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TOP TEN
"Best of 2016"
These are my "Top Ten" best albums released in 2016, listed from #10 through #1. Although EP's, Live Albums, and Greatest Hits albums are available for this list, I almost always end up going with new full-length studio albums.
#10
MEAN JEANS
"Tight New Dimension"
Thoughts: Mean Jeans rules and "Tight New Dimension" just kicks so much ass. This record has a classic punk rock sound and is reminiscent of one of my all time fav's, Screeching Weasel (which is semi-ironic because they are signed to Fat Wreck Chords, but whatev's).
#9
BUCKY HARRIS
"Three Wolves"
Thoughts: Oh man, these dudes shred. The album cover and song title should tell you all you need to know.
#8
LOST IN SOCIETY
"Modern Illusions"
Thoughts: I'm terrible at album reviews and describing music, so I don't have much to say on this one. Just put the record on and you shouldn't be disappointed.
#7
THE FALCON
"Gather Up The Chaps"
Thoughts: This supergroup was rad before, but the latest addition of Dave Hause catapulted them into legendary status. And although their act is somewhat of a mockery and a fun side gig, this record kills it on so many levels. Red Scare Industries can't lose in 2016.
#6
BLINK-182
"California"
Thoughts: So yeah, the mega machine, Blink-182 made my list. Being a Poway native and growing up in the 90's, I have a special place in my heart for Blink-182. I mean they popped my mosh pit cherry for goodness sake (I can't believe I just said that and now I'm typing that I just said that). Anyway, moving on. When I heard that another favorite of mine, Matt Skiba, was joining the band, I knew there was potential for some epic songs. And that wasn't anymore evident than on what's easily the best song on the record, "No Future".
#5
AREE AND THE PURE HEART
"Heartsongs"
Thoughts: I usually don't put EP's on my Top Ten list, but I couldn't pass on this one from Aree and the Pure Heart. This album is only 5 songs deep, but each track is pure power. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for their full-length in 2017.
#4
WHEELAND BROTHERS
"Lost In The Key of Sea"
Thoughts: Going a little outside of the box on this one because I mostly post about punk related stuff, but these dudes have something special going on. Picking up where Sublime left off and mixing in a little Jack Johnson vibe, it's really hard not to love these songs. Southern Californian Surf Reggae at its finest.
#3
SETH ANDERSON
"One Week Records"
Thoughts: You may need to dim the lights and sip on three fingers of Crown Royal, but this record is insane. Seth Anderson is such a great songwriter and Joey Cape managed to capture this perfectly in just one week from his home studio. Seth, if you're reading this, post more videos on YouTube. I love that shit.
#2
MAKEWAR
"Developing A Theory of Integrity"
Thoughts: This record may have been lost in the shuffle by some, since it was released on the same day as NOFX and Green Day, but MakeWar kicked both of their asses in 2016. In fact, this amazing album can only be summed up with just one epic lyric (from their song "Ode"):
"I'm goin' out tonight. Fuck not drinking for a month. A week's enough and I'm a fucking champion".
Another homerun by Red Scare Industries in 2016.
#1
wolves & wolves & wolves & wolves
"The Cross and the Switchblade"
Thoughts: When I do these Top Ten lists, there is always one record that stands out above the rest. "The Cross and the Switchblade" is that record in 2016. This album smashes you with sounds that you maybe didn't even know you liked, but that you now can't resist. WolvesX4 gives you conviction from start to finish and easily takes my top spot in 2016.
Honorable Mention
WORSHIP THIS!
"Mint"
Thoughts: Unfortunately, I found out about Worship This! a little late this year and sort of already had my mind made up for this list. But, "Mint" certainly gave everyone a run for their money. This record is well worth the 26-minute listen and Worship This! should definitely be on everyone's 2016 playlist.
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