Before we crack on with 2011, one last post about the albums of 2010. Sweeping the Nation complied a list of bloggers to made a definitive list of the best of 2010 albums. The full list can be found here.
Here are the top ten:
10 LOS CAMPESINOS! - Romance Is Boring
9 KANYE WEST - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
8 SLEIGH BELLS - Treats
7 FOALS - Total Life Forever
6 LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - This Is Happening
5 BEACH HOUSE - Teen Dream
4 CARIBOU - Swim
3 LAURA MARLING - I Speak Because I Can
2 ARCADE FIRE - The Suburbs
1 THE NATIONAL - High Violet
How did my top ten do overall? Well fear no more I have the answer below:
10. Beach House - Teen Dream (Number 5)
9. Anais Mitchell - Hadestown (Number 26)
8. Hurts - Hapiness (Number 28)
7. Holly Miranda - The Magician's Private Library (did not poll - why I ask!)
6. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Number 2)
5. Zola Jesus - Stridulum II (Number 39)
4. The National - High Violet (Number 1)
3. The Strange Death of Liberal England - Drown Your Heart Again (Number 70)
2. Sleigh Bells - Treats (Number 8)
1. Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now (Number 12)
What does it show? Nothing really apart from the sheer volume of brilliant music that was release in 2010.
Would I change anything? Yes. I put an album I put at number 14 higher - Perfume Genius, Learning hasn't been off my stereo the past month. For what? No idea, thankfully I don't have to think about it.
Will 2011 be better than 2010? Who can say but with The Joy Formidable, British Sea Power, The Boxer Rebellion, The Duke Spirit and more all with early 2011 releases it certainly is an exciting start to the year.
Lookout, Lookout by TurnstileMusic
The National - Terrible Love (Live in Brooklyn) by morrisday
Showing posts with label The Best of 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Best of 2010. Show all posts
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Ten Favourite Musical Moments in 2010 - (Numbers 10-6)
The following two posts are a bit self-indulgent and I apologise for that, but they are in a nutshell the ten bands / artists that I've fallen for (or even more so) this year. There is clearly a bit of a cross over with my albums. Basically this is my top ten gigs of the year (with the exception of one artist I've not seen), but sometimes where I've seen the artist more than once (TJF like a dozen times, Caitlin seven and so on) I've changed it a little...
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10. She Keeps Bees – Live in Feb / March
Earlier on in the year when I’d barely heard of a few other artists who were to become the staple postings of this blog I fell in love with a couple from Brooklyn called She Keeps Bees. Jess & Andy perform bluesy rock songs with an edge which makes them one of the most compelling live acts I’ve seen.
Jess is hilarious on-stage her banter with the crowd never fails to disappoint. I saw them for the first time at the Old Blue Last in February and then at The Lexington in early March, both shows were simply fantastic. Her sister was at the Lexington gig and she dedicated “Cage Match” off the first album to her, it was a beautiful moment. Then you have the relentless energy of “Gimme”, “Wear Red” and “Release”. Get a couple of recordings in the archives courtesy of NYC Taper.
They’ve not returned to the UK since then, hopefully early 2011 will rectify that. The last we had was the SKB-005 / Make it Easy 7” record which you should own.
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9. Warpaint – Noisemakers Session + Live Shows
I think the Exquisite Corpses EP is one of my favourite EP releases ever. I pretty much adore every song on it. From the shoegazey glory of “Stars”, the spellbinding vocal interchanges of “Beetles”, the rock vibe of “Elephants” to the simply gorgeous “Billie Holiday” there is nothing to fault. I didn’t think you could better the EP until I saw them live at The Great Escape and The Lexington in May and found out that Warpaint were even better live.
The proof came when the frankly amazing Noisemakers session was released showcasing the girls as one of the best groups to emerge from the spotlights this year.
Watch the session below and download it here.
As well as this beautiful acoustic version of “Billie Holiday”
Since then we’ve had the release of ‘The Fool’, a front cover of NME, two more great shows (Scala and Camden Barfly) yeah the girls are something special, Stella on the drums, hell yeah.
2011 promises more (BBC sound of 2011?!), unfortunately for me and fellow small venue chasers, the girls will be playing venues much, much bigger than I got used to this year but I shall be in attendance to see their rise and it’s good to see such a talented group being championed for a change rather than some Simon Cowell fodder.
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8. Mountain Man – Glastonbury
This was one of those aimless moments that will go down in memory for a long time, I was wondering around the Park at Glastonbury with no real place to go. England had been dumped out of the World Cup, my friends wanted to get a good spot for Stevie Wonder, act on stage were Tony Allen, MGMT and Jack Johnson and with zero interest in any of those acts I thought I’d climb the hill to where there was a big ‘Glastonbury 40’ sign for a couple of decent photos across the site.
As I got towards the summit of the hill I saw Conor from Villagers coming the other way from what looked like a big shack / tipi so I headed towards there for a snoop. When I got there three girls were singing a cappella to a crowd of about 15/20 people. It was breathtaking; I had never heard of them previously but was instantly smitten.
Beautiful songs and beautiful voices. Their chemistry was amazing and they were clearly having a great time, too much of one maybe as Amelia forgot the words which led to a mass hysteria until they composed themselves a few minutes later.
See it here:
and
After the set had finished (I caught about 15-20 minutes) investigation of the area led me to find it was called the Crow’s Nest and other acts that day were Villagers (hence seeing Conor!), as well one from The Magic Numbers which would have been a bit good. In 2011 I shall be going to the Crow’s Nest a lot. I advice you to do the same.
I've since seen Mountain Man a couple of times, once in Brighton and once at the equally beautiful St Giles in the Field Church in London. They are without doubt three of the nicest, charming and wonderful girls in music today. Their music is beautiful, there is nothing not to like when it comes to Mountain Man.
This leads nicely onto the next highlight…
-------------------------------------------
7. Dirty Projectors – Glastonbury
This was probably the highlight of the whole festival weekend, my mood was sky high after Mountain Man and it was a brave move to stay at The Park for a band I quite liked what I’d heard (which wasn’t a great deal) and miss Stevie Wonder.
One I only made because after four days of Glastonbury sun and England’s inept performance meant a trek back across to the other side of the festival and into 100,000 people didn’t particularly appeal to me. I don’t regret it. Yes, I missed Stevie Wonder and Michael Eavis “duet” but I got to see an exceptional performance by Dirty Projectors to a very appreciative crowd.
I never really listened to ‘Bitte Orca’ in 2009 so as a late adopter it was the first time I’d seen them, it didn’t take long to be smitten with songs as good as “Two Doves” and “Stillness in the Move”, one of the best performance I’ve seen this year from this talented American act.
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6. Finally falling for The National...
