THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2016

1. Phish - Big Boat
2. Bon Iver - 22, A Million
3. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Call It What It Is
4. Matt Corby - Telluric
5. Dawes - We're All Gonna Die
6. Jim James - Eternally Even
7. Brett Dennen - Por Favor
8. Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
9. St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Sea Of Noise
10. Classixx - Faraway Reach
11. Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Getaway
12. The Avett Brothers - True Sadness
13. The Head And The Heart - Signs Of Light
14. The Lumineers - Cleopatra
15. Tegan & Sara - Love You To Death
16. STS9 - The Universe Inside
17. Margaret Glaspy - Emotions And Math
18. Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate
19. Joseph - I'm Alone, No You're Not
20. Johnnyswim - Georgica Pond
21. Amos Lee - Spirit
22. Band Of Horses - Why Are You OK
23. White Denim - Stiff
24. Pete Yorn - ArrangingTime
25. Mason Jennings - Wild Dark Metal
26. Lissie - My Wild West
27. The Cat Empire - Rising With The Sun
28. Nahko & Medicine For The People - HOKA
29. Greg Laswell - Everyone Thinks I Dodged A Bullet
30. the NEW DEAL - Mercury Switch

BURN THIS / August 2016

1. Adam Topol "The Captain"
2. ALO "Summer Dream (We Got The Time)"
3. Brett Dennen "Stand Up For It"
4. O.A.R. "Follow Me, Follow You"
5. Taylor Carson "Be Here"
6. JD Eicher "Not Everybody Runs"
7. Joshua Hyslop "The Spark"
8. Justin Klump "Loved You Good"
9. Margaret Glaspy "Somebody To Anybody"
10. Jack Garratt "Surprise Yourself"
11. Lissie "Wild West"
12. Amos Lee "Spirit"
13. St. Paul & The Broken Bones "All I Ever Wonder"
14. Needtobreathe "Money & Fame"
15. The Saint Johns "Testifier"
16. Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes "The Surface"
17. The Record Company "Rita Mae Young"
18. Trapper Schoepp "Dream"
19. The Wild Feathers "Help Me Out"
20. The Revivalists "Men Amongst Mountains"

BURN THIS / July 2016

1. The Head And The Heart "All We Ever Knew"
2. The Wind And The Wave "Grand Canyon"
3. The Avett Brothers "Satan Pulls The Strings"
4. Margaret Glaspy "You And I"
5. Amos Lee "Vaporize"
6. Michael Kiwanuka "One More Night"
7. Matt Corby "Wrong Man"
8. Mat McHugh "Sideways"
9. Brett Dennen "Bonfire"
10. Jon And Roy "Quatro"
11. Nahko & Medicine For The People "We Are On Time"
12. Elephant Revival "When I Fall"
13. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats "Wasting Time"
14. Gregory Alan Isakov "Liars"
15. The Low Anthem "The Pepsi Moon"
16. Escondido "Footprints"
17. Griffin House "Easy Come Easy Go"
18. Trapper Schoepp "Talking Girlfriend Blues"
19. Hamish Anderson "Trouble"
20. The Wild Feathers "Leave Your Light On"

SUMMER BREAK

THISisMODERN.net will be taking a bit of a summer break this year. BURN THIS posts will continue, but reviews will go on hiatus for the summer. Reviews will resume in September. Enjoy this summer's releases, festivals, and concerts!

BURN THIS / June 2016

1. Michael Franti & Spearhead "Crazy For You"
2. The Hip Abduction "Lifted"
3. Rebelution "Know It All"
4. The Dirty Heads "That's All I Need"
5. Pepper "Vacation"
6. Zach Heckendorf "High Force"
7. Brett Dennen "Cassidy"
8. Nahko & Medicine For The People "Love Letters To God"
9. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals "Finding Our Way"
10. Michael Kiwanuka "Black Man In A White World"
11. Allen Stone "Voodoo"
12. JP Cooper (featuring Avelino) "Five More Days"
13. Jack Garratt "Worry"
14. Javier Colon "Gravity"
15. Matt Wertz "Lemonade"
16. Margaret Glaspy "Emotions And Math"
17. Joseph "White Flag"
18. Needtobreathe "No Excuses"
19. The Avett Brothers "True Sadness"
20. Mike Doughty "I'm Still Drinking In My Dreams"

#reviewoftheweek / Rogue Wave - Delusions Of Grand Fur

Indie rock, and a style, would be nothing without certain bands. Rogue Wave is one of those bands who pioneered a sound that hovers just one side of full-fledged alternative rock. While these guys have turned out some pretty recognizable hit songs over the years, they have returned to a much more subtle display of their signature sound. "California Bride" has elements of light hearted power pop directly from the west coast and "What Is Left To Solve" is one of the more alternative sounding songs on the album. The gem of the album is "In The Morning" which was produced by another indie rock legend, former Death Cab For Cutie member and indie rocker extraordinaire Chris Walla. Rogue Wave have staying power in the music world, and this album proves that you don't need big hits or gimmicks to succeed. All you need is awesome music that is instantly identifiable as only coming from one band.

