fredag 9 Jan 2009, 9:55
And so my friends, I've finally gotten around to compiling and creating and making and writing and anything else-ing a list of my favourite albums of 2008. This won't necessarily be a list of albums by bands I love; it won't necessary be a list of albums that are any good. It will be a list of albums that I've simply not been able to stop listening to. I'm not music critic so don't expect and in-depth analysis of the songs and lyrics and artists and stars and the moon and gravy - it'll just be me and what I think :)
I may add a few special mentions if the desire grabs me!
And so it begins:
1) Saturday = Youth - M83
A genre I wouldn't have normally listened to, I happened upon it by chance after listening to a recommendation on this very site. It was love at first listen and I've not looked back. Particular stand outs for me include Couleurs and Graveyard Girl. This guy is a bit of a genius and I'd definitely recommend a listen if you want to expand your musical horizon
2) Red - Guillemots
It would certainly be a crime not to include this little gem of an album on my list. After the (relative) huge success that was Through The Windowpane the Guilles had a lot to prove with Red. I think it’s a vastly underrated album with many people failing to realise that the Guilles weren't going to churn out another TTWP, it’s simply not in Fyfe's nature. They pushed the boundaries a bit and I love them all the more for it.
3) Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends - Coldplay
Another crime would be to not include these guys especially as I saw them live for the very first time last year. So, they been away after a long break and had much to prove to both critics and fans alike. I think they proved themselves quite nicely - I'm not sure they'll ever beat the likes of Parachutes - originals are nearly always the best, but they certainly did themselves proud. Never doubt these guys, they won't go down without a fight!
4) The Seldom Seen Kid - Elbow
These guys did us Elbow fans proud this year winning the Mercury Music Prize, surprising many along the way and completely written off by critics to even be in the running - you should 'em lads! Probably their most easily accessible album which may be why it won the MMP, who knows. What I do know however is that Guy and his gang have written a beautiful masterpiece that will please many musical ears, they certainly made mine happy!
5) Intimacy - Bloc Party
Mercury is still not a track I will willing listen to, trouble is when I do listen to it I can't help but sing along! I think that sums up Kele and the boys though, you may not like their music but you will find yourself humming a tune or singing along. By far one of the most beautiful tracks of the year comes in the form of Signs which just raises the bar for quality and eloquence. You'll find the usual spiky tracks on the album but never a dull moment (save Mercury !!) After causing such a fuss with the aforementioned song they seem to have melted into the background a little, I hope 2009 brings Bloc Party further greatness!
6) Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie
Without doubt the best album is Plans I'm sure there aren't that many who would disagree so when Narrow Stairs came along I was a little apprehensive but I shouldn't have been. Sure, its not as immediately friendly to the ear as Plans but Narrows Stairs has more of a rawness to its edges - the bass line of I Will Possess Your Heart never fails to send shivers shooting around me and whilst some belittle the 3 minute plus build up, I think Ben couldn't have achieved anything better your thirst for more will be satisfied.
7) Lessons To Be Learned - Gabriella Cilmi
Part of my broadening of musical horizons I was first introduced to Ms Cilmi via an advert on tv - hardly the most glamorous means but effective. I couldn't believe that she was only 16 with a voice as rich and powerful as hers. My first instincts was to compare her to Amy Winehouse but I don't think that's fair as Gabriella sings different songs in a different genre and in a different way perhaps the only similarity being they both can belt out a song. If you want something that's happy and easy to listen to - and by that I don’t' mean dull - choose her, I'm definitely sweet about Gabriella!
8) Silent Cry - Feeder
These boys have lost their touch - let me lay that down now. In truth I don't think they'll ever be as good as the Echo Park and Polythene days, I think they miss Jon. However, Silent Cry was a slight return to form. I will admit I got quite frustrated with how sappy and emotional Feeder got with Pushing The Senses I wanted them to fling out some more raw, rough and ready tracks but found myself increasingly bogged down by "nicely nicely" stuff. Silent Cry has strengthened my faith in the boys and I realise now that maybe they needed to go through what they did to come out the other end a better band.
9) Brain Thrust Mastery - We Are Scientists
So yummy! Losing a member in 2007 doesn't seem to have affected the boys whatsoever as second album proves, I really can't fault it. You can always rely on WAS to amuse and tickle your musical taste buds - a few favourites of mine include Chick Lit and After Hours and the music videos to accompany with keep that smile on your face. Seeing them live at Reading '08 further cemented my respect for these guys when they covered All That She Wants. I will definitely be attending a gig of theirs asap!
10) The City That Sleeps - A Silent Film
A friend's recommendation introduced me to these guys and subsequently I found their music used in a tv advert. They've been big in Oxford for a few years now and are finally spreading their feelers further afield. What I like about this bad is actually how fresh they sound - some have compared them to Keane and Coldplay based on them being a piano led group. However, I think this would be a naive way to critique the band and not do them the credit they deserve. They write crisp and well-structured songs with lyrics that will catch you off guard and slide their way into your subconscious – I could not stop listening to this band and found myself listening to the album on repeat, over and over. If you don't like this band I suggest you stop living.
A few special mentions:
Fleet Foxes – I predict sizeable things for the band this year, radio-wave airplay will certainly bolster their popularity amongst the “cool” people but for those of us who appreciate good, honest music the love is already there.
Snow Patrol – I didn’t mention this guys in my 2008 Top 10 simply because I’ve lost that loving feeling. I’ve found myself appreciating more and more their older albums and liking less their newer ones. This isn’t to say I’ve stopped liking them I think I just need to rekindle my love, that a mission I’ve sent myself for this coming year. I’ve not listened to much yet so I must get on the case.
Editors – I want you guys to come back!
And there we have it ladies and gents, it’s hardly the best critique but I wrote words about bands and albums I love and like – that’ll do me :)