Slow Thrills Podcast vol 01, 2007
Yes, a new podcast is upon us! I'm trying to make them more regular and hopefully feature some interviews within them. As I haven't done any recent interviews I revisited an old cassette from 1994 and chopped together an old chat I had with Steve Shelley from Sonic Youth. Seems like a big enough name to get the ball rolling! I only included one new release this time - Deerhoof's 'Friend Opportunity' as I haven't heard much new stuff this month. A bite-size round-up of January will be here in text form later!
The podcast can be found here or click this embedded player
Enjoy.
Mark E Smith on telly again
Following on from last year's excellent BBC documentary on the Fall, and MES's now legendary reading of the football results, the BBC's in-house newspaper Ariel has published this shot from the new series of Ideal with Johnny Vegas. Seems like Mark E Smith plays Jesus (!) in episode 7, which will be on BBC3 sometime in the near future, though there is no air date as yet.
Following on from last year's excellent BBC documentary on the Fall, and MES's now legendary reading of the football results, the BBC's in-house newspaper Ariel has published this shot from the new series of Ideal with Johnny Vegas. Seems like Mark E Smith plays Jesus (!) in episode 7, which will be on BBC3 sometime in the near future, though there is no air date as yet.
GIG REVIEW: Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3, Belfast Empire, 17th January 2007
Well it's been five years since I saw the Soft Boys in secret in London (I reviewed it here), and happily I am now more familiar with Robyn Hitchcock's recordings than I was back then. That knowledge doesn't quite stretch to his releases with the Minus 3/ Venus 3 line-up, though I did enjoy the tracks that they recorded for Andy Kershaw last year.
This incarnation is the Venus 3, and they consist of three members of the touring REM line-up, namely Scott McCaughan (ex-Young Fresh Fellows), Bill Rieflin (ex-Ministry and Revolting Cocks) and THE Peter Buck. However, this is definitely a Robyn Hitchcock show and although a lot of people may be here to see the backing band, they are definitely HIS backing band, here to play a lot of his back catalogue plus their fine recent album 'Olé! Tarantula'.
The opening track of that album opens the set, 'Adventure Rocket Ship', a hugely confident slice of jangling indie-rock which sets the tone for the next 90 minutes. The band all seem at home on the small stage and Hitchcock is his usually witty self, introducing a lot of the tunes with long rambling humourous monologues which often have little to do with the song they prelude. The exception to this is '(A Man's Got to Know His Limitations) Briggs' which is about the movie Magnum Force, and does benefit from Robyn's polt summary beforehand!
Obviously they played a lot from the recent album but long-standing Hitchcock fans weren't disappointed either. I'm not great with titles but from the back catalogue we got 'Vibrating', 'Flesh No1', 'Madonna of the Wasps' and for the Soft Boys fans we got a very faithful version of 'Queen of Eyes'. In fact this Venus 3 project hints more towards the Soft Boys than any of Hitchcock other acts, as if to underline this 'Give it to the Soft Boys' is the last encore! They also encore with a lovely cover of Dylan's 'Not Dark Yet' which I almost thought was going to turn into Venus in Furs at one point.
Robyn charmed us, made us laugh and played some great music, and the REM guys hung around afterwards, met the crowd and posed for photos with anyone that wanted. A great night really.
John Peel's Record Box - it's time to pick it up...
There is precious little on the new releases front in January, a strangely early repackaged reissue of Fennesz's masterpiece 'Endless Summer' aside, I've decided to return to the Peel box.
Having temporarily lost my enthusiasm for this project sometime last March - I think it was the Freshmen single that did it! - I'm going to pick it up where I left off, which was just after GL Crockett, so the next one along is Geater Davis. If you want to check out what I've written so far the links to the previous posts are here.
Intro
John Peel's Record Box, 1-4 Al Casey to Andy Capp
John Peel's Record Box, 5-9. Anemic Boyfriends to Big Stick
John Peel's Record Box, 10-13 Bill Oddie to Cat Power
John Peel's Record Box 14-19, a Charlie Feathers special!
John Peel's Record Box 20-23, Cheeze to Cleveland Crochet
John Peel's Record Box 24-28, cracks start to appear!
John Peel's Record Box 29-33, an Eddie and Ernie special
John Peel's Record Box: Electro Hippies
John Peel's Record Box: Elmore James to the Freshmen
John Peel's Record Box: a G L Crockett special
There is precious little on the new releases front in January, a strangely early repackaged reissue of Fennesz's masterpiece 'Endless Summer' aside, I've decided to return to the Peel box.
Having temporarily lost my enthusiasm for this project sometime last March - I think it was the Freshmen single that did it! - I'm going to pick it up where I left off, which was just after GL Crockett, so the next one along is Geater Davis. If you want to check out what I've written so far the links to the previous posts are here.
Intro
John Peel's Record Box, 1-4 Al Casey to Andy Capp
John Peel's Record Box, 5-9. Anemic Boyfriends to Big Stick
John Peel's Record Box, 10-13 Bill Oddie to Cat Power
John Peel's Record Box 14-19, a Charlie Feathers special!
John Peel's Record Box 20-23, Cheeze to Cleveland Crochet
John Peel's Record Box 24-28, cracks start to appear!
John Peel's Record Box 29-33, an Eddie and Ernie special
John Peel's Record Box: Electro Hippies
John Peel's Record Box: Elmore James to the Freshmen
John Peel's Record Box: a G L Crockett special
as for this year...
I want to concentrate more on regular podcasts, but I will be adding reviews to this page at regular intervals. I would also love to finish the reviews of John Peel's Record Box which I began this time last year.
