Top 30 Album Discoveries August 2011

Here's my latest round-up of 30 albums from the last three months which I judge worthy of a short review.

My must hear recent albums are:

• Portugal. The Man In the Mountain, In the Cloud
• Beirut The Rip Tide
• Boy and Bear Moonfire
• Imagine Dragons It's Time
• Active Child You are All I See
• Rubik Solar

357 String Band Lightning from the North 7/10

I don't write about every genre of music in this blog: one notable absence is rap, and I'm no bluegrass specialist, but this merits inclusion as a particularly vigorous, energetic example. If you were pleasantly surprised by Old Crow Medicine Show at the Railroad Revival Tour earlier this year, you might like to check out .357 String Band from Milwaukee. If you think banjos are tedious, you should listen to the riffs here, and quieter moments of repose also satisfy. There is of course some great fiddle playing, and it's not stretching it too much to say this rootsy music has punk sensibilities.

Active Child You Are All I Can See 8/10

I'm not a chillwave expert either, but what attracts me to this début album is the sheer beauty of sound, with utterly gorgeous instrumentation including harp. Synths and soaring vocals have a dream like effect, and the album has a coherence, as one track flows into another with masterly pacing. The track Playing Well features Tom Krell from How to Dress Well. The overall feel is spiritual, with a chilly edge, and I wasn't entirely shocked to discover that Pat Grossi was a choirboy in his youth. This is deep, contemplative music which I didn't initially convince me but I've grown to love.

Adele iTunes Festival London 2011 EP 8/10

If you’d like a reminder of the amazing power of Adele’s voice, this live performance from London last month will give much joy. It’s less technically polished than her 21 Album, which is where you should start, and at times her intonation concerns me. There’s a great sense of atmosphere and audience participation though, including an energetic sing along to Rolling in the Deep. It’s a pity my favourite song, Someone Like You, isn’t included, but for a live version of that you should seek out her moving Brit Awards performance with piano.

American Babies Flawed Logic 7/10

This album is deliberately rootsy, with some of the feel good factor of the amazing Truth and Salvage Co and a country vibe, but it doesn't sound contrived. There's honky tonk piano, slide guitar and a confident, very American swagger. Whilst it's a studio album from Philadelphia, it has a spontaneous, live feel and I imagine their gigs would be enormous fun: they don't hold back their emotions. I think American Babies has a wider appeal than merely to devotees of Americana, being traditional in sound yet surprising you with contemporary influences.

Barcelona Absolutes 7/10

This album was released in 2007, but is new to me, and is a must for lovers of Coldplay, its emotional melodies being easy to appreciate. Is there a little too much niceness and surface sheen? Well, it depends on your preferences, but if you listen closely, you'll appreciate the intricate rhythms, the key role played by piano, and the way carefully constructed songs conjure up a moody atmosphere. It will sometimes take a expected directions, and there's more depth than you initially hear. There's a new album in the works, and at the time of writing, the band is raising funds on Kickstarter.

Beirut The Rip Tide 9/10

The Rip Tide is one of those rare albums which I was convinced was absolutely masterly the first time I listened to it, and from about the third track I already knew it would make my end of year top ten. I’ve enjoyed Beirut’s previous work, but it hasn’t had the impact of this. A friend observed that Zach Condon’s simplified his music language, and it has very direct, melodic appeal. There isn’t the rich intricacy of the recent Bon Iver, but there is a spontaneity and joy, together with those trademark horns, great voice, and memorable melody. For me, the standout track is Santa Fe, and any concerns about the short length are irrelevant, because you will just play it straight through again.

Blind Pilot Three Rounds and a Sound 7.5/10

This debut album, released in 2008, is acoustic indie rock from Portland Oregon, with some of the folksy influence of Iron and Wine, and a tender beauty. I love the instrumentation, including trumpet, banjo, dulcimer, ukulele and vibraphone, and occasionally Bright Eyes springs to mind. There are sweet harmonies, and mellow tunes, with are tender and life-affirming. The standout track is the 3 Rounds and a Sound, placed last on the album. The good news is that their second album is out in September and a preview track's available for download from their website.

