List

2017 Staff Picks: Music

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

  • Guardians of the Galaxy. Awesome Mix, Vol. 2.

    2017

    "A retro vibe via the soundtrack from one of my favorite 2017 summer movies. Listening to the tunes transports me to a happy mind space with Star-lord, Gamora, Drax, Baby Groot, Rocket, etc. I think this is the best cinematic use of Father and Son by Cat Stevens ever."

    Recommended by Sharon.

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  • Slowdive

    2017 by Slowdive

    "Heroes of the first wave of English-based “shoegaze” bands from the early 90s, who layered track after track of distorted/reverbed/delayed guitars into shimmering pools of sonic delight. This self-titled release is the band’s first new work in 22 years. And it’s a delight of beautifully crafted, emotionally soaring, and utterly gratifying pop."

    Recommended by Chris

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  • From a Room. Volume 1

    2017 by Chris Stapleton

    "Traveller was my staff pick as the best of 2015 and this second album by Stapleton shows he was not a one album wonder. Pure country in the best way, Stapleton's voice transports you to smokey barrooms and neon-lit alleys. Whether he's singing an uptempo rocker like Them Stems or a slow song of heartache and regret like Either Way, Stapleton is the best thing about modern country music."

    Recommended by Lynnanne.

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  • The Order of Time

    2017 by Valerie June

    "Valerie June's sophomore album is even better than her stunning debut, bringing a heavier etherial quality to her soaring vision of American roots music. This one came out back in spring, and I played it repeatedly as the days grew longer and all the leaves yawned and opened on the trees."

    Recommended by Chris.

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  • No Future

    2017 by Moiré

    "House music has, like any genre, evolved and morphed and spun off into all sorts of various hip shaking communities. Moiré’s version of house is minimal, smudged, abstract and submerged but never takes its eye off the groove. I adored it."

    Recommended by Chris.

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  • In///Parallel (CD)

    2017 by Dhani Harrison

    "I love the slightly trippy, layered sound; it flows and draws me into the entire melodic experience of listening, reflecting, and reacting in a positive way. His voice reminds of his father, George Harrison; that is not a bad thing. This album is an original and I am hooked."

    Recommended by Sharon.

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  • Wonderful Wonderful

    2017 by Killers

    "Guess I am a sucker for The Killers; the first album release in five years, I was eager to hear new tracks. The appealing beats, catchy lyrics, and Brandon Flower’s sincere delivery won me over."

    Recommended by Sharon.

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  • Elwan

    2017 by Tinariwen

    "I love the music of Mali and Tinariwen is one of my favorites. Combining traditional instruments and electric guitar, this is hypnotic desert blues. Since music is banned in Mali, the musicians live and record in exile. Apparently, the translation of the lyrics is bleak but one can listen in a state of ignorant bliss. Perfect as background to whatever you're doing, or you may be stirred to dance."

    Recommended by Lukie.

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  • Tuxedo II

    2017 by Tuxedo

    "If you keep wishing for a mashup of 80s R&B and disco (am I really the only one?) this is the album for you. Mayer Hawthorne's side project quickly became a staple of my 2017 listening. That voice, those cheesy lyrics and synth beats are just too excellent."

    Recommended by Kathy

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  • Dreams and Daggers

    2017 by Cécile McLorin Salvant

    "I love this jazz/world music vocalist and she has outdone herself again. Having won a Grammy in 2016 for For One to Love, it's always a treat to see what an artist does next go-round and all critics agree that this CD is audacious and inspired—certain to please all jazz fans. Billie, Sarah, and Ella color her renditions but she delivers her own particular brand of emotional storytelling."

    Recommended by Mary.

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  • Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

    2017 by Lukas Nelson

    "Lukas Nelson will inevitably draw comparisons to his country music legend father (Willie Nelson). Like Shooter Jennings did with his first album, Lukas leans into his father’s music and legacy while crafting something uniquely his own. No matter if you are a fan of country, folk, rock, or blues, you will find a song to love on this debut. Find Yourself and Forget About Georgia are two of my favorites."

    Recommended by Lynnanne.

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  • Not Even Happiness

    2017 by Julie Byrne

    "Each year I’m lucky if I find an album that I can reach for that satisfies like a cool glass of water, and Byrne’s gentle, crystalline voice and folksy instrumentation (with hints of Enya—and yes, I mean this in the best possible way!) was just the kind of balm I found myself reaching for time and again. Rooted, transporting, and not at all afraid of the possibility of being made fun of for reaching for a handful of stars."

    Recommended by Chris.

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  • The Vietnam War : The Soundtrack

    2017

    "An excellent embellishment to the TV documentary but worthy of praise as a standalone CD. Since music was such an important element during the war, this title captures the tone and mood of that time period so well. For those of us who lived through the nightmare that was Vietnam, this can be an extremely emotional—perhaps cathartic—rendering. Excellent, like the series."

    Recommended by Mary.

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  • Let Love Rule

    2017 by Ledisi

    "I like the title, the message, the style, and Ledisi’s powerhouse vocals."

    Recommended by Sharon.

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  • Ti Amo

    2017 by Phoenix

    "Apparently French pop group Phoenix was inspired by gelato for their sixth album and it shows. This sweet and dancey collection of songs is just pure fun and great for singing along to."

    Recommended by Kathy

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  • Brahms & Schubert: Final Thoughts - The Last Piano Works of Schubert & Brahms (CD)

    2017 by Jorge Federico Osorio

    One of the best interpretations of Brahms and Schubert ever—extremely intimate and nuanced. Osorio's other albums on Chicago record label Cedille are also outstanding, but this recording literally brings tears to your eyes—extremely lush, technically superior, and effusive with emotions.

    Recommended by Mary.

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