Upcoming gigs? One fairly big one - Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3, Belfast Empire next Wednesday, and one smaller one - the return of Quack Quack early Feb, more on that nearer the time.
I want to concentrate more on regular podcasts, but I will be adding reviews to this page at regular intervals. I would also love to finish the reviews of John Peel's Record Box which I began this time last year.
Upcoming gigs? One fairly big one - Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3, Belfast Empire next Wednesday, and one smaller one - the return of Quack Quack early Feb, more on that nearer the time.
SO LAST YEAR: A 2006 round -up (pt.1)
SO LAST YEAR 1-10
1. Over and Over - Hot Chip [The Warning]
I know technically that this came out in 2005, but it was everywhere this year and it was the one song that I never tired of hearing. It is a minimalist pop masterpiece, a song about repetition that repeats itself over and over and over and over. Extra points for the cool video and the most bizarre spelling section in a song - kissing, sexing, casio, poke, you, me. (?) Fantastic.
2. Emily - Joanna Newsom [Ys]
The sheer lusciousness of Van Dyke Parks' strings just bowled me over the first time I heard this, the second time I heard it I was amazed at the refrain about the meteorites, and the third time I followed the lyrics in all their extraordinary glory. To hear a record like this in our lo-fi mp3-obsessed world in 2006 is simply astonishing and I am awed by it. Give it time, and please don't dismiss it on first listen. It'll be your loss.
3. Roscoe - Midlake [The Trials Of Van Occupanther]
Midlake stopped sounding like Radiohead meets Flaming Lips and instead took influences from 70's California, and on 'Roscoe' they recreated the feel of Buckingham/ Nicks era Fleetwood Mac. That opening keyboard is almost 'Rhiannon' reborn.
4. Thursday - Asobi Seksu [Citrus]
The indie-pop/ shoegaze tune of the year for me, an absolutely sublime track from this New York based band. Guitars, buckets of effects and reverb and sweet female vocals driving the whole thing along. Reminiscent of early Lush but a lot harder. I hope they go on to great things.
5. New Year's Kiss/ Cold White Christmas - Casiotone For The Painfully Alone [Etiquette]
I'm cheating here, shoehorning 2 songs into the one slot, alnd although Cold White Christmas is probably the better song, I have a soft spot for New Year's Kiss. I love the way it sounds so tired and hung over, the lazy drum machine and understated arrangement perfectly complimenting the lyrics. There is little point picking out lyrical highlights from this album because it is all so good, so many great lines. Cold White Christmas is one of the bleakest, loneliest Christmas songs you will ever hear, by the way.
6. Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura [Let's Get Out Of This Country - Elefant]
More gorgeous indie-pop, what was it about 2006 that meant that genre surprised me so much? I hadn't really rated Camera Obscura too highly before this year, but their album was great and the title track is my fave track on it. A song about escaping your dreary surroundings, I love the bit about finding finding a cathedral "so that you can look handsome/ Ill be pretty".
7. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley [St Elsewhere]
Earlier in 2006 I set about collecting the music contained in John Peel's Record Box, and although I haven't finished listening to it all (real life caught up with me!) I was impressed by how well the soul music had stood the test of time, as opposed to say, the punk stuff. This is why I'm putting this so high in my list, one of the best singles of the year and an absolute classic for years to come.
8. Stuck Between Stations - The Hold Steady [Boys & Girls in America]
You have to have a bit of classic rock now and then, and the Hold Steady fill that gap left by Rocket from the Crypt, except they are even more in love with power chords and big arrangements. Think of a kind of alternative Thin Lizzy/ E Street Band/ ACDC crossover, and you will get a rough idea of what they do. I'm not sure if their records get released in the UK yet, but 2005's 'Separation Sunday' was one of my faves of that particular year. Unlike 'SS' this album doesn't have a story as such, it's just a collection of fine rock songs, of which this is the best.
9. Little Brother - Grizzly Bear [Yellow House]
Another album I came to late in the year, as I noticed they were due to play in Dublin so I thought I would have a listen to their music. They are always compared to the Animal Collective and I can see where that comparison comes from, though this track hints at a spaced out Beach Boys feel. The album is great, lots of varying influences and some very impressive arrangements.
10. European Oils - Destroyer [Destroyer's Rubies]
I could have picked any track from Rubies really, but I love this one cos of the way he sings 'her father, the fucking maniac!' and it goes into a solo. It gets me every time. I still don't know what he is on about most of the time, but it's fun finding out.
1. Over and Over - Hot Chip [The Warning]
I know technically that this came out in 2005, but it was everywhere this year and it was the one song that I never tired of hearing. It is a minimalist pop masterpiece, a song about repetition that repeats itself over and over and over and over. Extra points for the cool video and the most bizarre spelling section in a song - kissing, sexing, casio, poke, you, me. (?) Fantastic.
2. Emily - Joanna Newsom [Ys]
The sheer lusciousness of Van Dyke Parks' strings just bowled me over the first time I heard this, the second time I heard it I was amazed at the refrain about the meteorites, and the third time I followed the lyrics in all their extraordinary glory. To hear a record like this in our lo-fi mp3-obsessed world in 2006 is simply astonishing and I am awed by it. Give it time, and please don't dismiss it on first listen. It'll be your loss.
3. Roscoe - Midlake [The Trials Of Van Occupanther]
Midlake stopped sounding like Radiohead meets Flaming Lips and instead took influences from 70's California, and on 'Roscoe' they recreated the feel of Buckingham/ Nicks era Fleetwood Mac. That opening keyboard is almost 'Rhiannon' reborn.
