Albums: 2008 [Part One].

How will 2008 turn out for albums? Last year the biggest shock came from Radiohead who made a major announcement that would shock the music world. Will something as big crop up this year? Only a band like Radiohead would be capable to do such a thing, anyway there are plenty of great records to look forward to this year, and plenty of records to get your grubby mits on.

Sons and Daughters – This Gift
Domino
28th of January

The third album from the Scottish four-piece comes out today, having heard it already it is definitely an album recommend by this blog. Sons and Daughters have never really done it for me with the previous two albums being pretty forgettable. The third album has made massive strides and impressed me a great deal after the first, second and third listening of it. Singles ‘Darling’ and ‘Gilt Complex’ provide great hooks and a lead singer with a voice that is to die for. Other songs on the album such as ‘The Bell’ and ‘House In My Head’ just as good, if not better than the two singles make this album a definite purchase for any fan of sleazy indie rock n’ roll.

Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
XL
28th of January

Debut album from the much talked about New Yorkers, many fans of the band have had the ‘Blue CD-R’ for ages and the track listing hasn’t changed much from that. The exclusion of ‘Boston’ made me sad, however the inclusion of live favourites ‘M79’ and my personal favourite ‘I Stand Corrected’ certainly made up for it. Tipped for big things by this blog this year and last year Vampire Weekend have produced an album to rival any other out at the moment. Listen to the album a few times, because you’ll be extremely happy you did and if you’re a fan of Talking Heads (which you should be) you’ll enjoy this album (there is no guarantee of course).

These New Puritans – Beat Pyramid
Angular Recordings (Part of Domino)
28th January

Domino are on fire today, two cracking albums out in the same day (albeit this one on Angular). This album being my favourite of the two Domino releases, and probably my favourite over the three albums mentioned. On first listen my reaction was “incredible” however after listening again I wasn’t so sure if my first thought was right. Several plays later my gut feeling of “incredible” was correct and These New Puritans have lived up to my high expectations of them. There is not an album out like this, and hasn’t been for a little while – this is an album not catered for everybody’s needs. Then again who cares about everybody? Certainly not me and certainly not These New Puritans. Tracks such as ‘Elvis’, ‘Colours’, ‘Numerology’, ‘Swords of Truth’ and ‘C. 16th’ stand out, although listen to the album all the way through for it’s full brilliance and impact.

Who To Look Out For 08'.

This is in reply to my previous post (Big In 08), these following bands are ones I really am looking forward to seeing what they do during the coming year. None have an album out yet, and I doubt some of them even have one in the pipe line…

Damn Shames – Scottish trio Damn Shames are getting noticed for the right reasons by many music publications at the moment. I am yet to see them live, but read and hear their live shows are usually quite something. To say I’m excited to hear what they have to offer this year is quite an understatement. I discovered them near the end of last year and have been quite obsessed with ‘Fear of Assault’/’Last Things’ single out on Abeano.

Let’s Wrestle - Second trio of this list, this time hailing from London, NME had them in their “Things for 2008” list last week so they are certainly gaining plenty of attention, about right too. Similarly to Damn Shames I came across them at the end of last year and even got a Let’s Wrestle t-shirt for Christmas from my girlfriend which I was pleasantly surprised about. Don’t expect too much seriousness from Let’s Wrestle when listening to them, in fact don’t expect any. ‘I Won’t Lie To You’ is one of my favourite songs from 2007, Let’s Wrestle are fantastic and I look forward to their EP due out in sometime soon!

Elle Milano – I bang on about Elle Milano so much, and I tell people about Elle Milano all the time. I really do adore this band and the sound that they make, and I have done for yonks. I was slightly worried about hearing new material because I thought it would maybe not live up to old stuff, but it certainly did. Then when they become a threesome I was worried it would affect them, but it hasn’t what-so-ever. I am so excited about the album which should be out soon, fingers crossed.

Cut Off Your Hands – Another band I can’t say enough good things about, both live and on record. Terrific live does not really do them any justice; you’d have to go see them to understand how good they are live. The energy that they provide is so exciting to watch and makes you realise how much they love performing. I expect an album out this year and I really do expect good things from the album.

