31 albums down, only 335 to go! January has now been archived, you can see my spreadsheet summary for January here. February’s picks can be viewed here.

 

January 31st 2012

Cave – Neverendless (2011)

***** Five Stars

This album is exhilarating. I didn’t have the time to finish it before starting work, so I spent the rest of the day looking forward to hearing the rest and it did not disappoint! This Chicago band have been listening to allot of Krautrock, as the motorik beat that dominates the album with flourishes of beautiful synths is very reminiscent of Neu! Less is More on this record!

Very hard to pick a favourite track but This is the Best certainly lives up to the title! Beautiful haunting synths starts this beast off before guitars come crashing in with a solid bass that buries the synth beautifully. All in all a fantastic album, nothing ground breaking but its sure a great way to spend 41 minutes! If you enjoy Krautrock you should love this record.

Link: Official Facebook

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January 30th 2012

Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy (1978)

***** Five Stars

Here’s one of my wife’s picks and what a pick it is too. Always loved Werewolves of London, again its been one of those albums I have meaning to check out for years. Why did I wait so long?! This album is fantastic, reminds me of early Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne. The later actually produced the record which didn’t surprise me to learn. This guy was a genuis, he knew how to write a tune. You probably know all this already so what I’m I talking about?

My favourite tracks.. probably Nighttime in the Switching Yard & Accidentally Like a Martyr, but my stand out is Tenderness on the Block. Just love the keys on that one. The lyrics on all of the tracks are really tight, its hard to find fault here. A brilliant album, no wonder its gone down as his classic.

Link: Official website

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January 29th 2012

Mirrors – This Year, Next Year, Sometime . . . ? (2012)

**** Four Stars

I was due to listen to Warren Zevon today until Mirrors announced this morning they have just released a new album at bandcamp. Mirrors released my favourite album of 2011, sadly the band imploded half way through the year mainly due to the lack of success. With one key member of the band gone, they went back into the studio and here is the result! The album is a collection of new material and home demos from the new sessions.

The first two tracks are strong, there is a definite shift in style compared to their debut album on most of the tracks. Its much darker, not so poppy. Blood Diamond sounds like it could have been a b-side, its very early Depeche Mode. Pick Me Up (home demo) has a more contemporary feel to it with a catchy melody I hope this makes it onto their next lp. Nothing Lost sounds similar to one of their best tracks Fear Of Drowning, a pulsating arpeggio driven track. I love it, hope to hear more of this! Dead Air is a beautiful track to finish, reminds me of Joy Division full of atmosphere with gentle vocals. Its majestic stuff and makes me excited to hear more!

A promising start to the new look Mirrors line-up, check these guys out if you like synthpop, they are the best around. Their debut album Lights & Offerings is the best synth album in 20 odd years.

Link: Mirrors Bandcamp

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January 28th 2012

Kreidler – Tank (2011)

***** Five Stars

Kraut rock is still alive and well today! Tank is a well crafted wall of sound full of strong catchy beats, abstract synths with slick production. The opener New Earth is an impressive tribal like arpeggio dominated by some eerie atmosphere and lovely strings, probably my favourite track. Kremlin Rules has a more organic acoustic feel to it, almost Tubular Bells like then swerves into Kraftwerk territory. Love the drums on this track too! The rest of the album is just as strong, I’m already checking out some of their earlier stuff on Soundcloud.

If you enjoy Kraftwerk, Neu! and Tangerine Dream then you will love this album. The album sounds very confident, these guys know what they are doing, I look forward to hearing more of their stuff.

Link: Official Website

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January 27th 2012

The Chicago Transit Authority – CTA (1969)

** Two Stars

This review is going to give me grief living in Chicago, but this album just did not live up to the hype, or at least I just did not get it! The first five tracks are just not great, its more like Cabaret music I would expect to hear in a restaurant. It finally gets going with Poem 58 then the excellent Free Form Guitar. The next two tracks were instantly forgettable, then the live tracks (I think?) were enjoyable I wish the rest of the album was like that.

Maybe I need to get stoned to enjoy this album? I have been told Chicago as they are now known as never did do anything better than this album. In which case I wont be bothering with more stuff. A couple stars for the tracks I did enjoy.

Link: Official Website

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January 26th 2012

Alog – Unemployed (2011)

*** Three Stars

Out of the 26 albums I have so far listened to, this one conflicts me the most. I love the sound, the ideas are sometimes brilliant but I didn’t fully enjoy it today maybe due to time issues. Because it clocks in at 76 minutes I have only had a chance to listen to the album once, I usually prefer to have two listens but I don’t have that much spare time! Ok these guys are from Norway, they call themselves electro-acoustic experimenters, or maybe that’s just pitchfork! The sounds are rich, sometimes sparse but very avant-garde. Last Day At The Assembly Line is almost Kraftwerk like with its pulsating rhythms and variation of themes.

