BEST ARTIST OF 2015
Tame Impala
Tame Impala has outdone itself this year – “Currents” might be its strongest effort to date. Disco, R&B, synth-pop, and psych rock come together to create a stellar album.
-Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky
Lord Huron
With its sophomore LP Strange Trails, Lord Huron paints a picture of the full range of the band’s talents, creating a symphony that only it can orchestrate. Behind the cascade of maracas, wild guitars, and even the occasional wind chimes, its Americana-induced folk rock has reached a potential no one would have seen coming from this Los Angeles band.
-Robert Defina
(The Return Of) Adele
With its sophomore LP Strange Trails, Lord Huron paints a picture of the full range of the band’s talents, creating a symphony that only it can orchestrate. Behind the cascade of maracas, wild guitars, and even the occasional wind chimes, its Americana-induced folk rock has reached a potential no one would have seen coming from this Los Angeles band.
-Chris X
CHVRCHES
I want to be more creative. I want to pull some revelation out from my hat of obscure artists to shock and amaze you, reader. But I’d be a liar if I said I listened to any record more than I listen to CHVRCHES’ Every Open Eye. And despite radio/media omnipresence, CHVRCHES frontwoman Lauren Mayberry remains a refreshing personality in contemporary music.
-James David Patrick
Adele
To be honest I haven’t heard the album (25). I heard bits and pieces of “Hello.” I hear her name whispered everywhere. It is hard to argue against it.
She’s the Star Wars in music.
-Greg Kieszkowski
Nicolas Jaar
The man released three EPs and one full-length LP this year, and all of them were stellar. The sheer volume to quality ratio is astounding.
-Nicholas Fazio
FIDLAR
All the feels for FIDLAR. “Fuck It Dog, Life’s A Risk.”
-Daniel Adams
Low
One of the most consistently interesting bands of the past 20 years. Apart from releasing strong albums every few years, Ones and Sixes in 2015 being a prime example, they have become an intense semi-disturbing live act.
-Killian Laher
WORST ALBUM OF 2015
Coldplay – A Head Full Of Dreams
Not because it was a disaster of a record, but because all A Head Full of Dreams did was paint Coldplay in a light that was entirely not its own. Riding off the melancholic beauty of Ghost Stories, Chris Martin and his clan failed to show any linear progress, devolving into a pop band that fizzled on its way out instead of leaving a lasting impression.
-Robert Defina
Alessia Cara – Know-It-All
Didn’t we hear Massive Attack and Tricky do this way back in the ‘90s? Yes we like to support our local talent but only to a point.
-Arvin Kashyap
Pope Francis – Wake Up!
The fact that this album even came out needs to be recognized.
-Chris X
Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
I’ll concede Drake’s not actually the worst. Perhaps “worst” really just means overrated. But he’s totally the worst. I fail to see why this man has reached the pinnacle of critical and commercial success. He’s been cited as a leader of some kind of rap renaissance, yet all I hear is someone mumbling over lazy beats.
-James David Patrick
Bullet For My Valentine – Venom
I just don’t get this band. Sorry, guys.
-Daniel Adams
Ultimate Painting – Green Lanes
I prefer the term “most disappointing” album. After a wonderful debut, this follow-up felt throwaway and insubstantial. Hoping for better things on album three!
-Killian Laher
Miley Cyrus – Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz
Miley goes bandcamp! Or something like that. One wonders how stoned she was while making this 23-track, dropped-on-the-floor layer cake.
-Nicholas Fazio
Justin Bieber – Purpose
He’s tainted Canada and now he’s running wild in The States. We have enough issues here, guys. Can you guys take him back? Please?
-Daniel Adams
BEST ALBUM OF 2015
Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear
This album is filled with tenderness, angst, and Josh Tillman’s signature sardonic wit – a masterpiece from start to finish.
-Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky
Milo Greene – Control
From the percussive masterpiece “Lie To Me” to the airy harmonies of “Gramercy” and the clash and clang of “Parents’ House,” Milo Greene took its second record as an opportunity to blossom into a world of modern indie electronica and did it with a steady hand. Without compromising its identity, the Los Angeles five-piece proved it suits any genre well, delivering the most consistently creative record of 2015.
-Robert Defina
Den Sorte Skole – Indians & Cowboys
A global, monumental “sample” effort to behold for any music fan’s collection.
-Chris X
Grimes – Art Angels
I’ll step out from behind my CHVRCHES fanboyism for a brief second to recognize that Grimes’ Art Angels was the landmark album of 2015. Like being slugged with a two-ton feather pillow, Grimes slaps you with catchy synths and melodies upside your cranium, in the nicest possible way.
-James David Patrick
David Gilmour – Rattle That Lock
It’s David Fucking Gilmour!
