 120 Minutes -- for the songs “Heavenly Pop Hit” and “Soft Bomb.” Martin Phillipps, songwriter and lead vocalist for the band, spoke in an interview with Uncut Magazine about the illness and changes in the record industry that kept him from making new music for so long. He’s had a long time to think about things and there are songs on Silver Bullets that deal with political, economic, and environmental issues. But these songs still have the sound that AllMusic.com has described as “bright, guitar-fueled indie pop.” And Phillipps’ unique guitar sound rings through the songs and it’s a joy to hear again.

Song on the CD compilation: “Molten Gold”

6. Dick Diver, Melbourne, Florida

Australia’s Dick Diver have been around for a while but I just discovered them last year. To my ears they’ve been influenced by two of my favorite bands, one also from Australia (the Go-Betweens -- no longer around and greatly missed) and another from Canada (Stars). With their new album, Melbourne, Florida, Dick Diver have taken these influences and created a sound all their own. There’s no break between the opener, the rocking “Waste The Alphabet” (with a swell Byrdsy Rickenbacker solo -- there‘s a lot of good guitar work going on in this album) and the next song “The Year In Pictures” (horns really add a lot to the band’s overall sound). The horn-heavy “Leftovers” features drummer Steph Hughes in a solo turn as does the ballad-y “View From A Shakey Ladder.”

Song on the CD compilation: “Waste The Alphabet”

7. Kalle Mattson, Avalanche

Kalle Mattson, from Ontario, is the only artist that’s a holdover from last year’s list. His new album, Avalanche, has many elements of last year’s release, Someday, The Moon Will Be Gold, but some new things as well. But that’s why you continue to like stuff by an artist, right? Because their new music has a sound that you’ve already liked. Mattson can have epic opening tracks (like the new album’s “Avalanche”) and then segue into a kind of new (for him) sounding song like the pop fest “Lost Love.” Other songs on the new album such as “Left Behind” and “A Long Time Ago” highlight his well-honed singer-songwriter side. It’s a short album (only six songs) with the closing track being the tuneful, acoustic “Baby Blue” (and then it’s all over). (Sorry. I couldn’t help making the Dylan reference.)

Song on the CD compilation: “Lost Love”

8. Mini-Mekons and Robbie Fulks, Jura

I’ve never heard much from the country singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks so the draw here was The Mekons, or rather, The Mini-Mekons, a group made up of select members of this legendary band. The Mekons started out as a punk band in England in the late 70s and have moved around the musical map since then. They pretty much invented alt-country with their 1985 album Fear And Whiskey (a song from around that same period “Beaten And Broken” is redone by Fulks and company on Jura). The Mekons can also be a great rock and roll band as they showed on 1988’s terrific Rock’N’Roll disc. There are a lot of songs on Jura about the sea: “An Incident Off St. Kitt’s,” “Land Ahoy!” “Last Fish In The Sea” has swell harmonica playing. And we get the first of a couple of wonderful solo vocal turns by the great Mekons’ member Sally Timms on “Shine On Silver Seas.” 

Jura is the first time I’ve seen a record company not only release an album as a limited-edition disc on Record Store Day but also make it available as a digital-only download. It would be nice if more companies took Bloodshot Record’s lead and let fans get music this way if they can’t make it to their local record store on that special day.

Song on the CD compilation: "Last Fish in the Sea" (not available online as far as I can tell, so...)

9. Hurricane #1, Find What You Love And Let It Kill You

If Hurricane #1 sounds a bit like the Britpop bands of the 90s it’s because they were around back then too. Their new album is the first in 16 years.

The band released two albums -- Hurricane #1 in 1997 and Only The Strongest Will Survive in 1999. At their peak, they had seven top 40 hits and both of their albums went top 20 in England. The band broke up after the second album when guitarist Andy Bell (formerly with the shoegazing legends Ride) left to join Oasis. The new line-up for Hurricane #1 includes lead singer and songwriter Alex Lowe from the original lineup, Brazilian brothers Carlo and Lucas Mariani on guitar and bass, and Chris Campbell on drums. 

“Think Of The Sunshine” is a great pop song that also has a terrific Indian-influenced, trippy coda with a backwards guitar played by former band mate Andy Bell. “Has It Begun (Imitating Life)” is a wonderful song with horns that add another color to Lowe’s musical palette and it contains a distinctive guitar sound that recalls the solo work of George Harrison. “Round In Circles” is a marvelous acoustic number that could have had a place on an early Byrds album (it’s a song that Gene Clark never wrote).

