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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Sacul on July 04, 2016, 08:43:35 PM

Title: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Sacul on July 04, 2016, 08:43:35 PM
So now the first half of the year has finished, how about we list our favourite releases so far? Here are mine:


(https://i66.tinypic.com/2dkyc2g.png)
Bigger (https://i66.tinypic.com/2dkyc2g.png)


I personally think it's been a very strong year so far, and although most of the albums I hyped have already been released, I hope good stuff from new Massive Attack, and at least something decent from Blackfield and Alter Bridge.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Crow on July 04, 2016, 09:31:48 PM
i'm going to about double my 2016 releases collection when i place an importcds order but so far i guess it'd have to be oceans of slumber - winter and schammasch - triangle

that's only 2 tho. the slice the cake release has potential to be up there too though for sure
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Mosh on July 04, 2016, 09:36:02 PM
David Bowie - Blackstar
Anderson Paak - Malibu
Kendrick Lamar - Untitled Unmastered
Submotion Orchestra - Colour Theory
Headspace - All You Fear Is Gone
Sia - This Is Acting
Quilt - Plaza

I haven't figured out how to rate Affinity yet. I really enjoy it but it hasn't wowed me the way Haken's other albums did. Ulver is really strong but has a significant dip in the middle.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Anguyen92 on July 04, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
At this point, here's what I have.  Heard 17 albums, so far.  Hoping to hear like 40 at the end of the year.

1. Black Stone Cherry - Kentucky
2. Tremonti - Dust
3. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
4. Sick Puppies - Fury
5. Volbeat - Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: The King in Crimson on July 04, 2016, 10:00:42 PM
So far? Uhh...

1. Vektor - Terminal Redux
2. Voivod - Post Society

I could see Haken and Bowie probably making it on the list, but they still need more listens. Everything else has failed to sufficiently wow me to make it onto a favorites list.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Evermind on July 05, 2016, 03:05:03 AM
1. Fates Warning - Theories of Flight

Not gonna bother with the rest of the list yet, I'll rather do it at the end of the year. Besides, I still haven't checked new Haken, Redemption and iamthemorning.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Zydar on July 05, 2016, 03:14:25 AM
Top 5 so far:

Haken - Affinity
Fates Warning - Theories Of Flight
Big Big Train - Folklore
Frost - Falling Satellites
Megadeth - Dystopia


Edit: I forgot Megadeth, replaced Circus Maximus on my original list.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: RoeDent on July 05, 2016, 03:26:39 AM
1. Frost* - Falling Satellites
2. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
3. Haken - Affinity
4. Steven Wilson - 4½
5. Airbag - Disconnected
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 05, 2016, 03:28:00 AM
Many more to come and many more to check out but those are great:

Anthrax - For All Kings
Avantasia - Ghostlights
Fates Warning - Theories Of Flight
Dream Theater - The Astonishing
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Bolsters on July 05, 2016, 03:45:58 AM
I have far too many 2016 releases that I've only listened to once or twice thus far, I don't want to make any lists like this until I'm more familiar with everything.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: home on July 05, 2016, 03:49:35 AM
So far:

1: Haken - Affinity (by faaar my favourite Haken album)
2: Bent Knee - Say So
3: Radiohead - A moon shaped Pool


Still got to check out Program Music II though
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Train of Naught on July 05, 2016, 03:53:55 AM
1. Deftones - Gore
2. Slice The Cake - Odyssey To The West
3. Lemâitre - 1749
4. Katatonia - The Fall Of Hearts
5. Cult Of Luna - Mariner
6. Mandroid Echostar - Coral Throne
7. Novembre - URSA
8. Ihsahn - Arktis
9. Gramatik - Epigram
10. Avatar - Feathers & Flesh

Bonus: Protest The Hero - Pacific Myth (would be somewhere around #5 but it's partially a 2015 release and partially 2016 so idk if it would count)

Is there a website to do those album collages, Sacul? You've had those for your top 50 albums lists aswell I think and it's pretty cool

Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Mladen on July 05, 2016, 03:54:37 AM
Top 5 so far:

1. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
2. David Bowie - Blackstar
3. Blaze Bayley - Infinite entanglement
4. Radiohead - A Moon shaped pool
5. Weezer - The White album
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: TAC on July 05, 2016, 06:10:34 AM
3. Blaze Bayley - Infinite entanglement

Hmm.. Haven't heard this yet. Will check it out today.



