Written by: Shawn Brown
The Screaming Life has always been my way of trying to connect with artists that I genuinely love. Luckily, this year, I was able to do that time after time.
For me, all great music has a heavy dose of authenticity pulsing through it. I didn’t want to rank my favorite records from 2015 (who can really pull that off, anyway?), but I did want to share some of my picks regardless.
In no particular order….
Glen Campbell – I’ll Be Me (Motion Picture Soundtrack)
While the documentary of the same name is an earth-shattering account of the struggles and inherent bravery of those inflicted with Alzheimer’s–and their families–the sentiment of the accompanying songs off the soundtrack are implicitly heartbreaking. “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” isn’t just the best song of the year, it’s the most important. It’s an album filled with valiant, even defiant goodbyes to a landmark artist who is brave enough to publicly vanish.
Brandi Carlile – The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Even though this record entered the Top 10, there is still an unabashed underdog mentality surrounding Brandi Carlile. This set features her notoriously personal songwriting, matched with refreshingly raw production. She has quietly become one of the more unequivocally powerful singers on the planet.
Renn – Heartache and a Song
If there is one album this year that deserves an instant download – it’s this one. The Nashville transplant succeeded in dousing this record in equal parts sadness and hope. Renn is a gifted songwriter and musician, however his live-tracked vocals throughout the entirety of this record hold in them an emotionality that Pro Tools can never produce. “King of California” and “Our Own Mistakes” are pure magic.
The Stereophonics – Keep the Village Alive
Kelly Jones and company continue making their case for classic rock status by releasing yet another strong effort. Jones is a rare singer indeed to be able to cover so much ground within the confines of a rock band – he has never sounded better on record. The album features the finest album closer of the year with “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”
Mad Season/Seattle Symphony – Sonic Evolution
Symphonies and rock n’roll?! In this case, yes indeed! While this release may have flown under the radar, it’s a tremendous statement curated by Pearl Jam ‘s Mike McCready. The Seattle Symphony joins Mad Season alums McCready and Barrett Martin, who are supported by Duff McKagen and Chris Cornell for several classic Mad Season cuts. McCready also reunited Temple of the Dog for the night and invited several other distinguished Seattle singers onstage for other Mad Season tracks. The live performances captured on this night are truly spectacular. With all the star power that the disk features, it’s McCready who stands out. He’s absolutely brilliant, undoubtedly fueled by the opportunity to play some classic songs written and played by some lost friends.
Lieutenant – If I Kill This Thing We’re All Going to Eat for a Week
Foo Fighter Nate Mendel ‘s quaint, breezy solo release features this years’ most elaborately intimate sonic musings. “Belle Epoque” and “Rattled” deserve an immediate listen.
Foy Vance – Live At Bangor Abbey
Ed Sheeran’s favorite Irish troubadour’s live set serves as an indomitable addendum to Vance’s Joy of Nothing tour cycle. While Foy Vance seems predestined for super-stardom, it is hard not to imagine that this release will always document the quiet moments before the clamor.
Matthew Good – Chaotic Neutral
By far the Canadian powerhouses’ best solo work in years, Chaotic Neutral fusses fist-pumping art rock with deep introspection in a way that is completely unique to Good. The album boasts the best album opener of the year in “All You Sons and Daughters.” Why this guy is not a household name in America will never make any sense to me.
Ian Fletcher Thornely – Secrets
The Big Wreck front man finally drops the solo record that he’s been threatening to make for decades. While being a prodigious guitar player has never muddied Thornely’s ability to pull deeply on the emotions of listeners, Secrets is the personification of what its like to love music so deeply that it stings. The record is often simple and quiet in its acoustic instrumentation, and therefore finally removes the various buffers from Thornely’s voice – and what a voice it is.
Adele – 25
Why fight it? Adele is simply the most important artist making popular music today. Thankfully, 25 is no less emotionally resonate than its predecessor and finds Adele plowing fertile ground with a bulldozer. If you have a functional aortic system, than you are undoubtedly struggling to get over just how beautiful this record really is.
