Sourmash Music’s Top 10 Albums of 2011
I’m not sure I can even start to explain how much putting this post together hurt my head. Why I limit myself to just ten albums for the whole year, I will never know. It’s been an interesting year for music, the reason why it pleasantly caused me angst to compile this list. 2011 saw two members of one of my favourite bands both release albums, only one of which has made this list. Have seen many bands and musicians come and go in the space of 12 months and have also seen people I care about, release debut albums, which couldn’t make me any prouder.
So without further ado and from 10-1, this is the Sourmash Music’s Top 10 Albums of 2011….
10. + by Ed Sheeran
What a year it has been for this guy. A one to watch on last years polls and with several infamous EPs already under his belt, he delivers an emotional filled debut album. Songs of passion, heartbreak, love and honesty, Ed gave us a wonderful record in the shape of + with moments of beauty and tenderness for the 21st century.
Stand out track… ‘The A Team’
9. Fear Of Mountains Pt.1 by The Witch And The Robot
This album was a very pleasant surprise I have to say. Upon first listen you’ll realise its brilliance and their approach in writing great, hook-laden, psychedelic outings for the mind. One of the most far-out albums I have heard this year and so had to include it on this list, for you all to enjoy. The video for Houdini is weird, but that’s why I love it.
Stand out track…’Houdini’
8. Distraction Pieces by Scroobius Pip
What is Pip’s debut music album and probably some of the finest work he has done, of which I am including both Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip’s albums in that statement. This record has intent, brutal honesty and very clever wordplay, that Pip does so effortlessly. Big beats supplied by the likes of Richard from XL and Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe. Amazing production and an album I wish Pip made years ago, bravo Dave.
Stand out track… ‘Let Em Come’
7. Colour Of The Trap by Miles Kane
So happy Mr. Kane decided to finally go it out alone and step out of the shadows of his monkey friend. Hands down better than Alex Turner & Co’s effort this year and showcases how talented a songwriter Miles actually is. It’s a vintage sound that dips into nostalgia and smoky tones, a very healthy balance between The Rascals and The Last Shadow Puppets, it’s a triumph basically.
Stand out track… ‘Inhaler’
6. Ceremonials by Florence & The Machine
With her fantastic debut album ‘Lungs’, we waited with anticipation as to what Ms Welch was going to produce for her second piece of work. We needn’t had worried, because not only has she come back with something truly spectacular, but it surpasses her previous effort ten-fold. It’s bold, powerful and comes set with its own mini-choir on every track. Ceremonials is truly something to be cherished.
Stand out track… ‘What The Water Gave Me’
5. Welcome Home Armageddon by Funeral For A Friend
The fact that this is Funeral For A Friends best album since their debut ‘Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation’, that’s all you really need to know. It is a corker
Stand out track… ‘Broken Foundation’
4. Young Pilgrims by Charlie Simpson
Take out the fact that Charlie was part of one of Britain’s biggest pop acts, because he certainly has. Following Simpson’s career with Fightstar, his post-hardcore outfit, it was pleasantly surprising when I finally heard something off of Young Pilgrim. Sublime and with hints of Americana throughout, a marvellous effort and a force to be reckoned with now.
Stand out track… ‘Down, Down, Down’
3. England Keep My Bones by Frank Turner
A political troubadour or just an up to date beatnik poet? None of that really matters to be honest, with one of the best albums of his career. It’s a thought provoking slice of nu-folk with bags of credibility and doused in gloriousness and charm.
Stand out track… ‘I Still Believe’
2. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
To say I’ve waited for about 10 years for this album to be released is no exaggeration. Mr. Gallagher’s first solo outing has been on the cards for some time now and he did not fail to deliver on his word. What should have possibly been the next Oasis album, I don’t care too much for, it’s the here and now. Right now, it includes some of the best songs he has written since ‘(What’s the story) Morning Glory?’
Stand out track… ‘If I Had A Gun’
1. Fake History by Letlive
Post-hardcore at its finest hour, Letlive delivered and then some with their third release, Fake History. An album that was recommended to me and I’m so glad it was. Packs a huge punch in the gut with melodic-core brilliance, it’s a ride of a life-time and all year I have been forever thankful that I decided to jump on board. Also before I get a backlash, I know this album was technically released in 2010, but it saw the light of day here in Europe in 2011 when the band signed to Epitaph, so it’s staying in!
