Daft Punk - Random Access Memories: The Overrated and Underrated

Before this goes anywhere this isn't a review, after all I haven't even listened to this yet and not sure I want to go near it right now. Most of the time even hyped albums intrigue me enough to give it at least a listen to see what the fuss is all about because I'm not always a believer in certain ratings on music websites. Then there is the new Daft Punk an album which is taking being hyped to another level, the marketing isn't in your face annoying in fact its the opposite, with strategically placed ads during SNL and Coachella. There was never a need for them to do this because once die hard fans get a sniff they'll do the rest for you and in this case they sure have.

Now to the main reason for this post as I listen to the new album by The National (Trouble Will Find Me) is that this album right now for someone like myself (not a die hard fan, but don't dislike the work by any means) is almost not worth listening to. Not that the music will suck or anything just that the hype has almost become too much and left me not caring for this at all. I already have looked at a couple of reviews and comments on facebook about this album which have led me to believe this is how this album will work.

Daft Punk's Random Access Memories is the boldest, smartest, most pleasurable dance album of this decade 

So already we've started making massive calls about this album after just a few days and then at the same time we get this.

Daft Punk album fails to live up to the hype

But, but I thought this was a masterpiece...

I didn't even read the reviews because the titles alone did enough for me not to bother reading them, this right now is an album that I feel like only die hard fans who really want more Daft Punk should listen to. They'll probably enjoy it no matter what and there's nothing wrong with liking an album from a band you love. The rest of us though should leave it particularly those who had enough of hearing how great it was going to be, so much so that they wish it sucks to annoy those that wouldn't shut up about something they'd never heard.

This has all the makings of being heavily overrated and heavily underrated for at least a few months, until people come back to this album with a clearer head. Then we can figure out why we like or dislike it because it has all the making of being above average and not great or disappointing.
You can't use the hype against the band, its not a bad thing people are excited by them bringing something new out and remember when they hadn't released anything from the album PEOPLE WERE STILL GOING CRAZY FOR THIS!!!!.

PS I'll wait for a while before I listen to this.

Top 50 Albums of 2012

Its late but fuck it, also them write ups they take too long and no one cares.

50. Wild Nothing - Nocturne
49. The XX - Coexist
48. Schoolboy Q - Habits and Contradictions
47. The Men - Open Your Heart
46. Passion Pit - Gossamer
45. Enslaved - RITTIR 
44. Big Boi - Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumours
43. Old Man Gloom - NO
42. Death Grips - No Love Deep Web
41. Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It
40. Dinosaur Jr. - I Bet On Sky
39. Dirty Three - Toward The Low Sun
38. Bats For Lashes - The Haunted Man
37. Ruby Frost - Water To Ice
36. Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory
35. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead - Lost Songs
34. Tallest Man On Earth - No Leaving Now
33. King Tuff - King Tuff
32. Lawrence Arabia - The Sparrow
31. Alt J - An Awesome Wave
30. Menomena - Moms
29. Matthew Dear - Beams
28. Crystal Castles - III
27. Gojira - L'enfant Sauvage
26. Purity Ring - Shrines
25. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
24. High On Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis
23. Mac Demarco - 2
22. Lotus Plaza - Spooky Action At A Distance
21. Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes
20. Home Brew - Home Brew
19. Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again
18. Sharon Van Etten - Tramp
17. Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid M.A.A.D. City
16. Grimes - Visions
15. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffitti - Mature Themes
14. EL-P - Cancer For Cure
13. Ty Segell Band - Slaughterhouse
12. Grizzly Bear - Shields
11. Tame Impala - Lonerism


Top 10

10. Scott Walker - Bish Bosch

I don't care in what form this man sings he'll forever be great, its a strong, powerful voice that brings together some pretty fucked up songs. (if they can even be called that) This is very much a tough listen music wise but it somehow still works with his vocals powering through.

9. Swans - The Seer

This shit is long (2 discs) the first one is my favourite with tracks like Mother Of The World on it but overall Gira has pulled a loud, long and crunching masterpiece. One that at the longer end of an album doesn't at any point for me feel too long.

8. Converge - All We Love We Leave Behind

From the get go this album punches you in the face from the start, this doesn't really let up and its another strong album from a great hardcore band. You better recognise the slick guitar work!

