Year in Review: My Top 10 Releases of 2016

Inspired by fellow musician Josh Montag of Scattered Melodies collective, I felt compelled to share my favorite albums annually. This past year of music has been one of the most enjoyable and exciting I have ever experienced! Below are the EPs and studio albums that were in constant rotation for me in 2016.

10) Rebelution - "Falling Into Place"

Rebelution broke the mold when emerging into the scene in 2004 and their latest effort “Falling Into Place” is no different. This being the 5^th studio album from the charismatic, genre-transcending group of tremendous musicians! They look to bring together all fans of music with the message of love and unity on this Grammy-nominated release. Rebelution's singer/guitarist Eric Rachmany says "We’re not making music to hit a certain demographic. We’re just making music that we enjoy!” And in regards to their most recent album title he says, “All of our varied inspirations and experiences came together into one cohesive collection of music that we all really love.” The supporting summer and winter tours experienced an immense amount of success with heavy-hitters the likes of Passafire, Stick Figure, Through the Roots, J Boog with The Green, and DJ Mackle. Key tracks – “Lay My Claim,” "Those Days" & “Mirage”

9) HIRIE - "Wandering Soul"

The HIRIE band has come so far in just a few short years since their inception and debut album in 2013. Their sophomore effort, “Wandering Soul,” was a crowd-funded project via Kickstarter by their love-filled, reggae community as well as the Rootfire Cooperative. Rootfire Cooperative is an invaluable, not-for-profit company offering no interest micro loans to reggae acts and providing other administrative services to assist success. HIRIE band is a spirit-filled family with an inspiration that is shared in “Wandering Soul.” Powerful appearances by Nahko, Trevor Hall, among other supporting musicians like John Butcher of The Expanders, Joe Tomino of Dub Trio/Matisyahu, Chris Brennan of Arise Roots, among others echo that sense of fellowship. Fresh off The Expendables’ Winter Black Out Tour, HIRIE has several appearances scheduled at upcoming festivals from Florida to Costa Rica and a few in California. As well as a few headlining Cali shows that are going to keep them busy until they to head out on Good Vibes Summer Tour alongside Rebelution, Nahko & Medicine for the People, and Collie Buddz. Key tracks - "Wandering Soul," "Renegade," & "Woman Comes First"

8) Raging Fyah - "Everlasting"

Raging Fyah is a powerful, young, and spirit-filled 5 piece reggae band from the island of Jamaica. “Everlasting,” the band's 3^rd album, was recorded in the infamous  Tuff Gong Studios with producer Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown (Stephen Marley, Damien Marley, Morgan Heritage). Having a myriad of local or national producers Raging Fyah chose Llamar and it paid off with a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album! Keyboardist/backing vocalist Demar “Keysie” Gayle says, “We have learned so much from [Llamar]; the way he helped to shape our sound is an everlasting lesson.” Their powerful lyrics and message are described by bassist Delroy ‘Pele’ Hamilton, “We try to show reality, but in a very positive way.”  The Caribbean youths have been touring extensively throughout the U.S. & Europe with Ineffable Music label mates, Stick Figure. They will continue spreading their positive message as they travel alongside Tribal Seeds for the Winter Roots Tour then head out with UB40 and Matisayhu for a summer run. Key tracks: Everlasting, Get Up, Getting Dread

 7) Matisyahu - "Release the Bound"

This 5 song EP from Matisyahu is his first official studio release since 2014. Two songs of which were released on his Dreampatron/dedicated fan club as rewards for their patronage. He also released 2 inspirational singles aside from the EP, "Love Born" and "Storm Tossed" with the latter east coast jam band Twiddle. The new direction Matisyahu has chosen to go is reflected in his lyrics and very much in his live performances. As soulful and energetic, as always, but allowing a creative freedom that is unlike anything I have ever seen from him since his very successful career. It only gets me more excited to see his upcoming releases when I see the different collaborations with artists I am not familiar with; like the band Salt Cathedral, Colombian pop duo, featured on the final track on the EP, "Carry Me." He also appears in true Matisyahu form on the very catchy and beat based Salt Cathedral single, "Unraveling." All the songs from "Release the Bound" EP and the aforementioned tracks on this post "Love Born," "Storm Tossed," "Unraveling," are very exciting to listen to and I would strongly encourage anyone to check out the new music and a live show given the opportunity! Key tracks: Carry Me, Shade from the Sun, Crash Landings

6)  EN Young - Call on Me

The man, the myth, the legend, EN Young, is an amazing and inspiring individual! He runs Roots Musician record label, produces/engineers/mixes at his own Imperial Sound Recording studio, and plays live keyboards and melodica with such bands Stranger, Tribal Seeds, and the Imperial Sound Band. He continued to amaze when he announced that he was releasing a solo album, "Call on Me," just a year after his very successful solo album "Live, Love, Stay Up!" I saw him in Phoenix in March 2016 and had a chance to catch up with him after the show. When he told me about the new album I was in complete awe! I thought, "This man has been touring steadily the past several years, just dropped an album in 2015 and he's telling me that he is releasing another, his 3rd solo effort, just barely a year afterwards? WOW!" The new album "Call on Me" is different than any of his previous releases. While several songs are roots reggae he gives way to other means and genres to communicate his messages of love, unity and positivity. Like the EDM inspired "Just Be," along with a piano interlude, a song of just him playing  a mix of signature melodica tracks, a live version of "Don't Burn Your Bridges" from his debut album "Luck and Chance No More," and even a humorous skit! Key tracks: Call on Me, Interlude, Cooyah Raggamuffin 

