legendaryken
12-30-2010, 03:58 PM
OK, it's that time of the year where I laugh at all the other end-of-year polls and tell you what you should have been buying. Once again, mainstream and I parted company several miles back. 'Conventional' rock and pop just don't do it for me any more. I want something more exciting than Arcade Fire, something less calculated than Mumford and Sons, something where the money has been spent on an authentic Ondes Martenot rather than a choreographer for the backing singers in the video, something other than Beyonce.
Here's my top 5
1. Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra - Kollaps Tradixionales
Regulars in my recommendations, this bunch of Canadians once again come up with the goods and then some. There's a kernel of rock music in there but it's overwritten by the wailing singing, double violins and complete disregard for any conventional rules. This is what music will sound like after the apocalypse. Live performance of the year also.
2. The Flaming Lips, Stardeath and White Dwarves with Henry Rollins and Peaches - The Dark Side of The Moon
Despite the completely unnecessary first use of the word 'The' this is TFLSAWDWHRAP's version of the Pink Floyd classic and it's terrific. Like the Beatles' songbook, these tracks are virtually indestructible and I now own six versions (Floyd, this one, The Easy Star All Stars' reggae version, Parallel or Ninety Degrees, Dream Theater and a various artists version) You could get as far as 'Breathe' without realising this is the same album. That's a good point though.
3. Mogwai - Special Moves
Mogwai live. You don't need to know any more except that I'm seeing them in about three weeks. I hope they do 'My Father My King' which is based on an ancient Jewish prayer song and degenerates into a cacophany of feedback and effects pedals for the last five minutes. Sadly not on this album but check it out on YouTube.
4. The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here is Missing
If there was any justice this would be an award winning, best selling classic with appearances on half a dozen end-of year 'best of' TV programmes. It's not difficult listening but it's got better melodies, pleasant vocals and newer ideas than any top 10 you care to mention. Why don't bands like this get big slots at the main festivals? Life ain't fair.
5. Areknames - In Case of Loss
I usually like to have something Swedish in my list but Anekdoten and Paatos's latests are ready yet, Landberk and Anglagard have split up plus Ritual seem to have been posted missing so here's something obscure from Italy instead. 10 seconds of the organ lets you know that you're in Van der Graaf Generator territory. Luuuuvely!!!!
Comments and similar recommendations are welcome but anyone mentioning Florence and The Machine gets some obesity porn in their PM box.
Here's my top 5
1. Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra - Kollaps Tradixionales
Regulars in my recommendations, this bunch of Canadians once again come up with the goods and then some. There's a kernel of rock music in there but it's overwritten by the wailing singing, double violins and complete disregard for any conventional rules. This is what music will sound like after the apocalypse. Live performance of the year also.
2. The Flaming Lips, Stardeath and White Dwarves with Henry Rollins and Peaches - The Dark Side of The Moon
Despite the completely unnecessary first use of the word 'The' this is TFLSAWDWHRAP's version of the Pink Floyd classic and it's terrific. Like the Beatles' songbook, these tracks are virtually indestructible and I now own six versions (Floyd, this one, The Easy Star All Stars' reggae version, Parallel or Ninety Degrees, Dream Theater and a various artists version) You could get as far as 'Breathe' without realising this is the same album. That's a good point though.
3. Mogwai - Special Moves
Mogwai live. You don't need to know any more except that I'm seeing them in about three weeks. I hope they do 'My Father My King' which is based on an ancient Jewish prayer song and degenerates into a cacophany of feedback and effects pedals for the last five minutes. Sadly not on this album but check it out on YouTube.
4. The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here is Missing
If there was any justice this would be an award winning, best selling classic with appearances on half a dozen end-of year 'best of' TV programmes. It's not difficult listening but it's got better melodies, pleasant vocals and newer ideas than any top 10 you care to mention. Why don't bands like this get big slots at the main festivals? Life ain't fair.
5. Areknames - In Case of Loss
I usually like to have something Swedish in my list but Anekdoten and Paatos's latests are ready yet, Landberk and Anglagard have split up plus Ritual seem to have been posted missing so here's something obscure from Italy instead. 10 seconds of the organ lets you know that you're in Van der Graaf Generator territory. Luuuuvely!!!!
Comments and similar recommendations are welcome but anyone mentioning Florence and The Machine gets some obesity porn in their PM box.