January 6, 2010

New Mos Def video feat. Talib Kweli

I’m gonna keep this brief because I’ve probably bigged up the latest Mos Def record enough here. I listed it as my 7th favorite album of 2009 don’t you know? Anyway the latest single from The Ecstatic sees the recreation of a beautiful partnership formerly known as Black Star, as Mos Def collaborates once again with Talib Kweli on History.

The video is nicely shot in monochrome, and while not exactly anything to shout about visually, it’s a big tune and worth a watch.

Download: Mos Def – History Feat. Talib Kweli

December 30, 2009

An Interview with Former Ghosts

As you may know, I recently wrote about my favorite albums of 2009, listing Fleurs by Former Ghosts as my #1 album of the year. For those unaware, Former Ghosts is the brainchild of Freddy Ruppert (This Song is a Mess But So Am I), who is joined in the band by Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu) and Nika Roza (Zola Jesus). While the record is really a collection of synth pop songs, it’s also a brutally honest account of one relationship and its break up.

As my favorite record of the year by some distance, I thought it would be suitable if my last blog post of the year was an interview with Freddy Ruppert. Freddy was kind enough to agree to do this, and answered some questions about Former Ghosts, the record, and his plans for the immediate future.

Q: How did Former Ghosts come together?

A lot of the songs were written before Former Ghosts even really came together as a full on band.  They were written as a way to communicate with someone in my life at the time.  Once I had decided that this was going to be a new music project for me, having Jamie on board just came naturally.  We had always talked about doing a project in this kind of style but both of our schedules were just too busy to actually do it, but then it ended up working out this time around.  Nika got involved because I am a big fan of her band Zola Jesus and I asked her to sing on a song and when she sent it back to me I was so blown away that I knew that I needed her to be a part of this band!

Q: From what I gather the record was written in different places, yet it seems like a very cohesive work. How would you account for that?

Yeah, it was essentially recorded in different places.  I currently live in Los Angeles, Jamie is currently in North Carolina, and Nika is currently in Wisconsin.  I think maybe it works cohesively because the three of us all seem to approach music from a similar place.  I would also put together a main structure of a song, then mail it to Jamie and Nika, who would then record parts and mail them back to me and then I would sort of piece everything together into a cohesive unit.

Q: Does it inspire you to be working with Jamie and Nika? Do their individual talents make you think about music differently at all?

I’ve been friends with Jamie for a very long time.  In a way he has sort of been a mentor to me when it comes to how one should approach music and expression.  Ever since I was doing This Song Is A Mess But So Am I he was always supportive of what I was doing and really taught me that it is always important to approach music from an honest place and too not worry about things ever being too personal.  He also stretches my ideas and boundaries of what can be done in a pop song.  Nika’s voice is completely inspiring and I find myself writing music specifically with her voice in mind.  Both of them are completely inspiring and I am completely honored and flattered to get to work with them.

Q: With Fleurs being such a personal record lyrically, how do you feel about it now some time has passed since its release?

I’m not sure.  The way I make albums seems to be a way of capturing a specific time of my life almost like a photo album.  It’s weird, so I’m not really sure how I feel about it.  It’s so strange to me because the songs were written simultaneously to desperation in a very intense relationship in which I was very much in love and now it’s become a weird break up record, which is something that wasn’t intended because at the time there was some hope in those songs.  I’m sorry, I guess I’m not really sure.

Q: Although I find it can be uplifting, broadly speaking it seems as though you use music to express sadness. Could you ever see yourself writing about happiness?

I would like that.  I think that would be nice.  I guess I’ve mainly just used music as an outlet to express specific things.  My happiness I seem to express in other ways that are non musical.

Q: I noticed on your blog that you’re working on new material for Former Ghosts, how is that going? What can we expect from the new album?

It’s coming along.  I kind of just have a bunch of sketches of random things so I’m not totally sure what is actually going to be the album yet or not.  Just starting to piece it together with initial ideas.  I’m hoping to have the majority of it completed by the end of January for release next year.  Some of the songs seem a lot poppier so far but I can’t completely say yet.

Are there any plans in place to tour Europe and the UK? If so, what kind of set up would that involve?