I saw The National back in 2005 at The 100 Club and I’m man enough to admit that I left early. I knew “Karen”, “Secret Meeting” and “Abel” back then and although I can’t recall the reasons why, clearly The National didn’t quite click with me and thus for the next however long I mainly ignored them…
Fast forward five years and I recall seeing the blogosphere going a little crazy for ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ so I gave it a listen, it was instant “Wow”. So I dug out my copy of ‘Alligator’ and it was schoolboy moment - How / Why had I let so long go by without actually giving The National more of an airing.
Thus in 2010 The National are my third top played artist I am completely smitten with the new album as well as ‘Alligator’ and ‘Boxer’ and feel frankly a bit of a fool, I’m glad my tastes appeared to have matured.
Probably my favourite song is “About Today” and it was great to see them play that when I finally caught The National live again at The Electric Ballroom, there was no early departure that day I promise and when I next caught them at Glastonbury they were one of the bands of the weekend. ‘High Violet’ has finally seen The National get some mainstream rewards, so the punishment for being so slow off the mark, is that from now on in I’ll be watching The National in larger arenas, that’s a price I’ll have to pay.
Moral of this story is simple – give music you listened to a few years and thought “nah” another try now, you might find yourself, older, wiser and a little more open to it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
10. She Keeps Bees – Live in Feb / March
Earlier on in the year when I’d barely heard of a few other artists who were to become the staple postings of this blog I fell in love with a couple from Brooklyn called She Keeps Bees. Jess & Andy perform bluesy rock songs with an edge which makes them one of the most compelling live acts I’ve seen.
Jess is hilarious on-stage her banter with the crowd never fails to disappoint. I saw them for the first time at the Old Blue Last in February and then at The Lexington in early March, both shows were simply fantastic. Her sister was at the Lexington gig and she dedicated “Cage Match” off the first album to her, it was a beautiful moment. Then you have the relentless energy of “Gimme”, “Wear Red” and “Release”. Get a couple of recordings in the archives courtesy of NYC Taper.
They’ve not returned to the UK since then, hopefully early 2011 will rectify that. The last we had was the SKB-005 / Make it Easy 7” record which you should own.
-------------------------------------------------------------
9. Warpaint – Noisemakers Session + Live Shows
I think the Exquisite Corpses EP is one of my favourite EP releases ever. I pretty much adore every song on it. From the shoegazey glory of “Stars”, the spellbinding vocal interchanges of “Beetles”, the rock vibe of “Elephants” to the simply gorgeous “Billie Holiday” there is nothing to fault. I didn’t think you could better the EP until I saw them live at The Great Escape and The Lexington in May and found out that Warpaint were even better live.
The proof came when the frankly amazing Noisemakers session was released showcasing the girls as one of the best groups to emerge from the spotlights this year.
Watch the session below and download it here.
As well as this beautiful acoustic version of “Billie Holiday”
Since then we’ve had the release of ‘The Fool’, a front cover of NME, two more great shows (Scala and Camden Barfly) yeah the girls are something special, Stella on the drums, hell yeah.
2011 promises more (BBC sound of 2011?!), unfortunately for me and fellow small venue chasers, the girls will be playing venues much, much bigger than I got used to this year but I shall be in attendance to see their rise and it’s good to see such a talented group being championed for a change rather than some Simon Cowell fodder.
-------------------------------------------------
8. Mountain Man – Glastonbury
This was one of those aimless moments that will go down in memory for a long time, I was wondering around the Park at Glastonbury with no real place to go. England had been dumped out of the World Cup, my friends wanted to get a good spot for Stevie Wonder, act on stage were Tony Allen, MGMT and Jack Johnson and with zero interest in any of those acts I thought I’d climb the hill to where there was a big ‘Glastonbury 40’ sign for a couple of decent photos across the site.
As I got towards the summit of the hill I saw Conor from Villagers coming the other way from what looked like a big shack / tipi so I headed towards there for a snoop. When I got there three girls were singing a cappella to a crowd of about 15/20 people. It was breathtaking; I had never heard of them previously but was instantly smitten.
Beautiful songs and beautiful voices. Their chemistry was amazing and they were clearly having a great time, too much of one maybe as Amelia forgot the words which led to a mass hysteria until they composed themselves a few minutes later.
See it here:
and
After the set had finished (I caught about 15-20 minutes) investigation of the area led me to find it was called the Crow’s Nest and other acts that day were Villagers (hence seeing Conor!), as well one from The Magic Numbers which would have been a bit good. In 2011 I shall be going to the Crow’s Nest a lot. I advice you to do the same.
I've since seen Mountain Man a couple of times, once in Brighton and once at the equally beautiful St Giles in the Field Church in London. They are without doubt three of the nicest, charming and wonderful girls in music today. Their music is beautiful, there is nothing not to like when it comes to Mountain Man.
This leads nicely onto the next highlight…
-------------------------------------------
7. Dirty Projectors – Glastonbury
This was probably the highlight of the whole festival weekend, my mood was sky high after Mountain Man and it was a brave move to stay at The Park for a band I quite liked what I’d heard (which wasn’t a great deal) and miss Stevie Wonder.
One I only made because after four days of Glastonbury sun and England’s inept performance meant a trek back across to the other side of the festival and into 100,000 people didn’t particularly appeal to me. I don’t regret it. Yes, I missed Stevie Wonder and Michael Eavis “duet” but I got to see an exceptional performance by Dirty Projectors to a very appreciative crowd.
I never really listened to ‘Bitte Orca’ in 2009 so as a late adopter it was the first time I’d seen them, it didn’t take long to be smitten with songs as good as “Two Doves” and “Stillness in the Move”, one of the best performance I’ve seen this year from this talented American act.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
6. Finally falling for The National...
I saw The National back in 2005 at The 100 Club and I’m man enough to admit that I left early. I knew “Karen”, “Secret Meeting” and “Abel” back then and although I can’t recall the reasons why, clearly The National didn’t quite click with me and thus for the next however long I mainly ignored them…
Fast forward five years and I recall seeing the blogosphere going a little crazy for ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ so I gave it a listen, it was instant “Wow”. So I dug out my copy of ‘Alligator’ and it was schoolboy moment - How / Why had I let so long go by without actually giving The National more of an airing.
Thus in 2010 The National are my third top played artist I am completely smitten with the new album as well as ‘Alligator’ and ‘Boxer’ and feel frankly a bit of a fool, I’m glad my tastes appeared to have matured.
Probably my favourite song is “About Today” and it was great to see them play that when I finally caught The National live again at The Electric Ballroom, there was no early departure that day I promise and when I next caught them at Glastonbury they were one of the bands of the weekend. ‘High Violet’ has finally seen The National get some mainstream rewards, so the punishment for being so slow off the mark, is that from now on in I’ll be watching The National in larger arenas, that’s a price I’ll have to pay.
Moral of this story is simple – give music you listened to a few years and thought “nah” another try now, you might find yourself, older, wiser and a little more open to it.
