Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

The 116 Best Recordings of 2016

Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length and EP recordings of the year. We realize that these “Best of” lists can seem very subjective, however we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year of music. In 2016 we’ve played over 1000 different songs on the show, and from over 300 New & MidCoastal Releases. Over 40 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us live on Wednesday MidDay Medley in our 90.1 FM Studios. In 2016 we’ve interviewed over 200 local and national guests. 70 of the representative recordings on our “Best of” list are MidCoastal Releases, produced by artists based here in the area. It’s all good!

(1.) The Philistines – The Backbone of Night / The Record Machine / June 4, 2016
[KC based rock band with a psychedelic bent, made up of: Kimmie Queen on lead vocals; Cody Wyoming on lead guitar & vocals; Rod Peal on guitar; Michelle Bacon on bass & vocals, Josh Mobley on keyboard, Steve Gardels on drums. Recorded & mixed with Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. The Philistines played an LP Release show at The Living Room, on June 4, with Johnny Hamil’s GAV7D, Damian Blake, Annie Cherry, Jon Piggy Cupit and Ron Megee. The Philistines joined us live on WMM on May 25.]

(2.) Katy Guillen & The Girls – Heavy Days / VizzTone Label Group | KG&G Records / June 24, 2016
[Katy Guillen on guitar & vocals, Claire Adams on bass & vocals, & Stephanie Williams on drums. Recorded at Weights and Measures Soundlab with their longtime engineer Duane Trower, the band supplemented guitar, vocal and percussive layers; auxiliary instrumentation from blues pianist Mike “Shinetop” Sedovic (Danielle Nicole Band) and jazz trombonist Ryan Heinlein (The Project H); production from Paul Malinowski; and mastering at Black Lab Mastering in Louisville, Kentucky. Katy Guillen & the Girls hometown release of “Heavy Days” on May 21 at Knuckleheads. Katy Guillen & The Gilrs joined us live on WMM on May 4.]

(3.) The Grisly Hand – The Grisly Hand / The Grisly Hand / November 18, 2016
[Double LP. The band spent a year with Joel Nanos at Element Recording, and decided to split the songs between two CD/digital releases. Jimmy Fitzner on guitar & vocals, Lauren Krum on vocals & percussion, Matt Richey on drums, Mike Stover on steel guitar, bass & vocals, Ben Summers on guitar, vocals & mandolin, Dan Loftus on bass, keyboards & vocals. Also featuring: Rich Wheeler on tenor saxophone, Nick Howell on trumpet, and Mike Walker on trombone.]

(4.) The Conquerors – Wyld Time / High Dive Records / August 26, 2016
[First full length album from Kansas City based Rock & Roll band. Rory Cameron on guitar & vocals, Vince Lawhon on guitar & vocals, Jim Button on drums, Jake Cardwell on percussion, Quentin Schmidt on bass & vocals. All songs written by Rory Cameron, performed by The Conquerors. Recorded and mixed by Vincent Lawhon with additional help from Adam McGill at Element Recording Studios. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering in Portland, Oregon. More info at: http://theeconquerors.bandcamp.com%5D

(5.) Heidi Lynne Gluck – Pony Show / Lotuspool Records / August 26, 2016
[Lawrence, Kansas based Heidi Lynne Gluck is a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist originally from the middle of Canada. After transplanting herself from the plains of Manitoba to the midwestern United States, Heidi quickly became an in-demand player, performing on stage and in the studio both as a solo artist and with renowned musicians including Juliana Hatfield & Some Girls, Margot & The Nuclear So and Sos, Lily & Madeleine, The Pieces, The Only Children, and others. Heidi Lynne Gluck played 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest, September 10. Heidi Lynne Gluck joined us live on WMM on June 8, and August 24.]

(6.) Various Blond – All Bases Covered / The Record Machine / September 16, 2016
[Alternative experimental progressive rock funk pop progressive psychedelic from KC based band. Produced by Adam Mcgill, written by Joshua Allen. Various Blonde was conceived by Joshua Allen in 2008 and has opened for numerous national acts, Russian Circles, Free Moral Agents, Zechs Marquise, Dead Meadow, Imaad Wasif, Jucifer,The Memorials, Thursday, Fang Island, Murder By Death, Matt Pryor, Wannabe Jalva, and Electric Sixx. Current members Include: Joshua Allen on guitar & vocals, Adam Mcgill on guitar, Evanjohn Mcintosh on bass, Mark Lomas on drums. Various Blonde played the Crossroads Music Fest, September 10. Joshua Allen joined us live oj WMM on August 3, and September 14.]

(7.) Hipshot Killer – They Will Try To Kill Us All / Throwing Things / January 16, 2016
[KC based 3-piece power punk band formed in the fall of 2008. The current line up consists of: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects, John Velge and The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders), on guitar & vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol, John Velge and The Prodigal Sons) on bass & vocals, legendary drummer Jon “Buddy” Paul, who plays in (The Big Iron, The Revolvers.) For the recording: Mike Alexander on guitar & vocals, Chris Wagner on bass & vocals, Thomas Becker (Beautiful Bodies), on drums. The band released their debut record Hipshot Killer, April 29, 2011, and a single on Too Much Rock on October 21. Mike Alexander joined us live on WMM on October 19.]

(8.) Psychic Heat – Sunshower / High Dive Records / May 27, 2016
[Psychic Heat was created by Evan Herd & Tanner Spreer. After releasing their EP Lighter and Brighter in 2015 they quickly turned their attention to their first full length Sunshower being released through High Dive Records. Sunshower is Engineered by Ron Miller (Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds) & mixed/mastered by Kliph Scurlock (previously of the Flaming Lips). Psychic Heat is: Steve/Evan Herd on guitar & vocals, Tanner Spreer on guitar & vocals, James Thomblison on bass, and Mark Rockwell on drums.]

(9.) Betse & Clarke – River Still Rise / Independent / July 1, 2016
[Full-length debut album, from traditional and future folk duo, Betse & Clarke Betse Ellis on fiddles, violins, viola & vocals and Clarke Wyatt on banjos and cello. Recorded during the Winter-Spring of 2016. Produced by Clarke Wyatt and Betse Ellis. Recorded and mixed by Clarke Wyatt/ Final mix assistance from Chad Meise at Massive Sound. Traditional & future folk inspired by explorers Lewis & Clark showing how Betse & Clarke are trailblazers of sound & vision. “River Still Rise,” is a collection of originals and reworked traditional compositions that are presented “to be enjoyed as a musical adventure, much like the river exploration of the famous duo Lewis & Clark, an inspiration for the band’s name.” Betse Ellis writes in the extended liner notes: “The phrase River Still Rise appears in the journals of Meriwether Lewis, and to me, most notably when the Corps of Discovery readied their boats and supplies for the beginning of their river journey. Documenting all the details of the excursion included aspects of the weather, the general demeanor or specific behavior of the crew, and most certainly the level of the river. The river needed to be high enough to be navigable, and in that way, Clarke and I have been putting together our gear and supplies, building our boat, and watching the weather signs for about a year and a half at this point. The process of recording RSR took several months, beginning in early 2016. We made this recording at home with the best gear we could acquire at this point, and with Clarke’s long-built engineering and producing knowledge.” Betse & Clarke joined us live on WMM on Februry 17.]

(10.) Calvin Arsenia – Catastrophe [EP] / Calvin Arsenia / February 17, 2016
[Limited edition EP, produced for Folk Alliance International, contains demo recordings of original gems that are the blueprints for Calvin’s soon to be released full length debut, coming in 2017. Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. He has played all over town, including showcases at Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and collaborations with bands like My Brothers and Sisters. Standing at 6 foot 5 inches, Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 3.5 octave range, while playing piano, bango, guitar and harp. Calvin Arsenia is getting ready to release a new album in the fall. Calvin teaches music to elementary students. Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC professional development program for artists in the Kansas City metro area and across the Mid-America Arts Alliance five state region. Calvin Arsenia joined us live on WMM on February 24, July 13, and November 2.]

(11.) David Bowie – Blackstar / ISO Records – Columbia / January 8, 2016
[Lazarus features David Bowie on vocals, acoustic guitar, and Fender guitar; Donny McCaslin on saxophone, flute, and woodwind; Jason Linder on piano, Wurlitzer organ and keyboards; Tim Lefebvre on bass; Mark Guiliana on drums. McCaslin and the rest of the jazz group recorded their parts in the studio over a period of about one week a month from January to March 2015, and until later in recording were unaware of Bowie’s declining health. The song “Lazarus” is part of Bowie’s Off-Broadway musical of the same name. The album has received universal critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the number one spot in a number of countries in the wake of Bowie’s death and becoming his first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 album chart in the U.S. Blackstar is the twenty-fifth and final studio album by musician, writer, actor, chameleon, David Bowie. It is the 27th when you count the Tin Machine records, which you should. The album was released worldwide on January 8, 2016, on Bowie’s 69th birthday, and just two days later David Robert Jones passed away at home surrounded by his wife Iman, and his son Duncan Jones from his marriage to Angela Bowie, and daughter Alexandria from his marriage to Iman.]

(12.) Erik Voeks – So The Wind Wont Blow it All Away / Independent / November 11, 2016
[KC based singer-songwriter who has travelled the world as a solo artist and as an accompanist. All songs by Erik Voeks. Produced by Erik Voeks & Patrick Hawley. Drums recorded by Matt Meyer at The Thebeaudome. Everything else recorded at Sandusky Sound Co. Drums & percussion played by Patrick Hawley.]

(13.) Berwanger – Exorcism Rock / Doghouse Records / November 4, 2016
[Josh Berwanger was in The Anniversary, a Kansas band that released, 2000’s Designing a Nervous Breakdown & 2002’s Your Majesty and sold over 100,000 records before breaking up on tour in Japan. The band recently reunited for new shows and a tour this year. Berwanger was also in the band, The Only Children, and released, 2004’s Change of Living & 2007’s Keeper of Youth. When Keeper of Touth ended Josh Berwanger took a break and became a high school basketball coach. In the 2012 Josh formed the Josh Berwanger band. Berwanger released their EP Demonios November 11, 2016.]

(14.) Chris Meck & The Guilty Birds – It’s 4 A.M. Somewhere! / Independent / April 8, 2016
[KC based trio with Chris Meck on lead guitar & vocals, Michelle Bacon on drums, and Calandra Ysquierdo on bass guitar & vocals. Chris Meck and The Guity Birds released their debut full-length album, April 8, at The Tank Room,with Westerners, and Claire & the Crowded Stage. Chris Meck joined us on WMM on April 6.]

