February 2013 best albums

Autechre - Exai

I must admit, when I first came across Autechre all I could think was "I just don't get it". To the casual listener, it is easy to understand why with the extremely glitchy abstract sounds and general fuckeduppedness. However in over 20 years together the duo have created some stellar albums, and many argue that Exai is up with the best. At 17 tracks lasting just over 2 hours, Exai takes you on a long haul of IDM which can leave some restless. Nevertheless, Autechre is raw, physical and unrelenting as ever.

8.0  / 10

Hear - jatevee C

Benjamin Damage - Heliosphere

As soon as I heard the first track of the album I thought I was on to a winner. Heliosphere is the debut from Benjamin Damage, a Welsh techno producer based in Berlin. The first listen you enjoy the main heavy (but not agressive) beats from each track, however it is when you have a few more listens do you admire some of the intricate layers added into each song. With songs like "Delirium Tremens" and "Swarm" you could close your eyes and feel like your in a rave, and I sure would love to if he's playing.

8.5  / 10

Hear - Swarm

Darkstar - News From Nowhere

London trio Darkstar have transformed themselves from your standard post-dubstep artist into a purveyor of great alternative and electronica music. There is something very mystical and foggy about this record, which has some resemblance with Animal Collective. However I think it is best to distance the two artists, with Darkstar seeming to have more of a 70s psychedelic influence. Overall I was pleasantly suprised by the quality of this album and hope to hear more in the future.

7.5  / 10

Hear - Amblified Ease 

My Bloody Valentine - mbv

Much has already been said about My Bloody Valentine's first album in over 20 years. Like if they never were apart, MBV is a testament to the incredible talent of the noise pop artists. As always with My Bloody Valentine expect a wall of distorted sounds with the guitars turned to volume 11. However that is not true for all the tracks, with some being more subdued creating wonderfully mystical atmospheres. I don't think any fan of the band can leave disappointed with this even after 20 years.

8.5  / 10

Hear - She Found Now

January 2013 top albums

So new year new start, and thought it would be good to see what were the best albums released this month:

A$AP Rocky - Long.Live.A$AP.

A$AP Rocky delivers again with a good album. The album starts of fantastically with "Long.Live.A$AP" and "Goldie" which draw you in straight away. Unfortunately the album teetered for me further into the album. A$AP Rocky is not the greatest lyricist but he does enough using his sometimes amusing rhymes with some bold beats. 

7.0 / 10

Hear - Goldie

Emancipator - Dusk to Dawn

Released just near the end of the month, downtempo artist Emancipator's third album is beautiful. Each song takes its own journey, all individually exceptional that bring together a soulful album. Dusk to Dawn is a delicate masterpiece without needing to do anything brash to get your attention. Sit somewhere comfortable, close your eyes and enjoy.

8.0 / 10

Hear - Minor Cause

FaltyDL - Hardcourage

FaltyDL has never been one for sticking to a single style and genre of music, and it is certainly difficult to pin him down to one. Hardcourage didn't hit out to me straight away, however it is certainly a grower. Some songs are a bit too floaty whilst others are right on point, which I guess in a sense is what he wants. Still very much an enjoyable album.

7.0 / 10

Hear - Karme

Ochre - National Ignition

Christopher Leary is someone I have been very interested for a few months now, managing to produce fantastic sounds just using his computer. National Ignition is another fine example of how Ochre manages to use both hard hitting beats with beautiful symphonies. There is much complexity and depth into the music that makes it very risky to overcomplicate songs, however Ochre seems to avoid this well. Probably his best album yet from an artist who deserves much more exposure than he currently does.

8.5 / 10

Hear - Glassmaker

Nosaj Thing - Home

L.A's Jason Chung is back four years after his plauditted debut album, Drifts. His new album Home, chooses a much more subtle approach to entice this listener. The best from the album is aided by appearances from Toro Y Moi and a personal favourite of mine, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead, who both really add perfect vocals for an ambient theme. Overall Home sees Chung going more into ambient and mellow music, which is wonderful to hear, unfortunately it doesn't grab you.

7.5 / 10

Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left (1969)

Another album that has been a massive influence on me, and many, many others in the music world. Nick Drake is now a well know artist these days, however it is easy to forget just how unknown and ignored he was in his day. In fact, from his suicide at only 20 years old, there was very little coverage, just like his albums. It was only years later, when great artists such as Paul Weller, REM and The Cure cite Nick Drake as a major influence.