Friendly Fires – ‘Paris’ went down pretty fucking magnificently last year from everywhere and anywhere. They have now become many websites / magazines tip for 2007, although one publication (that will remain nameless, but I bet you can guess which one it was) compared them to Klaxons. Clueless. Friendly Fires are more than a one trick pony though, and I think ‘Paris’ is just a sign of what is to come from these excellent St. Albans boys.

Late of the Pier – There is no way I would’ve been able to miss out Late of the Pier. ‘Bathroom Gurgle’ was my Track of 2007, and if the album is anything like that then it is going to be a killer album and one I can imagine being in Top Lists of 2008. I wait in anticipation, excitement and enthusiasm of how the album will sound.

Video Nasties – I hope there will be an album out this year, currently still unsigned Video Nasties have the songs to put together a fantastic debut album. If Video Nasties can produce anything similar to the Karl Blau E.P then they will unveil a masterpiece upon music fans everywhere.

Johnny Foreigner – After critically acclaimed E.P ‘Arcs Across The City’ Johnny Foreigner have a lot to live up to. They pretty much gained full marks from everyone for the E.P so to follow up with an album as good is some ask for this Birmingham band. If any band can do it though Johnny Foreigner ARE the band to produce the best debut album of 2008. I really hope they will deliver a truly magical album that makes the loudest racket you could ever want to annoy your flatmates with.

Toyko Police Club – I am classing ‘A Lesson In Crime’ as a HUGE E.P therefore they qualify for this list, the album which I think was finished either today or yesterday should be out in the summer (seems ages away). It is a difficult album to release because some fans will want ALL new songs and some fans will want some songs from ‘A Lesson In Crime’ and some new songs. So either way somebody won’t be happy, but Tokyo Police Club are a clever bunch and they will do what they think is right – and until then I wait eagerly to see what the track listing will be.

Black Kids – Finally I end with the most blogged about / hyped band of 2007, which is amazing considering they exploded in about October time across the internet. There WILL be a lot of expectation around an album from Black Kids, and the question is can they cope with the high expectation put on them? Obviously only time will tell, but I personally think they will produce a fantastic album that will live up to the hype given to them. Hopefully they prove me right because I would love to see this band succeed after all the “hype”.

That's it, he says after realising how long this post is. Feel free to agree and disagree with me, opinions are always welcomed and acknowledged by myself.

Big in 08'.

WARNING: these are not artists I necessarily enjoy however artists I expect to become big this year, perhaps not due to them being particularly good in my opinion. Artists who I can imagine getting on your nerves maybe? Or even artists who will make it for the right reasons? Either way here is a run down of potential artists to make it this year.

Number One: Adele. She had to be number one on this list, pretty much everybody is tipping her to go onto big things this year. BBC had her as number one on their list of “Big in 2008” and with current single doing the rounds on all the Radio stations / Music stations I can imagine Adele becoming the “new” Kate Nash (eww at the sound of that). ‘Chasing Pavements’ is the new single if you didn’t know (how could you not know) and is a not a song I particularly enjoy but do think Adele has a powerful voice.

Number Two: Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong. Once again, not a massive fan of this band or the lead singer (he was on Peep Show and BBC show Tudors). However, I can see them becoming a house hold name in 2008, as big as t’Chiefs? Maybe not. However, the first single ‘Lucio Starts Fires’ is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a long time. Supporting such bands as Babyshambles and Kaiser Chiefs certainly won’t harm their mass appeal.

Number Three: Foals. This is the first band in the list to make it for the right reasons, a band that are doing it for the right reasons, so it appears to me. The album ‘Antidotes’ is out in March and although I don’t expect it to go number one, I can see it become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. I am glad they’ve not included previous hits ‘Hummer’ or ‘Mathletics’ – why you ask? No chance of a re-release for one thing, but also it will mean the inclusion of a different song that we’ve not got a studio version of.

Number Four. The Courteneers. Despite me not liking this band one little bit, you can tell already the masses are going to be on them like flies on shit. JL&TJJJ I agree are catchy there is something about them I just cannot hate, but The Courteneers are just utter toss. New single ‘What Took You So Long’ is being absolutely loved by MTV2 and the music channel NME TV (hahaha) amongst Radio 1 DJ’s. However the song in my opinion is terrible and just epitomises everything that is wrong about them.

