This year was a great one for top draw albums - in fact the top 4 of this list were on the long list for the decade list - though none quite made it in the end.... here goes
This album blew me away. A real step on from 'Fur & Gold', employing Yeasayer to produce on a number of tracks was a master stroke. This album feels old (in a good way) whilst new (also in a good way) all at once. Its lyrical strength lies in its clear themes of duality and Jungian philosophy make for fascinating lyrics - even employing Song of Songs ch 3 to start the album... a truly great album.
The last 3 years or so have seen Grizzly Bear's star rise and rise. To my mind they are the USA's best indie/alternative band. Clever atmospheric arrangements. Interesting rhythms. Beautiful Melodies. A band who know exactly what they're doing.
One time member of 'The Polyphonic Spree' and 'Sufjan Stevens' live band - Annie Clark has stepped out of their shadows to make a couple of brilliant records. The first album 'Marry Me' has some glorious tunes - but as a whole this album takes it up a gear. Pop and Indie and Classical all blend together to create a brilliantly unique sound. She is the real deal and my top tip for future brilliantdom.
Daniel Rossen from Grizzly Bear is onto a winner. He is in the best TWO indie bands in America. This album reminds me of the Beatles and the Beach Boys - yet sounds hardly anything like them - evoking the quality of those bands most heralded records yet still remaining purely individual. I probably listened to this record more than any other in 2009.
This album came with much hype - she is one half of 'The Knife'; one of the music press' darling artists. So I was ready for a brilliant yet perhaps awkward record. Which is what I got. You cannot mistake this album for anyone else and there are very few albums I listened to in 2009 of which that is true. Haunting and beautiful.
What did I miss? (I didn't miss 'Battle studies' before you mention it)
dg
4 comments:
I would say Amor Vincit Omnia by Pure Reason Revolution, incredible blend of prog and electronica, three part harmonies and beautiful and intriguing lyrical themes, ending with the most worshipful non-worship chorus I've heard possibly ever. If I were a worship leader I'd use it in a church.
I would say you missed "Insides" by Jon Hopkins. A blend of glitch, eno-type atmospheres, classical, and beautifully played piano lines. Can't get it off the iPod. And then there were his live shows...wow.
How about sigh no more by mumford and sons? And any of the Oceansize albums?
Hi guys...
Timothy - a friend of mine used to be in PRR and they are great band though progged out to the max now!
Kev - had a listen on Spotify - liked it will give it more listens
Niall - Mumford & sons are alright - i find them a bit of a one trick pony - by the third track in i don't want to hear another banjo or 4 part harmony... they are good though.... I've never really got into Oceansize... am I missing out?
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