Jimmy Eat World - Invented

Arizona's Jimmy Eat World returned this year with their seventh studio album Invented. I wasn't such a big fan of 2007's Chase This Light, whilst it isn't a bad album I think it's stuck half way in between their early raw sound such as Clarity and their flagship albums, & Bleed AmericanFutures.

So when Invented came along I wasn't as excited as I perhaps should have been, Jimmy Eat World are one of my favourite bands yet I had that feeling of "meh" when Invented was announced.

What can be taken from the album however is that it is similar to Chase This Light, but in some strange way I find that slightly forgiving? It's as if Jim Adkins and co are happy in their little place. After a few listens the album comes into it's own and whilst it will never be as popular as Bleed American, it's a bloody good record in itself.

I find myself sticking songs on repeat constantly, the opening Heart Is Hard To Find is brilliant whilst the duet on Coffee and Cigarettes with Courtney Marie Andrews is quite beautiful, A simple song about simple lives summed up with "nothing quite compares, to easy times and easy eyes to meet you in a stare"

In fact Courtney sings on 5 of the tracks from Invented and it's a nice touch.

All in all a really fun record, it doesn't pull up any tree's it's not really original but it still screams Jimmy Eat World, It will surely be a hit to fans.

Rating 8/10


Northern Soul

listening to:
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs - Cath...

KT Tunstall - Tiger Suit

It's been 3 years since Ms Tunstall's last offering, Drastic Fantastic, so there is a reasonable amount riding on Tiger Suit - the name taken from a reoccuring dream Tunstall had as a child.

She's always been a popular artist since her jump into the limelight. As a performer she is exciting and fresh, demonstrated below with her appearance on Jools Holland 3 years ago:



The sound is more polished but at the same time some of the rawness has been retained. Opener Uummannaq Song presents a the slight change in style for Tunstall with tribal cries and a battle-like beat thumping throughout the song. Push That Knot Away veers towards the more traditional Tunstall of Eye To The Telescope and yet there is a certain blues-zing which adds a freshness. Glamour Puss flirts with the listener whilst carrying them out the door via the toe-tapping drums and guitar.
Just as the album starts to fade (Still A) Weirdo takes it down a beat and the introspective Tunstall peeks out, still light and fun and definitely a stand-out track.

Tiger Suit is a change for Tunstall yet her raw vocals remind us of just how good she is. Creativity oozes from every track and whilst she may lose a few of the old guard, there are sure to be plenty new fans to take their place.

A solid effort that'll keep your foot tapping throughout.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: KT Tunstall - Madame Trudeaux

Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man

Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man

There are undoubtedly two sides to Manic Street Preachers. The political side which was most evident on The Holy Bible, or the radio friendly side with melodies which anyone would find hard to dislike.

So when The Manics returned with an album both James and Nicky describe as "one last shot at mass communication" It doesn't take a genius to figure out what you would expect from their tenth album.

And it doesn't disappoint either. Postcards From A Young Man opens on the brilliantly catchy single (It's Not War) Just The End Of Love, leading away from this is the title track followed by the superb Some Kind Of Nothingness.


The album is everything you would expect from modern day Manics, James' Lyrics are strong as ever, The Catchy guitar riffs are ever present throughout also.

something perhaps a little different however is the backing gospel choir and Strings arrangements through the album. It certainly makes it more anthemic and brings the sing along feel to each track.

And this is where Postcards From A Young Man will split fans. If you're a big fan of Generation Terrorists or The Holy Bible then this album is completely opposite.

However if you grew up (like I did) to If You Tolerate This or A Design For Life, then Postcards From A Young Man will certainly please.

The Manics are keeping well within the safety lines here but I still think it works very well and will keep the majority of their fans pleased.

8/10

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man - All We Make Is Entertainment

A few albums

It's been a while since either of us have posted on here, But I suppose I should keep up the blog, if for nothing else than for my own personal satisfaction. I've never been much of a writer (as may be evident) but when there's something I'm passionate about I just love to talk about it.

The last album review I did was Flaws by Bombay Bicycle and instead of doing a full album review, I will give a brief summary of some albums I've heard since then and give a couple of ratings. Why not hey?

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

There's no denying this album is critically acclaimed, pretty much every review i've read has been glistening, So I was bitterly disappointed that after multiple attempts, The Suburbs just didn't grab me at all. It's their longest album to date, over an hour long. And an hour of well just boredom for me. The sound is still there but there's no highlights. It's just a drab affair. My rating - 4/10



The Book Club - The Book Club EP

Since the split of Milburn in 2007 there has been a big void in my musical life. The Sheffield band were one of my favourites and were extremely under rated. After the split they went their separate ways, a lot of failed attempts but now it looks like Joe Carnall may finally return with a band who despite their own style still sound like Joes former band. This short 4 track EP shows promise and has a couple of outstanding tracks in What Was Said On The Landing and Justice For The 96 My Rating - 7/10


Interpol - Interpol

My favourite band returned this year without Carlos Dengler (though he did play on the album). Interpol is an album which wont draw any new fans and could quite possibly draw some fans away. The album is very dark, Nothing on the album would immediately shout single with the exception of Barricade which almost doesn't fit in with the rest of the album. Whilst I'm a huge Interpol fan I'm not blind enough to say this album is fantastic or a masterpiece. It's certainly their weakest to date and a challenging listen. But there are some good songs on the album if you give it time. My Rating - 6/10


O. Children - O. Children

Another new band i've stumbled across recently thanks to a friend are the London band O. Children. The album is brilliant. They have the sound of White Lies. Lead singer Tobias O’Kandi strong haunting voice may have you hiding behind the couch however! I seriously recommend checking them out. If you're a fan of White Lies or love the whole post punk movement they will be your cup of tea!

My Rating - 8/10


Northern Soul


Listening to:

Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man - Some Kind Of Nothingness

Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws

About a year has passed since I Had The Blue But I Shook Them Loose launched relatively unknowns Bombay Bicycle Club right into the limelight. The young London band have returned with their second album Flaws and it's something which many will be surprised by.

Flaws is a completely acoustic album, What does that mean for the future of the band? Flaws certainly isn't a concept album so it begs the question of which direction they're going to take in future.

The album was released and the band are currently touring the country in some less than traditional venues you'd expect a rock band to play. The Sage in Gateshead or St Pauls Church in Birmingham for example. Whichever direction they're taking they're really getting behind this current project, temporary or permanent.

Enough small talk. There are some really beautiful songs on this album. Title track Flaws is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard this year, it's so minimalistic in it's set up (as is the whole album) One acoustic guitar and two vocals. The song is played softly but delivered powerfully from Jack and Lucy Rose, the two compliment each other superbly.