Boy and Bear Moonfire 8.5/10

I included Boy and Bear's EP in a previous round up, and their first full album doesn't disappoint. It will appeal to Mumford's fans, but there is more subtlety and less outright indie rocking than with the famous Brits. You have to love their melodies and sunny disposition, and you'll have a lot of fun with this music, especially in the more poppy tracks like Milk and Sticks. They haven't developed their sound a great deal in the short time since their EP was released, but this is an emerging band which deserves to achieve major success and recognition outside their native Australia.

Dawes Nothing is Wrong, Middle Brother 6/10, 7/10

DawesMiddle Brother here, where he collaborated with John McCauley of Deer Tick and Matthew Vazquez of Delta Spirit. I actually enjoyed this more than Nothing is Wrong: they take more risks, there's a great sense of collaboration of strong musical personalities having fun together, especially on the closer, Million Dollar Bill.

The Deep Dark Woods The Place I Left Behind 7/10

This is a quiet, gentle, reassuring album, expansive in length, and more compelling than the Deep Dark Woods' three previous albums. It hails from Saskatoon Canada, and whilst there are bluesy songs like Back Alley Blues and I Just Can't Lose, the predominant mood is alt-country folk. The relaxed mood is supported by organ, slide guitars, restrained drums, tambourine, pleasant vocal harmonies and an absence of electronics. There's an interview with the band here; I suspect you'll know already whether this is likely to appeal to you.

Eastern Conference Champions Speak-Ahh 7/10

Speak-Ahh was panned by Paste Magazine, but I find this rock album vigorous and heartfelt. Joshua Ostrander has great vocal delivery and I love the hard hitting drums and imaginative guitar playing from the other members of the trio. There are some catchy melodies, but for me it's their execution and edge to the sound which captures my attention. Eastern Conference Champions deserve a higher profile.

Explosions in the Sky Take Care, Take Care, Take Care 7/10

 
As a classical music fan, this doesn't sound too unfamiliar to me: purely instrumental, often slow paced, tracks of up to 10 minutes each; but it must have seemed radical when this post-rock first emerged a decade ago. It can be quite hypnotic to listen to, but I've a suspicion that some may use it is an accompaniment to their life rather than an end in itself. The technique is top notch, and the swirling dynamics, propulsive drumming and shimmering guitars give a feeling of tension and release. You should definitely listen to this if you haven't come across Explosions: it probably deserves a higher score, but I feel as if I've already visited this territory from a different angle previously with my contemporary classical listening.

Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels 7.5/10

This music conveys a real sense of well being, a gentle sense of communion with nature. My favourite track is the stirring Palmistry with its guitar riffs, but this album is all about beauty, with darker emotions just below the surface. The instrumentation includes the banjos you might expect for a folk project such as this, but imaginatively combined with electric instruments and well recorded in generous acoustics. If there’s a criticism it would be that it’s sometimes a little too self-effacing compared to say recent Fleet Foxes, but if you like the lyricism of Iron and Wine, this should be explored. It didn’t wow me on first listen but I’ve surprised myself with the frequency to which I return to it, and the how often it puts a smile on my face.

Imagine Dragons It's Time 8.5/10

From Utah, this is vigorous, assertive young man's music, full of energy. There's a link with The Killers (whom the lead singer's brother manages) and musical influences from Muse. It's rock with catchy tunes, which manages to be both powerful and seductive. This is an unsigned, emerging band who have made an impact on me and should make one on the wider world with their hard hitting guitars and keyboards. Invigorating.

The Kin The Upside 8/10

Brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren from Australia produce melodic, accessible rock with emotional, yearning lyrics and great harmonies. They often perform acoustically, yet here add electronics to the mix. It's a beautiful collaboration, and their song craft proves touching. It's also well worth downloading their earlier album Live at the Pussycat Club, which is a bargain from iTunes. I eagerly await their next project.