This is very experimental stuff, probably not the easiest listen but like I said the ideas are fantastic. I suspect this may sound better after a few more listens. If you are willing to be a bit adventurous then give this a try, but you need to give it your full attention or else it gets lost on you.

Link: Official Website

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January 25th 2012

John Martyn – Solid Air (1973)

***** Five Stars and the rest!

This album knocked me sideways this morning with its beauty. It was recommended to me by a friend back home in the UK who said this is the ultimate folk jazz album. How right he is, this album is flawless. It flows perfectly, with the beautiful acoustic sounds along with John’s soulful voice, and odd sound effects it had me mesmerized. The production on this album is sublime too! Its an obvious influence on the likes of Ray LaMontagne, a great album to enjoy a nice bottle if nice to!

My favourite track is Over the Hill. The live version of I’d Rather Be The Devil is killer! If you have not heard this album before, go get it now!

Link: Official Website

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January 24th 2012

Dreamend – And the Tears Washed Me, Wave After Cowardly Wave (2012)

**** Four Stars

Dreamend is effectly Ryan Graveface, a Chicago based musician with a revolving cast of musicians. This album is brilliant, think Fleet Foxes, meets Broken Social Scene. Lots of mandolin, epic atmospheric guitar,  its almost sprawling post-rock at times.The vocals are almost Billy Corgan like!

My favourite track is God Went Out of Me, what a beautiful song that is. If you enjoy Explosions in the Sky, Fleet Foxes then you should be checking out this album! I’m looking forward to checking these guys out live here soon!

Link: Facebook

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January 23rd 2012

The Byrds – Younger Than Yesterday (1967)

***** Five Stars

This one was a no brainer, I love their greatest hits album. Does it get any better than this? This is a gem of an album. Its one of those albums I don’t think would sound out of place had it been released this year. The song writing on here is is amazingly consistent and I just love the melodic jangly guitar throughout. This album sounds so organic at times, then you have almost like UFO sounds it blows my mind to think this was recorded almost 50 years ago!

My favourite track on the album is Everybody’s Been Burned. From the bonus tracks I love Old John Robertson, this could be Doves! I would recommend this album to anyone who has an interest in music! I’m about to check out some of their earlier albums now.

Link: Official Byrds Website

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January 22nd 2012

ИХОР – Oblivium . . . (2012)

**** Four Stars

Firstly I know nothing about this band. They are from Russia I think, big thanks to Darren for the link! This album is fantastic. Think of a murkier Godspeed You! Black Emperor under water! The music is dark, atmospheric, ambient but most of all beautiful! They use some with spoken word, sounds of traffic and fireworks to make these beautiful drawn out drone soundscapes. It had me gripped from start to finish.

My favourite piece is track three and yes I need to copy and paste this Слезы Гнилого Города with the sounds of the traffic that blends in with some hypnotic beats and drones. Its all quite epic really. Not for everybody, if you enjoy experimental music/sounds then this is worth checking out. Its a free download too approved by the band. Check it out using the link provided below.

Link: GV Sound Page

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January 21st 2012

Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life (1976)

***** Five Stars

After only a couple of listens its quite easy to hear why this is universally acclaimed as one of the best albums of all time. You have the funk jams, ballads, gospel, R&B you name it this album has it. The album has 22 tracks on it but I honestly did not feel like it dragged at any point.Some of the lyrics are really powerful too which I did not expect, some of it still relevant today especially here in the US.

Trying to pick a favourite track is not easy, I do love Have A Talk With God, also Black Man really did blow me away. Sensational stuff! Would recommend this album to everyone.

Link: Official Website

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January 20th 2012

Ride – Nowhere (1990)

**** Four Stars

After yesterday’s pick, this album was exhilarating! Spent almost four hours commuting to and from work today due to heavy snow in the Chicago area, so I had allot of time to get to know this record. Its a great wall of sound, very Stone Roses like at times maybe a bit more melodic than the Jesus and Mary Chain.

Love the opening track Seagull. Then from the bonus disc as I got the 20th anniversary edition, I really loved Sennen. Also must say how much I love the artwork, makes me want to go find the 12″ record! If you enjoy psychedelic guitar music then this is a must!

