That title can only mean one thing! Not quite as snappy as it could have been but hey, I don't get paid to write this. In fact I only do it to amuse myself and that title fulfilled that role for me. So I'm just going to bash them out like a thirteen year old home alone with the internet. Charming.
Top 10 Films
1. Where The Wild Things Are
2. (500) Days Of Summer
3. Up
4. Watchmen
5. Star Trek
6. Adventureland
7. Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince
8. Fantastic Mr Fox
9. Avatar
10. Drag Me To Hell
Top 10 Games
1. Fifa 10
2. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
3. Batman: Arkham Asylum
4. Left 4 Dead 2
5. Halo 3: ODST
6. Borderlands
7. Resident Evil 5
8. Red Faction: Guerrilla
9. Prototype
10. Halo Wars
Top 10 Artists/Albums/Songs (Via Last FM)
1. Radiohead (643)
2. Biffy Clyro (396)
3. Frightened Rabbit (336)
4. The Maccabees (331)
5. LCD Soundsystem (316)
6. Future Of The Left (315)
7. Dananananaykroyd (206)
8. Blur (169)
9. Bloc Party (151)
10. Tubelord (150)
1. The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms (256)
2. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight (241)
3. LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver (230)
4. Dananananaykroyd - Hey Everyone (188)
5. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions (164)
6. Future Of The Left - Travels With Myself And Another (161)
7. Radiohead - Amnesiac B-Sides (133) *
8. Karen O + The Kids - Where The Wild Things Are Original Soundtrack (131)
9. The Dodos - Visiter (115)
9. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (115)
1. LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends (77)
2. Frightened Rabbit - The Modern Leper (53)
3. LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great (52)
4. Frightened Rabbit - My Backwards Walk (51)
5. The Maccabees - Young Lions (47)
6. Biffy Clyro - That Golden Rule (42)
7. Frightened Rabbit - Keep Yourself Warm (40)
8. Blur - The Universal (37)
8. LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum (37)
10. Radiohead - Worrywort (36) **
So there you have it. Amazing how little of my music is from this year, but that's the truth it seems. Good job there isn't a similar program for the 360. That one would be all out of whack too then. Bloody Blue Dragon would be in there too. Anyway, roll on 2010 and that.
*I made a compendium album of the b-sides and labelled it thus. Can't believe it made it to be honest.
** It was a three way tie but I went for the one that wasn't by Frightened Rabbit
Showing posts with label Top 10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top 10. Show all posts
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Top 10 Worst Films, Albums & Games Super List
I've started scanning my memory for the things that have stood out for me in 2009 in preparation for some totally rad end of year lists. Yeah that's right, totally rad. I'll be hollering cowabunga as I write it. While researching my own memory (I'll be honest, the easiest kind of research) I realised that I'd not played/watched/heard that much stuff. You know, I'm clever. I only listen to something I think I have a chance of enjoying or that someone else thinks I have a chance of enjoying. I don't rush out for the new Take That album because I'd only end up creating a plot to destroy Mark Owen with a sharpened copy of his own CD. The freaky little cunt. So I ended up listing everything that I'd watched, played or heard this year. This lead to the creation of some "dishonourable" titles that were going to be in a kind of reverse flip to the "honourable mentions". But hey, I fancied writing some more and they somewhat conveniently added up to 10. So I'll start at the top of the bottom. Like you do.
10. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
This is probably an exception on the list. Its only here because it pains me. I was singing it mild praises a few days ago but after returning to Infinity Land I cannot afford it such dignity any longer. Sure That Golden Rule and Whorses are good. I would go as far as saying really good. Whorses has got some love on Last FM. But Biffy's slide in to poppy chorus' and now audibly terrible lyrics has lead me to question them. I know longer feel the urge to go their gigs knowing that its going to be 90% Puzzle/OR and 10% Blackened Sky with the odd Infinity Land and maybe even Vertigo Of Bliss tossed in. Their first 3 albums are pretty much stone cold classics. This is the first nail in their coffin.
9. Twin Atlantic - Vivarium
Its somewhat strange that my reasons for disliking this album are the same as Biffy's given that they're both Scottish and all. But this is their debut, which probably means the Clyros shouldn't worry. "Audience and Audio" was a great breakout single and gave really high hopes for this band. Its a shame the rest of this album is pretty much generic poppy punk stuff you can imagine tattood, skinny jeaned, straightened haired, American fuck-tards earning a cover of Kerrang! with. The plus side is that his voice is still fantastic, a real Scottish accent. As long as they keep that, they've still got a chance.
