The Week in music #2

Yes, I know I missed one last week but there was no point reporting on just a couple of albums I heard. It's been a bit of a slow start to the year...up until this week that is. I've been off ill so it gave me a fair few chances to relax, listen to some classics and new albums.

Starting with the big leaks, Lana Del Rey's Born To Die is out there if anyone wants to have a listen since she's seemingly everywhere at the moment. I quite like the album, it trails off at the end, but if you want some nice Pop to listen to (in a similar vein to Gwen Stefani, I miss her) then give this a go. The hype around her is ridiculous, but to be fair she seems to be handling it pretty well. Good for her!

Another album to cause a few mini-excitements is Grimes' Visions, but it's a very divisive album. Similar to Gang Gang Dance's Eye Contact last year, squeaky vocals, synth-pop and a few J-Pop influences; I like it, and I honestly don't know why, because the first time I heard it it gave me an even worse headache than what I already had, but repeated listens later and it's something I can find myself listening to when hyped-up on sugar, or just a very immature and light listen.

Finally gave the new Guided By Voices album a go...not really that impressed. Feels half-finished and hit-and miss, and Tennis have a new album out too! They're probably the most inoffensive band ever, and it's a minor step up from their debut...but honestly, I have no idea where their 3rd LP will take them, they haven't really evolved their sound, so they might be the Pitchfork Oasis or something.

Of Montreal have exceeded themselves in pretentiousness too in Paralytic Stalks. They make Arcade Fire sound like The Vaccines; it's just a little bit too crazy for my liking, but I'm not giving up on it that easily.

That's about it! Next week I'll have an update on Perfume Genius (yay), Gonjasufi (hmm), Crippled Black Phoenix (ooooooh!), and perhaps Lambchop and Xiu Xiu...there's a fair bit of stuff coming out.

The Week in Music #1

A new year brings new music, and at the moment things have started a bit slowly in terms of big names. There's still a few months before my favourite artists start releasing new material, but at the moment I'm just continuing to check out new stuff.

The best album I've heard so far this year (hah, only been 13 days...) is Cloud Nothings' 3rd album, where they've changed their sound from the Lo-Fi Punk to something a little more moodier. Quite a surprisingly good album and definitely a step up from last year's effort.

As for the best compilation, Pinch's Fabriclive is a good mix of Dubstep and Techno, and definitely something I can see myself listening to when I'm in the party mood. Lindstrom's latest album Six Cups of Rebel is a bit of a disappointment, it's a never-goes-anywhere kind of listen, and a very frustrating one at that. I really wanted to like it, but I can't bring myself to get enthusiastic about it.

The earliest contender for worst album of 2012 is almost definitely The Big Pink's Future This. Even though I thought their debut was alright, the 2nd album is an uninspiring and bland listen, and it just sounds like their repeated Dominoes 13 times.

Currently I still have to listen to Of Montreal's new album, I just hope it's much better than their last release, and a Dubstep offering from Goth-Trad (awful name, but it's a pretty solid album (needs more listens))

Interesting start to 2012 indeed.

Iddy's top 100: 3,2........1!

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! (is now playing in your head)

So it's time to end this long list with the final 3. It's been so bloomin' stressful to try and order everything out, and unlike last year, there wasn't a definitive number 1 this time, and the order changed so many times over the last month.

Ask me again it might change, but I'm fairly certain this is it.

3. Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact

WARNING - this album will either drive you nuts and you'll curse me for putting it this high, or chances are you really like weird, Psychedelic Pop with squeaky female vocals...you'll fall into one or the other.

I really, really love this album, and it's hard to explain why. First of all, the lead single is a 12 minute slow build-up of a burst of happiness (the album opener Glass Jar), and then after that the album never really lets up. It goes from extremes to extremes, even includes a guest vocal performance by that guy from Hot Chip...y'know, that guy.

Then you have those random dance breakdowns, and believe me when I say it sounds fabulous when you're slightly drunk on wine at 1am on a Friday... Sounding interesting? Like I said at the start, it's a hugely divisive album. Don't say I didn't warn you.

