It's here. It's finally here. I've waited all year for it, and it's finally time for The 2016 Jester One Music Top 20 Countdown. We've got old bands coming back, we have new bands making splashes, and we have a ton of music from my home state of Ohio, so without wasting too much time on the intro, let's go ahead and kick the door down with some songs that had a good run but ultimately did not make it into the Top 20 in 2016. There are actually 5 songs here that came from bands who previously charted on countdowns, and I feel that is a good sign for music going forward.
Raubtier - Bothniablod
Raubtier are a frantically heavy Swedish industrial metal group that constantly provide heavy and electronically distorted songs with punishing Swedish lyrics (the album title Bärsärkagång literally means berserk rage). The song tells the tale of wolves hunting in the northern Bothnia region of Sweden. It's thunderous and probably the heaviest song that had a chance to make it this year, but it just didn't have enough steam at the end of the year. I did enjoy the majority of this album despite the song not making the final 20.
The Moth & The Flame - Live While I Breathe
The Moth & The Flame are a relatively young group with a penchant for using upside-down ampersands. I guess we all have to have something, right? I remember first hearing this song on one of my TuneIn rock channels and thinking they had a great alternative dynamic going for them. It's a fun and easy song about living life to the fullest. I wasn't overly impressed by anything else I heard from them but I do enjoy this song quite a bit.
Born of Osiris - The Other Half Of Me
Born of Osiris just missed returning to the countdown after laying a sonic assault on 2013 with their album Tomorrow We Die ∆live and the #5 track that year
"M∆chine". I thought for sure that this song or "The Sleeping and The Dead" would surely crack the 2016 countdown, but they find themselves on the outside looking in. It's still a good album but I wouldn't call it an improvement on their previous effort. It's more of the same, which is less exciting to me right now. Either way, this is a solid track.
After the Burial - Collapse
There is a lot of metal showing up in the just missed discount bin here at J1. After the Burial are another djent-metal band following the likes of bands like Periphery and Veil of Maya except that they find themselves just outside of our countdown. They endured the death of their rhythm guitarist Justin Lowe and put out another solid disc which rose to #1 in the Billboard Rock chart and #50 on the Top 200. Great song, great dynamic, good groove.
Beartooth - King of Anything
Beartooth landed at #13 in 2014 with "Beaten in Lips" and almost cracked into 2016 with "King of Anything". The Columbus boys released an album that raced up the rock charts but was not as well critically received as their debut effort. They're still my boys and I'm hoping to see them next time they come back home. "King of Anything" is a softer effort than their usual sound but I found it worked well with what I was going through at the time.
Honorable Mention: Her Echo - Bigot; Foo Fighters - Saint Cecilia; Chevelle - Get Burned; Vesperteen - Shatter in the Night; Meg Myers - Lemon Eyes; My Dear Addiction - A Promise; Everything in Slow Motion - Coma; Before Their Eyes - It's Always Dark Inside With You; Daymare - What You Wanted; Garbage - Sometimes.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Thursday, November 24, 2016
#tbt - A look back at the 2015 Countdown
Alright then. You know I love doing these, so with the 2016 Countdown approaching fast, let's look back at 2015 and see how we did.
20. Florence + The Machine - Ship To Wreck
Florence Welch is such a wonderful and powerful singer. I think I could listen to her just about any time. I am saddened that I didn't get into this album more since it was released, but there were very few songs that caught my ear. Great song though.
19. The Frozen Ocean - Kerosene
I chronicled my love for The Frozen Ocean last year, and the cool story of how Dave sent me a free shirt simply because he was a wicked cool guy. I still listen to a few songs off of this album regularly, but my 2016 jam is a piano-driven gem called "Light Years". "Kerosene" still holds an incredibly special place of my soul, and I am super excited for any future endeavors from Dave.
18. New Found Glory - SelflessMy oh my. This song came early in 2015 and hung around all year. I wish it had finished higher, but eventually better songs came along and pushed it away. It's still a great release from a great band who has done many wonderful things over the years. I was really surprised at how mature and polished this album ended up being, and I can't wait to see if they can follow it up with something stronger.
17. Big Data - The Business of Emotion (feat White Sea)
Seriously, I love listening to White Sea sing on this song. The pounding bass, the driving beats, just the whole thing. Looking back and knowing this was only #17 reminds me of how great of a place I was in musically last year. The Big Data album definitely surprised me as well, and I'm wondering if he'll put together another collaborative piece with his next offering.