Yes!  Definitely in 2010.  I believe this is going to happen in April and May.  Things are in the beginning planning stages right now!  I’m not completely sure what the set up would involve yet because I know that both Jamie and Nika have a really, really busy year next year with Xiu Xiu and Zola Jesus.  But Former Ghosts will be over there in some form next year!

Q: Finally, what are your own favourite records from this year? Feel free to gush, list or discuss in any form you feel comfortable with.

I’m not very good at picking out or listing specific records but all of the following have completely blown me away this year and I have been listening on repeat:

Felt Drawings

Zola Jesus

Silk Flowers

Tearist

Whitman

Download: Former Ghosts – Hold On

December 30, 2009

R.I.P. Youthmovies

It was sadly announced this week, through a response to mutterings on the DiS Message Board, that Youthmovies will cease to exist in 2010. Although plans are in place to embark on one small farewell tour, the band will move on to separate projects in the new year. While Youthmovies had initially announced their intentions to start recording on a follow up to 2008’s debut full length, Good Nature, it seems the band will release no further records in the foreseeable future.

Having been a Youthmovies fan for many years its disappointing to see the band fold with so much unfulfilled potential. I remember interviewing them a few years ago, where they had discussed their plans for the future to expand on their sound, having made their ‘guitar record’ with Good Nature. This had excited me at the time, and if this does prove to be the end, Youthmovies will forever be one of the most important bands of my formative years. While there’s still plenty of recorded material for newcomers to dig their teeth into, having seen them live countless times I think it’s safe to say the best was yet to come. Look out for farewell dates in the new year!

Download: Youthmovies – If You’d Seen a Battleifield

December 26, 2009

New Black Milk – Keep Going Feat. AB

After a year without so much as a sniff of a Black Milk release, in 2010 we’ll be getting not one, not two, but three (!) albums from the Detroit rapper/producer. There’s going to be a Melanie Rutherford solo album which I don’t know too much about yet, the Random Axe collaboration with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson, and finally the new Black Milk record entitled, Album of the Year. While he assures us that this is meant to refer to an album about the year of 2009, you can bet your bottom dollar Black Milk is fully aware of the titles implications. Check out a broadcast from the studio with Black Milk talking about all three releases here.

Anyway, as a gift to his fans Black Milk leaked the first track from Album of the Year on Christmas day and, as I’ve come to expect, its a sure fire banger. This guy is undoubtedly one of the most exciting producers right now, and the track has got me so hyped for the new record. It’s got super heavy live percussion, typically massive sounding synths and so much great stuff going on in the background that I’ve not even had a chance to really listen to the ryhmes yet.

Album of the year eh? I’ll be surprised if it’s not close.

Black Milk – Keep Going ft. AB

December 23, 2009

Albums of the Year

25. Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains

Alongside the Japandroids and Future of the Left records, this is one of the few straight up rock albums I’ve listened to a lot this year. Cymbals Eat Guitars aren’t capitalizing on any particular trends, this is just a great record that’s been noticed because it’s got great songs on it. Why There Are Mountains isn’t tied down to 2009, it sounds like it could have just as easily come from the 90’s as the 00’s, and this is to the albums credit. If Pavement were still making records, it might sound a bit like this.

MP3: Cymbals Eat Guitars – Some Trees

24. Felt – Felt 3 (A Tribute To Rosie Perez)

There have been better hip hop albums released this year, sure, but I’m not sure there are any that are this fun. Murs and Slug collaborate for the third time under the name Felt, with mutual friend Aesop Rock on production duties. This was a bold choice that paid off in a big way; while Aesop isn’t known for his production skills, with this record he’s announced himself as a genuine talent. Felt 3 contains some of the year’s best beats accompanied by classic storytelling and goofy battle raps from two now veterans of underground hip hop. I can’t help wishing Aesop rapped on this just a little though…

