Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
10. Beach House – Teen Dream
Order // 'Teen Dream' is the third release from Baltimore-based duo Beach House – singer/keyboardist Victoria Legrand and guitarist Alex Scally, and it's absolutely unbelievable. Beach House managed to stay off the mainstream radar before this release, with 'Teen Dream' there was no chance of this happening.
"Zebra" the sublime opener sets the tone, gentle electric guitar waltzing in the background whilst vocals ooze over the top. It’s a recipe used throughout the album, never more noticeable than on the second song Silver Soul. Where guitar isn't, gentle shimmering keys lies to complement Legrands exquisite vocals.
The lovely ah ah ah’s at the start of the preceding single "Norway" leads the album to a new peak. The album throughout is stunningly atmospheric. Generally the sound remains constant, a rich, woozy and happy feeling that few records have come close to this year. The sublime last track "Take Care" is another song with a sweet melody and hypnotic vocal. This will be an album listened to by those who’ve lost love, are in love and those who just want to listen to a good record. Absolute lush.
9. Anaïs Mitchell – Hadestown
Order // Hadestown is a work of pure genius, Anais Mitchell's almost mind-boggling focus and dedication for many years has been realised in epic form. The whole production is deep and immaculate.
Hadestown is a folk opera, a retelling of the story of Orpheus, set in a sort of post-apocalyptic depression era version of Hades, tied together with brilliant songs of contemporary social, political and archetypal commentary. Greg Brown sings the role of Hades. Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) sings the role of Orpheus. Ani DiFranco sings the role of Persephone. And Anais, herself, sings the role of Eurydice.
Concept albums are always hit or miss, this is very much a success and Anais Mitchell has created a unique and wonderful thing and one that deserve a good run on the West End let alone much high critical reception as an album. Simply listen to "Hadestown".
Hadestown is a folk opera, a retelling of the story of Orpheus, set in a sort of post-apocalyptic depression era version of Hades, tied together with brilliant songs of contemporary social, political and archetypal commentary. Greg Brown sings the role of Hades. Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) sings the role of Orpheus. Ani DiFranco sings the role of Persephone. And Anais, herself, sings the role of Eurydice.
Concept albums are always hit or miss, this is very much a success and Anais Mitchell has created a unique and wonderful thing and one that deserve a good run on the West End let alone much high critical reception as an album. Simply listen to "Hadestown".
8. Hurts – Happiness
Order
// Sometimes I think it’s good to throw all pretence out of the window and say “yeah, actually this is pretty good”. Let’s face facts, Hurts are not covering new ground here. They make unashamed synth-based pop songs that are lifted directly from either Tears for Fears / Pet Shop Boys / A Nother 80’s act. That however does not stop it being highly enjoyable, and for me ‘Happiness’ is just that.
I got the Hurts bug about a year ago when an early version of “Wonderful Life” leaked onto the net, mass hysteria followed, they came forth on the BBC Sound of 2010 list but then apart from a couple of February gigs promptly disappeared from existence. First single “Better Than Love” didn’t do very well, and they weren't very well received on a NME Radar tour.
It was only when “Wonderful Life” itself came out as a single that they finally exploded into the mainstream audience, and boy did they, a sell out tour followed and no doubt through label Sony connections they were soon being covered by Kylie Minouge, who also duets with the band on their album, and on one of the stand-outs “Devotion”.
Their immaculate appearance might give some the impression of a manufactured band akin to a Cowell production and whilst there maybe a smattering of truth behind that, I’m happy to but that to aside if the music hold its own. “Happiness” is epic (sometimes ridiculously so) but Hurts have written some exquisite pop gems. The synths of ‘Silver Lining’ create a grandiose opening. “Stay” a cross between a tenor and Take That is an unashamed highlight and “Unspoken” is a wonderful melodramatic anthem.
There are some less than serious Euro-Pop moments in “Sunday” which creates a welcome diversion from the moody, doom-laden balladry of the album. The best song however is of course “Wonderful Life” , the example of a perfect pop song.
It's melancholy, dark yet retaining a feeling a hope ‘Don’t let go // never give up, it’s such a wonderful life’
Style, gravitas and substance are all abundant; Hurts are the pop act of 2010.
Listen:
7. Holly Miranda – The Magician’s Private Library
‘The Magician’s Private Library’ creates an overwhelming sensual, woozy feeling. Holly’s lush, ethereal vocals give the feeling of soothing and dreaming. Quite in fitting with the continual reference to sleep over the course of the album. The simmering simplistic beauty of “Waves” is heart-wrenching at times. “Everytime I Go To Sleep” and “Joints” similarly are superbly written and delicately delivered.
David Sitek production is apparent with an overriding TV on the Radio feel at times, never more than on “No One Just Is”, minimal beats, keys and bassline and on the gorgeous breathy “Slow Burn Treason” a duet with (no less) Kyp Malone.
This is a lovingly created album, the process in creating the album must have been a long one and it shows in the slow-burning, emotive feeling it encapsulates. Delicate, beautiful and most importantly majestic.
Previously: Plenty; live recordings, videos of some of the best covers I’ve ever heard, the amazing Fiume Nights session. Go look in the archive now.
6. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Order // After releasing the most magnificent ‘Funeral’ Arcade Fire were always going to fall short in some people’s eyes. They followed up with the excellent ‘Neon Bible’ which was a fantastic album, combining a traditional Arcade Fire sound with a dark, almost preachy bombast yet some quarters were already pointing daggers at them. There was a worry that Arcade Fire were on their way to do a Bono and become nothing more than stadium rock mainstays, however ‘The Suburbs’ quashed any of those concerns on first listen.