So far for me:

1. Dream Theater-The Astonishing
2. Anthrax-For All Kings
3. Flotsam & Jetsam-s/t
4. Metal Church-XI
5. Fates Warning-Theories Of Flight
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Mladen on July 05, 2016, 06:13:37 AM
3. Blaze Bayley - Infinite entanglement

Hmm.. Haven't heard this yet. Will check it out today.
Do yourself a favor. It's extremely consistent, no filler.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: TAC on July 05, 2016, 06:17:59 AM
Got it already up on Spotify and will listen this morning!
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Elite on July 05, 2016, 06:54:35 AM
Only gonna list those that have amazed me one way or another:

1. Ihsahn - Arktis.
2. Obsidian Kingdom - A Year With No Summer
3. Gojira - Magma
4. Kayo Dot - Plastic House at Base of Sky
5. Swans - The Glowing Man
6. Textures - Phenotype

At the end of the year this list might look differently.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SubV on July 05, 2016, 07:09:39 AM
Fates Warning - Theories Of Flight

Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: dtvoices94 on July 05, 2016, 07:48:47 AM
1. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
2. Tedeschi Trucks Band - Let Me Get By
3. The Allman Brothers Band - Live from A&R Studios (1971 Radio Concert)
4. Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
5. Death Angel - The Evil Divide
6. Anthrax - For All Kings
7. Redemption - The Art of Loss
8. Megadeth - Dystopia
9. Santana - IV
10. Various - George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Hanz Gruber on July 05, 2016, 07:52:09 AM
#1 Megadeth - Dystopia
#2 Dream Theater - The Astonishing (It grew on me even though it is one of my least favorites of theirs)
#3 Fates Warning - Theory of Flight (Not as crazy about it as some but really solid - Will probably grow on me more...only listened once so far)

Bought some other decent album's like Last in Line and Zakk Wylde Book of Shadows 2 but they didn't blow me away

Looking forward to Anderson/Stolt (July 8th) and Testament- Brotherhood of the Snake (later this year)
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on July 05, 2016, 07:55:28 AM
No particular order

The Avalanches - Wildflower
Swans - The Glowing Man
Autechre - elseq 1-5
David Bowie - Blackstar
Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
Deakin - Sleep Cycle
Death Grips - Bottomless Pit
Kendrick Lamar - Untitled Unmastered
James Blake - The Colour In Anything
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Nekov on July 05, 2016, 08:15:30 AM
Just doing a top 3 so far

Haken - Affinity
Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack
Wintersleep - The Great Detachment


There are still some releases I'm eagerly awaiting for and that I'm expecting will change this top 3.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Nick on July 05, 2016, 08:19:41 AM
My top 3 is booked solid, after that I'm not sure yet.

Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
Haken - Affinity
Big Big Train - Folklore
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Sacul on July 05, 2016, 10:45:32 AM
Is there a website to do those album collages, Sacul? You've had those for your top 50 albums lists aswell I think and it's pretty cool
I used to use topsters.net but seems that site is dead by now so I use neverendingchartrendering.org with the collage option. A bit ugly on its interface, but works pretty well.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: bosk1 on July 05, 2016, 10:55:49 AM
Too early to rank them, but I would likely put Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and Redemption in the top 3.  To that, I would also add Megadeth, Lacuna Coil, and Flotsam & Jetsam.  REALLY strong offerings from all six bands.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Train of Naught on July 05, 2016, 11:24:20 AM
Is there a website to do those album collages, Sacul? You've had those for your top 50 albums lists aswell I think and it's pretty cool
I used to use topsters.net but seems that site is dead by now so I use neverendingchartrendering.org with the collage option. A bit ugly on its interface, but works pretty well.
Yeah I knew I used topsters.net before one time but it fails to load right now so I guess I'll use that second-hand topsters (hell, when you download your collage from that website the file is even called topsters2.png :lol)

Turned my top 10 into a top 12 now, divided into 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12 tiers:

(https://i.imgur.com/qoy4e87.png)
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Zantera on July 05, 2016, 12:34:55 PM
I was gonna do a collage, Sacul-style, but kinda tired and free time is sparse this week due to work, so here goes a top10: (will probably post a bigger list later this week)

1. Swans - The Glowing Man
2. Kayo Dot - Plastic House on Base of Sky
3. Damien Jurado - Visions of us on the Land
4. Vektor - Terminal Redux
5. Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
6. Katatonia - The Fall of Hearts
7. James Blake - The Colour in Anything
8. Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas - Mariner
9. Knifeworld - Bottled out of Eden
10. The Hotelier - Goodness
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on July 05, 2016, 12:45:24 PM
7. James Blake - The Colour in Anything
Don't know how I forgot to mention this.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Mister Gold on July 05, 2016, 12:56:14 PM
Fates Warning's Theories of Flight is an immediate standout in my book.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: kirksnosehair on July 05, 2016, 01:07:38 PM
Came back to update my list.  :hat


01 - Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
02 - Redemption - The Art of Loss
03 - Sunburst - Fragments of Creation
04 - Megadeth - Dystopia
05 - Avantasia - Ghostlights
06 - Metal Church - XI
07 - Haken - Affinity
08 - Dream Theater - The Astonishing
09 - Thunderstone - Apocalypse Again
10 - Mindmaze - Mask of Lies
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: The Letter M on July 05, 2016, 02:18:23 PM
Big Big Train - Folklore (and honorable mention, Stone & Steel, both the live BD and the hi-res audio rip)
Haken - Affinity
Frost* - Falling Satellites
Anderson/Stolt - Invention Of Knowledge

I'd put DT's latest album on here, but I haven't really spun it since, perhaps, March or April. I'd also put Tiles' Pretending 2 Run, but like DT, I haven't spun it in awhile. Maybe I burned myself out on 2-disc concept albums? Then again, I mixed in Steven Wilson's 4 1/2 with HCE (at least the four tracks from those sessions) and made a 2-disc version of HCE that I've spun quite a few times in the last few months...

