A few bits and bobs to feast your ears and eyes on today, and a big milestone coming up very shortly, so look out for that.
First of all, a big I HATE YOU to Pete with the news that Sigur Ros will be giving away a free CD with the Independent this weekend. Featuring tracks from last years Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust , some from Takk, a couple from Hvarf/Heim and one from the Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do so if you don't quite get the Icelandic magic yet, this might be your perfect opportunity to get in to them. And Pete, you'll be as happy as I am jealous to know that last year's show at the Ally Pally was filmed for a live DVD to be released this year. It is said to be "A stark contrast to last year's Heima... mostly performance based".
You Jammy git.
Also, the Coachella lineup was announced today after many shenanigans. The lineup was due to be released a while back on American radio station Kroq but Coachella pulled the plug the ngiht before, explaining "They still had a few big bands to sure up".
Held in a Californian desert, the festival has always appealed to me and with a vague idea of going this year, the lineup certainly hasn't encourage me to make the effort just yet. I don't know, it seems like a lot of bands that I've already seen, littered with a few bands I'd be interested in. The question is, is it really worth the $269 for the ticket, not including flights etc.?
Highlights of the bands I've not seen for me would be:
Crystal Castles
Switch
Airbourne Toxic Event
Fleet Foxes
MSTRKRFT
Thievery Corporation
Late Of The Pier
My Bloody Valentine
Public Enemy
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
But the full lineup is here. Obviously Coachella's lineup is always one of the best in the world so as more are added I may live to regret my decision but when the headliners (Paul McCartney, Killers, Cure) don't sell a festival to me, I always worry.
Also, for those of you that are pretty ridiculous about your music like me and use Last fm, the annoying habit of Last.fm questioning your Artist title and song title has finally disappeared. It has been replaced by a cute little green star to say what it's directed you to and it is really bloody helpful.
For those of you that don't have last.fm, it is a great way of finding new music or listening to your library away from home, so get on it. It is free and effortless
Scottish fight-rockers Dananananaykrod have finally announced release details for their album. Entitled Hey Everyone! its out on April 6th on Best Before. HIGHLY anticipated
And finally, M Ward has revealed that there will be a new She & Him album next year probably, depending on his touring schedule and Zooey's film schedule. The sparkly 50s pop throwback band features Matthew Ward of folk fame and Zooey Deschanel, actress extraordinaire and supposed finacee to Ben Gibbard. Zooey's voice is certainly unique and though it comes across better in some songs than it does in others, her superb songwriting is clear from the get-go, beautifully simplistic songs with slide guitar, strings and plenty of harmonies. It is a wonderfully sweet album and if love really is in the air, Volume Two promises to be equally sugarry
Lykke Li - Tonight from Lykke Li on Vimeo.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
Before I start, I'd like to say a big hello to my first reader as far as I know from the USA, Chelsea! It's lovely to have you here and I hope you enjoy reading.
With a 2009 tour off and running and 2 HUGE dates at London's Olympia coming up in April (see you there kids), Bloc Party seem to have hit 2009 at full pelt, shooting across the UK with double dates in random cities and then pummeling America for a while.
The states have always been very kind to Bloc Party with plenty of festival slots and extensive touring including a pair of upcoming gigs at Terminal 5 in New York and a marvellous return to the 9:30 club where they played one of my favourite recorded Bloc Party performances. America's acceptance of Bloc Party has always taken me somewhat by surprise, especially as many of their indie counterparts and crashed and burned in their attempts over the pond. AWITC, though speaking of teenage exploration, disillusionment and a constant weakening identity, was London based and as such, many references would've gone awry. But, Bloc Party continue to succeed and rightly so.
The British media has differing tastes to my own on contemporary music. Not a day goes past when I don't see a poster on the tube for Razorlight's 4/5* album (though using The Sun as one of your accreditation's is scraping the barrel slightly I feel) when my feelings on Razorlight have been made perfectly clear many a time.
Bands that are successful are often made to be easy targets. Fans will continue to be outraged by any piece of material against the band and will bolster their support. The journalist is seen to be edgy and non-conformist by not always admitting that a brilliant band's new album is all that and speaking out against the wave of hype. However, when your newspaper lets said band take over your music section for a week and then you give their upcoming, sold out tour such a derogatory review, the effort to be cool is just a little too obvious.
Now admittedly, Bloc Party can hardly do a thing wrong in my eyes but for a review of an upcoming tour, this is shoddy journalism with no content and a pointless jab at a band that are trying new things when sticking to the original form would be too boring and easy.
Rant over.
