RainyWoods
Croak-kay
Album of the Year
1. Mikal Cronin - MCIII
One of my most anticipated releases of the year and it certainly didn't disappoint. Mikal Cronin's sincerity and his warmth help to set him apart from all the other Garage Rockers. His music takes you up and it takes you down, and even when you're up there is always something holding onto you, almost trying to drag you back down. "MCIII" is a magnificent record from start to finish.
2. Kurt Vile - b'lieve i'm goin down...
Lead single and album opener "Pretty Pimpin" is a bit of a red herring in regards to what to expect from Kurt Vile's latest release. Besides a couple of earlier songs on the tracklist, this is for sure one of Kurt Vile's most laid back and intimate records to date. It almost could have been recorded on his couch, he's that close up to you. I love all of Kurt's records but this is for sure up there with the very best of them. He's the king of Slacker Rock.
This Canadian Psychedelic Pop Rocker has gotta be my favourite artist discovery of the year. The at times fuzzy "Living Daylight" sounds like a lost gem from years ago. There's clearly something in the water in Canada.
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4. Bill Fay - Who Is The Sender?
A spellbinding release from the cult Progressive Folk artist, who after over 40 years without releasing music, made a comeback in 2012. His latest album is a heart-rending, highly spiritual collection of songs. Fragile but at moments grand. A very special record.
5. The Unthanks - Mount The Air
This record see's my favourite Folk band take a quite different approach, the Northumbrian Chamber Folk lasses this time dipping their toes into Prog Rock territory. A glorious triumph.
7. Mac DeMarco - Another One
The Rihanna of Indie Rock. Mac's only been going since 2012 and already he's on album number five. "Another One" is one of two Mac releases from 2015. The Canadian goofball slacker this time taking things back to basics with a collection of unmistakably "Mac" songs he recorded at his New York home between tour dates.
8. Miss Chiff - Bloom Later, The Mischievous Memoirs
The lastest mini album release from one of Chicago's most hella on point lyricists, the one and only Miss Chiff. Her finest collection of songs to date. Sensitive, strong and sassy. Gotta love her. Her flow is incredible.
Get ready for a whacked out musical journey with this one. The trippy, warped, psychedelic pop Jackson Scott does is very much an acquired taste, as are his high, twisted child like vocals. In ways this second release even tops his incredible debut "Melbourne".
I'll admit, I haven't spent as much time with this John Grant album as the others here, but it was love on first listen when I picked this up recently, so i've gotta at least include it here. I found his previous electronic focused release difficult to warm to, but this new album is a meeting in the middle of that side of him and his gorgeous Chamber Pop songs which is the style of music he was doing when I first fell in love with him.
Note: I haven't listened to Rona Nishliu's debut album yet.... so.....
3. Michael Rault - Living Daylight
This Canadian Psychedelic Pop Rocker has gotta be my favourite artist discovery of the year. The at times fuzzy "Living Daylight" sounds like a lost gem from years ago. There's clearly something in the water in Canada.
4. Bill Fay - Who Is The Sender?
A spellbinding release from the cult Progressive Folk artist, who after over 40 years without releasing music, made a comeback in 2012. His latest album is a heart-rending, highly spiritual collection of songs. Fragile but at moments grand. A very special record.
5. The Unthanks - Mount The Air
This record see's my favourite Folk band take a quite different approach, the Northumbrian Chamber Folk lasses this time dipping their toes into Prog Rock territory. A glorious triumph.
6. Melody Gardot - Currency Of Man
Melody lost me a bit on her prior release to this one, in which she dabbled in Bossa Nova. She's got me right back for this one though. "Currency Of Man" is funky and has got bite, and for the second half of the record the melancholic Melody I fell in love with returns.
7. Mac DeMarco - Another One
The Rihanna of Indie Rock. Mac's only been going since 2012 and already he's on album number five. "Another One" is one of two Mac releases from 2015. The Canadian goofball slacker this time taking things back to basics with a collection of unmistakably "Mac" songs he recorded at his New York home between tour dates.
8. Miss Chiff - Bloom Later, The Mischievous Memoirs
The lastest mini album release from one of Chicago's most hella on point lyricists, the one and only Miss Chiff. Her finest collection of songs to date. Sensitive, strong and sassy. Gotta love her. Her flow is incredible.