Honorable mentions: The Fringe's self-titled debut (needs more spins), Eric Gillette's The Great Unknown, and The Jelly Jam's Profit. All good albums, but I haven't listened to them as much as the four up top. Those have all really grabbed me this year.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 05, 2016, 05:03:18 PM
Favourites so far in no particular order:

Mandroid Echostar - Coral Throne (Hits a sweet spot between Coheed and Cambria/Avenged Sevenfold)

Megadeth - Dystopia (such a return to form  :metal)

Dream Theater - The Astonishing (not all that but it's got some great parts, just a bit long)

Haken - Affinity (Climbing up my ranking of Haken albums, they're all so bloody good though!!)

The King Blues - Off With Their Heads (another great return to form, been too long since I've seen these guys live)

Vektor - Terminal Redux (yeah, pretty good. Gets better with each listen)

Oceans of Slumber - Winter (cracking album, those vocals  :heart)

Odd Logic - Penny for Your Thoughts (newest addition, this album is a free download on their bandcamp page. Well worth it, really enjoying this a lot)

Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: 425 on July 05, 2016, 05:28:10 PM
the slice the cake release has potential to be up there too though for sure

2. Slice The Cake - Odyssey To The West

So do I need to hear this cake album or what?



Oh and for me Haken is the only really noteworthy album to mention yet... too early to say on The Astonishing and I only have a couple other 2016 albums so far.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Train of Naught on July 06, 2016, 01:13:01 AM
Sure you do! I'd recommend following along with the story. The vocal delivery is like no other album I've ever heard, switching between poetic narrating and.. well.. deathcore vocals, I know I didn't like those at first, but they work very well and did grow on me very quickly.

Anyway the lyrics of the first song start on page 11 of the pdf file on their website (https://slicethecake.net/). Chapter 1 of Act 1 of Odyssey To The West (the first ten pages are of Odyssey To The Gallows, the story preceeding this one, released on the same day, but OTTW is far superior IMO)
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: The Curious Orange on July 06, 2016, 05:29:04 AM
Big Big Train is probably my best album of the year so far, Tedeschi Trucks Band at number 2, Black Stone Cherry third.

I find it quite amazing that there's been a new Dream Theater album out this year and it doesn't even register on my mid-year list. I bored of it very quickly.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SoundscapeMN on July 06, 2016, 05:56:09 AM
2/3 the way through for me, so my list is a bit different, but here's my midseason list from early May
https://allmediareviews.blogspot.com/2016/05/2015-2016-midseason.html

Cloud Cult - The Seeker is still the best record I've heard thus far.

but since that update, stuff like

Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
The Monkees - Good Times!

are also in the mix.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: ariich on July 06, 2016, 06:05:29 AM
There's been some awesome releases so far this year. My favourites (all 8/10 or more) look something like this:

1. Haken - Affinity
2. Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere
3. Dissona - Paleopneumatic
4. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
5. Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
6. Big Big Train - Folklore
7. Long Distance Calling - Trips
8. Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack
9. Snarky Puppy - Culcha Vulcha
10. Olaf Stuut - Run
11. Headspace - All That You Fear Is Gone
12. Hiromi - Spark
13. Pellek - A Marvelous Method of Reclusion
14. Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
15. Myrath - Legacy
16. Weezer - Weezer
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: KevShmev on July 06, 2016, 06:36:25 AM
I don't listen to nearly as much new stuff as I used to. Just four albums so far this year on any kind of regular basis.

The best two easily:

Dream Theater - The Astonishing
David Bowie - Blackstar

Both are 4 or 4 1/2 star albums, IMO.

Other two are:

Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool (very good, but hasn't wowed me or gotten me addicted yet)
Haken - Affinity (least best of the four, but still quite good overall, with some great songs on there)
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 06, 2016, 08:00:50 AM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Elite on July 06, 2016, 08:28:28 AM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Not for Devin, but probably for TDH.

Also, lots of good suggestions here in this thread for stuff to check out.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: kipkjustm on July 06, 2016, 08:40:34 AM
1. Megadeth- Dystopia
2. Dream Theater- The Astonishing
3. Anthrax- For All Kings
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 06, 2016, 11:54:33 AM
I obviously forgot to mention Megadeth, that's a great one also.

Not sure about the upcoming Devin Townsend. It's a long time since he really grabbed me, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: pogoowner on July 06, 2016, 12:03:08 PM
1. Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
2. Sturgill Simpson - A Sailor's Guide to Earth
3. Tremonti - Dust
4. The Avett Brothers - True Sadness
5. David Bowie - Black Star
6. Larkin Poe - Reskinned
7. SHEL - Just Crazy Enough
8. Haken - Affinity
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Evermind on July 06, 2016, 12:37:53 PM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: TAC on July 06, 2016, 12:40:23 PM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.