With a 2009 tour off and running and 2 HUGE dates at London's Olympia coming up in April (see you there kids), Bloc Party seem to have hit 2009 at full pelt, shooting across the UK with double dates in random cities and then pummeling America for a while.
The states have always been very kind to Bloc Party with plenty of festival slots and extensive touring including a pair of upcoming gigs at Terminal 5 in New York and a marvellous return to the 9:30 club where they played one of my favourite recorded Bloc Party performances. America's acceptance of Bloc Party has always taken me somewhat by surprise, especially as many of their indie counterparts and crashed and burned in their attempts over the pond. AWITC, though speaking of teenage exploration, disillusionment and a constant weakening identity, was London based and as such, many references would've gone awry. But, Bloc Party continue to succeed and rightly so.
The British media has differing tastes to my own on contemporary music. Not a day goes past when I don't see a poster on the tube for Razorlight's 4/5* album (though using The Sun as one of your accreditation's is scraping the barrel slightly I feel) when my feelings on Razorlight have been made perfectly clear many a time.
Bands that are successful are often made to be easy targets. Fans will continue to be outraged by any piece of material against the band and will bolster their support. The journalist is seen to be edgy and non-conformist by not always admitting that a brilliant band's new album is all that and speaking out against the wave of hype. However, when your newspaper lets said band take over your music section for a week and then you give their upcoming, sold out tour such a derogatory review, the effort to be cool is just a little too obvious.
Now admittedly, Bloc Party can hardly do a thing wrong in my eyes but for a review of an upcoming tour, this is shoddy journalism with no content and a pointless jab at a band that are trying new things when sticking to the original form would be too boring and easy.
Rant over.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Well time flies when you're extremely busy and stressed out and as such, I managed to ignore all my posts saying that I'd keep up with the blogging and have in fact done none. 2009 is proving already to be quite the challenge, time to man up.
Reminiscent of Billy Bragg at times with his slightly angered, storytelling style, Turner's album is a revelation in simple but effective songwriting. The album is a simple folk rock album and its simplicity is where this album soars. With the ever-growing electronic scene, production and depth are becoming as important as a good song. However, a folk album leans away from production to emphasise on the message behind the songs and this album has excellent quantities of both.
However, the stress has only just begun. I move out of my beautiful flat on Saturday to move in with my wonderful, supportive girlfriend in February into an equally amazing flat. Though this is a music blog, it also allows me a little window to publicly declare my gratitude to Lauren for being so wonderful during what has been a trying few months. She has been nothing but perfect and I cannot wait to move in with her. When you read this Lauren, know that I am more grateful and excited than you'll ever know.
So, music, albums, bands, that malarkey.
Albums that have been tearing up my iPod in the early few weeks of 2009 are thankfully varied in both genre and age. I am gathering quite the vinyl collection now and have decided that my favourite albums are ones that I should own not only the cd but the vinyl as well where financially viable. This lead to me picking up a copy of Paul Simon's incredible 1986 effort, Graceland and consequently pushing it onto everyone that will listen.
With the afro-beat revival that is taking place at the moment, pioneered by Vampire Weekend, 
it seems that an album with such complexity and diversity as Graceland should be revisited too. The album was introduced to me by my dad and I have fond memories of listening to the album in the car with my dad when I was a youngster. Graceland has retained its charm and stands head and shoulders above a lot of albums I listen to.
it seems that an album with such complexity and diversity as Graceland should be revisited too. The album was introduced to me by my dad and I have fond memories of listening to the album in the car with my dad when I was a youngster. Graceland has retained its charm and stands head and shoulders above a lot of albums I listen to.As I said, recorded in 1986, Graceland peaked at #1 in the UK charts and #3 in the US Billboards. The record features a variety of South-African artists and launched the career of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The album was recorded during the period of Apartheid in South Africa and as such, received much opposition. However, Simon observed that the album was offering no support to the South African regime and was in fact promoting the cultural diversity and heritage of South Africa, leading the complaints to be dropped.
The afro-beat and accapella influences are clear from the get go and it makes for a wonderfully boppy, rhythmic album with a wide wide range of instrumentation. From the washboards as additional percussion, to the completely accapella track Homeless, this is a landmark album which demonstrates the roots of folk music within black communities and its ability to be augmented with new instrumentation whilst retaining the vibe and core elements of a fantastically diverse genre.
Recommended tracks:
Homeless
Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
Under African Skies
Another album that has caught my attention recently and is actually pretty good is Frank Turner's Love, Ire & Song.
The former singer of English hardcore punk band Million Dead, Turner began to return to his acoustic roots when he began performing more and more acoustic sets as the band wound to a close. Originally learning guitar so that he could play songs that his sister wanted to sing along to, Turner was influenced by Counting Crows & Alanis Morrisette among others and has gone on to produce one of the best modern folk albums I've heard.
