'Tis the season for top ten lists. What kind of blog wouldn't? Considering last year's aggregate "best of" list... this list is, strangely, kind of important to me. It better not get fucking DMCA'd.
Metronomy are really quite something different. They've managed to maintain their signature "experimental" sound but have ventured into more accessible territory with Nights Out. Popular songs like "A Thing For Me" and "Heartbreaker" are mixed in with instrumental Kraftwerk-influenced tracks. There's a lot happening, yet at the same time it's really cohesive. [Amazon]
9. School of Seven Bells, AlpinismsSchool of Seven Bells' electronic choral arrangements are hypnotic. Alpinisms reminds me of Alaska in the Winter's Dance Party in the Balkans of last year, but on anti-depressants. I could probably be more articulate but it's one of those albums I'd need to wrap my head around before being able to describe it. My Bloody Valentine's Loveless is all over this track:
8. Foals, Antidotes
My, what skilled musicians! (Not being sarcastic.) Though Foals got overwhelming hype (and Hype) this year, I think they genuinely deserve it. Perhaps I am biased because their live show was one of the best of my life. Regardless, Antidotes is a "trendsetter" -- guaranteed in 2009, there will be loads of Foals knock offs. [Amazon]
7. Hercules and Love Affair, Hercules and Love Affair
DFA strikes again. I never thought I'd admit to liking anything disco. "Blind" pretty much changed my view on the entire genre, and it's not even my favourite off the album.
6. These New Puritans, Beat Pyramid
Post-punk 2008: the band has raw energy and a brazen attitude. I really can't say much more about the intensity. There are no words. Just listen. And of course their live set is killer. [Amazon]
5. Crystal Castles, Crystal CastlesWhen this record came out in March, we were all pretty comfortable with Crystal Castles' practically patented 8-bit sound. Who knew they could take it up a notch and add some variety to the mix? They show off their unbelievable remix skills with "Untrust Us" and "Vanished" and some originality with "Courtship Dating" and "Black Panther." If the album were made up of those four tracks alone, their S/T would still be in my top ten.
4. Cut Copy, In Ghost ColoursA wildly popular favourite, probably because it's got something for everyone. Soaring melodies, sweet love songs, and enchanting instrumental work... it's pop perfection. This album is going to be timeless. [Amazon]
3. Late of the Pier, Fantasy Black Channel
It's no secret that I love Late of the Pier. After a couple EPs were released in 2007, the world was waiting for the band's first full-length. And the wait was worth it. It's comprised of insanely catchy tracks with an underlying sinister tone. Booming anthems like "Focker" and "Bathroom Gurgle" have rightfully established the band as not a Klaxons copy. Late of the Pier are dirtier and DTFucking kill it on the dancefloor.
"Focker" [Mediafire] [Amazon]
2. HEALTH, HEALTH//DISCO
If there's anything better than HEALTH, it's got to be HEALTH remixed. This album features some of the best remixers in the business, resulting in true quality. This is no surprise, as a lot of talent and creativity is required to remix HEALTH. Each song is a carefully crafted treasure. [Amazon]
1. M83, Saturdays = YouthThis choice, more than others, reflects my own personal background. You see, I am in love John Hughes' movies. How M83 was able to capture the feelings of American teenagers in the 1980s is kind of a miracle. Whether it's the happy melancholy-angst of "Graveyard Girl" or the adolescent idealism of "We Own The Sky," the album takes the listener to an entirely different world... the world of Molly Ringwald, poofy hair and prom, without completely losing touch with 2008. Saturdays = Youth is time travel, which only a handful of records can do.
1 comments:
School of Seven Bells has definitely been on repeat for the past few weeks.
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