16. Ghost Ship Octavius - Silence
Such a crushing track. If GSO wants to continue making crushingly heavy and melodic music, I am all ears. They're currently touring, which is a good sign for a supergroup as such. This song is so hauntingly powerful. I might need to give this album another listen; it's been a few months since I let it grace my eardrums.
15. Foo Fighters - Something from Nothing
The Foos actually ended up putting out a new EP this year which has a track that might be featured in the 2016 edition. I listened to this song so much last year that I had to put it down and walk away after a while, which was only compounded by solid new Grohl tunes. As much as I enjoyed this ambitious effort, I'd love to hear a normal Foo album next time around.
14. Spoon - New York Kiss
I still can't believe that I ended up loving this disc so much. I still give it spins, especially this track. For a band that I didn't previously care for, they've made an impact on my life the last two years. This is still a great mellow early morning song that gets the mood going.
13. Passion Pit - Lifted Up (1985)
How much is too much when it comes to Passion Pit? The most unfortunate thing about this album is that it could be considered a failure commercially, with "Lifted Up" being the only single to make any of a splash anywhere and album sales not coming near their previous effort. It's a great album, but PP is such a weird outfit. I don't know, but I can say that I'll probably dig anything they release in the future.
12. Fear Factory - Expiration Date
Looking back on it, this album is pretty meh, but this is a solid throbbing track that hits you in every dark and sad crevice of your soul. Dino and Burton have done so many wild things musically that it's amazing they still have any material left in them. I suppose that's the mark of a great musician. I generally don't try to listen to this song unless I'm super depressed, but it fits the mold perfectly in that regard.
11. Catfish and the Bottlemen - Cocoon
Catfish and the Bottlemen had so much success with their debut album that they immediately whipped together a great effort and released it this summer, giving them the rare possibility of having two songs from two different LPs in consecutive years. I can't think of any other bands who have done that on my countdown but I will say that this is a wonderfully ambitious and young band with a bright future. I got to listen to them debut a few new tracks off the new album live before it's release and I quite enjoyed it. This song still rattles around on my playlists through 2016.
10. The Wombats - Give Me A Try
Woof. What an album. I love the Wombats. Seriously, seeing them live, getting this album; they had a great 2015 for me. So much so that I currently have them on the backburner, but you know they'll be back once my ears perk back up to them. Hopefully it doesn't take them so long so put together the next disc!
9. TV on the Radio - Careful You
This song is a hurricane. It swoops in and knocks you over. There's no escaping it, especially when you haven't heard it in a while. I'm listening to it right now and remembering just how thunderous it was last year. Whew. TVotR put out such a good album that gets better every time I listen to it. Sometimes you hear a song and ask yourself if a band can do better than this. Can they upgrade on this song? I don't think so but I'd love to hear them try!
8. Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
What the hell, man. Why didn't anyone stop me? I still hear this song every day on the work muzak and I'm like, ugh, #8. Get out of here.
7. Matty Mullins - More Of You
Memphis May Fire put out a new album this autumn, so it looks like Matty's solo career will go to the backburner for the time being. I haven't had a chance to listen to it, and honestly I'd rather listen to his solo efforts anyways, but I know I'll be more inclined to give it a spin after hearing this disc. Just show me where to go...
6. Lamb of God - 512
Speaking of bands putting together new material, Lamb of God have been throwing out teasers of new songs for the past month. Apparently Randy was definitely ready with new material after getting out of prison. The stuff is good and heavy and I cannot wait for the release. "512" is such a blistering song, and it's only #6! Get outta here.
5. August Burns Red - Identity
I had a chance to see August Burns Red on tour a few months ago. They put on a good heavy and energetic set, but I was disappointed in the venue. It ended up being over 120 degrees inside with no AC and a thousand moshing bodies packed into a tight venue. Every inch of me was drenched in sweat, but it was good to finally see them live. I'll have to make sure they're going to a bigger spot next time I see them. Or just go in the winter months, lol. I still love this song big time.