Ten Favourite Musical Moments in 2010 - (Numbers 5-1)
Ten Favourite Musical Moments in 2010 - Part Two (Numbers 5-1)
Here's the top five musical highlights of 2010 for me a variety of reasons. I've rambled on below...
5. Soap&Skin – Live at Union Chapel
I’m still a little confused by this show. It was so intense, so spectacular but also completely nuts / on-edge that I can’t get my head around it. I thought Anja was on the brink of a breakdown at the time, I still do but I have been told it was all “part of the show” but I have not seen someone tackle/ appear to tackle so many stage demons as Soap&Skin that night.
Yet for someone who had to fight back the tears a few times and had to stop to gain composure on a couple of occasions the show was phenomenal, really it was just absolutely amazing. From the majestic beauty of “Cynthia” and “Mr Gaunt Pt. 1000” to the incredibly amazing heathen like possessed chants of “Marche Funebre”. That particular song is the best finale I’ve seen all year and second only to “There is no Light” for show stopping. Here it is from another show:
It defied any logic I could come up with that someone who was struggling to compose themselves just minutes before could come up to the front of the stage of Union Chapel and literally belt out a demonic and utterly mesmerizing performance like Anja did during “Marche Funebre”.
One thing I do know is that when Soap&Skin return I’ll be in attendance.
Read my show review at the time here.
----------------------------------------
4. Holly Miranda – August – I’d Rather Go Blind / NYC Taper / Fiume Nights Session…
One of my biggest regrets of the year (in a musical sense) is July 26th. Holly Miranda was playing the Borderline, I had a ticket but the mixture of being at a Christening up north the day before and a general lethargic attitude meant I didn’t go.
How silly I was because just a few weeks later I completely fell for Holly’s music mainly thanks to this clip of her covering Etta James...
Holly Miranda "I'd Rather be Blind" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.
That was soon followed by this amazing session with Marques Toliver…
Fiume Night 10 _ Holly Miranda _ williamsburgh, april 2009 from Vincent Moon / petites planetes on Vimeo.
Soon after NYC Taper put a few recordings online. (Download them here and here). By this point I was completely smitten and in denial that just a few weeks earlier I’d missed a chance to see her live myself, especially as Holly hasn’t returned to the UK since.
Least these sessions and recordings have given me a taste of what her live show would have been like and boy does it sound good. There hasn’t been any news since the summer, hopefully we’ll see a return soon in early 2011 (fingers crossed).
Holly’s album ‘The Magician’s Private Library’ came out in February and has been criminally overlooked on the whole, make sure you give it a listen because it’s one of the years best without doubt.
Download some of the above sessions here.
----------------------------------------------
3. Wildbirds & Peacedrums – Live at the Lexington and the jaw-dropping brilliance of “There is No Light”…
Probably my favourite gig of the year was Wildbirds & Peacedrums live at the Lexington, I’m not very good at decided something for certain like that but without doubt the biggest “Oh My Fucking God This Is AMAZING” moment was during “There is No Light”. It was epic, the drumming of Andreas Werliin was incredibly intense and the vocals of Mariam’s are above extraordinary. The strength and range of her voice is simply amazing. It was what they call a “Goosebumps” moment.
This isn’t the same show, but it gives you an idea:
It was not a one song show, “My Heart” is equally amazing, the encore saw a beautiful cover of “Wild is the Wind”. Another older song “Today/Tomorrow” again is the perfect song with yet another epic drum peak.
Their amazing performance reduced The Lexington to silence (seems a lot of my favourite gigs this year have been there!) and definitely one of the highlights of my musical year.
Wildbirds & Peacedrums - Wild is the Wind (Live at The Lexington) by morrisday
Read my initial thoughts here and more of W&P’s here.
---------------------------------------------------------
2. Caitlin Rose – August / September shows
The late summer of 2010 was all about Caitlin Rose, from August 19th to October 4th I saw her seven times, then once again in November. I saw her solo, with half a band, a full band and in a variety of locations, none of them disappointed, all of them left me feeling that Caitlin is something special.
From playing to 600 or so people at XOYO with the full band and performing almost a ‘rock & roll’ show to the 150 people squeezed into Brixton Windmill for an intimate show just as Radio Two started to champion her Caitlin has triumphed and succeeded to win over the hearts of so many people.
Her beautiful voice, endearing personality and above all wonderful lyrics and songs have been the sound track to so many of my days this year that I owe an awful lot to the Nashville singer.
‘Own Side Now’ is finally due for a US release in March 2011, I do hope it doesn’t mean Caitlin will forget us over here, I doubt it, it does seem that she’s at home in London – I hope so – you’re welcome here whenever Caitlin. Sometime soon please!
Read my original live review of Caitlin here and here, an interview here and the full archive for some live material, album review and general Caitlin love-in.
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1. The Joy Formidable – The NME Tour and March Tour.
These were simply a brilliant few weeks, if you’ve read this rambling shambles of a blog for any length of time you’ll know I’m pretty obsessed with The Joy Formidable, it was good to see them on some of the biggest stages they’ve ever headlined, even if the later tour was an NME sponsored event and had one of the worst supports I’ve ever heard (Flats) and also one of the most boring bands ever (Chapel Club).
The Joy Formidable are one of the most energetic and engaging bands I’ve ever come across. Every single show is an experience full of relentless energy. I’ve seen them about 20 times (so far) and I’ve never walked away one bit disappointed apart from that the show was over. The NME tour stepped it up a notch more from the March tour, the sound is expanding, their performances are show stopping and with songs like Spectrum / Whirring / The Greatest Light etc the material is suited to the live arena. Never do the guys disappoint, they give everything they have 100% of the time and then a little bit more too. Something a bit like this (hope there is a full recording of this – upcoming DVD maybe?!):
Hear a few recordings from the tour in the TJF archive here.
Plenty more to come in 2011, including ‘The Big Roar’….
Here's the top five musical highlights of 2010 for me a variety of reasons. I've rambled on below...
5. Soap&Skin – Live at Union Chapel
I’m still a little confused by this show. It was so intense, so spectacular but also completely nuts / on-edge that I can’t get my head around it. I thought Anja was on the brink of a breakdown at the time, I still do but I have been told it was all “part of the show” but I have not seen someone tackle/ appear to tackle so many stage demons as Soap&Skin that night.
Yet for someone who had to fight back the tears a few times and had to stop to gain composure on a couple of occasions the show was phenomenal, really it was just absolutely amazing. From the majestic beauty of “Cynthia” and “Mr Gaunt Pt. 1000” to the incredibly amazing heathen like possessed chants of “Marche Funebre”. That particular song is the best finale I’ve seen all year and second only to “There is no Light” for show stopping. Here it is from another show:
It defied any logic I could come up with that someone who was struggling to compose themselves just minutes before could come up to the front of the stage of Union Chapel and literally belt out a demonic and utterly mesmerizing performance like Anja did during “Marche Funebre”.