Listeners will recognise Dust On The Ground from their previous release as well as Ivy & Gold which was released by the band in may. Some other numbers my sound familiar too. Fairytale Lullaby is a cover of John Martyn whilst Swansea is a stunning cover of Joanna Newsom.

Now you start to see why the band have released a completely stripped down bare album. It doesn't stop there either, The way jack plays My God sounds chillingly like Dylans Moonshine Blues. If these are the artists Jack is listening to and the genre the band are interested in, it seems to make perfect sense that the follow up is Acoustic and not electric.

After this release I am eagerly waiting the band to follow up, what will be next? Nu-Metal or Country!? Joking aside of course, this album if nothing else celebrates the diversity of the band. whilst they're still growing and still learning, they're showing they are more than a one trick pony. The Futures bright even if this album will split fans.

7/10

Stand out tracks:

Rinse Me Down
Dust On The Ground
Fairytale Lullaby
My God
Flaws
Swansea

Northern Soul

listening to:

Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws - Flaws

Lissie - Catching A Tiger

Coming to the airwaves near you.

Lissie is exciting and Catching A Tiger is a strong debut album; one you'd be hard pushed to want more from. Her vocals seem effortless and certainly, watching the duet she did with Ellie Goulding you can witness just how strong she is

Catching A Tiger promises some mid-western bluesy, country tones and it doesn't fail to deliver. Her talent is evident merely seconds into Record Collector fitting nicely alongside pots and pans clatter. Her effortless, laid back vocal strikes clear through the mêlée despite the rough and ready undertones ending in with a feeling of emotional exhaustion. She's good, real good.

Oh Mississippi, written together with Ed Harcourt is simply haunting, capturing that "out west" feel that is promised by her appearance - it's not hard to imagine floating down the Mississippi towards that dusty sunset.
Everywhere I Go could be criticised as being bland were it not for her soaring voice. The understated melody paves the way for a vocal that pulls the goosebumps up on your arms - for those who argue the song doesn't go anywhere, you're wrong her voice is right on the money.

Catching A Tiger will no doubt be a massive debut for this Illinois girl and one can only hope she doesn't fall into the pit of blandness. It seems others have seen the capacity for her to be the next Sheryl Crowe and that just won't do.

She's an antidote to Gaga and a welcome one.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Lissie - Little Lovin'

Feeder - Renegades

Grant Nicholas and Taka Hirose have had quite a hectic year for so many different reasons.

Drummer Mark Richardson left to reunite with his former band Skunk Anansie, Feeder used their alter ego Renegades to promote new tracks and now the band have now released their 7th album!

Called.... yep, Renegades.

Grant made no secret during The Renegades tours that the side project was to be an intimate afair with diehard fans. No Hits were played at these shows, Instead the band sampled new music which was more raw, more electric and, some would say more of what the band are about.

The same mindset has been followed up with the new album. Gone are the acoustics, gone are the ballards. If you're looking for Feeling A Moment or Just The Way I'm Feeling - you won't find them here.

To get a feel of the album I believe you're going to have to go back to early Feeder, perhaps as far back to Yesterday Went Too Soon. Renegades starts out as raw and electic as they come, White Lines, Call Out, Renegades and Sentimental push firmly what this album is about, the same energy is present throughout.

I don't usually single out songs I dislike but I couldn't let this album review go without a little note about This Town. The album on a whole has grown on me the more i've played it but This Town has probably had the opposite affect! Something about Nicholas barking lyrics, It just doesn't work for me. It's probably the only genuine poor song on the album.

However it's more of an annoyance than a concern as the rest of the album plays out nicely. City In A Rut is a paricularly good song and maybe my favourite of the album.

Does it measure up to 2008's Sileny Cry? No but Renegades is still a good album. Fans of Feeder/Renegades will recognise a lot of the material on the album. 5 of the tracks are from the two EP's which the band brought out exclusive to those fans who attended Renegades gigs. if you liked what you heard there then that alone would suggest you will like this album.

7/10

Stand out tracks:
White Lines
Call Out
Renegades
Sentimental
City In A Rut


Northern Soul

Listening to:
Feeder - Yesterday Went Too Soon - Radioman

We Are Scientists - Barbara

California's own We Are Scientists return with their forth album Barbara, This is the first album to be released without drummer Michael Tapper. Former Razorlight member Andy Burrows takes over drumming responsibilities.

On listening to the album you wouldn't sense that there had been a change in the line up, Burrows is certainly a very talented drummer and musician. This latest venture for him is certainly a step down in terms of mainstream success. Whilst I'm not a fan of Razorlight, it would be pretty naive to suggest that WAS were a bigger or more successful band than Burrows former.

However he fits in perfectly with Keith Murray and Chris Cain, the three work well together and have produced a decent record with some nice and catchy songs. Nice Guys in particular is as good as any of their previous work from With Love and Squalor, Brain Thrust Mastery or the compilation Crap Attack.

The band were clever with their release. Before the album was available to fans, they released two tracks which would ensure fans would come back for more, Rules Don't Stop and Nice Guys.

Rules don't stop is a typical We Are Scientists song, nice and playful, fun lyrics and a nice rocky back beat, this leads perfectly into I Don't Bite which in particular features Chris' strong bass lines. Follow this on with Nice Guys and you think you're onto a winner of an album.

The album starts to fade a little after these tracks however and there is quite a lot of filler. I wouldn't go as far as to say the songs are poor, but they are not what the band will ever be remembered for.

It's not all bad news there are a couple of other songs worthy of a mention, Ambition has a nice catchy guitar riff. You Should Learn is a very lively song which will have you dancing around and singing along just as you'd expect from a We Are Scientists song.

All in all, this album is a decent follow up to their previous attempt. The band have stuck to what they know best; producing music which will appeal to their cult following. It's not an album filled with hits nor is it their best material but Barbara is an album their fans will enjoy. For those who enjoy them in doses (like me), it's nothing to get too excited over. Nor will this album gain any new fanbase.

6/10

Stand out tracks:
Rules Don't Stop
I Don't Bite
Nice Guys
Ambition
You Should Learn

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Mystery Jets - Serotonin - Alice Springs

Kele - The Boxer

This album can either be considered a brilliant debut solo or an album without direction. The choice, is yours.

I'll take the former. You can tell he's happy, you can tell this is what he enjoys. You'd be hard pushed to find a Bloc Party fan who won't admit BP weren't heading this way when they went on hiatus - maybe this shows the immensity of force he had behind the band. Shades of A Weekend In The City can still be found on The Boxer...it's more of a zig-zag in genre.

T-e-n-d-e-r-o-n-i. He even spells it out for you, just in case you weren't sure. This is unashamedly, electronically indulgent. If you managed to catch his performance at Glastonbury this year you'll have seen that bright-white smile bouncing around the stage. Vocally he is on top form, and listening to Meet In The Middle or All The Things I Could Never Say, two more mellow tracks, he sores. Ardent fans probably won't have a problem with this album but to the occasional listener, On The Lam and Walk Tall may not sit comfortably.