The sound is big, the themes slightly mellower, more elegiac, the long album is one that beautifully flows through elegant melodies and evocative imagery of an strict American town upbringing, over the course of 16 tracks there are numerous highlights.
You can here bits of Springsteen throughout the catchy “Modern Man”. The punky spark of the outstanding “Month of May” leads to one of the best songs Arcade Fire have ever recorded. The amazing video sequence for “We Used to Wait” casts a shadow over the song itself, which is hauntingly beautiful. Regine also plays her part in the urgent duet “Empty Room” and the delicious electro pop of “Sprawl II”.
For some The Suburbs will be overlong, for some it’ll be a masterpiece. Without doubt it’s their most cohesive album to date and a worthy addition to the Arcade Fire catalogue.
Listen:
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
// Sometimes I think it’s good to throw all pretence out of the window and say “yeah, actually this is pretty good”. Let’s face facts, Hurts are not covering new ground here. They make unashamed synth-based pop songs that are lifted directly from either Tears for Fears / Pet Shop Boys / A Nother 80’s act. That however does not stop it being highly enjoyable, and for me ‘Happiness’ is just that. I got the Hurts bug about a year ago when an early version of “Wonderful Life” leaked onto the net, mass hysteria followed, they came forth on the BBC Sound of 2010 list but then apart from a couple of February gigs promptly disappeared from existence. First single “Better Than Love” didn’t do very well, and they weren't very well received on a NME Radar tour.
It was only when “Wonderful Life” itself came out as a single that they finally exploded into the mainstream audience, and boy did they, a sell out tour followed and no doubt through label Sony connections they were soon being covered by Kylie Minouge, who also duets with the band on their album, and on one of the stand-outs “Devotion”.
Their immaculate appearance might give some the impression of a manufactured band akin to a Cowell production and whilst there maybe a smattering of truth behind that, I’m happy to but that to aside if the music hold its own. “Happiness” is epic (sometimes ridiculously so) but Hurts have written some exquisite pop gems. The synths of ‘Silver Lining’ create a grandiose opening. “Stay” a cross between a tenor and Take That is an unashamed highlight and “Unspoken” is a wonderful melodramatic anthem.
There are some less than serious Euro-Pop moments in “Sunday” which creates a welcome diversion from the moody, doom-laden balladry of the album. The best song however is of course “Wonderful Life” , the example of a perfect pop song.
It's melancholy, dark yet retaining a feeling a hope ‘Don’t let go // never give up, it’s such a wonderful life’
Style, gravitas and substance are all abundant; Hurts are the pop act of 2010.
Listen:
7. Holly Miranda – The Magician’s Private Library
www.hollymiranda.com/
Order // An album I liked on release that has grown on me like fine wine (although I’ll stick with a cold beer) thanks mainly to the discovery of some amazing live recordings and acoustic sessions that showcase Holly Miranda’s stunning vocal range and ability.
Order // An album I liked on release that has grown on me like fine wine (although I’ll stick with a cold beer) thanks mainly to the discovery of some amazing live recordings and acoustic sessions that showcase Holly Miranda’s stunning vocal range and ability.
‘The Magician’s Private Library’ creates an overwhelming sensual, woozy feeling. Holly’s lush, ethereal vocals give the feeling of soothing and dreaming. Quite in fitting with the continual reference to sleep over the course of the album. The simmering simplistic beauty of “Waves” is heart-wrenching at times. “Everytime I Go To Sleep” and “Joints” similarly are superbly written and delicately delivered.
David Sitek production is apparent with an overriding TV on the Radio feel at times, never more than on “No One Just Is”, minimal beats, keys and bassline and on the gorgeous breathy “Slow Burn Treason” a duet with (no less) Kyp Malone.
This is a lovingly created album, the process in creating the album must have been a long one and it shows in the slow-burning, emotive feeling it encapsulates. Delicate, beautiful and most importantly majestic.
Previously: Plenty; live recordings, videos of some of the best covers I’ve ever heard, the amazing Fiume Nights session. Go look in the archive now.
6. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Order // After releasing the most magnificent ‘Funeral’ Arcade Fire were always going to fall short in some people’s eyes. They followed up with the excellent ‘Neon Bible’ which was a fantastic album, combining a traditional Arcade Fire sound with a dark, almost preachy bombast yet some quarters were already pointing daggers at them. There was a worry that Arcade Fire were on their way to do a Bono and become nothing more than stadium rock mainstays, however ‘The Suburbs’ quashed any of those concerns on first listen.
The sound is big, the themes slightly mellower, more elegiac, the long album is one that beautifully flows through elegant melodies and evocative imagery of an strict American town upbringing, over the course of 16 tracks there are numerous highlights.
You can here bits of Springsteen throughout the catchy “Modern Man”. The punky spark of the outstanding “Month of May” leads to one of the best songs Arcade Fire have ever recorded. The amazing video sequence for “We Used to Wait” casts a shadow over the song itself, which is hauntingly beautiful. Regine also plays her part in the urgent duet “Empty Room” and the delicious electro pop of “Sprawl II”.
For some The Suburbs will be overlong, for some it’ll be a masterpiece. Without doubt it’s their most cohesive album to date and a worthy addition to the Arcade Fire catalogue.
Listen:
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
beach house, suburbs, sleigh bells <3
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