Song on the CD compilation: “Think of the Sunshine”

10. Tacoma Narrows, Good Mourning

Tacoma Narrows are a five-piece based in New York. This, their debut album, was funded by a Kickstarter campaign and released last November in a release party at Rockwood Music Hall in Lower Manhattan. There’s a lot of great picking and strumming as well as humor in the songs written by Cheny Munson; it‘s bluegrass with a New York sensibility. I especially liked the line in “Fugitive Love” about “packing up your mom’s Subaru” to get ready for making a run for it. One of my favorite musical moments is the raucous guitar breakout in the middle of “Life And Love.” Other highlights include “This Is How It Starts,” “Avenue“ (in which the drummer get to show his stuff), and “Cloud Song“ (a little like Talking Heads and more fine guitar work and some more mandolin).

Song on the CD compilation: “This Is How It Starts”

FIRST ANNUAL MISSED THE BOAT AWARD: Lloyd Cole, Standards

This album came out in Europe in 2013 and was released in the US in 2014. Why didn’t I buy it until I went to see Lloyd in a wonderful solo acoustic concert in the summer of 2015? I really have no excuse. It’s a great album and, when I had been on my musical game (as I too often think I am), I would have bought it when it came out -- perhaps even paid extra for an import which I have in the past -- and it would have been at the top of my best-of list for either 2013 or 2014. 

Standards is a return to the sound of Cole's first self-titled solo album from 1990. Bringing back Fred Maher on drums and Matthew Sweet on bass, Cole rocks on “Women’s Studies,” “Period Piece,” and “Opposites Day.” The lovely “Blue Like Mars” recalls Lloyd Cole’s “No Blue Skies” and “It’s Late” is another example of occasional country stylings.

Song on the CD compilation: “Women’s Studies”

Yet Another Single and Video from dollys

drive on nye

When I spoke to Erik Kase Romero and Natalie Newbold at the Asbury Music Awards, I asked them if they had anything else planned before the end of the year.

"Right at the end," Erik told me.

True to their word, dollys have released their latest single just as 2015 draws to a close. It was a big year for dollys, who released not only one of the best albums of the year but also, basically, an album's worth of brand new singles that they gave away for free.

Like their past releases, "drive on" and "nye" were both tracked at Lakehouse Recording Studios and produced by dollys' bassist Erik Kase Romero. Things are a little different here as both songs are more subdued and quiet than some of dollys' other work. "nye," for example, features just Newbold singing over some finger-picked guitar.

"drive on," which I guess is the InternetCloudZerosandOnes equivalent of an a-side, gets another Anthony Yebra-directed video. Check that out below, and then head over to dollys' Bandcamp page to grab both songs.

Also, don't forget to get all dolly'd up to see dollys on January 8th at The Saint for the CoolDad Music / Sniffling Indie Kids Indie Pop Winter Formal that also features Dentist, YJY, and Paper Streets.

Guest List: Lowlight Tell Us About Their Five Favorite Albums of 2015

Lowlight at the Asbury Music Awards

At the Deadline

Lowlight were one of my favorite discoveries of 2015. Their sound sits somewhere in the spaces that exist between country and rock, and you even get the occasional hint of the members' prog rock backgrounds. They brought out a new song at the Asbury Music Awards that had them sounding absolutely epic.

I'd been seeing Renee Maskin out at shows for a while. We'd had some pretty good conversations over whiskey and beer, but -- if my Flickr account is to be believed -- I'd never seen her perform with her band before February of this year. Since then, I've made it out to as many Lowlight shows as I could. I've also regretted every one I've missed.

I asked Renee if she and the band would like to contribute a list to our year-end round-up here, and she agreed. After some consultation with bandmates Dana Sellers, Derril Sellers, Colin Ryan, and Rey Rivera, Renee got me Lowlight's favorite albums list just under the wire.

Check out their thoughts on 2015 below; and, if you get the chance to check Lowlight out at a show, don't blow it.

Our Favorite Albums of 2015
by Lowlight

Renee from Lowlight here! CoolDad asked us if we could come up with a year-end list of sorts for 2015. So here are our five favorite records of the year, accompanied by some smart and thoughtful commentary. Please enjoy.

Father John Misty, I Love You, Honeybear

In its own weird little way, I Love You, Honeybear was one of the most challenging records on my radar this year. It's also my favorite. The best way I can describe this album is "dense." The production is lush and cinematic, filled with strings, horns, and electronics. Lying like a canopy over that jungle of instrumentation is a barrage of lyrics that are as brilliant as they are cutting. Almost every line Joshua Tillman sings is filled with wit. And just when you're getting the joke, there's an amazing new one-liner coming at you and now you're two steps behind. But for all of the sarcastic cynicism rampant in this record, there's also a fierce underlying sense of love and humanity. If you've put this album on and thought, "I don't think I like this," give it about fifteen more listens and then see where you stand with it.