4. Thursday - Asobi Seksu [Citrus]
The indie-pop/ shoegaze tune of the year for me, an absolutely sublime track from this New York based band. Guitars, buckets of effects and reverb and sweet female vocals driving the whole thing along. Reminiscent of early Lush but a lot harder. I hope they go on to great things.
5. New Year's Kiss/ Cold White Christmas - Casiotone For The Painfully Alone [Etiquette]
I'm cheating here, shoehorning 2 songs into the one slot, alnd although Cold White Christmas is probably the better song, I have a soft spot for New Year's Kiss. I love the way it sounds so tired and hung over, the lazy drum machine and understated arrangement perfectly complimenting the lyrics. There is little point picking out lyrical highlights from this album because it is all so good, so many great lines. Cold White Christmas is one of the bleakest, loneliest Christmas songs you will ever hear, by the way.
6. Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura [Let's Get Out Of This Country - Elefant]
More gorgeous indie-pop, what was it about 2006 that meant that genre surprised me so much? I hadn't really rated Camera Obscura too highly before this year, but their album was great and the title track is my fave track on it. A song about escaping your dreary surroundings, I love the bit about finding finding a cathedral "so that you can look handsome/ Ill be pretty".
7. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley [St Elsewhere]
Earlier in 2006 I set about collecting the music contained in John Peel's Record Box, and although I haven't finished listening to it all (real life caught up with me!) I was impressed by how well the soul music had stood the test of time, as opposed to say, the punk stuff. This is why I'm putting this so high in my list, one of the best singles of the year and an absolute classic for years to come.
8. Stuck Between Stations - The Hold Steady [Boys & Girls in America]
You have to have a bit of classic rock now and then, and the Hold Steady fill that gap left by Rocket from the Crypt, except they are even more in love with power chords and big arrangements. Think of a kind of alternative Thin Lizzy/ E Street Band/ ACDC crossover, and you will get a rough idea of what they do. I'm not sure if their records get released in the UK yet, but 2005's 'Separation Sunday' was one of my faves of that particular year. Unlike 'SS' this album doesn't have a story as such, it's just a collection of fine rock songs, of which this is the best.
9. Little Brother - Grizzly Bear [Yellow House]
Another album I came to late in the year, as I noticed they were due to play in Dublin so I thought I would have a listen to their music. They are always compared to the Animal Collective and I can see where that comparison comes from, though this track hints at a spaced out Beach Boys feel. The album is great, lots of varying influences and some very impressive arrangements.
10. European Oils - Destroyer [Destroyer's Rubies]
I could have picked any track from Rubies really, but I love this one cos of the way he sings 'her father, the fucking maniac!' and it goes into a solo. It gets me every time. I still don't know what he is on about most of the time, but it's fun finding out.
SO LAST YEAR: A 2006 round -up (pt.2)
SO LAST YEAR 11-20
11. Clara - Scott Walker [The Drift - 4AD]
Of all the albums I have touched upon when I have been selecting tracks for this chart, 'The Drift' is the hardest to pull a single highlight from. 'Clara' is the central track, a terrifying epic full of chaotic and sometimes discordant percussion and orchestration, many songs in one. In many ways this was the album that reflected the world in 2006, and I like the fact that the oldest artist on this list has made the most progressive music of the year. Both a profound comment on our times as we drift towards disaster and a remarkable music statement.
12. Silent Shout - The Knife [Silent Shout - Brille]
I love this track, complete with magnificent OTT synth work and mega creepy vocals, although I didn't rate the whole album as highly as some others, their melodic techno mixed with extraordinary vocal effects was something I had to be in the mood for, preferably with the lights out and a couple of candles burning down. Pitchfork described this as 'haunted house' and that sums up their spooky take on dance music and electronica very well.
13. Distant Lights - Burial [Burial]
No-one really knows who Burial are, do they? This wraps the syncopation of dubstep around more spooky, haunted sounds. Again, very 2006. This makes the phrase 'post-rave comedown' enter my head every time I hear it. Like the best things this year it sounds weary, spooky and challenging.
14. Collarbone - Fujiya & Miyagi [Transparent things - Tirk] link
Is it dance music, disco punk or krautrock. This is funky in a kinda post-rock way, like the poppier moments of Can, this has a great krautrock-type groove and some whispered vocals recalling Damo Suzuki himself. I haven't heard anything else by them but I will be checking them out in the near future.
15. Running the World - Jarvis Cocker [Jarvis]
This must be the highest position for a hidden track, as this can now be found on the 'Jarvis' album, right at the end of 'Quantum Theory'. It's the closest the new Jarvis comes to an anthem, and while it's not up there with Common People or Babies it still makes you think that this guy is a national treasure. The lyrics attack at some obvious targets, but someone has to say it, no-one says anything anymore. This was lots of fun when it was on myspace, Jarvis making his comeback with a hugely offensive word in the chorus, but now it's been buried on the album. Seek it out if you can.
16. 1 2 -Sol Seppy [The Bells of 1 2 - Gronland]
Absolutely enchanting music from this solo artist, who was previously involved with Sparklehorse. '1 2' is the opening track from the album and it sets the tone for a magical, hazy, woozy musical journey. It reminds me of the under-rated Virginia Astley if anyone remembers her? Otherwise fans of the Cocteaus and Mazzy Star should check this woman out pronto.
17. Lived In Bars - Cat Power [The Greatest - Matador]
From what will probably become known as her Memphis Soul record, this was Chan Marshall getting it together with a bunch of top notch session players and delivering something quite sweet in the process. 'Lived in Bars' is the late night choice from the album, all hazy vocals and music that is too slow to dance to.