(15.) Rachel Mallin & The Wild Type – Degenerate Matters [EP] / Independent / July 30, 2016
[Indie synthpop KC based 5-piece band with: Rachel Mallin on lead vocals & guitar, Justin Walker on bass, Austin Edmisten on drums & back-up vocals, Jesse Bartmess on synthesizers & keyboards, Matt Kosinski on lead guitar. Degenerate Matters was recorded, produced, and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Musical Arrangements written and performed by Rachel Mallin, Justin Walker, Austin Edmisten, Jesse Bartmess, & Matt Kosinski. Lyrics by Rachel Mallin. Rachel Mallin joined us on the show July 27]

(16.) ANOHNI – HOPELESSNESS / Secretly Canadian / May 6, 2016
[ANOHNI is formerly known as Antony Hegarty or Antony, is an English-born American singer, composer, and visual artist. She is best known as the lead singer of the band Antony and the Johnsons. Anohni was born in 1970 in the city of Chichester, England. Her family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States in 1981. In 1990, she moved to Manhattan, New York to study at New York University, where she founded the performance art collective Blacklips with Johanna Constantine. Entering a musical career, she began performing with an ensemble of NYC musicians as Antony and the Johnsons. Their first album, Antony and the Johnsons, was released in 2000 on David Tibet’s label Durtro. Their second album, I Am a Bird Now (2005), was a commercial and critical success, earning Anohni the Mercury Music Prize. In 2016, Anohni became the second openly transgender person nominated for an Academy Award; she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, along with J. Ralph, for the song “Manta Ray” in the film Racing Extinction. Late last year, ANOHNI, released “4 DEGREES”, the first single from HOPELESSNESS, to support the Paris climate conference this past December. The song emerged earlier last year in live performances. As discussed by ANOHNI: “I have grown tired of grieving for humanity, and I also thought I was not being entirely honest by pretending that I am not a part of the problem,” she said. “’4 DEGREES’ is kind of a brutal attempt to hold myself accountable, not just valorize my intentions, but also reflect on the true impact of my behaviors.” HOPELESSNESS, is a dance record with soulful vocals & lyrics addressing surveillance, drone warfare, and ecocide. A radical departure from the singer’s symphonic collaborations, the album seeks to disrupt assumptions about popular music through the collision of electronic sound and highly politicized lyrics. ANOHNI: Vocals, Beat programming, Keyboards, Piano; Daniel Lopatin (aka Oneohtrix Point Never): Beat programming, keyboards; and Ross Birchard (aka Hudson Mohawke): Beat programming]

(17.) Lincoln Marshall – Water / Datura Records / June 3, 2016
[Written By: Approach & MilkDrop Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Additional Keys & Scoring By: Etan T’loh. Bass By: Dominique Sanders. Photos By: Fally Afani fallyafaniphotography.com. Layout & Design By: MilkDrop. Lincoln Marshall played The Datura Records Showcase for Lawrence Field Day Fest, at Replay Lounge. July 16, with Kwame, Sheven, MetaWatt & TRS-One, High Westhus, Left E. Grove, Louiz Rip & Deuce, Royce Diamond, and Midnight Marauders.]

(18.) Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – Kansas City Songs / Independent / September 25, 2016
[26 new songs written by Howard Iceberg and Recorded by Phil Wade at Alluvial Fan Studio; and Pat Tomek at Largely Studios. Mixed by Pat Tomek at Largely Studios. Howard Iceberg on vocals, harmony vocals, guitar & harmonica; Chad Rex on guitar & vocals; Betse Ellis on violin, viola, cello, vocal, mandolin & tenor guitar; Clarke Wyatt on banjo, piano & organ; Chad Brothers on guitar & vocals; Brett Hodges on bass, vocals & mandolin; Phil Wade on dobro, guitar, mandolin, & lap steel, Johnny Hamil on bass; Mike Ireland on vocal & bass, Dan Mesh on guitar; Kasey Rausch on guitar & vocal; Mikal Shapiro on guitar & vocal; Josh Mobley on keyboards; Grisha Sandomirsky on violin; Erin Corriveau on vocals; Mary Pickert on vocals; Brendon Moreland on keyboards. Howard Iceberg writes in the liner notes to this collection: “You can hear a lot of these cats play most Monday nights at The Brick.”All songs written, performed, and recorded in Kansas City.]

(19.) Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial / Matador / May 20, 2016
[Originally a started as a solo recording project by 24 year old, Will Toledo, in Leesburg, Virginia. Toledo chose the name “Car Seat Headrest” after recording the vocals of his first albums in the back seat of his car, for privacy. Car Seat Headrest released 12 albums on Bandcamp. Toledo’s production has gradually grown less lo-fi, but he still remains an effective example of the DIY ethic. Toledo saw a large influx of new fans with his 2011 release Twin Fantasy, which has become the most popular of his self-released albums. In September 2015, Car Seat Headrest announced on his Facebook page that he had signed an album deal with Matador Records. In October 2015, Car Seat Headrest released the compilation album, Teens of Style under the label. This was his first album that was not self-released via Bandcamp. The new album, Teens of Denial, was created with traditional studio processes. Car Seat Headrest is currently on tour presenting material from their latest album Teens of Denial as a full band.]

(20.) Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – A Man Alive / Ribbon Music / 2016
[4th studio album from San Francisco, California-based (formerly Falls Church, Virginia) alternative folk rock music group. It consists of Thao Nguyen on vocals & guitar) and Adam Thompson on vocals, bass guitar & keyboards. Produced by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs. Thao Nguyen was born in Virginia in 1984, and raised in Falls Church, Nguyen began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of twelve while helping out at her mother’s laundromat. She began performing in high school as part of a pop-country duo with friend Brenna Clerkin. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County and studied at the College of William & Mary, where she double majored in Sociology and Women’s studies. After recording an EP that differed from her initial style, she began performing as a soloist with her acoustic guitar. With her fellow college students Adam and Willis Thompson she formed Thao Nguyen and the Get Down Stay Down. After graduating she toured extensively, both with the band and as a solo artist. She moved to San Francisco around 2009, and has been based there since.]

(21.) Your Friend – Gumption / Domino Recording Co / January 29, 2016
[Debut full length release from Lawrence, Kansas based Taryn Blake Miller, who grew up in Winfield, Kansas, and wrote all of the songs on the album. Taryn sang lead vocals, and played guitar, bass, Juno, drums, loops, slide, & reel-to-reel; with Christopher Luxem on guitar, vocals & loops; Nathan Dixey on flute, 12-string, piano, Juno,; Nicolas Stahl on drums; Austin Swick on bass & vocals; Gabe Ws on OP guru, beat overdubs, ; Lindsey Kinsey on vocals. “Gumption” was produced by Nicolas Vernhes at the Rare Book Room in Brooklyn. Vernhes has worked on albums by Animal Collective, Deerhunter, the War on Drugs, Dirty Projectors and Spoon. Domino Records is an independent record label whose roster includes Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors and Neutral Milk Hotel.]

(22.) Solange – A Seat at the Table / Columbia Records / September 30, 2016
[3rd studio album from singer and songwriter Solange, released on September 30, 2016, by Saint and Columbia Records. Following the release of her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008), Knowles began work on her third studio album, during which she suffered a “breakdown” due to the amount of time and emotion she was putting into the recording process. While recording the album Knowles released an EP entitled True (2012) and launched her own record label named Saint Records. Writing for the album began as early as 2008, while the albums recording sessions took part from 2013 to June 2016. The album was widely acclaimed by music critics and became Solange’s first number-one album on the Billboard 200 in the United States. The album features collaborations with Lil Wayne, Sampha, The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Q-Tip, Kelly Rowland, Kelela, David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors and Tweet among others.]

(23.) Angel Olsen – MY WOMAN / Jagjaguwar / September 2, 2016
[American folk and indie rock singer and guitarist, who was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She first toured as a backing singer and guitarist with Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and The Cairo Gang. My Woman was recorded at Vox Studios in Los Angeles with producer Justin Raisen. The album was structured as sides of a vinyl record: “On one side, it’s as if you were having an upbeat day and wanted to try something a little hectic. But then, if you feel like things were slowing down and you wanted to be more reflective, then you listen to Side B.” With regards to the album’s themes, Olsen said that My Woman addresses “the complicated mess of being a woman.” My Woman was Olsen’s attempt to expand her musical style after 2014’s Burn Your Fire for No Witness, with emphasis on avoiding being typecast as a lo-fi indie artist. With what she called a “plurality of voices,” Olsen “wanted to use [her] vocal more and sing in the styles that [she] liked.” Compared to Olsen’s previous album, My Woman contains a poppier, more diverse sound. Musical genres and musicians that influenced the album includes Fleetwood Mac, The Shirelles, Crazy Horse, 1970s glam rock, 1960s country pop and grunge. The album’s opening track, “Intern,” is a synthpop song that was considered to be a major departure from Olsen’s previous works. Written as an experiment to “fuck with people,” Olsen said of “Intern,” “I have some friends who make synth music and I thought it might be fun to do something sarcastic.” Critics have compared “Never Be Mine” to 1960s jangle pop and Spanish guitar music.The album’s closer, “Pops,” is a piano ballad.]

(24.) Nicholas St. James – THEATRES / Independent / February 22, 2016
[Debut album from vaudeville-folk-troubadour who is more of a throwback to Vaudeville than the Dust Bowl. Blogger Brian Clifton writes, “Nicholas St. James blends together old and new to create a sound as distinct as its stage show. St. James mixes folk, blues, vaudevillian drama, and country together.” Based in Lawrence, Kansas, by way of St. Louis, Missouri, Nicholas is an authentic Midwestern folk musician, and credits Tom Waits as the missing link in his own musical formation.]

(25.) Fantastic Negrito – The Last Days of Oakland / Blackball Universe / 2016
[Fantastic Negrito was raised in an orthodox Muslim household. His father was a Somali-Caribbean immigrant who mostly played traditional African music. When, at the age of 12, Negrito’s family moved from Massachusetts to Oakland, California. Oakland in 1970s was a million miles from Negrito’s conservative childhood. He went from Arab chants to Funkadelic in one day. By the time he was 20, Negrito had taught himself to play every instrument he could get his hands on. He was recording music, and after some difficulties on the streets he packed his bags and headed to LA, armed with a demo on cassette. Negrito signed with a million dollar deal at Interscope. The record deal was a disaster. Gangsta rap was ruling the airwaves and Negrito was in the wrong place at the wrong era. Negrito came out of the deal with a failed album and his confidence gutted. In 2000, Negrito was in a near fatal car accident that put him in a coma. For four weeks it was touch and go. Because his muscles atrophied while bedridden, he had to go through months of frustrating physical therapy to regain use of his legs. Rods were placed throughout his body. And worst of all, his playing hand was mutilated. Back in Oakland, Negrito forgot about life as a musician. He got married, he planted vegetables, raised his own chickens, and made money growing weed. He also settled into being a man, on his own, clear of the distractions of wanting to be a star. And then his son Kyu was born. He began recording without the hindrances that come with chasing trends. Negrito turned to the original DNA of all American music, the Blues. The beating life had given him primed him to channel his literal and musical forefathers: the Blues musicians of the Delta]

(26.) Cate Le Bon – Crab Day / Drag City / April 15, 2016
[Cate Le Bon was born Cate Timothy on March 4, 1983. She is a Welsh singer-songwriter, now based in Los Angeles. She sings in both English and Welsh. She has released four solo albums, two EPs and a number of singles. Le Bon is also known for her collaborations with among others Manic Street Preachers, Neon Neon, and Matt Davies. Crab Day is her fourth studio album. It was produced by Josiah Steinbrick and Noah Georgeson and recorded at Panoramic House, a hilltop mansion in the coastal town of Stinson Beach, California.]

(27.) Jenny Hval – Blood Bitch / Sacred Bones / September 30, 2016
[Jenny Hval was born July 11, 1980, in Oslo, Norway. She is a Norwegian musician, singer, songwriter, lyricist and writer. She has released six albums – two under the moniker Rockettothesky – and four under her own name. In 2015, Hval released her fifth studio album, Apocalypse, girl, to widespread critical acclaim. The following year, she released Blood Bitch, a concept album influenced by vampires, menstruation and 1970s horror films. Blood Bitch has been described as “an investigation of blood,” Blood Bitch is a concept album which draws parallels between a fictional time-travelling vampire, named Orlando, and Hval’s own experiences touring her previous studio album, Apocalypse, girl (2015). The album’s lyrical content is also influenced by menstruation, 1970s horror and exploitation films and Virginia Woolf.]