9. Jackson Scott - Sunshine Redux
Get ready for a whacked out musical journey with this one. The trippy, warped, psychedelic pop Jackson Scott does is very much an acquired taste, as are his high, twisted child like vocals. In ways this second release even tops his incredible debut "Melbourne".
10. John Grant - Grey Tickles, Black Pressure
I'll admit, I haven't spent as much time with this John Grant album as the others here, but it was love on first listen when I picked this up recently, so i've gotta at least include it here. I found his previous electronic focused release difficult to warm to, but this new album is a meeting in the middle of that side of him and his gorgeous Chamber Pop songs which is the style of music he was doing when I first fell in love with him.
Note: I haven't listened to Rona Nishliu's debut album yet.... so.....
Song of the Year
1. Mikal Cronin - I've Been Loved
This song envelops me as I listen to it. Quite possibly one of the most forward and overwhelming pieces of emotional music i've ever listened to. Lyrically it kills me. "I've loved, I've been lost, I've been locked inside my mind. I can feel when it's real and it's been with me all this time. I've been lucky enough to find love of a different kind" he cries with his thin but incredibly sensitive voice on the songs powerful chorus. Then there's the little painful whistles at the end. The whole thing is just too much for me. This is gonna be one of my favourite songs for life I think. I'm haunted by this song.
2. Kurt Vile - Pretty Pimpin
This may be a little hard to understand but I was actually gobsmacked the first time I heard this Kurt Vile single. I've been listening to the man for years now and never has he had a song this up front vocally and infectious. Kurt's called this his "pop jam" and he's not half right. He almost spits out the words in the verses. The closest we'll probably ever get to Kurt Vile rapping.
3. Lauren Harries - All Dressed Up
Finally it was released! The song that Welsh icon and eccentric national treasure Lauren Harries penned during her memorable stay at the Celebrity Big Brother house landed in the year 2015, and it was everything I hoped for as well. The poignant piece tells the story of Lauren's relationship a few years back with Russell Brand, and how he used her, essentially not wanting to be seen out with Lauren. This Mark Ronson-esque jam is poignant, sassy, bittersweet and tragic. Lauren shines and it's clear who missed out in the end.
4. Mikal Cronin - vi) Circle
5. Mikal Cronin - v) Different
6. Ala.ni - Darkness At Noon
7. Melody Gardot - If Ever I recall Your Face
8. Donna Burke - Sins of the Father
9. The Unthanks - Died For Love
10. Bill Fay - Underneath The Sun
11. Michael Rault - Lovers Lie
12. Stefanie Joosten - Quiet's Theme
13. Kurt Vile - Stand Inside
14. Kelly Mantle - Keyboard Courage
15. Miss Chiff - 10.0
16. Mikal Cronin - Say
17. Kurt Vile - Dust Bunnies
18. Joanna Newsom - Sapokanikan
19. Kurt Vile - Lost My Head There
20. Melody Gardot - Once I Was Loved
21. Bill Fay - The Geese Are Flying Westward
22. The Unthanks - Hawthorn
23. Maria Christina - That's What It's All About
24. Mac DeMarco - No Other Heart
25. Kurt Vile - Life Like This
26. Miss Chiff - Toxic Relationships
27. Seth Bogart - Eating Makeup (Feat. Kathleen Hanna)
28. La Lenguas - 9 to 5
29. Michael Rault - Lost Something
30. Jackson Scott - Save The World
31. Daniel Romano - I'm Gonna Teach You
32. Clarence Clarity - Meadow Hopping, Traffic Stopping, Death Splash