Reminiscent of Billy Bragg at times with his slightly angered, storytelling style, Turner's album is a revelation in simple but effective songwriting. The album is a simple folk rock album and its simplicity is where this album soars. With the ever-growing electronic scene, production and depth are becoming as important as a good song. However, a folk album leans away from production to emphasise on the message behind the songs and this album has excellent quantities of both.Annoyingly at times, the lyrics are slightly childish as Frank Turner is nearing his thirties but is still writing choruses saying
"I won't sit down, I won't Shut up
Most of all, I won't grow up"
But this one song aside, the album has all the necessary elements, snare brushes, a violin, group vocals and most of all, fun songs. The album showcases Turner's knack for writing a great song that tells a great story. It is not groundbreaking but folk rarely is, it is about a communal singalong, about describing the current social status and making a little bit of a protest and does album has all three.
The album is due for a rerelease soon with a collection of songs from the past three years and he's building quite the reputation as a fantastic modern folk artist so I thoroughly recommend having a butchers.
Recommended:
I knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous
Reasons Not To Be An Idiot
Love Worth Keeping
Friday, 9 January 2009
Amazing stuff if you like your musical gadgets and from the few tracks I've heard already (I think she's the iTunes single of the week this week) Little Boots is deserving of that number one spot for sure.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7816986.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7816986.stm
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
It is part of the deal that if you have a blog about music, you have an opinion on the best albums of last year, your favourite songs, the best producers, the most overrated bands, all that kind of stuff, that is what makes you want to write about music, what makes you think your opinion is important.
You constantly fall into these traps of wondering if your blog is credible enough, if it is diverse enough, if it reveals enough about your personality. But the wonderful thing about a music taste is that it of course reveals everything about your personality. The lyrics you like reflect your past, how witty and eloquent you wish you could be. The sounds you like are probably the sounds you wish you could make, influenced by every song or album you've ever liked. And consequently, the bands you want to hear more and more of will not necessarily be the ones that are critically acclaimed or bands that are everyone's top choice to be big, but the bands that you can identify with the most and would love to see expand and explore.
The bands I want to do well this year probably won't, and they will definately not be heralded by blogs and magazines. And this isn't because I'm trying to be different but simply because I don't have a commercial hat on. I don't necessarily see these bands as selling a lot of records and receiving massive exposure at sell out shows but they are bands that I can't wait to hear more of and hopefully, will be receiving more and more exposure on this blog over the coming 12 months.
So without further ado, the bands I'm looking forward to hearing in 2009, in new capacities or a return to form, are:
Union of Knives new album.
New songs are up on myspace already and they're sounding massive, grimy electronica that has it's heart and soul in indie, the kind of band that I would've fallen in love with 5 years ago and have done everytime I listen to their debut album.
Prego.
These guys played here at 229 back in September and I've been the proud owner of their EP ever since. The band are simply stunning, listing their influences as Explosions, Mogwai, Sigur Ros and Coldplay, this band are clearly made for me. Soaring, harmonising guitars, thumpingly loud drums supported with a gritty and powerful voice, Prego are ones to watch in 2009 as they continue to record and release.
Mumford & Sons
If you're new to this blog, I love this band. If you're not, you'll know by now that I think Mumford & Sons are hot, hot property and with tours booked left right and centre and the probability of an album by the end of the year, having released two EPs already, it's gonna be a good 'un.
Explosions In The Sky
It's a long shot but the thought of a new album is one too strong to resist. The band are taking things easy for the moment but I live in hope. If you haven't heard anything yet, treat yourself to their myspace, it's a joy.
Florence And The Machine
One of those names that will just not be left alone, despite the recent revelation of her writing cooperations with Mr Borrell of Razorlight. Despite this, she can still write a storming tune and her live performance is a force to behold. Only reaching number 3 on BBC's poll of ones to watch this year, I thought she was a dead cert for number one so it'll be interesteing to see who can top her.
Esser
Enough said. Going to be huge, if Gotye can win the iTunes album of the year (it is a superb album, dont get me wrong), then Esser should have it tied up already. Top notch.
Simian Mobile Disco
James Ford will fit it in and it's going to be HUGE. I'm still loving the first album and listen at least once a week so I'm eagerly anticipating an album at least as good and with all of Ford's recent frolly's with other artists, it really should be better. Let's hope that the sophomore blues don't set in.
Royksopp
As already mentioned, long-awaited return with their third album 'Junior'. If they can write another song as good as Only This Moment or any track from the first album, I'll be happy.