7. John Talabot - Fin

This shit glides on beautifully throughout the tracks flow amazingly but at the same time each are completely unique. This has such a chill mood while the vocals add a nice compliment to the beat he is producing throughout.

6. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Allelujah! Don't Bend

It's Godspeed and they're back...oh this rules. The atmosphere on this is signature Godspeed the whole mental image the album produces is no surprise but at the same time shouldn't be underestimated cause this is amazing.

5. Beach House - Bloom

Some don't like this cause its more of the same, but when you make such beautiful, dreamy pop tracks why do anything else? I think this is another great album by them and perhaps a slightly bigger sound on this one than the last. A Beach House fan will love this, at the same time how could you hate it?

4. Japandroids - Celebration Rock

The name of this is appropriate, this is such a fun rock album and loud for a band consisting of just a guitarist/singer and a drummer. Easily the one of the best pure rock and roll albums in a while and you can hear through the songs written and performed that they are really enjoying themselves.

3. The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Aufheben

One of my favourite musicians Anton Newcombe has produced another amazing album, its classic psychedelic rock. Unlike the Tame Impala album I feel like the psychedelic nature is as "in your face" and more laid back and flowing.  I prefer it this way, the emotion in his voice is always great and an album closer like Blue Order/New Monday is a monster.

2. Death Grips - Money Store

This album is so fuckin rough. The loud, brash raps with the bass heavy beats accompanied by Zach Hill on drums has lead to a spectacular album. This isn't a normal rap album, the shouting style of vocalist MC Ride for the most part work well considering its not a normal style.

1. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music

This album kicks off so well with Big Beast and it goes from strength to strength throughout. This rap album has it all, intensity from Mike with the production from El-P and verses that strengthen the songs at all times. The pace changes throughout and at no point weakens this album. It rules.

Top 50 Songs Of 2012

50. Song For Leigh - The Walkmen (Heaven)
I didn't think of this song until real last minute mainly because I left a note on my ipod that this was my favourite track on the album. After listening to it a few times I remembered why I like it. Its simple, although I've never sung myself sick or met someone called Leigh but he better be grateful for the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUB5S9RRt8A

49. Oldie - Odd Future (Odd Future Mixtape Vol.2)
I see a theory brewing with Odd Future it starts with people seeing whatever album that is next as the breakout album and then they disappoint you almost completely apart from a few tracks which remind you why you still live in hope. This is that song, the beat is simple, the verses are nice from the whole group and the return of EARL. Oh yeah that theory I need a name for that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LPBsQ-lWKU

48. Hood - Perfume Genius (Put Your Back N 2 It)
It's sad and slow, the emotion in it is beautiful and believable, I love the change in tempo and the build to that plus the dip back down. The music video is weird.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOpkr8uNWpk

47. Reunion - The xx (Coexist)
I was worried the new xx album might just stink and after the initial love for this album, I kind of got bored but I always felt this track was great. I love the beat, while still slow and minimal it still has found a way to be dancy in its own little way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVLVNLuC33w

46. Spiritual Rites - High On Fire (De Vermis Mysteriis)
Its one of the few metal tracks on this list and I love the explosiveness of the song and the snarly vocals of Matt Pike. It still has the HOF sludgy sound that has developed over the years and its almost completely balls to the wall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2dVwtZR4M4

45. Dissolve Me - Alt J (An Awesome Wave)
I hadn't heard of this band until a friend started gushing about them after they were announced for Laneway next year (I'm going) so I checked them out. I don't like them nearly as much as my friend but I definitely see the appeal and this is my favourite off it mainly because of the beat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrTDDQPzXac

44. I Bought My Eyes - Ty Segall Band (Slaughterhouse)
just a rock song, nice distortion and rocks hard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAXONGchVtc

43. 1904 - The Tallest Man on Earth (There's No Leaving Now)
I got the new Tallest Man On Earth album for someone as part of a 21st Bday present, I hadn't heard it but knew she'd enjoy it and I ripped the album before gifting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibEwxlV1ac4

42. Epizootics - Scott Walker (Bish Bosch)
It's debatable about whether this is even a song cause its completely fucked, but Scott Walker's voice is so great and I like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ih7KzKLLWA