Karkwa Les Chemins de Verre 7/10

I have to admit a bias towards Canadian music. I'm not sure why, except perhaps for the fact that I love the country, and music and place have a close connection. Karkwa are from Quebec and this album's surprise victory in the Polaris Prize last year raised their profile. It's been compared to Radiohead, but I find it dreamier, more impressionistic and closer to Sigur Ros. Even if you don't understand the French lyrics, you'll appreciate its beauty and dark undercurrents. There's a sense of unease which is never fully resolved in an explosion and release of tension you yearn for but doesn't come.

Kurt Vile Smoke Ring for my Halo 5.5/10

There's a certain gloominess and introspection about Kurt Vile's personal song writing, but this is probably its point. His musical talent can't be denied, as it manages to be both relaxed and taught. The Violators add backing colour, but his guitar plucking is always at the forefront. Somehow though I find it has a depressing effect on me, and it's too self indulgent to allow me to score it more highly.

Lelia Broussard Masquerade 7/10

After the gloom of Karkwa and Kurt Vile, Lelia may be a breath of fresh air: it's light, optimistic pop; young person's music. There's a hint of soul and R&B influence, and her voice is very easy on the ear, sounding effortless. Stand out tracks include Shoot for the Moon and the title song, and she clearly has an aptitude for catchy hooks. Lelia understands the importance of engagement with fans and has utilised the excellent Pledge Music platform. My personal preference is for heavier material with more depth, but this shouldn't prevent you from seeking out her talented song writing.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults Paper Crush 8/10

Letting Up produce minimalist music, the trio from LA making heavy use of electronics, smooth vocals (at the back of the mix, to the irritation of some) and repetition. It draws you into its private world, dreamy, hazy and seductive. They're often compared to The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, but having seem the Pains live, I'm inclined to say The Radio Dept. may be a closer comparison. I'm not always attracted to shoe gaze, but this has a special quality.

Library Voices Summer of Lust 7/10

First a disclaimer: this album is so new, I've only listened to a stream, so I haven't lived with it for long. I had high expectations since I love the earlier Denim on Denim album, and this is gloriously upbeat, bouncy Canadian pop. It's less subtle than Library Voices' first album, and for me less substantial, more catchy, perhaps with an eye to broadening their appeal. I've no idea why they're not far bigger yet: this is never going to make you cry, but sometimes party music is called for. The political statement against Stephen Harper's arts cuts in the song Prime Minister's Daughter may go unnoticed, but for me it adds substance.

Nick 13 7.5/10

This is the first solo album from a Nashville singer in a psychobilly punk band, performed in a Californian country style. I do love his voice which is mellow in these smooth songs, tinged with a sense of regret. Clearly this is retro, backward looking music, in spare arrangements, but with modern lyrics, and it's more than just a tribute to a lost era. There's true sincerity and a sense of love for the genre in this album. It apparently took 3 years to make,and I sense this allowed him to live and breathe these songs.

Pepper Rabbit Red Velvet Snow Ball 7/10

Pepper Rabbit describe themselves as psychedelic pop: there's plenty of evidence of sampled sounds which create a lush sound scape. There's a richly inventive, creative force at work here, but despite all the instrumental action, the vocals remain centre stage, giving a sense of direction. Red Velvet Snowball is their second album, and like Braids who've they're toured with, they evoke a dreamy feel. There's so much going on it's hard to believe this is only a duo, but if you're open minded and don't mind a slightly zany experience, give this a try.

Portugal. The Man In the Mountain, In the Cloud 9.5/10

I often think about life-changing experience of seeing Portugal. The Man live, in a small venue, stood on the front row. I'm not sure if it's ever possible to capture this feel in a recording, but there's room for them in future to capture the amazing jams on record. Putting these memories to one side, it’s a stunning album and likely to be in my top five of 2011. Is it almost too polished though? It represents a development in style, lacking the some of the melodic impact of Satanic Satanist, but showing a maturity and move away from the eclectic experimentalism of earlier work such as Church Mouth. Ignore the detractors, and if you haven't already, download it immediately and prepared to be swept along as one joyful track merges into the next.

