Jon Winkler’s Top 5 Mid-Year Albums

1. Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool

The most musically beautiful and emotionally bare record the art rock legends have ever made. It’s a rare moment when a band that shrouds itself in mystery and surprise lays everything out for the audience to see and hear.

2. David Bowie – Blackstar

Only an ultimate showman like David Bowie would chronicle the dark spiral of his final days alive on a manic jazz album where he proclaims he’ll always be beyond the norm. Brilliance gone far too soon

3. Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book

In the midst of annoying trap rap and overbearing gangsta rap, Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper makes one of the most uplifting records in hip-hop history with some of the most lively beats and hopeful lyrics. Much needed in the dark world of today

4. Kendrick Lamar – untitled. unmastered.

If even the tracks Kendrick left on the cutting room floor are this lyrically engrossing and musically strong, hip hop better step it’s game up

5. Weezer – Weezer (The White Album)

Some of the most fun you’ll have with music this year with Weezer’s best offering since their debut.