18. Dress Up In You - Belle & Sebastian [The Life Pursuit - Rough Trade]
"They are hypocrites so fuck them too". More excellent swearing from B & S with the best track from the Life Pursuit. Quite a bitchy song about two rivals, written from the point of view of the least successful one I imagine. Proof that Stuart Murdoch now has a way of telling a story that puts him up there with Jarvis and Morrissey.
19. Young Bride - Midlake [The Trials Of Van Occupanther]
For the intro alone this would have got in the top 50, but I also think it's a great song too. I love he way the violin just eases it in, and then the drums propel things along.
20. Ebb Tide - Bonnie Prince Billy [The Letting Go - Domino]
Again, 'The Letting Go' is a hard album to pick single tracks off, but it is one of my favourite albums that Will Oldham has made. I particularly like the call-and-response male/ female songs on it, but I chose this one because it sounds like he has left country structures behind and the band are taking a more free form approach. Lovely.
11. Clara - Scott Walker [The Drift - 4AD]
Of all the albums I have touched upon when I have been selecting tracks for this chart, 'The Drift' is the hardest to pull a single highlight from. 'Clara' is the central track, a terrifying epic full of chaotic and sometimes discordant percussion and orchestration, many songs in one. In many ways this was the album that reflected the world in 2006, and I like the fact that the oldest artist on this list has made the most progressive music of the year. Both a profound comment on our times as we drift towards disaster and a remarkable music statement.
12. Silent Shout - The Knife [Silent Shout - Brille]
I love this track, complete with magnificent OTT synth work and mega creepy vocals, although I didn't rate the whole album as highly as some others, their melodic techno mixed with extraordinary vocal effects was something I had to be in the mood for, preferably with the lights out and a couple of candles burning down. Pitchfork described this as 'haunted house' and that sums up their spooky take on dance music and electronica very well.
13. Distant Lights - Burial [Burial]
No-one really knows who Burial are, do they? This wraps the syncopation of dubstep around more spooky, haunted sounds. Again, very 2006. This makes the phrase 'post-rave comedown' enter my head every time I hear it. Like the best things this year it sounds weary, spooky and challenging.
14. Collarbone - Fujiya & Miyagi [Transparent things - Tirk] link
Is it dance music, disco punk or krautrock. This is funky in a kinda post-rock way, like the poppier moments of Can, this has a great krautrock-type groove and some whispered vocals recalling Damo Suzuki himself. I haven't heard anything else by them but I will be checking them out in the near future.
15. Running the World - Jarvis Cocker [Jarvis]
This must be the highest position for a hidden track, as this can now be found on the 'Jarvis' album, right at the end of 'Quantum Theory'. It's the closest the new Jarvis comes to an anthem, and while it's not up there with Common People or Babies it still makes you think that this guy is a national treasure. The lyrics attack at some obvious targets, but someone has to say it, no-one says anything anymore. This was lots of fun when it was on myspace, Jarvis making his comeback with a hugely offensive word in the chorus, but now it's been buried on the album. Seek it out if you can.
16. 1 2 -Sol Seppy [The Bells of 1 2 - Gronland]
Absolutely enchanting music from this solo artist, who was previously involved with Sparklehorse. '1 2' is the opening track from the album and it sets the tone for a magical, hazy, woozy musical journey. It reminds me of the under-rated Virginia Astley if anyone remembers her? Otherwise fans of the Cocteaus and Mazzy Star should check this woman out pronto.
17. Lived In Bars - Cat Power [The Greatest - Matador]
From what will probably become known as her Memphis Soul record, this was Chan Marshall getting it together with a bunch of top notch session players and delivering something quite sweet in the process. 'Lived in Bars' is the late night choice from the album, all hazy vocals and music that is too slow to dance to.
18. Dress Up In You - Belle & Sebastian [The Life Pursuit - Rough Trade]
"They are hypocrites so fuck them too". More excellent swearing from B & S with the best track from the Life Pursuit. Quite a bitchy song about two rivals, written from the point of view of the least successful one I imagine. Proof that Stuart Murdoch now has a way of telling a story that puts him up there with Jarvis and Morrissey.
19. Young Bride - Midlake [The Trials Of Van Occupanther]
For the intro alone this would have got in the top 50, but I also think it's a great song too. I love he way the violin just eases it in, and then the drums propel things along.
20. Ebb Tide - Bonnie Prince Billy [The Letting Go - Domino]
Again, 'The Letting Go' is a hard album to pick single tracks off, but it is one of my favourite albums that Will Oldham has made. I particularly like the call-and-response male/ female songs on it, but I chose this one because it sounds like he has left country structures behind and the band are taking a more free form approach. Lovely.
SO LAST YEAR: A 2006 round -up (pt.3)
SO LAST YEAR 21-30
21. Crying in Yur Face - AFX [Chosen Lords]
AFX, aka Analord, aka Aphex Twin, won back a few wavering fans with this compilation of his Analord 12"s, including myself, as shamefully I don't have a functioning record player so I have never heard the full versions. This collection was great though, parts of it even hinted back to other electronic acts like Kraftwerk and Orbital, rather than the more extreme music Aphex has been pushing forward with in the last decade. I'm told that some of the vinyl only stuff is well worth my attention, but for now 'Chosen Lords' is my fave electronic release of the year, and 'Crying in Yur Face' is my highlight from it.
22. (And I Was a) Boy From School - Hot Chip [The Warning]
Lest you think they were a one-hit, one-note repetitive wonder, here were Hot Chip with a more conventional song, a more melancholic take on indie-electronic pop which proved them as songwriters to watch as well. "I got, I got lost/ You said this was the way back" is the achingly sad bit at the end.