(28.) Laura Mvula – The Dreaming Room / Sony Music UK / June 17, 2016
[British soul singer-songwriter grew up in the Birmingham suburbs of Selly Park and Kings Heath with two younger siblings and was influenced by the girl band Eternal. Her mother is from Saint Kitts and her father is from Jamaica. In 2005, Mvula sang with Black Voices, an a cappella group set up by her aunt. In 2008, she formed a jazz/neo-soul group called Judyshouse, singing lead vocals and writing material for the band. Mvula was Director of the Lichfield Community Gospel Choir, founded by Black Voices and Lichfield Festival in 2009. She has previously directed the Alvechurch Community Choir. Mvula graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire at the Birmingham City University with a degree in composition. While she was working as a supply teacher in a Birmingham secondary school, she started writing songs on her laptop. She was working as a receptionist when she sent out two demos to several people in the music industry. One of them, Steve Brown, heard the songs and sent them to his manager, Kwame Kwaten, who would become Mvula’s manager.]

(29.) The Julie Ruin – Hit Reset / Hardly Art / July 8, 2016
[2nd album from Brooklyn based 5-piece band formed in 2010 in NYC, featuring: Kathleen Hanna (Le Tigre, Bikini Kill), Carmine Covelli, Sara Landeau, Kathi Wilcox, and Kenny Mellman.. The band rehearse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and record at Oscilloscope and Figure 8 Recording in Brooklyn. In December 2010, The Julie Ruin previewed a performance at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York. In 2012, The Julie Ruin released the song “Girls Like Us,” featuring queercore artist Vaginal Davis, as a free download as part of a series inspired by the book Real Man Adventures by T. Cooper. The band’s first album, Run Fast, was released on September 3, 2013 by Dischord Records.]

(30.) Not A Planet – Smoke Bombs & Cigarettes: The History of Now / Indep / Sept. 10, 2016
[Kansas City based Rock and Roll trio formed in 2010. Nathan Corsi, on guitar & vocals; Liam Sumnicht on drums & harmony vocals, and William Sturges on bass guitar & harmony vocals; Nathan Showalter on keyboards and backing vocals. Not A Planet played the 12th Annual Crossroads Music Festival, last Saturday night, September 10 at recordBar, on the same stage with Amanda Fish Band, Kelley Hunt, and Radkey.]

(31.) Bonzo Madrid – Worry / Independent / November 4, 2016
[Bonzo Madrid is the new musical project of CJ Calhoun, formerly of Cowboy Indian Bear. All songs written & played by CJ Calhoun. CJ Calhoun writes, “Some tracks were also graced by my wonderful friends” Beau Bruns on drums, Danny Bowersox on guitar. Recording comes with bonus EP featuring a remix by LION and La Guerre (Katlyn Conroy). Engineered and Produced by Danny Bowersox & CJ Calhoun. High Dive Records and Whatever Forever will together release Worry on Cassette.]

(32.) Bon Iver – 22, A Million / Jagjaguwar / September 30, 2016
[3rd studio album by indie folk band Bon Iver premiered at lead singer Justin Vernon’s Eaux Claires Music Festival. In Pitchfork’s review of the album, the publication likened it to Radiohead’s Kid A, saying, “Bon Iver’s first album in five years takes an unexpected turn toward the strange and experimental. But behind the arranged glitches and processed voices are deeply felt songs about uncertainty.” Bon Iver was founded in 2007 by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. Vernon released Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago independently in July 2007. The majority of that album was recorded while Vernon spent three months in a cabin in northwestern Wisconsin. Bon Iver won the 2012 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album for the album Bon Iver, Bon Iver. The name Bon Iver is derived from the French phrase bon hiver, meaning “good winter”, taken from a greeting on Northern Exposure.]

(33.) Charles Bradley – Changes / Daptone / April 1, 2016
[Released almost three years after his criticallty acclamed, Victim of Love, from April 2013, one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 113 Best Recordings of 2013. Charles Bradley was born Nov 5, 1948. Charles Bradley was raised by his maternal grandmother in Gainesville, Florida until the age of eight when his mother, who had abandoned him at 8 months of age, took him to live with her in Brooklyn, New York. In 1962, his sister took him to the Apollo Theater to see James Brown perform. Bradley was so inspired by the performance that he began to practice mimicking Brown’s style of singing and stage mannerisms at home. When he was fourteen, Bradley ran away from home due to his poor living conditions — his bedroom was in a basement with a sand floor — and lived on the streets during the day and slept nights in subway cars for two years. Later, he enlisted in Job Corps which eventually led him to Bar Harbor, Maine to train as a chef. One time while working, a co-worker told him he looked like James Brown. When asked if he could sing, he was at first shy but eventually admitted that he could. He overcame his stage fright (when a crew member pushed him through the curtains onto the stage) and performed five or six times with a band. After his band mates were drafted into the Vietnam War, the act never re-formed. Bradley worked in Maine as a cook for ten years until deciding to head west, hitchhiking across the country. He lived in upstate New York, Seattle, Canada and Alaska before settling in California in 1977. There, Bradley worked odd jobs and played small shows for 20 years. In 1996, Bradley’s mother called him and asked him to move back in with her in Brooklyn so she could get to know him. It was there he began making a living moonlighting as a James Brown impersonator in local clubs under the name “Black Velvet.” During this time, Bradley experienced more hard times, including almost dying in a hospital after being given penicillin (to which he has an allergy) and waking to the police arriving to the scene of his brother’s murder just down the road from his mother’s house. While performing as “Black Velvet,” he was eventually discovered by Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Daptone Records. Roth introduced Bradley to Daptone artist and his future producer Tom Brenneck, then the songwriter and guitarist for The Bullets, and later for Menahan Street Band, who invited Bradley to his band’s rehearsal. Bradley asked that the band simply perform while he made up lyrics on the spot. After writing several songs, with Daptone releasing some of them on vinyl starting in 2002, ten were chosen and released as Bradley’s debut album No Time For Dreaming in 2011. Charles Bradley played Middle of the Map Fest, May 7, 2016 at The Midland with Aimee Mann. He broke my heart.]

(34.) A Tribe Called Quest – We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service / Sony / Nov. 10, 2016
[A Tribe Called Quest is an American hip-hop group that was formed in 1985,[2] and was composed of MC and producer Q-Tip, MC Phife Dawg and DJ and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad. A fourth member, MC Jarobi White, left the group in 1991 after the release of their debut album. He continued to contribute to the band sporadically before rejoining for their 2006 reunion. Along with De La Soul, the group was a central part of the Native Tongues, and enjoyed the most commercial success out of all the groups to emerge from that collective. In August 2016, Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid revealed that the label would be releasing a new A Tribe Called Quest album in the near future. Said Reid on the album, “[It is] a brand new album that they recorded before Phife Dawg passed away. I’m really happy about it man, it’s really something special. It’s one of the things I’m most excited about over everything we’re working on.'[20] On October 27, 2016, Q-Tip announced that the new Tribe Called Quest album would be out on November 11, and would feature Busta Rhymes and Consequence. The group first went into the studio in November 2015, following their first televised appearance in 18 years. When Phife Dawg died in March 2016, the album was not yet completed. However, Q-Tip said that Phife Dawg had left the group “with the blueprint of what we had to do.” Q-Tip also stated that the album will be the group’s last. The album’s name is We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service and in addition to Busta Rhymes, the album features André 3000, Jack White, Elton John, Talib Kweli, Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West; all the recording sessions took place at Q-Tip’s home studio in New Jersey]

(35.) Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker / Sony Music / October 21, 2016
[14th and final studio album from Leonard Cohen. As if the Presidential Election wasn’t bad enough, on November 7, 2016 Canadian singer, songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen passed away at 82. His work explored religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships. Cohen was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Cohen pursued a career as a poet and novelist during the 1950s and early 1960s, and did not launch a music career until 1967, at the age of 33. His first album, Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967).]

(36.) Fullbloods – Mild West / High Dive Records / February 26, 2016
[2nd full length release from Fullbloods: Ross Brown; Jared Tomasino; David Seume; & Bill Pollock. Recorded at Westend Studios in Kansas City, Kansas by Mike Nolte. Mixed by Fullbloods. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. (Starfucker, Of Montreal).Fullbloods played an album release show, at The Brick, Feb 26, with Shy Boys and at Mills Record Company, February 27, with Momma’s Boy]

(37.) Under The Big Oak Tree – Local Honey / Mudstomp Records / January 22, 2016
[Acoustic Folk – Country Roots from Saint Joseph, Missouri based band formed by: Kristin Hamilton, Doug “Sluggo” Ward, and Simon Fink. Under The Big Oak Tree play multiple showcases at this year’s Folk Alliance International Conference.]

(38.) Red Kate – unamerican activities / Black Site Records / April 2, 2016
[L. Ron Drunkard on bass & vocals, Andrew Whelan on drums & vocals, Brad Huhmann on guitar & vocals, Desmond Poirier on guitar & vocals. Produced by Red Kate. Recorded at Weights and Measures Soundlab, KCMO, with Duane Trower doing recording, mixing and serving as digital mastering engineer. Roger Seibel on vinyl mastering at SAE Mastering, Phoenix, AZ. Shaun Hamontree created the cover art. Vinyl pressed at Quality Record Pressings, Salina, KS. Red Kate played an Album Release show at Davey’s Uptown, April 2, with The Bad Ideas, The Pedalljets, and The Brannock Device]

(39.) BLKFLANL – BLKFLANL II: For the Imperfect, for the Diligent / Believe.Create / March 30, 2016
[BLKFLANL is a rap group from KCMO that started as a debut recording from Barrell Maker aka Morgan Cooper, who is 24, and grew up in a lower middle class neighborhood in Grandview, Missouri. He first started writing poetry and music in middle school and after high school he began apprenticeships in film and photography. He recorded and released his debut record Blk Flanl, with area producer and hip hop artist D/Will, (Denzil Williams). Now the two have returned as group named BLKFLANL with MC: Barrel Maker and beats from Conductor Williams.]

(40.) Iggy Pop – Post Pop Depression / IGHO – Loma Vista – Concord / March 18, 2016
[17th studio album by Iggy Pop. Produced by Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, the album was recorded in secrecy. Pop and Homme began working on the album in January 2015. Pop reached out to Homme by text message to ask if he was interested in writing music together. After they spoke by phone, Pop sent Homme some lyrics by mail, along with notes about Pop’s time working with David Bowie. Three months later, Homme sent lyrics to Pop, and they agreed to work together on recording songs in a studio. The album, consists of nine songs, recorded at Homme’s home studio in Joshua Tree, California, over the course of two weeks, and another week in his studio in Burbank, California. Pop and Homme self-financed the album.]