41. Pique - Menomena (Moms)
Lyrically this might be the best Memomena song for me apart from TAOS cause it has "cocksure" in it. I don't prefer the word cocksure cause it has cock in it either. You like men.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kXBmvHJrJs

40. Come on, Be A No-One - The Cribs (In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull)
Its catchy and its British indie rock, it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-6vL85EBoc

39. Bones - Michael Kiwanuka (Home Again)
I've never been a soul guy, but this dude is so great that you must recognise. Epic voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXtOtdO5jyI

38. Take A Walk - Passion Pit (Gossamer)
Passion Pit are BACK and I was worried the synth pop times might be dying but this album opener is perfect. It throws you back into why Passion Pit were great the first time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wMhhq7zwPc

37. Bad Thing - King Tuff (King Tuff)
I really like this song when he shouts "I'm a baaaaaaad thiiiiinngg"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkxlZk-IYZk

36. Don't Want The World - David Dallas (Buffalo Man)
He's so talented and this rap is just incredibly catchy and once I heard it for the first time multiple listens in quick succession ensued.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aStRlfh6Fxc

35. Upon Viewing Oregon's Landscape With The Flood Of Detritus - Titus Andronicus (Local Business)
While they don't look punk in this slightest, their songs have the same spirit and when it builds to the singer screaming is when shit gets real.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdzwsgJr5OI

34. Lines - Big Boi feat. A$AP Rocky and Phantogram (Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumours)
Phantogram on this song slows things down nicely and unsurprisingly the verses of Big Boi and A$SAP rule.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIo2m0iyl-U

33. Elephant - Tame Impala (Lonerism)
Dat riff, this song oozes psychedelia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCo3CQw6wp8

32. Belispeak II - Purity Ring feat. Danny Brown (Shrines)
Synth pop is still cool or as still as cool as it was before (I'm unsure if it ever was), this version is mo better than the O.G. version (that's great as well). Danny Brown kills it and only add to a strong song. Needs more collaborations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpdyGFmct78

31. Monoliths - Lotus Plaza (Spooky Action At A Distance)
Desire Lines Pt.2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfGfbaRvdL0

30. Laura - Bats For Lashes (The Haunted Man)
I've met some Laura's before, none to the extent where they'd even be described as a superstar but this song is easily the star on this album. Its right in the middle of the album but you know it peaks at this point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6kLJiednQc

29. Hey Jane - Spiritualized (Sweet Heart Sweet Light)
God damn this is like old rock classic in 2012 form, when it builds around the middle part of the song reminds me of those times at gigs where its last track and its the last time to really get amongst.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-A0NdCq8KQ

28. Circumambient - Grimes (Visions)
There's many to choose from, but as of right now this is it, a beautiful pop song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAyIOL14eyo

27. Pyramids - Frank Ocean (Channel Orange)
This song is by far the most legit on this, I didn't like the whole statement before this dropped about his first love being a man, not because its a man, cause I don't care about that. But because it totally takes away from the songs as most will describe this as "Frank Ocean, you know the guy who likes men) when it should be "Frank Ocean, the guy who put out Pyramids, the song with the sick beat and beautiful vocals".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfyWQ2AEBic

26. To A Poet - First Aid Kit (Lions Roar)
I love and stripped down they are, its never to a point where it sounds thin. The vocals are amazing, when they sing together for "Though I miss you more than I can take and I will surely break. And every morning that I wake up there is the sake, but there's nothing more to it, I just get through it. Ah, there's nothing more to it, I just get through it." is when it hits its peak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Yrit1Da1I

25. Speak In Rounds - Grizzly Bear (Shields)
Dat acoustic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK2mwcakibA

24. Mother Of The World - Swans (The Seer)
The beginning is relentless and once you get past that its like a gift when Gira starts singing "In and Out and In and Out aggggaaaaaiiinnn" total monster track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4mQxGXxU2M

23. Everything Is Embarassing - Sky Ferreira (Ghost)
Sky Ferreira the person on twitter who counted down the release of the Hobbit and Christopher Owens re tweeted each days countdown. This is such a lovely pop song, its believable and totally accessible to anyone into pop, I hope people come round to this one, its worth it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR3_JapvzH0

22. Evil Sway - Japandroids (Celebration Rock)
Can they sound anymore happy during this song? "oh yeah, oh right"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_CIc3hXOkM