33.Calypso - Diablo Grins
34. Miss Fame - Miss Fame (Feat. Alaska Thunderfuck)
35. KDA - Turn The Music Louder (Rumble) ft. Tinie Tempah, Katy B
36. Mac DeMarco - Young Coconut
37. Shannon and the Clams - Corvette
38. Sufjan Stevens - No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross
39. Soap&Skin - Mawal Jamar
40. Jimmy Whispers - Vacation
In truth, i've not been very good with listening to new releases this year, pretty much only checking out the latest stuff from artists I already loved. 2015 has seen me more searching out for old stuff. This is the year I fell in love with Ariel Pink. I did listen to him previously a small bit but I became besotted in 2015, and he's been by far my most played artist of the year. I discovered the wonderful world of Todd Rundgren, continued my fascination with The Velvet Underground and all associated artists (Nico, John Cale, Moe Tucker, Lou Reed), really got into rap music with Dessa, got weak at knees (again) for Kurt Vile and just generally went nuts for Mikal Cronin. Oh and Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock/Pop and Lo-fi music was very much "in" for me this year
ShoeFlo
Well-known member
It's "Grey Tickles, Black Pressure" not "Great Tickles" 
Nikoreindeer1973
Banned
RainyWoods
Croak-kay
[MENTION=9441]RainyWoods[/MENTION] seeing Miss Fame, Alaska and Kelly in that chart makes me happy
Yeah, those two Queens have released some fantastic music
Miss Fame's music is just quality pop, and i'm so surprised and in love with Kelly Mantle's "Keyboard Courage". It may just be my favourite drag song ever. Such infectious synth pop and the lyrics are killer. The bit at the end where she reads out her hate messages from trolls
So fierce. The funny thing is I think I actually recall reading some of those disgusting messages left on her previous videos. She really has just slayed all the trolls with this jam. I adore Kelly Mantle!!!
MY TOP 50
1. Delta Goodrem - Wings
2. Tamar Braxton - King
3. G.R.L. - Lighthouse
4. Samantha Jade ft. Pitbull - Shake That
5. Demi Lovato - Cool for the Summer
6. Awa - Obvious
7. Molly Pettersson Hammar - I'll Be Fine
8. Jess Glynne - Don't Be So Hard On Yourself
9. Tamar Braxton - Angels & Demons
10. Jessica Mauboy - This Ain't Love
11. Zara Larsson - Lush Life
12. Susanne Sundfør - Delirious
13. Pia Mia ft. Tyga & Chris Brown - Do It Again
14. Fifth Harmony ft. Kid Ink - Worth It
15. Fleur East - Sax
16. FEMME - S.O.S.
17. Leonor Andrade - Já Conheci
18. Hailee Steinfeld - Love Myself
19. Caitlyn Shadbolt - Maps Out The Window
20. Vitaa - Vivre
21. KDA ft. Tinie Tempah & Katy B - Turn the Music Louder (Rumble)
22. Evelina Olsén - Dö för mig
23. TigerLily ft. Nat Dunn - Feel the Love
24. Ellinoora - Ei hävittävää (AEIOUAO)
25. Leonor Andrade - Há um mar que nos separa
26. Jordin Sparks - Right Here Right Now
27. Molly Pettersson Hammar - Something Right
28. Dinah Nah - Make Me (La La La)
29. Anja Nissen - Triumph
30.Gareth Emery ft. Alastor & London Thor - Hands
31. Rita Ora - Poison
32. Ciara - Dance Like We're Making Love
33. Megan - Sous ma peau
34. Sinead Harnett - Do It Anyway
35. Morgan James - Call My Name
36. Demi Lovato - Confident
37. Hillary Duff - Sparks
38. Edurne - Amanecer
39. Molly Sandén - Phoenix
40. MNEK & Zara Larsson - Never Forget You
41. Rachel Platten - Fight Song
42. Caroline Wennergren - Black Swan
43. Eves the Behavior - Electrical
44. María Isabel - La vida sólo es una
45. Alesha Dixon - Tallest Girl
46. Ester Dean - Crazy Youngsters
47. Alice Caymmi - Como Vês
48. Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You
49. Kelly Clarkson - Heartbeat Song
50. Alesha Dixon - The Way We Are
Honorable mentions:
Karin Park - Human Beings
Jess Glynne - Hold my Hand
Zayra - Jamais trop tard
Been a pretty good year musically for me, I discovered Tamar Braxton's music, I found chart music that I could engage with, and I met my idol and number one. One of the biggest musical influences for me this year was joining WorldVision - I don't know why I held back from joining for so long but participating eventually was an awesome decision... there's a few WV songs in my list so thank you to [MENTION=4490]Simon87[/MENTION], [MENTION=5001]FabiESC[/MENTION], [MENTION=15013]Ringdalen[/MENTION], [MENTION=13314]DaFlo[/MENTION], [MENTION=12894]ClassifiedCat[/MENTION], [MENTION=14124]Carrie[/MENTION] and [MENTION=13948]fer20[/MENTION] for those
ALBUMS:
1. Tamar Braxton - Calling All Lovers
I'm so so happy that I discovered Tamar this year, this album and her prior one 'Love & War' have been on repeat in my flat. She just oozes sass and fire, but at the same time she can really SANG. The song 'King' is becoming an absolute favourite of mine. HIGHLIGHTS: King, Angels & Demons, Freefallin'
2. Jess Glynne - I Cry When I Laugh
I've loved Jess since I first heard her vocals on Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be', and I was so excited for her solo material this year. I wasn't disappointed - this album is just pure pop brilliance, with her own disco-ish vibe which I love! HIGHLIGHTS: Don't Be So Hard On Yourself, Hold My Hand, Take Me Home
3. Samantha Jade - Nine
Finally! I've been waiting for Samantha to release an album ever since she won X Factor AU in 2012! This album is awesome too, it's just a perfect blend of different types of pop. I love 'Shake That' HIGHLIGHTS: Shake That, Castle, Show Me Love
1.
Delta Goodrem - Wings2.
Tamar Braxton - King3.
G.R.L. - Lighthouse4.
Samantha Jade ft. Pitbull - Shake That5.
Demi Lovato - Cool for the Summer6.
Awa - Obvious7.
Molly Pettersson Hammar - I'll Be Fine8.
Jess Glynne - Don't Be So Hard On Yourself9.
Tamar Braxton - Angels & Demons10.
Jessica Mauboy - This Ain't Love11.
Zara Larsson - Lush Life12.
Susanne Sundfør - Delirious13.
Pia Mia ft. Tyga & Chris Brown - Do It Again14.
Fifth Harmony ft. Kid Ink - Worth It15.
Fleur East - Sax16.
FEMME - S.O.S.17.
Leonor Andrade - Já Conheci18.
Hailee Steinfeld - Love Myself19.
Caitlyn Shadbolt - Maps Out The Window20.
Vitaa - Vivre21.
KDA ft. Tinie Tempah & Katy B - Turn the Music Louder (Rumble)22.
Evelina Olsén - Dö för mig23.
TigerLily ft. Nat Dunn - Feel the Love24.
Ellinoora - Ei hävittävää (AEIOUAO)25.
Leonor Andrade - Há um mar que nos separa26.
Jordin Sparks - Right Here Right Now27.
Molly Pettersson Hammar - Something Right28.
Dinah Nah - Make Me (La La La)29.
Anja Nissen - Triumph30.
Gareth Emery ft. Alastor & London Thor - Hands31.
Rita Ora - Poison32.
Ciara - Dance Like We're Making Love33.
Megan - Sous ma peau34.
Sinead Harnett - Do It Anyway35.
Morgan James - Call My Name36.
Demi Lovato - Confident37.
Hillary Duff - Sparks38.
Edurne - Amanecer39.
Molly Sandén - Phoenix40.
MNEK & Zara Larsson - Never Forget You41.
Rachel Platten - Fight Song42.
Caroline Wennergren - Black Swan43.
Eves the Behavior - Electrical44.
María Isabel - La vida sólo es una45.
Alesha Dixon - Tallest Girl46.
Ester Dean - Crazy Youngsters47.
Alice Caymmi - Como Vês48.
Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You49.
Kelly Clarkson - Heartbeat Song50.