8. The Dodos - Time To Die
Pretty impressive that these guys have managed to get into both my top ten lists. Ok its not. But still, I had little else for an opening gambit. These guys have suffered a fate of internet hype worse than no other really. Of course its not entirely the internet's fault. The album is just boring really. The original was something different and exciting. This takes their music to amazingly predictable and uninteresting heights.
7. Editors - In This Light And On This Evening
I can tell you now I have a better filter for albums than films. I feel bad the company these records are going to be sharing further down the list. But regardless this album is not great. The gloom indie (Or gloomdie as no-one calls it) genre is almost booming. There's these lot, White Lies, Glasvegas. At least they're all dressed for any surprise funerals. Or just one balaclava away from a cheap ninja outfit. The lead single "Papillion" was gloomdie pop song of the year for me. Mainly because I've fallen behind popular music of late so I've no idea "what's rocking". The rest of the album was boring and meandering though. An average effort for what is quite a good band.
6. The Final Destination 3D
I quite enjoy the Final Destination franchise and that's a strong comment from me. Anything that even hints at the word franchise in movies usually makes me gag like an abused altar boy. But the Final Destination films have the whole ridiculous set up to the deaths. The slow five minute up of tension for a 3 second "Fucking brilliant that is" death. Certainly one to watch drunkenly with buddies. But lets be honest. Two was enough. Three maximum. This was not needed. The 3D is terrible as well. The overall highlight was my mate looking at his hand through his glasses afterwards to see it in 3D. The douche.
5. Lord Of The Rings: Conquest
This was in my top 10 games of the year purely because I have only played a satisfactory amount on 10 games this year. Worrying I know. It also means I've got to play a lot of another game before the end of the year. With my finances, this could be tough. Still a challenge is a challenge. Anyway, imagine Star Wars: Battlefront. Ok. Now imagine watching someone who has no idea what they're doing playing Star Wars: Battlefront. Its frustrating isn't it. This is what Conquest is like. Its not fun, its hammering buttons. Its not like Devil May Cry where its hammering buttons because I don't have a fucking clue what I'm doing; its made like it. Somewhat of a laugh with a mate, but to be honest I played it with a friend and we just descended into Left 4 Dead soon after starting. So maybe not even that.
4. Confessions Of A Shopaholic
Clichés are a funny thing. Some are good to stick to really, like those in games. Plot templates. The new Call Of Duty for example has a plot so full of clichés it may as well have "produced by Micheal Bay" in the credits. Those clichés in romcoms though I don't understand. Why are people so happy with the genre? Literally every film is the same. Exactly the same. Some handsome brown haired American tossbag or Hugh Grant are lusted after by a hi-lariously kooky woman. They meet, get it on, fall out, get it on. Credits. Tears. It might be because I'm a man but these films are just fucking awful. Its not that I don't like romantic movies. Before Sunrise/Sunset and Eternal Sunshine are a couple of my favourite films. The latter being my all time favourite. I guess I'll never understand. Oh well, at least it keeps Hugh Grant employed.
3. Muse - The Resistance
I remember hearing Plug In Baby for the first time and thinking "well this is a bit good isn't it". Then here we are, however many years down the line and I'm listening to the new album, laughing out loud, because the songs are so bad. I wasn't laughing out loud in a sneering kind of way. I really thought some of these songs could go on Flight Of The Conchords synth rock third album. I know its supposed to be a grower and that old Muse are in there somewhere. But to be honest, I've heard it two or three times now and I really cannot be asked with it. I remember being outraged (mildly I'm a calm person) when I read Kele from Bloc Party state in the NME that Muse were one of the most ridiculous bands he'd ever heard. This was after Absolution came out. They were great to me. I now realise he probably had it right on the money.
2. Saw VI
I mentioned earlier my dislike for "film franchises". Saw is probably the worst of the lot. Just spunking out sequels with no regard for quality of any kind. They're just shit aren't they. Torture porn is all they are. I guess this its in the same camp as Confessions of A Shopaholic. No regard for anything other than the formula. I never walk out of a theatre. But this one really tempted me.