Not everyone's. Those are 4 albums that I'll never hear a note from.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 06, 2016, 12:41:10 PM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.

Oh shit, forgot about Opeth. I'm hoping they deliver, I really do.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Evermind on July 06, 2016, 12:43:33 PM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.

Oh shit, forgot about Opeth. I'm hoping they deliver, I really do.

Pale Communion was excellent as far as I'm concerned. If they top that one, they will end up quite high in my list.

Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.

Not everyone's. Those are 4 albums that I'll never hear a note from.

I actually missed the word "everyone" in the original post, I meant my list will probably change with new Opeth and Evergrey albums released. :lol Besides, you didn't end up liking Evergrey after that live tune I sent you in your roulette? That's a shame.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 06, 2016, 12:43:52 PM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.

Not everyone's. Those are 4 albums that I'll never hear a note from.

Are you seriously saying that you will 100% never listen to these bands? I'm assuming you've already tried and didn't dig them? Even so, I don't think I'd ever limit myself and say I'll never listen to any band/artist/album.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Tomislav95 on July 06, 2016, 12:45:52 PM
1. Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
2. Haken - Affinity
3. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
4. Redemption - The Art of Loss
5. Gojira - Magma
6. Anthrax - For All Kings

There are few more albums I didn't listen to enough time to decide how much I like them.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 06, 2016, 12:47:13 PM
Everyone's lists are going to need updating as soon as Devin Townsend and The Dear Hunter release their albums this year.

Same goes for Opeth and Evergrey for me. I highly doubt Devin and TDH will even crack the Top 10. I reserve judgment on The Dear Hunter though... I only heard a few songs from them and planning to get into them with the Act V release.

Oh shit, forgot about Opeth. I'm hoping they deliver, I really do.

Pale Communion was excellent as far as I'm concerned. If they top that one, they will end up quite high in my list.


Oh yeah, I didn't mean I disliked PC. I liked it a lot more than Heritage and thought it was a great album. I just meant in general, I hope they deliver a great album.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Zydar on July 06, 2016, 12:58:15 PM
The only upcoming albums left this year I am waiting for is Opeth and Pain Of Salvation.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Evermind on July 06, 2016, 01:02:38 PM
I don't have a lot of hope for Pain of Salvation, maybe they'll surprise me.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: The Letter M on July 06, 2016, 01:48:03 PM
The only upcoming albums left this year I am waiting for is Opeth and Pain Of Salvation.

Since we're citing upcoming albums we're looking forward to, I have to bring up the trifecta of Neal Morse Band, Marillion, and Kansas, all due out in September. I'm not sure how I am going to juggle spinning these three albums, especially since the new NMB album will be a double-disc concept, so that'll take awhile to really get into, and Marillion's albums tend to be pretty dense and take quite a few listens to get into as well. Either way, the fall will be a fun time for new music for me personally.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: home on July 06, 2016, 02:54:57 PM
I am really, really looking forward to Karnivool's new album too, there is no release date yet but I think theirs a big chance it's released later this year. Also since Sigur Ros have recently released a new single and are playing new songs live I guess they might release a new album this year too.  Óveður sounds really promising  :angel:
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: wolfking on July 06, 2016, 04:55:55 PM
The new Fates Warning is climbing the ranks of album of the year at the moment.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SoundscapeMN on July 07, 2016, 10:15:46 PM
Anticipation the rest of the year?

July:
8: Biffy Clyro - Ellipsis
22: Dream the Electric Sleep - Beneath the Dark Wide Sky

September:
2: Nosound - Scintilla
9: Local Natives - Sunlit Youth
9: Oddland - Origin
9: The Dear Hunter - Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional
23: Emanuel & the Fear - Primitive Smile
23: Kansas - The Prelude Implicit
23: Marillion - F*** Everyone And Run

October:
7: Archive - The False Foundation

TBA:

Klimt 1918 – Die Sentimentale Jugend
Opeth - Sorceress
Pain of Salvation - In the Passing Light of Day
The Woods Brothers - The Woods Brothers

22
Anakdota
The Reign of Kindo
Pepe Deluxe
Fjokra
Tiny Giant
Journal
The Family Crest
Moonloop
The Faceless
Bullet Height
Neverending White Lights
Ours
Subterranean Masquerade
Small Leaks Sink Ships
Spencer Ludwig
Major Parkinson
Sculptured
Diablo Swing Orchestra
Blackfield
Karnivool
Brice Plays Drums
Painted in Exile
Opus Dai
Genders
Ramona Falls
East of the Wall
House of Fools
Spawn of Possession
Disillusion
The Dissociatives
The Barnum Meserve
Bubblemath
Between Two Skies
Lehto and Wright
RisingSide
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 07, 2016, 10:18:27 PM
Album of the year so far:

Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool

Loved:

David Bowie - Blackstar
Dream Theater - The Astonishing
Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas - Mariner
Swans - The Glowing Man
Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
Moonsorrow - Jumalten aika
Vektor - Terminal Redux

