Why? This was not a good year for me with music. From my current obsession with podcasts to my son's discovery of music that he likes to have played in the car, I just haven't had much time to listen. I was really scrambling this last month to put together a list and I don't feel like I really was able to give a solid shake to a lot of what might otherwise be really good albums.

But here are my top seven songs and albums, anyway.

Kevin's 7: Songs

As a note, the songs that appear in this list are not part of albums that appear in my albums list. I thought they should be separated out. I hope that's okay.

7. Sylvan Esso - "Kick Jump Twist"
A really catchy tune that has elements of chiptune music in there. A lot of fun.

6. Cold War Kids - "First"
I tried to get into CWK a few years ago and had trouble, so I gave up. This song came out early in the year and it really hooked me right away. It's a bit different than the rest of the album, which is also very good, but I can never turn it off when it comes on.

5. Beck - "Wow"
I feel like this song came out in 2015 I've been hearing it for that long. And, seriously, when is the album dropping? Or did it already and I missed it?

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Dark Necessities"
In what is a good, albeit unremarkable, album from my southern California funkmeisters, this is still the stand-out song. And I continue to love it.

3. Justin Timberlake - "Can't Stop the Feeling!"
Katie and I liked this song when it was first released early in the summer. Then the movie Trolls came out and Nathan discovered it and he's hooked as well. Honestly, it's a whole medley of tracks from the soundtrack that Nathan loves including Anna Kendrick's "Get Back Up Again," JT's "Hair Up," and JT and AK's "September." If he knew I did this list, he'd be upset this whole album isn't number one. Seriously. Upset.

2. The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Amputation"
I do believe it has been quite some time since they've dropped new music. And this teaser for next year's new album is singularly amazing. But just not more amazing than...

1. Japandroids - "Near to the Wild Heart of Life"
How could you not see this one coming?

Now, how about some albums?

Kevin's 7: Albums

7. David Bowie - Blackstar
For as broken up as I was about Bowie's death this past January, you'd think this might be ranked higher. In fact, it almost didn't make the cut at all. I love the guy, but I'm not going to give him a free pass just because he's no longer with us. And, while this is a good album, it's not nearly his best. Not even top 10. I actually much prefer his previous effort The Next Day. But it is solid and worth a listen. Actually, give it a few. It might take some time to really grab hold with you like it did with me.
Don't forget to listen to: "'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore"

6. Metallica - Hardwired... to Self-Destruct
I told you this was likely to happen.
Don't forget to listen to: "Atlas, Rise!"

5. Childish Gambino - "Awaken, My Lord!"
I'm not even sure why I listened to this album. I really didn't much care for Donald Glover's previous effort. Maybe I just had it stuck in my head that he's playing Lando Calrissian and maybe I should give him a solid try. And I did. And it was worth it. Very soul and motown inspired hip hop. I really can't describe it because it's unlike almost anything I listen to normally.
Don't forget to listen to: "Boogieman"

4. Tegan and Sara - Love You to Death
This is the second time my favorite musical twins have been listed at year's end. And it's very strongly earned with synth pop that exudes raw emotion and energy. 
Don't forget to listen to: "Boyfriend"

3. Ladyhawke - Wild Things
I heard Ladyhawke's previous albums some years ago and really liked them, but this is the first time I've listened in time to include her music in a year end list. Such great synth pop. It makes me (mostly) happy!
Don't forget to listen to: "Let It Roll"

2. Chance the Rapper - Coloring Book
This Chicago rapper is not one I had any interest in before this summer. I had heard of him and just didn't care. Then, at Pitchfork, he made a surprise appearance alongside Jeremih and the crowd was just so into it and knew every word that I had to look him up. This album was almost the top of my list.
Don't forget to listen to: "No Problem (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz)"

1. Phantogram - Three
I just can't say no to Sarah Barthel. I absolutely love her voice and the dynamic shared between her and Josh Carter. This is another returning band to this list.
Don't forget to listen to: "You Don't Get Me High Anymore"

And that is that.