First Half Favorites - CMM's Top 20 Tracks of 2016 (So Far)

Hard to believe we are already half way through the year. There's been some truly incredible songs released and it was hard to narrow it down to just twenty but I'm happy to share some of my favorite tracks from the first half of 2016. I hope you like these songs as much as I do. Thanks Dave A.

1. David Bowie "Lazarus" (davidbowie.com)

The loss of David Bowie on January 10th of this year was a devastating blow to us all. His final album "Blackstar" was released just two days before and Bowie had planned the album to be his swan song, and a "parting gift" for his fans before his death. "Lazarus" was the albums second single and it's hard to put into words the feeling I get every time I watch this video.

2. Mayflower Madame "Confusion Hill" (mayflowermadame.bandcamp.com)

It doesn't get much better than this. Dark, hypnotic psych rock from Oslo, Norway that delves deep inside your soul. Just one of several stand out tracks from their debut album "Observed In A Dream".

3. The Gluts "That's Me" (thegluts.org)

A dangerously haunting offering from one of Italy's best bands. The frightening video only adds to the dramatic dynamics that build throughout the track. Looking forward to more from this shoegaze/psych unit in the months to come.

4. Clifffs "Volcano" (clifffs.bandcamp.com)

Stripped down in your face punk rock n roll backed by catchy hooks and a blistering guitar attack that's second to none.

5. Adult Colour "Spacemen II" (adultcolour.bandcamp.com)

A brilliant track that's full of ferocious guitars and mind bending atmospherics that take you into an other worldly environment. Definitely one of my favorite new bands.

6. Tom Lockett "Feeling Bad" (Magic Cactus Records)

The first single from singer/songwriter Tom Lockett is the real deal. I hear everything from early Marc Bolan to Woody Guthrie here as it sets a mood that is genuine and pure.

7. Kyle Craft "Eye Of A Hurricane" (kylecraft.bandcamp.com)

Such a stellar cut that features Craft's powerful vocal delivery backed by a pumping piano and an heavy dose of glam rock swag. Think Bowie, classic Elton John and a dash of ragtime flair for good measure.

8. Dinosaur JR "Tiny" (dinosaurjr.com)

There's a fine balance of youthful energy and familiar sounds throughout the track as J Mascis trademark fuzz guitar tone and laid back vocal stance lead the way.

9. Jaguanera "Did You Know?" (seahorserecordings.com)

A colorful and vibrant piece from this brilliant Italian post punk outfit that moves with elegance and grace. It's stunning melody and dark undertones make it one of the most moving tracks of the year.

10. Bat For Lashes "Sunday Love" (batforlashes.com)

Natasha Khan strikes big again. A stunning piece sure to leave you breathless.

11. Friars "Good Old Times" (soundcloud.com/friars-1)

"Good Old Times" mixes a banging surf/punk spirit with indie pop tendencies highlighted by some incredibly intricate guitar work. Great track.

12. Boss Hog "Wichita Grey" (In The Red Records)

Legend has it that Boss Hog are internationally-known as New York City’s most provocative and original rock’n’roll band and I'd say "Wichita Grey" just might etch this statement in stone.

13. The Orange Kyte "Inside Out n' Upside Down" (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

"Inside Out n' Upside Down" is a brilliant upbeat psych tinged number that's full of 60's swagger and sway. It's bright and fun and full of life and sits well alongside the bands previous singles.

14. The Retinas "Accident" (theretinas.bandcamp.com)

A lo-fi garage rock n roll masterpiece from one of the most prolific bands going today.

15. Loving You "Nothing But Glory" (Grindhouse Edition) (lovingyoumusic.bandcamp.com)

Led by the incredible presence of vocalist Alison Clancy "Nothing But Glory" harnesses a power and spirit that draws you in and takes you on a hypnotic journey throughout a world of mystery and intrigue.

16. Today Junior "Leaving Easy" (todayjunior.bandcamp.com)

Uplifting, surf guitar driven punk rock n roll that is just down right fun to listen to.