Number Five. Black Kids / Vampire Weekend. Okay, so I know this is a bit unfair as the above is two artists. HOWEVER, I am piling them into ‘The One to Make It from across the Pond’ – though I am undecided on which one. I like both, but prefer Vampire Weekend, however I am not sure which one will make it “big” in this country. I guess time will tell!

I am stopping at five, just in case I predict more which don’t happen and I look silly! However, something I stumbled across just now on the internet.

1. Mika
2. The Twang
3. Klaxons
4. Sadie Ama
5. Enter Shikari
6. Air Traffic
7. Cold War Kids
8. Just Jack
9. Ghosts
10. The Rumble Strips

That is a list of who the BBC thought was going to make it big in 2007, quite laughable really. Okay, so Mika was loved by pretty much most Radio stations going and Klaxons did pick up the Mercury Music Award and are now taking over the world according to James Reynolds in this week’s NME. However, the Beeb were pretty wrong about the other 8, and who the fuck is Sadie Ama? Answers on a post card.

Top Albums 2007 [Part Two].

5. Kings of Leon – Because of the Times

Such a strong third album from Kings of Leon, despite not really liking the last few songs on the album the rest of the album makes up for it. Songs such as ‘My Party’, ‘Charmer’ and the fantastic seven minute opener ‘Knocked Up’ make this album a great record, and live the songs match up to the CD.

4. Twisted Charm – Real Fictional

I’d been waiting for this album for a couple of years, and thankfully when it came it did it did not disappoint. From the opening song ‘Never Grow Old’ to songs such as ‘Layabout’, ‘Socialite’, ‘Cinema’ and ‘Clone Baby’ Twisted Charm have delivered an album to be well proud of.

3. Radiohead – In Rainbows

After seeing Radiohead a couple of years ago at V Festival my appreciation of them as a band went sky high. I listened to albums made over the years but never found “my” favourite Radiohead album. Until this arrived and I found my favourite Radiohead album, this is why it is so high up in this list, from a person who claims “I’m not much a fan of Radiohead”.

2. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver

What, it’s not number one? LCD Soundsystem has been topping charts left, right and centre however not on my blog. Just beaten by Late of the Pier on Tracks of 2007 previously on Puzzled James Murphy and co has just been beaten again on the Albums of 2007. Not that he will care too much / read my blog, but despite being beaten twice on my 2007 lists he should not feel too disheartened. This album is absolutely fantastic, it beats in my opinion previous album and LCD Soundsystem should be extremely happy with this record.

1. Jamie T – Panic Prevention

In my opinion this album did not feature high enough on people’s lists of 2007, so I am giving it the number one album of 2007 on my blog. However it deserves to be there, it isn’t just there because I wanted to be different to everyone else. Oh no, this album is filled with great tracks, anthems is how I would describe some of them and classics is how I’d describe the other ones. Almost a year from its release (January 29th to be exact) this album remains one of my favourite albums of all time. Well done Jamie T, pat yourself on the back from me.

Top Albums 2007 [Part One].

10. Simian Mobile Disco – Attack Decay Sustain Release

10th place was a close battle between the Simian Mobile Disco album and the Justice Album, and SMD won for me. I can enjoy more of the songs on this album in comparison to the ‘Cross’. Was pleasantly surprised when I got hold of this and it’s an album I can dip in and out of all the time without feeling like I want move the song on to the singles.

9. 1990s – Cookies

Really impressed when I received this record, and what did it for me was seeing them live at Reading last year and realising what a really good band they are. Tight on record and tight live this album and the 1990s are the best things to come out of Scotland last year.

8. The Maccabees – Colour It In

High expectations from me and from critics alike this album did not fail to disappoint. To begin with I found myself not really liking the album, but after a couple of listens I began to love the newly done versions of songs, the inclusion of a few old B-Sides and a couple of new tracks. I am now very excited to see what is next from The Maccabees.

