Last week, it was the Local Spins critics’ picks. This week, West Michigan musicians present their often surprising and intriguing choices for the best music and concerts of 2015, both local and national.
CHECK OUT A RECAP OF SOME OF THE MOST-TALKED-ABOUT LOCAL AND REGIONAL ALBUMS OF 2015 AS PART OF THE NEW YEAR’S DAY EDITION OF LOCAL SPINS ON WYCE, FEATURING MORE THAN A DOZEN BANDS AND SOLO ARTISTS. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE.
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Local Spins on WYCE, Jan. 1, 2015
The best music of 2015 spotlight started before Christmas, when Local Spins unveiled the best albums and concerts of 2015 as selected by its writers and contributors. Check those out here.
Today, we’re giving West Michigan musicians and bands a chance to reveal their picks for the best music of the year, along with their favorite concerts and their own musical highlights of 2015.
And return to Local Spins on New Year’s Day when we’ll reveal our Local Spin of the Year.
BEST MUSIC OF 2015: MUSICIANS’ PICKS
OLIVIA MAINVILLE (Holland multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and leader of indie-folk’s Olivia Mainville & the Aquatic Troupe)
1. “Love,” Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra – If you want to listen to something completely relatable and intimate, this is the perfect album.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5CO1vpa14M
2. “Where I’m Going,” Abigail Stauffer – This is one of my favorite Michigan musicians. This album is pure and deep-rooted just as Ann Arbor’s Abigail Stauffer is as a person.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7snRlbHnCNQ
3. “Moorka,” Lemon Bucket Orkestra – If you’re looking for a non-traditional klezmer album, Moorka is perfect. It’s also perfect driving music since this album has so many layers to enjoy so you won’t get too bored during your long road trips.
Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/lemonbucket/rachenica-bulgaria
4. “JR JR,” JR JR – This album by Detroit’s JR JR is almost the only thing I will listen to when I want to listen to an uplifting poppy tune.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq0mpgHNapc
5. “Kiss Kiss,” Caravan of Thieves – Caravan of Thieves is one of the bands I’ve toured with and consistently loved for years with no doubts. “Kiss Kiss” is something very different from their other releases and reminds me somewhat of the Punch Brothers’ album, “The Phosphorescent Blues.”
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOoUvMaj8Fg
Best Concert of the Year: The best show I saw in 2015 was probably Chicago’s Divino Nino at Graham Parsons’ Farm Block Fest in the Upper Peninsula in August.
Most Memorable Experience: Playing for the Bernie Sanders fundraiser at the Park Theatre in Holland. We played with a couple of our good pals from Jack & The Bear. It was just an overall great show, especially knowing that it’s all for a good cause.
NICHOLAS JAMES THOMASMA (Grand Rapids singer-songwriter who performs as a solo artist, in a duo with violinist Clouds and as frontman for folk/country’s Nicholas James & The Bandwagon)
1. “Bigfoot Buffalo,” Bigfoot Buffalo – Every track on the debut album by this Grand Rapids band is great. Hands down, this was my most listened to album in 2015. And “Money to Burn” is one of my favorite songs of the year.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/gIJByqzlVqo
2. “Promise Land,” Vox Viddora – Vox Viddora is a band on a mission. The band’s CD-release show at Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids was a statement, to say the least. As the contents of the album’s lyrics clearly show, there is a lot work of to be done. I look forward to seeing this band develop.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/2OGyA-CrxTw
3. “Country Songs for Sale,” Bootstrap Boys – Brand new, vintage country — just the way I like it. Jake Stilson’s Bootstrap Boys do country the right way. Not too much twang. Not too much pop. What the record does have is plenty of amazing four-part harmonies, some really catchy tunes, and a back-up band that knows how to fit perfectly with Jakes big sound.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/fAHL6G19Yi4