(41.) Wild Beasts – Boy King / Domino Recording Co / August 5, 2016
[Indie rock from the UK. They released their first single, “Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants”, on Bad Sneakers Records in Nov. 2006, and then signed to Domino Records. They’ve released 4 acclaimed albums, Limbo, Panto (2008), Two Dancers (2009), Smother (2011), Present Tense (2014). In 2002, Queen Katherine School students Hayden Thorpe and Ben Little formed the duo Fauve, the French term for “wild beast”, and began writing songs. In January 2004, drummer Chris “Bert” Talbot and bassist Gareth “Gaz” Bullock, joined and the band’s name became Wild Beasts. The quartet recorded their eponymous demo EP in June 2004. In September 2005, the band relocated to Leeds and Tom Fleming replaced Bullock full-time bassist.]

(42.) Victor & Penny – Electricity / Victor & Penny / April 19, 2016
[Written by Erin McGrane, Jeff Freling. Victor & Penny were formed in 2010, by Jeff Freling on guitar & vocals and Erin McGrane on ukulele & vocals. Produced by Grammy Award winning Producer/Engineer Mitch Dane, at Sputnik Sound in Nashville, TN, featuring Victor & Penny’s fine band, The Loose Change Orchestra with James Isaac on clarinet, soprano saxophone and melodica; Rick Willoughby on upright bass; and trombonist Kyle Dahlquist. Victor & Penny played an ELECTRICITY: CD Release Concert with their Loose Change Orchestra, April 19 at Musical Theatre Heritage in Crown Center. Victor & Penny joined us live on WMM on April 13.]

(43.) Shapiro Brothers – Shapiro Brothers [EP] / Shapiro Brothers / November 3, 2016
[Kansas City based Americana duo, formed by Mikal Shapiro and Chad Brothers who interpret classic country and folk music alongside critically acclaimed originals. Strengthened by Shapiro’s lyrical prowess and Brothers world-class flat picking, the couple showcases their harmonies, stellar guitar interplay and a magnetic onstage chemistry. All songs written by Mikal Shapiro, except “Almost Ready” was written by Mikal Shapiro and Chad Brothers. Shapiro Brothers played a special EP Release show, November 3, at The Brick, with Grady Keller from Old Sound and Spectator from St. Louis. Shapiro Brothers also played Apocalypse Meow 9, on November 5, at recordBar, with Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type, Emmaline Twist, The Invisible World, Nicholas St. James, Crystal Clayton, and Jake Wells.]

(44.) Esperanza Spalding – Emily’s D+Evolution (Deluxe) / Concord Music / March 4, 2016
[5th album from an American jazz bassist, cellist and singer, Esperanza Emily Spalding, born October 18, 1984, who draws upon many genres in her own compositions. A concept album revolving around a central character named Emily (Spalding’s middle name), Emily’s D+Evolution is not a jazz album — though jazz does inform much of the music here. Instead, Spalding — who also co-produced the album alongside legendary producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie) — builds the release largely around angular, electric guitar-rich prog rock, kinetic, rhythmically rich jazz fusion, and lyrically poetic pop. Spalding was raised in Portland, Oregon and was a musical prodigy, playing violin in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at age five. She was later both self-taught and trained on a number of instruments, including guitar and bass. Her proficiency earned her scholarships to Portland State University and the Berklee College of Music. She has won four Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy Awards, making her the first jazz artist to win the award. Of her new album Pitchfork writes, “These are exuberant, confrontational songs, amplified in the same sort of rock/funk hybrid style that brings Prince and Janelle Monae to mind. Gone is the Afro, replaced with long braids, wide-rimmed glasses, and ornate outfits.”.]

(45.) Violet and the Undercurrents – Nashville Sessions [EP] / Nation of Love / November 5, 2016
[Columbia, Missouri based, four-piece, all-female band. Violet and the Undercurrents have been described as “..Sophisticated folk-rockers ..” Members include: Violet Vonder Haar on Lead Vocals and Guitar; Linda Bott on Bass Guitar; Lizzy Weiland on lead guitar; Phylshawn Johnson on Drums.]

(46.) Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – Live At Grimey’s / Glassnote / April 16, 2016
[Record Store Day release. Singer songwriters, Madisen Ward and Ruth Ward, both play guitar, and sing harmonizing as son and mom. In the past 3 years they have garnered national acclaimed after an appearance at the 2014 Americana Music Fest, they signed with Glassnote Records and recorded their debut full-length album in Nashville with acclaimed producer Jim Abbiss. They released their first single, “Silent Movies,” the same night they performed the song on The Late Show with David Letterman on CBS Television. They launched a big tour across the United States and traveled to Europe for multiple shows in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and ten did it all again. They sang and played on the influential British television show, “Later With Jools Holland.” They were featured on CBS Sunday Morning, and the Today Show, and have visited many radio stations. They performed on tour with Sufjan Stevens, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, the Newport Folk Festival, and others, representing KC all over the world. We were the first to play them on the radio!]

(47.) KKFI Collaborations / KKFI 90.1 FM / January 29, 2016
[Collaborations was produced by 90.1 FM Station Manager – Barry Lee. The album features 13 collaborations: Betse & Clarke with Bird Fleming & John Kizilarmut; Kasey Rausch Music with The Vine Street Seven; Howard Iceberg with Hidden Pictures; Victor & Penny with Cody Wyoming; Gary Kirkland & Bill Dye; Angela Hagenbach & The KKFI Jazz Band (Jeff Harshbarger, Roger Wilder, John Kizilarmut, Terry Wilkerson); Jen Harris with Rich Hill; Bobby Watson with Grupo Aztlan, and The T.J. Martley Trio; BCR with Music by Betse Ellis and Bill Dye; The Boss Toms (The Latenight Callers with Teri Quinn); Enrique Chi of Making Movies with Bob Walkenhorst and Una Walkenhorst, Cucharada with Gerald Trimble’s Celtic and World Music Sessions, Freight Train Rabbit Killer with Jason Vivone.]

(48.) The Quivers – Sugar Tease / The Quivers / March 4, 2016
[Follow up to the band’s full length debut recording, Hot Young Mess, from March, 2014. The band has also released two EPs. The Quivers are: Terra Skaggs on vocals & bass, Todd Grantham on vocals & organ, Bernie Dugan on drums, and Gary Parades on guitar. The album also features special guests: Kyle Dahlquist on trumpet & trombone, and Jesse Howes on saxophone. Recorded, mixed & mastered at Weights and Measures Soundlab by Duane Trower.]

(49.) Jorge Arana Trio – Mammoth / Haymaker Records / September 23, 2016
[Recorded in early 2016 by Justin Wilson at Sound 81 Productions. Jorge Arana Trio is: Jorge Arana, Josh Enyart, & Jason Nash. Formed in 2011. Mammoth is the 3rd album and 2nd full length release. Jorge Arana Trio played their first album release concert at recordBar, September 2 with 34 and Riala. The Jorge Arana Trio joined us live on WMM on August 31.]

(50.) Rae Fitzgerald – Popular Songs For Wholesome Families / Rae Firzgerald / June 3, 2016
[3rd album from Columbia, Missouri based singer songwriter. Recorded at Centro Cellar Studio in Columbia, MO, and Good Danny’s in Austin, TX, between October 2014 and September 2015. Engineered and produced by Lucas Oswald of Shearwater/Minus Story/Appleseed Cast/Old Canes/Hospital Ships. Mastered by Carl Saff. Rae Fitzgerald joined us on WMM on February 3.]

(51.) Teri Quinn – Moons and Meltdowns / Teri Quinn / April 17, 2016
[KC based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Teri Quinn. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Teri Quinn moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study Clarinet Performance and Music Composition at the University Of Missouri Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music where Teri graduated in 2013. Teri Ann Quinn plays banjo & sings with Abandoned Bells with Tyson Schroeder on drums & vocals, and Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar. Teri plays clarinet and guitar for Claire and the Crowded Stage and has also contributed experimental compositions for The Black House Collective. Teri Quinn joined us on WMM 4/13 & 7/20]

(52.) Deerhoof – The Magic / Polyvinyl / June 24, 2016
[13th studio release from prolific San Francisco based experimental rock band who play with noise pop, punk rock, and avant-garde styles. Formed in 1994, the lineup includes: Greg Saunier on drums & vocals, Satomi Matsuzaki on vocals & bass, John Dieterich on guitar, and Ed Rodríguez on guitar.]

(53.) Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate / Interscope Records / July 15, 2016
[2nd studio album by London-based singer-songwriter. The album is the follow-up to Kiwanuka’s 2012 Mercury Prize-nominated album Home Again. The album was produced by Danger Mouse, Inflo, and Paul Butler. He has been compared to Bill Withers, Randy Newman, Terry Callier, and Otis Redding, as well as Van Morrison and the Temptations. In January 2012, he won the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll.]

(54.) I’ll Repay You: A Benefit for John Fackler – featuring the songs of John Fackler and Jettison / Independent / May 20, 2016
[This release is a benefit for John Fackler who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type III ) when he was 15. He is now 39 and has worked full time since he was 18. He wants to continue to working to support himself financially, however, because of his ever-worsening condition, he is having obstacles that won’t be overcome without obtaining a Bounder power chair and a wheelchair conversion van. John’s friends, including John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons, Revolvers, Deco Auto, Dead Ven, Chad Rex, Ben Summers, Suicide Robins, and Hipshot Killer all recorded his songs for this new collection and tribute show. All proceeds from this album’s sales go directly via Paypal to the account for gofundme.com/FundFackler to benefit John’s medical and transportation needs so he may continue working and living the life that he wants to lead. Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, KCMO]

(55.) Crystal Clayton – Crystal Clayton [EP] / Independent / June 3, 2016
[Debut EP from Kansas City based singer/songwriter, Crystal Clayton has been performing since she was 7 years old. She wrote her first song when she was 15. Versatile in multiple genres of music Crystal has performed in Musical Theatre for The New Theatre in Overland Park and for The Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as well as singing on tracks for hip hop artists Prozak and Ces Cru who are part of Tech N9ne’s label, Strange Music. Finding her own sound in an evergrowing pool of area singer songwriters, Crystal Clayton has just released her debut EP on June 3. Cystal Clayton’s new band made their live performance debut at The Plaza Art Fair, INK Live! Stage, on September 24. Crystal Clayton joined us live on WMM on September 21.]

(56.) case/lang/veirs – case/lang/veirs / Anti – Records / June 14, 2016
[Several years ago k.d. lang sent an email to Neko Case and Laura Veirs on a whim. It read simply, “I think we should make a record together.” Though the three musicians were barely more than acquaintances “Laura and I both responded immediately,” recalls Case. “There was no question.” ‘case/lang/veirs,’ is a new album by three phenomenal, self-driven artists was released with an extensive tour to follow. ‘case/lang/veirs’ features fourteen new, original songs written by the artists over a period of two-and-a-half years. It was recorded in Portland, OR where lang and Veirs both live, and produced by Tucker Martine with the group. Sessions commenced in lang’s loft with a view of Mount St. Helens, and in Veirs’ dining room and backyard studio. ‘case/lang/veirs’ draws inspiration from alluring, mysterious subjects: a supermoon, the tumbledown story of 70s singer Judee Sill, and the “best kept secret” in Silver Lake, to name but three.]

