Music 2007
Albums
#1 Beirut- The Flying Club Cup & Lon Gisland
I can't believe that Zach Condon didn't put the song Elephant Gun on this Album, but perhaps it doesn't fit entirely with the Parisian feel of the album, which i have to admit has really grown on me. The only track that stood out as similar to those on the Gulag Orkestar was the Penalty, but it didn' strike as particularly amazing, however after repeated listens, this album has rewarded me with the same feeling of upliftment that the previous work did. I used to think that lyrics mattered a lot in Music, but this music seems to be all about feel and texture, the way he makes so many intricate sounds is amazing. When i first heard it, i thought 'Nantes' was cumbersome and slow. Now the way in which the snare rolls into the song halfway through is more like a warlike call to arms. I don;t think there is a song i haven't loved on this album.
And Elephant Gun is probably my favourite song of all time, i think i've listened to it 150 times this year.
#2 Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam
I remember reading somewhere that one of the guys who are Animal Collective, wanted to make this album sound like strawberry jam. As stupid as it sounds, for some reason it does. Peacebone is stupidly catchy and makes me think of Petit Poit strawberry yoghurts. The way in which they use what are, isolated, strangely bewildering sounds to make childlike chaos would at length seem unnerving, but the songs are so amazingly involving and singalong that i forget that. The start of chores starts with a really cool childlike shout, as if they are singing at a baby or something.
#3 Eugene McGuinness- The Early Learnings Of Eugene McGuinness
I can't wait for his new album to come out, this mini album is probably my most played, but it still sounds awesome, and he is great live as well. Monsters in a Bed sums up wasting time on the computer in a somewhat less depressing way than i might put it, but thankfully, because it's an awesome song. I find the whole album, except the ballads towards the end, which are also awesome, really 'boppy' and bouncy but live it was stripped down but his voice really shone through.
#4 Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
Deerhoof should be a lot bigger than they are, they produce so many catchy yet mashed together songs. Perfect-Me has a ridiculously syncopated drum beat yet is infected with a raptuous stomp and +81 begins with a comical trumpet yet becomes an amazing song with a really cool bass beat. 3rd song Believe Me could have been on their previous album for it's childlike chorus lyric 'bookie-wookie'or it could be 'boogie-woogie'. Whatever, its awesome.
#5 Radiohead - In Rainbows
I feel a tiny bit guilty i got this for free but nevermind, i got most of my albums for free anyway. I cant hear what thom yorke says on 15 step but i still try and sing along because he melds the words with the melody so well. Bodysnatchers should have been on the bends probably but it sounds so much better with a little bit extra of distortion. The whole album is awesome.
Gigs
#1 Of Montreal @ The Point
Seeing this gig was like being really drunk at some gay pride parade but luckily i was a little drunk so i was able to take it in better. Their album this year was so catchy, Heimdeilsgate like a Promethean Curse is the cure for any blues, but i can't believe the album was about the guy getting over depression, because it's so happy and childike. Anyway, they were really good, and my favourite part was when one the keyboardists started reading the guardian and ripping his clothes off and jumping round manically.
#2 Los Campesinos! @ The Point
I hope they play cardiff again soon because they are gradually getitng bigger every time i see them, so maybe they will be in the CIA next time,i hope not though, because it's shit there. They were really popular with the crowd and i know the will be back sometime soon to impress again. Their songs sound so much fuller live too,probably helped by the fact that the point is an old church,but equally danceable.
Favorite Music I have (re)discovered
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Help I'm Scared!
The Zombies
Thank You! Now I am somewhat Joyous
Neutral Milk Hotel
Now i am a mix of the two above
Magnetic Fields
69 Love Songs sounds like being in love as a teenager i think