2. Andy Stott - Passed Me By/We Stay Together

WARNING #2, these two mini-albums (released as one "big" album) WILL destroy your headphones, and I mean that in the way that it will reach the lower frequencies because it's such a bassy listen. 

But I love this guy...I mean, pure bass love <3 Passed Me By is something like "swamp Techno", where it's devilishly dark and moody, while We Stay Together features longer, more progressive tracks that juggernaut. Like Bassy music? Want to listen to something...slightly different this year? Listen to these two. 

By far and away the best "discovery" I made this year (thanks Atease)

Damn it, this is still number 1...

...It's a modern day classic if you ask me...

1. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

A lot of things have been said about this album already and I'm not going to re-write all that. Instead, I'm just going to say that this album is just about the most perfect listen I've heard all year, there are no weak moments at all, and it's incredibly easy to love - I bought it for my mum and it's one of her favourite albums now!

It's also strange considering before her album was released, I was optimistic yes, but no-one was prepared for an album this good. We all know she's a bit of a legend, but it's great to see an artist still pushing their creative peak at the tender age of 40.

..and that's the end of 2011!

Thanks to those who've been reading. I know I'm not the best writer and all that, but I always like to make these lists and then look back over them at a later date. That, and it's also nice to celebrate good music, isn't it?

Merry christmas everyone, hope you all have a great 2012.

Iddy's top 100: 4

4. St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Oh hohoho, this was nearly number 1...very nearly, and considering there are 3 other albums above it, that's how undecided and confused more than anything as to what was my number 1 of 2011.

Personally, I reckon St Vincent goes from strength to strength. She hasn't released a single bad album, and continues to gather more fans, admirers and even casual listeners. I nearly saw her live a few weeks ago in the Deaf  Institute, I was puzzled why she still plays in small venues :(

So what makes this album tick? It's pretty and kooky pop, throw in a few aggro, and it never ever gets dull. She deserves to be much bigger than what she is now.

Iddy's top 100: 5

5. Lucy - Wordplay For Working Bees

"Wait, what? What is this shit?"

Well, this is yet another Techno album I got into this year, but it was a bit of a random choice. It was cruelly left out of Resident Advisor's top 20, but I'm pretty sure it's in every other Electronic music website's lists of 2011...or on most of them anyway.

Considering the genre it's very easy to get into it. I was pretty much hooked straight away, and this was always going to be the dark horse for my 2011 title. Unfortunately it didn't quite make it, but in any other year it could be top 3 at the very least. Poor Lucy.

Iddy's Top 100: 6

6. Wild Beasts - Smother

This is where the going gets very tough. At one point Smother was top 3, then dropped a bit, then went back up, and has now eventually settled into 6th place.

It's very hard to pick my favourite track on this album, because I think the first half is flawless, and so is the album closer, and even the B-side Smother! I didn't hesitate to buy a ticket to see their show in Manchester next year, should be a great one.

Top 5 is coming tomorrow. I think I settled on a definitive one this time...

Iddy's top 100: 7

7. Shabazz Palaces - Black Up

This isn't a typical Hip-Hop album, it's so deep in weirdness, "pretentious" song titles and awkward time signatures, that it's one of the most outstanding albums of the year, nevermind just in the genre. Considering how odd it is at first, it became a favourite very quickly, and by the end of the year, I felt very comfortable with the music, and it usually takes me a while to get into Hip-Hop albums.

Iddy's top 100: 8

8. The Weeknd - House of Balloons

Here is the first of his "albums" self-released this year, and it still sounds utterly brilliant 'till today. While the hype around Thursday was huge, Echoes of Silence is coming out soon hopefully (or in 2012...we will see)

So, what do I love about this album? Without sounding too much like a twit, he has a fairly druggy vibe about his music topics, lots of samples to give his music that really cool edge to it, and....it's free. Why lose out? Even if you don't like it, it's free! Bonus!

Great album, I'll continue to listen way beyond 2011.

Iddy's top 100: 9

9. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

This album continues to please and bring about so many lovely melodies and surprises in each track. FF continue to evolve their sound without alienating their audience. I honestly think this is their best album, because some of the songs continue to grow on me even after listening to this album all year, and in a way it's nearly flawless. It's a tad too long, only a smidge, but I honestly have no other complaints. It's just too good.