23. In The Morning - Junior Boys [So This Is Goodbye - Domino]
A slightly more funky, less chilled out release than many people were expecting, 'In the Morning' is the catchiest tune here, the one with the "too young" refrain. On first listen I found this new album a little bit disappointing after the highpoints of 'Last Exit', but I've given it a bit of time and it has crept up on me.
24. Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind - Yo La Tengo [I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass - Matador] link
Unfairly overlooked this year I think, despite a fun marketing campaign highlighting fans youtube vids and a fine album. Still it's not every band that opens their album with a 10 minute guitar groove and a pretty impressive one it is. They are a bit like the Fall to my ears, I just hear them and I instantly like it, so critical objectivity goes out the window with me and YLT.
25. Whoo! Alright - Yeah... Uh Huh - The Rapture [Pieces of the People We Love]
Proof that there is always one Rapture moment worth the price of admission. This nearly makes this old guy want to dance, but as they say in the lyrics "People don't dance no more/ They just stand there like this/ They cross their arms and stare you down and drink and moan and piss." That almost made me feel bad for a minute. Not quite another House of Jealous Lovers but close!!
26. Orchids - Califone [Roots and Crowns - Thrill Jockey] link
Only the second cover version included in this list (the original is by Pychic TV) A circling melody propelled along by guitar effects and all manner of acoustic instruments, this is just a lovely song, but there is something a bit spooked about it. "In the morning after the night/ I fall in love with the light" sets the tone. Former members of Red Red Meat (remember them?) I would love to hear more of their material as I only came across this on a Wire Tapper compilation.
27. Harrowdown Hill - Thom Yorke [The Eraser - EMI]
For a solo album, and one allegedly quickly assembled at that, 'The Eraser' was pretty good. 'Harrowdown Hill' is my fave track, a haunted piece of electronica and funk, and yet another song that intrigues me with the lyrics. It becomes clear what it's about when you realise that Harrowdown Hill was where government scientist David Kelly was found dead - "I can't take their pressure/ No one cares if you live or die/ They just want me gone/ They want me gone". A spooked song for a scary subject.
28. Breakfast In NYC - Oppenheimer [Oppenheimer - Bar None] link
I heard this in its demo form nearly two years ago and I'm still not bored with it. A great simple pop song. I must also mention the fab Skibunny mix of this tune, which is lurking around myspace somewhere.
29. I Love Creedence - Casiotone For The Painfully Alone [Etiquette] link
A charming little story song which makes me smile everytime I hear it. A tale of unrequited love told with lo-fi keyboards and the best understated baritone this side of the Magnetic Fields.
30. Springfield, Or Bobby Got A Shadfly Caught In His Hair - Sufjan Stevens [The Avalanche - Asthmatic Kitty]
Sufjan didn't grace us with a 'proper' album this year, instead we got 80 minutes of leftovers from the Illinoise sessions, and enough good tunes to make many contemporaries jealous. No real classics on here though this decent tune must have been close to making the cut for the main album. It is kind of annoying that even this guy's cast-offs have merit!
21. Crying in Yur Face - AFX [Chosen Lords]
AFX, aka Analord, aka Aphex Twin, won back a few wavering fans with this compilation of his Analord 12"s, including myself, as shamefully I don't have a functioning record player so I have never heard the full versions. This collection was great though, parts of it even hinted back to other electronic acts like Kraftwerk and Orbital, rather than the more extreme music Aphex has been pushing forward with in the last decade. I'm told that some of the vinyl only stuff is well worth my attention, but for now 'Chosen Lords' is my fave electronic release of the year, and 'Crying in Yur Face' is my highlight from it.
22. (And I Was a) Boy From School - Hot Chip [The Warning]
Lest you think they were a one-hit, one-note repetitive wonder, here were Hot Chip with a more conventional song, a more melancholic take on indie-electronic pop which proved them as songwriters to watch as well. "I got, I got lost/ You said this was the way back" is the achingly sad bit at the end.
23. In The Morning - Junior Boys [So This Is Goodbye - Domino]
A slightly more funky, less chilled out release than many people were expecting, 'In the Morning' is the catchiest tune here, the one with the "too young" refrain. On first listen I found this new album a little bit disappointing after the highpoints of 'Last Exit', but I've given it a bit of time and it has crept up on me.
24. Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind - Yo La Tengo [I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass - Matador] link
Unfairly overlooked this year I think, despite a fun marketing campaign highlighting fans youtube vids and a fine album. Still it's not every band that opens their album with a 10 minute guitar groove and a pretty impressive one it is. They are a bit like the Fall to my ears, I just hear them and I instantly like it, so critical objectivity goes out the window with me and YLT.
25. Whoo! Alright - Yeah... Uh Huh - The Rapture [Pieces of the People We Love]
Proof that there is always one Rapture moment worth the price of admission. This nearly makes this old guy want to dance, but as they say in the lyrics "People don't dance no more/ They just stand there like this/ They cross their arms and stare you down and drink and moan and piss." That almost made me feel bad for a minute. Not quite another House of Jealous Lovers but close!!
26. Orchids - Califone [Roots and Crowns - Thrill Jockey] link
Only the second cover version included in this list (the original is by Pychic TV) A circling melody propelled along by guitar effects and all manner of acoustic instruments, this is just a lovely song, but there is something a bit spooked about it. "In the morning after the night/ I fall in love with the light" sets the tone. Former members of Red Red Meat (remember them?) I would love to hear more of their material as I only came across this on a Wire Tapper compilation.
