The carpenter builds his hidden fortress, silent and sure, a lemon tree falling in the woods. In the resting hours, he retreats to where the river of music still flows, supplying its colorless drink.

8. Lissie – My Wild West

The Midwest is fertile with wholesome treats.

7. Wet – Don’t You

Subtle, easy to sip.

6. Nothing But Thieves – Nothing but Thieves *

It’s been a long time since I could say I found a new favorite band. Tremendous power flows all over their debut, including this transcendent ballad:

*Released in 2015 in the UK, 2016 in the states.

5. Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool

They do quality work.

4. Sturgill Simpson – A Sailor’s Guide to Earth

He transmogrified country music into magic, which is a feat of immeasurable merit.

3. NF – Therapy Session

Pure and unfiltered, Nate Feuerstein writes what he feels and delivers it mercilessly. This was a quick follow-up to last year’s Mansion, but TS took all of the best parts and improved them.

2. Anderson Paak – Malibu

A righteous soul and seems to be one you would be justified in appreciating.

1. James Blake – The Colour in Anything

A lukewarm waterfall of minimal impact that liquefies the very soul.

Best of 2016 Playlist

The river still flows: