RFUS
Anustart
Seeing as we're basically at the half way point for the year, and I haven't started a music thread in what feels like aeons, I figured I'd do a top 10 of what I consider to be the best albums of this fine year so far. Feel free to add your own!
10.) Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Pt 2
Not so much a return to form or originality, so much as it is just a return, as their previous album was released 7 years ago! But they're as good as ever here, and whilst it wouldn't sound out of place in the 80s or 90s, it's a great album and in the light of MCA's recent cancer battle, a very welcome one.
9.) Cage the Elephant - Thank You, Happy Birthday
A thoroughly entertaining follow up to their self-titled 2008 debut. It's everything you want a 2nd album to be; better, smarter, catchier and more polished. Up until March-ish this was far and away my most listened to album of the year.
8.) Radiohead - The King of Limbs
If you'd have told me at the start of the year that before June I'd have found 7 new albums I prefer to Radiohead's 2011 release, I'd have slapped you in the face. But, despite being a raging Radiohead fanboy, I have to be honest; this is not their best. That said, it's incredibly challenging and reveals its charms with time. I can't be sure in years to come I won't love this more than I do their other stuff, but right now, because of it not being quite as good as their recent releases and also because of the general quality of new music at the moment, this comes in at a solid, if unexpexted, 8th place.
7.) Austra - Feel it Break
One word: gorgeous. Austra's synth-pop debut is just a gorgeous album, and it's quite unlike most other things out there at the moment; mixing 80s sounds with more modern sensibilities. The result is one of the best debut albums I've ever come across, and this is a band to keep an eye/ear on. They could be going places.
6.) TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light
TV on the Radio defy the odds again and release yet another ridiculously good, genre-transcending album. Their penchant for perpetual quality is astounding. Sadly this fine album has been overshadowed by the recent, tragic death of influential bass player Gerard Smith, at the horrifically young age of 36. RIP.
5.) Okkervil River - I Am Very Far
This was my first introduction to Okkervil River, but from skimming their past records I can understand why critics are saying this is a change in style. It's a lot less Americana and folk, and a bit more... punchy. Whatever it is anyway, it's bloody good. Will Sheff's vocals are quite unique, and his lyrics are exquisite. "Piratess" is a good candidate for my song of the year so far.
4.) Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
This is a great example of how putting genuine heart, passion, pain and pleasure into a record can pay dividends. Andy Hull has put all of himself, and then some into this, and it shows. Throw in some eclectic instrumental combinations, some powerful hooks and Hull's singing range, and you have a truly fantastic record.
3.) The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
2011's best debut album so far is a doozy. Brash but soft, noisy but quiet and catchy but mental, it's kind of hard to put your finger on what exactly makes it so good. Whatever it is, it is just that; good. Very good, in fact. And the band clearly enjoy playing their music as much as the listener enjoys experiencing it, which is always great to see. As an aside, Ritzy Bryan is my new favourite welshy! Phwoar.
2.) Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact
This album left me with 2 clear thoughts. One upon first hearing it; "What the flip is happening here?" and one upon hearing it for the 10th or so time; "WOW". It's truly experimental, and often bizarre, but give it time and you'll unearth the many gems within. Chief of which is probably "Adult Goth"; probably my favourite song of the year so far.
1.) Thursday - No Devolucion
I'm still coming to terms with how Thursday released this. They were always a very good band, but they tossed out the rulebook for this, and it worked. They honed their sound -- even turned down the volume by a few notches -- and upped the drama levels to provide an emo album in the classical sense, with post-hardcore roots and ultimately, a lot of real life passion. It's full to the brim with gorgeous songs, powerful songs and generally badass songs and it's just a magic album. It came out of nowhere really, and took me completely by surprise, but sometimes that's the best way.
Honourable Mentions:
Jeniferever - Silesia, Yuck - Yuck, Younger Brother - Vaccine, Wild Beasts - Smother, letlive. - Fake History, Esben and the Witch - Violet Cries, The Death Set - Michel Poiccard, Telekinesis - 12 Desperate Straight Lines, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong, The Color Morale - My Devil In Your Eyes and finally, Boris - New Album + Heavy Rocks + Attention Please. Yes, they've released 3 albums this year so far! 3 incredibly different albums (from stoner rock to experimental j-pop). Shockingly, 3 very good albums, and that kind of quality/quantity mixture deserves a most honourable mention.
All in all, it's been a great year for music so far. One of the best I can remember in recent times. Anyway, what's caught the fancy of you lot?
10.) Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Pt 2
Not so much a return to form or originality, so much as it is just a return, as their previous album was released 7 years ago! But they're as good as ever here, and whilst it wouldn't sound out of place in the 80s or 90s, it's a great album and in the light of MCA's recent cancer battle, a very welcome one.
9.) Cage the Elephant - Thank You, Happy Birthday
A thoroughly entertaining follow up to their self-titled 2008 debut. It's everything you want a 2nd album to be; better, smarter, catchier and more polished. Up until March-ish this was far and away my most listened to album of the year.
8.) Radiohead - The King of Limbs
If you'd have told me at the start of the year that before June I'd have found 7 new albums I prefer to Radiohead's 2011 release, I'd have slapped you in the face. But, despite being a raging Radiohead fanboy, I have to be honest; this is not their best. That said, it's incredibly challenging and reveals its charms with time. I can't be sure in years to come I won't love this more than I do their other stuff, but right now, because of it not being quite as good as their recent releases and also because of the general quality of new music at the moment, this comes in at a solid, if unexpexted, 8th place.
7.) Austra - Feel it Break
One word: gorgeous. Austra's synth-pop debut is just a gorgeous album, and it's quite unlike most other things out there at the moment; mixing 80s sounds with more modern sensibilities. The result is one of the best debut albums I've ever come across, and this is a band to keep an eye/ear on. They could be going places.
6.) TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light
TV on the Radio defy the odds again and release yet another ridiculously good, genre-transcending album. Their penchant for perpetual quality is astounding. Sadly this fine album has been overshadowed by the recent, tragic death of influential bass player Gerard Smith, at the horrifically young age of 36. RIP.
5.) Okkervil River - I Am Very Far
This was my first introduction to Okkervil River, but from skimming their past records I can understand why critics are saying this is a change in style. It's a lot less Americana and folk, and a bit more... punchy. Whatever it is anyway, it's bloody good. Will Sheff's vocals are quite unique, and his lyrics are exquisite. "Piratess" is a good candidate for my song of the year so far.
4.) Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
This is a great example of how putting genuine heart, passion, pain and pleasure into a record can pay dividends. Andy Hull has put all of himself, and then some into this, and it shows. Throw in some eclectic instrumental combinations, some powerful hooks and Hull's singing range, and you have a truly fantastic record.
3.) The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
2011's best debut album so far is a doozy. Brash but soft, noisy but quiet and catchy but mental, it's kind of hard to put your finger on what exactly makes it so good. Whatever it is, it is just that; good. Very good, in fact. And the band clearly enjoy playing their music as much as the listener enjoys experiencing it, which is always great to see. As an aside, Ritzy Bryan is my new favourite welshy! Phwoar.
2.) Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact
This album left me with 2 clear thoughts. One upon first hearing it; "What the flip is happening here?" and one upon hearing it for the 10th or so time; "WOW". It's truly experimental, and often bizarre, but give it time and you'll unearth the many gems within. Chief of which is probably "Adult Goth"; probably my favourite song of the year so far.
1.) Thursday - No Devolucion
I'm still coming to terms with how Thursday released this. They were always a very good band, but they tossed out the rulebook for this, and it worked. They honed their sound -- even turned down the volume by a few notches -- and upped the drama levels to provide an emo album in the classical sense, with post-hardcore roots and ultimately, a lot of real life passion. It's full to the brim with gorgeous songs, powerful songs and generally badass songs and it's just a magic album. It came out of nowhere really, and took me completely by surprise, but sometimes that's the best way.
Honourable Mentions:
Jeniferever - Silesia, Yuck - Yuck, Younger Brother - Vaccine, Wild Beasts - Smother, letlive. - Fake History, Esben and the Witch - Violet Cries, The Death Set - Michel Poiccard, Telekinesis - 12 Desperate Straight Lines, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong, The Color Morale - My Devil In Your Eyes and finally, Boris - New Album + Heavy Rocks + Attention Please. Yes, they've released 3 albums this year so far! 3 incredibly different albums (from stoner rock to experimental j-pop). Shockingly, 3 very good albums, and that kind of quality/quantity mixture deserves a most honourable mention.
All in all, it's been a great year for music so far. One of the best I can remember in recent times. Anyway, what's caught the fancy of you lot?