#reviewoftheweek / Wild Belle - Dreamland

After wowing the masses with their critically acclaimed debut album, Wild Belle have returned with a new collection that tries to top the original. It is equally as good, but goes in a different direction than the original. While the first album was full of sunshine and reggae, this album uses both of those as influences on a heavily produced indie and alternative rock sound. "Throw Down Your Guns" and "Giving Up On You" are the album standouts. But, on songs like the lead track "Mississippi River" they show off their songwriting in combination with their killer unique sound. Wild Belle is an exciting band, and this album shows they aren't just a one trick pony.

#reviewoftheweek / Elephant Revival - Petals

Quietly coming to the forefront of both the folk and jam scenes, Elephant Revival have been churning out albums quite steadily over the past few years. Their newest is poised to help them cross over into a more mainstream limelight. Merging styles of bluegrass, folk, and rock you can easily draw comparisons to bands like the Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, and the Lumineers. However, their sound is still a bit more quiet and reserved, and their songs really develop and unfold with each listen. They flirt with crossing the line into the country world and show off that their instrumentation is as big of a part of every song as each carefully crafted lyric. "When I Fall" is one of their best songs yet, and surely the one that future fans will chart as the one that got them hooked. Elephant Revival may not be a new band, but with the folk scene growing, this album is sure to solidify them as one of the pioneers of the modern take on a familiar style.

#reviewoftheweek / JD Eicher - The Middle Distance

Some might say the world doesn't need another singer/songwriter slinging a guitar. You might be right, but he world could use more like JD Eicher. Not trying to emulate any one specific influence, Eicher shows off his songwriting skill well on this album, his first without his backing band, The Goodnights. His pop sensibilities rival those who came before him such as John Mayer and Joshua Radin and fans of rock bands like OneRepublic and The Fray will find songs on this album they can identify with. "This Heart" and "Not Everyone Runs" are standout tracks, and given the right radio airplay could catapult JD Eicher to the top of the charts. Eicher is no rookie when it comes to playing and songwriting, and now it's time for the rest of the world to know his name.

BURN THIS / May 2016

1. The Avett Brothers "Ain't No Man"
2. The Lumineers "Cleopatra"
3. Judah & The Lion "Take It All Back"
4. Needtobreathe "Happiness"
5. Mat Kearney "Moving On"
6. Matt Wertz "Smoke"
7. Dave Barnes "Carry On, San Vicente"
8. JD Eicher "This Heart"
9. Robert Francis "Fire Engine Red"
10. Good Old War "Never Gonna See Me Cry"
11. Rogue Wave "What It Left To Solve"
12. Matt Corby "Oh Oh Oh"
13. Mason Jennings "Two Dollar Man"
14. White Denim "Had 2 Know (Personal)"
15. Lake Street Dive "I Don't Care About You"
16. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals "Shine"
17. Nahko & Medicine For The People "San Quentin"
18. The Hip Abduction "Stand Up For Love"
19. Rebelution "Upper Hand"
20. The Movement "Wild Time"

#reviewoftheweek / Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Call It What It Is

Ben Harper hasn't recorded music with his band the Innocent Criminals in about 10 years. It was almost as if that was a chapter of his musical career that was closed and never was to be revisited. Boy, were we wrong! And it's a goods thing too, because this new collection of songs reminds us just why we fell in love with Harpers music over 20 years ago. The combination of folk, funk, rock, blues, and reggae is unlike any other band touring or recording music these days. It's a throwback kind of sound that feels fresh and new and updated to reflect the changing times, both musically and socially. The title track is a social commentary which is paramount to Harper's lyricism. It's not his first lyrical expression of his opinions but it is one of his best. Straight up rock hits in the form of the lead single "Pink Balloon" and the lead off track "When Sex Was Dirty." The band even has time to throw in an old school reggae track called "Fining My Way," which is a standout all Harper's reggae tracks. One of the best bands and leaders to hit the stage over the past quarter century, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals are back, and hopefully here to stay!

#reviewoftheweek / Greg Laswell - Everyone Thinks I Dodged A Bullet

One of the most solid musicians making music these days is Greg Laswell. You can always be guaranteed to be impressed with each collection of music he puts out. Never one to have broken out into the mainstream, Laswell's music stays just below the radar enough to keep him intriguing and artistic, without having to cater to the demands of the music world. That being said, his latest is raw and insightful, showcasing his signature vocals and storyteller lyricism. The track "Dodged A Bullet" is a perfect display of just that, and other songs like "Out Of Line" use the lyrics as their bedrock. The album's lead single "Lifetime Ago" is the closing thing you'll get to a pop hit on this album, and it's about as close as you'll want to be with Laswell's music. In the truest sense, Greg Laswell is the epitome of a singer/songwriter, and 30 years we may look back at his body of work the way we look at Dylan and Simon and Cash.