5) Unified Highway

This project was something I stumbled upon in late 2015 when I unknowingly discovered a track on their Soundcloud page. Once realizing it was a project with Rebelution singer/guitarist Eric Rachmany and AmpLive from the hip-hop group Zion I (as well as a producer for countless remixes the likes of Linkin Park, Radiohead, MGMT, Rebelution, among others), I could not believe I had not heard of it! The collaboration came somewhere during soundchecks and late night jams while touring together in their respective groups as far back as 2009. It wasn't until 2014 when they finally had a chance to get into Eric's home studio with some intentional focus and less distractions surrounding them. The overall sound has an underlying reggae influence with Eric's catchy guitar solos and memorable choruses, but the contrast of heavy bass beats and thick synthesizers gives it the full effect. “We’re two separate cars, but we’re going the same direction,” Amp Live says about Unified Highway. “We come from opposite worlds, but this highway—the music—brings us together. Hopefully, it makes everyone feel the way we do.” I have still yet to see a Unified Highway concert, and because of it being a "project," I'm afraid I'll have to wait a while longer. It's ok though, they're holding fans over with a remix album as well as a cover of Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody." I honestly can't wait to hear more of this dynamic duo and their all-star reinterpretations and guest appearances. Key tracks: My Space, Losing My Religion, Same Thing Coming

4) Katastro - Strange Nights

Katastro is a 4 piece Tempe, AZ based band hard to categorize. These reggae, alternative, rock, funk, blues, hip-hop originals have been around since 2008. They deliver a sound that has landed them on stage with bands like Dirty Heads, The Expendables, Ballyhoo!, and Pepper. The latter of which signed Katastro to their own Law Records after falling in love with the sound. Pepper's singer/guitarist, Kaleo Wassman, helped produce "Strange Nights" at their Kona Inn Recording Studio in Redondo Beach, CA and the end result was nothing short of sensational! "Waste the Night" even features an appearance from Dirty Heads singer/MC Jared Watson! Katastro bassist Ryan Weddle says, "When we first started writing (Waste the Night) we immediately thought of somehow trying to get Jared on the track. We are really grateful of him, The Dirty Heads and Cheez (Dirty Heads and Sublime with Rome's manager) for helping us out so much throughout our career!" Each track on "Strange Nights" is strong enough to be released as a single in their own regard and as their first release on a signed label it is a very strong statement from such a young group! Ryan continued, "It's really great to see fans at our shows that we haven't seen in years come up and tell us that they dig the new music! It's always our goal to put something out that is true to our progress as a band but we also still want it to be [something] the people that have been supporting us since the early days [can relate to]." Once hearing this band there is no wonder seeing them on the steadfast rise; earning an immense amount of respect from their peers and heroes alike! Key tracks: Flow, Telescopes, Show Me the Road

3) Inna Vision - Lifted

Inna Vision hails from Maui, Hawaii and is one of the hottest island reggae bands around! Set out on a constant drive since 2005 to create an unmatchable sound along with their  "Push" EP in 2015, and 2012s "No Stopping." The new album "Lifted" was released on EN Young's Roots Musician Records and found at the top of many of my playlists throughout the year. Numerous tracks contain a rock-steady, dancehall sound that sets Inna Vision apart for me. Standout appearances featuring EN Young, New Kingston, Maad T-Ray, Irie Love, Gavinchi Brown and rising above the others is the ballad, "Reggae Lives," featuring Star from The Steppas. This reggae anthem echoes what the entire genre implores: it is a oneness spirituality in nature and these artists give their hearts to the music connecting them with their listeners. Through music they express gratitude as well as suffering. With no signs of letting up, Inna Vision have announced the "Highest Grade" EP dropping March 2017! "Lifted" by the music, and their love for it, they give it all to their fans in each song and with every live performance! Key tracks: Reggae Lives, Prosper & Earn, Enjoy This Moment

2) Seedless - The Orange Album

After years of anticipation since Seedless released "Twisted Roots" in 2010, they dropped "The Orange Album," in September 2016! In the interim Seedless connected with fans releasing the "Orange EP," recording a live track of "Last December," collaborating with Kat on "You Got Me," and a reggae/metal infusion collab with Bobby Lee from SOJA called "Eyes" (offered as a free download on their Bandcamp). However, as great as the tracks over the years have been, "The Orange Album" satisfies all cravings with one solid collection showing their perseverance and desire to connect with fans. In May 2016 the band took a new direction when singer/songwriter/guitarist Casey Sullivan with high-energy bass player Grant Rivera announced that personal and business obligations would not allow them to carry on with the band. However, the passion and powerful dynamic remains in tact with vocalist Matt Liufau, drummer Shay Pino, guitarist Joe Bakhos, and Anthony Wells on keys. Seedless added Jason J on guitar/vocals, J-Bird (Justin Iannelli) on bass, and Essel Liufau (Matt's sister) on vocals to add soulful layers to the harmonies. Key tracks: Love is a Drug, Heart of a Warrior, Borrowed Time

