I wasn’t too adventurous in my listening this year – maybe because artists I’m already familiar with released so much good music that they kept me busy!

Here’s what I liked in 2016 in the world of prog:

10. Yes: Tales From Topographic Oceans (Blu-ray ed.)

Technically not a 2016 release, but with Steven Wilson’s 5.1 mix, this is a new album to my ears. This has everything a Yes fan could ask for – versions of TFTO that include the original mix, a radio promo, a “needle-drop” vinyl transfer, an instrumental version, in addition to Wilson’s new mixes – literally hours of music. A sometimes maligned work gets its proper release, and it really shines.

 

9. The Mute Gods: Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me

I love Nick Beggs’ blend of 70s – era FM rock with snappy songwriting. Turns out he’s much more than one of the best bassists ever.

 

8. Haken: Affinity

This band continues to grow by leaps and bounds with every release. This one is full of tongue-in-cheek references to 80s metal, while remaining a blisteringly good batch of songs.

 

 

7. SAND: A Sleeper, Just Awake

An album of spare beauty that is hard to describe. I think Talk Talk would sound like this if they were still a going concern.

 

 

6. Radiohead: A Moon Shaped Pool

I keep wanting to dismiss these guys as a bunch of whiners, but they keep coming up with gorgeous albums. On a bed of strings, Thom Yorke croons a set of songs that go down easily.

 

 

5. iamthemorning: Lighthouse

They tackle the difficult subject of mental illness with incredible grace. This is a postmodern classical suite of songs that transcends musical genre.

 

 

4. Neal Morse Band: Similitude Of A Dream

A huge work that I haven’t had time to fully absorb, but it is already one of my favorite albums by Neal and Co. Despite its length, it all holds together and is a fun and rewarding listen. Eric Gillette has become an amazing vocalist, and Portnoy’s drumming is at its best. Music for progressive pilgrims!

 

3. Frost*: Falling Satellites

The welcome return of Jem Godfrey! Man, I love this album. Yes, it’s ear candy, but what a joy to listen to over and over. The best-produced album of the year, with nary a clunker in the set list.

 

 

2. Headspace: All That You Fear Is Gone

A diverse and challenging set of songs from a group that I hope will be with us for a long time. Damian Wilson has a distinctive voice that is incredibly moving, whether he’s singing a blues tune or soaring over a driving metal background. All the songs are thematically connected, and I find new insights every time I listen (which has been a LOT).

 

1. Glass Hammer: Valkyrie

The band rehearsed all the songs before recording, and it really shows. They are firing on all cylinders like never before, and the songs themselves are simply outstanding. A fitting tribute to the sacrifice of the men and women who preserved liberal democracy during WWI one hundred years ago. This album has taken up permanent residence on all of my music devices.