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Yeah, it's a tough choice alright. I've heard so many albums this year, and there's still plenty that I haven't... (But, hey, that's where this thread serves it's quality filtering purpose, right?) Trying to choose five that I've actually given enough time to having a proper opinion about was hardest, but I think I might just have decided on the ones that meant the most...
Broadcast - Tender Buttons
Oh how I love Broadcast. My favourite band? Yes, yes, I'd say so. The retro-futurist aesthetic has always appealed, but really they're making sounds that zip all over time and space (whilst retaining both a classic pop approach and the most modern of techniques). This third album, the 'stripped-down' one, takes a sidestep, perhaps, from the multi-layered mini-epics they'd been developing. But it's every bit as engaging and inspiring. A drum machine, a guitar and approximately two synth settings (oh, and Trish's voice) are all they need to create some of the catchiest, yet still 'experimental', tunes this year. Tears in the Typing Pool is just gorgeous, whilst I always get a rush from the (real) drums kicking in on I Found the F. A worthy addition to their ever improving catalogue, which is becoming harder to define with every release. And all the better for it.
George - A Week of Kindness
A low-key release from the mighty Pickled Egg, but one that needs shouting about. George are a couple (well a trio, but, well, it's complicated) from Manchester who make music that, for want of a better description, is like Low meets Pram. Floaty, broken toy shop melodies and sweet harmonies played with an amateurish charm. 'Lynchian' is an overused term, but really they could be the house band in the Red Room, or behind the radiator... Spend My Time is quite possibly the loveliest song I've heard all year and live they are quite mesmerising. Have a listen...
The Chap - Ham
Recently dissed by Rizla on his blog (bad Rizla!) for being "apathetic Oxbridge graduates mumbling over some half-hearted lap-top doodles". I can assure him (and you) that they are 4real and fun, funny and good-at-playing-instruments. Came to this by way of I Am Oozing Emotion (probably off Fluxblog, ages ago), which is surely one of the best pop singles this decade. Yes, they're ironic and a bit wry, but not smug, I don't think. There's a deadpan delivery that meant songs like Woop Woop had me chuckling from the off ("Garage rock/Album Launch/Interview/Chart Success/Lonliness/Suicide...") There are loud guitars here, quieter electronic moments, successful mixtures of the two and a touch of Pulp on Clissold Park. Operating in the same orbit as Half Man Half Biscuit and the Bonzos, I reckon. Lyrical targets seem to be Nathan Barley-esque trendy/media types, 'The Best New Band In Britain' and Wire readers - although they're very much a Wire kinda band too. Confusing? Yeah, maybe... Reminds me of a lot of music I like, but sounding totally fresh at the same time. So, perhaps not for everybody, but quite possibly my favourite album this year. Plus, they rock out on the cello live...
Caribou - The Milk of Human Kindness
Although I've been following Manitoba/Caribou for a while now, it wasn't until this album that I think it all really clicked into place (for me and for him). These songs really seem to leap to life and pull you in. Massive krautrock grooves and shining electronics whizzing all over the shop = happy, happy, summer's fun - yeah! Hypnotic, uplifting and sonically interesting, Mr Snaith manages to play with structure without losing the flow. The big "Ah-oooom!" explosion in A Final Warning might rank as best bit in any song this year. Another feather in the cap for Canada (which, I'm guessing will be well represented by a certain couple of bands here...) In a pretty good year for this-sort-of-thing, for my money it's miles ahead of your Four Tets, Boom Bips and Prefuse 73s... Also, another great live experience (Spot the theme: I've seen everyone in my list live this year. Wonder if that's been of any influence?)
So, number five... Damn, so close, but I can't decide. Probably one of these (so a short bit on each):
Animal Collective - Feels
A recent acquisition, not given it enough time yet. Still, seems lovely so far, and the first few tracks remind me of the Arcade Fire (anyone else agree?)
Danger Doom - The Mouse and the Mask
Great fun and winner of best couplet: "We'll be right back after these messages/Fellas grab your nutsacks, chicks squeeze your breastseses"
Electrelane - Axes
Seems so long since this came out. The mighty Gone Darker always impresses (such a great, and simple idea - rock along to a train. Innit)
Buck 65 - Secret House Against the World
Most entertaining live shows I saw this year. If you get the chance, request the step-by-step explanation/story to the Mick Jagger dance ("open the curtains, scold the children")
Low - The Great Destroyer
If only for When I Go Deaf and Broadway.... Just... beautiful.
The Fall - Fall Heads Roll
Like what Boboss said. This year, they mostly wrote great songs...
Oh, but then, what about Pelt, LCD Soundsystem, Sufjan Stevens, Vashti Bunyan, Espers, The Books, Brian Eno..........??? It's too hard! Someone else have a go... |
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