Rubik Solar 8.5/10

Solar is this Finnish synth pop outfit’s third album. There’s a hint of TV on the Radio and Phoenix, but they create a distinctive sound which stands out from the crowd. It starts with what sounds like a brass band number, and then launches into a melody which makes you want to turn up the volume and dance. This is immense fun, which will launch you into a buoyant mood with its power and melody. One of the more urgent recommendations in this round-up.

Seryn This is why we are 5/10

This début album from Texas is in the Fleet Foxes indie folk category, although I think a closer comparison is with the sound of Wilderness of Montana, despite the geographic distance. My reservations are whether it's just too self-effacing: clearly it sounds nice, but is there sufficient variety of mood, or anything to distinguish this album from say The Low Anthem? Well, it Seryn has beauty and harmony on its side, and they've time to develop a more distinctive voice.


Smoke Fairies Through Low Light and Trees 8/10

A female folk / blues duo from the UK showcasing dreamy, close harmonies. There's a mysticism which occasionally recalls Hildegard of Bingham in spirit. It's British folk music tinged with New Orleans, with imaginative harmony, gorgeous singing and surprising energy and vigour. The BBC described Smoke Fairies as timeless and ethereal, and they've utterly seduced me.

Timber Timbre Keep on Creepin On 6/10

Timber Timbre is doom laden music, chilling and creepy, and not one for depressives. I'm reminded of the Kronos Quartet in contemporary classical chamber work in tracks such as Obelisk, but it's the quality of sound which capture the attention. I love the way it evokes this dark atmosphere and its starkness is actually beautiful. This is yet another Canadian album, and whilst it won't be on my 'high rotation' play list, you have to admire its boldness. I have to mention to the blues influence, especially on tracks such as Too Old To Die Young.

Washed Out Within and Without 8/10

Chillwave's been a style of music in the past which has failed to capture my attention, but this, along with Active Child, has helped to convert me. I've listened to this album multiple times, even going as far as getting a lossless version so I could assess the sound more closely, and I have finally been convinced. Ernest Greene's skill is in embodying a mood (sensual, as the cover art more than hints at). Ultimately, it transcends a genre I would once have mistaken for background music, and it's just masterly.

The Weeknd House of Balloons 7/10

This from Toronto is miles away from indie folk in style: it's R&B influenced, but with some of the melodic style of Hurts’ electro pop, and thundering bass. There's an element of classical minimalism (Philip Glass) too. It's a completely free download from The Weeknd's website so there's no need to take my word for the fact it's stirring and atmospheric, probably intended to be appreciated in the early hours of the morning whilst in a slightly hazy state.

Yellowbirds The Colour 6/10

This is the solo project of Sam Cohen of Apollo Sunshine, and has a 1960's pop sound. There's an expansive, warm feel centred on melody which makes it relaxed and approachable. He layers sounds (including the vocals) on top of each other, adds some country twinges, and wallows in a lush, retro sound world. This isn't an album I want to listen to every day, but it has a certain charm.



Some albums which didn't quite make my shortlist include:
Wolfgang Suedo Faults, Liam Finn Fomo, Colour Revolt The Cradle, Gillian Welch Harrow and the Harvest, Telekensis Desperate Straight Lines, Priory self-titled, Dream Diary You are the Best, Metronomy The English Riviera, The Black Atlantic Reverence for Fallen Trees, Freelance Whales Weathervanes, Walking on a Dream Empire of the Sun, The Horrors Skying, Fruit Bats Tripper, Cloud Control Bliss Release, Cloud Cult Light Chasers, Kyle Andrews Robot Learn Love, Matt Pond PA The Dark Leaves