Ryan Adams, 1989

I'll preface this with saying that I'm am not a Taylor Swift fan. There's something about her saccharine delivery, the super slick production, and the overall sheen of mega pop girliness that makes me want to gather up all the Barbie dolls in the world and burn them at a beach bonfire. The sight of synthetic blond hair follicles curling dark into the flames, while tiny fabricated smiles melt into grotesque frowns. The smell of burning plastic wafting through the air, filling the nostrils of creeped out summer tourists who are wondering what the hell is wrong with me. So when I heard that Ryan Adams released an album covering Taylor Swift's 1989, I ignored it at best. At worst, I wrote it off as "pandering."  And then, one day, I actually fucking listened to the thing. To my pleasant surprise, it is a really, really great record. By stripping out the production luster that is the "Top 40" sound of a Taylor Swift track, Adams made me realize that what you're left with is undeniably great songwriting. You also get a much better sense of how sad and messed up some of the protagonists in Swift’s songs actually are. In addition, this record is a testament to Ryan Adams's vision of these songs, and his craft in general. He's always been able to write a pop song that doesn't feel like it's trying too hard. Applied here, these songs take on that easiness, as well as his particular brand of raw emotional depth that elevates them even further. Thanks, Ryan. You did it.



Phosphorescent, Live At Music Hall

Full disclosure: I attended some of the shows that this album was compiled from, so this record’s being in the "favorites" list might somewhat come from a sense of my own nostalgia. However, I will go ahead and say that Phosphorescent is the best band that New Jersey has never heard of. They are a Brooklyn staple though, and I've been fortunate enough to have seen Matthew Houck and his group many times now. Phosphorescent live shows are always fantastic. They are a mix of the quiet coolness of Houck as a front man, paired with a Hard Rain-esque energy that is not always captured on their studio albums. Thankfully, when Phosphorescent did a 5-show run at Music Hall of Williamsburg a few years ago, somebody managed to press the "record" button. This year, they decided to compile some of the best moments from those shows and put out a record. It's an honest record, too. The live-show fuck-ups are right in there alongside the moments of pure magic that can never be conjured up amongst a click track and a pair of headphones. If you're new to Phosphorescent, this is not a bad place to start. And if they're swinging through a city near you, don't stay home.



Houndmouth, Little Neon Limelight

I discovered Houndmouth a little while ago and got hung up on a song of theirs called "Casino (Bad Things)," a song soaked in boozy, loner, degenerate glory that reminded me of nights spent wandering around Atlantic City, getting into trouble. Houndmouth's new record picks up these themes right where they left off. Little Neon Limelight is pure raucous energy and youthful defiance, even in its quiet moments. The music itself is endlessly fun, begging for a boisterous sing-and-dance-along. The lyrics, though, hover in a darker place, dealing with heartbreak, loss, and reckless abandon. There's also a dash of American history peppered about as well, which is a nice touch. Little Neon Limelight is an American soundtrack for those who have chosen to live the wild life, knowing full well what kind of line they are walking and exactly where it may lead. "Gasoline, it don't burn as fast as me, poor boy / Maybe I'll meet my maker on a bedroom floor."


  
Bob Dylan, Shadows in the Night

After several records of Bob Dylan sounding as much like a crazy, raspy, dirty old man as he could possibly muster, it's both surprising and telling that his delivery on his most recent record, Shadows in the Night, is relatively smooth and deliberate. However, Bob Dylan is still no Frank Sinatra, and his vocals leave the album resting in a weird, unsettled space. I have gone back and forth between believing it's purely a genuine attempt at the "The Great American Songbook" by a guy who has written far better cuts than anything in there, or that there’s an intentional edge to it. Either way, it’s definitely one of the more interesting records to be released this year, and one that has gently floated from my speakers into the night over and over again since its release last February. Also, let's not forget the weirdest Late Night Television performance of the year. Dylan on Letterman was one for the books. Mark it, Dude. Another fascinating year for Bob Dylan and his legion of fans.



That about wraps 'er up. Thanks again to our bud CoolDad, cheers to another crazy year!

Fun While You Wait, "Blue Christmas"

Fun While You Wait at Wonder Bar

From Arose Such a Clatter

We've been doing kind of an unplanned Christmas music thing here over the last couple of days. NJ artists keep releasing holiday songs, so I'm just going with it.