21. Catatonic - ...And You Will Know Us BY The Trail Of The Dead (Lost Songs)
It doesn't slow down, you just have to keep up and I prefer it that way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHavDqUOtTM

20. Wishes - Beach House (Bloom)
It's hard to describe why you like a Beach House song, cause you can't just say "its Beach House", but I'm going to anyway. It's dreamy and while there's no significant different from times past they don't need to change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyDD-LhpgBc

19. Brats - Liars (WIXIW)
I was late on this, the beat gets this going and the vocals kick it up a notch, the song feels like it'll get out of hand but then you realise it never does.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl_FP0L76j4

18. Backstreet Freestyle - Kendrick Lamar (Good Kid M.A.A.D. City)
I feel like his raps on this are stronger than any other song by far plus he wants to fuck the world for 72 hours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTz_K__9L2A

17. Aimless Arrow - Converge (All We Love We Leave Behind)
There's no easing into this song they just throw you in and I love it this way, the song just doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoZlujggIq0

16. Set It Off - Diplo (Express Yourself)
Its a great club track, although I doubt I'll ever hear it in a club.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMOmwFynnWI

15. Hustle Bones - Death Grips (Money Store)
So many to choose from but this one since first listen has been my go to track from this, the style he has when rapping is why I love this. It's totally explosive from start to finish and the abrasiveness of the beat adds to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1A3HXOVIbU

14. Road Dog - Dope Body (Natural History)
I listened to this song for the first time whilst drunk and wrote a note to remind me to check it out again, that was a great decision. It's a weird rock song, I love the drumming, the strained vocals and the fun the song has.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wghh4t4R8A4

13. Kinski Assasin - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Ariel always finds a way to bring out that retro sound and the lyrics "who sunk my battleship/I sunk my battleship" are great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCd0Wzrxeyc

12. Listen To Us - Home Brew (Home Brew)
This is the anthem of the poor in New Zealand, it's hard hitting and anti government but without it being all American gangster wannabe. "John Key can suck my dick hiding in his mansion/ while half the population flies across the tasman" is where shit gets real and what Home Brew stands for in this song very much comes out. The piano in compliments this track perfectly as well as the samples at the beginning of the track to set the scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjgWyxJAGQ

11. The Full Retard - El-P (Cancer For Cure)
"Pump this shit/ like they do in the future" Space raps for days, the beat is so chill and El-P just floats through with great flow throughout.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKCX-Hd1Vxo

10. Wrath Of God - Crystal Castles (Crystal Castles III)
I love the beginning of this song, its slow and creeps around like the sleazy dude early in the night at a party. Then the level lifts with the vocals of Alice Glass which is  when the song really gets going its sure to be a great rave as well as massive live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HYtbC0vcB8

9. Open Your Heart - The Men (Open Your Heart)
Its a relentless punk track with some great noise rock guitar sound throughout it, I love how it even when it lets up we get an almost sloppy, noisey solo that stick's with the theme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en1lfsSaOqw

8. Molly Ringwald - Danny Brown/Araabmuzik (Song From Scratch Session)
I enjoy most of Danny Brown's stuff, his rapping is so unique and I enjoy it much more when he really starts rapping a little faster and with more aggression. The beat produced by Araabmuzik is unsurprisingly great, making this a nice one off collaboration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ple6dGMszM

7. Destiny - John Talabot feat. Pional
If this song never finished I wouldn't have a problem with that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnQpYijJjf4

6. Don't Die - Killer Mike (R.A.P. Music)
The aggression in Mike's raps is great and I dig that beat change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze1_vkSyPDY

5. Hands On The Wheel - School Boy Q feat. A$AP Rocky (Habits and contradictions)
Its my favourite rap song of 2012 "I fucked her once and I could fuck her twice and you heard me right I might fuck tonight" and "weed and brew" don't sum me up at all but still the laid back fashion this has is nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGd9DTTrX4U

4. Blue Order/New Monday - The Brian Jonestown Massacre (Aufheben)
Album closer of the year, this track is such an immense psychedelic track the flows beautifully throughout and the tortured vocals of Anton Newcombe only enhances this track to make it a favourite of this year for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN7TwM7HZp4