-Greg Kieszkowski
Julia Holter – Have You In My Wilderness
Maybe the single greatest baroque pop album ever made. A perfect landing spot from the dreamy takeoff that was 2013’s Loud City Song.
-Nicholas Fazio
Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love
When No Cities To Love came out at the beginning of the year, it struck with urgency and purpose. This wasn’t just another veteran act’s victory lap; after a decade of silence, it was an exciting and innovative piece of art to behold. When I heard the album back in January, I declared that it had “already cemented itself as one of the mandatory listens of 2015.” So as the final days of the year come to a close, I have just this to say: called it.
-RJ Vandrish
Nite Fields – Depersonalisation
One of the earliest albums released this year, and, 11 months on, the strongest. Arriving out of nowhere, fully formed, these Australians released a very un-Australian-sounding album, one rooted in melancholic post-punk sounds. It’s an album to immerse yourself in: dour, murky, and addictive.
-Killian Laher
Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes – Blossom
I loved the work he did with Gallows and his new group is even better.
-Daniel Adams
Tony Bennett and Bill Charlap –The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern
Almost approaching 90, Bennett shows with this album that he is a fine wine that simply gets better and better with age. This album, featuring the sensitive stylings of piano great Charlap (featured solo, in duet with his pianist wife Renee Rosnes, and in his classic trio with Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on Drums), takes the timeless songs of Kern and weaves them into a definitive statement in 21st-century jazz and popular song. Quite frankly one of the best CDs of 2015 hands down. Highlights: “All the Things You Are,” “Pick Yourself Up,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Yesterdays,” and “Look for the Silver Lining.”
-Conrad Gayle
Various Artists – To Oscar, With Love
Kelly Peterson, Oscar Peterson’s widow, produced and orchestrated this well-executed valentine for Oscar Peterson fans with this stunning and well-priced three-CD set. It comprises of mostly Oscar’s compositions played in solo and duo configurations, and all pianists played on Oscar’s home piano in their home studio. This is a collection that all fans of the great Oscar Peterson should run and get a hold of.
-Conrad Gayle
Landen Vieira – Dream
One of the most stunning jazz debuts in a long time comes from a 23-year-old saxophonist and composer wunderkind from Toronto. His playing resonates with real depth, emotion, and maturity well beyond his years, and his writing has echoes of some of the best composers in jazz such as Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and Wayne Shorter. This record respects the tradition of jazz while taking the music forward.
-Conrad Gayle
BEST SINGLE OF 2015
Animal Collective – “FloriDada”
Dizzying, ecstatic, fun, and possibly Animal Collective’s most poppy tune ever.
-Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky
Yukon Blonde – “Saturday Night”
Undoubtedly the biggest Canadian indie track of the summer, “Saturday Night” elevated Yukon Blonde from their subpar addition to the music scene. With its gorgeous blend of synths and electric riffs, the track is not only the catchiest song of the year, but also the best produced.
-Robert Defina
Kurt Vile – “Pretty Pimpin’”
Very simple catchy riff. It just sticks in your head when you hear it.
-Arvin Kashyap
Missy Elliott ft. Pharrell Williams – “WTF (Where They From)”
C’mon, who HASN’T been waiting???
Available for download or stream now!
-Chris X
Courtney Barnett – “Depreston”
I’m spreading the love here, like the Academy Awards. It should be noted that I am not, per say, a huge fan of Barnett. I find her influences too immediately present. “Depreston” is the first track from Barnett that feels like her own, that feels like she’s taken Dylan and Liz Phair and Pavement and Lou Reed and finally shared her own sweetly melancholy musical journey.
-James David Patrick
Stereophonics – “I Wanna Get Lost With You”
This little gem from across the ocean probably didn’t reach many ears, but it is worth a listen.
-Greg Kieszkowski
Jenny Hval – “That Battle Is Over”
Feminism? Socialism? Merry Christmas, that war is over. An ironic shredding of modern ideologies by a glass-shattering voice in the dark. Thor Harris on drums, to boot.
-Nicholas Fazio
Gama Bomb – “Ninja Untouchables”
Straight from Ireland and ready to drink and talk about ninjas, zombies, and beer. Gama Bomb keeps putting out great songs. I’m hoping they come state side for some touring. (Fingers crossed)
-Daniel Adams
BIGGEST DEBUT ARTIST 2015
Tobias Jesso Jr. – Goon
Part early McCartney, part Billy Joel, and part Randy Newman, Jesso Jr.’s piano-centric tunes are worth repeated listens.
-Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky
Seafret – Atlantis
The UK acoustic duo has its work cut out for it, swimming against a current of indie singer-songwriters all vying for those same airwaves. Seafret stands out in its ability to handle most music territory with emotional and lyrical structure beyond their years. Haven’t heard of them? Try “Atlantis” and tell me their record isn’t the next on your list.
