My top 10 this year is really more a top five. Some almosts... Deerhunter, Titus Andronicus, Nick Cave... maybe in 6 months they'll register. I'm rather cut off from culture nowadays so I don't really get to hear much unless I'm recording it. For now, there are five. Last year was killer, this year was meh. I'm sure I'll look back upon it fondly though when the inevitable and near-approaching semi-ironic 90s revival takes over. Here's a hasty wine-fueled list. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
5. Sigur Ros "...title.." : I have nothing of worth to add to what's been said. The expected beauty plus teases of something new; the tempo increase suits them.
4. The War on Drugs "Barrel of Batteries"(EP)/"Wagonwheel Blues"(LP) : from the name and Berkley College Of Music stoner look I assumed I'd hate them and then three minutes into the set I'd pushed my way to the front of the room to listen more closely. Vocals channel Dylan/Springsteen without feeling a sham over shimmery psych-instrumentation and loops. I like the feel of the EP a little more (mainly just the mix of Arms Like Boulders.) Dunno if it still is, but was a free download from Secretly Canadian a few months back.
3.5 Li'l Wayne : I haven't heard a song from it but what a goddamned cover!
3. Frightened Rabbit "Midnight Organ Fight" : sort of record that sounds familiar, no type of instantly-latched-upon quirk to set it apart other than the singer having a similar accent as the I Would Walk 500 Miles song from Benny & Joon. But what it is - totally solid, catchy, well crafted pop songs produced again by the man who brought you the last National and first Interpol record. Continues to be an enjoyable listen despite my having seriously overplayed it earlier this year.
2. Fleet Foxes : I love Simon & Garfunkle too!
1. Walkmen "You & Me" : After their last record being a serious exercise in yaaaawn I didn't really expect a lot. Then I started hearing these radio sessions and webcast things, them playing Leonard Cohen and Royal Trux songs and there was that Nilsson cover record... and they were great, not just phoning it in anymore. They've always channeled a 60s/early 70s sorta feel, and perhaps it was the full acceptance of it that made this record work so well. I saw a quote from their guitarist to the effect of "we got good when we stopped trying to sound different." This record absolutely killed everything else this year for me, is far and away their best, and their live show is back on par as well. The record is perfectly paced; "In the New Year" is still giving me shivers.
I give a plug to some friends called The Dustys who's EP comes out in the next few days. Sorta Beach Boys harmonies/70s psych-metal/T-Rex adoration.
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http://www.eamonn-aiken.com/
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