Needle & Thread’s 2016 Year In Review

We’ve reached the end of another year, and with that comes the requisite Year In Review and our “year-end” lists. We’re late to the game, but that allowed us to get a glimpse at some late arrivals into our Best Of lists including shows, songs, and albums. Below, you will find multiple lists – if you click on the specific header, it will expand to reveal the list itself. Have fun as we look back on 2016, and let’s hope 2017 is brighter than the year that passed… we know it can’t get much worse.

[read more=”TOP 25 ALBUMS OF 2016″ less=”SHOW LESS”]

TOP 25 ALBUMS of 2016

After much deliberation throughout the last month-or-so-plus, the debate began in my head as to what I would put on this list. “There’s almost been TOO much good music,” I thought to myself aloud on multiple occasions, drawing strange looks from passers by. Public awkwardness aside, it’s hard for me to stand by my inner monologue: this year featured many good albums, but only a handful of great ones. Outside of some stellar hip hop and R&B albums, indie rock relinquished many of the top spots this year. This rant is over, let’s get to the list.

 

 

25. Skepta – Konnichiwa

The winner of the Mercury Prize this year, Skepta has already been at the forefront of the grime scene in the UK. Konnichiwa will be the album that helps make Skepta a household name.

24. Young Thug – JEFFERY

Young Thug continues to do things his way, without any hesitation or apology. In fact, just the opposite. Look at that beautiful cover art. Listen to Thugger’s vocals and lyrics throughout the album. Songs like “Wyclef Jean”, “Guwop” and “RiRi” all will be looked back on as the pinnacle of Young Thug’s skyrocketing rise to the hip hop elite.

23. Rihanna – ANTI

The Rihanna album that we all deserved in 2016. Aside from “Work”, the album was filled with more thought-provoking and abstract “pop” music, including a cover of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes”. “Needed Me” and “Love On The Brain” all received heavy radio play, and are some of the best tracks from Riri you’ve ever heard.

22. How To Dress Well – Care

Tom Krell’s music has only become more visceral as his catalogue builds, and that comes with drawbacks. Care‘s lyrics are as painful as they are gorgeous, and it’s evident Krell poured his heart and soul into this album, “Salt Song” is the perfect example of this.

21. James Blake – The Colour In Anything

No matter what, it was going to be tough for James Blake to follow up his previous release – 2013’s Overgrown. But The Colour In Anything is a prime example of what Blake can do when he broadens his paintbrush, as opposed to the angled tools and somewhat smaller canvases. For an extra treat, look into the Vince Staples-featured remix to “Timeless”.   

20. Schoolboy Q – Blank Face

19. Angel Olsen – MY WOMAN

Angel Olsen puts her name at the forefront of some of the most talented singer-songwriters in the game right now, that is if you had never heard of her before. Winning our hearts with 2014’s Burn Your Fire For No Witness, but MY WOMAN broadens her sound and takes it to the next level. Angel Olsen is bound for stardom.

18. Childish Gambino – “Awaken, My Love!”

Let 2016 be known as the year I finally started to take Donald Glover seriously – Yes, I was late to the party.

With “Awaken, My Love!”, Childish Gambino not only breaks boundaries formerly set comfortably within artful hip-hop, but he completely remolds himself into a funk and soul artist. The results are impeccable. Glover’s TV show, Atlanta, is also pushing the envelope and between the FX show, the new album, and many more acting credits to come next year, Glover is turning into one of the brightest stars we’ve seen in a long time.

17. Blood Orange – Freetown Sound

Dev Hynes’ third release as Blood Orange is another album we needed in 2016. Released shortly after the tragedy in Orlando, Hynes is not only one of the most gracious musicians, but also one of the most socially poignant. Freetown Sound may have cut back on some of the catchiness Blood Orange’s previous releases were built on, but that didn’t matter. We needed this album in 2016.

16. The Weeknd – Starboy

A late contender, but clearly The Weeknd’s most impressive effort since signing to a major label, ditching the deviant lyrics and beats, and producing more radio-friendly hits. Starboy is likely the closest we’ll come to mixtape-Abel, but this album makes that longing much more tolerable.

