When talking about the synthesizer, what often comes to mind is the 1980s, but this uncanny instrument, made to imitate sounds and traditional instruments (or generate its own), was first introduced in pop music during the 1960s, continuing to gain popularity until present day. We have examples of early musicians like Todd Rundgren, Yellow Magic Orchestra, the Beach Boys, Hiroshi Sato, Gary Numan, and Chick Corea, all who made popular use of the synth.
This year was another superb one for music. Amazing albums and EPs were released left and right, making it difficult, at times, to keep focus on certain standouts. One had to dig past comfort zones to find gems, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t masterpieces from well-known places either.