4. “Made in Kalamazoo,” Megan Dooley – Megan has “the voice.” If you close your eyes while she’s singing, you might thing you’ve accidentally put on a Disney movie with her perfect melodies and lilting whistling, but then you realize she’s singing about murder and whiskey so you make yourself a drink a light up a cigar. Whether she’s in a theater, a bar or an outdoor festival, Megan makes you feel like you’re sitting in her living room hanging out with her. She’s just that comfortable on stage.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/dZax8zufemQ
5. “From Drugs to Roses,” The Legal Immigrants – The best rock record of 2015. Better than Wilco. Better than the Foo Fighters. If you haven’t seen these guys live, do yourself a favor and go to Cowpie Music Festival outside Grand Rapids next summer.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/3PokZezWGNk
Honorable Mention: “Maybe the Saddest Thing,” Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe – Look out for this talented young lady. You’ll be hearing a lot from Olivia and her troupe in the future, I’m sure.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/7z4gnOur-Dk
Best Concert of the Year: “Fare Thee Well,” Grateful Dead’s 50th Anniversary Concert at Soldier Field in Chicago – Clouds and I drove our 1973 VW Bus to Chicago and slept in a parking lot about a mile away from Soldier Field. Everywhere you looked there were Deadheads. People left us gifts on our bus like stickers and flowers. The parking lot scene was an amazing experience in itself, but the actual shows were probably the best I’ve ever seen. The band was incredible and the light show was, too. Three days of the Grateful Dead: You can’t beat that. It was the best concert experience of my life, period.
THE ACCIDENTALS (Traverse City indie-folk trio which played more than 200 shows in 2015, the most of any act listed on the Bandsintown website)
1. “So There,” Ben Folds (Picked by Savannah Buist) – I grew up listening to Ben from an early age thanks to my dad, so it’s really cool to hear him branch out and try new things. The three concertos after some brilliant songwriting are a great touch to make a full, diverse album.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/QNnI8CPVeDw
2. “Vape,” Keller Williams (Picked by Katie Larson) – There are no words to define Keller Williams. This album takes so many interesting turns from bluegrass to psychedelic to country to jazz to just quirky and hilarious, I love it.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seo5whpCMkA
3. “Carrie and Lowell,” Sufjan Stevens (Picked by Michael Dause) – Even without a full string section or orchestra, Sufjan proved he can still write emotional songs with just a guitar.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTj2jBe4XfU
4. “b’lieve I’m goin’ down,” Kurt Vile (Picked by sound tech Maria Ulrich)
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/659pppwniXA?list=PLfZIh-YocNrKOeOeAHkaVM9U_nFFVLihz
Best Concerts of the Year: Foo Fighters at the DTE Energy Music Theatre (Picked by Buist) – At the time that I went, they were selling the “break a leg” tour T-shirts, and Dave Grohl was sitting on a magical throne of guitars due to his broken leg. Despite being chairbound, the concert was amazing. They brought so much energy, and I’m a huge fan.
Sufjan Stevens at the Masonic Temple in Detroit (Picked by Dause) – Seeing Sufjan is a rare thing, since he only tours about every three to five years. He played his new album in its entirety, and played some old favorites at the end. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
Son Lux at SXSW in Austin (Picked by Larson) – We got to collaborate with Ryan Lott (Son Lux) for the Traverse City Dance Project last year, so we were really excited to hear that he’d be performing at SXSW. Michael and I waited for three hours to see him and we were amazed. His three-piece creates such huge soundscapes and his performance is so intense that the veins in his neck looked like they might burst.
Lindsay Stirling at Electric Forest (Picked by Ulrich) – I had never heard of Lindsay Stirling before and was floored by her production at Electric Forest.
Musical Moment of the Year: 2015 Holiday Concert with Ebird & Friends in Ann Arbor and Hartland – Being able to play with insanely talented people is a gift. Being able to do so for three nights in a row, now that’s a good time! We learned so much and made some new friends along the way.