Really liked:

Circus Maximus - Havoc
Borknagar - Winter Thrice
Haken - Affinity
Ihsahn - Arktis
Be'lakor - Vessels

Liked:

Redemption - The Art of Loss
Myrath - Legacy
Kanye West - The Life of Pablo
Kendrick Lamar - untitled unmastered.
Oranssi Pazuzu - Värähtelijä
Deströyer 666 - Wildfire
Obscura - Akróasis
Omnium Gatherum - Grey Heavens
Anthrax - For All Kings
Abbath - Abbath
Katatonia - The Fall of Hearts
Fleshgod Apocalypse - King
Megadeth - Dystopia
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Crow on July 07, 2016, 10:32:34 PM
East of the Wall
PLZ
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: lonestar on July 07, 2016, 11:04:18 PM

7. SHEL - Just Crazy Enough


Wow, I was sure I was the only one aware of these girls. Such a delightful group, I was very bummed I missed their SF show.

As to AOTY so far, I  haven't really been spinning a ton of new stuff, but a few I was happy to see here listed were Textures (bought it a week ago, been blowing my ears out with it) and Mandroid Echostar (so good to see these guys get some love, they deserve it)

Headspace is a sure standout, still haven't given Anderson/Stoldt a good spin and still awaiting the new Marillion.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: pogoowner on July 07, 2016, 11:36:34 PM

7. SHEL - Just Crazy Enough

Wow, I was sure I was the only one aware of these girls. Such a delightful group, I was very bummed I missed their SF show.
They ARE delightful. And I was bummed that I had to miss their shows in my area too. I think they picked up a lot of exposure when NPR shared their "Enter Sandman" cover, though.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: PuffyPat on July 07, 2016, 11:54:48 PM
death grips - bottomless pit
kanye west - the life of pablo
chance the rapper - coloring book
bear hands - you'll pay for this
music band - wake up laughing
diarrhea planet - turn to gold
earthless/harsh toke - acid crusher/mt. swan
animal collective - painting with
deantoni parks - wally
sturgill simpson - a sailors guide to earth
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: pogoowner on July 08, 2016, 12:48:58 AM
sturgill simpson - a sailors guide to earth
Glad to see someone else giving him some credit! I don't care if you're a country person or not, it's a good album.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: dparrott on July 08, 2016, 08:38:02 AM
Astonishing is the only album I've heard this year that is really good.  Weezer white is good but sounds like the same old stuff, kinda goes over my head.  I'm hoping the next Warpaint album will be great, the last one was a bit weak. 
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: RoeDent on July 09, 2016, 09:52:24 AM

Honorable mentions: The Fringe's self-titled debut (needs more spins)

Hang on...when did that come out? I've heard nothing about it apart from one song, and I'm following their Twitter page.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Zantera on July 09, 2016, 11:47:13 AM
I threw up the full top50 list on RYM.. I did spoil the top10 here already, but here goes: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Zantera/2016___best_of_so_far/
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Dellers on July 09, 2016, 01:12:09 PM
I'm not into that much new music, but my favorite is easily Myrath - Legacy. It's one of the most consistently good albums I've ever heard, perhaps only rivaled by their previous record in that regard.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: The Letter M on July 09, 2016, 11:42:40 PM

Honorable mentions: The Fringe's self-titled debut (needs more spins)

Hang on...when did that come out? I've heard nothing about it apart from one song, and I'm following their Twitter page.

I got mine in the mail on July 2nd from Reingold Records (along with my copy of the Anderson/Stolt album). Not sure when the official release date it, but I know they had sold albums at some shows back in June I think, so I'm not sure what the deal is with their release schedule.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: LudwigVan on July 10, 2016, 01:02:28 AM
Only bought 3 albums from 2016, in order:

Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
Megadeth - Dystopia





Dream Theater - The Astonishing
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Elite on July 10, 2016, 06:53:07 AM
I threw up the full top50 list on RYM.. I did spoil the top10 here already, but here goes: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Zantera/2016___best_of_so_far/

Nice list to read through! Lots of interesting stuff in there that I might like to try out.

But, damn man, 50(!!) new albums this year alone. That's like a new album every 3-4 days. How do you manage to do that and keep listening and exploring older, other stuff as well?
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 10, 2016, 07:06:51 AM
I threw up the full top50 list on RYM.. I did spoil the top10 here already, but here goes: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Zantera/2016___best_of_so_far/

Nice list to read through! Lots of interesting stuff in there that I might like to try out.

But, damn man, 50(!!) new albums this year alone. That's like a new album every 3-4 days. How do you manage to do that and keep listening and exploring older, other stuff as well?

I know what you mean!! My current playlist of albums I've discovered and started listening to this year is up to 81 at the moment. But only about 10% of that number are albums that have actually been released this year!!
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Zantera on July 10, 2016, 07:57:30 AM
I threw up the full top50 list on RYM.. I did spoil the top10 here already, but here goes: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Zantera/2016___best_of_so_far/

Nice list to read through! Lots of interesting stuff in there that I might like to try out.