4. Jason Derulo - Want To Want Me
Derulo. Another song I hear every day at work, but I'm not disappointed by this one. In fact, I still want to get on the choreography of this video and debut it at karaoke one of these weeks. It's a fun song that I listen to all the dang time, but Jason isn't someone that I'd normally listen to on a daily basis. Of the current R&B/hip hop lineup worldwide, he's still one of my favorites, it's just not a genre I spend much time on these days. Still, THIS SONG. So fun, so catchy, so awesome.
3. Slipknot - Skeptic/The Devil In I
Slipknot in 2015, and Korn in 2016. My old favorite bands putting out new material. Korn's came way late and might have a chance to make it into the 2017 countdown, but there was no stopping Corey and the boys in 2015. I've shelved this album for the time being because it was such a humongous thing in 2015, but I'm still holding out hope on seeing them live someday. "Skeptic" is a tough song to listen to right now, but the rest of the album resonates with me and pumps me up when I need it the most. I don't think Slipknot is going to slow down any time soon.
2. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness - Cecilia and the Satellite
I still don't care for this album. I still don't like Something Corporate. But the melodies on "Cecilia" are undeniable. I wish this song was available at my karaoke bar. It's so lovely, but I don't think it'll be a future staple in my life.
1. Purity Ring - Heartsigh
On the other hand, I still haven't been able to put this one down. Top 3 on the most anticipated releases of the year and it absolutely did not disappoint. This song? Amazing. This album? Fantastic. This band? Limitless. I did not think they'd be able to top their debut effort, but I was blown away by Another Eternity. I still jam to this one any time I can. I might be on the most played tracks of 2016 even though it was #1 in 2015. So good. Thank you, Megan and Corin!
Stay tuned! The 2016 Countdown begins in just six days!!
20. Florence + The Machine - Ship To Wreck
Florence Welch is such a wonderful and powerful singer. I think I could listen to her just about any time. I am saddened that I didn't get into this album more since it was released, but there were very few songs that caught my ear. Great song though.
19. The Frozen Ocean - Kerosene
I chronicled my love for The Frozen Ocean last year, and the cool story of how Dave sent me a free shirt simply because he was a wicked cool guy. I still listen to a few songs off of this album regularly, but my 2016 jam is a piano-driven gem called "Light Years". "Kerosene" still holds an incredibly special place of my soul, and I am super excited for any future endeavors from Dave.
18. New Found Glory - SelflessMy oh my. This song came early in 2015 and hung around all year. I wish it had finished higher, but eventually better songs came along and pushed it away. It's still a great release from a great band who has done many wonderful things over the years. I was really surprised at how mature and polished this album ended up being, and I can't wait to see if they can follow it up with something stronger.
17. Big Data - The Business of Emotion (feat White Sea)
Seriously, I love listening to White Sea sing on this song. The pounding bass, the driving beats, just the whole thing. Looking back and knowing this was only #17 reminds me of how great of a place I was in musically last year. The Big Data album definitely surprised me as well, and I'm wondering if he'll put together another collaborative piece with his next offering.
16. Ghost Ship Octavius - Silence
Such a crushing track. If GSO wants to continue making crushingly heavy and melodic music, I am all ears. They're currently touring, which is a good sign for a supergroup as such. This song is so hauntingly powerful. I might need to give this album another listen; it's been a few months since I let it grace my eardrums.
15. Foo Fighters - Something from Nothing
The Foos actually ended up putting out a new EP this year which has a track that might be featured in the 2016 edition. I listened to this song so much last year that I had to put it down and walk away after a while, which was only compounded by solid new Grohl tunes. As much as I enjoyed this ambitious effort, I'd love to hear a normal Foo album next time around.
14. Spoon - New York Kiss
I still can't believe that I ended up loving this disc so much. I still give it spins, especially this track. For a band that I didn't previously care for, they've made an impact on my life the last two years. This is still a great mellow early morning song that gets the mood going.
13. Passion Pit - Lifted Up (1985)
How much is too much when it comes to Passion Pit? The most unfortunate thing about this album is that it could be considered a failure commercially, with "Lifted Up" being the only single to make any of a splash anywhere and album sales not coming near their previous effort. It's a great album, but PP is such a weird outfit. I don't know, but I can say that I'll probably dig anything they release in the future.
12. Fear Factory - Expiration Date
Looking back on it, this album is pretty meh, but this is a solid throbbing track that hits you in every dark and sad crevice of your soul. Dino and Burton have done so many wild things musically that it's amazing they still have any material left in them. I suppose that's the mark of a great musician. I generally don't try to listen to this song unless I'm super depressed, but it fits the mold perfectly in that regard.