THEO NDAWILLIE II (Drummer, keyboard player for Grand Rapids soul-rock band Vox Vidorra)
1. “To Pimp a Butterfly,” Kendrick Lamar – My top pick by a wide margin for 2015. Artistically daring on the scale of its release, Kendrick and his collaborators brought jazz back to mainstream hip hop in a way that is incredibly profound, due to the timely release of its message. Also groundbreaking is how sincere Kendrick seems to be. We need more black men bearing their souls to the world.
Listen: https://youtu.be/s0QtdISwioc?list=PLXjheddE7eqPaK_6lhgmAi2UWwH6g33Iy
2. “Vulnicura,” Bjork – She’s always been an innovator. Enthralling string arrangements, and another soul-bearing album in which Bjork vulnerably lays out feelings behind her sad divorce.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/MWHpoJT3qK4
3. “Sound and Color,” Alabama Shakes – I was blown away at the creativity of the textures used in production (vibraphone, strings). Song after song was a hit.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/faG8RiaANek
4. “Blood,” Lianne la Havas – Lianne la Havas is a force to be reckoned with. An incredible guitar player and vocalist, who delivers really unique, soulful songwriting.
Listen: https://youtu.be/6hqb5gvWB60?list=PLC_fMnXnuaJruZiyBXd-U4GuRsSfLO-Tl
5. “Ibeyi,” Ibeyi – Their first full-length album. Besides really smooth odd-meter grooves and ironically Bjork-esque vocal stylings, the music video for “River” is incredibly creative.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/lHRAPIwsS5I
Favorite Live Music Experience: This is probably the hardest decision I’ve made this whole year, choosing between Alabama Shakes, Father John Misty, Lianne La Havas, Anna Ash at Lamp Light Music Festival in Grand Rapids and a host of moments of rapturous bliss on stage with my bandmates in Vox Vidorra, to name a only some of my concert-going experiences this year. If I’m going to nail one thing down, Grand Rapids hip hop artist Lady Ace Boogie tore the roof off of The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids in late August at the show we shared with her. Lady Ace is an invaluable artist and performer.
ROB BRUCE (Frontman, aka Tommy Gun, for Grand Rapids rock/punk band Murder Party)
1. “Easy Now,” Bet on Rats – Bet on Rats’ first EP is a short four tracks, self-released in April of 2015 but jam-packed full of infectious folk-driven punk rock. It’s beautifully angry. Although only together for a short time these dudes have become one of my favorite local bands. Their live show is intense. And these four songs are just a sample of what I hope is to come from them in the future.
Listen: https://betonrats.bandcamp.com/releases
2. “You’re Doing Great,” Bong Mountain – I relate to this EP in ways that you’ll never understand. Each track is technical and infectious pop punk with a Midwest growl. Upon first listen to the third track, “Why You So Short?,” I actually started to weep with how much I related to it. Now, I imagine others might not get the same effect. Nostalgia? Perhaps. Regardless, these songs rip and you’d be a fool to not give them a listen.
Listen: https://bngmtn.bandcamp.com/
3. “High Tide,” The Sailor Kicks – “High Tide” is actually the third full-length from The Sailor Kicks. They have self-released each one themselves, not to mention a split 7″ with The Mushmen (from Kalamazoo). This album is packed with 12 rippers that range from traditional Americana, swing, folk, ska, surf and rock n’ roll. Each track will make you want to get up and shake what your biological mother gave you.
Listen: https://thesailorkicks.bandcamp.com/
4. “JOE,” JOE – JOE is sometimes a full band. JOE is also sometimes a solo artist by the name of Joe Rodriguez. Every time I’ve seen him, the lineup is different. Sometimes there will be a flock of string instruments with keys and horns. Sometimes there’s drums. Sometimes, it’s just Joe and a guitar. These songs are straight from the heart, emotional, catchy, truly beautiful numbers. You can really hear everything Joe is feeling in his vocals and lyrics on this record. Catch the band if you can!