Alesha Dixon - The Way We AreHonorable mentions:
Karin Park - Human Beings Jess Glynne - Hold my Hand Zayra - Jamais trop tardBeen a pretty good year musically for me, I discovered Tamar Braxton's music, I found chart music that I could engage with, and I met my idol and number one. One of the biggest musical influences for me this year was joining WorldVision - I don't know why I held back from joining for so long but participating eventually was an awesome decision... there's a few WV songs in my list so thank you to [MENTION=4490]Simon87[/MENTION], [MENTION=5001]FabiESC[/MENTION], [MENTION=15013]Ringdalen[/MENTION], [MENTION=13314]DaFlo[/MENTION], [MENTION=12894]ClassifiedCat[/MENTION], [MENTION=14124]Carrie[/MENTION] and [MENTION=13948]fer20[/MENTION] for those
ALBUMS:
1. Tamar Braxton - Calling All Lovers
I'm so so happy that I discovered Tamar this year, this album and her prior one 'Love & War' have been on repeat in my flat. She just oozes sass and fire, but at the same time she can really SANG. The song 'King' is becoming an absolute favourite of mine. HIGHLIGHTS: King, Angels & Demons, Freefallin'
2. Jess Glynne - I Cry When I Laugh
I've loved Jess since I first heard her vocals on Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be', and I was so excited for her solo material this year. I wasn't disappointed - this album is just pure pop brilliance, with her own disco-ish vibe which I love! HIGHLIGHTS: Don't Be So Hard On Yourself, Hold My Hand, Take Me Home
3. Samantha Jade - Nine
Finally! I've been waiting for Samantha to release an album ever since she won X Factor AU in 2012! This album is awesome too, it's just a perfect blend of different types of pop. I love 'Shake That'
HIGHLIGHTS: Shake That, Castle, Show Me Love
Carrie
Active member
- Joined
- December 29, 2014
- Posts
- 3,548
Top 50: 2015
01
Lights - Same Sea02
Alyssa Reid feat. The Heist - Dangerous03
Manila Luzon - Slay Bells04
Jolin Tsai feat. Namie Amuro - I'm Not Yours05
Hilary Duff - Sparks06
Serena Ryder - Together We Are One07
Cash Cash feat. B.O.B, Busta Rhymes & Neon Hitch - Devil08
Courtney Act - Ugly09
Alyssa Reid - Tomorrow10
Marina and the Diamonds - I'm A Ruin11
Courtney Act - From Head To Mistletoe12
Daisy Victoria - Pain of Dancers13
Girls' Generation - Party14
Princess ai & A-Lin - Wo Bu Li Kai15
Hilary Duff - Lies16
Darienne Lake, Ivy Winters & Pandora Boxx - Christmas Is Coming17
Rachel Platten - Fight Song18
Courtney Act - Inhale19
Rachel Platten - Stand By You20
Fleur East — Sax21
Alyssa Reid - We Are Stars22
Seka Aleksic - Crveni Ruz23
Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away With Me24
Madonna - Ghosttown25
Virginia To Vegas - Last Of The Fighters26
Luke Black - Thorns27
Courtney Act - Boys Like Me28
Luke Black - D-Generation29
Alyssa Reid - Tomorrow (Acoustic)30
Lana Del Rey - Young And Beautiful31
Rae Morris - Under The Shadows 32
Lana Del Rey - High By The Beach33
Hilary Duff - My Kind34
Jinkx Monsoon - Red & Green35
Alyssa Reid - Beautiful36
Alyssa Reid - Phoenix37
Janet Jackson - No Sleeep38
Neon Hitch - Sparks39
Luke Black - Holding On To Love40
Taeyeon feat. Verbal Jint - I41
RuPaul - Christmas Cookies42
RuPaul feat. Siedah Garrett - Brand New Year43
Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You44
Ivy Levan - 27 Club45
The AAA Girls - Christmas Sweater46
Ivy Levan - Biscuit47
Meghan Trainor - Dear Future Husband48
Hilary Duff - Breathe In. Breathe Out.49
Faouzia - Knock On My Door50
Phi Phi O'hara - Naughty or NiceAlbum Of The Year
01. ALYSSA REID - Phoenix
It's no surprise Alyssa's third studio album has won the album of the year from me. She wanted to focus on the meaning of the lyrics and the vocals this time; and if I say so myself, she did so amazingly.
Song Of The Year
01. LIGHTS - Same Sea
Lights has been one of my favourite artists for so long now: her song 'Same Sea' is a great representation of her entire electro-pop discography. There is also an interesting lyrical content with it too: I love it.
01. ALYSSA REID - Phoenix
It's no surprise Alyssa's third studio album has won the album of the year from me. She wanted to focus on the meaning of the lyrics and the vocals this time; and if I say so myself, she did so amazingly.
