So the annual ritual has taken place! The KCRW DJs were each locked in a room with only a bottle of Smartwater and a pencil, and they weren’t let out until they sweated out their individual lists of their Top 10 Albums of 2015. Tears were shed, hair was ripped out & I wouldn’t be surprised if some coins were flipped. But the harrowing decisions were made, and we are happy to unveil our results. You can examine them in detail here: kcrw.com/bestof2015. But over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be showcasing all of our DJs’ individual lists here on the KCRW Music Blog for your edification.
We begin the series with the master list, compiled from everyone’s separate lists, forming the most frequently cited albums among them (and going to 11, to accommodate ties). Alabama Shakes was the runaway winner, appearing on ten DJs’ lists, most frequently in the top 3 position. Kendrick Lamar & Courtney Barnett were next closest, both receiving eight citations, with Kendrick getting the tie-break for a couple of first-place nods. Disclosure and Leon Bridges were right behind them, and you can see the rest below. Proof positive that there is no shortage of diverse and quality records to explore & that you can trust your KCRW pals to share them with you!
Here are your Best-of-the-Best (at least around these parts) for 2015!!!
1) Alabama Shakes
2) Kendrick Lamar
3) Courtney Barnett
4) Disclosure
5) Leon Bridges
6) Jamie xx
7) Boxed In
8) Unknown Mortal Orchestra
9) Kamasi Washington
10) Tame Impala
11) St. Germain
