1 post tagged “yo la tengo”
This list is slightly different than the one I submitted for Junk because trying to come up with a top 10 list for it (I didn't have one before) made me really look back at the albums released this year. I was never particular about release dates, most of this year was spent finding and listening to older albums actually. So, in no order at all:
I've been smitten by TV On The Radio since I first heard Young Liars back in 2003, along with their kickass Mr Grieves cover. Title track was on my playlist for ages. And they did it again; I love this album, every track in it unsettles you in its odd little way and when it gets under your skin, it stays there. I respect them for being ambitious and not falling flat on their face.
This band is older than me, and since it's exhausting to keep up with their 22 years, I admit I haven't been thorough. Their last 2 albums were super subdued though. And they really grew on me with this release. Each song is really different, but somehow it all fits together. I can't imagine how hard it is to make an album where each track is a different mood and a Cliffs Notes of their musical past... without ripping the collective 'feel' to shreds. But they did it.
![Orphans [Fold-out Digipak with 24-page booklet]](http://a4.vox.com/6a00c2252acf408e1d00cd97063f8c4cd5-120pi)
One of my favourite things to do when I am home alone at night (it happens more than I expect) now is to shower in soap that smells of manly menthol (weirdest present from my mother ever), wear a collared men's shirt, make some coffee, and get Tom Waits to keep me company.
Proof that you can release an album in November and still top everyone's charts in time for their annual recaps.
My personal favourite find this year, bar none. If you don't crinkle your nose at the fact that she records under the name 'My Brightest Diamond' then you'll be graciously rewarded.
So Cat Power does really good covers (like I Found A Reason) but I was wondering when she would write her own stuff again. Her album title isn't as in-your-face as Yo La Tengo's but still, 'The Greatest' when it isn't a greatest hits album did arch my eyebrow at first. At least both of them damn well deserve the title... her song writing in this one is amazing (just find the lyrics to the title song Greatest and see what I mean). When it comes to music I'm really particular about the lyrics, especially when there isn't a lot of noise to disguise mediocrity. This is probably my current favourite rainy-day album.
I don't have enough time right now so I'll finish off the remaining five later! Watch out for an edit
THIS IS PART TWO.
Proof that you can release an album in November and still top everyone's charts in time for their annual recaps.
My personal favourite find this year, bar none. If you don't crinkle your nose at the fact that she records under the name 'My Brightest Diamond' then you'll be graciously rewarded.
I don't have enough time right now so I'll finish off the remaining five later! Watch out for an edit
THIS IS PART TWO.