-Robert Defina
Tobias Jesso Jr. – Goon
His sound took me by surprise. My first listen of the single “How Could You Babe” sent me back to the Thursday nights in the ‘80s watching an episode of Cheers.
-Arvin Kashyap
Kamasi Washington – The Epic
Diggin’ that sax, Yes, please!
-Chris X
Natalie Prass – Natalie Prass
Prass’ perfectly fragile, retro-styled vocals are only undermined by the confidence with which she blends ‘60s-era pop music with folk and country. The former Jenny Lewis bandmember struck out on her own in 2015 and released her self-titled debut record and an accompanying EP of stripped-down live cuts – on which she not only dared to cover Grimes but also successfully updated Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” with an optimistic backbeat and keyboards.
-James David Patrick
Tobias Jesso Jr. – Goon
Superstar name! Wonderful Canadian surprise of 2015.
-Greg Kieszkowski
The Weather Station – Loyalty
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman evokes Joni Mitchell in that whispery, golden-toned way.
-Nicholas Fazio
Bully – Feels Like
I literally just found this group while I was writing this. Great sound and the singer is a cute blonde.
-Daniel Adams
Nite Fields – Depersonalisation
These dark, enigmatic Australians produced the best album of the year, and for this reason they get this accolade. Let’s hope a second helping is on the way in 2016!
-Killian Laher
BEST CONCERT OF 2015
Milo Greene
Go see Milo Greene live the next time they’re in town, you won’t regret it.
-Robert Defina
Paul McCartney
He is an old guy now but he still can play his guitars. Not many people can put on a 2+ hour show of hit after hit.
-Arvin Kashyap
ACDC
Feels like the first time, but it’s the last time. Someone is sadly graduating high school and putting away their uniform.
-Greg Kieszkowski
St. Vincent
Spine-tingling from minute 1 to minute 101.
-Nicholas Fazio
Mogwai
One of modern music’s most consistent bands, 2015 saw them playing retrospective 20th anniversary shows featuring highlights from across their career, blowing the roof off of concert venues while they’re at it.
-Killian Laher
Primus (w/ Dinosaur Jr.)
The best show I’ve been to this year has been Primus with Dinosaur Jr. I missed Dinosaur Jr. like an ass, but Primus was great – from what I remember!
-Nicholas Fazio
Christian McBride Big Band
High-octane swinging big band led by one of the top bass players in the world.
-Conrad Gayle
Blind Boys Of Alabama
Free concert during Panamania that brought the gospel soul and rhythms to an exuberant audience.
-Conrad Gayle
Danilo Pérez
Danilo Pérez, with orchestra and a quartet featuring Miguel Zenón, John Patitucci and Brian Blade, premiering an arresting work especially commissioned for the Pan American Games in Toronto.
-Conrad Gayle
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
“One Nation Under A Groove.” “Tear The Roof Off The Sucker (Give Up The Funk).” ‘Nuff Said.
-Conrad Gayle
Snarky Puppy
The premier jazz jam band of all time played an arresting set of high-octane funk and electric jazz to a packed audience. One of the most electric moments I have ever encountered.
-Conrad Gayle
Oscar @ 90
Star-studded concert spectacular celebrating the release of the brand new Oscar, With Love recording, with Benny Green, Robi Botos, Oliver Jones, Bill Charlap, Renee Rosnes, Kenny Barron and Gerald Clayton taking turns on Oscar’s very own Bösendorfer piano.
-Conrad Gayle
BEST VIDEO OF 2015
Slayer – “Repentless”
It’s got Danny Trejo, prison riots, blood and gore…what more could you ask for, man?
-Daniel Adams
Run The Jewels – “Close Your Eyes and Count to Fuck”
I can’t think of another music video, ever, that has made me tremble this much in anticipation for its entire run time. An essential part of the 2015 experience.
-Nicholas Fazio
Glorious Sons – “The Contender”
Trailer Park Boys would be proud! It is refreshing to see not everyone takes themselves seriously.
-Greg Kieszkowski
VARIOUS 2015 PICKS
BEST RAP/HIP-HOP RECORD OF 2015
Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD – Sour Soul
The only consistently great Wu-Tang MC collaborates with Toronto’s BADBADNOTGOOD to create the most original and compelling Wu-related record in years. BADBADNOTGOOD’s organic, jazzy orchestration conjures warm and fuzzy notions of the Stax era. This is both the future and the past of hip-hop.
-James David Patrick
FAVOURITE INTERVIEW OF 2015
Ian Fletcher Thornley
Not often do you experience an interview that feels like a great conversation.
-Greg Kieszkowski
BEST CANADIAN RECORD OF 2015
Colin Stetson & Sarah Neufeld – Never Were The Way She Was
Jazzy, raw and otherworldly. Not a word is spoken, but much is said.
-Nicholas Fazio