1. Push
Da da da da da daaaaaaaa. Here it is. The real shit-clump of the year. That dangly bit that hangs from sphincter like an 1800's murderer in a noose. Its just awful. It thinks its cool. "Look at me, I'm the new fucking Matrix". Its really about as cool as making soft-core porn with your grand-parents. Yeah soft-core. Not even all the way. That's how uncool this is. Dakota Fanning is unbearable, dressed apparently like a photo in the Daily Mail about New Look's inappropriate wardrobe for 8 year olds. Chris Evans is a dick and then there's some other people who slip my mind. I'm not going to wiki them to find out though, this deserves no more thought from me. This is easily the worst superhero movie I've ever seen and in that genre that's condemnation enough.
10. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
This is probably an exception on the list. Its only here because it pains me. I was singing it mild praises a few days ago but after returning to Infinity Land I cannot afford it such dignity any longer. Sure That Golden Rule and Whorses are good. I would go as far as saying really good. Whorses has got some love on Last FM. But Biffy's slide in to poppy chorus' and now audibly terrible lyrics has lead me to question them. I know longer feel the urge to go their gigs knowing that its going to be 90% Puzzle/OR and 10% Blackened Sky with the odd Infinity Land and maybe even Vertigo Of Bliss tossed in. Their first 3 albums are pretty much stone cold classics. This is the first nail in their coffin.
9. Twin Atlantic - Vivarium
Its somewhat strange that my reasons for disliking this album are the same as Biffy's given that they're both Scottish and all. But this is their debut, which probably means the Clyros shouldn't worry. "Audience and Audio" was a great breakout single and gave really high hopes for this band. Its a shame the rest of this album is pretty much generic poppy punk stuff you can imagine tattood, skinny jeaned, straightened haired, American fuck-tards earning a cover of Kerrang! with. The plus side is that his voice is still fantastic, a real Scottish accent. As long as they keep that, they've still got a chance.
8. The Dodos - Time To Die
Pretty impressive that these guys have managed to get into both my top ten lists. Ok its not. But still, I had little else for an opening gambit. These guys have suffered a fate of internet hype worse than no other really. Of course its not entirely the internet's fault. The album is just boring really. The original was something different and exciting. This takes their music to amazingly predictable and uninteresting heights.
7. Editors - In This Light And On This Evening
I can tell you now I have a better filter for albums than films. I feel bad the company these records are going to be sharing further down the list. But regardless this album is not great. The gloom indie (Or gloomdie as no-one calls it) genre is almost booming. There's these lot, White Lies, Glasvegas. At least they're all dressed for any surprise funerals. Or just one balaclava away from a cheap ninja outfit. The lead single "Papillion" was gloomdie pop song of the year for me. Mainly because I've fallen behind popular music of late so I've no idea "what's rocking". The rest of the album was boring and meandering though. An average effort for what is quite a good band.
6. The Final Destination 3D
I quite enjoy the Final Destination franchise and that's a strong comment from me. Anything that even hints at the word franchise in movies usually makes me gag like an abused altar boy. But the Final Destination films have the whole ridiculous set up to the deaths. The slow five minute up of tension for a 3 second "Fucking brilliant that is" death. Certainly one to watch drunkenly with buddies. But lets be honest. Two was enough. Three maximum. This was not needed. The 3D is terrible as well. The overall highlight was my mate looking at his hand through his glasses afterwards to see it in 3D. The douche.
5. Lord Of The Rings: Conquest
This was in my top 10 games of the year purely because I have only played a satisfactory amount on 10 games this year. Worrying I know. It also means I've got to play a lot of another game before the end of the year. With my finances, this could be tough. Still a challenge is a challenge. Anyway, imagine Star Wars: Battlefront. Ok. Now imagine watching someone who has no idea what they're doing playing Star Wars: Battlefront. Its frustrating isn't it. This is what Conquest is like. Its not fun, its hammering buttons. Its not like Devil May Cry where its hammering buttons because I don't have a fucking clue what I'm doing; its made like it. Somewhat of a laugh with a mate, but to be honest I played it with a friend and we just descended into Left 4 Dead soon after starting. So maybe not even that.