Stand out track… ‘Renegade 86′
So there you have it, room for debate I’m sure and a list of which I will enjoy defending. But that’s not all, I had to include these following albums that I also thoroughly enjoyed this year, so here are the ones that kind of made it but didn’t…
21 by Adele
Suck It And See by Arctic Monkeys
Avocado Chip by Ben Sommers
Hope by The Blackout
Bon Iver by Bon Iver
Cat’s Eyes by Cat’s Eyes
This Is The Computers by The Computers
There Is A Way by Dananananakroyd (RIP)
Rome by Dangermouse and Danielle Luppi
Give Me Infinity by Exit Ten
Torches by Foster The People
Last of Many by The Foxes
The Golden Age Of Nowhere by Funeral Party
Euphoric///Heartbreak\\\ by Glasvegas
Skying by The Horrors
Watch The Throne by Jay-Z and Kanye West
Who You Are by Jessie J
Velociraptor by Kasabian
In Gold Blood by Kids In Glass Houses
Gold Cobra by Limp Bizkit
Fury by The Lowriders
Return To The Ugly Side by Malachai
Relic by Matt Stevens
A Thousand Heys by Mazes
Welcome Reality by Nero
Vices and Virtues by Panic At The Disco
Talk That Talk by Rihanna
British Plastic by RKC
Losing Colour by Stricken City (RIP)
Suego Faults by Wolfgang
Yuck by Yuck
We Are Augustines play Pop-Up Session at The Book Club on 12/12/11 for Last.fm
The final instalment of the Pop -Up Sessions for Last.fm and HP is almost here. On the 12th December you can see Brooklyn based New Yorkers, ‘We Are Augustines’ play an intimate FREE show at The Book Club in London.
Emotionally driven, stadium-ready behemoths ‘We Are Augustines’ are set to take the stage for an exclusive low-level, but special performance next week. On the 12th December in association with Last.fm and HP, the band will perform for FREE at The Book Club in East London. What has become a very successful run of pop-up sessions to showcase fresh new talent and promote HP’s ‘Everybody On’ campaign.
I myself will be making it along to the Book Club next Monday to be part of what will become a ‘were you there’ type event. As a little taster of what to expect, here is We Are Augustine’s ‘Book Of James…’
Last.fm Pop-Up Session with The Leisure Society
The next instalment of the Last.fm and HP Pop-Up Sessions in association with the ‘Everybody On’ campaign, is here and features the splendid ‘Leisure Society’.
The Leisure Society
A couple of weeks ago saw The Leisure Society perform an intimate set at the Tamesis Dock in London. Watch this exclusive video of their performance and what the band had to say about their music, the recording process and what the ‘power of sound’ means to them.
BLOGGER EXCLUSIVE: Bronto by Baddies – BRAND NEW TRACK and FREE DOWNLOAD
One of the finest bands to come out of Essex in the last ten years have only gone and come back to us. Not to make a big thing of it, but who have they asked to have the EXCLUSIVE FIRST BLOGGERS PREVIEW OF A TRACK OFF THEIR NEW ALBUM ‘BUILD’ oh yes that’s right, SOURMASH MUSIC.
Baddies - Eating Tapes
Baddies are gearing up now for the release of their second album simply called ‘Build’ and are giving away electro/rock gem ‘Bronto’ away absolutely FREE. Their new album is not out till March 2012, but to kick off proceedings, the band have decided ‘Bronto’ would be a great opener. I am especially privileged as Sourmash Music will be the FIRST BLOG to post the track and you will be able to download it on here for FREE.
Baddies exploded on the scene back in 2009 with their exceptional rabble rousing début ’Do The Job’. A frenetic punk/power pop classic that made you salivate and jump up and down like a lunatic. Recorded in just one week at the famous Rockfield Studios, ‘Do The Job’ was a critical success and saw the band receive praise from their peers.
So they are back and now its time, here is BRAND NEW, NEVER BEFORE HEARD TRACK from Baddies and its called ‘Bronto’. Just click on the ‘down arrow’ on the right to download!!
XO Man ‘Follow Fashion’ (Acoustic) feat. Ed Sheeran
You may remember a few weeks back I posted a brand new video from remarkable rapper, XO Man. It was for his brand new song ‘Follow Fashion’ which featured Mikil Pane, Master Shortie and Sincere.
So come back to present day and the man himself has only roped in man of the moment, Ed Sheeran, to feature on a very special acoustic version of the track! Stripped back and bare and opening up even more the wry and witty rhymes of XO’s look on the music and fashion industry as a collaboration.
So I wont go on any more, because you will want to see this. XO Man’s ‘Follow Fashion’ (Acoustic) feat. Ed Sheeran….
Last Of Many by The Foxes (05/12/11)
‘Last of Many’ is the début album from London’s own The Foxes, I can only say what a glorious delight it really is. Full of illustrious melodies and witty lyricism, its full of great examples of what eminent song writing is all about.
