Best LPs of 2017 (so far)

Aloha kids! When we last visited several months ago it was around — surprise surprise — a post about music, and so, in the name of symmetry, it only feels right to return to you via that same subject and my traditional midyear list of favorite albums.I don't typically rank this list in numerical order, but I do want to highlight one record, Father John Misty's Pure Comedy, as I feel it captures the zeitgeist of 2017 and the shit show/morality crisis that temporarily and contextually occupies this country's highest office and much more.It's a dark record — sometimes funny and self-effacing, but never flinching in it’s critique of the modern human condition. There are no answers to the questions it raises, rather it's an inconvenient reminder of our own culpability. Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?For me at least, that's what I look for in art — engagement, dialogue and challenges. I'm not looking   for handholding. I appreciate whatever field notes artists feel compelled to share. And while these aren't the notes I'd share — mine are a bit more peace and love —  they're some evocative singer-songwriter, orchpop-cum-early Elton John-ish notes worthy of highlighting.As for the rest of the list, per usual it's eclectic, there should be something for everybody. I've listed 25 lPs below, but there are links to playlists on Apple Music (for those subscribed) and YouTube (for those who listen that way) that represent the rest. Bottom line; there's a lot of good stuff.It's no 2016 yet, but there's still time.Oh, and please feel compelled to share what you've been digging!Enjoy!The Best LPs of 2017 (So Far):Father John Misty Pure ComedyMilo Who Told You To ThinkBrother Ali All The Beauty In This Whole LifeKendrick Lamar DamnBig Thief CapacityTyler, The Creator Flower BoyEnnanga Vision Ennanga VisionNomade Orquestra EntreMundosWoods Love is LoveVince Staples Big Fish TheoryYazz Ahmed La SaboteuseThe Mountain Goats GothsMark Mulcahy Possum In The DrivewayHippo Campus LandmarkSampha ProcessPhotay OnismFabiano Do Nascimento Tempo Dos MestresAndromeda Mega Express Orchestra VulaOddisee The IcebergJuana Molina HaloCornelius Mellow WavesEllen Arkbro For Organ and BrassIbibio Sound Machine UyaiOpen Mike Eagle Brick Body Kids Still DaydreamTimber Timbre Sincerely, Future PollutionFor Apple Playlist Click HereFor YouTube Playlist Click Here Pau.