4. Confessions Of A Shopaholic
Clichés are a funny thing. Some are good to stick to really, like those in games. Plot templates. The new Call Of Duty for example has a plot so full of clichés it may as well have "produced by Micheal Bay" in the credits. Those clichés in romcoms though I don't understand. Why are people so happy with the genre? Literally every film is the same. Exactly the same. Some handsome brown haired American tossbag or Hugh Grant are lusted after by a hi-lariously kooky woman. They meet, get it on, fall out, get it on. Credits. Tears. It might be because I'm a man but these films are just fucking awful. Its not that I don't like romantic movies. Before Sunrise/Sunset and Eternal Sunshine are a couple of my favourite films. The latter being my all time favourite. I guess I'll never understand. Oh well, at least it keeps Hugh Grant employed.
3. Muse - The Resistance
I remember hearing Plug In Baby for the first time and thinking "well this is a bit good isn't it". Then here we are, however many years down the line and I'm listening to the new album, laughing out loud, because the songs are so bad. I wasn't laughing out loud in a sneering kind of way. I really thought some of these songs could go on Flight Of The Conchords synth rock third album. I know its supposed to be a grower and that old Muse are in there somewhere. But to be honest, I've heard it two or three times now and I really cannot be asked with it. I remember being outraged (mildly I'm a calm person) when I read Kele from Bloc Party state in the NME that Muse were one of the most ridiculous bands he'd ever heard. This was after Absolution came out. They were great to me. I now realise he probably had it right on the money.
2. Saw VI
I mentioned earlier my dislike for "film franchises". Saw is probably the worst of the lot. Just spunking out sequels with no regard for quality of any kind. They're just shit aren't they. Torture porn is all they are. I guess this its in the same camp as Confessions of A Shopaholic. No regard for anything other than the formula. I never walk out of a theatre. But this one really tempted me.
1. Push
Da da da da da daaaaaaaa. Here it is. The real shit-clump of the year. That dangly bit that hangs from sphincter like an 1800's murderer in a noose. Its just awful. It thinks its cool. "Look at me, I'm the new fucking Matrix". Its really about as cool as making soft-core porn with your grand-parents. Yeah soft-core. Not even all the way. That's how uncool this is. Dakota Fanning is unbearable, dressed apparently like a photo in the Daily Mail about New Look's inappropriate wardrobe for 8 year olds. Chris Evans is a dick and then there's some other people who slip my mind. I'm not going to wiki them to find out though, this deserves no more thought from me. This is easily the worst superhero movie I've ever seen and in that genre that's condemnation enough.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Top 10 Albums That Weren't Released This Year
So it's almost October which means end of year lists start soon. I wanted to make a list of things I've been enjoying before my mind gets overrun with everything I read elsewhere. So I'll start with albums I've been listening to a lot this year but weren't released this year. Which makes sense to me anyway.
10) Radiohead - In Rainbows
My all time favourite band would have to be Radiohead. What can I say I'm biased. I really enjoyed In Rainbows, it was probably the first record I've followed from leaked live versions to demos to full album. Although I was in some ways disappointed when they didn't take songs "Videotape" and "Arpeggi" to the full blown epic versions hinted at in earlier recordings the album still is amazing. Not only that but it stands up to repeated listens well and as an album flows superbly. I wouldn't go as far as saying it's their best record, but for an introduction to one of the best bands still going I doubt it could be faulted.
9) Dodos - Visiter
Like everyone else I first heard this hyped up on the internet. Then several months later (I'm pretty slow-moving when it comes to these hyped acts) I heard "Fools". In fact I heard it purely by chance on a music channel I remember. The pure pace of the record is endearing in itself, stripped back to just a pulsating drum beat and acoustic guitar the album has a sound all of its own. Lyrically its hardly ground breaking but that's not the point really, a great record none the less.
8) Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Everyone likes Elbow really and they should. One of the true greats of indie music, no longer do I confuse them with Doves as they've finally won the acclaim they deserve. Rightly so, this is a great record, probably one of the better ones on the list to be fair. "One Day Like This" is a song as epic as you'll hear any year and the riff in "Grounds For Divorce" is enough to make you crap yourself. Part of me is regretting not having it higher, but I just haven't listened to it enough. I never thought this list would make me feel guilty.
7) Brand New - The Devil & God Are Raging Inside Me
I'll admit it, I'm very late to the Brand New party. I usually have intrinsic dislike for American bands. Especially ones the lurk around the genre of "pop-punk" or "popcore" or whatever the devil calls itself. But I take it back now, thanks to this album. Sure, it's heavy. But it's also fucking brilliant, a mature masterpiece? Compared to their earlier stuff, definitely. Now it's the checking what the new album's like. I have high hopes for it for sure. I can't leave this without mentioning "Sowing Season (Yeah)" is probably the best opening track on the list as well.