17. So Pitted "Feed Me" (sopitted.bandcamp.com)

A no punches pulled rocker full of relentless aggression from start to finish that's sure to deliver a sledgehammer sized blast to your ears.

18. The I Don't Cares "Love out Loud" (paulwesterberg.com)

Paul Westerberg and Juliana Hatfield have teamed up to form The I Don't Cares. "Love Out Loud" from the duo's debut album "Wild Stab" is a raunchy, high energy rocker led by a buzzsaw like guitar attack and Westerbergs trademark rasp.

19. This Blinding Light "Mercury" (thisblindinglight.bandcamp.com)

A stunningly beautiful song and video from one of Seattle's best shoegaze/psych outfits.

20. The Verigolds "Cross Fire" (theverigolds.com)

Spectacular piece from this San Diego based ensemble. It's breezy, laid back feel and soothing vocals are some of the best you will hear anywhere.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ballad Of Geraldine "What's The Deal" single/video (balladofgeraldine.bandcamp.com)

I've written about the greatness of this band recently as their self titled E.P. (which this track is from) was one of my favorites of 2015. However the band just released this awesome video clip for "What's The Deal" so I thought why not share it and spread the word again on this rugged indie rock unit based in Halle, Germany. Their dusky vocals, garage rock guitars and galloping drums are nothing short of stellar and it's certainly the kind of track made for kicking off a red hot summer. Looking forward to hearing new music from this crew soon.

Bearstronaut "Black Bells" Single (Bearstronaut.com)

A luscious track that takes us back to classic 80's electro pop bands like Erasure, Alphaville and Duran Duran. Throw this into an 80's Night DJ set and the crowd will assure you they used to "tape this song off the radio". It's catchy, hard hitting beat and liquid like synths flow passionately over a sparse layer of chorus fueled guitar textures. Hands down the closest thing I've heard to a dance floor anthem in years. A remarkable effort indeed.

Beck "Wow" Single (beck.com)

Some may call this a return to "Old School" Beck but honestly Beck is always just being Beck regardless of what particular "style" he might be evoking at the time. Still after watching "Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician" this week I am fondly reminded of Beck's "Bong Load" years when he was making music in a small isolated shack that served as his mad scientist lab. The banging beat that runs franticly through "Wow" is sure to make you want to jump around immediately . Not sure if he's using the infamous white keyboard here but it's certainly full of lively instrumentation that's colorful and bright and of course Beck's laid back lyrical flow is in full effect alongside a rousing chorus full of dreamy backing vocals. A fine addition to the Beck catalog that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Melvins "Bases Loaded" LP (melvinsofficial.bandcamp.com)

So it's finally summer and baseball season is in full swing. I find myself on the edge of my seat almost daily as I watch my Kansas City Royals defend their crown. So how happy was I to discover earlier this week that mlb.com was going out on a limb and hosting this latest Melvins effort for all the world to hear. The album features six different bass players including contributions from Steve McDonald from the legendary Los Angeles glam punk band Redd Kross and their old friend Krist Novoselic from Nirvana plus return appearances by former bassists Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle/Fantomas), Jared Warren (Big Business) and Dale Crover. According to King Buzzo, “More is more! As hard as it might be to believe, all of these bass players contribute something of their own to Basses Loaded which gives the whole album a good kick right in it’s big fat ass.” Yes many of these songs have been released before on the highly limited "Beer Hippy" and "War Pussy" E.P.'s but pairing them up with the three new tracks and making them readily available to the masses was a great thing to do. Plus who can resist a cover of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". A thunderous blast of rock n roll sure to melt your speakers and crush your skull.

The Orange Kyte "Inside Out n' Upside Down" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

"Inside Out n' Upside Down", the latest installment of The Orange Kyte singles series is a brilliant upbeat psych tinged number that's full of 60's swagger and sway. It's bright and fun and full of life and sits well alongside the bands previous singles. I must say the pounding drumming and garage rock organ tones add a delicious layer of icing to the cake. Another stroke of excellence from this Vancouver based rock n roll project.