#reviewofthweek / Dave Barnes - Carry On, San Vicente

Dave Barnes is one of those artists that you can't seem to get away from. His music is everywhere and he cowrites songs with everyone. It's always nice when he puts out a new collection, so that you can see what he's up to. Not straying too far from his signature pop rock sound, Barnes' new collection is bright and upbeat as usual, focusing on some of the best lyrics he's written. The title tracks is an upbeat fun track that is reminiscent of 80s and 90s soft rock, showcasing a very nostalgic feel. In fact, the entire album feels nostalgic, both in influence and in history, as you can hear elements od each of Dave's releases throughout the collection. Never one to disappoint, Barnes has delivered another stellar album.

#reviewoftheweek / Lissie - My Wild West

My Wild West is a great new album from Lissie. She mixed indie and classic rock sounds for a well rounded album, that showcases more of her excellent lyricism than ever before. She's not the type of chick you mess around with, and you can tell, because she can hold her own with a guitar. Standout tracks on the album include "Daughters," "Hero," and "Don't You Give Up On Me." Being that this is her third album, it seems kind of hard to reproduce the success and sound of her pervious. Lissie does that and more with this collection, showing that going sideways is just as awesome as going forward It's not always about topping yourself, it's about showcasing your many talents.

BURN THIS / April 2016

1. Brett Dennen "What's The Secret?"
2. Jon And Roy "When I Rise"
3. Roo Panes "Where I Want To Go"
4. Mason Jennings "Heaven"
5. Lissie "Daughters"
6. Judah & The Lion "Graffiti Dreams"
7. Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes "Get Mine"
8. White Denim "Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah)"
9. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals "Call It What It Is"
10. JJ Grey & Mofro "Brave Lil' Fighter"
11. Green River Ordinance "Red Fire Night"
12. Griffin House "Yesterday Lies"
13. Graham Colton "Life Is What You Make It"
14. The Hunts "Just For A While"
15. Escondido "Try"
16. Greg Laswell "Out Of Line"
17. Rogue Wave "California Bride"
18. Good Old War "Small World"
19. The River Arkansas "Golden Light"
20. Jose Gonzalez "With The Ink Of A Ghost"

#reviewoftheweek / Mason Jennings - Wild Dark Metal

Contrary to what the title sounds like, this album is not full of heavy metal music sung by Mason Jennings, one of our generations prolific folk-rockers. However, the album is a little heavier and darker than what we are used to from the Minnesota singer/songwriter, similar to his 2009 release "Blood Of Man." Mason's voice is instantly identifiable and he branches out, away from his traditional acoustic folky sound to get a little more raw and rock 'n roll. Crunchy guitars are a signature of songs like "Arma" and "Two Dollar Man" while the lyrics are the star of songs like "Heaven" and "Death Grips." The bones of the music are typical Mason Jennings, but the sound is a bit edgier than we are used to. It's nice to see singers branch out and give us something different than the norm, and Mason Jennings is one of the best at doing that while still keeping true to his roots and his influences.

#reviewoftheweek / Matt Corby - Telluric

Matt Corby was a virtual unknown until about 10 years ago when he appeared on season 5 of "Australian Idol" (the down under version of the hit US TV show) where he finished as runner up. Fast forward about 10 years and Corby has been making music and making waves in his native country, churning out a handful of critically acclaimed singles and EPs, some of which have been released stateside. Now, he's finally released his first proper album and has broken down the barriers of what you'd expect from a reality show contestant. Indie rock and folk rock collide to create a sound unlike anything you'd hear on the radio these days. His voice is almost gospel like and the instrumentation mixes funky with ambient in a way that can only be described as unique. Incredible songs like "Monday," "Knife Edge," and "Sooth Lady Wine" could have legs on US airwaves if given the right exposure. From start to finish, the entire album is adventurous and proves that the genius of a musician comes out when the musician has full control of their vision. Corby made sure this album, a work in progress for years, was exactly what it needed to be before unleashing it on the world. And, thankfully and expectedly, the music was well worth the wait.

#reviewoftheweek / Roo Panes - Paperweights

The debut album from Roo Panes is a thing of wonder. This up-and-coming singer/songwriter is going to spearhead a new generation of mellow folkies that is going to take the world by storm. Just as musicians like David Gray and Damien Rice, Panes is bringing straightforward mellow acoustic music across the pond. The airwaves have been dominated by poppy singers with acoustic guitars and folky balladeers, but Panes is different. His voice is an instrument equally as much as any actual instruments on the disc. Highlights on the album include "The Original" and "Where I Want To Go." This is the type of music you can listen to while falling asleep, going on an adventure, or chilling by the pool. It's different and familiar at the same time and accessible by fans of all genres. One of this year's true gems, this album is destined to be among the year's best come December.