27. Harrowdown Hill - Thom Yorke [The Eraser - EMI]
For a solo album, and one allegedly quickly assembled at that, 'The Eraser' was pretty good. 'Harrowdown Hill' is my fave track, a haunted piece of electronica and funk, and yet another song that intrigues me with the lyrics. It becomes clear what it's about when you realise that Harrowdown Hill was where government scientist David Kelly was found dead - "I can't take their pressure/ No one cares if you live or die/ They just want me gone/ They want me gone". A spooked song for a scary subject.
28. Breakfast In NYC - Oppenheimer [Oppenheimer - Bar None] link
I heard this in its demo form nearly two years ago and I'm still not bored with it. A great simple pop song. I must also mention the fab Skibunny mix of this tune, which is lurking around myspace somewhere.
29. I Love Creedence - Casiotone For The Painfully Alone [Etiquette] link
A charming little story song which makes me smile everytime I hear it. A tale of unrequited love told with lo-fi keyboards and the best understated baritone this side of the Magnetic Fields.
30. Springfield, Or Bobby Got A Shadfly Caught In His Hair - Sufjan Stevens [The Avalanche - Asthmatic Kitty]
Sufjan didn't grace us with a 'proper' album this year, instead we got 80 minutes of leftovers from the Illinoise sessions, and enough good tunes to make many contemporaries jealous. No real classics on here though this decent tune must have been close to making the cut for the main album. It is kind of annoying that even this guy's cast-offs have merit!
SO LAST YEAR: A 2006 round -up (pt.4)
SO LAST YEAR 31-40
31. Cosmia - Joanna Newsom [Ys - Drag City]
The more I listen to 'Ys' the more I think it was 2006's masterpiece. 'Cosmia' is probably the most accessible tune on it, as on first listen the rest of it left me stunned and puzzled in equal measures. The whole thing SOUNDS sublime (arranged by Van Dyke Parks, mixed by Jim O'Rourke, recorded by Steve Albini) and Joanna's vocals are more palatable as well, or is that just familiarity at this stage?
32. I Go to the Barn Because I Like the - Band Of Horses [Everything All The Time]
Former member(s) of the hugely under-rated Carissa's Wierd, although it is slightly more alt-country than shoegaze. It still captures that melodic melancholic feel that CW did so well. A single from the album 'The Great Salt Lake') nearly pipped this for inclusion but I went with this because it has that sadness that just hangs in the air after the track has ended.
33. What A Waste - Sonic Youth [Rather Ripped - Geffen]
I said earlier this was SY's conventional 'pop' song album, and this is the best of those. A catchy, noisy rocker of a tune that revisits the territory they mapped out with 'Goo' and 'Dirty' all those years ago. Actually the more I listen to 'Rather Ripped' the better it gets.
34. Woke Up New - The Mountain Goats [Get Lonely]
I actually only heard the new Mountain Goats album just after Christmas, so this is a bit of a last minute inclusion. This is one of those 'life-after-heartbreak' songs, your lover has left you and you are trying to evaluate your life. John Darnielle is a wonderfully consistent songwriter and this is up there with his best.
35. Glasgow Mega-Snake - Mogwai [Mr. Beast]
It was the first album I heard in 2006 and despite being a bit disappointed by their Belfast gig early in the year, I am still listening to Mr. Beast now. 'Glasgow Mega-Snake' is the standout track for me, mixing their simple melody with noise overload to great effect.
36. Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken - Camera Obscura [Let's Get Out of this Country - Elefant]
I like the idea of songs that answer an older song - in this case it's Lloyd Cole's 1984 hit 'Are You Ready to be Heartbroken?' and this even has sweeping 'Rattlesnakes' style string arrangements all over it. In retrospect 2006 was a great year for indie-pop with absolute gems like this being released.
37. Your Blood - Destroyer [Destroyer's Rubies - Merge] link
The Destroyer album is a real grower and it's one of my highlights of the year. Everytime you go back to it you hear something new. I love the lyrics on this song, and I love the way he tells a story. It reminds me a little of mid-70s Dylan though it never actually sounds like that, if you know what I mean.
38. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn And John [Writer's Block - Wichita] link
Mega catchy indie pop that I only heard courtesy of other people's end of year lists. I missed this lot when they played in Belfast last month, but if I had been more tuned in I would have gone. You'll be whistling this for ages when you hear it, infectious pop indeed.
39. Allen Died, April Five - Oppenheimer [Oppenheimer - Bar None] link
There isn't a lot of local music in this list, and while I saw a few promising local gigs I didn't hear many new releases. This is my favourite of the bunch, their debut album is a collection of short indie-pop songs, but this is the longest track on it which builds and builds on a simple melody. If anything connects the songs on this list, it's that lyrically I have no idea what they are about, and the same goes for this. For all the catchy pop songs on the album this is the one that intrigues me.
40. Bless Your Blood - Six Organs Of Admittance [The Sun Awakens - Drag City] link
I chose this track because Ben Chasny is mostly known as a guitarist and most of Six Organs music is instrumental, however on 'Bless Your Blood' Ben lets his acoustic and electric guitars chime and drone before adding his own vocals to the piece, making it even more spooked than the guiat textures had hinted at. This was the year that Six Organs made their best record and Ben Chasny became a name to drop in all the right circles. The future is very bright for this guy.
31. Cosmia - Joanna Newsom [Ys - Drag City]
The more I listen to 'Ys' the more I think it was 2006's masterpiece. 'Cosmia' is probably the most accessible tune on it, as on first listen the rest of it left me stunned and puzzled in equal measures. The whole thing SOUNDS sublime (arranged by Van Dyke Parks, mixed by Jim O'Rourke, recorded by Steve Albini) and Joanna's vocals are more palatable as well, or is that just familiarity at this stage?