7. Good Shoes – Think Before You Speak

This could’ve been number one on this list, which is the only disappointing thing about the album, is that it could’ve been so much better. However, it is still a strong album and every song could well be a single and I think live is where Good Shoes really show off what a great band they are.

6. The Cribs – Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever

Was not a fan of the album title; however that would not stop me from loving this album. From the very moment I listened to the punk sound of opener ‘Our Bovine Public’ to the beautifully delivered ‘Shoot the Poets’ I was in love with this album. ‘Be Safe’ is an epic song and one that will probably come with me to my grave, The Cribs third album does not disappoint.

My Year In Lists.

I’ve decided to make a couple more lists before I reveal my top ten favourite albums of 2007 which obviously everybody reading this blog is dying to know.

Top Five Gigs 2007

This is a hard thing to firstly narrow down to five, but essentially remembering the best out of all the gig’s I have been to is the tough part.

5. CSS – Ibiza Rocks (July 07)

To say I wasn’t looking forward to this show is somewhat of a major understatement. There were three major factors: first off the boiling temperatures, secondly CSS not being my most favourite band and finally I felt like an OAP due to being burnt to a crisp a couple of days before. However, CSS put on a fantastic show and despite not being able to more very well they managed to make me dance, a little.

4. Kings of Leon – Birmingham Carling Academy (April 07)

When these dates were announced I was so excited, not making this tour was just not an option. From the moment I got my conformation e-mail through my excitement grew the closer this got. Kings of Leon did not disappoint, they were worth the 30 pounds spent on this ticket – throwing in old classics and new hits the foursome were on top form.

3. The Cribs – Northampton Soundhaus (March 07)

The Cribs return was highly anticipated by just about everyone who cared about good music. Having two ace albums already the question was could The Cribs conjure up a third album of equal ace-ness as the previous two? As already stated on this blog the third album is The Cribs on top form, and this gig was the best I’ve ever seen them. Chaotic as ever The Cribs included the classics and new songs which fitted in perfectly amongst old songs. The Jarman brothers have a sound that is just irresistible to the ears.

2. Foals / These New Puritans – Old Blue Last (October 07)

A free gig involving two great up and coming bands, there was so much right with this night I just couldn’t turn it down. Despite seeing Foals not on form at Scala the night before I was prepared to give them another chance. I am so thankful I did because they were a hundred times better than they were the previous night. Foals that night were well and truly on fire, and These New Puritans although a bad start impressed me more than I ever expected them too.

1. Les Savy Fav – Scala (October 07)

Six months ago if someone would have said this would be my best gig of 2007 I would have laughed in there face. As 6 months ago Les Savy Fav was just a name, a name of a band I never thought I would ever listen to. No idea why I never listened to them, but I didn’t. What. An. Idiot. Thankfully I was there that night in October and so was Tim Harrington and co, to say the night was a riot is probably an understatement. At one point there was 50 people on stage (including me) and someone crowd surfing above those 50 people. Tim Harrington controlled the stage like no other man I’d ever seen, and he did it in a way I don’t think anyone else on this planet could do so. Thank you Tim Harrington, and thank you Les Savy Fav.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part Four].

Finally 10 days into the New Year the top 5 tracks from 2007, probably no surprises but certainly some staggering songs from the past 12 months.

5. Los Campesinos – You! Me! Dancing!

Welsh outfit Los Campesinos have created well over 6 minutes of pure pop gold with this song. Hearing the demo version a long time ago got me into Los Campesinos, one of newest hard working bands around I have no qualms what-so-ever in throwing them in the top 5.

4. Video Nasties – Devil

2007 ended impeccably well for Video Nasties with the release of the ‘Karl Blau’ EP which went down extremely well. I was particularly impressed with it and thought it showed good progression from the early demos which seem so long ago now. ‘Devil’ came to me after a crazy night in which I had to hold somebody’s hair whilst they were sick. If you know the lyrics well to this song, you’ll see why there is a correlation to that story and the song. If not, then you should perhaps listen to the song, its ace I’ll have you know.