MP3: Felt – Protagonists

23. Owen – New Leaves

Aptly titled New Leaves, Owen’s latest album features Mike Kinsella’s best songwriting in years. While the record takes a more textured approach than we are used to from Owen, Mike’s lyrics are fantastic and struck a real chord with me. For the most part this is a record about getting into your thirties and Mike’s ambivalent attitudes towards settling down; with touching sentiments undercut by trademark Kinsella cynicism. There’s plenty of optimism to be found in New Leaves, but Mike does a great job of expressing his inner concerns; “She has saved me from the questions in my life that have plagued me, now I know who I am – a tongue biting one woman man”

MP3: Owen – Good Friends, Bad Habits

22. Oh No – Dr No’s Ethiopium

While Madlib might still be master of the beat tape, for me, his brother Oh No’s releases were the stronger of the pair this year. While I could have equally picked Oh No Vs. Now Again, it’s probably Dr No’s Ethiopium which I’ve listened to more. Oh No’s masterstroke here is not letting the ethiopian samples dominate the work, with boom bap beats making this sound like something purely hip hop. Flashes of traditional ethopian vocal or brass are used to light up the record, then on occasion given room to breath for a big impact, such as on highlight track The Pain.

MP3: Oh No – The Pain

21.Nosaj Thing – Drift

Los Angeles producer Nosaj Thing has been compared to Flying Lotus for his combination of glitchy electronics and hip hop beats. Both hailing from LA, I can see why the link has been made, but really its a convenient soundbite so journalists can say “oh boy, the LA glitch hop scene is really thriving”. Or some other bollocks. Basically, Drift rules on his own terms. It doesn’t sound like Flying Lotus, it sounds like Nosaj Thing, and it’s brillz.

MP3: Nosaj Thing – Light 1

20. Pains of Being Pure At Heart – s/t

Spent much of my summer listening to this; one of the most instant and fun records of the year. If it had been any longer it might have been repetitive, but clocking in at just over half an hour its 10 dreamy pop songs leave me gasping for more. Few records can simultaneously satisfy both my shoegaze and pop-punk needs, but this supplies both by the bucketload. Call it derivative, call it over-rated if you like, but it’s a belter of a record that is just as enjoyable now as it would be if it was released 20 years ago.

MP3: Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Young Adult Friction

19. DOOM – Born Like This

I have no doubts that this would be in the top 10 if this was DOOM’s debut. At it’s best it ranks amongst his best work; Gazillion Ear is easily one of the years best tracks, while the beat on That’s That features one of my all time favorite beats. Lyrically, too, DOOM is in good form, who when at the top of his game is pretty much unrivaled as an MC; on Ballskin he rhymes afro-trim with acronym, seriously. As a DOOM loyalist however, the record feels a little bit recycled of old beats and doesn’t sound quite ‘new’ enough. Still, Born Like This is proof that even a slightly lazy DOOM can make a record that blows the majority of MC’s out of the water.

MP3: DOOM -That’s That

18. Orphans of Cush – White Noize

This album should be doing for London what Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) did for New York. Admittedly I’m not that up on UK hip hop, but nothing I’ve heard in the last few years comes anywhere near this. It’s bleak, honest and gritty depiction of the city is both striking and eloquently expressed; so much so that I’m surprised the liberal Guardian reading elite haven’t jumped all over this. Recycling a selection of classic hip hop beats from Rza to Pharoahe Monch, amazingly in many cases the supergroup mange to out-do the originals. White Noize is basically an hour and a quarter of pure fire.

Download: Orphans of Cush – Reflections (sendspace)

17. Dinky – Anemik

There’s normally a few Techno releases that I get addicted to each year and in 2009 it was Dinky’s Anemik. This is a gorgeous record, that sounds equally organic and abrasive. A variety of natural sounds are juxtaposed (yup, I said juxtaposed) with driving synths and mechanical beats. This is an album that I’ve listened to a lot really loudly through headphones, and I always get completely immersed within it.

MP3: Dinky – Romaniks

16. Future of the Left – Travels With Myself and Another

Quite simply, Future of the Left are my favorite rock band this is predictably a fantastic record. Like many of the British records in this list, Travels With Myself and Another couldn’t have come from anywhere else. By that, I’m not referring to its sound, but the lyrical quirks which make FotL great come from a long tradition of great british humor. The last thing I’m saying is that this is a comedy album, its a tight and unrelenting musical machine, but it just wouldn’t be Future of the Left without that quick witted spark. One particular highlight is Stand By Your Manatee, with Falco at his best detailing the shame of “Emma’s mum and dad use[ing] plastic forks”.

