An outsiders view of 2008...well, I came to counting up the new albums (not including re-releases or old stuff I bought recently) and discovered that 2008 is my worst year for new music - having just purchased 18 albums!
Now, some of it may be me being a little bit tight, but I think there is some element of poor stuff on behalf of the music industry there - keep an eye out for those little bands because they're going to make a break through if midsize indie stays this poor.
So - here is my top 10 countdown of 2008. Hope you disagree!
10: David Byrne & Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Track: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Just teetering at the end of the top 10 is the top man behind ambient music, and highly acclaimed producer with the Talking Heads front man. David Byrne (the Talking Heads one, incase you didn't know) had some cojones to e-mail out the entire website's mailing list pleading with them to vote for Obama on his behalf as he couldn't (some filtering would have been handy, as I can't either!) - anyway, this is a good album, in any other year, this wouldn't make my top 10, but hey.
9: British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music
Track: No Lucifer
Just sheer post-rock brilliance from my local tree wearing crazy people! :)
8: Rogue Traders - Better In The Dark
Track: I Never Like You
Okay, an odd one here. Also, this was released in 2007 in their native Australia (yeah, the singer's from Neighbours) - but didn't get a domestic release in the UK so I picked it up on import at a bored moment. Natalie's sexy snarl is what basically powers this otherwise dready electronica-rock album, but she just sounds so good - particularly live (hence the link). They had a few tracks (namely 'Voodoo Child') out a few years ago to remember.
7: The Cure - 4:13 Dream
Track: Underneath The Stars
Always look forward to a Cure album, and this one's hailed as one of their greatest in recent years. To be honest, I'm not sure - but it's still good. The first track is outstanding, and is featured on the new Underworld prequel. The album's more upbeat than usual - except this one I suppose.
6: Blood Red Shoes - Box of Secrets
Track: This Is Not For You
I talked about these earlier in the year. It still holds up. But I won't talk about them much as I already have.
5: Feeder - Silent Cry
Track: Fires
Nice to see Feeder back on form. This album's the closest they've got to sounding back to their sophomore effort, Yesterday Went Too Soon, in a while. A little gem that's been in my CD player often this year.
4: Gemma Hayes - The Hollow Of Morning
Track: Out of Our Hands
A quiet 3rd release from the once Mercury nominated Irish lady. In my opinion, her best album yet.
3: Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Track: Go Square Go
A crazy fusion of two distinct decades. A notable fact is that I've made the effort to see the top 3 in my list live this year. I enjoyed this fuzzy 60's album very much, though I was probably ready for it a lot earlier...it took damn ages before it got released by then some of the fun was gone. White Lies, don't make the same mistake!
2: James - Hey Ma
Track: Bubbles
The masters of indie are back in style, and this album more than surprised me, as did their live performance at Brixton Academy. Good to have them back.
1: The Delays - Everything's the Rush
Track: Love Made Visible
However, this bouncy pop record from high-singing brother fronted Southampton band, The Delays, gets my top vote for this year - with only one song I dare skip on the entire album, it's a joy to listen to.
As for 2009 - I'm not sure what I'm looking forward to, just hopefully more stuff than last year that's all!
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1 comment:
I'd forgotten about the Delays - it took listening to the song to remember who they were, which is shameful, because it is a good song.
I can see them constantly bubbling under, which probably isn't ideal - but at least it's some attention.
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