Freehold's Fun While You Wait actually released this cover of "Blue Christmas" a few weeks ago as part of the Arose Such a Clatter EP. That set also includes holiday songs from Garden State Line, Backyard Superheroes, Milan and The Sour Goat, and P-Funk North. All of the proceeds from the EP go to the Toys for Tots Foundation, and you can grab the collection over on Bandcamp.

Today, Fun While You Wait also give us a video for "Blue Christmas" featuring live performance footage from the Arose Such a Clatter release show / party at the Dunellen Theater as well as sets from both The Wonder Bar and House of Independents in Asbury Park. Check out the video below; and, as you contemplate your end of year giving, think about grabbing yourself some holiday tunes and helping out Toys for Tots.

Black Flamingos, "Jingle Bell Rock"

Black Flamingos at The Little Dickman Records / CoolDad Music holiday benefit show.

Live on WRSU

Our good buddies, Black Flamingos, have been busy. They recently played the Little Dickman Records / CoolDad Music holiday benefit at Porta. Since then, you've been able to catch them around Asbury at places like Convention Hall or the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten. They also just happened to pick up an Asbury Music Award for Top Surf / Garage Band.

At this time of year, the guys are not above including the occasional holiday classic in their sets. Last week, Black Flamingos made a stop at WRSU Rutgers Radio; and, true to form, spread some holiday cheer with a live rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock" complete with sleigh bells. This one will have to tide you over until Black Flamingos come back in January from a short, well-deserved holiday break, but you could always pick up their excellent self-titled EP for yourself or your special holiday someone.

Where Is My Spaceship Release Holiday EP and Video

Everybody Hates Christmas

Earlier this month, I posted my list of favorite albums of the year. One of the albums on that list was Mostly Crocodile by Where Is My Spaceship. The album is an emotional and cathartic ride, and many of its themes hit home for me, maybe even a little uncomfortably.

This holiday season, Josh Evensen and Where Is My Spaceship have a subtle holiday message for you in the form of 3-song EP Everybody Hates Christmas. From the simple message of "don't bother" to the ode to parenthood "no greater joy" to the title track, Where Is My Spaceship again touch on some uncomfortable themes. They're uncomfortable because they're true. At least a little bit. Sometimes.

The title track also gets a video. The Will Frazier-directed clip deftly and, as I said, subtly delivers the EP's overall message.

Watch the video below, then head over to Where Is My Spaceship's Bandcamp page to grab Everybody Hates Christmas as a Name Your Price download.

Happy holidays!

Holiday Song from The Hoboken Holiday All Stars ft. Deena & Jon of The Cucumbers. Proceeds Benefit Community Food Bank of NJ.

"Light Shines Through"

It's Christmas week, and I've started two weeks of vacation to end the year. Whatever your own winter holiday celebrations involve, this is a great week to spend time with your friends and family, put a bow on the year that was 2015, and give back to the community.

Deena & Jon of Hoboken indie pop band, The Cucumbers, have released a holiday single with the Hoboken Holiday All Star Band called "Light Shines Through." The song is available via iTunes, Spotify, and CDBaby with all proceeds going to the Community Food Bank of NJ. The Food Bank does great and important work. We live in one of the richest states in the entire country, and some of our neighbors still go to bed hungry every night.

In addition to Deena & Jon, "Light Shines Through" features Julio Fernandez of Spyro Gyra, Ed Fogarty, Gary Frazier, Dave Stengel, Tom Vincent, Annalee Van Kleeck, and Abbe Rivers. Written by Deena Shoshkes, "Light Shines Through" is a warm and easy-going, alt-country tinged holiday song that belongs on your holiday playlist.

Thanks, Asbury Park!

Asbury Music Awards

I wanted to write a quick note expressing my gratitude for the outpouring of support I received last night for CoolDad Music. Not only did CoolDad Music receive awards for Top Website, Top Journalist, and Top News Publication; but also, several of you came up to me personally to tell me that you like what I'm doing here. That means more to me than I could ever say in any acceptance speech.

I'm not a musician, but I think I can identify a bit with the feeling of working on something day and night for no other reason than a love of doing it. While awards are a wonderful form of validation, the fact that you can make even a small amount of time in your life to do something that you love is a reward in itself. I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the winners, nominees, and even those who weren't nominated. Each one of you is making time to do something that feeds your soul; and, in doing so, you're feeding the souls of others. That is a wonderful thing, and you don't need an award to tell you that.

