This is perhaps an eccentric selection, but it's one of the year's most dreamy, deep records, the one I repeatedly turned to for soothing comfort, and which left me most contented. It also happens to have my favourite cover. A review put it perfectly in saying it 'feels like a roots art record; at times you're asked to consider what Radiohead might sound like if driven by wood and steel rather than ones and zeros.'
This was so nearly my first choice, and is surely the finest album of Americana rock to come out of a nation now sadly so troubled and divided.
This piece of 1980's escapism is surely the most happy, upbeat album on my list. For some time, I thought this would be my top pick, but in the end I chose instead the music which made me feel the happiest. The guest appearance of Christine and The Queens allows me to mention my discovery of the year, Chaleur Humaine (which was excluded for actually being released last year).
4) Angel Olsen: My Woman
I'd previously enjoyed Angel Olsen, but this album, and her extraordinary live performance, propelled her into my consciousness in a totally unexpected way, like St. Vincent before her. It made such an impact that upon my very first listen to this album, I Tweeted that it would be close to the top of my albums of the year, and immediately bought a ticket to her show.
My continued failure to experience a satisfactory live experience with Radiohead (at Primavera Sound in June, they were ruined for me by the terrible security organisation at the event), doesn't prevent me from recognising this as one of the most nuanced, impressive studio creations of 2016. A welcome return to form after King of Limbs.
Another choice heavily influenced by the live show, this album was initially criticised for its lyrical misjudgements. However, it has an amazing, almost orchestral production and is above all a collective effort.
Bon Iver's self titled album was one of my discoveries of 2011, and I was lucky enough to experience it live on more than one occasion. This time around, this is out of my reach, though I've heard that the show adds little. Some have also found the production this time contrived: to me though, it's a work of genius to manipulate folk roots to this electronica.
For me, Daughter is the personification of introversion, and this subtle, shimmering album is incredibly moving, and beautiful.
Natalie Mering has a glorious voice, and makes just the kind of Laurel Canyon influenced folk rock music that I love. It has a dreamy, even psychedelic vibe, bathing you in a wash of gorgeous harmonies.
This debut album from Australia rounds out my top ten, and is one of the discoveries of the year, a must listen for fellow Sharon Van Etten fans, with a country tinge.
Featuring Meg Baird from Espers, this psychedelic rock album is one of 2016's outstanding examples of Americana. The instrumentals are influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin and Crazy Horse, but Meg's ethereal, floating vocals are the stand-out attribute for me. I await news of a UK tour with hope.
This Scottish classical composer's debut album was one of the most welcome surprises of the year. An electronic, acoustic blend, it's closer in spirit to the pop of M83 than most of this list. The production is truly insprired, and Anna's live show was wonderful too.
13) MONEY: Suicide Songs
Manchester's Goth rockers have certainly produced one of the more unusual albums of the year, and their despair proves cathartic. The title track is particularly harrowing, but there's a surprisingly calming beauty about the music.
14) Kevin Morby: Singing Saw
One of the live music surprises of the year, this could in part be seen as a tribute to Leonard Cohen, and also owes a debt to Bob Dylan. Kevin also happens to be the bass player in Woods, who have created my album of the year.
I had one amazing live experience with this LA band in 2016, and a disappointing one. I'm not sure that I prefer Heads Up to their self-titled album which featured in my 2014 top ten. Yet, my love is undiminished: this moody, atmospheric rock can be totally absorbing.
16) Lapsley: Long Way Home
Having seen Holly Fletcher performing under railway arch when she first emerged in early 2015, it was a delight to see her play Coachella this year and for her debut album to achieve success deserved success.
17) Porches: Pool
My appreciation of this New York electronic album from an artist with folk roots was inspired by a magical evening in Manchester. I was at the gig for the first act, Frankie Cosmos, from Aaron Maine's partner, Greta Kline, yet I found Porches immersive and uplifting.
This debut album from New York could be described as high energy pop infused folk. The production is reality simple: it relies on melody, and the assertive vocals of the young Heather Golden and Emma Jenney. It has a direct, immediate appeal.
The Richmond singer songwriter has been supporting Car Seat Headrest and Daughter, which reflect distinct sides to her musical personality. There is an unpolished, raucous quality alongside a warmer, more reflective quality.
20) The Lumineers: Cleopatra
I fell in love with The Lumineers long before they became popular, and I have fond memories of one particular trip to California when I fell in love with their debut album. Now, their shows are too expensive for me to attend, and the lavish production feels at odds with the still simple, catchy melodies. Perhaps it's nostalgia for a less troubled world that leads me to include this album.
Next 20 Favourite Albums
The Magnetic North Prospect of Skelmersdale
The Comet Is Coming Channel The Spirits
Ryley Walker Golden Sings That Have Been Sung
Sara Watkins Young In All The Wrong Ways
The Strumbellas Hope
Claire Maguire Stranger Things Have Happened
Savages Adore Life
Anohni Hopelessness
How To Dress Well Care
Phantogram Three
Bat for Lashes The Bride
Arthur Beatrice Keeping The PeaceGo Go Penguin Man Made Object
Laura Mvula The Dreaming Room
Animal Collective Painting With
Highasakite Camp Echo
Leonard Cohen You'll Want It Darker
Tanya Tagaq Retribution
Groenland A Wider Space
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes Person A
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