Kele has come out fighting, this album is a genuine reflection of where his head is at and no compromises made. In a do or die, attempt for freedom Kele has successful climbed the mountain and can now rest and survey the wondrous scene unfold below.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Kele - Rise

Minus The Bear - Omni

Life has gotten in the way lately but I return with a review of Menos El Oso's new album, Onmi.

I was impatient and shipped it from America because I couldn't wait for the UK release date. It's generally received good reviews with Metacritic giving it an over score of 70/100. Of course they won't please everyone and they sure as hell didn't please Pitchfork, receiving a meagre 35 - then again just exactly what does please Pitchfork these days...

This album will divide and hopefully conquer back Minus fans. It's a much more polished sound, there's no denying that. However, it could be argued as being more accessible too and that's no bad thing - after all a few more fans never hurts. The first single 'My Time' is very Minus, a pleasure to listen to and the video is fun to watch. Once again, Pitchfork bemoans it for being 'over produced as hell' but we'll just tell them to shut up and try being pleasant for once.
The interesting point in the creation of this album is that according to an interview Jake Snider did with Livedaily, the band recorded much of the album live, using single takes capturing the "live vibe" of Minus the Bear.

The rest of the album is psychedelic, dancey, technical and unadulterated Minus The Bear, particular stand outs include: Excuses, The Thief and Into The Mirror. So I give Pitchfork the middle finger and feel smug in the knowledge that myself and others won't be servant to poor reviews because we actually listen to the album. As AbsolutePunk reviewer Drew Beringer writes, "You can waste your time bitching and moaning about how Omni isn’t like Highly Refined Pirates or Menos El Oso. Or you can take the stick out of your ass and enjoy the ride."

The sun is bright and the ride is just fine.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Minus The Bear - Animal Backwards

Exit Calm

In this month of great releases (see previous blogs about The National & Foals) another unforgettable release came our way in the case of Exit Calm. The Shoegaze/Psychedelic four piece come from Barnsley and have caused quite a stir amongst avid fans of this particular Genre.

Comprised of Nicky Smith (Vocals), Rob Marshall (Guitar), Simon Lindley (Bass) & Scott Pemberton (Drums), the band have been around a fair few years now. I first stumbled upon Exit Calm in 2008 when they supported fellow Yorkshire band The Music on their 3rd album tour (Strength In Numbers (Which is also a great album. Highly recommended!))

Exit Calm's debut album was officially launched today. My copy arrived last Friday as their record label, AC30, shipped the album a week prior to its official release.

This album will take you all the way back to the brit-pop era. It won't take you to Oasis, It won't take you to Blur or Pulp. Exit Calm will take you to the unmistakable and thoroughly enthralling image of The Verve and in particular their 1993 album A Storm In Heaven.

Nicky's vocals are strong enough to come through the sheer brilliance of the sound which is produced behind him and compliments the band perfectly. He doesn't over shadow the band at all. In particular, Marshall and his ability to take us somewhere no other band really have been able to since early psychedelic movement in the 90's. In all honesty, this is The Verve's era all over again.

But let's make one thing clear, these aren't a rip off, nor are they just aimlessly following in the footsteps of Richard Ashcroft and Nick McCabe. Exit Calm are going on their own journey and one I will follow with close interest after this stunning album!

The album will take a few listens, it's not for the feint hearted or in fact half hearted. You need to sit down and really listen to the album to be captured by it's brilliance. It's not really a "singles" album either. Make of that what you will but it personally doesn't bother me in the slightest! Each song on the album is strong and compliments the previous one perfectly, Each track is individual in it's own merit and all together they produce one of this years must have releases.

Stand out tracks:

You've Got It All Wrong
We're On Our Own
Hearts And Minds
Forgiveness
Reference

.....I could go on, Like I've said it's not really a singles album. If I was to recommend individual tracks to people, they would be the ones I recommend, but in all honesty, You need to listen to the whole album to gauge the true Exit Calm.

Exit Calm - Hearts And Minds


8/10

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Exit Calm - Exit Calm - Forgiveness

The National

Hailing from Brooklyn, A lot would be mistaken in thinking that The National were an upcoming band. They're anything but. The American band were formed in 1999 and have 5 albums under their belt!

So, where have they been? why is it only now that people are slowly trying to take note of the band? There isn't really a definitive answer, and it's one i'm scratching my head with but that's just the way the music world is.

Listening to their new album, High Velvet I can sense Temper Trap and Elbow. Perhaps a comparison with Elbow would be fitting, both bands have been around a while but both bands have only very recently found acclaim. Though The National probably won't be as commercially successful over here.


Stand out tracks for me on the album would be:

Sorrow
Anyone's Ghost
Lemonworld
Conversation 16
England
Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks


All in all, a good album, It will take you a few listens but after a few listens it comes into it's own. 7/10

Northern Soul

Listening to:

The National - High Violet - England

Foals

A bit of background from me. I have never been a fan of the band. I felt they were pretty tedious so I was very surprised that I really liked their single This Orient. Very surprised in fact when I consider that from their previous work, I only really liked Balloons, Cassius was ok.... but that grained on me a little bit.

The 5 piece from Oxford released their second album Total Life Forever on the 10th May and after playing This Orient over and over again, I was eager to listen to the album. And I have not been disappointed. Don't get me wrong, this is a grower. This isn't an album that you will be able to listen to and take everything in on it's first listen. But after listening time and time again you start to see the album for what it is, one of sheer brilliance and beauty.

The band have definitely grown up, They're not the same band they were with Antidote. This album seems more refined, more polished and a more produced sound. Don't take that the wrong way however, It's not over produced. Everything comes through perfectly, Lyrics are soft yet powerful. As with their previous work, rhythm guitar is present throughout but it's more laid back, it's still an important part of their music but it's not overpowering which I thought it was at times previously.

That's about as technical I can get I'm afraid. I'm not a music journalist as I've said on many occasions but hey I try!

All I can say is that this is a new direction from the band and one I like immensely. Fans of the band will have to decide whether they want a new mature direction or if they want to stick to their previous work, which, to me was just trying far too hard.

For me, I know what I'll be choosing. Not only is this a great album..... So far it's one of the best releases of the year.

8/10

Stand out tracks:

Blue Blood
Black Gold
Spanish Sahara
This Orient
2 Trees

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Foals - Total Life Forever - What Remains

Interpol

I feel obliged to comment about this.