32. I Go to the Barn Because I Like the - Band Of Horses [Everything All The Time]
Former member(s) of the hugely under-rated Carissa's Wierd, although it is slightly more alt-country than shoegaze. It still captures that melodic melancholic feel that CW did so well. A single from the album 'The Great Salt Lake') nearly pipped this for inclusion but I went with this because it has that sadness that just hangs in the air after the track has ended.
33. What A Waste - Sonic Youth [Rather Ripped - Geffen]
I said earlier this was SY's conventional 'pop' song album, and this is the best of those. A catchy, noisy rocker of a tune that revisits the territory they mapped out with 'Goo' and 'Dirty' all those years ago. Actually the more I listen to 'Rather Ripped' the better it gets.
34. Woke Up New - The Mountain Goats [Get Lonely]
I actually only heard the new Mountain Goats album just after Christmas, so this is a bit of a last minute inclusion. This is one of those 'life-after-heartbreak' songs, your lover has left you and you are trying to evaluate your life. John Darnielle is a wonderfully consistent songwriter and this is up there with his best.
35. Glasgow Mega-Snake - Mogwai [Mr. Beast]
It was the first album I heard in 2006 and despite being a bit disappointed by their Belfast gig early in the year, I am still listening to Mr. Beast now. 'Glasgow Mega-Snake' is the standout track for me, mixing their simple melody with noise overload to great effect.
36. Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken - Camera Obscura [Let's Get Out of this Country - Elefant]
I like the idea of songs that answer an older song - in this case it's Lloyd Cole's 1984 hit 'Are You Ready to be Heartbroken?' and this even has sweeping 'Rattlesnakes' style string arrangements all over it. In retrospect 2006 was a great year for indie-pop with absolute gems like this being released.
37. Your Blood - Destroyer [Destroyer's Rubies - Merge] link
The Destroyer album is a real grower and it's one of my highlights of the year. Everytime you go back to it you hear something new. I love the lyrics on this song, and I love the way he tells a story. It reminds me a little of mid-70s Dylan though it never actually sounds like that, if you know what I mean.
38. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn And John [Writer's Block - Wichita] link
Mega catchy indie pop that I only heard courtesy of other people's end of year lists. I missed this lot when they played in Belfast last month, but if I had been more tuned in I would have gone. You'll be whistling this for ages when you hear it, infectious pop indeed.
39. Allen Died, April Five - Oppenheimer [Oppenheimer - Bar None] link
There isn't a lot of local music in this list, and while I saw a few promising local gigs I didn't hear many new releases. This is my favourite of the bunch, their debut album is a collection of short indie-pop songs, but this is the longest track on it which builds and builds on a simple melody. If anything connects the songs on this list, it's that lyrically I have no idea what they are about, and the same goes for this. For all the catchy pop songs on the album this is the one that intrigues me.
40. Bless Your Blood - Six Organs Of Admittance [The Sun Awakens - Drag City] link
I chose this track because Ben Chasny is mostly known as a guitarist and most of Six Organs music is instrumental, however on 'Bless Your Blood' Ben lets his acoustic and electric guitars chime and drone before adding his own vocals to the piece, making it even more spooked than the guiat textures had hinted at. This was the year that Six Organs made their best record and Ben Chasny became a name to drop in all the right circles. The future is very bright for this guy.
SO LAST YEAR: A 2006 round -up (pt.5)
SO LAST YEAR 41-50
Instead of a simple albums of the year list I have come up with my own personal festive 50 of sorts - except it's too late to be festive. I thought I would go ahead and publish it in the first week of 2007 as there wouldn't be any new stuff to bother with, so here it is, in five exciting instalments(!)....
41. Shock And Awe - Neil Young [Living With War] link
It was hard to pick a track off 'Living with War' as well. This is probably Neil Young's strongest rock album for years. He gets angry and the guitars get noisy again.
42. Pink Steam - Sonic Youth [Rather Ripped - Geffen]
As most of you know, 'Rather Ripped' is SY's return to short pop tunes, in contrast to the recent run of albums they made with Jim O'Rourke. 'Pink Steam; is the anomaly on it, as it's the longest track and it doesn't have any vocals til way past the halfway point. It's such a strong album of tunes it was hard to pick out highlights, so I might change my mind and have 'Or' or 'Do You Believe in Rapture' in here instead.
43. Spaceape - Burial [Burial - Hyperdub]
One of the albums of the year without a doubt, and maybe a good bet for next year's Mercury prize? Burial took dubstep to a strange spaced out half-speed place. 'Spaceape' is the spooky one with the menacing split-track vocal breathing out of yr speakers. Difficult not to fill this list with tracks from the album, well worth checking out.
44. God Only Knows - Petra Haden link
What a song to cover! Marks for sheer audacity for covering the Pet Sounds classic, and extra marks for doing it so well. I haven't heard her version of the Who Sell Out but apparently it is done the same way with Petra just overlaying her own vocal harmonies in place of the instruments.
45. Another Sunny Day - Belle & Sebastian [The Life Pursuit - Rough Trade] link
This put the willies up a few critics when it was released due to the use of the F word, and people either forgot that B&S have always used it, and always written quite racy songs. This is just a great summer record, although it did come out in February just to confuse you.
46. Smile - Lily Allen [Alright, Still EMI] link
The first of two UK no.1s in this 50, I was even surprised at that fact myself. I found myself falling for this tune whilst working on a radio show this summer, and I still haven't got sick of it. I know a lot people don't rate her, but much like Eminem, I just have to admire her way with words.