MP3: Future of the Left – Arming Eritrea

15. Wild Beasts- Two Dancers

Since hearing their debut I knew Wild Beasts had the potential to make great music but, for me, this wasn’t fully realised until Two Dancers. While Limbo Panto had its moments, the production, arrangements and drama have all been doubled on their latest record. What’s more, Two Dancers is a record that sounds quintessentially British, through its references and style, but more importantly its quirks and nuances. Wild Beasts have a talent that is rare and distinctive, and if you let them, they could be one of Britain’s great idiosyncratic pop artists like Bowie or Bush.

MP3: Wild Beasts – All The Kings Men

14. Micachu & The Shapes – Jewellery

I’m even surprised myself that a sketchy little bedroom pop record, a debut one at that, figures so highly in this list. But despite being a mish mash of ideas and sounds, Jewellery is a stunningly cohesive record. Normally an album so crammed full of peculiar sounds will be hit and miss, but Micachu & The Shapes just seem to get it right every time. There are all sorts of frame of reference here from grime, indie and noise, but Micachu’s vision is always to make great sounding pop music and nothing inteferes with that.

MP3: Micachu – Golden Phone

13. Health – Get Color

While I still have a lot of time for Health’s self-titled debut, on In Color the LA noise outfit make exactly the progression that they needed to. This is still loud and abrasive as you might expect, but there are also tracks that sound distinctly like actual songs. Most notably the lead single Die Slow has been one of the year’s surprise ‘anthems’; but not in an Don’t Look Back in Anger kind of way, more of a “this song makes me want dance my way into the centre of Liam Gallagher’s skull and jump up and down on his brain” kind of way. I’m not an aggressive person.

MP3: Health – Die Slow

12. P.O.S – Never Better

As well as having some of the most amazing artwork of the year, which you’ll have to buy from here to get the full effect of, P.O.S has written one of the year’s most passionate, articulate, and uplifting records of the year. Purexed stands out as one of my favorite tracks, with great poetic rhymes over genuinely beautiful instrumentation, while there are also full on hip hop bangers in the form of Goodbye and Savion Glover.

MP3: P.O.S. – Goodbye

11. Cold Cave – Love Comes Close

A record loved by some and (unfairly) accused of ripping off New Order and [insert other classic 80's band] by others. Tracing Cold Cave back to their beginnings, however, it becomes very apparent that their influences aren’t completely rooted in New Wave. Their earlier effort, Cremations, also released this year, highlights the bands penchant for noise and an all together harsher sound. Returning to Love Comes Close, this influence can be found lurking under the surface, giving the record its character behind the foreground synth melodies. Oh and those melodies…to DIE for.

MP3: Cold Cave – Life Magazine

10. Zola Jesus – The Spoils

If there is one artist on this list which makes me most excited for the future, then its probably Zola Jesus. After a string of EPs and singles her debut record, The Spoils, finally arrived and it didn’t disappoint. These are dense gothic tracks that take a bit of work, but with more and more listens they reveal their beauty. I’ve listened to this a lot and I’m still discovering new things in it with every listen, as the background noises become as familiar and vital as the voice which dominates. I’m blown away by this first album, and I’m expecting huge things in the future.

MP3: Zola Jesus – Clay Bodies

9. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

After admiring Dirty Projectors for a long time from a distance, with Bitte Orca they’ve finally made a record that I’m fully engaged with. I suspect it would have been the case with Rise Above, had it not been based around a Black Flag classic that I was already invested in. Bitte Orca, however, is a complex yet instant delight from start to finish. Just as J Mascis once reminded me that guitar solos can be cool, Projectors mastermind Dave Longstreth has convinced me there is something to be said for freeform guitar wanking. The soulful “R&B inspired” vocals have been critically lauded, amusingly by the same people that would normally run a mile at the thought of actual R&B. But, oh, wait, this is indie music? Must be cool then.