3. Earthforms - Matthew Dear (Beams)
The bass line in this track is one of my favourite parts of this song but what really does it for me is that chorus "I'm right in front of you now, I'm trying to be such a stain" its a pop track that goes a different way but is much more dancey than the rest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xG0fQw2jW0

2. Give Out - Sharon Van Etten (Tramp)
This has been a long time listen for me and while Serpents could also be up here I love the emotion and slowness of this song. For one I feel like she presents this song perfectly and its completely believable. Sharon Van Etten has thrown her emotions completely into this song and it shows, the minimal instrumentation in this track makes sure that her voice is forever the focal point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exJ3AG0JIeo

1. Wasted Days - Cloud Nothings (Attack On Memory)
The first time I heard this was just after the album was released, I hadn't heard of this band but decided to check them out anyway. This track blew me away first listen, I love the bass solo midway through, the aggressive build to the end and the lyrics "I thought I would be more than this". There is no real let up in the listen, its an eight minute ride of emotions in the song that culminates aggressively at the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsmaTq-T4zE

Top 25 Albums of 2012 6 Months In

 
This is a little late compared to the songs list but I've been busy, but finally I've found the time and the list is done. Due to its lateness I've been able to sneak a few listens of albums released after July 1 but its all good cause I make the rules. So here's the list

1. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music

Produced by EL-P (another member of this list) Killer Mike's southern hip hop album is the most in your face, hard hitting album of this year. It starts emphatically with Big Beast which features Bun B and the album goes on to produce a range of great tracks including my favourite and song list member Don't Die and Reagan. Not a single bad song on here

2. Beach House - Bloom

There seem to be some that were hoping for more from Beach House, well while I can see where they are coming from, they can get FUCKED. The album is a little different as its a far bigger sound but the main gist of Beach House is still there with the ultra beautiful and sweet sounding dream pop tracks.

3. Brian Jonestown Massacre - Aufheben

Another stellar album from one of my favourite bands of all time, Anton Newcombe has again put together another strong psychedelic album and with a closer as strong as Blue Order/New Monday the album has an incredible ending to a strong album throughout.

4. John Talabot - Fin

This album flows so great, Talabot has created a great array of beats and creates a strong house album. When put on you can't skip to halfway through or even to the second track as you will immediately feel something is missing. While after listening for a while you almost become consumed by the album...in a positive way of course!

5. Ty Segell band - Slaughterhouse

Are you punk rock? anyway this album is fast, raw and powerful and overall a strong modern punk record that brings together I like about modern punk. Raw emotion, a large amount of noise and a little bit of speed.

6. EL-P - Cancer For Cure

White boy can rap...and hes back! its so good to see EL-P release a new album and god damn it rules. His flow is fast and clear and the lyrics are strong. The speed in which some of the beats are make me happy, this nig likes some fast tracks and we get this.

7. Japandroids - Celebration Rock

This is just a fun rock album, this two piece makes so much sound and has found a way of putting together a bunch of great rock tracks with some solid lyrics.

8. Home Brew - Home Brew

I was a little slow to get this album, but after all I am a complete fool. This album is strong on powerful lyrical content with references to growing up and the New Zealand Government. It does have its moments of humour and doesn't take itself too seriously, I like.

9. Grimes - Visions

This album flows perfectly, the ambient at times electronics combined with the sweet voice of Claire Boucher (Grimes) this album just meshes. The dream pop vocals take this album to another level and while her earlier albums were quite good this album seems to be a serious step up.

10. Lotus Plaza - Spooky Action At A Distance

Man, remember Desire Lines from the last Deerhunter album? yeah that song was sweet and featured the vocals of guitarist Lockett Pundt. This album is the second solo album of his under the title Lotus Plaza and its as dreamy as that great Deerhunter track. Standouts on the album are Monoliths and Dusty Rhodes (Hes an American...dream). The songs are full of dreamy indie rock with long dragged out moments that add to the overall beauty of the album.

The rest:

11. Death Grips- The Money Store
12. First Aid Kit - The Lions Roar
13. Sharon Van Etten - Tramp
14. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
15. King Tuff - King Tuff
16. Gojira - L'Enfant Sauvage
17. Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory
18. Ruby Frost - Water To Ice
19. Dirty Three - Toward The Low Sun
20. Lawrence Arabia - The Sparrow
21. High Of Fire - The Art Of Self Defense
22. Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again
23. Perfume Genius -  Put Your Back N 2 It
24. Liars - WIXIW
25. The Men - Open Your Heart

Top 25 Songs Of 2012 6 Months In

First blog post for a while and seeing as I discontinued posting about songs and albums I've enjoyed so far I decided it was time for a list. As we are 6 months into this year and to be honest not nearly as many great album have been released it made things a little harder. But still here's my favourite 25 songs released so far this year.