One thing I do know is that when Soap&Skin return I’ll be in attendance.
Read my show review at the time here.
----------------------------------------
4. Holly Miranda – August – I’d Rather Go Blind / NYC Taper / Fiume Nights Session…
One of my biggest regrets of the year (in a musical sense) is July 26th. Holly Miranda was playing the Borderline, I had a ticket but the mixture of being at a Christening up north the day before and a general lethargic attitude meant I didn’t go.
How silly I was because just a few weeks later I completely fell for Holly’s music mainly thanks to this clip of her covering Etta James...
Holly Miranda "I'd Rather be Blind" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.
That was soon followed by this amazing session with Marques Toliver…
Fiume Night 10 _ Holly Miranda _ williamsburgh, april 2009 from Vincent Moon / petites planetes on Vimeo.
Soon after NYC Taper put a few recordings online. (Download them here and here). By this point I was completely smitten and in denial that just a few weeks earlier I’d missed a chance to see her live myself, especially as Holly hasn’t returned to the UK since.
Least these sessions and recordings have given me a taste of what her live show would have been like and boy does it sound good. There hasn’t been any news since the summer, hopefully we’ll see a return soon in early 2011 (fingers crossed).
Holly’s album ‘The Magician’s Private Library’ came out in February and has been criminally overlooked on the whole, make sure you give it a listen because it’s one of the years best without doubt.
Download some of the above sessions here.
----------------------------------------------
3. Wildbirds & Peacedrums – Live at the Lexington and the jaw-dropping brilliance of “There is No Light”…
Probably my favourite gig of the year was Wildbirds & Peacedrums live at the Lexington, I’m not very good at decided something for certain like that but without doubt the biggest “Oh My Fucking God This Is AMAZING” moment was during “There is No Light”. It was epic, the drumming of Andreas Werliin was incredibly intense and the vocals of Mariam’s are above extraordinary. The strength and range of her voice is simply amazing. It was what they call a “Goosebumps” moment.
This isn’t the same show, but it gives you an idea:
It was not a one song show, “My Heart” is equally amazing, the encore saw a beautiful cover of “Wild is the Wind”. Another older song “Today/Tomorrow” again is the perfect song with yet another epic drum peak.
Their amazing performance reduced The Lexington to silence (seems a lot of my favourite gigs this year have been there!) and definitely one of the highlights of my musical year.
Wildbirds & Peacedrums - Wild is the Wind (Live at The Lexington) by morrisday
Read my initial thoughts here and more of W&P’s here.
---------------------------------------------------------
2. Caitlin Rose – August / September shows
The late summer of 2010 was all about Caitlin Rose, from August 19th to October 4th I saw her seven times, then once again in November. I saw her solo, with half a band, a full band and in a variety of locations, none of them disappointed, all of them left me feeling that Caitlin is something special.
From playing to 600 or so people at XOYO with the full band and performing almost a ‘rock & roll’ show to the 150 people squeezed into Brixton Windmill for an intimate show just as Radio Two started to champion her Caitlin has triumphed and succeeded to win over the hearts of so many people.
Her beautiful voice, endearing personality and above all wonderful lyrics and songs have been the sound track to so many of my days this year that I owe an awful lot to the Nashville singer.
‘Own Side Now’ is finally due for a US release in March 2011, I do hope it doesn’t mean Caitlin will forget us over here, I doubt it, it does seem that she’s at home in London – I hope so – you’re welcome here whenever Caitlin. Sometime soon please!
Read my original live review of Caitlin here and here, an interview here and the full archive for some live material, album review and general Caitlin love-in.
-----------------------------------------------------
1. The Joy Formidable – The NME Tour and March Tour.
These were simply a brilliant few weeks, if you’ve read this rambling shambles of a blog for any length of time you’ll know I’m pretty obsessed with The Joy Formidable, it was good to see them on some of the biggest stages they’ve ever headlined, even if the later tour was an NME sponsored event and had one of the worst supports I’ve ever heard (Flats) and also one of the most boring bands ever (Chapel Club).
The Joy Formidable are one of the most energetic and engaging bands I’ve ever come across. Every single show is an experience full of relentless energy. I’ve seen them about 20 times (so far) and I’ve never walked away one bit disappointed apart from that the show was over. The NME tour stepped it up a notch more from the March tour, the sound is expanding, their performances are show stopping and with songs like Spectrum / Whirring / The Greatest Light etc the material is suited to the live arena. Never do the guys disappoint, they give everything they have 100% of the time and then a little bit more too. Something a bit like this (hope there is a full recording of this – upcoming DVD maybe?!):
Hear a few recordings from the tour in the TJF archive here.
Plenty more to come in 2011, including ‘The Big Roar’….
Saturday, 4 December 2010
My Favourite 25 Albums of 2010 - Digest
If and somewhat understandably you cannot be bothered to read / listen your way through all of my waffling posts but are interested in my best of posts, here is the complete list of my favourite albums of 2010.
25. Scary Mansion – Made Me Cry
24. Sharon Van Etten - Epic
23. Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern – regen:tropfen
22. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
21. The Mynabirds – What We Lose in the Fire
20. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
19. Anika - Anika
18. I Like Trains - He Who Saw The Deep
17. Warpaint - The Fool
16. Mountain Man - Made the Harbor
15. Blood Red Shoes - Fire Like This
14. Perfume Genius - Learning
13. Gil Scott Heron - I'm New Here
12. These New Puritans - Hidden
11. Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me
10. Beach House - Teen Dream
9. Anais Mitchell - Hadestown
8. Hurts - Hapiness
7. Holly Miranda - The Magician's Private Library
6. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
5. Zola Jesus - Stridulum II
4. The National - High Violet
3. The Strange Death of Liberal England - Drown Your Heart Again
2. Sleigh Bells - Treats
1. Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
In Depth:
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
I've a few things to post before starting on my tips for 2011 mid next week. My tips for 2011 will again be personal to my tastes, and will not include hyped shite such as The Vaccines and Mona, just so you know!
25. Scary Mansion – Made Me Cry
24. Sharon Van Etten - Epic
23. Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern – regen:tropfen
22. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
21. The Mynabirds – What We Lose in the Fire
20. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
19. Anika - Anika
18. I Like Trains - He Who Saw The Deep
17. Warpaint - The Fool
16. Mountain Man - Made the Harbor
15. Blood Red Shoes - Fire Like This
14. Perfume Genius - Learning
13. Gil Scott Heron - I'm New Here
12. These New Puritans - Hidden
11. Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me
10. Beach House - Teen Dream
9. Anais Mitchell - Hadestown
8. Hurts - Hapiness
7. Holly Miranda - The Magician's Private Library
6. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
5. Zola Jesus - Stridulum II
4. The National - High Violet
3. The Strange Death of Liberal England - Drown Your Heart Again
2. Sleigh Bells - Treats
1. Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
In Depth:
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
I've a few things to post before starting on my tips for 2011 mid next week. My tips for 2011 will again be personal to my tastes, and will not include hyped shite such as The Vaccines and Mona, just so you know!