Iddy's top 100: 10

10. Machinedrum - Room(s)

Right, imagine an album where you can't stop dancing to....yeah, that's basically Room(s) in a nutshell. It is infectious how catchy some of the songs are, and they work on everyone too - I put it on at Uni and my friend (although drunk I admit) absolutely loved it. And she likes Paramore. See? Insta-win. Can't go wrong here.

Listen to it, thank me later. Or for those who have already heard it, just reaffirming how awesome this is.

Also, thanks to Machinedrum's hilarious picture for my end post on Muselive.

Hipster? Moi?

Iddy's top 100: 15-11

I might finish this today y'know...

15. Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

This is a surprise hit of an album. I always have liked them, but this here album has propelled them into the higher state. Not to mention the song Vomit, which is an absolute instant classic.

14. Kate Bush - 50 Words for Snow

KATE'S BAAAACK!!!!

Right, now that I got that out of my system (uber Kate Bush fan here), thankfully this album did not disappoint, and of course it wouldn't!! It was also released during my essay writing period, perfect background music, but it's also currently...snowing...ish in Wales (more like slush, but it's white anyway), so it's the perfect backdrop. It is such a great album, even the Stephen Fry collaboration is quite sweet, but the first 4 tracks are utterly perfect. Welcome back Kate, more in the future please.

13. Tim Hecker - Ravedeath, 1972

Moaaaar Ambient!!

I love this album, even if to some people it's a bit of a snooze-a-thon, but there's something very eerie and scary about it all.

I have been Ambient binging this year haven't I...I didn't even notice that, and this is not quite the final appearance of one either...

12. Tom Waits - Bad as Me

I literally had about 10% interest on this album because the man is a legend, but oh boy - what a great album it turned out to be! It jumped straight into the top 20 and has stayed there since. Even cruelly left out of Pitchfork's list (predictable bastards), it's highly regarded throughout the music world.

11. Grouper - AIA

Here's that one last slice of Ambient...

a double album worth of it too. I prefer the first cd because it has more distinctive tracks, but overall it's an otherwordly beast, but it's also a "love it or hate it" kind of album too. I absolutely love it.

Iddy's top 100: 20-16

...and so the countdown reaches fever pitch.

20. Rustie - Glass Swords

It's not very hard to describe this music - Zelda video game music x far too much ecstacy = Glass Swords. I used a part of Hover Traps for my stop motion work in University recently and it fitted in with the theme perfectly ("Childhood memories", awww). I really didn't think much of it the first time I heard it, but now if I want a happy kick, I'd pick this everytime.

19. Kuedo - Severant

A more "mature" sound compared to Rustie, it was one of those albums that hit me straight away, built on layers and layers of electronic noise. It's a very unique and weird sounding album, another lucky pick.

18. Boris - New Album

Right, if you're a fan of Boris, look here now. If you're a fan of their heavy Psych riffs, you may want to look away. This Japanese-only release is a blend of Techno, Shoegaze, and J-Pop...*phew*. It sounds very confusing that, but it somehow works. It's just a bit of a mindfuck for old-time fans, but you can't blame a band for trying, I'm personally a massive fan of these guys, this album included.

17. Clams Casino - Instrumental

Making Hip-Hop beats for big-time rappers? Here's the instrumental collection (like it's named, huh). However it's far more interesting sounding than it lets out. For one thing, the production is smoooooth and dreamy, and even for instrumentals they make for their own standalone songs just as good. Must-listen.

16. The Horrors - Skying

Yeah they're not that interesting live, but I really liked their last album, so it was a no-brainer that I was going to listen to this too. It's lush - they've gone deeper into the psychedelic shoegaze territory - even sounding a bit like Pink Floyd on one or two songs - but also keeping that Pop Rock sound, but balancing the album with 9 minute monsters and something a little easier to digest for the casuals. Such a good album.

Iddy's top 100: 30-21

Now that I'm finished with Uni for 2011, I have more time to sit back with a cup of tea in front of the fire and to finish this, hopefully by Sunday too. It's started snowing in my village, so the christmas spirit is well under way.