VoirVoir "I Wanna" single (fleetingyouthrecords.bandcamp.com)

Damn this is good. This Bethlehem Pennsylvania unit create a whirlwind of sound that is second to none. "I Wanna" is the first single from the bands album "There Are No Good Goodbyes" which is set for a cassette release in mid July on Fleeting Youth Records. Simply put this band pulls out all the stops when it comes to their brand of indie rock madness. Sure you can reference bands like The Pixies, Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev but VoirVoir definitely have their own personality and style. Highly recommended .

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Holy Wall "Night Stops" E.P. (holywall.bandcamp.com)

Asheville North Carolina musician Matthew Reed, really raises the bar with this brand new E.P. from his atmospheric dream pop project Holy Wall. The record is made up of four astonishingly beautiful songs that sound like they were sent down to earth from another world. From the cinematic flavor of "No Nature" to the experimentally layered textures of the title track Reed has constructed an absolute masterpiece. Things lean towards a more folk based sound on "Living Is Easy" but the eerie vibes stay intact throughout as there's a hypnotic element to it all that keeps you locked in. The E.P. is capped off with the near ten minute epic known as "Dreams Of Annihilation" which combines instrumentation with colorful glimpses into sound collage style territories all the while emitting a beautiful and positive radiant glow. A remarkable release from an incredible new artist on the rise."Night Stops" will be available April 16th

Kromo "Be Water" Single (soundcloud.com/monts-6)

This recently unveiled piece from the upcoming self titled Kromo CD E.P. is a experimental mind bender to the fullest extend. Headed by the experimental guitar attack of Pittsburgh musician Kevin Monahan, "Be Water" is a lush flowing soundscape highlighted by many twists and turns on what feels like a journey through uncharted areas of space. There's also an underlying jazz feel in Monahan's playing that sits well with the futuristic essence of the track. Beautiful, haunting and breathtakingly brilliant.

Kyle Craft "Eye Of A Hurricane" Single (subpop.com)

This high energy new single from Portland by way of Shreveport, Louisiana musician Kyle Craft is down right incredible. Led by Craft's flamboyant vocal presence the track echoes the likes of early Elton John and Ziggy Stardust era Bowie. It's got a great balance between 70's glam rock swag and ragtime era sway as Daniel Talmadg lays down some mean piano playing throughout the track while the arrangement is absolutely stellar. There's also an undeniable appeal and soulfulness to it all that I can't help but love. Off of Craft's latest album "Dolls Of Highland".

School Of Seven Bells "Ablaze" Single (schoolofsevenbells.com)

"Ablaze", the new single from School Of Seven Bell's latest album "SVIIB" is a powerful blast of electro laced dream pop. The song narrates the story of Alejandra Deheza and Benjamin Curtis relationship, before his tragic death from lymphoma in 2013. It's thunderous beat and pulsating synths lead by Deheza's passionate voice make it one of the bands best tracks to date as it's ethereal mood and underlying ambience are both beautiful and intense.

The Orange Kyte "Which Vivian?" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

Another top notch single from this Vancouver based psychedelic unit. "Which Vivian?" is a hard hitting number full of big guitars and dream like vocals that harnesses a powerful guitar attack that's matched with an inspiring hypnotic groove. The driving beat and pumping bass line really put everything over the top and bring to mind a feeling of "I Can See For Miles" era Who. An infectious blast of garage psych rock n roll that delivers from beginning to end.