Song Of The Year
01. LIGHTS - Same Sea
Lights has been one of my favourite artists for so long now: her song 'Same Sea' is a great representation of her entire electro-pop discography. There is also an interesting lyrical content with it too: I love it.
doctormalisimo
Well-known member
Very rough list - impossible to sort and I'm sure I've left somethings out
Al Bairre - Bungalow
Ampersand - With You
AudioDamn! - Lights Out
Balthazar - Bunker
Banners - Shine A Light
Beans On Toast - New Orleans Honeymoon
The BearFox - Song of Lonely Hopes
Bohemian - Strong
Coasts - Modern Love
Cold War Kids - First
Dollys - I Know
Dollys - Imitator
Draco and the Zodiac - Twenty Six
Du Blonde feat. Samuel T. Herring - Mind Is On My Mind
EDEN - Wake Up
Findlay - Wolfback
Gengahr - Heroine
Haiku Salut - Bleak and Beatiful
Hollow Coves - The Woods
Jack Garratt - The Love Youre Given
Jamie xx feat. Romy - Loud Places
Matt Woods - Leaning Towers
Mercury Rev - The Queen of Swans
MR TC - Hebrew House
The New Raemon - Reina del Amazonas
Night Riots - Contagious
odezenne - Bouche à lèvres
Parov Stelar feat. Timothy Auld - Hooked On You
Postiljonen - Go!
Public Service Broadcasting - Gagarin
Public Service Broadcasting - Go!
San Fermin - Jackrabbit
Sleeping Woods - Demons At The Door
Tribe Society - Kings
Vance Joy - Fire and the Flood
VOLA - Gutter Moon
Waylayers - Sleepwalking
Woolf and the Wondershow - Cloaked
Zibra - Chlorine
Album of the year:
Al Bairre - Bungalow Ampersand - With You AudioDamn! - Lights Out Balthazar - Bunker Banners - Shine A Light Beans On Toast - New Orleans Honeymoon The BearFox - Song of Lonely Hopes Bohemian - Strong Coasts - Modern Love Cold War Kids - First Dollys - I Know Dollys - Imitator Draco and the Zodiac - Twenty Six Du Blonde feat. Samuel T. Herring - Mind Is On My Mind EDEN - Wake Up Findlay - Wolfback Gengahr - Heroine Haiku Salut - Bleak and Beatiful Hollow Coves - The Woods Jack Garratt - The Love Youre Given Jamie xx feat. Romy - Loud Places Matt Woods - Leaning Towers Mercury Rev - The Queen of Swans MR TC - Hebrew House The New Raemon - Reina del Amazonas Night Riots - Contagious odezenne - Bouche à lèvres Parov Stelar feat. Timothy Auld - Hooked On You Postiljonen - Go! Public Service Broadcasting - Gagarin Public Service Broadcasting - Go! San Fermin - Jackrabbit Sleeping Woods - Demons At The Door Tribe Society - Kings Vance Joy - Fire and the Flood VOLA - Gutter Moon Waylayers - Sleepwalking Woolf and the Wondershow - Cloaked Zibra - ChlorineAlbum of the year:
MyHeartIsYours
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 22, 2010
- Posts
- 24,546
For me 2015 has been an AWFUL year for music, I honestly can't think of a single song I've loved The closest I've come to loving a song this year is One Direction "Drag Me Down". In 2015 my music has been living in a time warp set back a few years ago when there was actually good music
The closest I've come to loving a song this year is One Direction "Drag Me Down". In 2015 my music has been living in a time warp set back a few years ago when there was actually good music 
A-lister
Veteran
- Joined
- December 28, 2009
- Posts
- 32,843
Not sure what I think about 2015 as a music year, but atleast here are the albums that caught my attention:
^Atleast the ones on the first row (from left to right) are pretty brilliant, Lana Del Rey especially being in a league of her own releasing her strongest output yet.
2016 is looking pretty exciting though with upcoming releases by Sky Ferreira and Rihanna in particular.
^Atleast the ones on the first row (from left to right) are pretty brilliant, Lana Del Rey especially being in a league of her own releasing her strongest output yet.
2016 is looking pretty exciting though with upcoming releases by Sky Ferreira and Rihanna in particular.