Best albums of 2010 (so far)

I am back, having gone missing for the past months due to my particle acceleration work for CERN, being trapped in a mine, and becoming a wedding planner for next year (I can't say who for). Well there is about as much music that has gone missing on this blog as their are pages of leaked war documents on the internet. So here is a quick round-up of the best albums of the year so far (if the title wasn't a give-away).


20. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today 7.5/10

19. Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles (II) 7.5/10

18. Efterklang - Magic Chairs 7.5/10

17. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty 7.5/10

16. These New Puritans - Hidden 7.5/10

15. The Irrepressibles - Mirror Mirror 8.0/10

14. Sufjan Stevens- The Age of Adz 8.0/10

13. Holy Fuck - Latin 8.0/10

12. The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt 8.0/10

11. Tame Impala -Innerspeak 8.0/10

10. Four Tet – There Is Love in You

Kieran Hebden produces one of his best yet, with another stunning masterpiece of electronic music. This may not break ground as some earlier work of his, however this holds as a much more solid album, and definitely deserving a place in my top 10.
8.0/10

9. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs


Is it better than their debut? For me, Funeral represents a more youthful and emotional time, which is not lost in parts of this album. This album is filled with hits however I believe the choice of track numbers was means you easily forget some stellar songs. Nevertheless, this is a must for the MP3 player.

8.0/10
Hear - Ready to Start

8. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

This album screams out America. It will not be to everyone's taste, and some segments can seem to tedious, and sometimes the singer can whine into an almost self-pitying emo. However the album as a whole is a superb passionate punk tribute to the American Civil war and local heroes.

8.5/10

Hear - A More Perfect Union

7. Yeasayer - Odd Blood

I have already reviewed this album. Here

8.5/10


6. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

Damon Albarn's Gorillaz produce a fascinating album with a cataclysm of classical, hip-hop, folk, jazz and several other music genres. Of course the success of the album is helped by the number of talented artists that are featured. Another ambitious album that gets its reward.

8.5/10

Hear - Melancholy Hills

5. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest

I don't remember an album so capable of striking up imagery than this. Halcyon Digest has the ability to give you chills then wrap a blanket around you to keep warm. This is a band centred around the strangeness and genius of one Bradford Cox, who will continue to make remarkable music.

8.5/10

Hear - Desire Lines

4. Sleigh Bells - Treats

Fast-paced, hard-hitting and fucking loud, this is pop-rock noise at its finest. Sleigh Bells are the perfect combination of bitter sweet, with one half being a hardcore rocker, and the other being like something from disney. It is only fitting that they are signed to M.I.A's label, and you can certainly understand the direction taken. This is guaranteed to impress, however please take some steps before playing:

• Put your hood up
• Put some shades on
• Put the volume to the max

Enjoy.

8.5/10
Hear - Infinity Guitars

3. Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can

Let's get the common compliments out the way - she was only 17 when she made her first album, and 19 for this one. That is astonishing. Forgetting all that, I Speak Because I Can is dark and astonishing. The album is covers love, responsibility and womanhood, passionately narrated making this such an emotional album.

8.5/10

Hear - Rambling Man

2. Beach House - Teen Dream


I must confess, I thought this album was released in 2009, and could compete with any from My Picks of 2009. Teen Dream is in essence, masterful. A beautifully formed selection of dream-pop tracks that hook you in from the first track, and you stay that way till the end. It does not need any bold dominant tracks to try and appeal to you. Beach House had a successful debut album, however that was just part of a learning curve to produce something that they can truly be happy with.

8.5/10
Hear - Zebra


1. Joannna Newsom - Have One On Me


Joanna Newsom's third album was for me the best album, however I accept it will not be everyone's. I disagree with several reviews suggesting that she has changed her style, as instead I believe she has added to her style, yet the album is still unmistakably Joanna Newsom. With a three-disk two-hour marathon of music, Have One On Me is as bold as Joanna Newsom herself, as not many would have done such a thing. Nevertheless, Joanna Newsom produces the most enchanting and magnificent collection of songs that take the listener on an adventure.

9.0/10

Hear - '81

February Round-Up

Well I am alive!! Did take a break from this for one reason or another. But I come back baring gifts... my top songs of the month. And there are some crackers. So lets get going!

