10 of the best - albums which I have enjoyed, in no particular order
Blakfish - See You in Another City
A band I had forgotten about after seeing them a couple years back supporting Marmaduke Duke in Birmingham. However, having stumbled upon them again at a gig in Nottingham, I realised that I had been ignoring a great British band. I instantly purchased their back catalogue, and saw them at gigs a plenty in 2008. This mini album released on the mighty Big Scary Monsters label is the highlight of their career to date - I do hope they make waves in 2009.
Brigade - Come Morning We Fight
Another band I picked up on later than I should have. Having been offered tickets to see them some years back, I decided against it based on a friends derogortary description of their music. How wrong I was to only discover them properly in 2008. Their second album, produced by one of my favourite producers Chris Sheldon, is a blistering journey from start to finish. More polished than their debut (something I found out after hearing their second album), but a hell of a lot tighter and a damn lot louder. Their live shows have also been amazing throughout 2008.
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
I discovered this band late on in 2008 - December to be exact. I am a complete sucker for Scottish accents in music, and this album has it all! An album of sincerity, truth ('You won't find love in a hole') and down right passion, Frightened Rabbit have released one of the year's best highlights.
The Gaslight Anthem - The 59 Sound
The Gaslight Anthem seem to have got really big really fast this year, thanks to a very positive article in Kerrang some months back. I'll admit that it was that very article which inspired me to purchase my first GLA album. After playing that to death, I bought The 59 Sound and did the same. There are some really great tracks on this record, in particular the title track is a standout, and live they're even better. It's great to see such nice guys getting the recognition they deserve for playing the music they love. Roll on the March European tour!
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Having heard the title track on Kerrang's Dirt whilst driving one Friday night, I knew I had to buy this album. Upon first listen, I was very disappointed, and it sat in my car for a month or so before I gave it another chance. When I finally did slip the disc back into my CD player, I was very glad with results. I must have been caught on a bad day when I first listened to the album, as this time round it was an instant hit with me, and didn't leave my stereo for months. An upbeat album, filled with many tales from a youth lived to the max, the Hold Steady have fast become one of my favourite bands. With a ripe back catalogue to delve into, I'm sure I'll be listening to this band for years to come.
The Matches - A Band in Hope
The third album from a young yet very talented band. Every album has been different from the last, their latest offering being the most epic and diverse in musical style. Known for their amazing live shows, this band really are an exciting prospect. Here's to a 2009 tour - and more great drum skin art!
Sigur Ros - Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
Sigur Ros are a band you can't fault. Ever. Their albums are beautiful, gorgeous even, and their latest offering is no different. Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust, or With A Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly, is somewhat of a departure for the band, who have adapted their sound to stay fresh and prove their longegivity. This record stands tall against the rest of Sigur Ros's back catalogue. A fine album.
Frank Turner - Love, Ire and Song
Ah yes, Frank Tuner. The ex-Million Dead frontman, known for his excessive bouts of touring and his awe-inspiring live shows. His second album proper showcases a bigger, more upbeat and fuller sound. An album that doesn't stop from start to finish, Love, Ire and Song is full of anthems destined to be sung word for word by the crowds at his shows in glorious unison. This record is sincere, fervent and full of hope, with standout tracks being 'I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous', 'Long Live the Queen' and of course, the title track 'Love, Ire and Song'. Frank is truly a living legend.
Uh Huh Her - Common Reaction
As a follow up to last year's I See Red EP, Common Reaction is definitely the inferior of the two. That said, despite the initial disappointment after the first listen, Common Reaction really is a grower. The line-up has expanded, and so has the sound. Featuring some re-recorded tracks from the EP and a set of brand new tracks, Uh Huh Her have made a great album of brooding electronic pop songs.
Underground Railroad - Sticks and Stones
I bought Sticks and Stones off the back of seeing Underground Railroad on the Introducing Stage at Leeds Festival this summer. As one of the high points of the festival, this record has followed suit and become one of the high points of my musical year. I was very impressed with their live sound, and they're just as great on record. I can hear influences from some of my favourite bands in this record; Fugazi, the Pixies and PJ Harvey, which they bring together and really make their own. This album promises great things to come from this UK based French band.
