Off the top of my head – I didn't listen to a lot of new music this year, so I was tempted to include "best new to me in 2016". Maybe that will be next.
Suzi Analog - ZONEZ V.2
omg Suzi. This is such a fully realized and heartfelt work. Think if DJ Rashad and Bogdan Raczynski had a baby.
Lil Yachty - Lil Boat
Just keep swimming just keep swimming just keep swimming. Feel good album of 2016. /me keeps swimming
Kendrick Lamar - Untitled Unmastered
I loved TPAB, I really did. That said sometimes it's just nice to hear Kendrick go on minimalist materials. It brings his genius to the forefront, imo.
Moodymann - DJ-Kicks
I debated whether to include this, as it's a mix as opposed to an "original album", but Moody puts so much thought and creativity into his mixes, it's impossible to ignore. Also easily my most rewound release of 2016.
Duane Train - Playlist from November 9, 2016
Pursuant to the above, here's a local WFMU DJ pouring their heart into an amazing mix for a little post-election healing. The stories he weaves in between tracks are inspiring. This is what makes a good DJ, folx.
True Neutral Crew - Soft Rules
I feel like TNC really came into their own with this release, it's such a cohesive representation of what they're trying to do. For those of you who would decry that punk is dead, perhaps just look a little deeper beyond surface aesthetics and you'll see that it's alive and well.
Gonzo - Dies Irae (reissue)
This is a reissue of a 2012 release, so I'm cheating a bit, but it's easily my favorite weirdo/ambient/concrete/etc release of the year. Culty, dark, uplifting, drifty, so many things.
JPEGMAFIA x Freaky - The 2nd Amendment
Damn. This is such an angry good album. Very interesting production-wise, cohesive, brutal, honest. The other side of the Soft Rules coin.
Where possible links to listen/purchase are included in the way that the artists will most directly benefit/profit.
<3,