1. Wasted Days - Cloud Nothings (Attack On Memory)

The first time I heard this track I realised straight away this was a definite favourite and I haven't looked back. The lyrics, the punkish vibe going with long drawn out interludes and the occasional screams make it amazing.

2. Give Out - Sharon Van Etten (Tramp)

This was one of the first songs I heard released this year and I haven't felt bored by it yet. Such a strong acoustic track with Sharon's unique voice and pretty lyrics making it a top track.

3. Listen To Us - Home Brew (Home Brew)

Its the voice of the New Zealand people in song, the lyrics are powerful, strong and honest while the samples make this that little bit more meaningful. (John key can suck my dick)

4. Open Your Heart - The Men (Open Your Heart)

Such a great noise rock track, seriously the album is kind of weird with its occasional country song. But this song is just noise rock with the band really turning a sloppy loud track into something cohesive. fast and frantic at times the song keeps it together to make it a track I really enjoy.

5. Blue Order/New Monday - The Brian Jonestown Massacre (Aufheben)

Such a massive closer to a great album, all kinds of greatness in this Psychedelic rock track. Anton Newcombe has certainly got another gem here with the retro sounds and overall beauty coming from it.

6. Oldie - Odd Future (The OF Tape vol 2)

It's not because of the triumphant return of Earl Sweatshirt (although that is nice) that makes this track a favourite of mine. It's actually the raps of the lesser members in the band, particularly Mike G and Frank Ocean (hes lesser in a rapping sense aight?). Everyone gets a go and while the beat is fairly simple it does allow for everyone to get their own and on the whole have a nice group of verses even if I feel like its barely a song for that.

7. To A Poet - First Aid Kit (The Lions Roar)

The track begins with the nice voices of First Aid Kit, almost haunting before it swings through into a powerful chorus with lyrics like "Though I miss you more than I can take and I will surely break. And every morning that I wake up there is the sake, but there's nothing more to it, I just get through it." brings together a strong chorus that lifts it above some great tracks on what is a strong folk album.

8. Don't Die - Killer Mike (R.A.P. Music)

The whole album is full of great R.A.P. tracks (yeah I did that) but this one pips them all. Strong flow and aggression with a nice beat that accompanies it. Whats not to like?

9. Be A Body - Grimes (Visions)

Grimes lovely scenic electronic music is always followed by such a beautiful voice which makes her tracks so nice to listen to. This one is no different and all in all she has the ability to  mesmerise the listener throughout.

10. The Full Retard - El-P (Cancer For Cure)

This track isn't as explosive as others on the album, but to me its the best flow and beat, grooves for dayzzz.

11. Wishes - Beach House (Bloom)
12. Her Fantasy - Matthew Dear (Beams)
13. Monoliths - Lotus Plaza (Spooky Action At A Distance)
14. Come To Life - Ruby Frost (Water To Ice)
15. Evils Sway - Japandroids (Celebration Rock)
16. Destiny feat. Pional - John Talabot (fin)
17. Hustle Bones - Death Grips (Money Store)
18. Liqourice  - Azealia Banks (1991 EP)
19. Odebear - Purity Ring (Shrines)
20. Pyramids - Frank Ocean (Channel Orange)
21. Alone & Stoned - King Tuff (King Tuff)
22. I'll Be Alright - Passion Pit (Gossamer)
23. Come On, Be A No One - The Cribs (In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull)
24. Hood - Perfume Genius (Put Your Back N 2 It)
25. Spiritual Rites - High On Fire (De Vermis Mysteriis)

2012 Songs I've Enjoyed Pt1

Again another review of the year to date but this time just on certain songs, one per artist, some of those on here I really didn't enjoy most of the album apart from the standout track. No ratings cause I don't do that for songs but I guess you can say I like em...alot.