Today Junior "Blunt Breath" Single (wearetodayjunior.com)

This Boston indie surf rock trio formed in 2012 and has been held together by brothers, Harry & Mike O'Toole ever since. Their latest single "Blunt Breath" is a crushing blast of alt-rock n roll mayhem that brings to mind Guided By Voices, Jawbreaker and Yo La Tengo without really sounding like any of those bands at all. Their walls of fuzzed out guitars backed by a no frills pounding drum beat quickly make them one of my favorite new bands.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Astari Nite "Always Like Yesterday" Single (officialastarinite.bandcamp.com)

Miami post punk unit Astari Nite impress with their latest single "Always Like Yesterday". It's upbeat presence, stellar vocal approach and sparkling guitar sounds are backed by a promising rhythm section that make it one of the stand out singles of the year. It's the type of song that balances a combination of moody grey colors with beautifully crafted pop hooks and brings to mind a mix of Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cure and The Stone Roses. The band will be on tour throughout the month of May in the U.S.A. Visit officialastarinite.com for dates and details.

Beach For Tiger "Afternoons in Space" (www.soundcloud.com/beach-for-tiger)

"Afternoons in Space", the second single from London's Beach For Tiger is a laid back number that blends 60's psychedelic sounds with soul and jazz influences and a touch of 80's pop perfection. The hypnotic vocals are what attracted me to this track first as the phrasing and atmospheric delivery opens up a beautiful world of psychedelic bliss. It's rolling bass line and in the pocket percussion sweeten the mood even more and compliment the crystal clear guitar sounds that chime throughout. A cleverly well written track backed by exquisite musicianship and a flourishing layer of ambient textures.

Sikflowr "Common Era" E.P. (sikflowr.bandcamp.com)

What an amazing debut from this Toronto based experimental unit. Sikflowr immediately draw you in with their seductive, infectious like presence as opening track "Sugar Town (Go Get It)" captures you in it's web of psychedelic mystery. "The Bugs Are Coming" follows a loosely structured path that's full of distorted guitars that vary from dirge like chords to high pitched runs that sound like they are being performed on guitars made of glass. The more jazz based "Bodies In The Garage" features a sea of deep atmospherics while tracks like "Sikflowr" and "Not My Dog" are more melodic. Overall "Common Era" is a beautiful collection of rich sounding pieces that instill a feeling of travel, openness and warmth.

Sudogwon "IIII" E.P. (sudogwon.bandcamp.com)

I was thrilled when I got the news about this new Sudogwon E.P. and it easily lives up to my expectations. Opening with the amazingly titled "TDAH (No Soy Jason Pierce, Pero Bueno​.​.​.​)" things kick off in fine fashion as this stripped down guitar driven piece is backed by a collection of spacey drones and a cool lo-fi feel that adds a touch of G.B.V. like charm. "(Midori Kobayashi Te Amo) Desde Que Tenía Seis" is a rather bluesy feeling psych/folk piece while the blistering guitar attack of "Robo #2" sets things over the top and adds a bit of angst to the mix. Things wind down with the psych pop fueled sounds of "¿Cómo Hago?" which rounds out this E.P. well and filters in some really outstanding experimental sounds to what could be this Venezuelan based bands best song yet.

The I Don't Cares "Love Out Loud" Single (www.paulwesterberg.com)

So as most of you probably know by now Paul Westerberg and Juliana Hatfield have teamed up to form The I Don't Cares. "Love Out Loud" from the duo's debut album "Wild Stab" is a raunchy, high energy rocker led by a buzzsaw like guitar attack and Westerbergs trademark rasp. At a romping two minutes and seventeen seconds the track takes things back to "Sorry Ma" era Replacments when the band was at it's rawest and most stripped down point. So excited to hear these two making raw no frills rock n roll. Check out this brilliantly put together animated video below.

The Orange Kyte "Dope: 86" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

I'm blown away by the colorful sounds of this new single from The Orange Kyte out of Vancouver. It's psychedelic style and rich guitars are highlighted by a classic 60's vocal stance that paints a warm cinematic world of intrigue and wonder. Led by musician Stevie Moonboots and backed by a top notch support squad of drummer Dave Mulvaney and keyboardist Derick O’ Neill "Dope: 86" is nothing short of magical. I can't wait to hear what's next.