15. Kendrick Lamar – untitled. unmastered.

14. Classixx – Faraway Reach

13. A Tribe Called Quest – We got it from Here… Thank You For Your Service

There will be a lot of think pieces written about Post-Trump art in the years to come, but no matter the outcome of the election, Tribe’s return (and potentially final album) delivers the message it set out to do. And god damn did it make me miss Phife.

12. Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition

Want a glimpse into the future of hip-hop? Look no further than Danny Brown’s Atrocity Exhibition. An album that sounds completely bonkers on first list, but then again what Danny Brown album doesn’t during the first rotation? This album is absolutely crazy, in all the right ways. “Really Doe” is near the top of the list of best hip-hop songs of 2016.

11. Twin Peaks – Down In Heaven

We had heard that Twin Peaks were going to be adding some new elements to their sound, but Down In Heaven delivered in ways that we couldn’t have imagined. Inching closer to Rolling Stones territory (seriously, “I Wanted You” is a modern “Loving Cup”), the guys in Twin Peaks are proving they’re here to stay.

10. Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam – I Had a Dream That You Were Mine 

The second “solo” album from the former lead of The Walkmen, Hamilton Leithauser, joins forces with one of the most prominent indie producers around today (who also happens to be a former member of Vampire Weekend), Rostam Batmanglij. This album is perfect indie folk: artful, thoughtful, passionate, and beautifully constructed.

9. Anderson .Paak – Malibu

A perfect blend of soul, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, pop, and about 15 other genres, Paak is out to make waves. This album is jam packed with incredible tracks that could fit any mood. Put it on in the morning, afternoon, night, (or hell, even late night/early morning), and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it. His flow has a touch of Kendrick, and his instrumentation feels fresh with funk. “Am I Wrong”, “Come Down”, “The Waters” and so many more shine from this album.

8. KAYTRANADA – 99.9%

The winner of Canada’s Polaris Prize of 2016, there wasn’t a dance album that I enjoyed more in 2016. Just like Anderson .Paak, this album is a wondrous mixture of multiple genres, but never feels bogged down by any of them. Kaytra has been producing tracks, too. His production on “One Too Many” from Chance all but guarantees he’ll be producing more songs for even bigger names in the near future. Let’s hope we can still be treated to full length albums filled with amazing original works along the way, as well.

7. Solange – A Seat at the Table

No longer just Beyoncé’s sister, Solange made a name for herself with a near-perfect album that addresses some of the most important issues our society faces today. “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “Cranes In The Sky” are both beautiful songs that speak impactful words.

6. Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial

Upon this album’s release, it seemed destined to reach the top (or close to it) on nearly every indie rock blog and news site you can think of. Now, it seems like some of their readers and critics have taken a turn, and are getting a little tired of CSH being rammed into their skulls. With indie rock, it’s never hearing too much music from band that turns them sour, it’s reading too many headlines.

And I get all that, but this album still soars high above the rest this year to me. I’m not tired of Will Toledo’s Beck-echoing vocals, his intelligent and sarcastic lyrics, or his familiar guitars. In fact, just the opposite: I couldn’t get enough of it in 2016.

5. Kanye West – The Life of Pablo

The long-awaited follow-up to Yeezus would likely be atop the list if it weren’t so scatter-brained. It did however, make waves on what it means to release an album in 2016, constantly evolving even after its release in February. Kanye, despite all his issues, will forever be one of the top hit makers in the world, deserving all the accolades and fame that comes his way… just remember to separate the art from the artist (for now).

4. Whitney – Light Upon The Lake

The freshest faces in indie rock are actually familiar faces from two incredibly popular indie bands. Julien (formerly of UMO) and Max (formerly of Smith Westerns) pair up to deliver an album that has not only held up throughout the summer, but with a sound so timeless, there’s little doubt it’ll hold up until Whitney’s (already highly anticipated) next album.

3. Beyoncé – Lemonade

Is it a concept album disguised as a pop album? Or a pop album disguised as a concept album? Regardless, the results are without question Beyoncé’s best collection of songs of her career, which is pretty much God Level as it is. I’m not necessarily buying into this was an attack on Jay Z as much as it was a topic of conversation to drive sales of the album, but again, these are all just details. This album is amazing front-to-back.

2. Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book

There’s a million-and-one superlatives to describe Chance and the year that he’s had. This album (if we’re calling it that, Chance still says that his debut album is yet to come) is incredible, and it’s hard to declare 2016 anyone else’s year other than Chancellor Bennett’s. He’s everything we need in a pop star: charismatic, influential, fun, charming, socially involved, and more than anything else he’s talented. Coloring Book fully demonstrates all of these characteristics elegantly. I’m not a religious person, but I’d follow Chance to church any day.

1. Frank Ocean – Blond(e)

The wait came to an end. After what seemed like decades of promises and waiting for Frank Ocean’s follow up to Channel Orange, Blond was well worth the wait.

This album has so many amazing layers. It’s like that feeling you get when you watch your favorite movie over and over, but with each viewing you find something new you never noticed before. My favorite song on the album has changed multiple times (“Nikes” -> “Pink & White” -> “Self Control” ->”Solo”, if you’re keeping track at home), which speaks to its depth of songs. Tracks like “Good Guy”, “Skyline To”, and “Ivy” are all noteworthy standouts, hell, even the interludes are amazing.

Blond is an uncanny view on love in the digital age. It provides a beautiful glimpse into the mind and life of one of music’s most elusive popular figures. After reading Franky’s first interview in years, the layers become more evident; the themes become more clear.

This album is everything I wanted from Frank, and it left me begging for more. This album is fucking perfect.

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[read more=”TOP 10 SHOWS & LIVE ARTISTS OF 2016″ less=”SHOW LESS”]

TOP 10 SHOWS & LIVE ARTISTS OF 2016

After countless shows (literally, we can’t count how many we saw this year), at many venues and festivals this year, we’ve put together our list of favorite shows throughout the year. A few of these artists we saw more than once, and have thus combined them into one entry.

(Note: All photos by Kellen Nordstrom unless otherwise stated.)

Jenny Lewis at Eaux Claires Music & Art Festival

10. Jenny Lewis – Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival & Pabst Theater

I was moved to near tears upon hearing a Rilo Kiley favorite I had nearly forgotten. Maybe I was exhausted from camping, but then again, maybe it’s just Jenny Lewis’ beautiful vocals. Either way, her set stood out from Day 2 of Eaux Claires. Her set at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater featured The Watson Twins and Conor Oberst, as she celebrated Rabbit Fur Coat‘s ten-year anniversary.

 

FKA Twigs at Pitchfork Music Festival 2016

9. FKA Twigs – Pitchfork Music Festival

Always mesmerizing. Never disappointing. FKA Twigs will hold a perennial spot on this list for as long as she continues to tour. She closed out the festival this year, and just like Chance The Rapper’s 2015 festival-closing set, this one left us picking our jaws off the ground on our way out of the fest.

Twin Peaks at Pitchfork Music Festival 2016

8. Twin Peaks – Pitchfork Music Festival

The raucous live show of Chicago-native Twin Peaks is never something you want to miss, and with Down In Heaven adding a new element to the group’s soundscape, their sets continue to get better and better.

Blood Orange at Pitchfork Music Festival 2016

7. Blood Orange – Pitchfork Music Festival

Inarguably one of the best live acts of recent memory. Dev Hynes continues to amaze with each new release he notches under his belt, demonstrating his level of unbelievable talent across multiple instruments, vocals, and of course choreography.

Vince Staples at Eaux Claires Music Festival

6. Vince Staples – Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival

In a land of artsy folk (sometimes at the festival’s disadvantage), Staples stood out with not only the most unique set of Eaux Claires, but also the absolute best. Vince did not seem phased by the crowd of mostly white males, or the beginning of the rain that would hang over the first day of the fest, playing hits from Summertime ’06 and previewing tracks and features from works that would arrive later in 2016.

Whitney at Pitchfork Music Festival

5. Whitney – Turner Hall Ballroom & Pitchfork Music Festival

Heading into the first day of PMF, I was nervous to hear just how well Julien’s vocals would carry over to a live setting. It could probably go without saying that they carried over so well, we couldn’t miss their winter showcase at Milwaukee’s Turner Hall Ballroom. The band’s music is undeniably fun, as is their live show. Now we just need another album from the guys so we can stretch the party past an hour-long set.

KAYTRANADA at Concord Music Hall

4. KAYTRANADA – Concord Music Hall

After winning the Polaris Prize earlier this year, KAYTRANADA demonstrated just how much lasting power he has in the year 2016 and beyond. Kaytra’s live set are as dynamic and boisterous as the beats and tracks he produces.