Other standout recorded and live highlights
Far - live at Birmingham Barfly November 2008
This has to be the live highlight of my year. After seeing Jonah play Far songs with Attention as a backing band earlier on in the year, I resigned myself to the fact that I would never see Far proper. Then rumours hit the internet of a reunion tour, featuring the original line-up. After playing some shows under the name of Hot Little Pony in the US, Far played their first tour in over 10 years in the UK. And I was there. At the front. The band were truly amazing that night, still full of passion playing their hearts out with huge smiles on their faces. They were really appreciative of the kids that had shown up, after all these years pledging support in their newly reformed band. They played nearly all of Water and Solutions, and threw in some songs from Tin Cans... to boot. What a gig!
Twin Atlantic - A Guidance From Colour EP
A promising first release from an up-and-coming Scottish band, who have achieved so much this year on the back of this very EP. Their sound is huge, drawing influences from their Scottish contemporaries Biffy Clyro and Idlewild, yet forming a distinctive sound of their own. Singer Sam McTrusty, belts out the songs complete with his strong and sometimes incoherent Scottish accent, which really adds to the appeal of the band and their sound. The highlight of this EP is the title track, where guitarist Barry McKenna drops his guitar in favour of a cello which is truly magical when watching it performed live. From support slots with bands including Biffy Clyro, Smashing Pumpkins and Finch to heading out on a headlining jaunt across the UK, Twin Atlantic have been gathering support and collecting fans as they go. 2009 sets to be their year, with their debut album on the way and another tour of the UK in March.
Sucioperro - Mum's Bad Punk Music EP
With no sign of Pain Agency, the Sucioperro boys release their first new material since the departure of the Farmer.Now a three-pice, Sucioperro have released a short, but by no means sweet EP. Mum's Bad Punk Music introduces an even harder side of Sucioperro, whetting my appetite for the aforementioned Pain Agency which 2009 is destined to bring.
Tubelord - I Am Azzerrad 7" & Feed Me A Box of Words 7"
Tubelord are my 2008 find - a small band I discovered at a small gig in Nottingham's Bodega Social Club. They once described themselves as Biffy Clyro wearing NHS specs, which is a fair comparison indeed, as I have not been this excited by a home grown band since Biffy Clyro's debut album Blackened Sky and their follow up to it, Vertigo of Bliss. With their refreshing brand of disjointed, angular pop, Tubelord are making some solid foundations to a truly exciting career, releasing two 7" records in the 2000 of 8. And they certainly aren't afraid of hard work (did you see how many shows they played in 2008?), made more impressive when you know they're balancing the band with university commitments. These boys have put the excitement back into the British underground music scene, and hopefully they'll find the time to record their debut album next year - it certainly will be eagerly anticipated!
Prego - The Vatican Sessions EP
Prego have come a long way in 2008, releasing their second EP, a 7" and a download-only single. The Vatican Sessions followed on from 2005's promising Primaries EP, assuring the fans that after such a wait Prego still have what it takes when making heartfelt, epic music. Their sound is big and warm, and full of great promise. For 2009, I hope to see the bad venture out of London's bubble, and play gigs a plenty for us non capital dwelling fans. Plus, an album really would hit the spot.
Biffy Clyro - December Tour
Biffy Clyro are arguably my favourite band of all time. By no means the best band, but certainly my favourite. After a disappointing fourth studio album, and an 18 month long tour playing Puzzle almost in its entirety at every show, it was really refreshing to see the Biff on their December tour. Taking on the road with them a small string section and a fantastic light set-up, Biffy proved that they are a well-oiled touring machine and blistering live act. As well as playing the cream of the crop from Puzzle, Biffy brought back some old favourites including 'Convex, Concave', '27' and 'Now the Action is on Fire' which really set the mood going, in particular at the final show of the year - Glasgow SECC. The 7000 capacity venue was sold out, and really let Biffy blow off some musical steam.
