The XX by The XX. This is one heck of an album: minimal without being bland, tuneful without being vacuously poppy, atmospheric without disappearing up its own bum. ‘Basic Space’ is a cracker (that’s two bum references in one paragraph), as is ‘Crystalised’. Robert Smith must be listening with considerable interest. You can only hope this band has enough juice in it for more than one album (though things aren’t looking good: a guitarist has already done a runner).
Scars by Basement Jaxx. This is just so full of ideas it’s hard not to get lost in the balls of it all, and even the weaker songs, the ballads, are a joy. I loved ‘Raindrops’ the first time I heard it on the radio and a month or so later I still can’t get enough of it. Sure Scars might sound like your music collection shoved into a blender, but who cares when it’s as good as this.
Riceboy Sleeps by Jonsi and Alex. I must admit to being a complete and utter Sigur Ros obsessive (though that band’s latest album, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, had some great moments as well as the most shlockingly Hollywood-soundtrack thing they’ve ever done), so when I saw this in my record-shop I snapped it up immediately. And it’s a beauty: sure, it’s gentle and ambient but, according to the boys, no synths were used in its creation, and that approach brings an almost overwhelming warmth to the music. That said, it’s not all sweetness and light: ‘Sleeping Giant’ could well end up appearing in a David Lynch film.
Blood Bank by Bon Iver. For Emma, for Ever Ago is a modern-day classic in my book – it’s one of those albums that I love listening to on vinyl – and whilst nothing on this EP is as good as what’s on the main collection, there’s a lot to like here. ‘Blood Bank’ is a slow-burner of a song and ‘Woods’, a multi-layered, heavily treated a capella piece, hits its mark bang on.
The Resistance by Muse. Sure, Muse are getting more and more ridiculous (and, as everyone says, Queen-lite) as their career goes stratospheric, but this album, for me, is a guilty pleasure. ‘Unnatural Selection’ is one of the best things they’ve done, much better than the often-lauded three-part ‘Exogenesis’, which closes the album. Strap on the air guitar, slip into a pair of Freddie Mercury hot-pants and rock out with your…windows shut.
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November 23, 2009 at 9:16+00:00Nov
Justin
Great list. Bon Iver’s “Blood Bank” EP was one of my favorites of the year as well.
November 23, 2009 at 9:16+00:00Nov
Nigel Featherstone
Thanks Justin. You’re officially the first person to comment on my (very new) blog!
November 23, 2009 at 9:16+00:00Nov
Justin
Thats great, I hope you get many more.
You can thank Largehearted Boy for posting the link that lead me here. I’ll be on the look out for your next list!
November 23, 2009 at 9:16+00:00Nov
Nigel Featherstone
I’ve added you both to my blogroll. Cheers!
December 21, 2009 at 9:16+00:00Dec
Loads of linkage « It All Started With Carbon Monoxide
[…] Open To Public and pay a visit to his blog which quite often features a music related post. Go here to check out Part 1 of his Top 10 Albums of 2009 and here to check out Part 2. He also likes […]
March 9, 2010 at 9:16+00:00Mar
cosmicvagabond
I could not agree more with The XX and Bon Iver selections… & Bon Iver does sound *incredible* on vinyl. I’m looking forward to seeing the XX live in a couple weeks. Also, I am ashamed to admit that I have been slacking as a Sigur Ros fan and haven’t even heard of Riceboy Sleeps. I will be listening ASAP but I’m sure Jonsi’s voice will be divine as always!
March 9, 2010 at 9:16+00:00Mar
Nigel Featherstone
Thanks Cosmic Vagabond, The XX album is a real gem, isn’t it. Let me know what they’re like live! And glad to hear there’s another vinyl lover out there. The Riceboy Sleeps album is fantastic, though you don’t hear much of Jonsi’s voice, but there’s still divinity in the music. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.