2015 Music Summary

I enjoyed several artists this year especially enjoyed finding new ones such as Hop Along and Courtney Barnett. Overall this year was not as good as last in regard to great releases. None of my top 5 may make top 4 last year. That's not to insult anybody but last year I felt were more complete albums start to finish. Even on my #1 (coming soon) there were a few songs I wanted to be better. This years list also feels very fluid to me, if ranking today I would move Hop Along as high as 3-4.

Also I see patterns in what I like at any given time of course. My list is my list and I don't pretend to be an expert. I can't play a note or sing, I might be able to write some good lyrics but I just know what I like to hear and what I value. I do think I have a wide open mind to music from several genres. That comes from a diverse background growing up and being in touch with multiple parts of our society. I listen for the artists truth no matter what genre, love a good lyric but also someone who can challenge me and take me to a new place. I went to a SABR convention in Phoenix this year with my 2 best friends (going back to high school) and I loved listening to my friends IPOD. We share a lot of taste but he definitely listens to things I would not think to. I love that because that's when life surprises you and you find the unexpected beauty.   Also the context of the situation and how music enhances those moments is big. Being someone who works around autism a lot I've learned to appreciate context and a good song takes you back to a specific moment that nothing else can. When I listen to Ryan Adams "Kim" it puts me in a specific place and my reaction to Beat the Champ strikes a chord I wasn't even aware was still a part of me.

Here's past best album lists

2014
1. Beck - Morning Phase
2. War on Drugs - Lost in a Dream
3. Chrissie Hynde - Stockholm
4. Ryan Adams - Ryan Adams
5. Lost Horizon The New Basement Tapes

2013
1. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
2. Jason Isbell - Southeastern
 Biiig drop
3. The Mavericks - In Time
4. Bruce Springsteen - High Hopes

2012 - weak year
1. Frank Ocean Channel Orange
2. Langhorne Slim - The Way We Move
3. Gary Clark Jr- Black and Blu
4. Tie Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pools
    Jack White - Blunderbuss

2011 Incredible year so many good albums
1. Ryan Adams - Ashes and Fire
2. Lucinda Williams - Blessed
3. Radio Head - King of Limbs
4. Shelby Lynne - Revolution Road
5. Fountains of Wayne- Sky Full of Holes
6. Tie The Decemberists - The King is Dead
      Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys

2010
1. Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
2. Raul Maulo - Sinners and Saints
3. Broken Bells- Broken Bells
4. Drive By Truckers - The Big To Dio