My Favourite Albums Of 2016

Some of the greatest albums this year were some of the saddest and certainly inspired by death: David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, all very different but heartbreaking records. I didn't include Cave on my list because I actually found his album Skeleton Tree, recorded in the aftermath of his son's death, the most difficult to listen to, proving I suppose that death is hardest for those left behind. A lot of my favourite albums this year were definitely dark, because I guess that was my mood in 2016, but I think some were hopeful too. These days I'm finding less solace in music but I am hoping that 2017 will be different.

The Replacements at the Roundhouse

The Replacements
You Am I
Jesse Malin
Roundhouse, 2 June 2015

Paul Westerberg is a considerate chap. He keeps asking if we need to catch the train or the bus home. "I know about things like that now," he says. I'm pretty sure though that everyone in the crowd is thinking, "No, no play more! Play more!" That's because seeing The Replacements play their first London show in 24 years is pretty much the perfect rock n' roll show.