Obviously, we have missed out on bringing you the last four months worth of music, granted, we still have the vast majority of the year in which to enthral you but perhaps it’s a good idea to have a little flashback on what has graced us so far. The truth is, I can’t remember a year when come April there was already so many damn good albums having been released. So, to bring us up to speed, here is my round-up of what has sugar-coated the year of 2009 so far:
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino)
Hype can be a cruel pay master; many have succumbed to its charms only to receive indifference and disappointment. Merriweather Post Pavilion had much to live up to after 2007’s Strawberry Jam, but deliver it most certainly did. Delightful, elevating and positively shimmering with invention, it is truly a special piece of work.
Having reinvented himself with 2004’s You Are The Quarry and 2006’s Ringleader Of The Tormentors, Mozza began the year in style withYears Of Refusal. Assessable to everyone and an instant hit with fans, 2009 could well be the year that this constantly underrated artist finally receives the respect that he deserves.
8/10
Asobi Seksu – Hush (One Little Indian)
Having previously been labelled “shoe gazer” revivalists, Asobi Seksu returned this year with their most ambitious work to date.Hush was everything that you never expected it to be: gorgeous soundscapes vied for favouritism alongside guitar-infused walls of sound and delicate spheres of electronic beauty.
Glorious Hip Hop that featured collaborations with David Byrne, Tom Waits and Karen O, among others. Forget the gats, bitches and Benjamin’s, The Spirit Of Apollo is steeped in happy times; not a beef in sight. To understand what an achievement this album is, you must listen, listen and listen some more. Trust Me.
9/10
Deer Tracks – Aurora (Despotz)
Appearing from nowhere, this record took many, including myself, by complete surprise. Think Bjork circa Homogenic, think Cocteau Twins swapping secrets with Mazzy Star and you’re half way there.
9/10
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware (Domino)
Ah, good ol’ Billy, a new year and a new album. Only this time he appeared to be clutching a new found optimism. Don’t get me wrong, melancholy is still woven throughout Beware, he just doesn’t wallow in it quite so much – simply stunning.
Three young hipsters from Leeds went to America and returned with this: an album full of sparkling indie gems that has raised the bar for all such-like bands.
8/10
Fever Ray – Fever Ray (Rabid)
A few of us raised our eyebrows at the news that Karin Dreijer Andersson was set to record outside the comfort of The Knife. Little did we know how mesmerizing Fever Ray’s debut was going to be – sonically, it attacked your nervous system from every angle. Creepy and a little bit special, Fever Ray was the sound of every horror film that simultaneously frightened and thrilled you as a child.
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino)
Morrissey – Years Of Refusal (polydor)
Asobi Seksu – Hush (One Little Indian)
N.A.S.A. – The Spirit Of Apollo (Spectrophonic)
Deer Tracks – Aurora (Despotz)
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware (Domino)
Sky Larkin – The Golden Spike (Wichita)
Fever Ray – Fever Ray (Rabid)