Just Music That I Like’s Twenty Five Favourite albums of 2010 - Part Five
Just Music That I Like’s Twenty Five Favourite Abums of 2010 aka The Best 25 Albums of the Year Part Five
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
So I've finally made it, hope someone is still here! These are my personal top five albums of 2010 (and probably not yours!). What albums have I missed out?...
5. Zola Jesus – Stridulum II
http://zolajesus.com/
Order // The most striking difference from the Zola Jesus we saw in The Spoils (and the bulk of Nika's earlier work) is the change from lo-fi, industrial noise and deeply distorted vocal. No longer does the Zola Jesus sound characterise the "home recording" essence. Instead, now we see some polished production and a welcome clarity to Nika's voice. The accessibility this brings, set against undoubtedly "pop" songs will makes this the best work to be released by the prolific Nika Rosa Danilova.
The nine tracks that make up ‘Stridulum II’ combine big echoing back-beats and dense washes of atmospheric synth chords as Danilova's opera-trained primal voice bellows out performances that belie her slant figure.
"Night", one of the strongest openers I can recall sets the theme perfectly. It’s atmospherically a haunting beauty of a song. Exquisite use of synth beats and drumming that will become a highlight of the album, the ominous drama of the song (and throughout the album) sends the song to an epic conclusion. A truly wonderful anthem.
"I Can't Stand" is another highlight, industrial rhythms and soaring heartfelt vocals with a chorus that could turn up on the next Marina hit-single. “It’s not easy to fall in love / but if you’re lucky you just might find someone /so don’t let it get you down.”... It's Dark and brooding, its rhythmic drums only amplify the mood. "I can't stand to see you this way / It's going to be alright".
"Manifest Destiny" carries a sense of foreboding melodrama throughout, "How can we survive..."another towering synth-pop anthem. Sea Talk" (a re-worked song as I've previously discussed) is perfect - it builds up, with (more) crushing synths looped over its wonderful chorus.
Whilst lacking any great variation, ‘Stridulum II’ is a true work of art. Gothic, dark and atmospheric. The exciting part for me, is that Nika's best work might still be on the horizon.
‘Stridulum II’ missed out the fantastic single “Poor Animal”, make sure you track that down too.
Previously: A Rough Trade in-store show to download and a recording are in the archive.
Listen:
4. The National – High Violet
http://americanmary.com/
Order // The sombre lyrics on ‘High Violet’ tell sincere tales of broken hearts and bruised souls. The National’s trademark sound remains on this their fifth full length release, yet the one which has propelled them to the mainstream audience.
With Matt Berninger's baritone vocal at the helm their big and brooding songs shudder with drums and piano at their peaks and create a beautiful, melodic sound picturing vivid landscapes such as ‘England in the Rain’ on the exemplary “England”. Then make the sinister chill of “Conversation 16” into a sing-along anthem whilst “Bloodbuzz Ohio” recalls the frenetic tempo of old cult-classics “Mr November” and “Abel”.
The highlight belongs to the alternative version of “Terrible Love”, re-issued to recreate the feeling of it’s live counterpart, its a wall of sound moment as it reaches it’s climax half way through whilst Berninger bellows “It’s a terrible love and I’m walking with spiders // It’s a terrible love that I’m walking here // It takes an ocean not to break…”.
The rich and deeply layered ‘High Violet’ is probably the most complete album The National have produced in their immaculate career.
Listen:
3. The Strange Death of Liberal England – Drown Your Heart Again
www.tsdole.co.uk/
Order // As a long time follower of The Strange Death of Liberal England this their full-length debut album seemed to take an awfully long time to arrive, the mini album “Modern Folk Songs” gave us a taster of TSDOLE back in 2007, the stand-out being live favourite A Day (Another Day). The overriding maritime theme in ‘Drown Your Heart Again’ maybe a but hard for some to stomach but from the opening waves of “Flickering Lights” this is an infectious album, it’s energy and catchy choruses will soon drag you into the sea alongside the band.
"Like a Curtain Falling" will have you toe-tapping and head-nodding with it's up-tempo frantic pace. Single “Rising Sea” is an anthemic, intense indie-pop as the band prove themselves capable of delivering track after track of material deserving of much more mainstream radio airplay and critical praise.
Highlights might even be saved for the later half of the album, the beautiful “Autumn” offers the first calm in the tide, it flows into the wonderful "Shadows" which sees Kelly Jones take co-vocal duties in its rousing course. The masterpiece “Dog Barking at the Moon” closes the album with a brilliant and beautifully tranquil opening before capturing you with swirling orchestral moments and it's crashing waves crescendo to end.
TSDOLE have created a real beauty of an album with this incredible layered sound heard throughout; there is seldom an instrument out of place, the band all pulling together in perfect harmony.
Previously: There is a wonderful acoustic session, some videos and the bands first EP in the archive.
Listen:
The Strange Death of Liberal England - Autumn by morrisday
2. Sleigh Bells – Treats
www.myspace.com/sleighbellsmusic
Order // This release changed my musical tastes somewhat. I’ve never been “hip” (never will be either), and never been into “hip” music, yet whilst the whole internet was going into complete hyperbole over Sleigh Bells early in 2010 I found myself agreeing with them. Sleigh Bells really do justify the hype. Their sound is a complete mash-up of numerous styles from hip-hop / heavy metal / electro / pop, you’ll never be able to pigeonhole them because you’ve not heard anything like this before.
Your neighbours are going to hate this record; your Grandma is going to hate it too. Me, I love it. ‘Treats’ is not the soundtrack to your quiet dinner party with Mum, it’s the album you’ll go to when you need something to knock the socks off the day you’ve had, to get ready for Saturday night and when you want to test the decibel levels of your stereo. ‘Treats’ is to be played loud.
From the get-go the noise is immediate; it’s in your face, hard hitting, uncompromising and utterly fucking brilliant. “Tell Em” has this enormous riff and drum machine beat intro and the tempo rarely drops. Highlights are numerous along the way “Infinity Guitars” sounds just like that. “Rill Rill” provides an unexpected rest-bite proving itself as a bona fide pop sing-along. The real jewel in the crown is “Crown on the Ground” distorted synths. A/B Machines screeches and screams it’s way and then it’s over. Barely half an hour after it began, although it’s no bad thing, it means Treats doesn’t overstay its welcome.
In five years time this might just seem like noise, but for now, ‘Treats’ is just a unique sounding record to saviour and one to blow up your amp whilst enjoying, time and time again.