47. Big Julie - Jarvis Cocker [Jarvis - Rough Trade] link
I only heard this album in early December, probably because I expected a disappointment, and although it isn't totally successful there are some great songs on it. This is one of the best, a tale of a lonely smalltown girl who escapes her boredom through hearing a song on the radio. Of course that story has been told before, but Jarvis brings his own charm to it.
48. Mars - Quack Quack [7" single - RUN03] link
A live highlight of the year for me, Quack Quack come from Leeds and inhabit a funky instrumental space somewhere between Can and Stereolab. 'Mars' is an organ-lead peice of funky post-rock propelled along by some great drumming. They are coming back to these shores in February, so check them out.
49. Then Kill Caesar - Current 93 [Black Ships Ate the Sky: Durtro] link
Current 93's most ambitious and successful album doesn't really belong in a bite-size round-up of the year, but I felt I had to represent it somewhere. 'Black Ships Ate the Sky' works with the themes of judgement and apocalypse and it is a song cycle based around Charles Wesley's hymn 'Idumea' which is sung eight times by eight different singers, so I felt it unfair to single one out.
This track features David Tibet's vocal accompanied by Ben Chasny of Six Organs of Admittance on acoustic guitar, a talent who pops up later on in this list.
50. Evangelista II - Carla Bozulich [Evangelista - Constellation] link
We'll start with the difficult material, shall we? Former vocalist with the Geraldine Fibbers, Carla Bozulich's album 'Evangelista' was one of the most intense and emotional releases of the year, but along with Scott Walker and Joanna Newsom it made me feel good about music this year, especially because labels are willing to push this kind of thing, and artists are still extending themselves. 'Evangelista' came out on Constellation in May and featured some familiar accompanying musicians, particularly people from GY!BE and the related bands.
Instead of a simple albums of the year list I have come up with my own personal festive 50 of sorts - except it's too late to be festive. I thought I would go ahead and publish it in the first week of 2007 as there wouldn't be any new stuff to bother with, so here it is, in five exciting instalments(!)....
41. Shock And Awe - Neil Young [Living With War] link
It was hard to pick a track off 'Living with War' as well. This is probably Neil Young's strongest rock album for years. He gets angry and the guitars get noisy again.
42. Pink Steam - Sonic Youth [Rather Ripped - Geffen]
As most of you know, 'Rather Ripped' is SY's return to short pop tunes, in contrast to the recent run of albums they made with Jim O'Rourke. 'Pink Steam; is the anomaly on it, as it's the longest track and it doesn't have any vocals til way past the halfway point. It's such a strong album of tunes it was hard to pick out highlights, so I might change my mind and have 'Or' or 'Do You Believe in Rapture' in here instead.
43. Spaceape - Burial [Burial - Hyperdub]
One of the albums of the year without a doubt, and maybe a good bet for next year's Mercury prize? Burial took dubstep to a strange spaced out half-speed place. 'Spaceape' is the spooky one with the menacing split-track vocal breathing out of yr speakers. Difficult not to fill this list with tracks from the album, well worth checking out.
44. God Only Knows - Petra Haden link
What a song to cover! Marks for sheer audacity for covering the Pet Sounds classic, and extra marks for doing it so well. I haven't heard her version of the Who Sell Out but apparently it is done the same way with Petra just overlaying her own vocal harmonies in place of the instruments.
45. Another Sunny Day - Belle & Sebastian [The Life Pursuit - Rough Trade] link
This put the willies up a few critics when it was released due to the use of the F word, and people either forgot that B&S have always used it, and always written quite racy songs. This is just a great summer record, although it did come out in February just to confuse you.
46. Smile - Lily Allen [Alright, Still EMI] link
The first of two UK no.1s in this 50, I was even surprised at that fact myself. I found myself falling for this tune whilst working on a radio show this summer, and I still haven't got sick of it. I know a lot people don't rate her, but much like Eminem, I just have to admire her way with words.
47. Big Julie - Jarvis Cocker [Jarvis - Rough Trade] link
I only heard this album in early December, probably because I expected a disappointment, and although it isn't totally successful there are some great songs on it. This is one of the best, a tale of a lonely smalltown girl who escapes her boredom through hearing a song on the radio. Of course that story has been told before, but Jarvis brings his own charm to it.
48. Mars - Quack Quack [7" single - RUN03] link
A live highlight of the year for me, Quack Quack come from Leeds and inhabit a funky instrumental space somewhere between Can and Stereolab. 'Mars' is an organ-lead peice of funky post-rock propelled along by some great drumming. They are coming back to these shores in February, so check them out.
49. Then Kill Caesar - Current 93 [Black Ships Ate the Sky: Durtro] link
Current 93's most ambitious and successful album doesn't really belong in a bite-size round-up of the year, but I felt I had to represent it somewhere. 'Black Ships Ate the Sky' works with the themes of judgement and apocalypse and it is a song cycle based around Charles Wesley's hymn 'Idumea' which is sung eight times by eight different singers, so I felt it unfair to single one out.
This track features David Tibet's vocal accompanied by Ben Chasny of Six Organs of Admittance on acoustic guitar, a talent who pops up later on in this list.
50. Evangelista II - Carla Bozulich [Evangelista - Constellation] link
We'll start with the difficult material, shall we? Former vocalist with the Geraldine Fibbers, Carla Bozulich's album 'Evangelista' was one of the most intense and emotional releases of the year, but along with Scott Walker and Joanna Newsom it made me feel good about music this year, especially because labels are willing to push this kind of thing, and artists are still extending themselves. 'Evangelista' came out on Constellation in May and featured some familiar accompanying musicians, particularly people from GY!BE and the related bands.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)