This instrumental album contains only four songs but since two of them last more than 20 minutes each there is no complaining about the length. The songs are laden with heavy guitars and massive sound but in the midst of all that there are beautiful melodies and some tranquil moments as well. This album is not something you want to listen to as background music. It needs time and focus to be enchanted by the hypnosis that these sounds bring about. Good loudspeakers are essential! The dark cover represents beautifully the haunted mood of the album. This album proves that post-rock is not dead and you can do more than copy Mogwai or Explosions In the Sky. Listen to the album on Spotify.
Even though I really liked Grizzly Bear's most known single Two Weeks the rest of the music has not really set that spark in me before. But I have to say that Shields made an impression at the first listen. The sound is familiar from previous albums: a lot of piano sounds, high pitched singing voice and imaginative sound effects. But this time the songs have more interesting melodies and some songs even have up tempo appropriate for indie discos. I think Grizzly Bear still has some way to go before they can really make an outstanding performance, but this is a long leap forwards and I recommend staying tuned for the activities of this band. Listen to the album on Spotify.
Like number 10, this album also has only four songs in it. The sound on the other hand is completely different. Mostly instrumental tunes show influences from kraut-rock, psychedelia and progressive rock. These genres were fashionable in the first half of the 70's but Kiki Pau manages to bring the music into 2012 with fresh sounds. The intensity of the album varies from the minimalist and hypnotic guitar licks to full blown rock n' roll. The mystical clarinet in the closing song Pines II: Makumatka is one of the best moments on the record as is the beautifully calm guitar in the title track Pines. Listen to the album on Spotify.
I truly love Sigur Rós. My eyes had never filled with tears in a concert before I saw them live for the first time. The beauty of their music is hard to describe. I wasn't too keen on the few albums they published before this one, but I think that Valtari is a worthy return to the massive melancholy found on their second and third albums that I first fell in love with. To be honest, this album doesn't bring anything new for an old Sigur Rós listener but it really gets the shivers going up my back (in a good way). I am very pleased that my all time favourite post rock band has released an album that gives me the same feeling as the songs I heard from them about ten years ago. Icelandtastic! Listen to the album on Spotify.
I'm ashamed to admit, but I have not really noticed Tindersticks before this album. I mean, I've heard of them many times before, but this was the first time I really took the time to listen to their music. It really paid off though. The Something Rain is a great album! It starts with relaxed almost ten minute spoken word song Chocolate which really sets the mood for the whole album. Some of the songs remind me of Air (when they were still good). Sounds vary from jazzy to dreamy pop and above it all there's the unique singing voice of Stuart Staple. There is light and darkness that twine into schizophrenic melodies that lift you up just when you were about to drown in sorrow. Listen to the album on Spotify.
I don't think that The Shins can never let me down. I must say that this album does not compare to their first three albums but it still is an extraordinary piece of music. Beautiful but simple melodies and the voice of James Mercer always get me happy. I am a bit disappointed by the much too produced sounds and stadium feel of the album but I just can't be mad at these guys. Like always before, the fourth album of The Shins gives its listeners what they want. Pop indie brilliance and beautiful album covers. I still haven't seen this band live and I have to fix this problem as soon as they have their next show in London. If you still haven't been enchanted by The Shins, now is the time. Listen to the album on Spotify.
From the first time I heard this band, I've loved the voice of Swedish singer songwriter Kristian Matsson. It's one of those voices you can recognise anywhere. His third studio album continues on the same lines as the previous ones. Beautiful folk melodies with guitars and delay sounds. This album would possibly be even higher on this list if this was the first time I heard these sounds, but since they will most probably find their way into my other lists as well the fourth place is worthy of this beautiful album. This is in fact a summer album, but I really enjoy listening to it in the middle of the darkest autumn as well. So picture a crystal clear forest lake on a warm summer day and listen to this on Spotify.
This album just appeared to me recently and instantly blew my mind. Singer Dylan Baldi sounds like Kurt Cobain and the music is melancholic and beautiful in all its ruggedness. Natural electric guitar sounds bring the atmosphere of playing in a garage or a cellar and this is definitely meant in a good sense. I can only imagine what the atmosphere would be like at their concerts in a small club venue. This album woke my grunge and post punk senses and it is the best album from this genre in a really long time. With more listening this album could very well rise to become one of my long time favourites. I wouldn't probably recommend it though if you're depressed, since the bleek sound might be hard to take. Listen to the album on Spotify.
I only discovered Perfume Genius when I started putting together this list of 2012's best albums and his second album jumped into the second place. You readers should know that nothing quite works in the music as well for me as a unique beautiful singing voice. Mike Hadreas a.k.a. Perfume Genius has got exceptionally beautiful voice that gives this melancholic music an unearthly quality. His voice trembles almost to the breaking point carrying enormous feeling with it. First listening time only set the mood for this album, but as you listen to it more it gives so much more. Excellent autumn album that mirrors the dark nights and cold wind outside. If you're too sensitive to sadness it might be too much though. Listen to the album on Spotify.
Well, here it is, the number one. This Swedish folk trio proves again that the Swedish are better than us Finns in everything. I sort of liked their previous album as well, but this really hit the jack pot. Harmonic and beautiful melodies that work from the start until the very end making you want more. Shivers are guaranteed! Just a right amount of Scandinavian melancholy. Acoustic guitars and echo in singing are just right. It's really nothing special, but this is just the way music is made at its best. Simple and beautiful. Especially the title song Lion's Roar is one of the best songs that I've heard for a while. Conor Oberst's visit on King of the World is a pleasant surprise. Listen to the album on Spotify.
No comments:
Post a Comment