I'm telling you. In the way that people came up to me last night and told me that what I do here means something to them, I'm telling you that what you do means something to me. If I didn't have the opportunity to go out and watch you all play, I honestly don't know what I'd be doing with myself.

Thank you to all of you. Thank you to the Asbury Music Awards. Thank you to the musicians whose work I need in the same way I need food, water, and sleep. Thank you to the other photographers who I learn from every day, whether by looking at your work or nerding out with you at a show. Thank you to the other writers who constantly set me on the path to finding new music. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this site -- Allyson Dwyer, Henry Lipput, Scotch LaRock, countless guests and bands who have contributed reviews and year-end lists, and photographers who have shared their work here. Thank you to all of the venues for providing a space for great music and for rarely giving me a hard time about bringing my camera. Thank you to everyone who has worked with me on fun extracurricular stuff like putting on shows and making videos. Thank you to my family for putting up with my obsession. Of course, thank you to anyone I may have forgotten.

And thank you to everyone who spends any time at all on CoolDad Music. I'm going to keep it up here as long as I can.

I'll have some photos of last night's festivities a little bit later.

Happy 2016!

Guest List: Allyson Dwyer's Favorite Stuff from 2015

Peace Out, 2015

by Allyson Dwyer

It's that time of the year where people catalog stuff. Memories. Clickable content. You like it! Admit it!

Lucky for you and me, 2015 was probably the absolute best year for music in a long, long time. And that CDM needs that millennial voice to keep the under-100 demographic clicking. 

So many good things came out, to the point where it overwhelms my brain. And we were fortunate to have no sign of Iggy Azalea to ruin it! [CoolDad Note: I guess we put bad memories out of our minds. https://youtu.be/uV2uebhnqOw]

So I decided to just throw out some memorable things that happened to me in my own music-loving sphere.:

Best song that, when I heard it, I didn't change the station, and also actively listened to on Spotify

Drake -- "Hotline Bling"

Sometimes songs just come that make no sense (those awful lyrics) and are catchy as hell. I'm not shy of my love for Drake, which is odd considering how much I never cared for Jimmy on Degrassi. I'm heartless. But there's something about that production and the nakedly corny-no-shame approach to pop that this song just bleeds.

Best music video 

FKA twigs' -- "M3LL155X"

These videos just dropped one day and blew everyone away. Seen as a companion to the EP, you really cannot separate the imagery of these videos from the songs.There was a lot of interesting discussion on Tumblr about M3LL155X and the best theory I read was that this EP can be read as a statement on FKA twigs's relationship with the music industry and how she wishes to make art that can be separated from her image as a sexualized dancer, her past work, and what is expected of her as a black pop musician. Basically, she is asking us to trust her and not expect something typical. The finale "Glass & Patron" is a firm sign that she will continue to make that art she wants on her terms.

Best Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar -- "Alright"

OK. This whole album is amazing (which I don't think needs my explanation) and it is worth all of its critical praise and spot as #1 on many, many best of lists. This song however, is just time-stopping. I have no doubt that in 20 years from now we will be remembering this song (and album) as an important cultural moment.

Worst Kendrick Lamar

Taylor Swift -- "Bad Blood" Featuring Kendrick Lamar

I don't think "Bad Blood" is necessarily a bad song but this version and the video were so embarrassingly bad. The song "meaning" is also just kind of lame and icky. Kendrick, Elle, Selena, Cara, etc: enjoy your friendship cliques.

Best breakup album 

I have two: Screaming Females -- Rose Mountain (favorite track: "Hopeless"), Bjork -- Vulnicura (favorite track: "Family"). Two completely different takes, both masterfully done in their own right.

Best food

Vedge in Philadelphia. The pancakes at Ain Soph Journey in Tokyo. I ate these three times.

Best local show

Beach Slang closing out Asbury Lanes was perfection, but that perfection turned into pure bliss when James Alex invited members of Corrina, Corrina to play "Boxcar" and "Can't Hardly Wait" while the room sang along and confetti rained everywhere. I can't think of a better memory this year.

Best comedy show

Neil Hamburger, America's funnyman, at the Saint.

Best time I danced on stage with Shellshag at Asbury Lanes:

The filming for the season finale of The Chris Gethard Show.

Best show I had to pay a Ticketmaster fee for:

Bjork at Carnegie Hall. It was at noon and I had a front seat in a box. Sometimes I have good fortune.

Best show, period:

Downtown Boys at the Don Giovanni showcase. Mitski at the Lanes is an incredibly close second.

