Top Ten 2016 - Year in Review

1. Regina Spektor – Remember Us to Life

If Bleeding Heart was a promise, then this album is delivery on that promise. Expanding on those pitch-perfect vocals and the magical piano fingers, Ms. Spektor has wrapped them in creative and full production. This album has depth and covers a wide spectrum and it hits on all fronts, from singing to storytelling to grabbing you right in the chest and squeezing very hard. Take Sellers of Flowers alone... Even before her live show made me dizzy with wonder this album had already secured its rightful spot here.

2. Donovan Woods – Hard Settle, Ain't Troubled
Donovan is a wordsmith which is obvious even from each 140 characters out of @donovanwoods but when he pairs this with his guitar picking the synergy carries you off and the strings on this album make it transcendental. A devastating romantic, he can express not just one emotion but an array of inner turmoil in a tangible three minutes. It’s not just skill, it’s masterful.

3. Bon Iver – 22, A Million

Even having guiltily read some of the pre-press reviews of the album and the Eaux Claires Festival live debut I was still unsure upon the first listen. Yet, I was compelled to try again. And again. The challenge quickly paid dividends in being a thoroughly engaging and dynamic record. Boundary busting and all the other terms that have surrounded this release, it is without a doubt a true piece of art. Justin, I’d be happy as hell to stay for tea.

4. Basia Bulat – Good Advice

Basia, your confidence is showing and it’s making you glow. That luxurious voice of yours is in top form and the full band backing that you’ve surrounded it with is making my dreams come true. For all the warm feelings I have for each previous album this is the point where all that potential comes together. It’s a breakthrough and I wish for it to break you through so you can continue to push yourself and deliver the goods for ages to come. Thank you for this Good Advice.

5. Pup – The Dream is Over

After screaming along to the self-titled at as many shows as I could get myself to I was entirely resigned to the sophomore not quite living up. And yet I was completely wrong and feel like a dummy for doubting Stefan and co. for even a moment. From the first time I heard DVP to the millionth time I threatened loved ones with “if this tour doesn’t kill you, I will” and those are just the first two tracks of this blast of a record. All the props these dudes are getting are fully deserved. No pressure on that third album, fellas.

6. Wintersleep – The Great Detachment

With the top tier group of musicians in this band it’s no surprise that their output is so consistently excellent. It’s not that they are doing things that are entirely new but more that they do them so goddamn well. Whether building tension, packing punches, or excising demons they are on top of the game. Circumstances have not yet allowed me to witness The Great Detachment live so for now I will put this album on again and close my eyes.

7. John K. Samson – Winter Wheat

Further building my case that John K. is the best lyricist in this country (even with some stiff competition right here on this list) he takes that and wraps a wonderful musical experience around it. His strongest solo effort to date, surely with thanks to a few of his former rock counterparts who play alongside him here. In this post-Weakerthans world it’s reassuring that John will continue to enthral us with each lyric, each line, transporting us around the country in a perfectly worded phrase. I’ll even forgive the grammar on Postdoc Blue’s “so your presentation went terrible” because you wrapped up Virtute, even if it wrenches my heart.

8. Aidan Knight – Each Other

Delivering the full length follow up to Small Reveal that I was fearful might not be coming. Aidan lays this work out with precision and detail that allows it to whisper right where it should and burst just as it needs to. It is a river ride that washes over and engulfs the listener until you find yourself back on the beach, wet yet warm, full and refreshed.

9. Okkervil River – Away

Moving at the pace that Okkervil wants to move. It’s lovely, from the sweeping music to the poetic lyrics, without even realising the fine points I am compelled to return to it over and over.

10. White Lung – White Lung

A roar from front to back, this album is short and strong. Led by the fierce female vocals and that wandering electric guitar it just surges along with the only complaint being how quickly it finishes so you just flip it on again from the start. A real fresh breath.

Long-List Considerations

Andy Shauf - The Party

Anonhi - Hopelessness

Aqua Alta - Dreamsphere

BadBadNotGood - IV
Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial

Case/Lang/Viers - Case/Lang/Viers

Drake - Views

Kanye West - Life of Pablo

Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack

Jazz Cartier - Hotel Paranoia

Memoryhouse - Soft Hate

Rae Spoon - Armour

Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool

River Tiber - Indigo
The Strumbellas - Hope

Tuns - Tuns

Aidan Knight - Hillside 2013 (Sat Aft)

Aidan Knight's Small Reveal is an absolute gem. I'd been talking this set up to anyone who would listen because I'm really jazzed about this artist, even if his onstage persona (or maybe it's just him?) is much more subdued than my enthusiasm. With a full Lake Tent (and threat of more rain) they began with their album opening doublet of songs which are an excellent one two punch when listened to but the crowd was a little distracted and talkative which set things back a little off the top. The material is really strong though and they persisted, slowly and surely making gains. It was a set without too much variation from those I've seen from this talented quintet in the recent past and people began to recognize. How can you not appreciate that violin anyhow? Coming into close, people finally stood up and began to get into it which was perfect timing because the final track was Knitting Something Nice for You and although it starts a little slower when it dynamically morphs partway through it really is a game changer and they brought it home strong.