Listen: https://joe-gr.bandcamp.com/album/joe
5. “Off the Wagon,” Dead Eye Zack – Zack has the widest vocal range out of any singer I know from around here. He can give you the cleanest, shiniest, prettiest song you’d ever heard. And follow it up with the dirtiest, meanest, growl, straight from the throat that will rival most dogs. “Off the Wagon” is his second solo full-length that he recorded with Ryan Cunningham (of Antilogical). Traditional country folk punk with some bluegrass thrown in for measure. Zack switches between his acoustic guitar and a banjo from song to song on this one, sometimes giving you a bit of kazoo. These songs have instant replay-ability. See him live; he usually is giving them away for a donation.
Listen: https://deadeyezack.bandcamp.com/album/off-the-wagon
Best Concert of the Year: Halloween 2015 at Camp H Skatepark in Comstock Park – There was nonstop music. Cashed Out, Antilogical, PotatoeBabies, Bet On Rats, Murder Party were all on the main stage. But in between those full band sets, there were short unplugged sets from JOE, Tonia Bug (of The Lippies), and Dead Eye Zack. Never a dull moment between the performances and the skating offered at the park. This city is full of amazing bands, musicians and artists. I feel truly honored to be involved in this community.
KARI LYNCH (Country singer from Grand Rapids who recently moved to Grand Rapids and is finishing up work on a new album)
1. “A Head Full of Dreams,” Coldplay – Coldplay just snuck in to 2015, releasing this album on December 4. Coldplay is constantly surprising me (in the best ways) with their writing ability and the way they continue to evolve as a band, marrying creative music with interesting and uncomplicated lyrics, and always giving us something refreshing and new with each album while maintaining a style that is all their own. I’m such a fan. So dang good.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8jOQUsTU9o
2. “Pageant Material,” Kacey Musgraves – Great songwriting and great songs that refuse to submit to a market demanding a certain type of sound and style. This album is lyrically and stylistically impressive. I love the old-fashioned sounds of country music mixed with interesting and creative production. I have so much respect for, Kacey as an artist. She has carved out a spot in country music that is all her own and continues to knock down walls and reach new pinnacles, despite country radio’s systematic resistance to playing female artists.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ic8_1vzAtY&list=PLFG_ltUA_y31UiX7o9GkLpg8aHIyNNxrc&index=5
3. “Traveler,” Chris Stapleton – This freakin’ album, man. I’ve been a Chris Stapleton fan for a long time and it is so wonderful to watch him finally get to shine as an artist. This guy can write a song and his voice is stunning. What he did this year with this album is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen, and so well deserved. Again, another artist who rarely receives radio play, but continues to knock down walls in country music. I’ve had this album on repeat since the day it came out.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPG9_oDWj78
4. “Didn’t He Ramble,” Glen Hansard – Glen Hansard is one of my very favorite writers and musicians. Though the music is spectacular, Glen draws you in with honest and striking lyrics. Each song feels like a conversation. I love the simple production. You can strip down each song to guitar and vocals and you don’t lose an ounce of feeling or passion in the music.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5vFirvDJWE
5. “Something More Than Free,” Jason Isbell – If you haven’t heard this album, you are missing out. Jason is remarkably gifted as a lyricist and songwriter, beautifully narrating a story with each song. This album is a perfect example of an artist melding together exceptional lyrics with well crafted music, where the end result feels like each piece was perfectly and specifically designed to fit together.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph3AbR5x6Bs
Best Concert of the Year: Garth Brooks in Detroit – I generally don’t enjoy watching huge stadium shows as much as I enjoy smaller, stripped-down performances, but this was the exception for me. Finally experiencing live what makes Garth the greatest entertainer of all time was unforgettable. No one commands a stage and owns a show like him. I went on one of the nights where it sold out so quickly that he decided to do two shows in one night to fulfill the demand. I caught the second show of the night, thinking he was probably going to be a bit winded. I was blown away, completely inspired, totally captivated and became an even bigger fan, if that was possible. For over three hours he was absolutely magnetic. Phenomenal performance. There is a reason that he is so revered by artists and writers from all genres of music, and so well loved by his fans. I got to witness some of those reasons that night.