Blood Red Shoes - Light It Up
Track Rating: 8/10
After my slight disappointment from their debut album, I didnt expect much from their return. However I am pleasantly suprised. First single from it is a screamer. Sweet sweet melody twisted into a grungy chorus and yells of Light It Up shows exactly why I liked this band so much before. It won't turn too many heads, however for those who were dissatified with their debut, including myself will find this a treat.
Hear

Chew Lips
8/10
Nice song from a band that were certain to dissapoint. Lead singer has a great voice, the song is simple yet good electropop throughout. It does reach a stage where a sudden surge of electro-awesomeness would take over, and the build up is great, but it continues into a delicate melody which is just as enjoyable. Raised my eyebrows in a good way.
Hear

Hot Chip - One Life Stand
7/10
At first listen I thought this was a bog-standard electro-pop song, from a far greater band. However in a way, this is what they were aiming for this, yet still have the dignity of a good band. It has a great bass riff throughout, however that is somewhat overpowered. The vocals are synthesised very cleverly, but the best thing about this song are the lyrics.
Hear

Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (Roksonix Dubstep remix)
8.5/10
Not too sure when this remix came about, but it has got big for me in the past month. Imogen Heap's vocals from this song have become very well known due to being featured on Jason Derulo's song "Whatcha Say". However what Roksonix does to the tune is simply awesome. I have been catching up on a lot of dubstep, and I think this may be one of the best dubstep remixes around at the moment.
Hear

Joanna Newsom - Good Intentions Paving Company
9.5/10
Simply phenomenal. She has changed her style somewhat, yet this is still inrrefutably Joanna Newsom. A more upbeat song to someothers within the album, this is stunning throughout, from its harmony, chorus, lyrics and vocals. The song takes a melodical turn towards the end that you would not expect from her songs in the past, however this is her reformed, and it is simply breathtaking. It is a love song that is unashamed of itself, and has no right to be.
Hear

The Knife - Colouring of Pigeons
7.5/10
With a collaboration of who I don't remember, The Knife produce an opera-based album, which has split their fanbase somewhat. This is one of the best yet longest tracks of the two CD album. It is a soothing combination of several instruments from around the world, both modern and traditional. I admit I'm not exactly an opera expert, but from what I hear is a lovely track, very different from their older work. For an artist to totally change their style yet still produce rave reviews shows serious talent.
Hear

The Morning Benders - Excuses
7.5/10
A beatiful little song from a band that seems like pretty folk pop crossover. However this song does contain great melody a harmonised vocals, and contains a superb shift mid-song, which is why it gets to go on this list. The use of instruments during this song, and generally the album is very impressive.
Hear

Spoon - Is Love Forever?
8/10
Spoon have been possible the most consistently great bands of the last decade, just take a look at this metacritic article for proof. And this single is certainly an enjoyable start to the teenies, if thats what is going to be called? As you would expect from them, very clean riffs and clear vocals which really identify this band so well. Certainly they can't have another great decade can they? If this is anything to go by, why not!
Hear

Surfer Blood - Swim
7.5/10
Simple rifs with a 80s sound, catchy lyrics and a simple fun in the sun nature. It takes a slight turn in the bridge into a Vampire Weekendesque little intervas, which works very well. It can easily be mistaken for an 80s song, however it will certainly get you shouting the chorus.
Hear

Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
6.5/10
It could easily be labelled a generic indie name and be done with, and possibly should, but I did enjoy this song. Its a sing-a-long marathon with an average harmony, but the whole song is held together by the chorus. Don't expect a tremendous amount from this song, but it is certainly worth a listen.
Hear

January Round -Up

Okay so first month of 2010, thought I would do a roundup of my favourite songs out of the month. I must say, these songs have not necessarily been released in January 2010, as they may be a bit older or newer! But these are songs that I have picked up in the past month that are worth a mention.