Carlos Dengler has left Interpol to pursue new goals. I am quite shocked about the news as are all Interpol fans. I didn't envisage any member to leave and have always seen the band as one solid unit. The band split up around 4 times before the release of their last album, Our Love To Admire which set alarm bells off for myself. I was relieved to hear they were recording their new album (which is now complete) but unfortunately the completion has came with a sacrifice.

Unlike a lot of bass players, Carlos was very prominent in the band. Carlos brought that heavy dark and deep bass which set the tone for so many Interpol songs. However, their new single lights shows a distinct lack of Dengler.

Maybe this was Interpol's way of breaking the news to the music world, Release a song which he doesn't really stand out, then announce the album is complete and Carlos has departed. I think that's just the cynic in me however!

There's nothing really much else for me to say except that I hope he is seen again on the music scene with new bands and projects. I'm pretty certain this is not the last we've heard of the New York native! I wish him luck for the future!

I'll always have the memories Carlos!

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Interpol - Antics - Public Pervert

Mourning Becomes Electra

Coming from Coventry, and mixing in similar circles as Exit Calm, It's no surprise that Morning Becomes Electra are another alternative Shoegaze band.

They've had pretty positive reviews, one describing the band as "The Verve covering a horror movie soundtrack" seems quite apt especially when you're listening to my personal favourite track of theirs, All I Need.

I'm not sure if an album is on the way or in the pipeline but travel here to hear the band and draw your own conclusions.

http://www.myspace.com/mbemusic

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Mourning Becomes Electra - All I Need

Laura Mar-vellous-ling

I am making every conscious effort not to turn this review into a driveling adoration of the lady herself.
Laura Marling, ooh she's good.
And there it ends and here begins a proper review.

~

At just 20 years old the future holds great things for the folk singer-songwriter. Her debut album Alas I Cannot Swim started off as something of a cult LP but quickly gained momentum, especially with the nomination of a Mercury Music Prize barreling her along.

I Speak Because I Can is polished and yes, it's more 'mature' than her first album but none of that raw emotion has been lost. Songs like Alpha Shallows and Hope In the Air still retain a certain intensity that Marling so obviously captures. Her lyrical quality surpasses much of what can be heard on the radio today. I'll admit I did cringe a little when I heard her song being played on a national radio station if only because I don't want it to ruin her. I don't want her to be loved for one song only to be chewed up and spat out. But if it gets her name out to the masses then who am I to complain?

I take great offense to the Guardian's Kitty Empire (if that is even her real name) for writing that 'Marling remains a frustratingly polite songwriter, rather than one who really skewers you through the solar plexus.' Do we really need to be punched repeatedly in the stomach to feel like we've enjoyed an artist? No Kitty, we do not. The most polite element of Marling comes from her very 'English' pronunciation, the rest remains perfectly skewering you all over.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Laura Marling - Devil's Spoke

I Are Scientist

I love We Are Scientists. They're one of those wacky bands who could so easily be taken as annoying and immature. However I think they're hilarious. And more good news is that I've just found out that they're releasing a new album this year!

Barbara is due to be released 14th June. I'm not going to bother putting the track list up because if truth be told I know little about the songs apart from their first single, Rules Don't Stop

I liked their last two album so I'm hoping this new one will be good also.



Northern Soul

Listening to:

We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery - Altered Beast

February Spot-list

Recently a friend and I started exchanging playlists on spotify. This month it was my turn. I thought I would share the playlist here and explain a few choices:

http://open.spotify.com/user/marko1892/playlist/4sIvWznpaETTEN3iGecHkL

1. Sunshine Underground - Coming To Save You
2. Los Campesinos! - There Are Listed Buildings
3. The Courteeners - You Overdid it Doll
4. Bombay Bicycle Club - Open House
5. Temper Trap - Down River
6. Mystery Jets - Two Doors Down
7. The Breeders - Cannonball
8. Good Shoes - Under Control
9. The Soft Pack - More Or Less
10. Midlake - The Horn
11. Stereophonics - Could You Be The One?
12. Delphic - Halcyon
13. Nirvana - Breed
14. Lowline - Outside
15. Alice In Chains - Would?
16. The Maccabees - Bag Of Bones (Part B)

As is pretty obvious a lot of new releases are in this playlist, the likes of soft pack, Midlake, Good Shoes, Sunshine Underground etc are all new releases.

The playlist is very altern I feel and "indie" in nature but there are other diversions. After Listening to a bit of Alice In Chains and the Nirvana live at Reading CD's I decided to have a slight grunge input to the proceedings. All work well I feel and is there a much better way to end a playlist than the superb bag of bones?

Enjoy :)

Northern Soul

listening to:

Alice In Chains - Dirt - Them Bones

Marina & the Diamonds

Florence + the Machine.
Frankie and the Heartstrings...

After going through a phase of plain, insipid 'The' titled bands I feel we may have hit upon the next fad in musician names. But that's by the by in Marina's case especially when she considers her fans the diamonds, quite lovely! She's been labelled by many as 'the next Kate Bush' but then so has Ellie Goulding and I'm sure the next female to come along that doesn't fit the 'norm' will be, also. To be like Kate Bush is the new black.

Truth is Marina is quite individual; her voice is so very rich and booms majestically - there is a sense of the opera about it, an effortless vibrancy. I read one review which criticised quite heavily her varying singing techniques such as: over emphasis of syllables, unearthly shrieks and "bleating". Reading that alone you might find yourself wondering quite what the appeal is but to me, Marina is different and not La "annoying Roux" different but entertaining, catchy, jaunty. You should use your ears.

Her debut album 'The Family Jewels' never ceases. The pace does not stop and if you're not bouncing around, even subconsciously then it certainly isn't for you. The opener 'Are You Satisfied?' does well to entice the ear into the rest of the album. The lyrics to 'Girl' are a bit ropey in places: 'Easy to be sleazy when you've got a filthy mind, you stick to your yoghurts and I'll stick to my apple pie', has me wondering quite what she's getting at and the album version of 'Hollywood' is a little disappointing, as if the excitement has been tuned out of her singing - the single version is better. It is odd in places but I like that, it's interesting and doesn't really plateau. Some may find the incessant bounce tiresome but I say cheer up a bit and revel in the unadulterated glam-pop of it all.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Marina & the Diamonds - Oh No!

Good Shoes

No Hope, No Future

I've not listened to Good Shoes much, After giving the new album a listen 2 or 3 times I thought it was time to review. This is the groups second album after 2007's Think Before You Speak. (It's an album I've never listened to so I can gain no comparisons there.)

So what does the band offer for the first time listener such as myself? Well, to be honest they're reinventing.....nothing! Don't get me wrong they're not a bad band and musically they're talented but you get the impression that listening to this album you could be listening to half a dozen other bands currently on the scene.

