i haven't done one of these since i came back from NZ and today i'm feeling musically inclined. for those who know me, music for me, soothes my soul and keeps me sane. Let's start with the best 2008-2009 albums.
1. The Last Shadow Puppets - Age of the Understatement
This Miles Kane and Alex Turner collaboration made me feel like i was in a post 60's- pre-70's Spy movie. They called LSP's genre as Baroque Pop as Mr.Alpert would be proud of, the use of strings is a must in any musical composition. I had only recently discovered this collaboration whilst reading an old copy of Q magazine, but it's set on repeat on my car.They almost remind me of Barat & Doherty partnership. Tracks I can't stop listening to: Standing next to you, Black Plant, Meeting place.
2. The Rascals - Rascaliaze Before Miles Kane became part of the twin terrors of LSP; he fronted a band bastardised from the Little Flames (which the Arctic Monkeys were fans of). Naturally they had a more psychedlia feel very RIDE-ish. Very recommended. Tracks I can't stop listening to: Out of Dreams, Bond Girl, Does your husband know you're on the run?
Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue all respect to Layne Staley; Jerry Cantrell and the boys must have gone thru hell and back dealing with Layne's suddent demise. It's evident in the lyrics in the poetic track of the same album title; so much so it made me shed a tear. They also have a new singer, which tries to be Staley but really shouldn't because there's only one guy who could sing angry chair in a wheelchair. Tracks I can't stop listening to: Check My Brain (after 5 listens, you'd get used to the droning), Last of my kind, Take her Out, Black gives way to Blue.
Placebo - Battle for the Sun holy shit, i haven't listened to Placebo since their cruel intentions sellout. Androgynous Brian Molko still looks pretty much the same and could pass off as a girl; but of course sexuality is not in discussion here (Molko is bi-sexual and Olsdal is gay); MUSIC is. Most would dismiss this is an ordinary effort by placebo but they just stick in there time & time again. Tracks I can't stop listening to: Ashtray Heart, Bright Lights
The Libertines - Time for Heroes i know, i know Pete Doherty is a junkhead and crack head but it doesn't mean he's a bad songwriter. Barat & Doherty is the quintessential snobby brit twins e.g. morrissey & marr, rotten & vicious, noel & liam gallagher. Despite the junk, Pete can still carry a tune and ever since Barat formed Dirty Pretty Things; he's just not the same. Get over it lads. Tracks I can't stop listening to: Music when the lights go out, What became of the likely lads, what a waster, what katie did, time for heroes
the Black Angels - Passover i got introduced to this band by Gavin who suggested the tune - Black grease. i listen and thought oh shit, this was released in 2006 where was i? if you like jesus & the mary chain and BRMC, this is a MUST! plus it features a female drummer. Awesomeness! Tracks I can't stop listening to: the first vietnamese war, black grease bloodhound on my trail
Notable Tracks from Albums unnoticed
- 10,000ft by Wolfmother of the Cosmic Egg album
- United States of Eurasia by Muse of the Resistance album
- All is love by Karen O and the kids of the Where The Wild Things Are OST
- Vlad the Impaler by Kasabian of the West Rider Pauper Lunatic album
- No you girls by Franz Ferdinand of the Tonight: Franz Ferdinand album