Most mediocre artist retrospective of a prolific Icelandic artist:

Bjork at The Museum of Modern Art

I have such mixed emotions on this retrospective. On one hand, I saw the dress that Bjork wore in the iconic video for Pagan Poetry, and on the other, it was such a tacky, Hard Rock Cafe-Planet Hollywood-esque move on MoMA's part. There was very little tying this retrospective into any kind of analytical, museum setting, but I guess it was still fun to see props, excerpts from Bjork's journal, and two original videos from Vulnicura: "Black Lake" and "Stonemilker" (at PS1 Moma), a 3D immersive video that used Oculus Rift. 

Best pop song

Grimes -- "Realiti" (demo and album version)

Honestly this may, on technical terms, be song of the year for me. I find a way to listen to both versions at least once a day. It is one of the best songs she has ever done, and we have two versions to jump between. Blessed.

Best inconsistent album that I don't understand as #1 on many year end lists

Grimes -- Art Angels

Art Angels is indeed, full of straight up bangers that are the best of the best, but not the entire album. I think I am the only person not crazy about "Flesh Without Blood," which I find really...boring (please don't yell at me). But tracks like "Butterfly," "Venus Fly Trap," "Realiti," and "Kill V. Maim." are like drugged out, new age jock jams. And they rule.

Best Beyonce of the year

In a year that was filled with Nicki Minaj, I was insanely underwhelmed by her album The Pink Print. But her track "Feeling Myself," featuring Beyonce, and its video (Tidal exclusive, lol), are like a precious gift that we need to preserve and love forever.

Best Netflix show with the absolute best soundtrack

Master of None. Upon CoolDad's recommendation, I finished this show in one sitting on a Saturday, with a to-do list in front of me that I never touched. I don't think this show needs my bump for people to watch it, but it really was one of the best of the year. And the soundtrack was a perfectly compiled mix of rap, pop, electronic, classic rock and indie, R&B, country, vintage Indian and French music, jazz, corny ass Italian restaurant music, and the best use of a Beach House song ever (see: show title). 

Best old-ish critically acclaimed TV drama I watched

The Wire. If you haven't, find someone's HBO Go password and watch this, like, now.

Album of the Year

Joanna Newsom -- Divers

Of course I'm going to choose this as my AOTY, but did you know that I am not choosing it by default for my love of this woman? Divers is one of the most gorgeous albums I have ever listened to. And this is the woman who made Ys, which IS probably the greatest album by any living human. How do you top Ys? Well, by continuing to challenge yourself and make music that isn't looking back nostalgically on past records. The most exemplary track of the record, my personal favorite and of the year, is the finale, "Time, A Symptom" which I would describe as an orchestral sci-fi epic. These songs have already, in such a short time, begun to mean so much to me. I know I will listen to this for years to come. Now I hope I don't have to wait 5 years for another album. Although maybe there's a reason we must wait.

There is so much more music I loved this year. But this here is 2015 to me. Happy 2016!

Guest Post: YJY's 8 Weird Tricks to Help Your Band Succeed in 2016

Pay Attention!

YJY are one of the big success stories of 2015. After a relatively short time together as a band, Steve Sachs, Dave Sachs, Tim Fitzpatrick, and Ricky Lorenzo signed a lucrative deal with Sniffling Indie Kids. Their touring schedule took them from the historic towns of West Central New Jersey to the basements of Central Central New Jersey to the stages of East Central New Jersey. They even scored "The CoolDad Interview."

Along the way, they picked up valuable knowledge about what it takes to become a successful band. When they offered to do their year-end list in the form of a series of tips for up and coming bands, I had a difficult time imagining anything that could be more valuable.

If you or someone you know are in a band that aspires to the heights achieved by YJY, then read carefully.

[Note: I'm breaking one of the Weird Tricks to Help Your Blog Succeed by not putting each item of this click-baity list on its own page, but that's because I love you.]

8 Weird Tricks to Help Your Band Succeed in 2016

by YJY

Wow! What a year it’s been! There were highs and lows; excitements and disappointments; laughs shared and memories made. In 2015, we truly learned what it takes to be a successful band, and now we’d like to share that knowledge with our friends in the scene and beyond. Here are 8 Weird Tricks to Help Your Band Succeed in 2016.

BE EXCLUSIVE

People like mystery. They want to feel like they're a part of something no one else knows about. How can you be sure no one knows about your shows? Easy. Don't promote them. Then everyone will want to go.