With that in mind, I can get down to actually talking about the album. The first track of the album titled The Way My Heart Beats is a lively and upbeat opener which fills you with false promise. Whilst the song itself might be very catchy and worthy of multiple listens; the album there after fades quite significantly. Under Control was the bands first single from the album is another highlight however, crunching bass lines with jagged guitar and the opening line of " The more I want, The less I'm feelin' " is quite contagious.

After this however, the album slips straight back into mediocrity. No Hope, No Future really offers nothing to get overly excited about. It's got a few decent tracks, namely: The Way My Heart Beats, Under Control and Then She Walks Away are all pretty good.

Apart from this though there's nothing you could really recommend to friends or get excited about. The first couple of listens for myself will probably be my last.

5/10

I guess this album review goes against the whole concept of this blog. Northern Soul, Southern Heart is all about introducing new music to others who read the blog. I would be pretty reluctant to recommend this album to others, But after listening, I felt compelled to write a review.

Northern Soul

listening to:

Good Shoes - No Hope, No Future - The Way My Heart Beats

Sunshine Underground

Nobody's Coming To Save You

4 years have passed since Sunshine Undergrounds last release Raise The Alarm, Was it worth the wait?

Well if you're a Sunshine Underground fan undoubtedly! From a personal point of view I believe their first single from the album, Coming To Save You, is the best song the band have ever produced, Heavy bass and a catchy guitar lead chorus which will you have singing along throughout.

Other stand out tracks include In Your Arms, which is a slower track but still has that Sunshine Underground sound and a guitar screeching chorus. A Warning Sign follows, a song which starts with the sound of The Rapture before the band rush in to remind you who you're really listening to!

All in all, the album has a lot to offer, there are a lot of good tracks on here and without my limited ability to really describe music, stand out tracks for me are: Coming To Save You, In Your Arms, A Warning Sign, Here It Comes.

Like a lot of albums you wont get a true taste of what it's about until a few plays. Sunshine Underground have matured and progressed as a band. Raise The Alarm was a good album and this follow up is more than a worthy successor from the Leeds band. More importantly for fans however, with this sudden coming of age, the band have kept their identity along with getting over the second album hurdle. Nobody's Coming To Save you is a good album especially after a couple of listens. 7/10

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Sunshine Underground - Nobody's Coming To Save you - Here It Comes

The Drums

These guys are probably the funnest thing.

The Drums are a New York based band who came together in late 2008. "Let's Go Surfing" has nothing to do with surfing but more to do with the spirit behind it. From the first beat your foot will be tapping away, madly. It's just too feel good to be true.
Although not listed as an influence, to me there was an element of The Beach Boys about them. No, not because of the surfing reference in their song title but more because of the effortless upbeat and happy vibe oozing out from them. You'd be a cold hearted individual not to find your leg twitching in time. Dare I say, there's a touch of The Beatles in there, too? You'll definitely hear bits of the old Joy Division floating about.

I know next to nothing else about them other than what I've heard from their Summertime! EP - which I like and going by that I'd say they'll do well this year. If they don't it'll be some heinous crime and I'll cry into my Cheerios.

Tune in, stand back and watch out.
~SourthernHeart

Listening to: The Drums - Let's Go Surfing

Surfer Blood

January 2010 saw Surfer Blood release their debut album Astro Coast after much critical acclaim over the bands first single swim in the US, It would be fair to say that the band had a lot of work on to trying and live up to the hype they had previously set themselves.

I stumbled across this album whilst browsing the metacritic website, It received generally favourable reviews and users seem to rate the album also, giving it an average score of 8.6 out of 10. Being a US band the chances of them getting much coverage over here will probably be pretty slim! Isn't the Internet a wonderful tool!

So a little bit about the band, you have to excuse me as I've never heard of them before, and at the time of writing this is only my second listen to their album (their myspace songs had me intrigued). They're a 4 piece band from Florida..... that's all I can find from their wiki page!

So more importantly their music, If you are planning to listen to the band on their myspace then you will see that the band describe themselves as pop. Soon after listening to the album however you will soon see that they're much more like an easy listening yet lively alternative rock band.

You're welcomed into the album with Floating Vibes which gently brings you into what is to follow, powerful and clever lead guitar, deep Kim Deal esque bass and strong Vocals. Astro Coast however is not just a one trick pony, the opening track is a great song and I can understand now the hype behind Swim. There isn't much to criticise about the album, All songs are good on their own merit, perhaps with the exception of Slow Jabroni, Which fills me with no inspiration at all.

That aside though, this album is definitely a success. The band could quite easily have been anxious to try and follow their earlier success with the aforementioned single, however Surfer Blood have reamained calm and produced a successful and solid record. deep bass and catchy guitar riffs will have you singing along throughout the album and playing your air guitar!

You can listen to the whole album here, courtesy of Grooveshark:
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/album/Astro+Coast/3603551

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast - Twin Peaks

United Nations Of Sound

When you get emails saying "Are You Ready" you get a little intrigued. Well I certainly did and this was an email I receieved from Richard Ashcroft a couple of days ago. I had forgotten I was registered to his website. 2006's album Keys To The World was when I most probably registered my interest.

Upon first visit to the website I learned that Dicky had worked on a song about the short film released in the guardian about sex trafficking (a very brutal, violent and distressing film, personally I don't recommend it. Being the wuss I am I couldn't watch it all).

Another email from Ashcroft arrived yesterday titled "Yes I'm Ready" and now I can tell you what exactly is happening! The Verve split up again sometime late last year, McCabe believed Ashcroft was using the band as a way to relaunch his solo career. It's an interesting thought but someone as influential as Ashcroft I believe doesn't need a resurrection, he's always going to attract the crowds because..... well, it's Richard Ashcroft!

Ashcroft has now formed a new band called United Nations Of Sound. Their first single and taste of what they sound like is called Are You Ready. I've included a link at the bottom of this post.

First thoughts, very Ian Brown and there wouldn't really be a better solo artist to follow for Ashcroft, both were part of very influential brit pop bands.

If that's the direction Ashcroft is set to go down then I am thoroughly looking forward to what this album will bring especially if this song is anything to go by. Radio friendly too, radio one will be most pleased!

Listen to the new single here:
http://www.nme.com/video?bcpid=26429438001&bctid=62165493001


Northern Soul

listening to:

United Nations Of Sound - Are You Ready?

Miike Snow

Ah, bless the Swedish and their quirky spelling. Well, in this case, two Swedish music producers and an American singer/songwriter.

Miike Snow have been together since 2007. The two swedes on board, Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg have worked under the pseudonym 'Bloodshy & Avant', working with the likes of Madonna, Kylie Minogue and have even won a Grammy for a dance remix of Britney Spears' "Toxic". American, Andrew Wyatt is more of an unknown.