(57.) Kristen Ford – Rend and Render [Deluxe] / Kristen Ford / Released July 29, 2016
[All songs written & performed by Kristen Ford, engineering by Dan Cardinal & Ariel Bernstein at Dimension Sound Studios, Boston, MA . Nashville based singer songwriter. Since 2009, Kristen has released three full length albums and two EPs. During her childhook, Kristen Ford, moved around alot, growing up in 6 different states. She began working as a dishwasher at 14 to save up enough money for her first guitar. Being left-handed, she soon discovered that the south paw guitars were too expensive and went with a right handed guitar. This perhaps explains her dynamic and expressive rhythm hand, which she uses to drive her band forward and push acoustic songs into a new realm of dance, rock and reggae music. Kristen’s parents supplied an interesting musical upbringing. Her father sang in a barbershop quartet, and now conducts vocal groups and takes Gospel solos at church. Her mother is a folkie of the 60s and 70s, playing guitar and spinning the likes of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Simon and Garfunkel records around the house. Her love of touring has led her through 47 states and 6 countries, spending at least a third of each year on the road. Her solo performance of beat-boxing, playing percussion with her feet, looping guitar riffs and hushing the crowd for intimate finger-picking songs. Kristen Ford joined us live on WMM on February 17.]

(58.) Hinds – Leave Me Alone / Mom + Pop / January 8, 2016
[Debut album from Spanish indie rock band from Madrid, formed in 2011, consisting of Carlotta Cosials on vocals & guitar, Ana Perrote on vocals & guitar, Ade Martin on bass, and Amber Grimbergen on drums. The original name of the band was Deers, but they were forced to change it at the end of 2014, due to the threat of legal action from a similarly named band. The group chose “Hinds” (female deer) as the new name.]

(59.) Christopher Tolle – Early Reflections / Four Big Watts / August 29, 2016
[Written and Performed by Christopher Tolle, Recorded By Chris Cosgrove and Christopher Tolle, Kansas City. Mixed and Mastered by Kliph Scurlock, Wales. Christopher Tolle on vocals & instruments, Chris Cosgrove on drums, William Smith & Kirsten Paludan on Backing Vocals. Christopher Tolle is also know for his work in the bands: The Creature Comforts, The Belles, and Olympic Size.]

(60.) Andrew Foshee – Corvair / Independent / April 1, 2016
[Produced by Joel Nanos and Andrew Foshee. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. Music and lyrics by Andrew Foshee (ASCAP). Performed by Andrew Foshee & His Gosh Darn Band. Andrew Foshee: guitars, lead vocals; Brian James: bass, backing vocals; Phil Spencer: drums, beers. Additional musical contributions from: Mike Stover: pedal steel; Dan Loftus: piano, keys; Christine Grossman: violins and violas on Jesus Christ; Nick Howell: trumpet; Mike Walker: trombone; Marshall Tinnermeier: saxophone; Paris Young: background vocals on The Fight; Coleen Dieker: violin and background vocals on I Am Too Old (For You). Andrew Foshee & His Gosh Darn Band played an EP Release show April 2nd, 2016 at Josey Records – Kansas City, with Rev Gusto, Instant karma, and Sextonic Plates. and also on April 2nd, 2016 at The Brick with Kelly Hunt and My Oh My!]

(61.) Toughies – Sweet Dream [EP] / Independent / March 5, 2016
[All songs written and performed by Toughies. Mixing and mastering: Brad Girard. This 5-piece, Lawrence, band formed in February 2015, with Brad Girard on guitar & vocals, Joe Gronniger on bass & vocals, Caroline Lohrenz on drums, Carl Smith on guitar & lead vocals, and Sam Ramer on keyboards & vocals.]

(62.) The UK’s – Bad Seed / Independent / April 23, 2016
[Kansas City based 4-piece band The UK’s (formerly Uncountable Kings) formed in 2010 by Noah Bartelt on lead vocals & guitar, Zak Norton on drums, Scott Combs on guitar & vocals, and Alex Norris on bass guitar. the UK’s are releasing their first full length album, “Bad Seed”. The UK’s played a special Album Release Show April 23 at Davey’s Uptown, w/ Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type & and Janet The Planet.]

(63.) Eddie Moore and The Outer Circle – Kings & Queens / Independent / September 2, 2016
[3rd album from KC based Eddie Moore on piano, Rhodes, & synthesizers; Adam Scholzman on guitar; Pat Adams on drums; Deandre Manning on electric bass; Daniel Robinson on alto sax. Executive Producers: Eddie Moore, Dominique Sanders, & Kerwin Young. Engineered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Studio, and Mastered by Lindesay. Eddie Moore and The Outer Circle played an Album Release Show at The Tank Room, Saturday, Oct 1, with special guests Daniel Robinson on alto sax, & Kemet “the Phantom” Coleman.]

(64.) The MGDs – Wake Up / The MGDs / February 15, 2016
[Second studio album from Kansas City based 6-piece, formed in 2007, with Matt Davis on drums, percussion & vocals; Greg Bush on bass; Damon Parker on keyboards & vocals; Scott “Snoof” Middleton on guitar; Rudy Vasquez on saxophones & percussion; and Eric Martens on trumpet.]

(65.) The Sexy Accident – Champagne Babycakes / Independent / September 23, 2016
[The Sexy Accident is a pop band from Kansas City. They’ve released over 70 songs on six albums and three EPs. The new record includes 12 songs produced by Seattle legend Steve Fisk, and a game deck of 45 cards designed by Gavin Snider. The current line up consist of: Jesse Kates on guitar & vocals, Ramone Hall on drums, Jamie Lin on vocals, Pete Marten on bass, and Ryan Leip on keys. The Sexy Accident Card Game/Album Release Show was at Holy Cow Market and Music, September 23, with Maggie Henehan. ]

(66.) Me Like Bees – There Will Be Time [EP] / Loveway Records / April 8, 2016
[Formed in Joplin in 2009 by Luke Sheafer, Nick Bynum, Pete Burton, Tim Cote. In 2015 after completing a leg in Van’s Warped Tour, Me Like Bees finished their new EP with award-winning producer, John Feldmann (Five Seconds of Summer, The Used, Panic! at the Disco, Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, Plain White T’s)]

(67.) Kevin Morby – Singing Saw / Dead Oceans / April 15, 2016
[3rd release from Kevin Robert Morby born April 2, 1988, and learned to play guitar when he was 10. In his teens he formed the band Creepy Aliens. 17-year-old Morby dropped out of Blue Valley Northwest High School, got his GED, and moved from his native Kansas City to Brooklyn in the mid-2000s, supporting himself by working bike delivery and café jobs. He later joined the noise-folk group Woods on bass. While living in Brooklyn, he became close friends and roommates with Cassie Ramone of the punk trio Vivian Girls, and the two formed a side project together called The Babies, who released albums in 2011 and 2012. He began a solo career in 2013 releasing his debut album Harlem River with positive reviews. His second album Still Life was released the following year. Kevin Morby played The Riot Room on June 12.]

(68.) M Bird – Mercy Flight / Independent / August 2016
[MBird is Megan Birdsall on vocals & guitar, Michael Smith on guitar, Ben Leifer on bass & vocals, and Matt Leifer on drums. Written by Megan Birdsall and Michael Smith. Produced by Jack Sundrud. Mixed by Bill Halvorson and Jack Sundrud. Mastered by Jim Demain for Yes Master Studios in Nashville, TN. Recorded at West End Studios in Kansas City, MO. Engineerd by Justin Mantooth.]
(69.) JAENKI – Jaenki Ep1 / Jaenki / August 30, 2016
[and the new band from The Republic Tigers lead singer, Kenn Jankowski with Ryan Wallace, Drew Little and Rachel Mallin. This Kansas City based band just released their new video for “Miracle Maze” on Monday, Decmber 12, in the Crossroads.]

(70.) King – We Are King / KING Creative / February 5, 2016
[Twins Paris and Amber Strother and musical sister Anita Bias are KING. In 2011 KING independently released their first EP to much acclaim; title track “The Story”, “Supernatural”, and “Hey” make up the 3-piece introduction to their carefully crafted dream-soul sound. Hours after the release, their EP had traveled far to music lovers and tastemakers alike, making new fans of many. KING’s eclectic sound is relatable yet not simply defined. Though they play with the boundaries of their many influences, throughout each song is the common thread of a certain soulful authenticity. The smooth vibe, intricate production, and harmonic style of their music evolved beautifully in their home studio, a product solely of the three women and a result of their Minneapolis and Los Angeles roots. Paris produces KING’s songs, while Amber and Anita are the primary singers. The three work together on songwriting and arrangements to create their unique sound, garnering accolades in/on Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, NPR, Billboard, The New York Times, SPIN, The FADER, Vulture, The Guardian and Glamour among others, as well as the 55th GRAMMY award for ‘Move Love’, their collaboration with Robert Glasper on his Best R&B Album ‘Black Radio’. KING have completed their long-awaited debut album and are excited to invite listeners further into their sonic kingdom; listen to their conversation on NPR’s All Things Considered about their music-making process for the new record, released February 5, 2016 on their independent label, KING Creative.]

(71.) The Ovaries-eez – I Saw You in My Dream / Whatever Forever / March 18, 2016
[Lawrence Kansas, based vocal trio. The Ovaries-eez debut full length was recorded & mastered by John Griffin at Sound + Vision Studio at Lawrence Public Library and released on Whatever Forever. Guitar and vocals by Monica George and Johni Lacore and Amber Hansen on vocals.]

(72.) Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions – Until the Hunter / Tendril Tails / Nov. 4, 2016
[First single from the third release of Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions, an independent alternative /dream pop band is composed of Hope Sandoval from the band Mazzy Star and Colm Ó Cíosóig of My Bloody Valentine. “Isn’t It True”, was released on 7″ vinyl as part of Record Store Day 2016. A second single, “Let Me Get There” featuring Kurt Vile, was released on September 23.]

(73.) The Matchsellers – Songs We Made Up / Independent / February 12, 2016
[Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County,” one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including last year for the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA. The Matchsellers played Folk Alliance International Conference.]

(74.) Mavis Staples – Livin’ on a High Note / Anti / February 19, 2016
[14th studio solo album from American rhythm and blues and gospel singer, actress and civil rights activist, born in Chicago, Illinois on July 10, 1939. She has recorded and performed with her family’s band The Staple Singers. She began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches, appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples scored a hit in 1956 with “Uncloudy Day” for the Vee-Jay label. When Mavis graduated from what is now Paul Robeson High School in 1957, The Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck “Pops” Staples on guitar and including the voices of Mavis and her siblings Cleotha, Yvonne, and Purvis, the Staples were called “God’s Greatest Hitmakers.” With Mavis’ voice and Pops’ songs, singing, and guitar playing, the Staples evolved from enormously popular gospel singers (with recordings on United and Riverside as well as Vee-Jay) to become the most spectacular and influential spirituality-based group in America. By the mid-1960s The Staple Singers, inspired by Pops’ close friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr., became the spiritual and musical voices of the civil rights movement. They covered contemporary pop hits with positive messages, including Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and a version of Stephen Stills’ “For What It’s Worth”. Livin’ on a High Note was produced by M. Ward the album features songs written specifically for Staples by Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, tUnE-yArds, Neko Case, Aloe Blacc, and others. Mavis!, the first feature documentary about Staples and the Staple Singers, directed by Jessica Edwards, had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2015. Mavis! was screened in theaters and on HBO in February 2016. Staples was briefly married to Spencer Leak in 1964; they divorced when Staples would not end her music career to stay home. She has no children. In the 2015 documentary Mavis! she reveals that Bob Dylan once proposed to her, and she turned him down.]