6) The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
This another hyped band in which I joined the party very late. I remember reading an article about them before Reading Festival 2008 in the NME (only occasionally I read it, promise). Fast forward about 6-7 months and I actually bothered listening to the record. What an album it is too! It's like Bruce Springsteen for kids! Well it actually isn't just like it is. But that shouldn't be a bad thing. Very rarely do you get an album that's just fist in the air anthems all the way through but this just about does it. With barely a moments cringe. Also they were great at Reading this year I should add. As were Radiohead who also feature on here.
5) Johnny Cash - American IV: The Man Comes Around
Now this is the oldest album on the list. But its also timeless. The man's a legend no word of a lie. The closer you get to number one here you may realise maybe the kind of year I had given my musical choices. There are some great covers on this album, many of which easily surpasse the original. There's the obvious "Hurt" but "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "We'll Meet Again" are stop in your tracks moments. He's a great loss to the musical world, I only wish I ever got the chance to see the man live.
4) Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Angles
Not a good year for hip-hop for me. Although does this count as hip-hop? Probably not. It's in the NME indie ville. Probably like most of my choices, but hey I'm a slave to convention. Scroobius Pip may take his look from Matisyahu but fortunately not his rhymes. "Look For The Woman" really struck a chord with me when I first heard it. But what really sold me was "The Beat That My Heart Skipped" and then "Planet Telex" mash-up "Letter From God To Man". Those tracks are massive. At times the album can be a little heavy, especially the title track, but it's a great record and certainly my favourite with beats in all year by far.
3) Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
So I'm pretty aware that my list is now essentially "The Internet circa 2008" but I make no excuses. You've probably had someone drawling into your ear at 3am with the dampness of their tears soft on your cheek about how much this record means to them and can you blame them? It's probably one of the most heart-breaking things recorded this decade. "Skinny Love" alone could soundtrack every montage in One Tree Hill for the next 20 years and still have an impact every time you hear it. I won't go on anymore about how good this is but to put it bluntly, if you're one of the people who shitted themselves with in excitement at The Dodos and Fleet Foxes then this worth 100% more of your time.
2) Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
My new favourite thing in music is a Scottish accent. Ironically this is the only Scottish band in the list, but I digress. This is the best pop album no-ones heard. I mean yeah sure, people on the internet have heard it but they've probably also seen 1 Guy 1 Jar. Makes their point invalid. Now I know I said before Bon Iver was one of the best break-up albums (I didn't but I should have). This is probably better. This record has been me for most of this year and it still is now really. I imagine in time I'll associate it with a time in my life I'd rather forget but for now its touching, beautiful and brilliant.
1) LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
The thing I owe GTA IV the most is not that if I didn't fall asleep playing it that one time I would have got the achievement for completing it under 30 hours. No, it's this record as I scoured for the song used in the advertisement campaign. Fast-forward (or FastForward, delete appropriately) a year and "All My Friends" comes up on shuffle. Now I guess it's pretty dumb to have an album at number one for just a single track. Which is why its not, "Someone Great" and "Us v Them" are just two examples of how great this album is. But "All My Friends". Words cannot describe how good that song is. It summarises everything that scares you about growing up, it summarises everything I've thought about the last few years. Its deep, meaningful and builds to a crescendo that makes you want to hold a friend and yell the refrain into their ear. An essential record.
10) Radiohead - In Rainbows
My all time favourite band would have to be Radiohead. What can I say I'm biased. I really enjoyed In Rainbows, it was probably the first record I've followed from leaked live versions to demos to full album. Although I was in some ways disappointed when they didn't take songs "Videotape" and "Arpeggi" to the full blown epic versions hinted at in earlier recordings the album still is amazing. Not only that but it stands up to repeated listens well and as an album flows superbly. I wouldn't go as far as saying it's their best record, but for an introduction to one of the best bands still going I doubt it could be faulted.
9) Dodos - Visiter
Like everyone else I first heard this hyped up on the internet. Then several months later (I'm pretty slow-moving when it comes to these hyped acts) I heard "Fools". In fact I heard it purely by chance on a music channel I remember. The pure pace of the record is endearing in itself, stripped back to just a pulsating drum beat and acoustic guitar the album has a sound all of its own. Lyrically its hardly ground breaking but that's not the point really, a great record none the less.
8) Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Everyone likes Elbow really and they should. One of the true greats of indie music, no longer do I confuse them with Doves as they've finally won the acclaim they deserve. Rightly so, this is a great record, probably one of the better ones on the list to be fair. "One Day Like This" is a song as epic as you'll hear any year and the riff in "Grounds For Divorce" is enough to make you crap yourself. Part of me is regretting not having it higher, but I just haven't listened to it enough. I never thought this list would make me feel guilty.
7) Brand New - The Devil & God Are Raging Inside Me
I'll admit it, I'm very late to the Brand New party. I usually have intrinsic dislike for American bands. Especially ones the lurk around the genre of "pop-punk" or "popcore" or whatever the devil calls itself. But I take it back now, thanks to this album. Sure, it's heavy. But it's also fucking brilliant, a mature masterpiece? Compared to their earlier stuff, definitely. Now it's the checking what the new album's like. I have high hopes for it for sure. I can't leave this without mentioning "Sowing Season (Yeah)" is probably the best opening track on the list as well.
6) The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
This another hyped band in which I joined the party very late. I remember reading an article about them before Reading Festival 2008 in the NME (only occasionally I read it, promise). Fast forward about 6-7 months and I actually bothered listening to the record. What an album it is too! It's like Bruce Springsteen for kids! Well it actually isn't just like it is. But that shouldn't be a bad thing. Very rarely do you get an album that's just fist in the air anthems all the way through but this just about does it. With barely a moments cringe. Also they were great at Reading this year I should add. As were Radiohead who also feature on here.
5) Johnny Cash - American IV: The Man Comes Around
Now this is the oldest album on the list. But its also timeless. The man's a legend no word of a lie. The closer you get to number one here you may realise maybe the kind of year I had given my musical choices. There are some great covers on this album, many of which easily surpasse the original. There's the obvious "Hurt" but "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "We'll Meet Again" are stop in your tracks moments. He's a great loss to the musical world, I only wish I ever got the chance to see the man live.
4) Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Angles
Not a good year for hip-hop for me. Although does this count as hip-hop? Probably not. It's in the NME indie ville. Probably like most of my choices, but hey I'm a slave to convention. Scroobius Pip may take his look from Matisyahu but fortunately not his rhymes. "Look For The Woman" really struck a chord with me when I first heard it. But what really sold me was "The Beat That My Heart Skipped" and then "Planet Telex" mash-up "Letter From God To Man". Those tracks are massive. At times the album can be a little heavy, especially the title track, but it's a great record and certainly my favourite with beats in all year by far.
3) Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
So I'm pretty aware that my list is now essentially "The Internet circa 2008" but I make no excuses. You've probably had someone drawling into your ear at 3am with the dampness of their tears soft on your cheek about how much this record means to them and can you blame them? It's probably one of the most heart-breaking things recorded this decade. "Skinny Love" alone could soundtrack every montage in One Tree Hill for the next 20 years and still have an impact every time you hear it. I won't go on anymore about how good this is but to put it bluntly, if you're one of the people who shitted themselves with in excitement at The Dodos and Fleet Foxes then this worth 100% more of your time.
2) Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
My new favourite thing in music is a Scottish accent. Ironically this is the only Scottish band in the list, but I digress. This is the best pop album no-ones heard. I mean yeah sure, people on the internet have heard it but they've probably also seen 1 Guy 1 Jar. Makes their point invalid. Now I know I said before Bon Iver was one of the best break-up albums (I didn't but I should have). This is probably better. This record has been me for most of this year and it still is now really. I imagine in time I'll associate it with a time in my life I'd rather forget but for now its touching, beautiful and brilliant.
1) LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
The thing I owe GTA IV the most is not that if I didn't fall asleep playing it that one time I would have got the achievement for completing it under 30 hours. No, it's this record as I scoured for the song used in the advertisement campaign. Fast-forward (or FastForward, delete appropriately) a year and "All My Friends" comes up on shuffle. Now I guess it's pretty dumb to have an album at number one for just a single track. Which is why its not, "Someone Great" and "Us v Them" are just two examples of how great this album is. But "All My Friends". Words cannot describe how good that song is. It summarises everything that scares you about growing up, it summarises everything I've thought about the last few years. Its deep, meaningful and builds to a crescendo that makes you want to hold a friend and yell the refrain into their ear. An essential record.
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