cut (copy) and pasted from facebook - reviews written primarily for the "never-heard-befores"
1. Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
If you like to dance, work out or be hooked on one album that you can’t stop playing over and over again - this album is for you. Front to back. Cut Copy Paste, Paste, Paste…
2. Culture Reject – Culture Reject
This album was hardly reviewed and did not receive the attention it deserved. A one man show for the most part here. #3 Museums, might be the perfect song.
3. Beach House – Devotion
Sleepy, hypnotizing, buttery, mesmerizing, smooth, lovely, beautiful, etc. Doesn’t get much better than #3, Gila.
4. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Hugely over-hyped early in the year but still a great pop record. Had it not been so overexposed, might have been my #1.
5. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (LP)/Sun Giant (EP)
I was late to arrive with these guys. Unique echoing harmonies abound. Hooked for good after an impressive live performance on SNL. #2, White Winter Hymnal, on the LP is a sing-along, head-bobbing repeater.
6. Hercules and Love Affair – Hercules and Love Affair
I’m a sucker for good electronic/dance/disco – and this qualifies. Fairly eclectic mix with a good dose of bass driven 70’s disco with some horns here and there. #8, This Is My Love is a good place to start.
7. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak
What can you say about Kanye? He’s hurting. Right. This collection almost makes me believe him. This one took about 3 listens to hit me – but then I was done. #4, Amazing, is a slow driving groove – probably the most “hip-hop” track on the album. This is primarily ballads here folks so set you expectation accordingly. Set them to...heartbreak..
8. Hot Chip – Made in the Dark
What’d I say about dance music?…oh, yeah, I love it. #6, Touch Too Much will make your butt get up and shake involuntarily. This has a bit of everything though. Several changes of pace.
9. Deerhunter – Microcastle/ Wired Era Cont
Last year’s Cryptograms was my #5 of 2007 and the overall BurnIt #1. Between Atlas Sound and these 2 full lengths, Bradford Cox has been a very busy man. I guess he would qualify as prolific. #2, Agoraphobia, on Microcastle, is the circling, lazy, hypnotic ear-candy.
10. Why? – Alopecia
White-guy-speak-rap-singer-pop-hip-hop-rock-song-structure-lyrically-unusual-type-stuff . #4 The Hollows is a good sample…I think.
11. Atlas Sound – Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
See number 9 above. #11, Bite Marks – psychedelic man..
12.M83 - Saturdays=Youth
A huge departure (in my book) from the bombastic electronic onslaught of previous releases, which I love, so this one took me a while to come around. This is much more scaled back, softer, more of a mood album. #2, Kim and Jessie, although not representative of the whole album, is pure electro-pop, sung at a whisper.
13. Shearwater – Rook
This one hit me late one night sitting at home with the headphones on. I’d had it for several months before it found that sweet spot in my brain. His voice is a bit theatrical so be warned but the songs are beautiful. Check #7, I Was A Cloud, and be serenaded off to a land of …clouds…I guess.
14. Portishead – Third
Another highly anticipated release for a band I’ve been a fan of since ‘Dummy’ way back when (’97 maybe? I don’t feel like looking it up). Portishead own trip-hop. This album can be a bit anxiety inducing and down right spooky at times – it’s only scary because it’s unfamiliar. Soon you will see (hear) the beauty. #6, We Carry On, is scarrryyyy good.
15. Quiet Village – Silent Movie
Primarily an instrumental. Good background music. Sounds like the soundtrack to 70’s era Blaxploitation films in many cases. Lot’s of sampling.
16. Hayden – In Field Town
Singer songwriter easy listening. #1, In Field Town, the title track is a bouncy soft pop song accessible to anyone.
17. Air France – No Way Down
Poppy-electronic/dance stuff. More good background music. # 9 Beach Party – is exactly that – complete with bongos and stuff.
18. Pete And The Pirates – Little Death
The first 6 tracks on this album are pure pop/rock gems. Falls off a bit after that but not completely. Running out of steam here folks….
19. Department of Eagles – In Ear Park
These are the guys from Grizzly Bear so if you like Grizzly Bear you’ll probably like this. Psychedelic.
20. School of Seven Bells – Alpinisms
Drums, big sound, electronic blast, female harmonies. Catchy stuff.
Just missed: The Walkmen – You & Me, TV on the Radio – Dear Science, Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight
Thanks for reading. Comments and criticisms welcomed!
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