(75.) The Uncouth – Jonesy’s War / Teenage Heart Distro / August 12, 2016
[Debut EP from KC based, modern American Oi! band formed in 2010. Cody Blanchard on lead vocals & guitar, CJ Wilson on lead guitar & vocals, Todd Rainey on drums, and Steve Gardels on bass. Recorded at Element Recording with Joel Nanos, Produced by Johnny Starke. The Uncouth played a Record Release Show at Josey Records, on August 12, with Plug Uglies, and The People’s Punk Band, and at recordBar, on August 27, with Red Kate. Members of The Uncouth joined us live on WMM on August 10.]

(76.) The Coyote – The Coyote / The Coyote / July 8, 2016
[Recorded in 2016 by Joel Nanos at Element Studios . Artwork by David Finley Busch. KCK based band formed by Willy Christie on guitar & vocals, Drew Bartlett on guitar & vocals, Trey Green on bass & vocals, and Josh Enyart on drums. With Eddie Moore (Rhodes on Q & A, Wurlitzer on Winds of Fortune). The Coyote played CODA 1744 Broadway, KCMO on Friday April 15, at 10:00 pm, with Open Fields.]

(78.) Joan As Police Woman & Benjamin Lazar Davis – Let It Be You / Reveal Records / Oct 21, 2016
[Joan Wasser, born July 26, 1970, is known by her stage name Joan As Police Woman. She is a singer-songwriter and producer. She began her career playing violin with the Dambuilders and played with Black Beetle, Anthony and the Johnsons, and Those Bastard Souls. Since 2004 she has released her solo material as Joan As Police Woman. She has released four regular studio albums, one EP, a number of singles and a collection of covers. Through her career, she has collaborated with other artists as a writer, performer and arrangers. For this new release she has a collaborative project with Benjamin Lazar Davis called “Let It Be You” that uses Central African Republic Pygmy people’s flute ostinatos as the basis for pop songs.]

(79.) Gallant – Ology / Mind of A Genius / April 6, 2016
[Christopher Gallant was born 1992, and is a singer-songwriter from Columbia, Maryland. In 2014, he self-released his debut EP, Zebra, and received praise in 2015 for his single, “Weight in Gold”. On April 6, 2016, his debut studio album Ology was released through the indie record label Mind of a Genius. Gallant played Middle of The Map Fest, May 6, at The Midland Theatre.]

(80.) John Prine – For Better, or Worse / Oh Boy Records / September 30, 2016
[23rd release from 70-year old folk singer-songwriter, born Oct 10, 1946 and raised in Maywood, Illinois, Prine learned to play the guitar at 14. He served in West Germany with the U.S. armed forces, by the late 1960s he had moved to Chicago, working as a mailman, writing and singing songs as a hobby. He was discovered by Kris Kristofferson, resulting in Prine’s self-titled debut from Atlantic Records in 1971. After receiving critical acclaim, Prine focused on his musical career, recording 3 more albums for Atlantic, and then 3 more albums for Asylum Records. In 1984 he co-founded Oh Boy Records. After his battle with squamous cell cancer in 1998, Prine’s voice deepened, and he had to relearn his songs in a new key. This helped him rediscover his music. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation.]

(81.) American Slim – American Slim – [EP] / American Slim / December 18, 2015
[Debut EP of original music from KC based 4-piece band formed in 2012 by Nathan Jurries on guitar; Patrick Newland on piano, tenor saxophone, bass, & vocals; Jacob Newland on guitar, bass, & vocals; and Mikala Petillo on vocals & drums. Their sound is a mix of rock, funk, blues, and americana and all members play multiple instruments, including ukulele, and banjo. American Slim played the Crossroads Music Fest.]

(82.) Hamilton (Orig Broadway Cast Recording) / Hamilton Uptown – Atlantic / Sept 25, 2015
[Hamilton is a musical about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, with music, lyrics and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The show, inspired by the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by historian Ron Chernow, achieved both critical acclaim and box office success. Hamilton opened on Broadway in August 2015 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The musical has received enthusiastic critical acclaim and unprecedented advance box office sales, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The Broadway production is nominated for a record-setting 16 Tony Awards.]

(83.) Britta Phillips – Luck Or Magic / Double Feature Records / April 29, 2016
[Born June 11, 1963, Britta Phillips is a singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, actor, and voice actor. Phillips’ music career spans more than 30 years. She came to prominence in the mid-1980s as the singing voice of the title character of the animated television series “Jem.” She has also been a member of the band Luna, and as one half of the duo, Dean & Britta, both with her husband Dean Wareham. For a few years, on and off, Phillips has been working on Luck Or Magic, her solo debut, which started off as a collaboration with the late dance producer Scott Hardkiss. The album finally came out. It has five original songs and five covers. The closing original track, “Ingrid Superstar,” was named after the former Andy Warhol superstar who disappeared in 1984 and has not been found. It’s a fitting reminder of Britta’s connection to Warhol, particularly on Dean & Britta’s 2009 release, 13 Most Beautiful Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests. About Ingrid Superstar: “In addition to her talents as a film comedienne, Ingrid Superstar also wrote short poems and prose pieces, which were occasionally published, and sometimes gave public readings from her Trip Book. Warhol thought ‘her poems were good, really good, half poetry and half comedy.’ In later years, Ingrid Von Scheven fell on hard times, struggling with a drug problem and eventually ending up in Kingston, New York, where she worked in sweater factory. She disappeared one day in December 1986, after leaving her apartment to buy cigarettes. although the Kingston police announced ‘there’s a clear possibility of foul play and we are intensifying our investigation,’ she was never found. She was forty-two years old at the time of her disappearance.”]

(84.) Deap Vally – Femejism / Nevado Music / September 16, 2016
[2nd studio album from rock duo Deap Vally produced by Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ guitarist Nick Zinner who makes an appearance in the video for the first single, Royal Jelly, which also featured the British model Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall. Deap Vally formed in formed in Los Angeles, California in 2011 with Lindsey Troy on guitar & vocals, and Julie Edwards on drums & vocals. Edwards was a member of The Pity Party, while Troy was performing in Los Angeles as a solo artist. The duo first met at a needlework class on Silver Lake, where Edwards taught Troy how to crochet. Deap Vally have since been described as “a scuzzy White Stripes-meets Led Zeppelin rock and roll duo.”]

(85.) Bat for Lashes – The Bride / Warner Bros – WEA / July 1, 2016
[4th album from English singer, Natasha Khan who was born to an English mother, Josie, and Pakistani father, squash player Rehmat Khan on October 25, 1979. She is better known by her stage name Bat for Lashes, a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She has released 4 studio albums, Fur and Gold (2006), Two Suns (2009), The Haunted Man (2012) and The Bride (2016), and received Mercury Prize nominations. Khan is also the vocalist for Sexwitch, a collaboration with the rock band Toy & producer Dan Carey.]

(86.) Vivien Goldman – Resolutionary (Songs 1979-1982) / Staubgold Germany / May 20, 2016
[British journalist, writer and musician. She was born in London, August 25, 1954, the child of two German-Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany. Goldman wrote for the music magazines NME, Sounds and Melody Maker about reggae, punk and post-punk. She was a member of The Flying Lizards, shared a flat with fellow NME journalist and The Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde. Goldman lived in Paris for a year and a half, where she was a member of new wave duo Chantage, which gained modest fame in France. She released the “Dirty Washing EP” in 1981, with tracks produced by John Lydon and Adrian Sherwood. The EP appeared first on Ed Bahlman’s iconic 99 Records imprint on June 3, 1981. In August 1981, two of the tracks from the EP, “Launderette” and “Private Armies,” were issued as a 7″ single in the UK. Later the song “Launderette” was included on Gomma Records’ “Anti NY” compilation and the Chicks On Speed-produced Girl Monster collection. In that year she also contributed vocals (on the track “Private Armies,” which is actually “Private Armies Dub,” or “P.A. Dub,” from the EP) to the New Age Steppers’ self-titled debut.]

(87.) Piney Gir – Mr. Hyde’s Wild Ride / Greyday Records / February 19, 2016
[7th album from Piney Gir, also known as Angela Penhaligon, an American musician and singer, born and raised in the Bible Belt of the midwest in Kansas and now based in London. Growing up, secular music was forbidden to her. As a teenager, she rebelled against this upbringing and went to university where she majored in music with drums then voice as her instruments. In 1998 she relocated to London, England and joined the synth pop band Vic Twenty and released a single on Mute records label Credible Sexy Units and toured the UK and Europe with Erasure. As a solo artist, Piney’s musical style is predominately edgy indie-pop, although she has been described both as a musical “chameleon” and as “the indie Dolly Parton”. Piney is an established figure on the London music scene, and has toured extensively including appearances at Glastonbury festival, South by Southwest and CMJ music festival. She has collaborated with artists including Andy Ramsay of Stereolab, Rob Campanella from The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Eamon Hamilton from the band Brakes and British Sea Power and Simple Kid, and was a member of cult all-girl band The Schla La Las. Her songs have appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Hit & Miss, Made in Chelsea, Drifters, Waterloo Road, Being Human, Switch and in feature films: Nina Forever, You’re Not You, C’e Chi Dice No and American Girl.]

(88.) My Oh My! – Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way / Independent / December 12, 2015
[Written by A.M. Merker, Arranged by My Oh My! My Oh My is a 3-woman, 5-man band from Kansas City, that plays “a big, bearhugging blend of Americana, classic rock and folk.” The band includes: Stephen Berry on guitars; Grant Buell on keyboards; Sarah Dolt, Stephanie Gaume & Melissa Geffert on vocals; Jason Harper on bass; Jacob Horpinjuk on drums, A.M. Merker on lead vocals. The band’s second release, the EP, Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way, was released December 12, 2015. The new music was recorded, engineered, and mixed by Joel Nanos at Element Recording, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Wes Martin at Firewheel Recording, Garland, TX. ]

(89.) Maria The Mexican – South Of The Border Moonlight / Independent / March 11, 2016
[Follow up to their Oct. 2013 debut full length, Moon Colored Jade. Influenced by traditional Mariachi music, Maria The Mexican is a hybrid of Mexican folklore and Rock. For over ten years, Teresa and Maria Elena Cuevas have performed with Marachi Estrella founded by their grandmother Teresa Cuevas in 1970. As one of the first all female mariachi bands in the country, Maria Teresa Alonzo Cuevas is a pioneer in the Hispanic musical community. Her band flourished in the 80s but was struck by tragedy when four of the seven members were killed in the Hyatt Skywalk collapse in 1981. Once Teresa recovered she began teaching her grandchildren Mariachi music. In 2000, Teresa and Maria began exploring other genres of music while simultaneously co-directing Mariachi Estrella. Today the fusion of Maria The Mexican is mixed with a touch of blues, soul, funk, and rock n’ roll enhanced by the musical knowledge and sounds of Garrett Nordstrom.][Maria The Mexican played CD Release shows March 25, at Uncle Bo’s in Topeka, April 1st at Replay Lounge in Lawrence and April 8, at Knuckleheads.]

(90.) The Tamborine Club – Chameleon / Independent / October 21, 2016
[Kansas City based psych-pop band with Bryan Lamanno on lead vocals. guitars, kazoo, bass, ukulele; Justin Brooks on Drums; Jeff Mundinger on bass, and Rachael Trader. Mixed / mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. Drums recorded by Brett Pippin at Alchemie Audio. All other audio recorded by Bryan Lamanno. All songs written by Bryan Lamanno. The Tamborine Club played Outer Reaches, at recordBar, Oct. 1.]