THE MORE THE MERRIER

People want bang for their buck. In an economy where we all want more for less, quantity equals quality. When playing or booking a show, there's no such thing as too many bands. Remember, it's important to keep concertgoers on their toes - for five straight hours.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

People often say, “Make sure you donate to the touring band.” Really? If they're on tour, they've already made it. Use the money to subscribe to Spotify. It's only 10 bucks a month, and bands get paid for every stream.

STEP UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GAME

These days it's easier than ever to record and distribute your own music. Anyone with a computer and access to the Internet can be a star. The real question is this: How do you stand out on social media? The answer? Post memes. Songs only last three and a half minutes. Memes are forever.

SHARING IS CARING

Sharing gear can be a touchy subject and that's understandable. Your Mexican Strat and Fender Frontman amp combine for a tone that's uniquely yours. Sharing your gear means sharing your sound, and that could be dangerous. It’s much safer to just share microphones. Use your sleeve to wipe off the last guy's spit, but be sure to leave it moist for the next guy.

ONLY PLAY SAFE SPACES

When you enter a DIY venue, it's important to take a close look around and make sure that it's a safe space. It seems like people became more conscious of this one in 2015, but it's still up to you to call out violations whenever you see them, so stay vigilant.

Be on the lookout for exposed electrical wires, leaky pipes, and broken glass. All exits should be clearly marked, and the venue should never exceed max capacity. If you feel that venue you are playing is not a safe space, stay calm and call the police.

"NO JERKS"

Tired of playing to hostile crowds that won't show you the respect you deserve as an artist? Just write these two words in your Facebook event page and no jerks will show up. For added emphasis, use all caps - NO JERKS.

UPGRADE YOUR DRUMS

You know better than anyone that your drums sound like shit, so you definitely shouldn't play them at shows. Here's a simple solution: first, come to the show empty-handed. Then, five minutes before your set, tell the singer of the headlining band that you need to use all of their drummer's stuff.

Best of luck to everyone in 2016!

- Steve, Dave, Tim, and Ricky of YJY

Guest List: Ken Geiger's (Altered Cross / GPP / Uncommonly Good) Favorite Albums of 2015

More Suggestions for Your Holiday Listening

by Ken Geiger

Hey this is Ken from Altered Cross/GPP/ex-Uncommonly Good. Thanks for letting me actually say something. It’s cool. 

Anyways, when I think of what makes for a great record, I tend to think of the emotional impact it can leave on you. This year, I remember my favorite records from a very strong time in the year, or just by the sheer power and influence they had on me as a songwriter. I want to quickly shout out The Battery Electric and Hot Blood for both putting out great records this year. They didn't crack my top 10, but they were great. Plus, I give them a lot of headaches; so this is me being serious finally haha.

Anyways:

1.) Baroness, Purple and Cattle Decapitation, The Anthropocene Extinction

My God, this was a tough choice. I could not pick between the two. Not only are these two my favorites for this year, but they also are two of my favorite records to be made in the last 5 years easily. They are like yin and yang honestly. On one side, we have the really emotional and high flying Baroness, who are making their first record after overcoming a horrible bus crash. This record is definitely a healing process, and I feel that. On the other hand, Cattle D. are trying to warn us about our man-made apocalypse in the most brutal way possible. Both of these albums floor me. I could write way more about them, but I will restrain myself because I have 8 other records.

3.) Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly

Our president’s song of the year is from this album. How can you not love it? Seriously though, I still remember the first time I heard this. Late at night in March, Kendrick dropped it on Spotify, and I remember "Wesley's Theory" really caught me by surprise. I swear I skipped school just to go buy it the very next morning, and I listened to it for at least a month straight. I'm listening back to it now, and it's power still keeps up. It definitely lived up to its hype.

4.) Chelsea Wolfe, Abyss

Ah, another fantastic record with so many memories. I listened to the singles practically every day at my summer job when I had the chance. Her voice is so powerful, and she refuses to pigeonhole her music. Each album of hers feels like an even darker and more messed up step than the last one. Yet, her voice is gorgeous and keeps a hint of beauty to it. Definitely my favorite female vocalist at the moment. See her live if you have the chance!

5.) Faith No More, Sol Invictus

If Mike Patton is on it, I've listened to it. That's just the way of the world for me. Truth is, Faith No More changed so much of how I perceive music that I was a bit nervous about whether this record could live up to the classic albums by them (especially Angel Dust and King for a Day). Then, I realized, I shouldn't think that way. These five men have grown since 1998 (their first break up). Obviously, this record was going to be different. It was, but it still fit perfectly into the grand scheme of what Faith No More is about. They still do not care what you want them to play. Patton still does not care if you can't stand his oddball vocal tendencies, which range from beautiful crooning to demonic yells. I'm just inspired by the fact that faith no more did a comeback on their own terms, and that I managed to witness them put on such an inspiring show in May.