Link: Official Website

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January 19th 2012

Metronomy – The English Riviera (2011)

* One Star

I hoped to never have to give an album a one star rating, sadly this album barely deserved that in truth. This is so dull, I was afraid at one point on the train to work  I would fall asleep thus missing my stop! Its all very bland I was glad it was finished, don’t think I need a second listen.

Instead of dwelling on this one any further I will save the space for the next album!

Link: Official website

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January 18th 2012

Robert Johnson – King of the Delta Blues Singers (1961)

*** Three Stars

This album is a collection of songs recorded over five days in 1936-37. At times it sounds like there are two guitarists playing, instead of one. My big gripe is with the recording pitch, its obvious especially on tracks like Hell Hound On My Trail that the music was sped up. Reading various websites about this issue, it seems that studios back in the day did this so the records would sound more exciting!

I don’t really love the songs, but more the guitarist at work. Its hard to pick a favourite track, but Walking Blues stuck out on the second listen. Five stars for the guitar playing, loses a couple for the recording pitch which grates after awhile. I need to download the corrected version which is not official but more enjoyable I have been told! Not for everybody, but an essential artist worth checking out.

Link: Official Website

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January 17th 2012

Turin Brakes – Outbursts (2010)

*** Three Stars

I heard a couple of their earlier singles back in the day, but they never really caught my attention. So this is my first Turin Brakes album. It was hard going first time around to be honest. I gave it a second listen on the commute home which addded a star to my review. Some beautiful songs on this album, though it is a bit too mellow at times for my liking. Maybe it will grow on me, I’m already on my third listen for the day. There is no question these guys know how to write a tune, maybe I need to check out their earlier stuff.

Favourite track is probably Rocket Song what a great song that is. Embryos reminds me of the Proclaimers, in a good way! I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone, maybe best listened to on a Sunday morning!

Link: Official Website

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January 16th 2012

 

The Silencers – A Letter From St. Paul (1987)

*** Three Stars

The Silencers are a rock band from Scotland. This album sounds very much of its time, the first half is excellent the second half not so much. The opener Painted Moon sounds very Simple Minds like. Though to c0mpare them to SM would be a bit harsh, they remind me more of Lloyd Cold and the Commotions. They have that driving jangly shimmering guitar thing going on, which sounds great. The tracks they do try something different the results are mixed to be honest.

My favourite tracks are I Can’t Cry which has a cool jangly guitar riff throughout that Lloyd Cole would have been proved of. I See Red is epic the album tails off after this one. The title track is an awful attempt at being experimental. If you enjoy Lloyd Cole, Simple Minds then you would probably enjoy most of this album.

Link: Official website

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January 15th 2012

Jackie Wilson – The Greatest Hits (1969)

***** Five Stars

What a way to start a Sunday morning. Knew most the songs, just didn’t realise they were by Jackie Wilson! Giving this album five stars is obviously a bit of a no brainer. Every track is showcases what a brillaint voice he had. Especially so on his version of Danny Boy! Early R&B, Motown its all on here. Whilst listening to each album I like to read up on the artist. This guy had a tragic life, but at least his legacy will live on with these tunes.

It goes without saying anyone who enjoys music will enjoy this album, from young kids to your grandparents. A bit ashamed I never checked him put sooner. Looking forward to checking out some more Motown releases over the coming months.

Link: JackieWilson.net

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January 14th 2012

Real Estate – Days (2011)

**** Four Stars

Real Estate are a five piece ‘indie’ band from New Jersey USA. This album was an easy listen from the off literally! Think of a lighter jangly C86 type of sound. Can’t help but make comparisons with bands such as the Stone Roses. The vocals are very Ian Brown like at times, especially on Wonder Years.

My favourite track is probably Green Aisles. You could imagine listening to this whilst lazying by a lovely beach somewhere. Actually you probably could with the whole album, with that carefree sweet melodic sound throughout. A very accessible album, I would recommend to anyone really. Thanks to Jim for the recommendation!

Link: Official facebook page

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January 13th 2012

David Bowie – Low (1977)

***** Five Stars

I have always enjoyed the Best of David Bowie, not sure why I never checked out any of his studio albums but better late than never eh! This album is sensational. Its got everything from punk Bowie through to experimental synth Bowie. The Eno influence is quite obvious, that is reason why I picked this album being a huge fan of Eno’s solo works. You hear it best especially on A New Career In A New Town & Warszawa.

The whole of side two was just a pleasure to listen to. Kraftwerk & Neu! were most likely in the background somewhere too you would think. I would recommend Low to anyone who enjoys music. Now off to check out Heroes!

Thanks for all the albums suggestions! Please keep them coming. Obviously right now I’m going back to some classic albums that I missed, whilst the year is still young with not much new music coming out just yet. Later in the year I plan to dedicate an entire month to albums from 2012.