(91.) Tidy Hippy – Tidy Hippy [EP] / Independent / January 15, 2016
[Written, recorded, and produced by Hannah Copeland and Matthew Dunehoo. Tidy Hippy is a Kansas City based band formed by Hannah Copeland of KCUR 89.3 FM, and Matthew Dunehoo of Doris Henson, Baby Teardrops, and Loose Park. Hannah Copeland told Bryan Voell of the Johnson County Library, “Our songs usually start with a Matt playing a lick on his guitar at band practice. I will add a beat, and if the beat and melody feel right, we’ll keep jamming until we have made parts to a complete song. We usually add lyrics after we write our songs. My lyrics are mostly narrative, and Matt uses lots of wordplay with subtle themes. I wrote the lyrics to “Death Accessory,” an anthem calling lawmakers to allow Midwestern cities to make their own gun laws that fit the needs of their city, not their mostly rural state.. We sing together, separately, and in harmony.” Matthew Dunehoo added, in this same Johnson County Library website piece written by Btyan Voell, “Getting to practice in Hannah’s parents’ home has been an incredible luxury, especially after living in NYC and practicing in overpriced inhospitable 3’x3′ ovens. There’s always TP and her mom is an awesome cook. I always want to just crank tunes out willy-nilly without condemning them to death too soon. Hannah seems mostly on board.”]

(92.) Electric Orchids – Plastic Heart / Independent / May 13, 2016
[Kansas City based New Wave, Surf with just enough Garage 4-piece band, Electric Orchids is: Matt Mitchell on guitar, Chris Hutchings on bass, Derek Hatch on drums, and Val Engholm on keys, guitar, and vocals. Produced by Electric Orchids. Written and performed by Electric Orchids. Recorded, mixed and engineered by Matt Mitchell at Mitcholm Castle. Co Produced by John Granger. Val Engholm told me that this song was written about Pete Mackey who owned and operated Crave Cafe on 39th Street. Electric Orchids played a CD Release Party at Records with Merritt, May 13, at 8:00 PM, with Violent Bear and Uberficker.]

(93.) Shadow Rabbits – Truest Blue [EP] / Shadow Rabbits / December 14, 2015
[Kansas City based collaboration between singer/songwriter, Ashley Dattola and producer, Jon Ulasien. “You-lay-sin.” Written and recorded by Shadow Rabbits with Keenan Stump on bass guitar. Recorded at “The Zoo” Drums recorded and engineered by Lennon Bone at Element Recording Studio . Shadow Rabbits played their first show at Records With Merritt, on April 22, w/ Foxlin, and Johnnie Booth and the Head Wounds.]

(94.) Amado Espinoza – My Two Sides / Amado Espinoza / December 26, 2015
[A compilation of his best compositions between 2003 and 2011, as a member of various musical grups: TIMPANA, OIL, KUYASHA, MOBY DICK, A 2 LADOS, with the vocalist ANALIA ABAD, TRIBU KONÁ, ALMAS SILENCIOSAS, KAWALA. Recorded and Mixed at Quinto Sol Studios by Manuel Rocha, Cochabamba, Bolivia – July 12, 2012. Columbian born musician Amado Espinoza began formal studies in music at the age of 16, at the Andrés Bello Institute, where he studied classical guitar. He continued his musical education at the Conservatory Milan in Cochabamba, Bolivia, while investigating ethnic instruments from various cultures, like the African djembé, the Bolivian charango, and the Australian didgeridoo. Later he perfected his skills in musical appreciation and musical history with the Professor Alberto Iporre Salinas, ex chairman of the Conservatory of Hungary, and in charango at the Amerindia Academy. In 2000 he dedicated himself to the investigation, recuperation, interpretation, and construction of native instruments from different parts of the world, resulting in the establishment of the Museum of Musical Instruments for the Foundation Luis Ernesto of the Andes, in Marquina, Quillacollo, Bolivia, housing over 500 pieces from six continents. He founded Tribu Kona in 2002, producing 4 albums and performing in Latin America. He was in-house composer for the Circus Theatre El Tapeque between 2011-2012. Since his arrival to Kansas City, MO in 2014, Amado has been seen on TEDxKC, TEDxYouth, Folk Fest, and has been featured with many local bands. He is a recipient of an ArtsKC inspiration grant and Charlotte St. Resident. He is musical director of Latin American band, Ayllu. Amado Espinoza played the 12th annual Crosroads Music Fest, Sept 10.]

(95.) Alejandro Escovedo – Burn Something Beautiful / Concord Music / October 28, 2016
[San Antonio, Texas native, singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo’s new album co-written with Peter Buck, of R.E.M., who was a key collaborator on Burn Something Beautiful, along with Scott McCaughey of the Minus 5. The three men co-produced and co-wrote the album together, in Portland, Oregon. ][Alejandro Escovedo played Knuckleheads on November 12, with Jesse Malin.]

(96.) Drive-By Truckers – American Band / ATO Records / September 30, 2016
[11th studio album from Athens, Georgia, based band even though 2 of 5 current members, Patterson Hood & Mike Cooley, are originally from The Shoals region of Alabama. The band currently consists of Mike Cooley on lead vocals, guitar, & banjo; Patterson Hood on lead vocals & guitar; Brad Morgan on drums; Jay Gonzalez on keyboards, guitar, accordion, & backing vocals; and Matt Patton on bass guitar. Like many alternative country acts, the Drive-By Truckers record in analog (using 2 inch, 16-track open reel tape recorders.]

(97.) Julian Davis And The Hay-Burners – Make Americana Great Again / Little Class Records / May 28, 2016
[16 year old Julian Davis has made quite a splash on the regional roots scene. After his 2015 debut, Who Walks In, When I Walk Out?, Julian is now recording as a full band trio with Seth Campbell on bass and Shannon O’Shea on fiddle. O’Shea’s authentic hillbilly chops bring a real western swing feel to the project. There will be some originals revisited on this release as well as some obscure songs from heroes past. Julian Davis And The Hay Burners played Crosroads Music Fest, Aug 10.]

(98.) Illphonics – Gone With The Trends / The Record Machine / April 1, 2016
[St. Louis based Hip-Hop, Alternative, Funk, Rock, Soul band formed by: Larry “Fallout” Morris on Lead Vocals, Keith Moore on keyboards & vocals, Kevin Koehler on guitar & vocals, Simon Chervitz on bass, Chaz Brew on drums & vocals. Illphonics played Middle of The Map Fest, May 6, at The Tank Room]

(99) The Frightnrs – Nothing More to Say / Daptone Records / September 2, 2016
[Based in Queens, New York City, by Dan Klein on vocals, Chuck Patel on organ & piano, Rich Terrana on drums & vocals, Preet on bass & vocals, with additional help from Norihiro Kikuta on guitar, and Mike Torres on percussion. Their debut album is shadowed by tragedy, as lead singer Dan Klein having died this year of a neurological disease shortly after the record’s completion. His falsetto voice is central to the record. The album was recorded by mastermind/producer Victor Axelrod, Nothing More to Say has been called “a rocksteady masterpiece the likes of which has not reared it’s head since the golden era of Studio One… Like all things Daptone, this record is above all soulful and honest.” All songs original, with the exception of two soul covers (from the Daptone catalog: Bob & Gene’s “Gotta Find a Way” and Saun and Starr’s “Gonna Make Time”). Jim Farber, The New York Times writes, “From the start, both the band’s sound and presentation stood out from common Caribbean interpretations by other young American bands…favoring instead earnest ballads with a deep soul groove.”]

(100.) Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Miss Sharon Jones (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) / Daptone Records / Aug 19, 2016
[Grom the film directed by Academy Award winning director, Barbara Kopple. On the eve of the release of her band’s new album, internationally recognized soul singer Sharon Jones was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Tour dates were cancelled, the release of the group’s fifth album, Give the People What They Want, was pushed back and Sharon entered into a fight for her life and career. MISS SHARON JONES! intimately follows this intense and courageous year in Sharon’s life. I was able to see this band twice, and the last time was with my dear friend Necia R Gamby in Lawrence, at Liberty Hall, pressed up to the front of the stage, in awe of Sharon Jones, and the fabulous Dap Kings. It was March 8, 2014. Sharon and I became Facebook friends that night when she shared my album of pictures on her own page. During the show Sharon locked eyes with Necia, and then pulled Necia onto the stage to sing a duet of “Heard It Through The Grapevine.” A year later, during the screening of her documentary “Miss Sharon Jones” at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, Jones revealed that her cancer had returned, and that she would be undergoing chemotherapy again. In November, she suffered a stroke while watching the 2016 United States presidential election results and another the following day. Jones remained alert and lucid during the initial period of her hospital stay, jokingly claiming that the news of Donald Trump’s victory was responsible for her stroke. She died on November 18, 2016, in Cooperstown, New York, aged 60. Sharon Lafaye Jones was born May 4, 1956 and died this year on November 18, 2016. She was an American soul and funk singer. KAlthough shoe collaborated with Lu Reed, David Byrne and others, she is best known as lead singer of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, a soul and funk band based in Brooklyn, New York. Jones experienced breakthrough success relatively late in life, releasing her first record when she was 40 years old. In 2014, Jones was nominated for her first Grammy, in the category Best R&B Album, for Give the People What They Want. Jones was born in Augusta, Georgia, the daughter of Ella Mae Price Jones and Charlie Jones, living in adjacent North Augusta, South Carolina. Jones was the youngest of six children; her siblings are Dora, Charles, Ike, Willa and Henry. Jones’s mother raised her deceased sister’s four children as well as her own. She moved the family to New York City when Sharon was a young child. As children, she and her brothers would often imitate the singing and dancing of James Brown. Her mother happened to know Brown, who was also from Augusta.Jones grew up in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. In 1975, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn.She attended Brooklyn College. A regular gospel singer in church, Jones often entered talent shows backed by local funk bands in the early 1970s. Session work then continued with backing vocals, often credited to Lafaye Jones, but in the absence of any recording contract as a solo singer, she spent many years working as a corrections officer at Rikers Island and as an armored car guard for Wells Fargo, until receiving a mid-life career break in 1996 after she appeared on a session backing the soul and deep funk legend Lee Fields. Sharon Jones was part of the very beginning of Daptone Records Daptone Records’ first release was a full-length album by Sharon Jones. A new band, the Dap-Kings, was formed from the former members of the Soul Providers and the Mighty Imperials. Some of the musicians went on to record for Lehman’s Soul Fire label, while some formed the Budos Band, an Afro-beat band. From the original Soul Providers, Roth (also known as Bosco Mann) on bass, guitarist and emcee Binky Griptite, percussionist Fernando Velez, trumpet player Anda Szilagyi and organist Earl Maxton were joined by original Mighty Imperials saxophonist Leon Michels and drummer Homer Steinweiss, plus Neal Sugarman from Sugarman 3, to form The Dap-Kings. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, the released the album Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings in May of 2002, , for which they received immediate attention and acclaim from enthusiasts, DJs and collectors. Next they released, Naturally (2005), 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007) and I Learned the Hard Way (2010). They are seen by many as the spearhead of a revival of soul and funk.]

