Favourite Records Of 2009 (Part Four)
December 24th, 2009
Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions – ‘Through The Devil Softly’
The problem with Hope Sandoval, is that she always sounds like Hope Sandoval. Not that it’s a major problem when she sounds as swoonsomely gorgeous as this. More acoustic with than anything she did with Mazzy Star, ‘Through The Devil Softly’ is a slightly folkier take on the recognisably hazy, smoky, wistful late night stoner tone of her voice and songs. Read more
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Favourite Records Of 2009 (Part Three)
December 22nd, 2009
Aidan Moffat & The Best Ofs – “How To Get To Heaven From Scotland”
Following last year’s album of spoken word prose, the former Arab Strap frontman returned with his first solo album of proper songs. Feeling like some kind of ramshackle late night lock in, the songs are a mix of rollicking stomp along shanties and slower musings of a man leaving behind his younger self. Where once his songs were full of deviant sex, dissected breakups and rampant negativity, this record finds Aidan Moffat sounding somewhat positive, content, romantic and, dare we whisper it, maybe even a little happy. Read more
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Favourite Records of 2009 (Part Two)
December 19th, 2009
Jarvis Cocker – “Further Complications”
Aside from my questionable ability to alphabetise, the inclusion here of Jarvis’ second solo album should come as little surprise. I’ve written about it a few times this year already and it remains one of the most thoroughly enjoyable records of 2009. The songs are harder and his lyrics are sharper than his debut and despite most songs dealing with various middle age losers, Jarvis proves he most certainly isn’t one of them. Read more
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Favourite Records of 2009 (Part One)
December 14th, 2009
Bat for Lashes – Two Suns
One of the first standout records released this year, it seems like ages since ‘Two Suns’ was released. And frankly it’s taken some time to fully appreciate the scope of this magnificent record in all it’s glory. Richly layered with tribal drums, programmed beats, haunting pianos, choirs of voices and Natasha Khan’s own chillingly clear enunciations, ‘Two Suns’ is an intelligently ambitious, deliciously lush and richly rewarding record. Read more
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