A nice little mix of new and old there. Steve Lamacq however summed it up perfectly when writing on his blog about his tips for 2009 when he said:
"If you really want my one prediction for 2009, then it's this.
The new band who will be the story of the year haven't even surfaced yet. They won't be on a list. They'll still be in rehearsal. But they're out there somewhere"
You constantly fall into these traps of wondering if your blog is credible enough, if it is diverse enough, if it reveals enough about your personality. But the wonderful thing about a music taste is that it of course reveals everything about your personality. The lyrics you like reflect your past, how witty and eloquent you wish you could be. The sounds you like are probably the sounds you wish you could make, influenced by every song or album you've ever liked. And consequently, the bands you want to hear more and more of will not necessarily be the ones that are critically acclaimed or bands that are everyone's top choice to be big, but the bands that you can identify with the most and would love to see expand and explore.
The bands I want to do well this year probably won't, and they will definately not be heralded by blogs and magazines. And this isn't because I'm trying to be different but simply because I don't have a commercial hat on. I don't necessarily see these bands as selling a lot of records and receiving massive exposure at sell out shows but they are bands that I can't wait to hear more of and hopefully, will be receiving more and more exposure on this blog over the coming 12 months.
So without further ado, the bands I'm looking forward to hearing in 2009, in new capacities or a return to form, are:
Union of Knives new album.
New songs are up on myspace already and they're sounding massive, grimy electronica that has it's heart and soul in indie, the kind of band that I would've fallen in love with 5 years ago and have done everytime I listen to their debut album.
Prego.
These guys played here at 229 back in September and I've been the proud owner of their EP ever since. The band are simply stunning, listing their influences as Explosions, Mogwai, Sigur Ros and Coldplay, this band are clearly made for me. Soaring, harmonising guitars, thumpingly loud drums supported with a gritty and powerful voice, Prego are ones to watch in 2009 as they continue to record and release.
Mumford & Sons
If you're new to this blog, I love this band. If you're not, you'll know by now that I think Mumford & Sons are hot, hot property and with tours booked left right and centre and the probability of an album by the end of the year, having released two EPs already, it's gonna be a good 'un.
Explosions In The Sky
It's a long shot but the thought of a new album is one too strong to resist. The band are taking things easy for the moment but I live in hope. If you haven't heard anything yet, treat yourself to their myspace, it's a joy.
Florence And The Machine
One of those names that will just not be left alone, despite the recent revelation of her writing cooperations with Mr Borrell of Razorlight. Despite this, she can still write a storming tune and her live performance is a force to behold. Only reaching number 3 on BBC's poll of ones to watch this year, I thought she was a dead cert for number one so it'll be interesteing to see who can top her.
Esser
Enough said. Going to be huge, if Gotye can win the iTunes album of the year (it is a superb album, dont get me wrong), then Esser should have it tied up already. Top notch.
Simian Mobile Disco
James Ford will fit it in and it's going to be HUGE. I'm still loving the first album and listen at least once a week so I'm eagerly anticipating an album at least as good and with all of Ford's recent frolly's with other artists, it really should be better. Let's hope that the sophomore blues don't set in.
Royksopp
As already mentioned, long-awaited return with their third album 'Junior'. If they can write another song as good as Only This Moment or any track from the first album, I'll be happy.
A nice little mix of new and old there. Steve Lamacq however summed it up perfectly when writing on his blog about his tips for 2009 when he said:
"If you really want my one prediction for 2009, then it's this.
The new band who will be the story of the year haven't even surfaced yet. They won't be on a list. They'll still be in rehearsal. But they're out there somewhere"
Monday, 5 January 2009
And with no time to waste, we have the first bunch of exciting news for 2009. Ok so it's only 2 bits but it's still pretty big.
First of all, Foals have been working hard on the new record after taking #1 on the highly prestigious Boy With A Coin Album chart. There are MP3's available from their myspace and early signs are just as encouraging as to be expected for a band that are finding it hard to hide their anger but are spacious and twiddly at heart.
And, Royksopp today confirmed details fo their follow up to 2005's The Understanding. 'Junior' will be released on 23rd March 2009 and will feature guest appearances by Lykke Li and Robyn. Excited much? Lykke Li seems to be unstoppable in the studio and the prospect of a Royksopp live show is something I cannot wait for.
First of all, Foals have been working hard on the new record after taking #1 on the highly prestigious Boy With A Coin Album chart. There are MP3's available from their myspace and early signs are just as encouraging as to be expected for a band that are finding it hard to hide their anger but are spacious and twiddly at heart.