M83 at Pabst Theater (Photo c/o Pabst Theater)

3. M83 – Pabst Theater

The dream scenario to see one of indie electro-pop’s dreamiest acts? A small, historic, local venue. Everything about this show was perfect: the sound, the lights, the band and its setlist.

Kanye West at Allstate Arena (photo c/o The Early Registration)

2. Kanye West’s St. Pablo Tour – Allstate Arena

Having seen Kanye on his previous Yeezus tour, I thought I knew what to expect. Yeezus was the most elaborate and shockingly beautiful live performance I’d seen to date. But St. Pablo was different.

As the lights went down that Saturday night in October, my phone instantly was drawn and I was ready to snap pics of Yeezy from my moderately good seats. But St. Pablo was different.

None of my photos of Yeezy were turning out. I peeked at those around me and the same thing held true. Kanye was out of focus, with very little light shining on him… instead, the stage lights focused below the actual stage.

St. Pablo was different. The show was less about Kanye himself, and more about the congregation below him. The lights shifted and moved below Kanye, rather than over him. This wasn’t a performance declaring Kanye as the main headline, but rather the connection we shared as celebrants of the church of Pablo. The connection we shared was amplified by the moments within Kanye’s music, as he repeatedly played back songs so we could all experience them again.

We danced our asses off that night… Or, as we like to call it – we went to church. 

Photo c/o Cambria Harkey/Lollapalooza

1. LCD Soundsystem – Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL

I had been waiting 5 years for this reunion. Yes, this doesn’t sound like a long time, but this is LCD Soundsystem, a band that seemingly left the limelight just as quickly as they had reunited. With This Is Happening in 2011, the group had a following that was so large it could no longer be called a “cult.” When James Murphy penned the letter that promised a return for LCD, not only a live reunion (which featured mainly festival dates, accompanied by smaller venue one-offs) but also the promise of a new album. And look, I understood the skepticism and backlash. But I also didn’t give a fuck. This was the band that shaped my musical tastes the most of any band in the last 20 years, and I did everything in my power to see them… at least once.

This festival performance was different; more personal. I had been laid off from my job just four days before the band took the stage. I had tickets to see Radiohead two days prior to their set, but decided selling the ticket would be more fiscally responsible. But there was no way I was giving up my shot at seeing LCD again.

We suffered through a brutal performance by Halsey. I bobbed my head and danced along to Flume, along side a massive crowd of supposedly 600,000 and I swear I was at least 10 years older than more than 50% of them. The crowd evaporated after Flume’s set, and we muscled our way against the current and through the literal black dust that would clog our breathing for days after. And then there I was, front row for LCD Soundsystem.

The set was just what I expected, almost a replica of what they had been playing at festival appearances prior. But again, I didn’t give a fuck.

The thrill of hearing the opening beats of “Us V Them” washed away all of the bitterness I had been feeling earlier that week. My ears stung as the group blared early favorites “Tribulations” and “Movement”. I laughed at James Murphy’s ad lib filler in “Losing My Edge” – and identified with every word. I found a new appreciation for “You Wanted a Hit”. I sang louder than I thought possible during “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down”, considering I’ve spent 5 days total in NYC in my life. And I lost my mind during the break down in “Dance Yrself Clean”.

And then “All My Friends” started. We all knew it was coming as the bookend to their set. But I looked around and found myself incredibly close to a band I’ve grown up with and surrounded by some of the closest friends I’ve had in recent memory. Going into the show, I thought there would be tears. But as the anthemic song rang out, it seemed like we were dancing in slow motion, and I could only find myself short of breath in between lyrical shouts, and with the biggest, dumbest smile on my face.

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[read more=”SONGS WE OBSESSED OVER IN 2016″ less=”SHOW LESS”]

We’ve got a playlist going of our favorite songs of 2016, available on both Spotify and Apple Music. We’ve made some updates since we first shared the playlist, so check it out below, and keep in mind it’s meant to play from start-to-finish! (And a note to the bey-hive, we can’t really add any of the tracks from Lemonade into the playlist, as the album is available for streaming only on Tidal)

Apple Music Playlist

Spotify Playlist

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