Aidan Knight, Andy Shauf - Young Lions Exclusive Apt Show - CMW (Mar 23/13)

Andy Shauf

In a living room overlooking Lee's Palace people crowded around for the just announced members-only gig. Andy Shauf took to the 'stage' (perched on an amp near the end of the room) and played a string of songs on his acoustic guitar. His subdued voice worked for the low key set, though at moments we did have to strain to hear him over some Bloor Street traffic filtering through the ajar patio door. Slightly awkwardly he asked the audience if they had any questions a few time, I suppose in an effort to get to know him in the intimate setting. The lyrics were intimate and amusing the tale of the smoking hometown hero was particularly enjoyable. Perhaps six songs later they made way for the Friendly Friends who were set to bring the energy up a little.

Aidan Knight and the Friendly Friends

And friendly they were! The band's namesake was also seated, surrounded by his female vocalist/horn section, violin/bass/guitarist, drummer and the unseen keyboardist at the bottom of the stairs. The opening couple numbers from last years excellent Small Reveal serve as a nice opening and so they proceeded. The music came across very nicely in the intimate setting and people crammed into the room to attentively listen. It is really well written music that comes to life with these six musicians, even if they were forced to be seated/still due to the room's constraints. Even the cover tune worked in well. The blaring brass really complements the guitar work and insistent drumming to bring it all to life. That being said, the final song with just Aidan and his guitar singing Margaret Downe brought it alive too, albeit in another way altogether.

Aidan Knight, BadBadNotGood - Horseshoe CMW (Mar 24/13)

Badbadnotgood

The uber-talented rapscallions of Badbadnotgood played a mix of covers and originals, where the newer ones tended toward free jazz and were harder to dance to due to their unpredictable time signatures. The drummer, keyboardist and bass player were joined on more than a couple numbers by a sax player who was well-loved by the crowd. What isn't to enjoy from these promising (and grateful) youngsters bringing a fresh sound to the indie scene? By the end, following a friend of the band's invited stage dive things really took off. Yes, there was pandemonium in the pit at a jazz show. How badass is that Toronto?

Aidan Knight

Notable differences between the afternoon, apartment show and this were the volume and the energy Aidan could bring us from a standing position with the sound system turned up. The set remainder much the same though time constraints cut their cover (by audience vote) in favour of closing with Knitting Something Nice (Margaret Downe wouldn't have held up to a Saturday night Horseshoe CMW crowd anyhow). It was You Will See the Good in Everyone that most impressed this fan though. Now a little more banter while you change your tuning between every song and some playlist variation and I'll be able to say Aidan Knight is the new Dan Mangan.

Aidan Knight's big Toronto reveal of Small Reveal - Mod Club (Feb 1/13)

It was a surprisingly, and amazingly, attentive audience for Aidan Knight's early opening set at the Mod Club in Toronto on Friday night. Yes, he was acting in a supporting role for Hannah Georgas but [spoiler alert] he stole the show with his orchestral arrangements of hauntingly beautiful songs and revealing lyrics sung in earnest. The five-piece played the A-side of the most excellent, late-2012 release, Small Reveal, by opening with the quiet intro to Dream Team. Here the violin was accentuated and even the soft female backing vocals made their subtle inclusion known before the percussionist finally swapped in his guitar for sticks, and the violin for bass. As the set progressed I could see likenesses to fellow Vancouverite, Dan Mangan, though the hooks aren't quite as emphasized (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). While we're doing comparisons, the well-documented act of building from soft to crashing loud was performed just as well as anyone - akin to Patrick Watson but with a guitar instead of Patrick's primary piano. Mesmerizing from the beginning it only continued to engage through the faithful rendition of A Mirror. The female on keys also brought out brass to flesh out the sound and another lady joined in with her trombone on You Will See the Good in Everyone. 

Aidan has a likable confidence that won over the aforementioned well-behaved crowd and he joked that he didn't even need to curse at us to quiet down before playing Margaret Downe solo with just his guitar to a warm response. Promising to close with two songs from his back-catalogue the band returned for Versicolour's closer, Jasper, and a perhaps ill-advised singalong attempt. On the final song all hands were on deck as the trombonist was once again smiling as they crashed the set to a close. Too bad they couldn't have continued but as I mentioned to Aidan after the show - he needs to return to Toronto soon for a set of his own. Hell, if that CMW showcase at a place like the 'Shoe that we mused about were to happen we could probably get that singalong to work. Come back and we'll give it a shot.