And, Royksopp today confirmed details fo their follow up to 2005's The Understanding. 'Junior' will be released on 23rd March 2009 and will feature guest appearances by Lykke Li and Robyn. Excited much? Lykke Li seems to be unstoppable in the studio and the prospect of a Royksopp live show is something I cannot wait for.
Album's of 2008 #10 - #6 Plus Honourable Mentions
So, let me start with a huge huge thank you for reading my little space here on the blogosphere. It has been an abolute pleasure, I've loved the feedback, good or bad and I really appreciate whatever of my opinion you take away from the blog. I'm always welcome to more feedback, recommendations, any of that stuff so please, feel free to fill me in on stuff I may not have heard and I'll happily post it on here. I hope to see some of you at shows I put on and look forward to bringing you some new and exciting music in 2009. It has, of course, been a fantastic year for music. 2008 has many highlights for me including a very sweaty Foals gig way back in March, witnessing Rage headline Reading with a stellar performance, watching Lykke Li in a forest at Lattitude festival, my first Planet Angel experience soon leading to DJ sets there and countless songs and albums and conversations about music that have excited and interested me. I hope you agree with some of the list below and I'd love to know your favourite albums of this year.
Starting with the honourable mentions. These are albums that could all have filled the #10 spot really, Weezer having pinched it for Heart Songs. However, these are albums that I've listened to throughout the year and been truly impressed with. They are albums that if I'd written the list on another day in another mood, they may have charted much higher than they actually did. This however takes nothing away from the albums that did make it, and the problem with a top ten list is there are only ten spots.
Chairlift
Coldplay
Death Cab For Cutie
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Gotye
James Yuill
Johnny Foreigner
The Music
And now, 2008 in ten debatable spaces, my album list...
10) Weezer – Red Album Another album containing one of my most listened to songs of this year, the insightful Heart Songs. It’s one of those simple pop-rock songs that Weezer write so well and there are plenty of examples of this all over the record. The record is full of twangy guitar riffs, filling harmonies and songs that change direction every minute or so, it’s a well-written record and one that is easy and accessible. It’s a great listen and thoroughly worth listening to, over and over again.
9) Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip – Angles Well. It’s hard to talk about this album as it feels like I’ve had it for ages, this is an album that despite being great, I’ve probably over listened to. And that hasn’t happened to any of the other albums on this list.It’s brilliant in its conception, urban poetry, hip hop and heavy beats all brutally smashed together with some controversial and thought-provoking topics. The duo are a power live as well, tearing apart 229 when I saw them just before Christmas. It was loud, the bass was heavy and they were awe-inspiring. Pretty much all has been said about Le Sac vs. Pip on this blog but if you still haven’t got around to hearing it, treat yourself.
8) Kings of Leon – Only By The Night Again, a surprisingly low charting for a pretty awesome album. Having featured in pretty much every mainstream album chart there’s been these last few weeks, even topping some (unfairly in my opinion), it is impossible to deny Kings of Leon have produced another cracker. It is Kings of Leon at their mainstream, highly tuned, pop finest. Gone are the days of Caleb’s southern, unintepratable mumblings, the twangy high end guitars and rock and roll beats. Nowadays, Kings of Leon are anthemic, they are stadium sell outs and they are hard working and deserving. It is impossible to ignore the power of tracks like Mahattan, Revelry and the awe-inspiring Closer. However, the album for me is a little too pleasing on the senses. The gritty beginnings were what drew everyone to Kings of Leon and though progression is good, it is important not to forget where you came from. It would be easy for me to pick my favourite 11 Kings of Leon tracks and they would come from all four albums but, each album is heavily themed without meaning to just yet.
7) Portishead – Third
This album has made a fair few album lists this year and it is no surprise why. After taking almost as long as GNR to come up with a new album and spending significantly less in the process, it is no surprise that it is an absolute stormer. Portishead are a new addition to my music collection this year, my previous trip-hop experiences being slightly narrow-minded. However, it was impossible to ignore the media storm surrounding the album and it became very clear very quickly why everybody was so excited. Trip Hop excels in wonderfully dark, enigmatic production that gets harder and easier with every listen. Beth Gibbons’ voice is wonderfully mature, beautifully faltering and haunting beyond belief. This is wonderful chill out music, music to reflect to, music to inspire and elevate. A truly remarkable album.
6) Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago Now, we are reaching more familiar territory for those that have read other Album’s of 2008 lists. And it probably would’ve charted much higher if only I’d heard the damn thing earlier. You see, I find it difficult to keep up with all the music I want to consume. I spend hours at work reading about new music, trying to find bands that will do well and then by the time I get home, cook, rest, there is just no time to get the darned albums. So, criminally, I’ve only had this album for a fortnight or so. As every blog will tell you, Bon Iver is the solo project of Justin Vernon and after breaking up with his girlfriend and his band, he retreated to a cabin in the woods in deep Wisconsin with a few bits of recording equipment and emerged with one of the albums of the year. Relying heavily on overdubs, the album is perfectly constructed, the harmonies are expansive without being overbearing, Vernon’s heartbreak is almost touchable and it is short enough that you are not left wondering if the end to this will ever end. It is of course, the anglicisation of Bon Hiver, French for Happy Winter and this is the perfect wintry album. 2008 has seen the rise of many folk artists to the forefront and with the success of festivals such as Latitude, Big Chill and of course Glastonbury, it is a genre that will continue to grow in people’s awareness, regaining a credibi8lity that it probably has never seen. It is easy to say that Bon Iver could easily lead this revolution and if reviews of his new EP are anything to go by, 2009 will be an equally fantastic year. The only problem is following up such heartbroken album when things are looking up!
Read on for the elicit number 1 spot of 2008...
Starting with the honourable mentions. These are albums that could all have filled the #10 spot really, Weezer having pinched it for Heart Songs. However, these are albums that I've listened to throughout the year and been truly impressed with. They are albums that if I'd written the list on another day in another mood, they may have charted much higher than they actually did. This however takes nothing away from the albums that did make it, and the problem with a top ten list is there are only ten spots.
Chairlift
Coldplay
Death Cab For Cutie
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Gotye
James Yuill
Johnny Foreigner
The Music
And now, 2008 in ten debatable spaces, my album list...
10) Weezer – Red Album Another album containing one of my most listened to songs of this year, the insightful Heart Songs. It’s one of those simple pop-rock songs that Weezer write so well and there are plenty of examples of this all over the record. The record is full of twangy guitar riffs, filling harmonies and songs that change direction every minute or so, it’s a well-written record and one that is easy and accessible. It’s a great listen and thoroughly worth listening to, over and over again.
9) Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip – Angles Well. It’s hard to talk about this album as it feels like I’ve had it for ages, this is an album that despite being great, I’ve probably over listened to. And that hasn’t happened to any of the other albums on this list.It’s brilliant in its conception, urban poetry, hip hop and heavy beats all brutally smashed together with some controversial and thought-provoking topics. The duo are a power live as well, tearing apart 229 when I saw them just before Christmas. It was loud, the bass was heavy and they were awe-inspiring. Pretty much all has been said about Le Sac vs. Pip on this blog but if you still haven’t got around to hearing it, treat yourself.
8) Kings of Leon – Only By The Night Again, a surprisingly low charting for a pretty awesome album. Having featured in pretty much every mainstream album chart there’s been these last few weeks, even topping some (unfairly in my opinion), it is impossible to deny Kings of Leon have produced another cracker. It is Kings of Leon at their mainstream, highly tuned, pop finest. Gone are the days of Caleb’s southern, unintepratable mumblings, the twangy high end guitars and rock and roll beats. Nowadays, Kings of Leon are anthemic, they are stadium sell outs and they are hard working and deserving. It is impossible to ignore the power of tracks like Mahattan, Revelry and the awe-inspiring Closer. However, the album for me is a little too pleasing on the senses. The gritty beginnings were what drew everyone to Kings of Leon and though progression is good, it is important not to forget where you came from. It would be easy for me to pick my favourite 11 Kings of Leon tracks and they would come from all four albums but, each album is heavily themed without meaning to just yet.
7) Portishead – Third
This album has made a fair few album lists this year and it is no surprise why. After taking almost as long as GNR to come up with a new album and spending significantly less in the process, it is no surprise that it is an absolute stormer. Portishead are a new addition to my music collection this year, my previous trip-hop experiences being slightly narrow-minded. However, it was impossible to ignore the media storm surrounding the album and it became very clear very quickly why everybody was so excited. Trip Hop excels in wonderfully dark, enigmatic production that gets harder and easier with every listen. Beth Gibbons’ voice is wonderfully mature, beautifully faltering and haunting beyond belief. This is wonderful chill out music, music to reflect to, music to inspire and elevate. A truly remarkable album.
6) Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago Now, we are reaching more familiar territory for those that have read other Album’s of 2008 lists. And it probably would’ve charted much higher if only I’d heard the damn thing earlier. You see, I find it difficult to keep up with all the music I want to consume. I spend hours at work reading about new music, trying to find bands that will do well and then by the time I get home, cook, rest, there is just no time to get the darned albums. So, criminally, I’ve only had this album for a fortnight or so. As every blog will tell you, Bon Iver is the solo project of Justin Vernon and after breaking up with his girlfriend and his band, he retreated to a cabin in the woods in deep Wisconsin with a few bits of recording equipment and emerged with one of the albums of the year. Relying heavily on overdubs, the album is perfectly constructed, the harmonies are expansive without being overbearing, Vernon’s heartbreak is almost touchable and it is short enough that you are not left wondering if the end to this will ever end. It is of course, the anglicisation of Bon Hiver, French for Happy Winter and this is the perfect wintry album. 2008 has seen the rise of many folk artists to the forefront and with the success of festivals such as Latitude, Big Chill and of course Glastonbury, it is a genre that will continue to grow in people’s awareness, regaining a credibi8lity that it probably has never seen. It is easy to say that Bon Iver could easily lead this revolution and if reviews of his new EP are anything to go by, 2009 will be an equally fantastic year. The only problem is following up such heartbroken album when things are looking up!
Read on for the elicit number 1 spot of 2008...
Album's of 2008 #1 - #5
My favourite albums of 2008 was...
5) Explosions In The Sky – Friday Night Lights Soundtrack
Ok, another 2004 release and also not an album I first heard in 2008. The TX band has long been a pleasure of mine and I find it unfathomable that they don’t have a song you’d like. This album has been particularly important thanks to my discovery and consequent adoration of the TV show under the same name. This album is actually the soundtrack to the 2004 film of the same name but luckily, the producers chose to keep the soundtrack and expand it for the TV show. Consequently, images of sparse Texan desert and 70,000 seater high school football stadiums are accompanied with EITS wonderful soundscapes and the marriage is simply perfect. A breathtaking instrumental album with short, digestible chunks and when witnessed with the TV show, demonstrate the power of one of the best instrumental bands around.
4) Bloc Party – Intimacy
This is a difficult one for me. It is a brilliant album; there are no doubts about that. It was a wonderful new direction for a band which finally acknowledged guitar sounds that launched them so rapidly way back when in 2005 whilst incorporating a new electronic sounds, saw them play with new instruments and new ideas. Signs and Your Visits Are Getting Shorter especially are standout tracks not just on the album but in the Bloc Party Collection. Ares sounds fantastic with its wonderfully deep resonating bass, Mercury is so awkward and difficult that it works perfectly, Talons with its incredible music video, something that Bloc have been lacking for me for a while. It is a great package. But in what may come as a shock to you all, there were better this year. Though I understand the reasons, for some reason the staggered release annoyed me. The price was more than reasonable for the digital and physical release and I commend Bloc Party heavily for that as it is rare that I pay for CD’s these days. It is hard to quantify why but I just was not a fan, it ruined the anticipation, ruined the excitement period that accompanied AWITC so well. But still, that’s not the only reason. There were songs on the album that I could go without hearing again, a key change that still I find awkward to listen to and lyrics that were simplistic at times and others, too obscure to garner interest. This is by no means me rubbishing a fantastic album, more justifying why a band that most would’ve thought were dead certs to be number one, just aren’t this time around.
3) Simian Mobile Disco – Attack Decay Sustain Release
Breathtaking. Simply breathtaking. Admittedly, this is a 2007 release so please; don’t shout at me saying this shouldn’t be on the list. It should, it will likely be on every album list I ever write. Electronic music is an interesting conundrum. On the one hand there is no voice, no lyrics to identify with, and no identifiable performance to hone in on and appreciate. But this is where, for me, Simian Mobile Disco break all the rules. In every song, there are parts that I love, that make the song what it is and would ruin it where they not there. The album is perfectly designed to touch on everything you want from a dance album. There are fast, grimy tracks, echoey spacey tracks and sing along tunes. It is perfectly paced, perfectly mixed and perfectly titled. What a fantastic album title and equally brilliant for the disappointing remix album – Sample and Hold. A performance at Reading that will stay in my mind forever, a brilliant live album and the promise of a new album very very soon, despite all of Ford’s side projects. An exciting, innovative and brilliant outfit.
2) Lykke Li – Youth Novels.
No surprises here I imagine. Fantastically produced, wonderful lyrics, superb voice, the perfect pop package. And of course, my song of the year – Little Bit. When this track first appeared god knows when, blogs as they do by nature, went mental. Thankfully, the interest was upheld until an album appeared and what an album. From the wonderfully dark Complaint Department, the anthemic Dance, Dance, Dance and of course, Little Bit. A beautifully crafted song with the perfect ingredients – catchy hook, heartbreaking lyrics, a voice so sweet it’s practically syrup and a shy, faltering admittance of love. Bloody marvelous.