I couldn't tell you why it's taken them 2 years to emerge properly into mainstream music. The song 'Silvia' is being banded around the radio airwaves and 'Animal' has featured in an episode of 'Gossip Girl'. You may recognised 'Black and Blue' from a recently Sony advert, so they're getting about a bit.

The album is lovely to put it simply. If I'd bothered to find out about them sooner I think they'd have featured on my albums list 2009.
Have a listen, you may be surprised.

~SouthernHeart
Listening to: Miike Snow - Burial

She Wants Revenge

This blog, whilst about discussing new releases and new artists on the music stage, is also about introducing bands that may not have been heard of before. I think mainly for me it is a chance to talk about bands I discovered and like or maybe even love.

And so I introduce: She Wants Revenge
Another band I found by just looking for them. When I listened to the first couple of songs my immediate thought was Interpol only without the sublime Daniel Kessler. Listening to Justin Warfield you could be forgiven thinking it was Paul Banks in the band - the similarities in range and vocal quality are practically Siamese. Being as unbiased as I possibly can I'd label them a poor man's Interpol, dragging a bit of Ian Curtis along for good measure.

But I listened to more songs off the two album they've released so far and I found a quality in She Wants revenge that doesn't appear in Interpol - they love a bit of dance. I'm not talking trance-tastic but the elements are there. The snappy beats and synths appear every now and then and keep the songs zipping along

The band have had moderate success in America and have had some pretty respectable people involved. In the video for 'These Things', Ms Manson, lead singer of Garbage appears. And the video for 'Tear You Apart', Joaquin Phoenix directed and hey, we know how good he was a Mr Cash. They appear on Timbaland's 2007 album 'Shock Value' which just goes to show their range across music genres.

I'd thoroughly recommend this band to anyone who likes Interpol, or those who think they should like Interpol but somehow can't manage it. She Wants Revenge is a little sweeter on the tongue.

~SouthernHeart
Listening to: She Wants Revenge - Monologue

Lightbody & Buck to make country record

I'm not a massive Snow Patrol fan, I have two albums which I enjoy however I wouldn't go as far as to call me a fan.

But after reading comments today that Gary Lightbody is to produce a country album to be released this year, I sat up and took notice. To add a bit of spice to proceedings; The legend Peter Buck is rumoured to be involved.

Fingers crossed for a great album :)

Northern Soul

listening to:

R.E.M. - Green - World Leader Pretend

Ellie Goulding

I feel compelled to write a short blog about her - if only for the fact she was top of the list by the BBC for artists to watch out for in 2010.

However, I'd like to tow the line with The Telegraph's Neil McCormick. He's wary of her championing by the Beeb because, as he puts it, 'There’s just something wrong about crowning artists before they’ve actually achieved anything, other than getting noticed.'

Too true. I've heard precisely 4 songs by her and whilst they're not too shabby I don't like to plump for her being the next big thing based on that alone. Of course, Florence came out on top last year so who knows.



Under The Sheets is pretty catchy. I would argue some may find her 'quirky' voice a little grating but if people want to look past that, she may become quite successful.

Still, never assume. It makes an ass out of u and me.
The Album Lights is due for release May 2010.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Ellie Goulding - Under The Sheets

Phoenix

I'll be the first to admit: when it comes to the French I don't usually look to them for good music bands. Some many have know Air and Daft Punk as well as the progressive death mental rock band Gojira but there it ends for me and I suspect a fair few others.

Enter Phoenix. These guys are Grammy nominated so perhaps would a look into. Their debut album United was released in 200o but they remained relatively unknown - well at least to me. It's hasn't been until the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix that I really began to sit up and take notice. Embarrassingly, this is their 4th studio album - I hope there are others out there that have neglected them until now just so I don't feel quite so ridiculous. In fact, with the Grammys only just recognizing these guys in the last year I'd say I wasn't alone.

Anyway, it's a good album. A classical theme runs through it starting with the first track Lisztomania, a reference to the composer Liszt. Wagner and Mozart make appearances throughout the album also, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Catchy guitar riffs and a general feel good, chirpy beat keeps this album punching along in a pleasing fashion. Standouts include 'Lisztomania' and '1901' and probably 'Countdown', also.

It may not be your thing but give it a go it may brighten your day.
~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Phoenix - 1901

Delphic

Delphic are this year set to take the UK music scene by storm. Already they have been nominated by the BBC in their sounds of 2010, coming 3rd out of the long list of 15.

The Manc band demonstrate the ability to mix seamlessly and perfectly that balance of electronica and alternative music which has been a hit over the last couple of years through bands and artists such as Klaxons and La Roux.

With an album released early next week and many journalists tipping them for big things.

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Delphic - Counterpoint

Renegades - Tour

And so it begins...

Excitement

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Phoenix - Fences

Kid British

There comes a time when you listen to music that you don't want to critically assess it, you want to sit back relax and enjoy the music for what it is. Something happy, something catchy, something that will have you dancing and singing along.

Enter Kid British, pop meets ska meets hip hop. Listening to the band it's obvious straight away you can see the similarities with ska bands such as The Specials and Madness, Indeed the second track of their album samples the back drop to The Madness track Our House. You can also make connections to more recent bands such as The Ordinary Boys.

The bands album It Was This Or Football will be released in two parts. The first half was released in July 2009 and the second half is due for release this month. The idea for releasing the album in two halves goes back to the title of the album. The two halves of a football match.

After listening to the first half of the album the second half shows a lot of promise especially if the band can continue to produce similar material to that already released.

Kid British could still a bit unknown to probably make a significant impact this year but catch them when they're hot. There's no doubting the music they make is quite suitable for mainstream commercial radio so it could only be a matter of time before these are hitting the charts and becoming the next best thing.

For those not sure if it will be their thing, the track Elizabeth is a nice entry to the band. Click here to listen.

Northern Soul

Currently listening to:

Kid British - It Was This Or Football - First Half - Elizabeth

Anticipated Albums of 2010 - SouthernHeart

One obligatory music blog post down, another to go.
And so here are a list of bands I am looking forward to releasing another album.
In no particular order because I never do it that way:

1. Arcade Fire: I mentioned this in a previous post so I won't stand on ceremony but suffice to say I want more of what has happened in the past. Expected release date: May 2010
   
   
2. Field Music: I've not known about these guys all that long but I am looking forward to the next installment. The previous 3 albums promised and delivered a lot and so it can only be assumed they'll make it four times lucky. Expected release date: (Measures) February 2010
   
   
3. Minus the Bear: Again, I mentioned this news a while back but boy am I excited. I have nothing but good words to say about this band so once again I am on the edge of my swivel chair in anticipation. Expected release date: April 2010
   
   
4. Interpol: A rush of excitement ran through me when it was announced March 2009 a new Interpol album was being worked upon. I have little detail other than it has to be good. Oh and more Daniel please. Click their website and you'll find the words 'Interpol 2010' emblazoned across your screen. Cue anticipatory dribbling. Expected album release: ? 2010
   
   
5. Laura Marling: Oh yes, I love her and oh yes she's finally releasing a new album. If her debut is anything to go by the second will cling to my heart even hardered. In fact, Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) got me from the first go. (Search it on the Tube, it's all over) Expected release date: (I Speak Because I Can) March 2010

So those are the ones I'm most excited about. There will be others too, or so I'm lead to believe. These include:

• Radiohead
• School of Seven Bells
• Four Tet
  
• Fleet Foxes
• Cat Power
• Charlotte Gainsbourg & Beck
  

...amongst but a few.
Looks like it'll be a good year all round!

