There are, understandably, a lot of these lists around at the moment and the album that pre-dates this one, 'Rings Around The World' is in quite a few of them. Released after that was this album which I feel is somewhat overlooked. 'Rings' is a strong album, don't get me wrong, but to me 'Phantom Power' is much more enjoyable due to it's more focused 'pop' approach, perhaps the most straight-forward they have been since 'Radiator'.
Listen to : 'The Piccolo Snare', 'Venus & Serena', 'Slow Life'
19. The Shins - 'Chutes Too Narrow'
I used to watch the shit out of The O.C. I couldn't get enough of it. It was funny, it had hot chicks in it, it was smart, and it had hot chicks in it. It also had a pretty decent soundtrack, title song aside. The Shins were often mentioned by name, and whilst I listened to them before I ever saw The O.C. for some reason their delightful US indie-rock always makes me think of hot chicks. I like hot chicks, so thanks goes out to The Shins.
Listen to : 'Saint Simon', 'Turn A Square'
18. Hot Hot Heat - 'Make Up The Breakdown'
Way back in 2002, I heard 'Bandages' on XFM, three months before it was released. I was somewhat impressed, so much so that I ended up buying this album on import. Everyone knows 'Bandages', it's an indie-disco staple and probably one of the best singles of the 2000's. That song aside, the rest of the album is a huge amount of fun - great melodies, it's somewhat like early Cure mixed with Gang Of Four.
Listen to : 'Bandages', 'Talk To Me, Dance With Me', 'Oh, Goddammit'
17. M83 - 'Saturdays = Youth'
Fans of John Hughes films and Slowdive stand up! Your two favourite things have been brought together! M83's brand of shoegaze electronica has been perfected here, with a healthy dose of classic 1980's synth-pop thrown in. The album as a whole plays out like a soundtrack to an unmade Hughes film. It's both beautiful and melodramatic, an ultimately affecting piece of work.
Listen to : 'Kim And Jessie', 'Graveyard Girl', 'Highway Of Endless Dreams'
16. TV On The Radio - 'Dear Science,'
TV On The Radio has focused their vision here to produce their most cohesive album to date. All elements of their previous work are still present, just more polished and this gives 'Dear Science,' a greater immediacy.
Listen to : 'Halfway Home', 'Dancing Choose', 'Stork & Owl'
No comments:
Post a Comment