30. Pinch & Shackleton - Self-Titled

This is something of a Dubstep wet dream, similar to Kanye West's and Jay-Z's collaboration, except this time I feel like Pinch and Shackleton compliment each other seamlessly without neither dominating on their distinctive sound. If I had one gripe about it, it's probably that it's slightly too long, but otherwise it's a very enjoyable, dark and moody album.

29. LV & Joshua Idehen - Routes

Continuing with the Dubstep trend, this album has an injection of Funk into it compared to the last entry. It's probably a good starting point if you want something a little more danceable this year, and after listening to this all year it still remains a personal favourite of mine.

28. Panda Bear – Tomboy

It has nothing on Person Pitch, but even though it feels lacking and (dare I say it) "half-arsed" at times, some of the melodies are absolute gold. I think those positives outweigh the negatives, but it's another album that divides opinions on music forums.

27. Instra:Mental – Resolution 653

It's nearly impossible to categorise this into a genre, but let's say that this is experimental Electronic music, and some of it is gorgeous (Waterfall in particular) Mind-blowing at times.

26. EMA – Past Life Martyred Saints

I love this woman, basically because I saw her live and she shook my hand (or a very strange high five), and used my hand to strum her guitar (not a metaphor damn it!) But more importantly, her album is incredibly raw and full of "fuck you" attitude. They're even better live too.

25. Low – C’mon

I have a very soft spot for Low, they got me through some tough times this year, but I'd say that this album is such a lovely and easy listen, that it's a shame that some people consider it "boring".

24. Morphosis – What Have We Learned

Very creepy Techno music. It's probably more accessible than the previous Techno albums on this list too, but for a debut it's very impressive.

23. James Blake - Self-Titled

I am in two minds about this album, for one thing it is a very accomplished debut album, but I can't help but think it could have been a little better. That's just me nitpicking though, because from what I've heard from his later singles and EP's, album #2 will be just as good, if not better.

22. Mike Dehnert – Framework

I want to visit Germany just to experience the clubs and nightlife, and this is one of the reasons why. A little under-rated around some of the music reviewing websites and forums I go on, but I've always been hooked on it since I first heard it.

21. The Antlers – Burst Apart

For a very long time this was in the top 20, but it slid out right at the end as I compiled this list. Why? While it's a good album, after the first half of the album nothing really grabs me. Some of the songs are stunning (No Widows, French Exit), but compared to Hospice it doesn't have the same impact.

Iddy's top 100: 40(41?)-31

Finally decided on my top 10, and boy did it change a bit.

Anyway, we still have a fair bit to go before that, so on with the list...

...damnit, I did the numbering wrong, so push everything back one place, and it's fine... silly me.

41. The Joy Formidable – The Big Roar

I would recommend seeing them live about a billion times, the energy is amazing and it was definitely a highlight of 2011. The album is a little too long, but it has some stellar tracks on there, but my personal favourite will always be Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie. What a great way to open an album!

40. Roly Porter – Aftertime

Very moody ambient stuff again (there's a lot of ambient albums on this list...) but it's a bit of a slow burner this one. It reminds me of video game music in parts because it's brilliantly atmospheric.

39. 2562 – Fever

A Dubstep/Techno/Wonky Techno/Whatever you like to call it album made entirely out of old 70's disco record samples? Sounds crazy but it actually works. Doesn't always deliver, but when it does it's genius.

38. Oh Land – Oh Land

A very good Pop record by Denmark's next big thing. She's highlighted Bjork's Homogenic album as her main inspirational album, and if her debut album is this good, expect big things in the future.

37. Balam Acab – Wander Wonder

This made a massive jump to the top 50 spot right at the very end, mainly because at first I just didn't like it at all (I preferred Shlohmo, but that album isn't even in the top 50 anymore) I've since changed my mind, but it's an album you'll either love or hate. Can't guarantee people will like it.

36. Tune Yards – WHO KILL

Another opinion divider. I pretty much liked it from the start, as it's such a kooky album filled with hooks and great melody.