Link: Official website

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January 12th 2012

Fairport Convention – Liege and Lief (1969)

**** Four Stars

A legendary landmark British folk-rock album released in 1969. This album had me skipping my way to work this morning with the wonderful opening track Come All Ye. If that doesn’t get your foot tapping nothing will! Really enjoyed Sandy Denny’s haunting evocative vocals throughout. The twangy guitars work really well with the usual folk instruments on every track.

The two long ballads Matty Grooves and the Scottish classic Tam Lin are real high points on the album. My version came with two bonus tracks.. really enjoyed Quiet Joys of Brotherhood a really mysterious cool vibe going on there. The best thing I can say about this album is that it still sounds very contemporary!  I would never have guessed this would recorded in 1969. I would recommend this to anyone.

Link: Official website

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January 11th 2012

Slint – Spiderland (1991)

**** Four Stars

Some would say the origins of post-rock (not a fan of that term but there ya go!) can be traced back to this record. Another one of those bands I always meant to check out but obviously never did until now thanks for this challenge. The album is flawless, no question it is majestic. Is it the best ‘post-rock’ album I have ever heard? Probably not, but I suspect this is one of those albums you needed to listen to when it was released to appreciate its brilliance. My route into ‘post rock’ was via Mogwai, GY!BE and Explosions in the Sky among others.

My favourite track has to be the opener Breadcrumb Trail, its edgey, dark but extemly powerful with some beautiful harmonics along side the awesome distorted guitar. Post-rock is not for everybody, but I would urge you to give this a try if you are already a fan of the likes of Exploisions in the Sky, Godspeed etc.

Link: Official website (Not updated since 2008)

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January 10th 2012

Bill Callahan – Apocalypse (2011)

***** Five Stars

Another big fat wow! This album is so beautiful. I got turned onto Bill Callahan thanks to the brilliant Caught By The River blog. I never did check out the album though. So I was able to put that to right today and I’m glad I did! Its stripped down folk Americana. This guy is just a great poet, very Johnny Cash like. The other easy comparrison would be Will Oldham.

Whilst the album only has 7 tracks, it does clock in at 40 minutes. No dud track on here. My favourites have to be the quirky fun America. He saves the best til last with One Fine Morning. What a stunning way to end a fantastic album, an easy five stars from me.

Link: Bill Callahan Facebook

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January 9th 2012

Led Zeppelin – IV (1971)

*** Three Stars

What can I say about this album that hasn’t been said before?! I can’t say I have ever really been that taken in by the singles I’d heard before. On the advice of my wife I decided to give this album a try. Its a good listen, but it certainly didn’t blow me away after a couple listens today. Really enjoyed The Battle of Evermore and When the Levvee Breaks. The rest of the album was exactly what I expected. Stairway to Heaven aside what a great classic track of course.

Would I recommend it? Not sure, I prefer the Who!

Link: Official Website

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January 8th 2012

Tim Hecker – Ravedeath 1972 (2011)

***Four Stars

Tim Hecker is an electronic and sound artist based in Montreal Canada. He is a master at ambient soundscape collages, this album is no different. Recorded in a church in Reykjavik Iceland. A pipe organ is the main sound source here, the results are outstanding. From the vibrating arpeggio of the opening track to the ghost like organ sounds on the three part In The Fog. At times it sounds like a soundtrack to a horror flick, with the dark atmospheric reverb and distortion its a hell of a ride.

My favourite piece is Hatred Of Music I which sounds almost like The Waterboys of the Big Music era at times (A Pagan Place, Don’t Bang the Drum). Ravedeath 1972 is best listened to with earphones at night, with no distractions., its a stunning piece of work. Its not for everybody. There are no real songs, just stunning beautiful soundscapes. If you are looking for something a bit different then give this a try!

Link: Official website

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January 7th 2012

The Blue Nile – A Walk Across The Rooftops (1983)

***** Five Stars

WOW How have I not heard this album before? I always heard of The Blue Nile but for whatever reason I never got around to checking them out. This album is simply stunning! Its got a bit of everything really, prog rock, synths, funky bass tons of strings, its all in bits really. Its chaotic at times, but it works really well. Paul Buchanan’s vocals sound Peter Gabriel like, with a ton of emotion it goes well with the well crafted rich orchestrated music.

My fave tracks are From Rags To Riches with the awesome synth flourishes throughout and the beautiful single Stay. I could not recommend this album highly enough, my favourite album so far. Now off to buy more Blue Nile! I wont be reviewing them again, so much to get through and that is not including all the current 2012 releases I will be checking out.