Odd Future - Oldie

It's not because of the triumphant return of Earl Sweatshirt (although that is nice) that makes this track a favourite of mine. It's actually the raps of the lesser members in the band, particularly Mike G and Frank Ocean (hes lesser in a rapping sense aight?). Everyone gets a go and while the beat is fairly simple it does allow for everyone to get their own and on the whole have a nice group of verses even if I feel like its barely a song for that.

The Men - Open Your Heart

Such a great noise rock track, seriously the album is kind of weird with its occasional country song. But this song is just noise rock with the band really turning a sloppy loud track into something cohesive. fast and frantic at times the song keeps it together to make it a track I really enjoy.

First Aid Kit - To A Poet

The track begins with the nice voices of First Aid Kit, almost haunting before it swings through into a powerful chorus with lyrics like "Though I miss you more than I can take and I will surely break. And every morning that I wake up there is the sake, but there's nothing more to it, I just get through it." brings together a strong chorus that lifts it above some great tracks on what is a strong folk album.

The Cribs - Come On, Be A No One

I really didn't enjoy this new Cribs album but this song reminds me a little of all the other albums from them I liked. Its a simple British indie rock track but Ryan Jarman does a great job vocally with a couple of soaring moments and spoken word pieces that remind me of the style of old.

High On Fire - Spiritual Rites

Its good to have High On Fire back, particularly when they produce some dirty swamp metal like they have here. The drums build the track before we get into the scowling vocals of Matt Pike as he screeches (Lemmy like) through the song. The pace is quick but allows for Pike to not rush through vocally as he accompanies the track nicely throughout.

2012 Albums I've Enjoyed Pt 1

 
Yeah its been a while since I lasted made a post and with good reason, I couldn't be fucked but now is the time to bring it back from the dead (again). I think I'll just make the occasional post perhaps a new album I'm really enjoying or even a show I'm going to see. But for now I'm going to focus in this post anyway on the albums and songs I've really enjoyed so far.

Sharon Von Etton - Tramp

I was quite the fan of her last album titled Epic and when she released the track Serpents late last year I was excited at what she might be making. A strong singer songwriter accompanied by some nice acoustic guitar playing and nice lyrics. The album is great vocally as she sounds beautiful but seem different enough to have its own personality to make it her own. The album changes it up at times from the slow sad number that is Give Out to the fuller more vibrant Serpents straight after it, both top tracks from this year.

Lotus Plaza - Spooky Action At A Distance

Man, remember Desire Lines from the last Deerhunter album? yeah that song was sweet and featured the vocals of guitarist Lockett Pundt. This album is the second solo album of his under the title Lotus Plaza and its as dreamy as that great Deerhunter track. Standouts on the album are Monoliths and Dusty Rhodes (Hes an American...dream). The songs are full of dreamy indie rock with long dragged out moments that add to the overall beauty of the album.

Brian Jonestown Massacre - Aufheben

Long time readers will know Brian Jonestown Massacre are one of my favourite bands around, after all they did create my first (equal) album of all time in Give It Back. This album is a big jump in the right direction after the disappointment of Who Killed Sgt Pepper? and Anton Newcombe has gone back to his retro psychedelic rock days where I really dug his stuff. Blue Order/New Monday is a fantastic end track that closes a great psych rock album.

Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music

We already have a favourite for rap album of the year in this album, Killer Mike slays it with his rhymes and most of the beats are legit as fuck. This is a must for anyone who really is into southern rap or even those that like rap music in general. The energy in his performance and featuring artists is really where his strength comes from and this is easily a top 5 release in general as far as I'm concerned. Favourite track: Don't Die.

Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory 

I only listened to this for the first time a few days ago and it safe to say I'm pleased I did cause this album features some great post punk, noise, indie rock tracks. The highlight being Wasted Days a long (nearly 9 minutes) track which while lacking in lyrics hits the spot with the chorus "I thought I would be more than this" repeating many times throughout. While Separation is a great instrumental track that starts as a solid indie rock track that by the end really builds into a faster punkish track that I enjoyed a lot.

Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again

I've never been much of a soul fan but after hearing some nice things about this Michael Kiwanuka debut album I thought it was worth a shot at least. What comes out is just a beautiful album the band really do add great softness to the tracks while Kiwanuka has a nice soft black mans voice that brings it all together. This is a strong debut and an easy listening kind of album that just sounds incredibly relaxing from start to finish.