Most memorable moment of 2015 – Booking and completing my first West Coast, cross-country tour. It went better than I could have hoped and I will never forget my first time playing in those cities and how well-received my music was. It was totally humbling for me as an artist and songwriter. The experience inspired songs for my new album and opened up doors for an even bigger cross country tour that I’ll be leaving for in March 2016.
SCOTT RIDER (Drummer for Grand Rapids rock/pop band Valentiger)
1. “Coming Home,” Leon Bridges – Usually, an album described as “retro-soul” makes me think “over the top” or “gimmicky,” but “Coming Home” hits a sweet spot for me. Tell me it’s a Sam Cooke rip and I’ll tell you that’s fine with me. Favorite Track: “River”
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC5Lisj1hGI
2. “Pathology,” Trails and Ways – Valentiger had the privilege of opening for this band at Founders in 2014. They played a track off of this album (at the time still not recorded) where the drummer took the lead vocal duties and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. This record was recorded in the band’s home in Oakland, CA. Favorite Track: “Dream About Me”
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1KutguNXIw
3. “Saye Lonnie,” Ladders – Well hello, Milwaukee. This is my “sleeper” pick for you. “Saye Lonnie” came out in October and has some of the most bittersweet sounds of 2015. Favorite Track: “Governor’s Island”
Listen: https://laddersmke.bandcamp.com/album/saye-lonnie
4. “The Magic Whip,” Blur – I was a huge fan of “Think Tank” when it came out and was super excited to see what Blur was going to do next (more than 10 years ago). Here it is. “The Magic Whip” has a great mix of tunes and textures. If you forgot about Blur (like me) they’re baa-ack! Favorite Track: “Lonesome Street”
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo55vzpL85w
5. “Terra Incognita,” Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers – Here is my Michigan pick. Terra Incognita is high energy and emotional. Hertler and the boys do a great job of mixing funk and folk and this record. The energy is raw and impossible to ignore. Favorite Track: “Feel”
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1bitTvfqX4
Best Concert of the Year: Secret Friends Fest in Ferndale, Mich. – Just a solid collection of independent music all under one roof (two stages). Headliners included Mexican Knives and Twin Peaks. My favorite band from the two day event: The Vonneguts (Detroit). Their 2014 release can be found here: https://thevonnegutsdetroit.bandcamp.com/album/urban-paradise-lp
Most Memorable Moment of 2015: Valentiger played our first show without Brent Shirey (lead singer/guitar/songwriter) after he cut his finger. We ended up opening a show at The Pyramid Scheme as a duo. We then went on to play the 2015 WYCE Jammies with our good friend Steve Holsinger on guitar and Shirey on vocals. Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtpXPOc_DkI
TONIA BROUCEK (aka Tonia Bug, lead singer for Grand Rapids feminist pop punk band The Lippies)
1. “We Cool?” Jeff Rosenstock – I love everything Jeff Rosenstock does. EVERYTHING. Pretty simple.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/JidJV1ue1lI?list=PLTApr45G3y8MhLqiV95R-5nkqZ2Vb-Rrb
2. “Demo,” G.L.O.S.S. – They are hardcore and carry very important messages that can probably make any person who normally does not, feel empowered, specifically trans/femme/non-binary people.
Listen: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GE_lfmeHk7Q
3. “Too,” FIDLAR – This is my new favorite band. They are sad, but funny which helps me remember that I’m doing alright even when I’m struggling.
Listen: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QJDvaBasAOo
4. “War on Women,” War on Women – Yet another great album full of very important feminist content.
