ear to the ground
As we near the turning of the calender, it's time for me to offer up my lists.. as that's what folks tend to do around this time.
When people ask me what type of music I like or listen to, I tell them the type that goes in my ears. I couldn't possibly attempt to break it down any further than that. There's just so much out there to like. Having said that, I'm offering up ten albums released this year that changed my life. I can only say that this is quintessential listening for me, like food. But not all meals go down the right way. In each, memories are triggered, some good, some not so. It's the nourishment that's lasting.
In no particular order, I've enjoyed lashings of these, devouring at will...
Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour
Alternative Rock offering from these young legends on the UK scene.
The 2 Bears - Be Strong
Electronic Chunky House from these 2 ubermaestros. The London sound.
Sharon Van Etten - Tramp
Folk music with a fresh and cutting edge. Sharons pinings and talent are hypnotic.
Breton - Other Peoples Problems
Electronic something-or-other. Young south London geniuses creating their very own A/V feast.
Alt-J - An Awesome Wave
Indie / Alternative.. call it what you will. Their sound is making waves around the world.
Chet Faker - Thinking in Textures
Electronic Soul. Downtempo beats and sweet lyrics from this Melbournian craftsman.
Bloc Party - Four
Indie RocknRoll. The punchy fourth offering we thought we'd never get.
Japandroids - Celebration Rock
Full-Noise Rock from this duo out of Vancouver BC. Punching so far above their weight
Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods
Indie-Rock gurus pull out another masterpiece. Terribly underated in my eyes.
Sinkane - Mars
Experimental. An eclectic record with some truly wonderful tracks. Music evolving.
To produce a top ten track list is far more difficult. Leaving aside entirely a plethora of songs from the albums above, perhaps the likes of, and again in no particular order:
Dreary Town by Nadine Shah
- spine tingling vocals by this yet to be released northern lass.
Madness by Muse
- what can I say.. probably single of the year!
A Love Like Infinity by FU
- taster off the debut ep due out early 2013, i can't wait.
Wraith by Peace
- debut album due in 2013, they will go large.
It's Too Late by Wild Belle
- debut album due early 2013, unpidgeonholeable, destined for greatness.
Youth in Trouble by The Presets
- another huge tune from the Aussie duo, underworldly.
Jasmine by Jai Paul
- a dusty ground-out lo-fi gem that strains ones very fibres. Right up there.
Chain of Fools by Frank B
- proper phat chicago treatment of Aretha by an Irish up-n-comer.
A&E (Random Acts) by Clean Bandit
- quirky stonker from the fringes that will fill the floor.
Lay it Down by The Rubens
- laidback indierock splendour out of Menangle, of all places.
street art by ears&adnate
4 comments:
Fun list. I like Silversun Pickups and now you've given me some new bands to check out. Thanks for sharing!
This list might be the soundtrack for ringing in the first few months of 2013 for many of us. I rather like that thought - your wrap-up as another's discovery and beginning.
Thank you, bhp. And Happy New Year... x
I'm feeling a bit patriotic now - lovely to see that some of my fellow countrymen are on your list! In all it looks like a stellar way to see in the new year.
Dearest SS, CM & Caramella.. it would be remiss of me to not wish you fine and delectable ladies a fabulous and fruitful 2013.
If i've managed here to introduce you to a couple of songs/bands that tickle your fancy.. then mine is tickled twice over.
xxbhp
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