1) Foals – Antidotes.
A love affair that started way back in August 2007, this album has been consistently listened to over the year and despite only seeing release back in March, it has been a tireless and energetic year for the Oxford 5 piece. After rejecting mixes of an album produced by one of the hottest producers around and choosing to go it alone, they created a wonderful, atmospheric but insistent spiky indie rock record. Red Sox Pugie could also be my single of the year, it is certainly my most played song on iTunes, but that spot is saved for a song that is a little more special to me.
5) Explosions In The Sky – Friday Night Lights Soundtrack
Ok, another 2004 release and also not an album I first heard in 2008. The TX band has long been a pleasure of mine and I find it unfathomable that they don’t have a song you’d like. This album has been particularly important thanks to my discovery and consequent adoration of the TV show under the same name. This album is actually the soundtrack to the 2004 film of the same name but luckily, the producers chose to keep the soundtrack and expand it for the TV show. Consequently, images of sparse Texan desert and 70,000 seater high school football stadiums are accompanied with EITS wonderful soundscapes and the marriage is simply perfect. A breathtaking instrumental album with short, digestible chunks and when witnessed with the TV show, demonstrate the power of one of the best instrumental bands around.
4) Bloc Party – Intimacy
This is a difficult one for me. It is a brilliant album; there are no doubts about that. It was a wonderful new direction for a band which finally acknowledged guitar sounds that launched them so rapidly way back when in 2005 whilst incorporating a new electronic sounds, saw them play with new instruments and new ideas. Signs and Your Visits Are Getting Shorter especially are standout tracks not just on the album but in the Bloc Party Collection. Ares sounds fantastic with its wonderfully deep resonating bass, Mercury is so awkward and difficult that it works perfectly, Talons with its incredible music video, something that Bloc have been lacking for me for a while. It is a great package. But in what may come as a shock to you all, there were better this year. Though I understand the reasons, for some reason the staggered release annoyed me. The price was more than reasonable for the digital and physical release and I commend Bloc Party heavily for that as it is rare that I pay for CD’s these days. It is hard to quantify why but I just was not a fan, it ruined the anticipation, ruined the excitement period that accompanied AWITC so well. But still, that’s not the only reason. There were songs on the album that I could go without hearing again, a key change that still I find awkward to listen to and lyrics that were simplistic at times and others, too obscure to garner interest. This is by no means me rubbishing a fantastic album, more justifying why a band that most would’ve thought were dead certs to be number one, just aren’t this time around.
3) Simian Mobile Disco – Attack Decay Sustain Release
Breathtaking. Simply breathtaking. Admittedly, this is a 2007 release so please; don’t shout at me saying this shouldn’t be on the list. It should, it will likely be on every album list I ever write. Electronic music is an interesting conundrum. On the one hand there is no voice, no lyrics to identify with, and no identifiable performance to hone in on and appreciate. But this is where, for me, Simian Mobile Disco break all the rules. In every song, there are parts that I love, that make the song what it is and would ruin it where they not there. The album is perfectly designed to touch on everything you want from a dance album. There are fast, grimy tracks, echoey spacey tracks and sing along tunes. It is perfectly paced, perfectly mixed and perfectly titled. What a fantastic album title and equally brilliant for the disappointing remix album – Sample and Hold. A performance at Reading that will stay in my mind forever, a brilliant live album and the promise of a new album very very soon, despite all of Ford’s side projects. An exciting, innovative and brilliant outfit.
2) Lykke Li – Youth Novels.
No surprises here I imagine. Fantastically produced, wonderful lyrics, superb voice, the perfect pop package. And of course, my song of the year – Little Bit. When this track first appeared god knows when, blogs as they do by nature, went mental. Thankfully, the interest was upheld until an album appeared and what an album. From the wonderfully dark Complaint Department, the anthemic Dance, Dance, Dance and of course, Little Bit. A beautifully crafted song with the perfect ingredients – catchy hook, heartbreaking lyrics, a voice so sweet it’s practically syrup and a shy, faltering admittance of love. Bloody marvelous.
1) Foals – Antidotes.
A love affair that started way back in August 2007, this album has been consistently listened to over the year and despite only seeing release back in March, it has been a tireless and energetic year for the Oxford 5 piece. After rejecting mixes of an album produced by one of the hottest producers around and choosing to go it alone, they created a wonderful, atmospheric but insistent spiky indie rock record. Red Sox Pugie could also be my single of the year, it is certainly my most played song on iTunes, but that spot is saved for a song that is a little more special to me.
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