Link: Official website – Sorry this seems to be the best official link I could find!

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January 6th 2012

John Foxx and the Maths – Interplay (2011)

***** Five Stars

This does remind me a bit of old school Ultravox! I haven’t heard any recent John Foxx records, but I’m sure glad I checked out Interplay. What a great album! Not a dud track on here, this is synth pop in 2011 at its best.

Interplay is dominated by the sound of analog synths but with a modern production. My favourite track has to be the last one The Good Shadow, an obvious homage to Kraftwerk’s Europe Endless, it really is beautiful and well worth the $8 for this track alone. If you enjoy electronic music, then you should be checking out Interplay!

Link: Official website

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January 5th 2012

Snowman – Absence (2011)

*** Three Stars

Snowman were an experimental rock band from Western Australia who went their separate ways after recording this album. Really enjoyed this album, Sad to read it was their last. I’ll be checking out their previous two efforts. Its dominated by a tribal percussion throughout with a ton of atmosphere, with a ethereal quality to it.

My stand out track is A which has this menacing almost creepy like synth arpeggio. I’d maybe give this album more stars given a bit more time with it, as it is probably a grower, I’d recommend this if you are looking for something a bit different.

Link: Snowman MySpace

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January 4th 2012

Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage (1965)

**** Four Stars

The first album on my list of essential Chicago albums to check out during this music challenge. Maiden Voyage is a enthralling jazz album from start to finish. The opening title track sets the tone for the rest of the album, really enjoyed listening to this album. It made my commute to work and back a bit more care free! Its one of the more lighter jazz albums I have listened to, which makes it easier to get into especially if like me, you are not much of a jazz head.  I was told this would be a great introduction to Chicago jazz, so I’m looking forward to checking out more Chicago jazz records later in the year.

I would highly recommend this album if you are into jazz music or not!

Link: Herbie Hancock Official Website

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January 3rd 2012

CLAPS – Wreck (2011)

** Two Stars

CLAPS are a synth pop group based out of Minneapolis Minnesota, a rare breed out here in the Midwest! I was really looking forward to this one, really enjoyed their EP’s, So it pains me to say this album is a major let down. Think Joy Division or OMD of the Organisation album – lots of dark moody analog synth sequences. Love the opening track Across The Floor, after that the album is instantly forgettable in truth. Book Of Love has a nice warm interesting synth lead, but the lyrics are a bit Duran Duran for my liking. Two stars for the killer opening track which is well worth checking out.

I would not recommend this album, listen to OMD’s Organisation instead.

Link: CLAPS Facebook

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January 2nd 2012

Hackberry Ramblers – Cajun Boogie (1992)

**** Four Stars

Ok here is quite a shift from the first pick. Cajun music is a genre my wife suggested I should be checking out. So I start with The Hackberry Ramblers who are a Grammy award-nominated Cajun music band based in Hackberry Louisiana USA formed in 1933. Their last surviving member only died last August!

The album opens up with their theme song, its pretty much what I expect.. a blend of uptempo Cajun, country and blues swing music. Its all campfire stuff, can you smell the marshmallows grilling?!  I love the accordion lead driven tracks, Turtle Tail especially. It doesn’t really matter if you don’t understand the French lyrics, its music you would dance away to at weddings no doubt!

Love the Zydeco tracks, especially the title track,. Its all infectious stuff really. Sitting on Top of the World has got a Hank Williams feel to it, though it was written by Hackberry’s James Glen Croker I believe. I‘m also checking out the hodgepodge 1935-1950 Early Recordings collection which seems to go more in depth through the different styles they went through with an even more rustic feel. All in all its well worth checking out, glad I did! I will visit more zydeco music later on this year!

Links: Official website

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January 1st 2012

 

Youth Lagoon – The Year of Hibernation (2011)

***** 5 Stars

I was first recommended this album at work in early December, so instead of going straight into it like I usually do, I saved it for my first album of 2012. What a pick! Trevor Powers aka Youth Lagoon masterfully combines catchy melodies with melancholy lyrics soaked in re-verb with an obvious Broken Social Scene influence.

Really hard to pick out a stand out track, as it all flows beautifully into what is without doubt one of the best albums of 2011 even after only a couple listens. The one song I keep going back to is track three Afternoon which sounds like a Postal Service, Broken Social Scene and M83 orgy! The album is fragile at times, probably due to the vocals which are so haunting. Currently onto my third play of the album, I could not recommend this album highly enough!

Brilliant stuff, what a way to start this challenge. Only another 365 albums to go..

Links: Youth Lagoon Facebook  | Official website

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