11. Catfish and the Bottlemen - Cocoon
Catfish and the Bottlemen had so much success with their debut album that they immediately whipped together a great effort and released it this summer, giving them the rare possibility of having two songs from two different LPs in consecutive years. I can't think of any other bands who have done that on my countdown but I will say that this is a wonderfully ambitious and young band with a bright future. I got to listen to them debut a few new tracks off the new album live before it's release and I quite enjoyed it. This song still rattles around on my playlists through 2016.
10. The Wombats - Give Me A Try
Woof. What an album. I love the Wombats. Seriously, seeing them live, getting this album; they had a great 2015 for me. So much so that I currently have them on the backburner, but you know they'll be back once my ears perk back up to them. Hopefully it doesn't take them so long so put together the next disc!
9. TV on the Radio - Careful You
This song is a hurricane. It swoops in and knocks you over. There's no escaping it, especially when you haven't heard it in a while. I'm listening to it right now and remembering just how thunderous it was last year. Whew. TVotR put out such a good album that gets better every time I listen to it. Sometimes you hear a song and ask yourself if a band can do better than this. Can they upgrade on this song? I don't think so but I'd love to hear them try!
8. Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
What the hell, man. Why didn't anyone stop me? I still hear this song every day on the work muzak and I'm like, ugh, #8. Get out of here.
7. Matty Mullins - More Of You
Memphis May Fire put out a new album this autumn, so it looks like Matty's solo career will go to the backburner for the time being. I haven't had a chance to listen to it, and honestly I'd rather listen to his solo efforts anyways, but I know I'll be more inclined to give it a spin after hearing this disc. Just show me where to go...
6. Lamb of God - 512
Speaking of bands putting together new material, Lamb of God have been throwing out teasers of new songs for the past month. Apparently Randy was definitely ready with new material after getting out of prison. The stuff is good and heavy and I cannot wait for the release. "512" is such a blistering song, and it's only #6! Get outta here.
5. August Burns Red - Identity
I had a chance to see August Burns Red on tour a few months ago. They put on a good heavy and energetic set, but I was disappointed in the venue. It ended up being over 120 degrees inside with no AC and a thousand moshing bodies packed into a tight venue. Every inch of me was drenched in sweat, but it was good to finally see them live. I'll have to make sure they're going to a bigger spot next time I see them. Or just go in the winter months, lol. I still love this song big time.
4. Jason Derulo - Want To Want Me
Derulo. Another song I hear every day at work, but I'm not disappointed by this one. In fact, I still want to get on the choreography of this video and debut it at karaoke one of these weeks. It's a fun song that I listen to all the dang time, but Jason isn't someone that I'd normally listen to on a daily basis. Of the current R&B/hip hop lineup worldwide, he's still one of my favorites, it's just not a genre I spend much time on these days. Still, THIS SONG. So fun, so catchy, so awesome.
3. Slipknot - Skeptic/The Devil In I
Slipknot in 2015, and Korn in 2016. My old favorite bands putting out new material. Korn's came way late and might have a chance to make it into the 2017 countdown, but there was no stopping Corey and the boys in 2015. I've shelved this album for the time being because it was such a humongous thing in 2015, but I'm still holding out hope on seeing them live someday. "Skeptic" is a tough song to listen to right now, but the rest of the album resonates with me and pumps me up when I need it the most. I don't think Slipknot is going to slow down any time soon.
2. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness - Cecilia and the Satellite
I still don't care for this album. I still don't like Something Corporate. But the melodies on "Cecilia" are undeniable. I wish this song was available at my karaoke bar. It's so lovely, but I don't think it'll be a future staple in my life.
1. Purity Ring - Heartsigh
On the other hand, I still haven't been able to put this one down. Top 3 on the most anticipated releases of the year and it absolutely did not disappoint. This song? Amazing. This album? Fantastic. This band? Limitless. I did not think they'd be able to top their debut effort, but I was blown away by Another Eternity. I still jam to this one any time I can. I might be on the most played tracks of 2016 even though it was #1 in 2015. So good. Thank you, Megan and Corin!
Stay tuned! The 2016 Countdown begins in just six days!!
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