Listen: https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLk0oaHj6pdUyZSxhuHINalfC8HHEwZ_jT¶ms=OAFIAVgJ&v=MsGyJCXctj0&mode=NORMAL
5. “Washed Up EP,” Cashed Out – I’ve had the pleasure of watching a lot of these guys evolve into amazing humans/ musicians throughout several musical projects. This one is, in my opinion, is their most creative, well-rounded accomplishment yet.
Listen: http://cashedout.bandcamp.com/album/washed-up-ep
Best Concert of the Year: Probably when I first saw the New Orleans band PEARS in Las Vegas for a secret Punk Rock Bowling show. We opened up for them and I had no idea what they were going to be like. I watched their set while standing on our merch table, mouth agape in amazement. Their singer Zach Quinn is one of the most inspiring front people I have ever seen perform. Along with their show being great, the guys themselves are very kind and humble so it was an all around great experience.
Most Pivotal Moment of 2015: The most pivotal moment for me regarding music this past year was when we were offered a couple shows across the country. If this hadn’t happened, I’m not sure we would have gone on such an awesome first tour, or really toured at all. This offer gave us the motivation to hit the road which in turn, allowed us to experience traveling and meeting new people while playing music together and even landed us on a pretty cool record label.
GREG NAGY (Blues guitarist and singer from Grand Blanc whose latest album, “Stranded,” stayed at No. 1 on the National Roots Music Report chart for 14 weeks and was listed among the year’s top albums by DownBeat Magazine)
1. “The Wall (Remastered),” Pink Floyd – While not technically a “new” release it does have some personal relevancy for me. Turns out as I was tracking one of my previous releases at Glenn Brown’s studio (in the Lansing area) Glenn got a call from the producers of the remastering project for 1979’s “The Wall.” Roger Waters had learned that Glenn owned a rare (only about 100 were made) and mint condition Stephens reel to reel tape recorder. “The Wall” was originally recorded on a Stephens. Long story short he loaned, and then eventually and somewhat reluctantly, sold the unit to Waters. So finally, I’ve picked up a copy for that personal standpoint and also because I experienced the mind-blowing live production a couple years back at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. The sound of the remaster? Well, not surprisingly, the remaster sounds fantastic. That opened up my curiosity about other remasters.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NZ_XiXN66Q&list=PLYjaa9h0s4AZpqyPimLA_pTW3tYnWpVWW
2. “The Chicago Transit Authority (Remastered),” Chicago – I’ve somehow forgotten just how amazing that band was on every level. From the arrangements, the melodies, and the boldness to the timeless import of their songs. As a musician I am also taken back by the powerful performances of all the players on this 1969 album.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTcEPw0ZRtE
3. “7,” Seal – This 2015 release is very subtle and yet quite intriguing. Not sure if will make the best in retrospect just yet, but it does draw me in for the writing, Seal’s one-in-a-million voice and the nearly uncomfortable dark sounding production. It’s certainly worth a listen and then some.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwHR2GO-6uI
4. “The Game of Ouroboros,” THEO – My friend Jim Alfredson’s THEO release is something on which I am very proud to have performed (albeit very minor parts). Jim has released a masterpiece of progressive rock music that truly draws the listener in. A cohesive album that — much like his Organissimo band releases — looks simultaneously (though never anachronistically) back and forward in time without ever sounding contrived. If you have a friend who loves keyboard-driven melodic prog-rock and original music with a message THEO, would be a great gift.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjKod2BqOB0
5. “Promise of a Brand New Day,” Ruthie Foster – She is not only a singer’s singer purely and technically, but she is always believable. She also is among the very best recent live performers I’ve been honored to witness. Highly inspirational. Took my wonderful daughter to the show and she was equally impressed. All of Ruthie’s records are great. I encourage your readers, regardless of their personal genre leanings, to check her out. And as a not-so-distant aside, Ruthie is one of the most approachable and genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.
Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUXxGbq4980
Have your own favorites from 2015? List them in the ‘Leave Reply’ comments below.
Copyright 2015, Spins on Music LLC