This was the debut for little known english folk artist Nick Drake, who was the tender age of 20. However from his voice, arrangments and lyrics, you could mistake him for a wise old man. This album shows the prowess with the guitar, and many songs that can be construed from uplifting to chilling all at the same time. He truly was a marvel, and in his short time on earth he left some of the greatest music folk has ever witnessed.
Rating: 10/10

Hear ~ River Man

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

Jesca Hoop - Hunting My Dress (2009)

Rating: 8/10

Californian born Jesca Hoop has an interesting past, being raised in a mormon family, to stand against its beliefs and pursue a career in music. Her debut album "Kismet" gathered some praise from renounding artists including Tom Waits and Elbow. Her second album must show that Hoop has depth in her music, whilst still holding the magic that her sound seems to have.

The album starts with no introduction, but rather abruptly by a quick vocal harmony folowed directly into the song "Whispering Light". And a great song to start with, its enchanting like a Fiona Apple melody, mixed with some simple yet twisting guitar riff. The only dissapointment with this song is that the chorus doesnt hold you as much as it should, however the bridge does more than enough to make up for that.

Next song "The Kingdom" shows the delicate side of her voice, and it sounds stunning. At first I thought this would be a perfect song to end the album on, however the tune does take a turn which throughout is following her vocals. Lovely song, however I still do not think it fits in well here.

"Four Dreams" is a more upbeat song, with hints of chirpy bluegrass and 90s pop. A very enjoyable song with charming lyrics. Its easy to see why it was chosen as the first single.

We then get another stunning a magical song, "Angel Mom". From the high and beautiful vocals carrying a very deep meaning behind the song, its not hard to see why she has been compared to the likes of Kate Bush. The song consists of a slow build up into the stunning industrial chorus. Luke Murray Allen defines it well as having the subtle blend of two opposites: "industrial yet organic".

Then we get a darker tune in "Feast of the Heart". This song really seems like more of a rock band rather than a single female singer, however the dark sense to this song combined with her voice makes it a good listen as if in the midst of a Blonde Redhead track.

The rest of the album is alot more relaxed, without any strong tracks, however it seems like a more traditional folk album. What it does show perfectly is just how great her song-writing is. "Murder of Birds" is a good example of this, which sounds like poetry.

"Bed Across the Sea" has a strange combination the didgereedoo in the background giving it a weird atmosphere, which is broken from time to time by beautiful highs of her voice.

"Tulip" sounds more like a standard alternative-pop song, with another instrument used that at first wouldnt be considered, this time the electronic organ. It gives this song a mediterranean feel, however just like the previous song, I don't think it works too well. In fact I think it sounds like a Shakira B-side

However the final song, "Hunting My Dress" (doesnt take a detective to see where the album took its name from), is a stunning ballad. Deep meaning and sentimental lyrics, it is understandable why she wanted the album to be named after this.

All in all this album was impressive, and contains something for everyone. Jesca Hoop has been compared to several female artists, from Kate Bush to Bjork to Regina Spektor. I would say vocally, she has similarities to Australian Sarah Blasko, who you should really check out! Still, its easy to compare, however I don't believe it does her justice as she has her own style. Her style to me seems to be vocally led, with simple beats, subtle use of strings and piano which are hooked onto her voice. She has the tenacity to be experimental, which sounds incredible in some parts, and less so in others. As I have mentioned, I was not too impressed on how the tracks were arranged, which seems like very few songs fit in well together. However there are enough tracks to say this album is a great listen, and that is nearly all due to her superb imagination.


Hear - Money (okay its not on this album, but its the only official video I found of hers. And its a cracker)

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)

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

Rating: 9.5/10

One thing I wanted to do through this blog was to expose albums that I have been brought up by that have made changed me. And from that, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was hands down the first I wanted to discuss.

So a bit of background on this young lady at the time. Lauryn was going through a torrential time with partners in the infamous group The Fugees. In fact when Lauryn proposed to the band that she were to do a solo album, there was little support from the group, including the father to her future child, Wyclef Jean.

However, it was afflictions such as above that pushed her to produce a solo album. Miseducation was to be made as a personal diary to her, expressing deep emotions on situations that were also affecting young black americans during this period. Lauryn was in fact the humble narrator, enfused with her own personal dilemmas. However this album was not a simple heart-on-sleave representation on Lauryn's life, in fact, it was the opposite.

One of the greatest addictions to this album is its positive perspective on the individual. Lyrically, the album is so succint, that it seems no number of political advisors could redraft what is said as well as Lauryn did, when she spoke her truth. She does not back away from any subject, from abortion and politics, to love and betrayal.

Also from the appeal of Lauryn came some great support in making this record, from internationally known artists such as D'Angelo, Mary J Blige and Carlos Santana. However even they could not overshaddow the clear talent that was expressed by Lauryn Hill who. with or without some exceptional production, excelled.

What is so great about this album is that I truly believe that anyone, no matter what background, can find strong relevance. Miseducation expresses where Lauryn's emotion and devotions in life are, to the extent of carrying us into her world. For me, this album could often not be left on the shelf for a few months, but if I were to be asked "what would be the most influential album in your life?", well you get the point!

Hear - To Zion

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