(101.) Cavern of Anti-Matter – Void Beats | Invocation Trex / Duophonic / 2016
[Cavern Of Anti-Matter are the new band from Stereolab mainman Tim Gane, now Berlin-based and collaborating with original Stereolab drummer Joe Dilworth, and synth wizard Holger Zapf. This is their first album proper following limited edition vinyl releases on Grautag, Deep Distance, Peripheral Conserve and Associated Electronic Recordings. The album is an epic 72 minute journey featuring guest vocals from Bradford Cox (Deerhunter), Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3), and sound processing from Jan St. Werner (Mouse On Mars). Opener Tardis Cymbal is a mighty opener, a melange of chattering drum machines, organ drones and twinkling guitar in 7/8 time. Pantechnicon is an arpeggiated mix of Orbital and John Carpenter whilst Hi-Hats Bring the Hiss takes a doomy, teutonic path through industrial electro.]

(102.) Merlin – Electric Children / Independent / March 9, 2016
[Kansas City based, psychedelic-doom-rock, formed in May of 2012. For this recording the band includes: Carter Lewis on guitars, backing vocals, & keyboards; Caleb Wyels on percussions; Jordan Knorr on vocals; and Joey Hamm on bass. The current line up of the band includes: Caleb Wyels on percussion, Carter Lewis on guitar, Jordan Knorr on vocals, and Chase Thayer on bass. Electric Children is the band’s follow up to their critically acclaimed 2014 EP release, Christ Killer. Electic Children was Live recorded from October 2014 to August 2015 courtesy of Red Roof Productions, with mixing and mastering by Bret Liber and Merlin. ]

(103.) Allah-Las – Calico Review / Mexican Summer / September 9, 2016
[Third album from L.A. based band with Matthew Correia on percussion, Spencer Dunham on bass, Miles Michaud on vocals & guitar, and Pedrum Siadatian on lead guitar).[ When the band got together, three of the members, Correia, Dunham and Siadatian all worked at Amoeba Music. The group was founded in 2008. One reviewer commented that “their sound is steeped in the pop sensibilities of The Zombies and The Kinks, laced with Northern Soul, lo-fi funk and the ever-enduring influence of Arthur Lee and Love.”]

(104.) Potter’s Field – Potter’s Field [EP] / Independent / May 16, 2016
[Dan Mesh on guitars, keyboards & vocals; Gary Paredes on guitar & backing vocals; Cory Corbino on bass & backing vocals; and Paul Lemon on drums & percussion. All songs by Dan Mesh. Recorded at Hammerhead Studio by Mike Moreland. Mastered at largely Pro Audio by Pat Tomek.]

(105.) The Royal Furs – Fever Dream [EP] / The Royal Furs / June 19, 2016
[Fuzzed out psychedelic dance rock from Columbia, MO. Tracks were recorded by Mike Danger at Seasick Studios and mixed and mastered by Jeff Mueller. Ruth Acuff on lead vocals, Mike Danger on guitar & vocals, Diggy Splash on drums, Josh Wrong on bass & vocals. Aarik Danielsen, of the Columbia Daily Tribune writes, “The members of The Royal Furs, who have been heard in other contexts, clearly are having a blast together. The band’s sound has a libertine glee to it that is true to the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. What’s more, Acuff’s strong presence and the sheer musicality of her bandmates provides something fresh and energizing to find in each listen. This is woozy, rousing fun.”]

(106.) Vigil and Thieves – Neverland / Independent / June 4, 2016
[Sarah Storm on vocals & guitar & keys, Steph Castor on guitar, Matthew Muckenthaler on bass , Andrew Flaherty on drums. Recorded in Kansas City, MO. Lyrics by Sarah Storm, music by Vigil and Thieves. Artwork by Lacie Greer. Recorded by Sarah Storm , except for “Vicious Ears” (recorded by Justin Mantooth at Westend Studios), Mastered by Quincy Scott. Vigil and Thieves is a Kansas City indie alternative quartet formed in early 2014. Previously described as “grandiose” with a “heartbreaking heaviness,” the band has honed in on dynamic and lyrically-driven song structures that have been compared to live poetry. Neverland embodies every adventure the band has collectively taken part in.]

(107.) Birds of Chicago – Real Midnight / Five Head Entertainment / February 19, 2016
[2nd full length release from Birds of Chicago, “This year’s biggest roots surprise” says L.A. Times. The band is a collective built around the husband and wife duo of JT Nero from Chicago, and Allison Russell from Montreal, Quebec. Since forming in 2012, they’ve toured internationally 10+ months of the year. Russell and Nero are most at home on the road, zigzagging across North America and Europe in their family band van, with their new baby daughter, Ida Maeve][Birds of Chicago played an Official Showcase of Folk Alliance International Conference, February 18, at The Westin Crown Center.]

(108.) Leyla McCalla – A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey / Music Maker Recordings / February 4, 2014
[Leyla Sarah McCalla was born October 3, 1985. She is a classical and folk musician. She has been a cellist with the Grammy-winning string band Carolina Chocolate Drops but left that group to focus on her solo career. Both of McCalla’s parents were born in Haiti. Her father Jocelyn McCalla was the Executive Director of the New York-based National Coalition for Haitian Rights from 1988 to 2006 and is credited as translator on Vari-Colored Songs. Her mother Régine Dupuy arrived in the United States at age 5, is the daughter of Ben Dupuy who ran Haiti Progrès, a New York based Haitian socialist newspaper. McCalla’s mother went on to found Dwa Fanm, an anti-domestic violence human rights organization. McCalla was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. She lived in Accra, Ghana for two years as a teen. After a year at Smith College, she transferred to New York University to study cello performance and chamber music. She then moved to New Orleans where she played music on the streets. This is the folow up to her Her critically acclaimed album Vari-Colored Songs is a tribute to Langston Hughes which includes adaptations of his poems, Haitian folk songs sung in Haitian Creole and original compositions. Leyla McCalla played an Official Showcase of Folk Alliance International Conference, February 19, at The Westin Crown Center.]

(109.) Shearwater – Jet Plane and Oxbow / Sub Pop Records / January 22, 2016
[8th studio album by the Austin, Texas, based band led by multi-instrumentalist and lead singer Jonathan Meiburg. In 1999, Meiburg and his Okkervil River bandmate Will Sheff, founded Shearwater as an outlet for quieter songs on which they were collaborating. The band’s name comes from the shearwater, a tribe of seabirds related to petrels and albatrosses. Meiburg, who holds a master’s degree in geography with a focus on ornithology, picked the name mostly for the sound of the word.]

(110.) Stephonne – Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard – Delux Sample [EP] / Indep / April 22, 2016
[Calling himself the lovechild of Prince and Billie Holiday, 29 year old singer-songwriter Stephonne Singleton was born in Kansas City and grew up in the inner-city, of Wyandotte County going to High School at Bishop Ward. Stephonne received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Bendictine College and his Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. He also works as a musician and actor in Kansas City. Stephonne performed new songs from his soon to be released full length album on, April 22, at Prohibition Hall, joined by Wick & The Tricks, and Ivory Black, and DJ Joc Max. On that night Stephone made available his EP. Stephonne played KC Pride at Riverfront Park, June 4.]

(111.) Wick & The Tricks – TRIGGER WARNING / Wick & The Tricks / July 27, 2016
[3rd release from the KC based punk-glam-queercore-riot grrrl-trash rock, 4-member band fronted by librarian & activist Wick Thomas aka Wick Trick, with JoJo Tornado on drums, Jane Asylum on bass & vocals, and Chris Stallion on guitar. Wick & The Tricks were formed on Halloween night at a drunken basement punk show in Kansas City. from their facebook page: “The Tricks have become infamous for their energetic live performances, combining the spirit of bands like the Cramps and the New York Dolls with a faster, harder sound. Carrying the torch of the riot grrrls and early queercore bands with some not-so-subtle nods to Joan Jett, Wick & The Tricks are a band with a mission (but hopes you’re having way too much fun to notice).”]

(112.) Mirina Landry – Mirina Landry [EP] / Independent / October 14, 2016
[Debut EP Recording from Kansas City based singer songwriter who has recorded with spoken word poet Jen Harris. She grew up in Junction City, Kansas. Mirina Landry grew up around her father who played the guitar and wrote songs. She learned how to read music, play percussion and clarinet during her school days, and taught herself how to play the guitar. She has played in many venues around Kansas City and plans to be traveling the midwest with her music this year.]

(113.) Valley Hush – Valley Hush / The Record Machine / October 28, 2016
[Valley Hush is the Detroit-based indie-pop project of producer Alex Kaye and vocalist Lianna Vanicelli. The two strive to create content that is sincere, original, and significant for humanity. Valley Hush played The Record Machine’s monthly series, SOUND MACHINE at recordBar, November 11.]

(114.) Andrew Bird – Are You Serious / Wegawam – Loma Vista – Concord Music / April 1, 2016
[10th solo album from Andrew Wegman Bird, born July 11, 1973. Andrew Bird is an American musician, songwriter, & multi-instrumentalist. He was initially known through his work with Squirrel Nut Zippers before forming Bowl of Fire, and is now best known as a solo musician. Bird’s primary instrument is the violin, but he is also proficient at other instruments including whistling, guitar, and the glockenspiel. He wrote “The Whistling Caruso” for The Muppets and performed the whistling heard in both the film and the soundtrack. Bird composed the score for the FX original series Baskets, created by Louis C.K., Zach Galifianakis, and Jonathan Krisel. In an interview with Bob Boilen on All Songs Considered, Bird described how getting married had changed his writing style on this album:“”Knowing that you’re going to be with someone for a long time definitely changes [the way you write], often because you’re sitting in the same room with them as you’re writing, and when you’re sitting on the couch and you know it’s not going to last, you might … have to … encrypt … things. And when you don’t have to do that anymore it might change your writing in that sense.” Fiona Apple was his first choice to appear on the single “Left Handed Kisses”, and he contacted her through mutual friends.The track’s recording session was, according to Bird, “a long whiskey-fueled night.”]

(115.) Drugdealer – The End of Comedy / Domino Records / September 9, 2016
[Drugdealer is the musical project started by Michael Collins. He first started recording in Baltimore in 2009. His early albums include: Bong Voyage, Get Ripped or Die Trying, and finally DREAMS in 2010. Over the last few years he has named his projects: Run DMT, Salvia Plath, and Silk Rhodes. Now based in Los Angeles as a songwriter he is greatly influenced by “‘60s rock, soul, and funk and psychedelic.” The lead single “Suddenly” features, allowing Weyes Blood’s Natalie Mering on lead vocals. Also included on the new record are: Ariel Pink, Sheer Agony, and members of Mac DeMarco’s live band. This is Drugdealer’s debut LP.]

(116.) Lucius – Good Grief / Mom + Pop Records / March 11, 2016
[Lucius is a five piece indie pop band from Brooklyn, New York. The band consists of Jess Wolfe on lead vocals & synth, Holly Laessig on lead vocals & keys, Dan Molad on drums & vocals, Peter Lalish on guitar & vocals, and Andrew Burri on guitar, drums & vocals. The band formed in 2005 when Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig met while attending Berklee School of Music. After becoming friends together and casually singing under the name Lucius, they moved to Brooklyn to develop their careers. In Brooklyn, the two moved into an old Victorian home that had a 60-year-old recording studio and music school. Eventually, they met the other members of the current group. Good Grief was recorded over the span of 2 years while Wolfe & Laessig were touring the group’s first album. Lucius largely departed from the sound of its first album and instead focused their sound on “moody Eighties-synth melodies and raw lyrics about the hardships of marriage.]

Our list is a cut and paste of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

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