MP3: Dirty Projectors – Stillness is the Move

8. Atlas Sound – Logos

Okay, here’s where I admit I’m a bit of an embarrassingly nerdy Bradford Cox fanboy. Everything he’s been involved with over the last few years has amazed me, and I can’t put my finger makes it so special. Obviously the songs are at the heart of it; often such simple constructions but effective, and produced in a way that makes them stand out. For example, the first track from this record, The Light That Failed, based entirely around the repetition of one simple guitar line, yet delicately textured with ambience and backing vocals until you barely notice the guitars at all. I think this record is particularly great thematically, written by a scared and hysterical Cox on what he thought was his death bed,  But despite the potential to be a gloomy affair, also contains the year’s best summer jam, Walkabout.

MP3: Atlas Sound feat. Noah Lennox – Walkabout

7. Mos Def – The Ecstatic

Mos Def’s return to form this year was emphatic, and from the moment the record hits the needle it delivers hit after hit. A lot of credit has to go to the producers, with Madlib, Oh No and the late J Dilla lighting up the album, and more than likely putting the fire back into Mos Def’s belly. Because it’s not just the production that makes this album special, Mos Def himself is on near enough career best form as if no time had elapsed and this was the follow up to Black on Both Sides. I love the artwork on this one too.

MP3: Mos Def – Supermagic

6. Phoenix

In my opinion this is the year’s biggest and best pop album; one that has dominated my Ipod since it got on there and is still getting regular listens. In some ways its strange that this album has blown up so big for the band, because they’re doing largely the same thing they’ve been doing for years when they were practically ignored. Still, while Phoenix have catchy potential hit songs in abundance, few of them have the impact of lead singles Lisztomania and more significantly 1901. Deservedly doing very well in the end of year lists, and anyone moaning about them doing so well should probably lighten up a little.

MP3: Phoenix – Lasso

5. The Twilight Sad – Forget the Night Ahead

Whatever The Twilight Sad did I would probably have enjoyed, but Forget the Night Ahead is the perfect record to compliment their debut. It’s another passionate vocal performance from James Graham that steals the show, but the band have upped the shoegaze with notably dominant, loud guitars this time around. On the two occasions I’ve seen them live I’ve been reminded of just how much I love this band; their songs hit me right in the gut and make me want to sing (very badly) at the top of my voice. It’s a shame every time I try writing about them it sounds like I’m advertising McCoys crisps, with their ‘real’ and ‘honest’ songwriting, but they’re definitely a very genuine band and I love what they’re doing.

MP3: The Twilight Sad – I Became a Prostitute

4. xx – xx

To put it simply, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a debut album come out of nowhere and be this polished, restrained and perfect. Stripped down like a 2009 version of Young Marble Giants, the album has its mood nailed down from the outset and revels in its aching beauty. There is fantastic vocal interplay between the two boy/girl singers, simple yet profound lyricism, and glorious bass heavy melodies drenched in reverb for good measure. XL Recordings were so proud of this record they painted it on the front of their building, and it is that special, so love it, cherish it, then go and paint it on your house.

MP3: xx – Shelter

3. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

Probably the most widely critically acclaimed album of the year, I think its about time Animal Collective got the recognition they deserve. Some people might say this is overhyped, because it does seem to be everywhere, but AC have been one of the most consistently exciting alternative bands of this decade, and in my opinion this recognition is long overdue. Unlike a lot of people, I don’t think this is the definitive Animal Collective record, to be honest I couldn’t really separate it from Feels, Strawberry Jam, or Sung Tongs. What is has done, however, is open the band up to a much wider fanbase. I don’t want to appear down on this record because I love it, I’m just hesitant to separate it from the rest of their back catalogue. I wake up to Brothersport every morning and there’s no better way to start the day. I heart AC.