Owen Pallett - Keep The Dog Quiet
Track Rating: 8/10
I fell in love with this song from the first listen. Throughout the song it has a consistent and very simple rhythm. It sounds perfectly orchestrated with the overlapping of string and brass throughout, which perfect fit around the catchy yet clever chorus.
Hear

Vampire Weekend - Cousins
9/10
Okay, so I may have been dissapointed by VWs new album, however this single is a cracker. It makes your feet tap from start to finish, and is probably the most different of all Vampire Weekend songs. Great vocals, cheeky lyrics and swift guitars, this song shows the best of the band.
Hear

Ke$ha - Tik Tok
6.5/10
An oversaturated market I would have thought, but apparantly not. Kesha is portrayed as a sexy naughty bitch, which I guess is to appeal to the teenage girl listeners to follow and relate to. Extremely catchy lyrics and chorus, unique vocals and a good happy-go-lucky beat, this song is on most peoples party playlist. Those who don't have this will be officially referred to as Party Poopers.
Hear

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
7.5/10
This track is simply charming. Motivational lyrics that may be too quirky for some peoples liking, however they may forgive this for everything else that this song holds. Especially the great vocals and overall sound. Check out a whole album review here.
Hear

These New Purians - We Want War
8/10
Just like the band, this song is EPIC. A dark and sinister track which begins with huge drum blasts, keyboard and noise. However this 7-minute song develops into a beautifully orchestrated melee, with a perfect combination of high tones from choir, and lower tones from drums, along with brass to intertwine both elements. As I said, EPIC. Also done an album review here. Yay!
Hear

Delphic - Doubt
6.5/10
I hate Radio 1 and the BBCs power to say what artists, albums and tracks we should all go and purchase. Delphic were number 3 in this list. And soon after, they released this track. I think it sounds more like a mash-up of Hot-Chip with the Klaxons rather then anything as innovative as you may expect. Saying that, there is nothing wrong with the track and the band. It is simply an enjoyable listen, however does not make me want to go back for more. Don't Believe the Hype comes in mind.
Hear

Tindersticks - Keep you Beautiful
8/10
When I hear this track, I just wish it was summer and I was dazing in the warmth. As that is what it brings, warmth. This song could be easily mistaken for an old classic mowtown classic, and rightly so. A tender and beautiful song.
Hear

Four Tet - Love Cry
8.5/10
At over 9 minutes, it can be easy for a song to get boring, especially the repetition in dance tunes. This is somewhat repetitive, which is in fact something you wouldn't normally relate to Four Tet. However Love Cry is never boring. This song is the build up of chilled jazz percussion, sampled female vocals and clever interplay. Head bopping music, a great tune from a great DJ.
Hear

Los Campesinos! - There are Listed Buildings
8/10
I have to say, I think Los Campesinos! are quirky little indie-pop shits. However they must be doing something good, as they have magazines such as NME raving. At first I thought this song was a "Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly" cover of punk-rock song. However after a few more listens, I realise that this song is packed full of great lyrics, and are broken down by some complex are ever confusing guitar riffs. The chorus is actually not too bad either, its actually a breather for whats to come. All in all, this track impressed.
Hear

Liars - Scissor
7.5/10
Legends in the making Liars have got to keep up a significant reputation, so released this song early for their following album "Sisterworld". And with this song, they definately do deserve the reputation. It is creepy, dark and daunting, yet it has a Radioheadesque turn with heavy bass and soaring lead and vocals. However there is something missing from this song, which I think is that it does not show the tenacity that can be heard in previous records.
Hear

These New Puritans - Hidden (2010)

Rating: 8/10

These New Puritans are four young Thames-Estuary progressive rockers. With a good debut album, they aim for their second album, Hidden to hit 2010 with a bang. They do not disappoint.

Time Xone is like a simple overture for the rest of the album, with a classical arrangement that is very plain. However this is rudely interrupted by "We Want War", which begins with huge drum blasts, keyboard and noise. However this 7-minute song develops into a beautifully orchestrated melee, with a perfect combination of high tones from choir, and lower tones from drums, along with brass to intertwine both elements.

These New Puritans have always said that hip-hop has made a massive influence on their music, an this is evident throughout the album. "Three Thousand" exemplifies that, with a sort-of medieval twist to it. As weird as that sounds, thats the best to explain it. "Hologram" is a nice contrast, which is led by piano and the lead singers voice, which although is not perfect, works well.

The band then produce a song with an apt name for it, "Attack Music". The song can be dark and direct in parts, yet melodical in others, with stunning backing vocals. The next song "Fire-Power" highlights how the band tend to chant to the music, more than sing to it, similar to MIA. You will also notice the harmony from the introduction nestle in towards the end.