Previously: A couple of live recordings can be found here.
Listen:
1. Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now
Order // At the start of November I checked my last.fm “scrobbles”.
That showed I’d played Caitlin Rose some 770 times in the past three months alone, second had less than half that number. That pretty much confirmed ‘Own Side Now’ as my album of the year. It’s pretty safe to say I’ve fallen well and truly for Caitlin since I first heard her around Easter time, if you’ve looked at this site in the past six months you’ll already know that...
Her shows throughout August and September were amazing, showing her not only as an amazing songwriter but also a wonderful performer with a genuine, honest and unique ability to turn any audience into putty in her hands. I’ve seen her do it in a working men’s club in Brixton, a basement in Brighton, Rough Trade record shop, and more. Basically when she steps on stage the audience falls in love with her. Yeah, I’m very happy to say ‘Own Side Now’ is my favourite album of 2010.
The title tracks wonderful lyrics still get me now, some six months later: “Who's gonna want me when // I'm just somewhere you've been // Who's gonna want me now // and who’s gonna take me home"
From the country barroom stomps of “Spare Me” to the luscious aching acoustic beauty that is “Sinful Wishing Well” Caitlin has produced an album which effortless combines traditional country music with a modern and appealing style. I'll not re-do my original review, if you want more of my ramblings see the links at the end.
It's worth noting that the only place you should be buying 'Own Side Now' from is Rough Trade because (after an initial mix CD) you will receive another CD which contains a wonderful five track EP entitled 'Columbia Hotel', which is worth the £9.99 fee itself...
It contains five songs. Two Christmas songs, the first a new composition (a duet with Keegan DeWitt) which is probably the best original Christmas song I've heard this year, it's called "You Never Come Home For Christmas" and it's beautiful, as well as a cover of Willie Nelson's "Pretty Paper". There are two more covers here too, you might be familiar with them if you've seen Caitlin this year or checked out my previous posts.
Randy Newman's "Marie" and a wonderful, tender version of "Faithless Love" by J D Souther.
If you are late to the game fear not. Caitlin is back in the UK in February. One gig confirmed (with more to come) is at Camden Barfly on Friday 11th Feb. Tickets. See you there!
Previously: Read my original album review here, an interview with Caitlin here, review of the first time I saw Caitlin (of eight in 2010) and the full archive for some live material and general swoon fest.
Listen: The number one played track in my iTunes library this year:
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
So I've finally made it, hope someone is still here! These are my personal top five albums of 2010 (and probably not yours!). What albums have I missed out?...
5. Zola Jesus – Stridulum II
Order // The most striking difference from the Zola Jesus we saw in The Spoils (and the bulk of Nika's earlier work) is the change from lo-fi, industrial noise and deeply distorted vocal. No longer does the Zola Jesus sound characterise the "home recording" essence. Instead, now we see some polished production and a welcome clarity to Nika's voice. The accessibility this brings, set against undoubtedly "pop" songs will makes this the best work to be released by the prolific Nika Rosa Danilova.
The nine tracks that make up ‘Stridulum II’ combine big echoing back-beats and dense washes of atmospheric synth chords as Danilova's opera-trained primal voice bellows out performances that belie her slant figure.
"Night", one of the strongest openers I can recall sets the theme perfectly. It’s atmospherically a haunting beauty of a song. Exquisite use of synth beats and drumming that will become a highlight of the album, the ominous drama of the song (and throughout the album) sends the song to an epic conclusion. A truly wonderful anthem.
"I Can't Stand" is another highlight, industrial rhythms and soaring heartfelt vocals with a chorus that could turn up on the next Marina hit-single. “It’s not easy to fall in love / but if you’re lucky you just might find someone /so don’t let it get you down.”... It's Dark and brooding, its rhythmic drums only amplify the mood. "I can't stand to see you this way / It's going to be alright".
"Manifest Destiny" carries a sense of foreboding melodrama throughout, "How can we survive..."another towering synth-pop anthem. Sea Talk" (a re-worked song as I've previously discussed) is perfect - it builds up, with (more) crushing synths looped over its wonderful chorus.
Whilst lacking any great variation, ‘Stridulum II’ is a true work of art. Gothic, dark and atmospheric. The exciting part for me, is that Nika's best work might still be on the horizon.
‘Stridulum II’ missed out the fantastic single “Poor Animal”, make sure you track that down too.
Previously: A Rough Trade in-store show to download and a recording are in the archive.
Listen:
4. The National – High Violet
Order // The sombre lyrics on ‘High Violet’ tell sincere tales of broken hearts and bruised souls. The National’s trademark sound remains on this their fifth full length release, yet the one which has propelled them to the mainstream audience.
With Matt Berninger's baritone vocal at the helm their big and brooding songs shudder with drums and piano at their peaks and create a beautiful, melodic sound picturing vivid landscapes such as ‘England in the Rain’ on the exemplary “England”. Then make the sinister chill of “Conversation 16” into a sing-along anthem whilst “Bloodbuzz Ohio” recalls the frenetic tempo of old cult-classics “Mr November” and “Abel”.
The highlight belongs to the alternative version of “Terrible Love”, re-issued to recreate the feeling of it’s live counterpart, its a wall of sound moment as it reaches it’s climax half way through whilst Berninger bellows “It’s a terrible love and I’m walking with spiders // It’s a terrible love that I’m walking here // It takes an ocean not to break…”.
The rich and deeply layered ‘High Violet’ is probably the most complete album The National have produced in their immaculate career.
Listen:
3. The Strange Death of Liberal England – Drown Your Heart Again
Order // As a long time follower of The Strange Death of Liberal England this their full-length debut album seemed to take an awfully long time to arrive, the mini album “Modern Folk Songs” gave us a taster of TSDOLE back in 2007, the stand-out being live favourite A Day (Another Day). The overriding maritime theme in ‘Drown Your Heart Again’ maybe a but hard for some to stomach but from the opening waves of “Flickering Lights” this is an infectious album, it’s energy and catchy choruses will soon drag you into the sea alongside the band.
"Like a Curtain Falling" will have you toe-tapping and head-nodding with it's up-tempo frantic pace. Single “Rising Sea” is an anthemic, intense indie-pop as the band prove themselves capable of delivering track after track of material deserving of much more mainstream radio airplay and critical praise.
Highlights might even be saved for the later half of the album, the beautiful “Autumn” offers the first calm in the tide, it flows into the wonderful "Shadows" which sees Kelly Jones take co-vocal duties in its rousing course. The masterpiece “Dog Barking at the Moon” closes the album with a brilliant and beautifully tranquil opening before capturing you with swirling orchestral moments and it's crashing waves crescendo to end.
TSDOLE have created a real beauty of an album with this incredible layered sound heard throughout; there is seldom an instrument out of place, the band all pulling together in perfect harmony.
