Tips for 2011 - Fifteen Bands Who've Caught My Eye (Part One)

Every blog under the sun will have a go at picking the next years Warpaint / Best Coast / xx, so I might as well do too. Although, straight up, mine isn't going to be quite the same as the BBC Sound of 2011 which will feature James Blake and some others maybe along the lines of Cults, Tennis and Clare Maguire from the indie blog scene, another probable are the NME's new favourites (awful too) The Vaccines, the new (and unbelievably shit) "Kings of Leon"  Mona and then not forgetting the token Rap artist too.

I could do that, but that would be defeating the object of this blog, which is basically me just rambling about music I like for no real reason. So, my list consists of fifteen acts that I've been following for a varying amount of time, that in my opinion are well worth your time investigating, and that I think will produce some of the best music (in my opinion) of 2011.

I'll split this into three posts over the next couple of days, a song and video will follow each artist and then at the end they'll be a mix-tape for you to listen / download. There were so many bands I could have done, and a couple were tough to miss out, in the end I've gone for newer acts rather than bands such as The Duke Spirit who are returning for their third album next year, so basically the only rules are that I have to like them and the artist cannot yet have released a full length album (a couple of my picks do have mini albums already).

06/12 EDIT - The sound of 2011 is out: Here is the long-list - pretty predictable imo, not going to say any more!

Part One - In No Particular Order.

1. Stricken City

www.strickencity.com/

One of my favourite new bands that I've been in love with since I first discovered them in December 2009 supporting The Joy Formidable. Stricken City who've released two fantastic 7"s and a mini-album 'Songs About People I Know' in 2009, they've spent much of 2010 out of the spotlight apart from the digital release of "Animal Kingdom" and a recent teaser in the form of the divine "Losing Colour".

Their early sound was ultimately sweet indie-pop, the newer songs hint a more mature, harder sound. With Rebekah Raa's wonderful, energetic lead and syrupy vocals commanding your full attention I hope that 2011 will bring a full album, tour and ultimately a much deserved success for the band. After seeing them for the fourth time live back in September I think it will. "Corridors", "Losing Colour" and a new version of "Lost Art" all sound lush.

Listen:
Stricken City - Losing Colour by morrisday

Watch:


2. Still Corners

http://stillcorners.bandcamp.com/

I discovered Still Corners because of their all to fleeting track "Wish". If you were to look them up in the dictionary it would say something similar to "beautifully hazy indie-pop gems".

Comparisons to Beach House are immediate with the dreamy, ethereal quality of their tracks. Live the sound is alot more expansive which works wonders for my ears and I cannot wait to catch them again and see what else they have in store for us. If the band can follow up the "Don't Fall In Love" single then they'll be a sure fire success.

It is their live sound that has me the most excited though, the dreamy vocals still fill the air, combined with soaring guitars and big drums which make their sound more shoegazey and for lack of a better word, utterly fantastic.

Listen:
Still Corners - Endless Summer by morrisday
Watch:


3. Esben & the Witch 
www.esbenandthewitch.co.uk/

Esben & The Witch create some spectacular soundscapes, their signature sounds is an intimidating, eerie music that at its core is deep and rich electronica with a thumping bassline, their lyrics that of a goth fairytale carried so perfectly by Rachel Davies beautiful haunting vocals.

If you've a taste for dark, gloomy Tim Burton esque soundtracks then Esben and the witch may well be your favourite band of 2011. I've been into Esben since they self released their debut EP '33 (think my CD copy might become a collectors item) and since they've managed to increase the atmosphere in their recordings. Live their sound is even more intense and I highly recommend that you go and see them on their Feb tour.

They've now signed to Matador and their debut album 'Violet Cries' comes out in early 2011 and is one of my most anticipated releases of the year.

Listen:
Esben & The Witch - Warpath by morrisday

Watch:


4. Lanterns on the Lake

http://lanternsonthelake.bandcamp.com/

I get the feeling something big is on the horizon for Lanterns on the Lake. Three self released EP's have given them some wonderful critical acclaim and playing on Bella Union's Xmas bash certainly shows they've got some industry regard. It's not hard to see why with such wonderful songs as "Lungs Quicken", "A Kingdom" and "You Need Better".

I've only seen Lanterns once to date and that was only for about six songs at 'The Slaughtered Lamb' back in September, that will change next year, for a start they'll be higher up the billing and hopefully an album release will put them into the view of a wider audience. Their music is lush, reminiscent to some Sigur Ros output, combined with Hazel's beautiful voice, it's tranquil, peaceful and simply gorgeous.

Live there was an added intensity which always works for me, bands that work on more than one dimension always go up a notch on my approval rating. Really excited for what comes next from Lanterns on the Lake.

Listen:
Lungs Quicken by Lanterns on the Lake

Watch:


5. Veronica Falls

http://veronicafalls.com/

Veronica Falls are a London based band who have released a couple of wonderful releases this year and look to follow that up with a debut LP next year.

"Found Love in a Graveyard" is one of my songs of the year, it is a lovely little ramshackle of infectious and basically bloody brilliant indie pop and one song which sums up the mood of Veronica Falls very well.
Fast paced, lyrically dark and to coin one of my most used lines on this blog; gorgeous ethereal vocals. "Starry Eyed" a jangly sugary-sweet pop song shows them in a slightly lighter frame of mind, but one equally good.

Listen:
Veronica Falls - Found Love In A Graveyard by morrisday

Watch:

The Joy Formidable #9 - Spin Session and Passion Pit Cover

http://www.thejoyformidable.com/

The countdown is well and truly on until 'The Big Roar' is released. 24th January in the UK (a little later in Europe and March in the US). If you didn't see the last post make sure you do (or head over to The Joy Formidable website for the lowdown).

This post is a wonderful three track acoustic session for Spin Magazine that recorded when in the states on tour last month. There is rare thing in this session, a cover, only the second one I've heard from TJF. It's quite suitable that it's a Passion Pit song, who the band supported last year and who helped released 'A Balloon Called Moaning' in America..

Here's streaming audio of the cover. I'm not familiar with the original but this is good:
EDIT - Clearly living in the dark ages, SPIN magazine aren't happy with streaming audio of 1/3 of a session on a blog that clearly gives them credit and a link to watch / listen to the full session, so I've had to remove the link (and also the link to SPIN). If you want to listen to it, then you'll have to go their yourself. Sorry folks.

The other newish news is that Austere will be the next single (a slightly different new album version) released on 10th January. No b-side / order info yet.

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!

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:

Watch:





Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1

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

10. Beach House – Teen Dream

www.myspace.com/beachhousemusic

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

 www.anaismitchell.com/

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".

8. Hurts – Happiness

www.informationhurts.com/

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

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.

‘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

www.arcadefire.com/  

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

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.




 

12. These New Puritans – Hidden

www.thesenewpuritans.com/  

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.

Listen:

These New Puritans - We Want War by morrisday

11. Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me

www.dragcity.com/artists/joanna-newsom

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.

Listen:




Direct Links to Albums: 25 - 21 // 20 - 16 // 15 - 11 // 10 - 6 // 5 - 1