MP3: Animal Collective – Brothersport

2. Raekwon – Only Built for Cuban Linx 2

I had no idea what to expect from Raekwon’s latest, a sequel to one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, Only Built For Cuban Linx, but I definitely wasn’t expecting this. This is Raekwon and guests all on career best form, spitting rhymes that would be at home on any of the great Wu-afilliated releases. Ghostface Killah, who features prominently, lights up the record in ways only he can, and the chemistry between himself and the Chef is still strong as ever. Also surprising is the mish mash roster of producers which produce a surprisingly cohesive body of work. J Dilla’s library of beats continues to be raided to good effect, while Rza shows that he can always be relied upon by throwing up some of the records best beats. Strangely its only Dre’s beats, usually so reliable, which are decent but far too clean cut for this album. To quote a line from Coke Machine Glow’s review, “what Jay-Z is making no longer feels in any form like the breathing, mutable thing that is hip-hop. And Raekwon sounds drenched in its blood.”

MP3: Raekwon – 10 Bricks feat. Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah

1. Former Ghosts – Fleurs

Former Ghosts is an outlet for the songs of Freddy Ruppert of This Song is a Mess But So Am I, who is joined on Fleurs by Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart and Nika Roza (of Zola Jesus). It’s a painfully frank and heartbreaking account of the break up of one relationship, with a few songs about death and isolation to lighten the mood. In all seriousness, this is a dark and intense record in which Ruppert really puts himself out there, so much so that even listening to it can be emotionally draining. In saying that, by the standards of its members its by no means a ‘difficult’ listen, and in fact was intended to be the synth-pop side-project of Freddy and Jamie.

It’s synth-pop intentions come to the fore most clearly on lead single, Hold On, in which the screeching synth line is backed by electro beats that almost make this ready for the dance floor. Elsewhere, Mother is Former Ghosts at their emotional best; with lyrics about Ruppert desperately wanting to talk to and confide in his dead mother, over typically reverb drenched synth melodies. There are also the contributions of Nika Roza to consider, whose always stunning vocals are particularly special here. Initially meant to sing on just one track, her voice was so impressive that she was asked to sing over the rest; a now vital feature of the record. All of these factors come together to make a varied and cohesive record, and more importantly, one that leaks pure emotion and feeling out of its every pore.

MP3: Former Ghosts – The Bull And The Ram

December 22, 2009

Albums of the Year: Honourable Mentions

It’s taken me nearly a month to finalize my end of year list, which is probably as good an indication of how much spare time I have at the moment, as it is of how difficult it is to sum up a year in music. Every year has lots of great records, but I think 2009 has been particularly strong. I won’t bore you (and contradict myself) by writing an essay about how listing music is stupid, just know that it is, and this is more of a fun exercise for me rather than anything actually meaningful. In saying that, all the records listed here are meaningful to me, and if this list gets one person into one of these albums, then it will have been a success.

Anway, before we get in to the ‘meat’ of the list, here are some albums that I loved, but for one reason or another aren’t included in my top 25 list. If it seems I’m being critical in the blurbs, thats because I’m justifying my selections to myself, rather than actually disliking anything. So here we go, the honourable mentions are in alphabetical order, the rest will be ranked in some meaningless way.

Bat For Lashes – Two Suns

Following on from a fantastic debut, Two Suns is an album steeped in melancholy, yet smothered with a mystical pop glow that might mislead you into thinking these are optimistic songs. Natasha Khan has come a long way in a few years and is one of britain’s most exciting prospects; I still think there’s more to come though.

Blakroc – S/T

This came out of nowhere for me this year. I’m not really a Black Keys fan, through ignorance rather than any dislike, but this hip hop project hooked my interest straight away. Although slightly rough around the edges given studio contraints,  the contributions from Mos Def, Raekwon and NOE produce instant hip hop magic.

Dan Deacon – Bromst

I’m listening to this now and wondering why its not in the top 25. Bromst has been one of my favorite albums for much of the year, but I guess its the shear length of the thing that lets it down. As well as being the one of the world’s best live acts, this is proof that Dan Deacon can make great records. I hope he trims it down next time.

Dinosaur Jr – Farm

Farm is up there with the very best Dinosaur Jr albums, as the reformed original line-up confirms their consistency yet again. Dinosaur Jr have aged better than any other band from their era (I’m looking at you Sonic Youth), basically because they were never cool in the first place. Also, best album cover of 2009.

