Top Albums of 2016

1- Call of the Islands – Ixtahuele

Call of the Islands by Ixtahuele
Call of the Islands by Ixtahuele

An easy call in what was generally a weak year.  Two years ago I rated Ixtahuele’s Mareld EP as number 4 on my top albums list (2014 was a very strong year), saying it might have ranked higher if it wasn’t just an EP. Well, the three tracks from Mareld returned this year as part of Ixtahuele’s second full-length album. Though maybe a step down from their incredible debut Pagan Rights, this is by no means a let down. These are thirteen original exotica tracks that rank up there with the best of the genre (extremely rare for any exotica group to have an album entirely of original compositions) . Such a fine mix of vibes+piano that would make Arthur Lyman and Martin Denny proud.

2- Honoka & Azita EP – Honoka & Azita

Hawaii’s ukulele sensations finally put out music for purchase after a couple years of YouTube videos. Their surf covers of “Miserlou” and “Wipeout” featured additional musicians but their original tune “Drop In” shows promise beyond novelty.

3- The Exotic Sounds of Tikiyaki 5-0 EP – Tikiyaki 5-0

This is the surf-oriented quartet variant of the Tikiyaki Orchestra, and their EP was a lot of fun. Check out the very good surf version of the exotica classic “Taboo.” I was looking for a modern surf group and this EP didn’t disappoint.

4- Super – Pet Shop Boys

Hard to follow 2013’s Electric album, but the template was largely similar with a focus on dance tracks rather than orchestral or acoustic experimentation. Some very strong tracks, including the single “The Pop Kids.”

5- This is what the truth feels like – Gwen Stefani

All the songs sound the same is sort of a plus and a minus. A big comeback for Stefani who’s last album was the largely forgettable Push and Shove with No Doubt. Though not as varied and dance oriented as Stefani’s first two solo albums, this one does have a great sound and some strong tracks such as “Rare” and “Make Me Like You.”

6- Hardwired… to Self Destruct – Metallica

A solid but unspectacular album from Metallica.

7- Strange Little Birds – Garbage

Ranked last, because it was my least favorite this year and among all the albums from Garbage. Which is not to say it’s awful, just “less awesome.”  Overall, this album had fewer outstanding songs than are typical for the average Garbage album, and the tempo was down too (evidence: the album’s best song “Even Though Our Love is Doomed“).

Most Listened Songs 2016

One of our annual posts here at Kevdo.com is my list of most-listened songs. Had some desktop computer issues and so the counts and total played songs are likely somewhat off. I’m transitioning iPhone sync with a new desktop hence this list coming out a bit early. In any case, according to iTunes data I listened to a total of 1852 songs in 2016.

List of top songs include some holdovers from 2015 (including last year’s number one, “Mow That Lawn”). Plus, songs from new albums by Pet Shop Boys and Gwen Stefani. Song of the year was “The Pop Kids” that had the most plays including the various remixes and different versions of the song.

Name Artist Album Plays
Inner Sanctum Pet Shop Boys Super 30
Mow That Lawn Charli XCX Live At Positivus Festival 2015 26
The Pop Kids Pet Shop Boys Super 26
Hand in the Fire (featuring Charli XCX) Mr. Oizo Hand in the Fire EP 23
Dangerous (feat. Joywave) Big Data 2 22
Same Old Love Selena Gomez Revival 20
One-Hit Wonder Pet Shop Boys The Pop Kids – EP 19
Burn Pet Shop Boys Super 19
The Pop Kids (The Full Story) Pet Shop Boys The Pop Kids – EP 18
No Fun Charli XCX Vinyl: The Essentials (Best of Season 1) 15
Cool for the Summer Demi Lovato Cool for the Summer – Single 15
Cake by the Ocean DNCE SWAAY – EP 15
Kill the Lights (with Nile Rodgers) Alex Newell, Jess Glynne & DJ Cassidy Vinyl: The Essentials (Best of Season 1) 14
Make me like you Gwen Stefani This what the truth feels like 14
Where would i be? Gwen Stefani This what the truth feels like 13
In Bits Pet Shop Boys The Pop Kids – EP 13
Truth Gwen Stefani This what the truth feels like 12
Cascades Metric Pagans in Vegas 12
Play For Today The Cure Seventeen Seconds 11
You’re my favorite Gwen Stefani This what the truth feels like 11
Send me a picture Gwen Stefani This what the truth feels like 11
Other Side Metric Pagans in Vegas 11
Office Towers Escalate Metric Pagans in Vegas 11
Woman Like You Nasty Bits Vinyl: The Essentials (Best of Season 1) 11
The Pop Kids (Offer Nissim Drama Mix) Pet Shop Boys The Pop Kids (Remixes) – EP 11
Happiness Pet Shop Boys Super 11
Twenty-Something Pet Shop Boys Super 11
Pazzo! Pet Shop Boys Super 11
Undertow Pet Shop Boys Super 11