35. Bon Iver – Bon Iver, Bon Iver

This was top 20 for a while, but I guess I just...got a little bored of it. It's still a very good album though, but what ruins it for me is the awful 80's album closer. Otherwise it would probably slightly higher up.

34. Bruno Pronsato – Lovers Do

Oh hello there, "disappointing" album. By dissapointing I mean it's nowhere near as good as his last album. Nevertheless, another (sigh, lots of these!!) dividing album - very long tracks, not a lot of melody, but what it lacks in melody it makes up in atmosphere. If you're new to Techno I wouldn't recommend diving into this album straight away, but otherwise, give it a spin, it's pretty.

33. Radiohead – King of Limbs

Oh hello, this had to make an appearance somewhere. When it comes to ranking Radiohead albums, this is probably in the lower half, but it's still an album I enjoy when I put it on, the second half of the album in particular is so good.

32. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne

Doesn't quite reach the heights of Kanye's 2010 album, but it's an enjoyable listen nevertheless. Didn't quite live up to the hype around it.

31. Destroyer - Kaputt

One of the first albums I heard all year, and it's still one of the best. I find it quite a nice summer album actually, very chilled out Indie.

Iddy's top 100 - 50-41

The top 10 is still an utter nightmare to order, which is why I'm taking my sweet time with this list. That and the fact I'll be going home from Uni tomorrow so I'll have far more free time to finish everything.

On with the show...


50. Marissa Nadler – ST

I saw this get a good review from Drowned in Sound, so I thought I'd check it out. It's a very sweet, summery Folk album, definitely easy on the ears and full of melodies.

49. Surgeon – Breaking The Frame

Not an album for everyone, but it starts off as a lively Techno album before dissolving into an Ambient state. Bit of an odd transition but it somehow works.

48. Lykke Li – Wounded Rhymes

Lykke Li kicked 2011's door down with this powerful Pop album. She's a lady that's going places, and good ones at that. Get Some is still one of my favourite songs of the year.

47. Laura Marling – A Creature I Don’t Know

The ever-consistent Laura Marling hasn't put a foot wrong as far as I'm concerned. On her 3rd album she ventures down a more darker sound, but in a way I always wanted her to do that. She says she may go in a more "Punk" direction for her 4th album...whether she will or not, it'll be interesting nevertheless.

46. Class Actress – Rapprocher

In my Word document notes for this year's list, I put this under the short description:

SO BRING IT AWWWWWN, BRING ON THE WEEEEEKEEEEND!

Now, go quickly and listen to this slice of 80's nostalgia Pop, because it is a treat. One of my favourite random listens of the year, and definitely one to watch in the future. I've already converted James Lewis, more people now. Go! Spotify!

45. The Weeknd – Thursday

This is the weaker of the Weeknd albums/mixtapes/compilations or whatever, still no sign of the third and final part though, but it's still a good listen. However, if you're going to check out this guy this year, I'd listen to House of Balloons first...who knows where that will place...
I'd file it under druggy R&B, but not the Rihanna kind. Oh no sir.

44. Josh T. Pearson – Last of the Country Gentlemen

I'm not sure why this is so high, but it's an album that screams patience, and at times it can be downright painful and time consuming...and tiresome, but when the good bits come, they make it all worthwhile. Slow and moody Folk.

43. Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica

Weird sampled Ambient. Definitely not a first listen love-in, but it reminds me of Burial in some places - it takes an age to immerse yourself in the music. If you check out one song from this album, make sure it's Replica.

42. Bjork – Biophilia


My favourite artist is baaack! Just like The King of Limbs, you either like or dislike this album, and fortunately I'm in the like camp. It doesn't have the dance qualities of her last album, but instead focuses more on atmosphere like Vespertine. Pick of the tracks? Mutual Core, one of her best songs in the last 10 years I'd say.

41.Smith Westerns – Dye it Young

Easy peasy Indie Rock. Another album I can't really explain why I like it so much, I guess it's a very accessible album to listen to (vocals can grate though), but it's also a fun and a bit of comic relief in this chart after some serious listens.

Sorry about the lack of pictures on the last few albums. Kind of in a rush, but I'll edit it once I get back from Uni :)

(If I can remember, I have the memory of a goldfish with these things)