1) Mastodon, Once More ‘Round The Sun (Reprise) (Total Points: 36)
Beating out Townsend for the overall #1 but literally only a half a point is Mastodon, whose latest album appeared on six contributors’ lists. “Whether you’re listening to it with a group of friends over a round of beers or by yourself during a morning commute to work, Once More ‘Round The Sun has the magical ability to place you in the most amazing mood,” declared Zach. Even the contributors who felt Once More ‘Round The Sun wasn’t Mastodon’s best offering admit that (as Nick put it) “it’s just a strong record overall.” Kodi even acknowledged that “something about the whole thing feels more cathartic and personal than any previous Mastodon album. When it connects, it’s a knockout.”