> Second, the amount of diversity among responses so far has been
> astounding. 2016's 'decentralization of quality' has something to do with
> it...lots of 4 and 4.5 star scores, but limited alignment around *****
> ones. But the 'down year' (debatable) isn't the only driver...one could
> also cite the increasing number of folks voting, enhanced awareness of
> international scores, and the emergence of more non-traditional score
> composers (Scott Walker, Manchester Orchestra, Hauschka, etc.)

In case you were looking for stats, I've been keeping track of the #1 votes so far. Out of 48 votes (including yours), 26 different scores have received a #1 vote, and only 3 scores have more than 5 votes.

> I wouldn't be at all surprised if my list barely overlaps with the
> community consensus. And honestly that's fantastic. One of the great
> strengths of this group is the many discoveries I've come to enjoy just
> because some (over)excited chap started a thread raving about a new album
> or an old favorite. And even if I don't agree with someone's
> assessment...there's always next time.

> I look forward to seeing what 2017 brings.

> And with that...my Top 10 for 2016:
> 1) Tale of a Lake (Panu Aaltio)
Yes!
> 2) ABZŰ (Austin Wintory)
Alright,
> 3) La La Land (Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul)
Yes!
> 4) Gods of Egypt (Marco Beltrami)
Aw yeah!

> 6) Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (James Newton Howard)
> 7) The Monkey King 2 (Christopher Young)
> 8) Kubo and the Two Strings (Dario Marianelli)
Nice nice nice
> 9) Now You See Me 2 (Brian Tyler)
Ethan will love you for that one.

> 10) The Banner Saga 2 (Austin Wintory)
Never got around to this one actually...

> Runner up: Doctor Strange (Michael Giacchino)

> Composer of the Year is Austin Wintory, with Michael Giacchino a close
> second.

> Track of the Year is 10 Cloverfield Lane’s eponymous end credits piece.

Yes!

> Expansion Release of the Year is Prometheus/Tadlow’s stupendous
> re-recording of The Thief of Bagdad.

(I mainly am commenting so it doesn't get lost as a 1 post thread behind what seems to be a roiling relitigation of Arrival.)