3. Vampire Weekend – Mansard Roof

Seeing Vampire Weekend at The Social last year was one of my highlights of 2007, they were fantastic and lived up to my high expectations of them. Despite ‘Mansard Roof’ not being my all-time favourite by VW it certainly deserves to be in the top 3 songs of last year. Wait until you hear this song live, it does not disappoint and nor do Vampire Weekend.

2. LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends

This was so close, so, so close to being number one. I wanted to put it there, I really did. I tried! This song was the best live song I heard over the Reading 2007 Festival weekend, it was the live performance from James Murphy and co which really sold me this band. As soon as I got home from Reading I went out and purchased both albums and listened to them repeatedly. This song stands out from both albums as one of the best songs LCD Soundsystem have come up; a totally epic masterpiece.

1. Late of the Pier – Bathroom Gurgle

Who would’ve thought that Late of the Pier would beat LCD Soundsystem in a Top 2007 list, well in my world they did win the battle, JUST. It was so close, but this song was just my anthem for 2007, it pretty much epitomises everything that is good with music. It also makes me extremely nostalgic about drunken times at University last semester, especially the Hoxton Bar & Grill night which did involve puke, Late of the Pier, Erol Alkan and big bouncers – in that very order. 2008 will be the year of Late of the Pier.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part Three].

University today involved a lecture on Italian Neorealism and then an Italian film from 1949 called ‘Bicycle Thieves’ and now I have four days off. University life isn’t so hard after all, which should really mean I update my blog a lot due to all the free time, so that’s exactly what I am trying to do. The final 10 of top tracks 2007 is on the agenda today starting with 10 to 6.

10. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
Kala

Admittedly the discovery of my love for this song only came recently but it is that good it goes straight into the top 10 of tracks from 2007. M.I.A. is an artist that I never really “got” until the end of last year, but thankfully I did “get” her and really love this song.

9. Friendly Fires – Paris

Recently given 9 out of 10 by Drowned in Sound which is not easily done, this song really clicked me straight away. It actually reminds me of getting drunk at University last semester in my halls; therefore it reminds me of good times. Friendly Fires are an excellent band both on record and live and I truly expect 2008 to welcome Friendly Fires with open arms.

8. These New Puritans – Numbers/Colours
Beat Pyramid

This duo of songs came out of nowhere to me last October, thankfully they found my ears. The day I received them I heard about a free gig they were doing the very next day, to which I went along to and was furthered impressed by These New Puritans. ‘Numbers’ is my preference personally but take nothing away from the also ace ‘Colours’.

7. Foals – Hummer

This song had to be on this list, but I think Foals are keen to leave this song well and truly in 2007. Not included in the forthcoming album ‘Antidotes’ the band decided against including there first “smash hit”. I believe this to be a good move; we all have this song so there is no need to include it on the album. It also means we will receive a new song rather than this one which we all already know and love. Most importantly it means no re-release of this song, something I would not expect Yannis and co to be interested in, thank God.

6. Blood Red Shoes – I Wish I Was Someone Better
Box of Secrets

‘It’s Getting Boring by the Sea’ grabbed my attention of Blood Red Shoes; however ‘I Wish I Was Someone Better’ made me love Blood Red Shoes. Take nothing away from the first song, I think it is a cracking song but ‘I Wish’ is absolutely fantastic and sits well with the rest of the album which by the way is a stunning debut album.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part Two].

Today was my first day of lectures and the best thing about today’s lectures was finding out that I could possibly get 5 months off this summer. That IS amazing; top tracks 15-11 are as follows.

15. Bat For Lashes – What’s A Girl To Do
Fur and Gold

Natasha Khan is full of talent and this song just proves this. I didn’t get hold of this album long after it was released but thankfully I did get hold of it. This song stood out like a sore thumb and the video is equally as dark and utterly thrilling. I look forward to what Bat For Lashes can offer in 2008 too.

14. Patrick Wolf – Accident & Emergency
The Magic Position

I think the obvious single to choose would’ve been ‘The Magic Position’ however I always preferred this song. This song brought Patrick Wolf to my attention and for this I am grateful.

13. Bloc Party – Flux
A Weekend In The City (Re-Release)

Silent Alarm was fantastic, one of my favourite albums of all time however ‘A Weekend In The City’ was that tough second album. However ‘Flux’ feels like it should’ve followed the first album, it left me still excited about Bloc Party and hopefully the even more so difficult third album will be similar to this song.