But, damn man, 50(!!) new albums this year alone. That's like a new album every 3-4 days. How do you manage to do that and keep listening and exploring older, other stuff as well?

I have my periods. I don't listen to new albums every week, because some weeks are sparse with new albums I'm interested in, but I typically get 4-5 albums together, listen to them all 4-5 times during a week (once per day, I can get those albums listened to during the week days), then typically during weekends I listen to stuff I'm already familiar with and like. Sometimes I can go off track, if I don't have any new albums, I might take a week to explore the back discography of another artist or something like that. Generally speaking, I really love moving forward and finding new artists and despite being a very nostalgic person, I'm not the kind of guy who needs to listen to my favorite bands every week. I can go for long periods of times, like 5-6 months not listening to a top20 band, and then when I do get back to them, it's more rewarding somehow.

But in the last few years I have ended up at around 100-130 albums per year. Now, a lot of them, maybe half are bands/artists I'm already familiar with dropping new albums. Those albums aren't a problem, because you're always gonna listen to them either way. I think the challenge is being just as fair to the new discoveries, making sure you give them a few spins to click. I've noticed some people tend to disregard albums if the first listen doesn't click, and that's a shame. I really try my best to give the albums a fair chance, and out of those 50, I've listened to at least 40-45 of them the usual 4-5 times. I always end up with a few major discoveries at the end of the year, artists I hadn't heard going into the year that I end up loving a lot.  :)
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: twosuitsluke on July 12, 2016, 02:25:59 AM
Penny for your Thoughts by Odd Logic is quickly becoming one of my favourite this year.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: BlobVanDam on July 12, 2016, 02:39:05 AM
Out of about 10 new albums I've gotten this year, there are only two I've liked enough to still listen to-

Inglorious - Inglorious
Hands Like Houses - Dissonants
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: jjrock88 on July 14, 2016, 07:06:12 AM
Anthrax & Fates Warning
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SebastianPratesi on July 15, 2016, 11:28:52 AM
So far, I've listened to only five 2016 albums. I like them all, and each of them is special for diverse reasons:

1. David Bowie's Blackstar
This was a late Christmas present from a friend. He gave it to me late January. It's special because earlier that month (a few days before Bowie died) I was considering buying the Nothing has changed 3CD edition - I had never listened to a Bowie album, and I was turned on by the fact that it features recordings from throughout 50 years. (The only other compilation I know that does the same thing is the Rolling Stones' GRRR!, but on Christmas I got Exile on Main St., so I didn't want a Stones' overdose :P).
Anyway, Blackstar is my first Bowie album, and it took a few listens but I like it a lot. I was surprised with the title track - it reminded me of "El Ciervo Vulnerado" by The Mars Volta (one of my favourite bands).
Favourite song: "Dollar Days"
Most ignored song: "Lazarus". I read a lot of praise for it, but to me it's a boring slow ballad. That said, I know he was dying when he recorded the album, so maybe that has to do with the song.

2. Dream Theater's The Astonishing
I had been waiting for this album for a year, since I learned in early 2015 that they would be recording something different - I remember all the discussion in this forum about what the album would be like. Many forum members were expecting a double album, a concept album, shorter songs, different styles/genres in the music, etc. I also imagined it would be cool if they did a movie together with the music. So, I was very happy when it turned out the album featured all those things, more or less :)
I was also surprised that I found copies of the album in a local record store the day after the release - since new albums usually take 1 to 2 weeks to come around my area. I bought a copy for my best friend that Saturday, and a copy for myself on Monday.
Favourite song: "A New Beginning", although there are many other great songs, obviously.
Most ignored song: Besides the NOMAC tracks, "Chosen".

3. Lautaro Ríos' Umbela
This is the debut solo album by Lautaro, a young (19 year old) guy from around my area, who used to have a pop/rock band a few years ago. Despite being so young and having a short career, he is very talented, and his music features elements from many genres - there is 70s prog, funk, some jazz, some Argentinean folk, pop á la Coldplay.
I saw Lautaro play the album in its entirety last December, right before he went into the studio, and I was amazed by his music. I remember he was playing a song whose intro is in 11/8, and I was obsessed with it, trying to figure out the time signature as he went along. Anyway, for those of you who are interested: lautarorios.bandcamp.com (https://lautarorios.bandcamp.com). So far, only the albums' title track has been uploaded, but apparently the whole thing will be there soon.
Favourite song: "Lucha Afín". It starts as a dark post-punk song, driven by the bassist. Then, it progressively gets to a "And You And I" vibe. It's a highlight of the record.
Most ignored song: "Soy Hoy", a dark ballad similar to Coldplay's "What If". Compared to the rest of the album's songs, this one is pretty monotonous.

4. Blink-182's California
This one came out exactly 2 weeks ago. I listened to it on the band's YouTube page that day, and today I'll get to buy my copy :) I've been a huge Blink fan at different moments in my life - when I was a pre-teen, when I was 14 and they released their self-titled masterpiece in 2003, a few years ago during their reunion tours/music, and now. I know their discography inside out, and I've bought every new thing they've released since their 2000 live album - which was the first time I entered a record store.
With further listens, I've liked this more and more. Many catchy songs, and the vocals are evenly divided between the 2 singers, which is great because Mark (whose voice I like a lot) was not present as much in their last album/EP. Plus, it has Travis on drums so it's a mandatory listen for me (since he is my favourite drummer. He plays great creative parts on what are otherwise simple pop songs. To me, the lead instrument in Blink is the drums. The rest comes 2nd).
Favourite song: Many fans have been praising "Left Alone". I think I agree as well.
Most ignored song: "Built This Pool". Its effect wears off pretty quickly after a few listens.

5. Esperanza Spalding's Emily's D+Evolution
I saw a copy of this CD at a local store. I didn't know a single thing by Esperanza or this album, but I wanted to buy a 2016 album by a female artist this month, so I checked out her Wikipedia page and a few interviews. I was gladly surprised by her career and story, so eventually I bought her album, not having heard a single note.
I like this, although I have to listen to it a bit more. It's jazz mixed with pop, funk, prog/math rock. (The album was co-produced with Tony Visconti, so fans of Blackstar might enjoy this music as well.)
Favourite song: "Good Lava", the opener. It's one of the rockier, proggier songs on the album. A few jazzy ballads are great too.
Most ignored song: "I Want It Now", the closer. It's a cover, and I almost always ignore covers*

*The only cover I care about is "Always On My Mind" by the Pet Shop Boys - one of my favourite things to listen to.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SebastianPratesi on July 15, 2016, 12:02:21 PM
I've noticed some people tend to disregard albums if the first listen doesn't click, and that's a shame.

I always end up with a few major discoveries at the end of the year, artists I hadn't heard going into the year that I end up loving a lot.  :)
I agree on the first sentence. Many albums I now love, I initially didn't like. The aforementioned California, DT's Black Clouds... Rubber Soul is now my favourite Beatles music, but it took 8 years for me to re-listen to it after discovering the band.

On the 2nd part: that's always great. For a long time, I only cared about listening to my favourite bands' new albums. But, every year since 2013, I've decided to be open to a lot of stuff. Also, whenever possible I try going to concerts by local artists of different genres.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Scorpion on July 16, 2016, 02:06:57 AM
My Top 5 of this year so far:

1. Ihsahn - Arktis
2. Haken - Affinity
3. Fates Warning - Theories of Flight
4. Moonsorrow - Jumalten Aika
5. Redemption - The Art of Loss

Honourable mention (because it's so different that I find it hard to rank it among all the other albums that I have heard this year):

Cliff Martinez - The Neon Demon OST
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Ninjabait on July 16, 2016, 09:43:34 AM
I'll go with a top 10 as of this moment (I've only heard 14 new albums so far tho oops):

01. Dream Theater - The Astonishing
02. iamthemorning - Lighthouse
03. The Anchoress - Confessions of a Romance Novelist
04. Haken - Affinity
05. Myrath - Legacy
06. Submotion Orchestra - Colour Theory
07. Frost* - Falling Satellites
08. Snarky Puppy - Culcha Vulcha
09. Låpsley - Long Way Home
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Getaway

And upcoming releases I'm excited about (in order of how much I'm looking forward to it):

Diablo Swing Orchestra - TBA
Epica - The Holographic Principle (September 30th)
Opeth - Sorceress (TBA)
Neal Morse - TBA
Lindsey Stirling - Brave Enough (August 16th)
Tool - TBA
Incubus - Trust Fall Side B (TBA, album title may be different)
Soundgarden - TBA
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Scorpion on July 16, 2016, 09:53:39 AM
There's a new Lindsey Stirling album coming out? Dope, I have to check that out.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Ninjabait on July 16, 2016, 11:10:14 AM
There's a new Lindsey Stirling album coming out? Dope, I have to check that out.

Yup! She's also dropped the first song for it already (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCjU-Du3eI), and it's really good.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SebastianPratesi on July 16, 2016, 10:27:56 PM
There's a new Lindsey Stirling album coming out? Dope, I have to check that out.

Yup! She's also dropped the first song for it already (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCjU-Du3eI), and it's really good.
Thanks! I was surprised to read about it, too. I hope it gets released in my country next month (because Shatter Me took 5 months to eventually be released here in 2014).

What do you think of the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album? What does it sound like? I've been meaning to listen to it - Californication was my very first CD, so I was a big fan in 2000, but I haven't checked a full album since By The Way. I'm curious and interested in buying a copy, but new Blink-182 came out a few weeks ago, and I'm only buying 1 album per month.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: PuffyPat on July 16, 2016, 11:34:16 PM
sturgill simpson - a sailors guide to earth
Glad to see someone else giving him some credit! I don't care if you're a country person or not, it's a good album.

god. i hate country so much, but sturgill, while being no holds barred country at times, definitely transcends the genre. he's amazing. and that cover in bloom is perfect.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Ninjabait on July 17, 2016, 10:00:41 AM
Thanks! I was surprised to read about it, too. I hope it gets released in my country next month (because Shatter Me took 5 months to eventually be released here in 2014).