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Laura Marling - Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)

Top 10 albums of 2009 - Northern Soul

Well we are firmly into 2010 now so I guess it's time to announce my top 10 albums of the previous years, I would also like to kill the myth that it was a poor year for music. It has been quite the opposite in fact. We've had some good albums this years some haven't made the list such as The XX, Editors, The Cribs, Julian Plenti & Manic Street Preachers all produced memorable material. But the following in my opinion have made the list certainly for me as the best albums of this year. Enjoy reading and I hope you agree to some extent :)

Thank you and have a happy new year

Northern Soul

10. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
09. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
08. Doves - Kingdom Of Rust
07. The Rifles - Great Escape
06. The Decemberists - Hazards Of Love
05. The Antlers - Hospice
04. Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
03. Florence + The Machine - Lungs
02. The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms
01. White Lies - To Lose My Life...



10. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

After two superb albums in Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare The Monkeys elevated themselves to arguably the biggest band in the United Kingdom. Sold out stadium tours followed and all things looked rosey for the Alex Turners band.

Humbug came along in August of this year and it's an album with a different angle than their previous attempts. Arctic Monkeys have matured as a band and produced a solid album. Whilst I wouldn't say it matches their previous works nobody can argue that Crying Lightening and My Propeller are not as good as any of their earlier tracks. It can at times however, be a difficult album to listen to.

Listen to: The Jeweller's Hand


09. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions

Biffy Clyro returned this year with their 5th studio album and it didn't disappoint. I'm not really a big fan of the band, This is only the second album of theirs I have owned (the other being Infinity Land from 2004) but the album is brilliant. It gained critical acclaim and went gold shortly after it's release.

Listen to: Mountains


08. Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

For myself, The Doves have always been a band who I've never called one of my favourites but they've constantly been listened to and they've constantly produced good music. This is the bands 4th album now and I like many others have got all 4 of them. A review at the time of the release of the album suggested what I've said above.

The Doves are never going to be one of them bands who will be directly in the spotlight, They just aren't that kind of band. So be it, If they're going to continue writing albums such as this then I'm happy with that.

Listen to: Kingdom Of Rust


07. The Rifles - The Great Escape

One of my favourite bands of the last couple of years. The Rifles are brilliant. Listening to their albums will have you dancing around or if you're more composed maybe a slight nod of the head and a tap of your foot! I've managed to see them 3 times now all at small venues packed to the rafters with their faithful fans. Each time you come out absolutely shattered after jumping about for the whole gig! A true "indie" band.

Listen to: The Great Escape


06. The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love

Another concept album which I enjoyed this year was from The Decemberists. This story is a little more complex than Hospice however. Hazzards of Love tells a story between a woman named Margaret, a shape-shifter, an evil forest queen and a rake, Strange huh? Definitely! But it's such a great album. Lyrically clever and every song leads straight into the next, no pause between the tracks, The first time I heard this album I had to listen to it from start to finish with no breaks.

It has you in it's grip and it will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what exactly happens! As songs go individually, this isn't a strong album for singles but when they're all together they work brilliantly!

Listen to: The Rake Song


05. The Antlers - Hospice

Before the end of each year I frantically search music websites to see if there are any albums which I haven't managed to listen to. This is how I came accross The Antlers. Hospice is a concept album telling the story of a woman who is terminally ill from bone cancer. As the album goes on Siberman describes the relationships of the woman with herself, her past and her partner who also happens to be the hospice worker taking care of her. I'm not gonna try and rose tint this, Hospice has some quite depressing lyrics but it's the kind of album where you can excuse the lyrics for the beauty of the album as a whole and how Siberman delivers the story.

Listen to: Shiva


04. Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose

Hailing from London Bombay Bicycle club can now fully concentrate on their music! The band have only just finished school in past years gone by music was being fitted around homework and detentions. For a band just finishing their education you'd be forgiven for thinking they're unpolished and raw. However listening to the album, you get the impression of a mature band with a wealth of experience. A true joy listening to this album rock along with Early Contraception Blues or Magnet and appreciate their ability to write a love ballad with Dust On The Ground.

Listen To: Magnet


03. Florence + The Machine – Lungs

Certainly one of this years success stories. Few had heard of Florence or her machine (backing band) The band have produced some superb singles this year in the likes of Dog Days Are Over and Rabbit Heart. But on the album the beauty and strength of her voice is probably more noticeable in songs such as Girl With One Eye and My Boy Builds Coffins. A cover of You've Got The Love was arguably her most successful song this year and again shows how incredible this girls vocals are. The song ends the album unless you have it on repeat. Like me.

Listen to: You've Got The Love


02. The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms

Superb album! What is there to say? It works well both as a singles album or an LP. Love You Better, Can You Give It? and William Powers all would work as superb singles. There isn't really a weak song on the album and plenty of stand out tracks. Every time you listen to Wall Of Arms you will find another song which you will call your favourite, however this will swiftly change the next time you listen the album for another one of their tracks.

It's also nice to see that The Maccabees have stuck to their winning formula of their previous album Colour It In. Another masterpiece from the London band

Listen to: Can You Give It?


01. White Lies - To Lose My Life...

My favourite album of 2009 is White Lies debut album To Lose My Life... It's fair to say the album got mixed reviews in the press but I think it's absolutely brilliant. Farewell To The Fairground is one of my favourite singles of the year as well. It's quite a morbid album especially reading the lyrics “lets grow old together and die at the same time” come from the albums title track. And Is This The Price Of Love Tells the story of a kidnapping and murder. You'd be forgiven this was goth rock but their disco tunes, heavy bass and howling vocals make it one of the happiest murder, death, suicide pact albums you'll ever listen to.

Listen to: Farewell To The Fairground

Top 10 Albums of 2009 - SouthernHeart

Top 10 Albums of 2009 – in no particular order because I can’t decide and I can’t be arsed.

