Best Music of 2015: #11 Craig Finn - Faith in the Future

The Hold Steady's run of four consecutive studio releases in my top ten ended last year, but only four other artists can claim as many (or more) top ten finishes in the 20-year history of this list: Drive-By Truckers, Steve Earle, Wilco and one other to be revealed later.

Did I mention this is my 20th year of compiling at least a top ten list? I wasn't sure if that makes this year or next the 20th anniversary, since the list was first conceived in 1996. I also thought about burning a 20th anniversary CD and sending it to my three or four fans. I think they all still own CD players.

Both of Finn's solo albums can boast 11th-place finishes, which is about as satisfying as finishing 5th in the CFP standings (sorry Iowa).

I'm going to pair Faith in the Future with Pipeworks Citra, because in both cases, the title is a bit deceptive. Citra (aka Citra Ninja) packs a punch that belies its sunny name, while Faith dabbles in hopefulness, but the overall tone is far from bright and cheery.

Best Music of 2015: #12 Built to Spill - Untethered Moon

When Dinosaur Jr. closed out the final show of their 30th anniversary celebration with "Cortez the Killer," I commented that every band should go out that way. What I really meant was Built to Spill should (oh, and perhaps Neil Young, but he has so many great options).

Doug Martsch and company just keep churning out consistently great guitar-oriented indie rock. Honestly, their last few albums haven't done anything to distinguish them from what came before, but they always come along at a time when I'm just ready for a new Built to Spill album.

Like BTS, Hopworks IPA reminds me of an old friend and, actually, I must admit I've had it before. But, it was years ago at a brew fest, and you know how they all start to run together at those events. So, it made a much bigger impression on me this time, and being from a Portland brewery, it also makes me think about a certain someone whose presence will be missed during future trips to the craft beer capital of the United States.

Best Music of 2015: #13 Ryley Walker - Primrose Green

I won't be repeating the "I never got into so-and-so before this album" refrain because I had never heard of Ryley Walker before this year.

I came across this article yesterday and, considering I have 13 albums to go and I just put together a list of my 13 favorite beers I tried this year, I decided to borrow the idea.

Primrose Green's hazy '70s-inspired songs would pair well with Tree House Haze. Yes, because of the name, but also because of its cloudy, unfiltered appearance and, at 8.2%, because this Imperial IPA from Central Massachusetts will leave you feeling a bit, well, hazy.

Best Music of 2015: #14 Rhett Miller - The Traveler

I haven't really been overwhelmed by Rhett Miller's previous solo material. I guess, to be honest, I haven't been blown away by anything he's done since 1997's Too Far to Care. While this is hardly a return to his old Old 97's form, this album and last year's Most Messed Up are at least as good as 1999's Fight Songs and 2001's Satellite Rides, and that's alright with me.

Best Music of 2015: #15 Sleater-Kinney - No Cities to Love

This blog has unceremoniously fallen by the wayside this year. While it probably doesn't stand much chance of being fully resurrected, I thought I'd close out the year by using it for the purpose I originally started it for: counting down my favorite albums of the year.

I've never really been able to get into Sleater-Kinney until this album. Considering how I like to make light of the fact that, for whatever reason, I'm much more into male than female musicians, I will give a little hint that female artists are a little more prominent this year than usual.

More on that to come.