As far as I know, the album has been planned for about a year so far. I'm surprised with how quickly production has passed tbh. When she announced the album my reaction basically was "Already? Cool", haha.

What do you think of the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album? What does it sound like? I've been meaning to listen to it - Californication was my very first CD, so I was a big fan in 2000, but I haven't checked a full album since By The Way. I'm curious and interested in buying a copy, but new Blink-182 came out a few weeks ago, and I'm only buying 1 album per month.

It's good! It's definitely hit the right balance between "trying something new" and "sticking with their 'sound'", and in terms of style it reminds me most of Stadium Arcadium (from the few listens I've given it). There's a not-unnoticeable presence of piano (!!!) in the album, which is certainly different. For me it ranks around the same place as Californication (with much better production, obviously) and Stadium Arcadium and imo it's MUCH better than I'm With You, which I didn't care for at all. Also, there's an Elton John guest spot (playing piano) on "Sick Love", which I just found out. You might want to check out the single and the first song off the album before you use up your monthly purchase, tho.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Kotowboy on July 17, 2016, 12:05:39 PM
I don't even know how many new albums i've heard this year.

I've heard one great one The Astonishing

And one shit one Ellipsis by Biffy Clyro
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SebastianPratesi on July 17, 2016, 02:12:19 PM
It's good! It's definitely hit the right balance between "trying something new" and "sticking with their 'sound'", and in terms of style it reminds me most of Stadium Arcadium (from the few listens I've given it). There's a not-unnoticeable presence of piano (!!!) in the album, which is certainly different. For me it ranks around the same place as Californication (with much better production, obviously) and Stadium Arcadium and imo it's MUCH better than I'm With You, which I didn't care for at all. Also, there's an Elton John guest spot (playing piano) on "Sick Love", which I just found out. You might want to check out the single and the first song off the album before you use up your monthly purchase, tho.
Thanks, that's interesting! This friend of mine told me to listen to "Dark Necessities" as well - she told me it's great. She isn't a fan of the band, so coming from her, that sounds promising. Yeah, the album is expensive here (around $17 dollars), so I might check some of the music before deciding. That's what singles are for anyway, right?

What about the bass? I read a Flea interview/article somewhere where he said that, before recording, he had an accident and almost completely forgot how to play. So, he had to re-learn his skills. What does the bass sound like? Or maybe that story is fake?
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: Ninjabait on July 17, 2016, 03:01:11 PM
Thanks, that's interesting! This friend of mine told me to listen to "Dark Necessities" as well - she told me it's great. She isn't a fan of the band, so coming from her, that sounds promising. Yeah, the album is expensive here (around $17 dollars), so I might check some of the music before deciding. That's what singles are for anyway, right?

What about the bass? I read a Flea interview/article somewhere where he said that, before recording, he had an accident and almost completely forgot how to play. So, he had to re-learn his skills. What does the bass sound like? Or maybe that story is fake?

$17!? That's beyond ridiculous. It's only around $12 on iTunes here in the states. I've bought double albums that were cheaper than that.

Well, I checked Wikipedia and it certainly seems like that he had an accident on a skiing trip and broke his arm (I'm not sure about the "forgetting how to play" thing tho). I don't really think his bass playing was affected at all, and if it was I certainly didn't notice it. It was as fantastic as always, if you ask me.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: SebastianPratesi on July 17, 2016, 08:46:57 PM
$17!? That's beyond ridiculous. It's only around $12 on iTunes here in the states. I've bought double albums that were cheaper than that.

Well, I checked Wikipedia and it certainly seems like that he had an accident on a skiing trip and broke his arm (I'm not sure about the "forgetting how to play" thing tho). I don't really think his bass playing was affected at all, and if it was I certainly didn't notice it. It was as fantastic as always, if you ask me.
Yeah, new albums' prices got a lot higher in the last couple of months. The Astonishing, for instance, is $28. That said, you sometimes get nice surprises. For instance, Maiden's last album, which is a 2CD, I bought it when it was released last September, and it still costs the same $12 - it hasn't turned any more expensive. Beatles' recent CDs, which for a long time were the most expensive thing here, now got cheaper and are fairly reasonable - around $11.

I did a quick search - here is the interview: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/red-hot-chili-peppers-talk-risky-danger-mouse-inspired-reboot-20160614 (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/red-hot-chili-peppers-talk-risky-danger-mouse-inspired-reboot-20160614). Maybe I misunderstood the whole thing. Anyway, in it, Flea says that he had to re-learn, starting with simple, one note lines.

I listened to "Dark Necessities" earlier today. I noticed the piano, like you said. Anyway, I didn't like the song, but it's likely there are much more interesting/likeable things in the album. I also read that the guys wanted the title-track to be the single, and you recommended listening to that one as well, so it seems like I might enjoy that one at least.
Title: Re: Your favourite albums of the year so far!
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 18, 2016, 01:14:28 AM
I add ColdWorld's Autumn to my list.