Fever Ray – S/T

A dark synth pop side-project from The Knife’s Karin Dreijer Andersson. Fever Ray’s debut album is a haunting listen from start to finish, creating an unsettling mood that suits the Swedish singers vocals perfectly. Reminiscent of Bjork in her delivery, Fever Ray could be destined for even bigger things.

Fuck Buttons – Tarot Sport

If I had seen these songs live I think Tarot Sport would have made the top 25, but I’m pretty sure no speakers I can afford could do this justice. In saying that, Surf Solar is one of the year’s best tracks and as immediate as any Fuck Buttons song ever has been. A Fantastic album but, for me, somehow less special than their debut.

Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest

I can see why, for many people, this will be album of the year. It’s a masterpiece of a record in many ways, and I can only appreciate the clear songwriting craft on display. Unfortunately it’s just a little clean for my tastes, and it leaves me slightly cold. It’s still a stunning listen, but operates on basically one level.

Hudson Mohawke – Butter

Butter, from Glaswegian producer Hudson Mohawke, is one of the year’s most creative and interesting records. Jam packed full of ideas that fuse electro and hip hop in ways that I’ve  never heard, for the most part it delivers. Although a little hit and miss, when Hud Mo gets it right, Butter sounds like the future of hip hop.

Japandroids – Post Nothing

There aren’t many records released in 2009 that I’ve listened to more than this. I think it’s probably the best fuzzy punk sounding record of the year, but I’ve probably become a little bit tired of fuzzy punk music of late. Still Post Nothing is the perfect length, and has enough energy and spark to beg repeated listens.

Mayer Hawthorne – A Strange Arrangement

Usually when I hear somebody has attempted to make a contemporary soul record, alarm bells start ringing. Tell me its being released on Stones Throw Records, however, and you’ve got my interest. This is an authentic homage to the classic 60’s soul sound, full of style and full of love.

Mono – Hymn To The Immortal Wind

From its artwork through to the songs beneath, this is probably the year’s most beautiful record. Rarely does a post-rock album lift my head these days, but Mono are true masters of their craft. It might be a bit predictable, a bit cheesy in places, but it still makes makes my spine tingle.

Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics – Inspiration Information Vol. 3

Token Jazz. But in all seriousness, this is a stunning collaboration between UK hip hoppers The Heliocentrics and the father of Ethiopian Jazz music, Mulatu Astatke. The record’s title is apt, as two artists bounce off each other and create an album that reeks of inspiration.

Pianos Become The Teeth – Old Pride

There are a few screamo records that I wanted to feature, but as I only have space for one, this jumps out at me as the best of the bunch. Their unique take on the genre, uses the same intensity but is stretched over longer song structures. Equally, for fans of Mono and Circle Takes the Square.

Ramona Falls – Intuit

This debut solo outing from Menomena singer Brent Knopf is almost too good to be considered a side project. Collaborating with around 35 other musicians from both Portland and New York, Intuit is rich with texture and melody. Knopf’s voice is fantastic as ever, standing out even amongst such colourful surroundings.

The Thermals – Now We Can See

Coming off the back of one of my favorite records of the decade, The Body, The Blood, The Machine, it was always going to be difficult for the The Thermals on their 4th record. However, Now We Can See, is a superb collection of songs, that although lacking in the conceptual brilliance of their previous album, stands up against the bands best.


December 22, 2009

Nika and Rory

After creating the fantastic autotune pop banger that was LA SUXXX a few months back, Nika Roza (Zola Jesus) and Rory Kane have decided that working together is a very good idea. The pair have recently recorded a new track, I’m Not Going Anywhere, and started a collaborative myspace account; suggesting there is still more to come. This, for me, is exciting news.

I’m Not Going Anywhere, follows on nicely from the duos first track, mostly stripped of the auto-tune that might have put people off the LA SUXX (although I loved it), yet still giving clarity to Nika’s vocals which are nice and high in the mix. As I’ve probably said a million times, Nika is easily my favorite vocalist at the moment and I’m glad she’s got this pop outlet alongside her other, more intense projects. I Would love to hear a full length at some point, and with the speed Zola Jesus puts out records, I wouldn’t be surprised to see one in the new year.

Check out Nika and Rory’s new track which is currently streaming on their myspace.