#reviewoftheweek / The Hunts - Those Younger Days

It's hard enough to imagine what's it's like to be in a band that features 7 members. It's another thing all together to imagine what's it's like to be one of 7 siblings. The Hunts are a new folk band that features 7 siblings ranging from 16 to 24 years old, that are all incredible singers and multi-instrumentalists. Their performances are mindblowing, and that is because this album is mindblowing. Featuring every instrument you can think of from banjos and mandolins all the way to violins, their mini string orchestra coupled with the talents of their main singers (both male and female) show just how exciting folk music can be. The entire album has an underlying pop feel but lives squarely in the new folk movement, similar to bands like The Lumineers, The Lone Bellow, and Houndmouth. Songs on the album that showcase the best of their best are "Illuminate," "Make This Leap," and "Just For A While." You will never hear a band have more fun making music on a studio album, but it is evident that this family band loves what they do and does what they love.

#reviewofthweek / The River Arkansas - Golden Light

Indie folk has taken the world by storm over the past few years, so it's only natural that anyone with a remotely identifiable sound would come out of the woodwork to try and grab a piece of the action. The River Arkansas are not doing that. Instead, the band has subtly appeared and quietly announced that they have something to offer. The album's title track is a standout, showing off how lyrics and simple instrumentation can paint the same types of pictures that full orchestras usually do. This is local music at it's best. It's the type of music you hear at coffeehouses and want to seek out when having a beer. The River Arkansas do not strive to be the next big thing. What powers them and what makes this album shine is the honesty of the lyrics and their sound.

BURN THIS / March 2016

1. Mason Jennings "Arma"
2. Roo Panes "The Original"
3. Matt Corby "Knife Edge"
4. The Hip Abduction "Before We Lose Our Mind"
5. Pepper "Start You Up"
6. Iration "867"
7. The Movement (featuring Mr. Williamz) "Dancehall"
8. The Cat Empire "Bulls"
9. Allen Stone "Perfect World"
10. Gabrielle Aplin "Sweet Nothing"
11. The Saint Johns "Lost The Feeling"
12. Parachute "Crave"
13. Ryan Cabrera "House On Fire"
14. Matt Wertz "Slow Motion"
15. Matthew Mayfield "Wild Eyes"
16. Anderson East "Learning"
17. JD McPherson "Precious"
18. The Hunts "Illuminate"
19. The Lumineers "Ophelia"
20. The Milk Carton Kids "The City Of Our Lady"

BURN THIS / February 2016

1. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals "Pink Balloon"
2. The Record Company "Off The Ground"
3. Ray LaMontagne "Hey, No Pressure"
4. White Denim "Holda You (I'm Psycho)"
5. The Revivalists "King Of What"
6. JD McPherson "Bridgebuilder"
7. Anderson East "Only You"
8. Allen Stone "Love"
9. Chris Velan "Un-American Gothic"
10. Cas Haley (featuring Trevor Hall) "Hold Up My Heart"
11. The Hip Abduction "Come Alive"
12. The Cat Empire "Que Sera Ahora"
13. Jack Garratt "Breathe Life"
14. Gabrielle Aplin "Light Up The Dark"
15. Grace Potter "Nobody's Born With A Broken Heart"
16. Greg Laswell "Dodged A Bullet"
17. Josh Ritter "Where The Night Goes"
18. Rayland Baxter "Rugged Lovers"
19. Bobby Long "Ode To Thinking"
20. Stephen Kellogg "26 Seconds (Of Silence)"

BURN THIS / January 2016

1. Lettuce "The Force"
2. Matt Corby "Sooth Lady Wine"
3. The Revivalists "All In The Family"
4. G. Love & Special Sauce (featuring Citizen Cope) "Muse"
5. Slightly Stoopid "Come Around"
6. Iration "Stay Awake"
7. Cas Haley (featuring Mike Love) "More Music More Family"
8. Ethan Tucker "This Has All Been A Dream"
9. Cris Cab "Drive Out The Dark"
10. The Hunts "Make This Leap"
11. Joshua Hyslop "The Flood"
12. Jon And Roy "Ripples"
13. Rob Drabkin "She Comes And Goes"
14. Lissie "Don't You Give Up On Me"
15. Greg Laswell "Lifetime Ago"
16. Good Old War "Never Gonna See Me Cry"
17. Josh Ritter "Homecoming"
18. Stephen Kellogg "Almost Woke You Up"
19. Josh Garrels "Born Again"
20. Leon Bridges "So Long"