[direwolf74]

As we wait patiently for the new Hip record, there have been some excellent releases over the last couple of months. Here's what's kicking my ass so far in 2016:

Ron Hawkins- Spit, Sputter and Sparkle

Canada's most criminally underrated songwriter is back with arguably the best effort of his career. It was just released on Friday and I've had it on repeat all weekend. Fantastic album that touches on every style he's ever incorporated. You can hear a bit of Lowest of the Low in there of course, as well as a cool horn section on a couple of songs, which reminds me of his days in the Rusty Nails. This one's a gem, and it currently holds my #1 spot for album of the year.

[youtube]r1uOq4ZbVKY[/youtube]


Wintersleep- The Great Detachment

Easily the best thing they've done since Welcome to the Night Sky. I wasn't a big fan of their last two efforts, but they've definitely restored my faith with this album. There's only one track I'm not that keen on (More Than), but the rest of the disc is pretty damn flawless. "Shadowless" might be the best song they've written.

[youtube]aR7GpOck5w0[/youtube]


Bob Mould- Patch the Sky

Picking up right where 2014's Beauty & Ruin left off, the alt-rock godfather continues his late career winning streak with another glorious slab of face-melting balls-to-the-wall punk rock. Full of tasty melodies, super catchy hooks, and guitars...lots and lots of guitars.

[youtube]QLKIkmiLCzM[/youtube]

[rivum]

grabbed the new ron hawkins disc at the LOTL show on friday and promptly left it in my friend's car after the show where it's remained ever since.

[direwolf74]

Forgot to add this one. Brilliant album!

[sean.bonner]

Post Pop Depression is also kicking my ass.

My album of the year so far is definitely Blackstar. Had to pick up the vinyl... what a way to go out.

I'm looking forward to hearing the new Parquet Courts when it is available. Light Up Gold and Sunbathing Animal are fantastic records (Although their latest release 'Monastic Living EP' seems to me like an experiment that I just don't yet understand...).

[direwolf74]

This woman is prolific as hell. Her 2nd double album in less than 3 years, and it's just as brilliant.

[Lizard King]

This being the Hipbase I know there's not a lot of metal fans here. That said this year has started off with a heavy bang, the new Megadeth and Anthrax albums are kicking my ass for sure. Especially Megadeth, they really had me worried after Super Collider, it was garbage. Dystopia however is the best music they've done in ages, shades of their 80's past here but with more ferocity and speed, its mindblowing. For All Kings is a very choesive, straightforward consistent album and Joey's voice is top notch I don't think his voice has changed in 20 years. FAK is not an exceptional album nor does it break new ground, but still awesome enough to make the ass kicking list.

[youtube]4mfjpwqdUMI[/youtube]

[opiated49]

Ben Harper Call It What It Is

[direwolf74]

This album has owned my life for the better part of a week now.

[fingernailsonhull]

Guys, I've been listening to the soundtrack of Hamilton.

Wow.

[sean.bonner]

This album has owned my life for the better part of a week now.

[NWOntario]

Guys, I've been listening to the soundtrack of Hamilton.

Wow.

I'm in Hamilton blackout till I see the show (hopefully in February 2017; I actually had tickets for a performance in late January, then had them swiped out from under me because Ticketmaster). Know how hard it is ignoring something that's owning the zeitgeist? Really frigging hard.

Anyway, I'm not sure if there are any other musical theatre fans here--but if there are and you want to listen to something else Lin-Manuel Miranda's done, check out the cast recording for In the Heights. I've been listening to it a lot lately, and it's still frigging brilliant. I've been in this "political mash-up music" mood lately...so I've been swinging sorta bewilderingly between this, Saul Williams, Run the Jewels, and the Clash

[direwolf74]

I had no idea these guys were still together. This is an outstanding album.

[NWOntario]

New White Lung. My God.

[direwolf74]

New White Lung. My God.

Just checked these guys out based on your recommendation. Cool band! I remember hearing their name thrown around once in a while, but never gave them a proper listen until now. I had no idea they were Canadian.

[opiated49]

Steven Page has a great new album.
Tom Petty's Mudcrutch 2 came out today. First listen and I'm loving it