1) The Movement - Golden

There is an evident, profound depth in the writing, recording and releasing on The Movement's new album "Golden." The impressive music and lyric quality throughout represents a band heading towards greatness. And there is definitely something to be said about the journey The Movement went on to bring the band's 6th official release to fruition. The hype that surrounded this album that was years in the making was fully lived up to. Singer/guitarist/and co-founder of The Movement Josh Swain reveals, "This is a record of many firsts. It was the first time we really did it the right way. We had the best producer and engineer, the best studio and creative environment, and we were sober and 100% focused. Being so clear-headed allowed us to put out the best ideas. I feel like it is our strongest record to date." It was also the first release from any band on the Rootfire Cooperative, the same that assisted HIRIE with the release of "Wandering Soul." Swain said, "I was never a fan of relinquishing ownership and I didn't understand why a label should own my music forever or why there is a percentage on the back end years after any money has been spent on marketing a record." He continued, "I didn't see any need to outsource this album to a label so I told Seth (Seth Herman, operations, business developer and artist manager for Rootfire Collective) to start a company and we could put out our record out with him." Furthermore, Swain mentioned something about the album that most probably didn't know about, or even notice in the background of the "Golden" album art, the Fibonacci Code. Swain explained, "I really started to like the idea behind the Fibonacci Code, the Golden Ratio, Golden Mean, Golden Spiral. I liked the idea of searching for order and commonality in the chaos. Add to that the idea of requiring a ‘heart of gold’ to inject beauty and goodness into the order and using the word golden as a synonym for perfect... It just made sense to me." The Fibonacci Code, shown in the graph and example below, is a sequence of numbers after two starting values each following number is the sum of the two previous numbers in the equation; spiraling out. (For Example, starting at the beginning: 0+1=1, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8, 8+5=13, etc...). It is found throughout nature in patterns on shells, fruit, pine cones, leaves, and flowers as well as some other bands like Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Mudvayne. The heavy bass, steady beats, smooth rhythms, and genius lyrics all provide a musical soundscape out from the spiral of life into the great unknown. Be sure to check out The Movement on their mega Sounds of Summer tour with Slightly Stoopid, Iration, and J Boog. Key tracks: Golden, Fair Warning, Retriever

 

Honorable mentions:

Dirty Heads

This album is a self-titled masterpiece; deciding to take a day/night approach to let the music speak for itself in “color code.” Dirty Heads singer/MC Jared Watson said in an interview for ThePier.org, “We are trying to provide the order we think you should listen to these in” [and the color-coding helps to] “reflect the vibes of feeling positive, exuberant versus chilled out and low key.” Picking up right where the self-titled album left off, The Dirty Heads released "Dessert," a tasty 4 song follow up EP. But be on the look out for more huge tours and side project by Dirty Heads drummer Matt Ochoa and singer Jared Watson that fans have been counting on for quite a few years, Sword Beach! Two singles, "Vacation Forever" and "Feelin It," along with some live performances emerged from Sword Beach in 2016 but a full album is rumored due out 2017. Key tracks: Doesn't Make You Right, Red Lights, That's All I Need

Jet West - Wake Up

San Diego, CA based Jet West released their sophomore album "Wake Up" in 2016 with some major intent. After taking their fans on a the fun and uplifting ride on their first release, "Dropping In," that put them on the map in the Southern California reggae scene they spent the following few years on steady tours, building a fan base, appearing at festivals across the country, and gearing up for the next chapter in their story. Jet West recorded "Wake Up" at the infamous 17th St Recording Studio in Los Angeles and had the album art created by renowned artist Jimmy Ovadia. They even recorded a cover of Doors song, "People Are Strange," produced by Kaleo from Pepper. "Wake Up" is a fun, experience loving, getaway album that takes its listeners on a full kicked back vacation. Key tracks: Wanderer, Island, Waiting
 

Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Getaway

When the first single "Dark Necessities" for the Red Hot Chili Peppers new album "The Getway" dropped in May 2016, I had a feeling it would be one of my favorite albums of the year. For the first time in over 25 years the producer was someone other than Rick Rubin, instead opting to hand over the console to Danger Mouse (19 time Grammy nominated and 6 time winner producer/artist) and mixing duties to long time Radiohead producer, Nigel Godrich. The sound seemed much more natural RHCP than "I'm With You," the first album without guitarist John Frusciante post-"Californication." New addition, Josh Klinghoffer, was a long-time guitar tech and collaborator of Frusciante's and found his niche in "The Getaway." Lots of deep grooves, howling effects, and bouncing bass filled the tracks. I was utterly impressed with these rock-n-roll veterans ability to capture their identity cover-to-cover again. Key tracks: Dark Necessities, Goodbye Angels, The Hunter