Previously: There is a wonderful acoustic session, some videos and the bands first EP in the archive.
Listen:
The Strange Death of Liberal England - Autumn by morrisday
2. Sleigh Bells – Treats
Order // This release changed my musical tastes somewhat. I’ve never been “hip” (never will be either), and never been into “hip” music, yet whilst the whole internet was going into complete hyperbole over Sleigh Bells early in 2010 I found myself agreeing with them. Sleigh Bells really do justify the hype. Their sound is a complete mash-up of numerous styles from hip-hop / heavy metal / electro / pop, you’ll never be able to pigeonhole them because you’ve not heard anything like this before.
Your neighbours are going to hate this record; your Grandma is going to hate it too. Me, I love it. ‘Treats’ is not the soundtrack to your quiet dinner party with Mum, it’s the album you’ll go to when you need something to knock the socks off the day you’ve had, to get ready for Saturday night and when you want to test the decibel levels of your stereo. ‘Treats’ is to be played loud.
From the get-go the noise is immediate; it’s in your face, hard hitting, uncompromising and utterly fucking brilliant. “Tell Em” has this enormous riff and drum machine beat intro and the tempo rarely drops. Highlights are numerous along the way “Infinity Guitars” sounds just like that. “Rill Rill” provides an unexpected rest-bite proving itself as a bona fide pop sing-along. The real jewel in the crown is “Crown on the Ground” distorted synths. A/B Machines screeches and screams it’s way and then it’s over. Barely half an hour after it began, although it’s no bad thing, it means Treats doesn’t overstay its welcome.
In five years time this might just seem like noise, but for now, ‘Treats’ is just a unique sounding record to saviour and one to blow up your amp whilst enjoying, time and time again.
Previously: A couple of live recordings can be found here.
Listen:
1. Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now
That showed I’d played Caitlin Rose some 770 times in the past three months alone, second had less than half that number. That pretty much confirmed ‘Own Side Now’ as my album of the year. It’s pretty safe to say I’ve fallen well and truly for Caitlin since I first heard her around Easter time, if you’ve looked at this site in the past six months you’ll already know that...
Her shows throughout August and September were amazing, showing her not only as an amazing songwriter but also a wonderful performer with a genuine, honest and unique ability to turn any audience into putty in her hands. I’ve seen her do it in a working men’s club in Brixton, a basement in Brighton, Rough Trade record shop, and more. Basically when she steps on stage the audience falls in love with her. Yeah, I’m very happy to say ‘Own Side Now’ is my favourite album of 2010.
The title tracks wonderful lyrics still get me now, some six months later: “Who's gonna want me when // I'm just somewhere you've been // Who's gonna want me now // and who’s gonna take me home"
From the country barroom stomps of “Spare Me” to the luscious aching acoustic beauty that is “Sinful Wishing Well” Caitlin has produced an album which effortless combines traditional country music with a modern and appealing style. I'll not re-do my original review, if you want more of my ramblings see the links at the end.
It's worth noting that the only place you should be buying 'Own Side Now' from is Rough Trade because (after an initial mix CD) you will receive another CD which contains a wonderful five track EP entitled 'Columbia Hotel', which is worth the £9.99 fee itself...
It contains five songs. Two Christmas songs, the first a new composition (a duet with Keegan DeWitt) which is probably the best original Christmas song I've heard this year, it's called "You Never Come Home For Christmas" and it's beautiful, as well as a cover of Willie Nelson's "Pretty Paper". There are two more covers here too, you might be familiar with them if you've seen Caitlin this year or checked out my previous posts.
Randy Newman's "Marie" and a wonderful, tender version of "Faithless Love" by J D Souther.
If you are late to the game fear not. Caitlin is back in the UK in February. One gig confirmed (with more to come) is at Camden Barfly on Friday 11th Feb. Tickets. See you there!
Previously: Read my original album review here, an interview with Caitlin here, review of the first time I saw Caitlin (of eight in 2010) and the full archive for some live material and general swoon fest.
Listen: The number one played track in my iTunes library this year:
Just Music That I Like’s Twenty Five Favourite Albums of 2010 - Part Four
Just Music That I Like’s Twenty Five Favourite Abums of 2010 aka The Best 25 Albums of the Year Part Four
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
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.
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.
www.anaismitchell.com/
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
Friday, 3 December 2010
Just Music That I Like’s Twenty Five Favourite Albums of 2010 - Part Three
Just Music That I Like’s Twenty Five Favourite Abums of 2010 aka The Best 25 Albums of the Year Part Three
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
15. Blood Red Shoes – Fire Like This
www.bloodredshoes.co.uk/
Order // The finest indie-rock outing of the year. Blood Red Shoes second album ‘Fire Like This’ does what it says on the lid, it’s a thunderbolt from the riotous opening of “Don’t Ask” until it’s massive climax of “Colours Fade”. The latter an unrivalled achievement for Blood Red Shoes, its length and ambition is like nothing before and in my opinion it’s the jewel in the crown.
Laura-Mary’s energetic riffs combined with Steven’s hard-hitting drums added to a wonderful vocal interchanges creates a punky-pop sound with of overriding feeling of a much larger band.
Highlights for me are when Blood Red Shoes are at their raucous and infectious peaks such as on “Count Me Out” and “Heartsink”. However, beside the sing-along anthems there is a great moment on “When we Wake” which sees Laura-Mary take centre stage for a beautiful reflection and delicate number.
14. Perfume Genius – Learning
www.myspace.com/kewlmagik
Order // ‘Learning’, the debut album by Seattle native Mike Hadreas recording under the name Perfume Genius. The result is spellbinding and heartbreaking in equal measure. Sparse piano arrangements with often the only accompaniment to the bruised, vulnerable vocals of a man fighting his inner demons.
It’s a bleak journey but ‘Learning’ is a captivating, sorrowful and beautiful album. Highlights are too numerous to mention. “Look Out, Look Out” with it’s inner city warnings “Look out, look out // There are murders about”. Mr. Peterson tells a story of an kid and a teacher, drugs and suicide. It is staggeringly sparse and haunting throughout.
A sublime peace of melancholy.
Listen:
Perfume Genius - Learning by TurnstileMusic
13. Gil Scott Heron – I’m New Here
http://gilscottheron.net/
Order // Gil Scott Heron released “I’m New Here” back near the start of the year, some 15 years since the last album, so it was hardly surprising the name wasn't familiar with me on release. ‘I’m New Here’ is dark, very dark, but also honest, touching and effortless. It’s a successful collection of songs, interspersed with a narrative that is reflective and autobiographical in nature.
Though mainly covers GSH has made them his own, his reworking of “I'll Take care of you” is beautiful, the exceptional Me and the Devil is one of the years most stark, yet rewarding of the whole year. The title track, is another stand out. Heron’s gravelly vocal suit the material perfectly, you can almost hear the hard years coming out in his delivery.
