1 - Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob
The most incredible pop lp for years. Reminds me of early Madonna in places. Signed to Neil Young’s label, they’ve worked with producers famous for work with NIN and Beck to take a huge step forward in their sound. Popular with all the family, the lp was released in January and is still on heavy rotation.
2 - Hookworms - Pearl Mystic
This young Leeds band released their debut record back in March. At times this reminds me of early Mercury Rev with some real Psychocandy rock hooks thrown in. A complete piece of music, which builds slowly to a gorgeous crescendo. As startling a debut as the Stone Roses.
3 - John Murry - The Graceless Age
Discovered this after seeing the emotion his set brought to a friend at End of the Road. It then didn't leave my stereo for 3 months. Officially released in 2012, this is a raw lp about drug addiction and loss. I can see this lp being hailed as a masterpiece for years to come. If you only listen to one lp from this list, make it this one.
4 - Fuck Buttons - Slow Focus
After their Olympic glory, F Buttons return with another noise filled psychedelic masterpiece.
5 - Phosphorescent - Muchacho
Another beautiful lp from this singer songwriter. Hook laden with some of my favourite songs of the year, especially the outstanding Song for Zula.
6 - Jonathan Wilson - Fanfare
Jonathan Wilson has gathered together a cast of Laurel Canyon legends including David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Graham Nash to produce this years best country rock lp.
7 - John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts
Initially I was put off by the electronic tracks produced by the guy from GusGus. After spending more time with it and seeing it performed live in Oxford it finally sat with me as complete lp. I prefer Queen of Denmark, but this is still a fantastic lp.
8 - John Talabot - DJ Kicks
I can't remember the last time I heard a DJ mix lp that sounded like a complete piece of work. John Talabot can do no wrong at the moment in my eyes.
9 - Pantha Du Prince & The Bell Laboratory - Elements of Light
This was billed as: 'This ambitious project is a symphony for electronics, percussion and bell carillon, a three-tonne instrument comprising 50 bronze bells.' A description that would normally mean I wouldn't even come close to listening to it! My prejudice has now been cast aside. This is a majestic, percussive set, in which the bells and the beats sit in unison to create a glorious electronic soundtrack.
10 - The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Even a slightly below par National set is easily one of the best of the year.
11 - Disclosure - Settle
12 - Jon Hopkins - Immunity
13 - Eels - Wonderful, Glorious
14 - 65DaysOfStatic - Wild Light
15 - Daniel Avery - Drone Logic
16 - Dan Stuart - The Deliverance of Marlowe Buildings
17 - Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II
18 - Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
19 - My Bloody Valentine - MBV
20 - Veronica Falls - Waiting for Something to Happen
Nearly made the top 20 - Steve Mason, Money, Oneohtrix Point Never, Pet Shop Boys, Follakzoid, Caitlin Rose, Manic Street Preachers, Applescal, Ed Harcourt & Matthew Dear.
Worst ever year for gigs for me. Teaching and young children do not create the best opportunities for gig going! Death in Vegas and Toy were fabulous as ever back in March. John Grant was hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure. The Walkmen, Belle and Sebastian, Eels and Caitlin Rose were highlights of another wonderful End of the Road Festival in September. Apart from the new lp's listed above Eels and Tindersticks have been my most played artists of the year, really enjoying ploughing through their back catalogues!
