Southsea Tunes: My Albums of the Year
This week, I am going to discuss my top albums of 2011. You may have heard some of these and others, you may not. However, I hope that after reading this, you will endeavor to listen to them all.
1. ‘No More Idols’ by Chase & Status
This album grabbed me with both hands and I’ve only ever grown to love it more as the year has progressed. I enjoy drum n’ bass but tend to tire of it quickly due largely to its over-reliance on bass and its lack of thoughtful lyrics. However, this album changes that and presents the listener with an onslaught of cocky, intriguing and clever lyrics which, when matched up with the machismo of the bass-driven beats, refuses to let go of its hold on you, whether you’re listening through your headphones, at home, or in a club. The first Chase & Status album, More Than A Lot, was also a fantastic album but I did eventually get bored of it. That hasn’t happened with this album and I think that is largely due to its well-thought out, intricate nature: truly a modern classic
2. ‘EP’ by Crosses
Although only a mini album, this EP has really caught my attention this year. It is, of course, the side project of The Deftones’ front man, Chino Moreno, and far from his usual guitar-driven music, this demonstrates a more developed interest in electronic music. That said, it still showcases his unmistakable voice and presents five excellent new tracks. Better still, the EP is available to download for free from the Crosses website.
3. ‘Ashes & Fire’ by Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams tends to create albums which fit into one of two categories: the first being extremely country-driven tracks; and the second being beautifully-crafted, acoustic sets and it is the latter that has been produced here. Adams is one of the best songwriters alive today and the music he gently crafts fits around his words sublimely. Personally, I much prefer Adams’ solo work as opposed to his work with The Cardinals and therefore, I am pleased that he has made a return to the solo arena; and a brilliant return it is too.
4. ‘Distraction Pieces’ by Scroobius Pip
As a big fan of Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip, I was excited to hear that the latter was bringing out a solo album. His vocal style and choice of words resonates with me as I find it more akin to the intelligence of poetry than the usual aggression of rap music.
5. ‘Build a Rocket Boys!’ by Elbow
It wouldn’t be a list of this year’s best albums if I didn’t include Elbow’s latest effort. Whilst, in all honesty, I didn’t find it quite as engaging as 2008’s The Seldom Seen Kid, I still loved this album because it was littered with exemplary tokens of Elbow brilliance: elusive lyrics, passionate vocals and elaborate music. There is nothing worse than when you’re favourite band produce an album that just doesn’t capture you or stand up to your enthusiasm but for me, this album does: tracks such as The Birds and Neat Little Rows, in particular, are solid tracks with the latter also being the album’s first single. All in all, a very happy Hannah
6. ‘The Rip Tide’ by Beirut
This band, although relatively quiet in mainstream areas, are an interesting little sextet and this is their third album. It is quite folky and the track on it which has been on a number of my playlists this year is Santa Fe, a quirky ode to front man, Zach Condon’s native home town. I find that the band are akin to acts such as Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, only more of an enjoyable listen (I like the other bands but cannot listen to an entire album by them without getting bored).
Other notable efforts include:
- ‘Wasting Light’ by Foo Fighters
- ‘Biophilia’ by Bjork
- ‘Mariachi El Bronx’ by Mariachi El Bronx
- ‘Bigamy: More Songs from the Monogamy Sessions’ by Tim Kasher
- ‘High Flying Birds’ by Noel Gallagher
- ‘Tell Me a Tale EP’ by Michael Kiwanuka
Do you disagree? What’s your album of the year? Let me know!
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