Heron has created something both beautiful and brutal at the same time - something very few records can manage successfully. It’s only real criticism can be its length, over in just 28 minutes, yet whilst we are with GSH the journey is a challenging, moving and profound one.
Order // Joanna Newsom is a songwriter and harpist of great originality, although her follow up to the masterpiece ‘Vs’ requires much commitment over it’s three disc and two hour running time. Triple albums are a risk, they command a lot from the listener, a dense three disc set can prove too much material to consume in one go, it certainly requires some stamina from the listener. However, if you break it down into digestible chunks, give the material the time it deserve you’ll soon find yourself immersed in pure genius.
Joanna’s wild, unpredictable voice which characterised her debut has generally been toned down into a more conventional smooth, engaging and almost angelic sound. The lyrics are the most mature they’ve been, harmonious in nature and fable-like in their storytelling ability, always emotional, heartfelt and imaginative.
Her harp playing is as beautiful as ever, but the songs often blossom unexpectedly with other instrumentation. There are some sublime arrangements and deep textures throughout the wonderful “Good Inventions Paving Company”, “’81” and “Easy” which make the first disc probably most accessible to a new listener.
Joanna Newsom has grown up on ‘Have One on Me’ yet she still retains her unique ‘quirkiness’. This is the craft of songwriting in its highest form, ‘Have One on Me’ is breathtaking in its scope and achievement. Give it the time it deserves and you will be rewarded.
Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1
15. Blood Red Shoes – Fire Like This
Order // The finest indie-rock outing of the year. Blood Red Shoes second album ‘Fire Like This’ does what it says on the lid, it’s a thunderbolt from the riotous opening of “Don’t Ask” until it’s massive climax of “Colours Fade”. The latter an unrivalled achievement for Blood Red Shoes, its length and ambition is like nothing before and in my opinion it’s the jewel in the crown.
Laura-Mary’s energetic riffs combined with Steven’s hard-hitting drums added to a wonderful vocal interchanges creates a punky-pop sound with of overriding feeling of a much larger band.
Highlights for me are when Blood Red Shoes are at their raucous and infectious peaks such as on “Count Me Out” and “Heartsink”. However, beside the sing-along anthems there is a great moment on “When we Wake” which sees Laura-Mary take centre stage for a beautiful reflection and delicate number.
14. Perfume Genius – Learning
Order // ‘Learning’, the debut album by Seattle native Mike Hadreas recording under the name Perfume Genius. The result is spellbinding and heartbreaking in equal measure. Sparse piano arrangements with often the only accompaniment to the bruised, vulnerable vocals of a man fighting his inner demons.
It’s a bleak journey but ‘Learning’ is a captivating, sorrowful and beautiful album. Highlights are too numerous to mention. “Look Out, Look Out” with it’s inner city warnings “Look out, look out // There are murders about”. Mr. Peterson tells a story of an kid and a teacher, drugs and suicide. It is staggeringly sparse and haunting throughout.
A sublime peace of melancholy.
Listen:
Perfume Genius - Learning by TurnstileMusic
13. Gil Scott Heron – I’m New Here
Order // Gil Scott Heron released “I’m New Here” back near the start of the year, some 15 years since the last album, so it was hardly surprising the name wasn't familiar with me on release. ‘I’m New Here’ is dark, very dark, but also honest, touching and effortless. It’s a successful collection of songs, interspersed with a narrative that is reflective and autobiographical in nature.
Though mainly covers GSH has made them his own, his reworking of “I'll Take care of you” is beautiful, the exceptional Me and the Devil is one of the years most stark, yet rewarding of the whole year. The title track, is another stand out. Heron’s gravelly vocal suit the material perfectly, you can almost hear the hard years coming out in his delivery.
Heron has created something both beautiful and brutal at the same time - something very few records can manage successfully. It’s only real criticism can be its length, over in just 28 minutes, yet whilst we are with GSH the journey is a challenging, moving and profound one.
12. These New Puritans – Hidden
Order // ‘Hidden’ exhibits the most staggering case of maturity since a debut I can recall, These New Puritans have created a soundtrack of monstrous ambition on behalf of front man Jack Barnett, one characterised in violence and one that is wholly unique.
From the opening bars of the phenomenal “We Want War” you are aware this album is going to be dark, complex and beyond exciting. Its opening barrage of machine drums, use of unorthodox instruments such as the unsheathing of swords, as well as some overpowering synths combine to excellent affect on this brutal seven minute tour-de-force
More swords, horns and military drumming greet you on the atmospheric “Three Thousand”, the medieval soundscapes combined with a children’s choir and beats continue on the relentless “Attack Music”. Another high is “Hologram” a somewhat mellower affair, and it works wondrously alongside the intense, moody tracks that sandwich it.
It’s a tough, menacing listen but one which really grabs your attention and demands you listen to it. Hidden is an extraordinary experience. Diverse, mature and most importantly exciting.
From the opening bars of the phenomenal “We Want War” you are aware this album is going to be dark, complex and beyond exciting. Its opening barrage of machine drums, use of unorthodox instruments such as the unsheathing of swords, as well as some overpowering synths combine to excellent affect on this brutal seven minute tour-de-force
More swords, horns and military drumming greet you on the atmospheric “Three Thousand”, the medieval soundscapes combined with a children’s choir and beats continue on the relentless “Attack Music”. Another high is “Hologram” a somewhat mellower affair, and it works wondrously alongside the intense, moody tracks that sandwich it.
It’s a tough, menacing listen but one which really grabs your attention and demands you listen to it. Hidden is an extraordinary experience. Diverse, mature and most importantly exciting.
Listen:
11. Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me
Order // Joanna Newsom is a songwriter and harpist of great originality, although her follow up to the masterpiece ‘Vs’ requires much commitment over it’s three disc and two hour running time. Triple albums are a risk, they command a lot from the listener, a dense three disc set can prove too much material to consume in one go, it certainly requires some stamina from the listener. However, if you break it down into digestible chunks, give the material the time it deserve you’ll soon find yourself immersed in pure genius.
Joanna’s wild, unpredictable voice which characterised her debut has generally been toned down into a more conventional smooth, engaging and almost angelic sound. The lyrics are the most mature they’ve been, harmonious in nature and fable-like in their storytelling ability, always emotional, heartfelt and imaginative.
Her harp playing is as beautiful as ever, but the songs often blossom unexpectedly with other instrumentation. There are some sublime arrangements and deep textures throughout the wonderful “Good Inventions Paving Company”, “’81” and “Easy” which make the first disc probably most accessible to a new listener.
Joanna Newsom has grown up on ‘Have One on Me’ yet she still retains her unique ‘quirkiness’. This is the craft of songwriting in its highest form, ‘Have One on Me’ is breathtaking in its scope and achievement. Give it the time it deserves and you will be rewarded.
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