1. White Lies – To Lose My Life

2. Imogen Heap – Ellipse

3. Metric – Fantasies

4. Florence and the Machine – Lungs

5. Editors – In This Light and On This Evening

6. Manic Street Preachers – Journal For Plague Lovers

7. 93MillionMilesFromTheSun – 93MillionMilesFromTheSun

8. The Antlers – Hospice

9. Japandroids – Post-Nothing

10. The xx – xx

Special mention to: Muse – The Resistance

1. White Lies – To Lose My Life

This album I played on repeat so many millions of times I lost count. From the very first moment I heard the first few notes of ‘Death’ I’ll admit I was hooked. I have a thing for voices and Harry McVeigh’s deep rumble is no exception. It’s the kind of voice that gives me shivers and part of the reason the album won’t grow old…for me at least. There is barely a weak track on the album though if I had to pick one it would be ‘Nothing To Give’, for me, it just doesn’t lead on to much.

2. Imogen Heap - Ellipse

I jumped for joy when I read about Imogen Heap’s comments about recording for her new album. It had been 4 years since her previous album and I thought she’d never release another so I was more than a bit happy about the arrival of Ellipse. It’s a good album although I would argue not as good as her second that aside, there are some real gems on it including ‘Bad Body Double’ and ‘Canvas’ as well as the first single released from it ‘First Train Home’. Immi had a lot of work to do to answer her critics and I feel she more than matched their expectations.

3. Metric – Fantasies

If there’s one bad I’d fight tooth and nail to see before I die, Metric would be top of my list. Emily Haines is a beautifully talented lady and although she has an embarked on a solo career for me, she works best in Metric. This was another album that I had constantly on repeat to the extent I dreamt in the lyrics. I can say with confidence there isn’t a track on the album I wish they’d not included – personal favourites include ‘Satellite Mind’, ‘Gold Gun Girls’ and ‘Stadium Love’. This will be a favourite album of mine until I die.

4. Florence and the Machine – Lungs

I think a trend is forming – another album I played too many times and another female artist – maybe 2009 was the year they shone for me. Florence, oh how I wish I could sing as high as you do. Sadly, I can’t and if my car were a living thing, its poor ears would be damaged beyond repair. I think her album struck a chord with me and that’s why it became a firm 2009 favourite. I’ll admit it wasn’t ‘til ‘Dog Days Are Over’ was it that I became a fan – ‘A Kiss With A Fist’ wasn’t something I liked to begin with but continuous listening and it grew to be one of my more favoured songs off the album. My first love however, will always be ‘Hurricane Drunk’ it’s great to yell along to in the car!

5. Editors – In This Light and On This Evening

I don’t care what anyone else says, Tom Smith does not sound like a poor man’s Iain Curtis and I will fight anyone who takes me on. With this album I think Editors defied people to hate them, to become annoyed at them and certainly a lot of people do and will continue to. Me, I love them even more. This album has been labelled as ‘dark’ and ‘brooding’ but I find it more uplifting and insightful of the Editors’ sound. It took me 3 or 4 listens to become really hooked but after that there was no looking back. I first heard ‘Papillon’ on the radio and I practically weed my self with excitement. I’ve always harboured a secret love for the synth-tasic 80s genre so when they pumped up on this record I barely contained myself. The boys are back in town.

6. Manic Street Preachers – Journal For Plague Lovers

This is quite a poignant album – lyrics, the fated Richey Edwards wrote before he mysteriously disappear in 1995 are used on this album and I’d go as far to say it is way up there as a contender for album of the year. I’ve always loved the Manics but never in epic proportions. They’ve always just ‘been there’ and I’ve happily listened to 90s classics ‘La Tritesse Durera (Scream to a Sigh)’ and ‘Kevin Carter’ and whilst this album doesn’t scream (pardon the pun) out hits such as that I really appreciate the more mature sound. This hard, aggressive album appeals to my edgier need of sound. I adore down to the ground ‘Jackie Collins Existential Question Time’. I love it when a song catches you on first listen, you know then it’s the sign of good times ahead. The title track gets me air drumming in epic proportions – if only you could see…second thought, better you can’t.

7. 93MillionMilesFromTheSun – 93MillionMilesFromTheSun

Ignore the stupid band name and album title, shoegaze is the name of the game with this band. Having been lucky enough to catch them live, at a small intimate gig in the upstairs room of a pub, the bass throbbing my ears and chest I can say without doubt I’ll listen to these guys with a smile on my face. I was blinded by the lights and dizzy new heights at their gig – no need to see their faces its all about the music. Who cares if one some may blend into another; they create an atmosphere you’ll find yourself lapsing into each time you listen. Pure magic.

These next entries were late runners in my list – mixed it up a good’un!

8. The Antlers – Hospice

It’s not often I come across albums I can listen through the entire way with goosebumps on my arms and a tingle up my spine – this is a definite exception. One listen done and I’d already purchased the album in CD form it’s that good, kids. Prologue beckons you in with an eerie expression on its shadowy face and you don’t quite know where you’re going. The tone of this album is pretty horrific – the story behind a little worse still but it’s beautiful in an utterly strange way and there’s no getting away from it. Stand outs for me include ‘Bear’ and ‘Wake’ but there are no ‘bad’ tracks for the entire 52 minutes the album plays. I’ll keep my eye on these guys; they’re not to be overlooked.

9. Japandroids – Post-Nothing

Nothing like a little bit of raw, rough and ready noise to get the foot pounding. I like these dudes because there’s no..wait for it…pretention about them. (God, I hate that word.) What you hear is definitely what you get. I know next to nothing about them but that’s fine because I know that I like them. You find your ears getting pounded by sound but there’s no protest back because it’s wonderful.

10. The xx – xx

I’m pretty certain this band features heavily in ‘tipped for 2010’ lists. So yeah, I’m jumping on the bandwagon but only because I’m cool. Well also, it’s a great album. Sadly, Baria Qureshi left the band this year and personally she’ll be sorely missed. It was mainly her as an addition that made me like the album, her backing vocals worked well. But hey ho, onwards and upwards and I just hope her departure doesn’t affect the band too much. As for the album, the only justice I can do is say ‘have a listen’.

The special mention goes to: Muse – Resistance

Now, this isn’t really a favourite album of mine in 2009; sad but true. I felt I should put it in here as I was highly anticipating it and to be honest, great albums of 2009 have been more than a little thin on the ground. Sorry boys but this disappointed me quite a bit. Surely there are gems on it, well, a gem to defend your honour but the more I did the more I was left feeling not so excited about The Resistance. Give me some more Origins of Symmetry or Showbiz fantastic-ness. Yes yes, I know bands progress and their sounds changes but c’mon boyos it is all fancy-pants bravado and silly over the top strutting around. No me encanta.

And there you have it. Not a bad year for music you may or may not agree. Let’s hope 2010 brings us more joy and delights. And Daniel Kessler videos.