My Top 5 albums of 2008
Well, I know it’s not over just yet but unless Van Halen release a new album in the next two weeks this will be my list favorite longplayers for 2008. There’s a lot of good music out there and some you just don’t get to hear unless you want to trawl though lots of shit on MySpace till you find a gem!
Infact that’s what the fine folk over at augasm.us do so you don’t have to! Came across this site a little while ago and if your into indie/alternative music with a slightly offbeat flavour this could be the site for you. I recommend checking it out!
So here we go….At
No5: Pendulum – In Silico
Great production and kickass drums! Two vital ingredients to a great record for me. This quasi Drum & Bass/Punk/Pop album has some great songwiting and arranging as well as being a really interesting and polished programming/production masterpiece! Did I mention the kickass beats!
No 4: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp have always been a favorite of mine. The combination of Alison Goldfrapp’s smooth vocals and Will Gregory’s production and arranging are a match made in heaven. Nuff said!
No 3: Paul Gilbert – Silence followed by a Deafening Roar
Former Racer X and Mr Big guitarist Paul Gilbert returns without the singing and just does what he does best. Play amazing, over the top guitar! A lot more funky with some 70’s rock flavours this is a great guitar record. And a bloody nice chap with it!
No 2: Wallis Bird – Spoons
Wallis Bird from Ireland plays guitar left-handed not because she’s left-handed but because she got all her fingers chopped off on her left hand ( she got them put back on! ). It doesn’t seem to have stopped her though as she’s one of the tightest acoustic rhythm guitarists I’ve heard in a while. That aside, she has the knack of writing really catchy songs and an awesome voice too! ‘Spoons’ is so infectious as an album with it’s mixture of folk and pop ( and even a hint of prog! ) it’s hard to stop listening to it! A breathe of fresh air! 5 Stars!!! Thanks Aurgasm!!!
Blossoms in the Street
Interview
No 1: Everything by The Bird and the Bee….ever!
When I first heard ‘Again & Again’ by The Bird and the Bee I thought it was the catchiest song I’d ever heard. I immediatly bought all their records and they’ve been on loop ever since. Consisting of Inara George ( I only found out after that Inara is the daughter of one of my all time heroes Lowell George from ‘Little Feat’ ) and pianist and producer Greg Kurstin. A totally magical mix of Jazz/Electro/Pop meets Burt Bacharach the Bird and the Bee just couldn’t be any cooler if they tried. Do yourself a favour and have a listen. If you like great pop music then the Bird and the Bee have it all!!!
Again & Again (2007)
Polite Dance Song
La La La
Honorable Mentions….
The Racontuers – Consolers of the Lonely
Jack White and co provide some kickass grooves and some of the best guitar sounds ever put to tape. He really is a very talented bloke!
Greg Howe – Sound Proof
Took a while to get into but now I’m there. Served as a reminder that you’ll never be as good as Greg Howe!
Brent and Randy Mason – Smoking Section
….Unless your Brent Mason! Nashvilles top session guitarist more than delivers with a mix of Western Swing/Country/Jazz and Blues. Totally baffling!!!
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip – Angles
Left field british Electro/Hip Hop. Totally mental but really inventive production and lyrics. Stand out track ‘Look for the Woman’
Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip Look For The X-Factor Hilarious…!!!
Posted on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at 12:51 am.
Filed under News.
the Bird and the Bee are awesome!