Best of 2016 - Art Is Hard's picks

Having hosted the selections of much admired labels Cascine and Sports Day Records, we can only profess ourselves to be honoured to also play host to the best of 2016 selections of the ever excellent Art Is Hard Records. 

Albums - Picks and words by David AIH

Florist - The Birds Outside Sang

I'm not sure I can pick a favourite album of the year or even sort these five into a coherent order so I'm just going to go chronological. Released right at the dawn of 2016, this album felt perfect for the short cold days nursing those new year feels. Track 5 is the best George Pringle song that George Pringle never made. 

Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial

I implore you to take one listen to Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales and not feel duty bound to consume his whole back catalogue. 

Garden Centre - Garden Centre

Unburdened by not being the ones releasing him meant I could enjoy Max Levy (and pals) wholeheartedly. Not suggesting that Max was ever a burden but it's nice when one of your favourite labels (Faux Discx) gets involved. Although the sound isn't miles away from Max's previous moniker (King of Cats) everything on this album is just that bit better, a bit more fragile, a bit more wry.  

Whitney - Light Upon the Lake

I tried so hard to resist those saccharine sweet melodies but in the end resistance was futile and I let this album be pretty much the one thing I played all summer. Having them headline our 6th birthday at the end of August was amazing but I can't listen now without wishing autumn had never come.

Omni - Deluxe

The first time I heard this album I went back to the start and listened to it another two times. Part of that is because it's short but mainly because it's just really bloody good.

Tracks - Picks and words by Rich AIH

Weyes Blood - Do You Need My Love

It was tough to pick a favourite from Natalie Mering’s latest full length, but the peak of Do You Need My Love is a spellbinding freight train.

Happyness - Falling Down

Catharsis in it’s purest musical form. Clocking in at over 5 minutes this may seem lengthy for a ‘comeback’ single, but Happyness invite you on a roller coaster that you’ll likely agree isn’t quite long enough.

Angel Olsen - Sister

Okay, gradually I’m realising that these picks are pretty emotional. It’s been a tough year. Angel is just another that has assisted with soothing the climate and the soul. If you’re yet to hear MY WOMAN, cut your teeth with this sublime slice.

Meilyr Jones - How To Recognise A Work Of Art

Let’s get happier. Having performed at basically every festival I’ve attended this year (it’s unclear whom is stalking whom), Mr. Jones has taken the limelight at each.

Japanese Breakfast - Everybody Wants To Love You

A joyous pop burst, Radiator Hospital cameo and all.