6.) Steve Von Till,  A Life Unto Itself

If you don't know about Neurosis, you definitely need to. Sometimes I think they're just more of a spiritual entity than a band. Yeah, they're that powerful.

Anyways, Steve Von Till sings and plays guitar for them. I heard this record during some very dark times this year, and it really spoke to me in the same way the Neurosis records Steve plays on do. If you want to hear something on the softer side but still can use heavy emotion, check this out.

7.) Napalm Death, Apex Predator- Easy Meat

When heavy bands go at it for 30 years, they tend to soften up. Whoever made up that rule forgot to tell it to Napalm Death, because they're still heavier than most of their peers and contemporaries. It's actually frightening sometimes that they're making their best and heaviest records this late in their career. It's something to be inspired by. You need an early morning wake up call? Let "Smash a Single Digit" play as your alarm. I guarantee you'll think there's a drone strike going on.

8.) Retox, Beneath California

If there were one band that inspired the initial steps of The Uncommonly Good, it was Retox. Hardcore is so boring for the most part nowadays, in my opinion. For every Black Flag, you have a million imitators. It doesn't feel that way with Retox though. There's no real band that's come before that sounds like them. They progress their sound each record. I would even go as far as to say this record has some Prog Rock influence. Plus, these dudes are the nicest men to talk to ever. I'm glad to say we are on a friendly level, and I still look to them for inspiration to this day.

9.) Melvins/Le Butcherrettes, Chaos as Usual

Of course I had to include my all time favorites, The Melvins! This EP was made in honor of the tour they embarked on this summer, which was AMAZING. Never heard of Le Butcherrettes until this summer, but I think everyone should by now. They're making some kick ass garage rock type music and their live show is chaotic. The two songs here are great representations of that. As for Melvins, everyone should see them live in my opinion. Its required to live a fulfilling life. The two songs from their side are, well… Chaos as usual!

10.) Lamb of God, VII: Sturm Und Drang

Apparently all Lamb of God fans are alcoholic rednecks who wear wifebeaters, according to some ignorant Facebook comment. Well, I guess I'm guilty if that’s the case. I think this record is a great introduction for anyone who wants to know what they're about. It's actually the record that got me into them. Another great summer record, as I was listening to this and reading singer Randy Blythe's autobiography heavily in August (I will say that book is worth the read, even if you're not a fan of the band.). Just a really heavy and dark record. Makes me feel mighty powerful, though; and that's why I feel like it should be on here.

That's really it. I could say a lot more about these 10, but I won't. That would spoil the fun for anyone who actually wants to make their own memories with them. There are other records I could mention on this list, but I won't. I don't like to dwell too much on the past, as I'm already waiting for 2016 to come give me some more great music. Hope you all have had a great 2015, musically.

Our Friends Helped Us Raise A Whole Bunch of Money and Food for The Mercy Center of Asbury Park

The Jolly Daggers sent everybody home smiling last night at Porta.

Thanks!

I just wanted to say a few quick words of thanks to everyone who played, donated to, worked on, and came out to our show yesterday at Porta in Asbury Park. Together we raised $1100 and an Escalade full of canned goods to donate to Asbury Park's Mercy Center. We also had a wonderful time doing it.

Thanks to Porta and their entire staff for giving us the room and for letting us shake their whole building for about seven straight hours.

Thanks to all the performers -- Chris Brown, The Rock N Roll HiFives, Renee Maskin, TV Tramps, Dan Waszay, Black Flamingos, Overlake, Dentist, and The Jolly Daggers -- for donating their time and putting on great sets. I'm happy to call all of these bands friends, and you should absolutely check them out whenever you see that they're playing.

Thanks to everyone who donated to our charity auction: Augmented Asbury Park, Chunksaah Records, Phil Shepherd Photography, Rebel Supply, Big Slick Pomade Company, Scotch LaRock, Russo Music, Coffee Haüs Studios, and Little Dickman Records.

Thanks to Charlie Schafer for running the sound and managing the show.

Thanks to my partners in crime on this and several other cool things that made this year very special for me, Chris Yaniak and Amy Dickman of Little Dickman Records.

And Thanks to everyone who came out to support such a good cause on a Sunday afternoon along with anyone I, in my absent-mindedness, may have forgotten to mention. Let's do it all again next year!

I'll post some more pictures later, but also be on the lookout for shots from our great buds, Phil Shepherd and Mike Petzinger.

Happy Holidays, and keep rocking!