Again, this is interrupted with another heavy drummed symphony, "Orion". Its about time for another breather, with another brass arrangement in "Canticle". Yet again the moment of peace is soon over, with one of the heaviest songs on the album "Drum Courts - Where Corals Lie" with a tribal drum beat, simple orchestral arrangement, dark backing vocals and the typical TNPS chanting. This song gives the imagery of a montage in an epic ancient war film, where the soldiers are marching to their deaths. I'm sure I have heard it in one of those terrible films.

"White Chords" is a melodic song that penultimately ends the album. It is alot more harmonic and relaxing, with a euphoric chorus and sing-along lyrics. The last song "5" seems to be an answer to the introduction. Another instrumental piece, this one is alot lighter and magical. It includes a choir who chant to the harmony of "Time Xone".

This album is can be called many words, but ironically none of them are "Hidden". It is spectacular in some instances, which is helped by the band knowing exactly what they want from this album. It gives a bold start for 2010, just like "Vektamist" and "Merriweather Post Pavillion" did for 2009. This album will not become a mainstream success, as it contains more dark, tribal hits rather than some other artists, however I have to say to those who listen to this album, my jaw did that too.

Hear - "We Want War"

Yeasayer - Odd Blood (2010)

Rating: 8.5 / 10

It has been nearly three years since Yeasayer's debut album, but it seems like they have used this time very wisely. After a long wait, new album Odd Blood certainly does not dissapoint.

With a dark, deep and peculiar intro song, "The Children", the next song "Ambling Alp" is a complete contrast, with an upbeat tempo and lyrics to match. This is the first single from the album, however it is by far not the best.

The album then takes a more docile turn with the song "Madder Red", which seems to fit more with their first album. It is a bit more 80s pop revival than some may like, which then leads to a more MGMTesque anthem in "I Remember". Here we start to see just what Yeasayer are about, with complex musical arrangements, great vocals and a lot of passion in what they do.

All of sudden we get a total different side to their music, with one of the most energetic songs on the album, "The One", which in typical music of our day, compliments the past in pop. It has a sort of 80s Hollywood movie feel to it, with 90s vocals all complimented with a great hook.

The next song certainly cannot be called pop music. The intro to "Love Me Girl" can be very misleading to the listener, for me it seemed like the start of a Pendulum song. Instead we get a song that seems to have elements of 90s House music, garage and more recently dubstep, all complimented with great vocals that make the song refreshing, and very addictive. "Rome" is a less serious song, with a quirky melody and hints of funk. The song is broken down at periods with clever percussions. However in all it is similar to "Ambling Alp" as being a good single, but doesn't really expose Yeasayers experimental side.

"Strange Reunions" sounds like a caleidoscopic Eastern-Indie mix, similar to that of their debut album. This song is in stark contrast to the quicker tempo song "Mondegreen", which seems to have been a very complicated ensemble of instruments all to have been played at a higher bpm then that was supposed to. This is where we see their experimental side try to take over the music, which is unfortunate.

The final song "Grizelda" however is the perfect ending to an album of this sort. It sounds like a strange mash-up of The Dirty Projectors and MGMT, however it works incredibly well. The melody and vocal are both spellbouding, and makes this final song a suitable encore for the album.

It is true that generally this album can be called more high tempo, upbeat and danceable, however this does not do justice to just what has improved for Yeasayer since the debut album. Being an experimental band, from taking their interest in so many sounds, they seem to have finally found the right formula, and created something very special. Dare I say it, I myself have been a sceptic of bands such as MGMT and Vampire Weekend, however the new Yeasayer album seems to show just how to do it. Kudos

Hear - Ambling Alp (single)

Vampire Weekend - Contra (2010)

Rating: 7/10

Vampire Weekend hit the music world with a fascinating debut album, pulling together sounds from all corners of the world. Two years after the debut, their second album Contra arrives with some anticipation. Does it deliver?

Well that depends on what you are looking for from this band. From their debut album, it had a mix of superb individual songs that could either be heard at a party full of the pretentious, or whilst your sipping your frapomapocapochino in the cafe. Superb as those songs were, I don't believe the new album has any to rival with that. So in that sense, no it does not deliver.

However, if your needing a good album to add to your extensive collection, then this is a great choice. Contra is full of charming melodies, that keep it a very entertaining album. However after a while, you may find yourself wanting more from this album. Just like the previous album, it is short, and seriously lacks depth. Hopefully we will see it in their next one, fingers crossed they have more to offer.

Hear - Cousins