12. Arcade Fire – No Cars Go
Neon Bible

This song had to get in the top 20 because of the live performance of it at Reading festival last year. When they played this song the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and watching Arcade Fire perform was nothing short of spectacular.

11. The Cribs – Men’s Needs
Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever

The Cribs are a rare breed; three albums all as good as each other. Not many bands can say that they have three albums each one different to the other and at the same time as good as each other. Despite the polished sound of this song and album it should feature on many lists of 2007.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part One].

2007 was certainly a good year for music, the comeback of Radiohead at the tail end of the year was welcomed by everyone. LCD Soundsystem’s album ‘Sound of Silver’ a highlight for many music fans and of course the return of Glastonbury saw 2007 as a good year for music. I expect 2008 to be a lot better with many debut albums set to come out (if not leaked already).

I am a bit late with a 2007 review I know, but I always prefer to be fashionably late, plus December is always a bit hectic and well January is always pretty dull. First up is the top singles from 2007 including 20 to 16. I am only allowing songs that were released in 2007 and only song per artist, which seems the only fair way.

20. Jack Penate – Have I Been A Fool?
Matinee

This is easily my favourite Jack Penate song off the album, unlike the other singles ‘Torn on the Platform’ and ‘Second, Minute or Hour’ didn’t get on my nerves after listening over and over. I mainly blame Radio 1 and in particularly Edith Bowman for this.

19. Noah and the Whale – 5 Years Time

Could’ve been a lot higher in the charts had the songs above it not been so bloody brilliant. This song was one I just could not stop listening to once I’d discovered near the end of 2007. This song is just the platform Noah and the Whale needed to make a name for themselves, and I truly expect 2008 to be a good year for them.

18. Of Montreal – Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?

Easily the best named song on this list but also a great song which found me really, browsing MySpace like you do someone (I don’t even remember who) had this song as their profile song and fell in love with it there and then. Not hearing anything by Of Montreal before this definitely opened my eyes (ears) to their bizzareness.

17. Cajun Dance Party – Amylase

Cajun Dance Party are set for a big year in 2008, according to The Sun last Friday. I think anyone could’ve told you that though, so well done The Sun. Amylase just clicked with me, more so than ‘The Next Untouchable’ did, Thom Yorke loves this band and so do I.

16. Tokyo Police Club – Your English Is Good

Definitely my favourite Tokyo Police Club song of 2007 and there was many great ones by this band. ‘Your English Is Good’ was an instant hit in my earholes and the album set for a summer release is highly anticipated by myself and many others.

Leaks Galore.

This here is my first post of 2008 and well it doesn't feel any different posting in 2008 than it did to posting 2007. The last time I communicated via this medium of communication Santa Claus was travelling through the skies, presents were being placed under the tree and the joys of Christmas were upon us. January is the month of depression, the month we realise we ate too much chocolates, stuffing and mince pies over the space of a few days. It's the month we read our bank statements to realise that Christmas has struck not only our bellies but our bank balance too. What could possibly cheer you up after all this gloom?

I have that very answer. I woke up at 4am this morning after dreaming it was December 23rd 2008 (how bizarre) and I as much as I tried I couldn't get back to sleep. The laptop was powered up and my eyes were ready for hours of browsing, upon browsing I discovered a wonderful present. 'Hold On Now, Youngster' the debut album by the fantastic Los Campesinos! I plugged in my new shiny BIG Sony headphones into my laptop and hoped that the album would fulfil their potential as a band. I won't give my opinion yet, as I've only listened once and it was at 4.34am however I will say fans of LC will not be disappointed.

Other leaks over Christmas that have delighted my ears include Vampire Weekend (new versions of M 79 and I Stand Corrected are excellent) and contender for debut album of 2008 (it's early, I know) Blood Red Shoes. Expect a post tomorrow and Sunday with my top tracks, albums and gigs of 2007. Then sadly it it is back to University to get on with my studies for a couple of months before returning home for Easter/my 20th Birthday (very fucking scary).