First thing that strikes me about ‘Last of Many’ is how effortless it sounds. A free-flowing form of expression that lead singer Nigel captures wonderfully at times. Take opening track ‘Suzy’, equal amounts of riotous behaviour and sentimental cheekiness. Groovy bass and guitar work and with a huge sublime but pounding chorus. ‘Run’ showcase’s Nigel’s rather dashing falsetto and carefully thought out songwriting technique. With its change of tempo and structure going from Beatles-esque to 50′s Rockabilly in under two minutes, its something that should be applauded.
A personal favourite being ‘Sweet Little Wonder’, a beautiful ode to someone very close to the songwriter’s heart. Sentimental, touching and with charming harmonies, many a heart will swoon upon listening to it. ‘Get Me’ is fast and frenetic and has a not so annoying but catchy ‘da da da da’ moment. Hook after hook, The Foxes just demonstrate bright and infectious composition like no other. ‘Country Low’ was one of the first songs to be taken from this album and put out there to their willing public. It accompanies a very classic looking video game tribute music video, which you will get to see in a bit just down at the bottom.
Now one of my favourites has to be ‘Sad Thing’. It starts off slow, just Nigel and an acoustic guitar and it gradually builds along nicely upon a ringing chord sequence. Then POW comes this huge chorus that sends shivers down your spine as it kicks in, amazing. They finish with ‘Sorry To Leave You’ which again has those great sounding harmonies and slender guitar picking hooks. With echoes of Futureheads and Divine Comedy, a sweet little finish to what is an accomplishment of a début.
‘Last Of Many’ is an album of love, loss and life and in its core is full of careful storytelling and audacious banter. Every time you will hear this album, it will, as The Beatles once sang, “guaranteed to raise a smile”. A joyous triumphant and a lesson in classic pop songwriting.
Country Low Video
Free Download: iAm1 – Whispers
Now I get genuinely excited when I hear that this unique and very talented duo are making music and something new to treasure. I have written about iAm1 in the past, a slight name change once or twice, but Ollie Rose and Jamie Wallace are back. Emotive, powerful, gritty and hard-hitting lyrics, combined with moments of serene folk driven music.
So the new song is ‘Whispers’ and a special acoustic version of the track is available for free, you only have to do one thing, just ‘Like’ their page - http://www.facebook.com/iam1music It’s not every day you get to have some incredible music for free, so I would highly recommend getting involved and experience this wonderful band.
They have an EP being released earlier in the year, which Whispers is just a taster for. To follow on from that I believe they will release their debut album later in 2012. To say ‘I can’t wait to hear it’ is an understatement that’s for sure. For the release they have made a very special acoustic only session of the song. Stick with me and scroll down, it’s a song you do really have to discover…..
So that’s http://www.facebook.com/iam1music and become part of something very special.
The Leisure Society plays Pop-Up Session at Tamesis Dock on 24/11/11 for Last.fm
So as quickly as my story about DELS pop-up session goes up for Last.fm and HP, I am pleased to announce the next show right here, right now for you. The brilliant rustic folk-pop goodness of The Leisure Society will be gracing the high seas, well the River Thames, at the Tamesis Dock on Thursday 24th November at 8.30pm.
The Leisure Society
The Leisure Society is the brain child of lead songwriter, Nick Hemming, who started his musical endeavours about 10 years ago. Becoming close friends with actor Paddy Considine and director Shane Meadows, saw Hemming score two of Meadows’ films, A Room For Romeo Brass and Dead Man’s Shoes. Everything seemed to change with the arrival of Christian Hardy, who convinced Nick to start singing again. Since then, The Leisure Society was created and the band was formed. With their debut album ‘The Sleeper’, released in 2009 to critical acclaim, this year saw the fantastic ‘Into The Murky Water’ released May of this year.
So if you would like to see The Leisure Society perform for free and in a unique setting, please read on…
It is the Tamesis Dock on the Albert Embankment and the gig will be absolutely FREE. Just turn up before 8.30pm on the 24th November and watch the delightful Leisure Society do what they do best.
Last.fm Pop-Up Session with DELS
And it’s back, the Last.fm and HP collaboration has made its return. With such a great reception on it’s previous set of exclusive pop-up sessions around London, HP and Last.fm have decided to team up again. Some of the last sessions that took place a couple of months ago saw the likes of Slow Club, The Boxer Rebellion and Ghostpoet perform for free to small and intimate crowds. On this occasion HP have an Everybody On global campaign, celebrating how people around the world are using HP technology to pursue their personal and professional passions. The first of these new pop-up sessions comes from underground rapper, DELS.
DELS
DELS (aka Kieran Dickens) sees himself as more than a rapper, someone who has attention to detail and prides himself on his wordplay. DELS says of himself…
“never set out to be a rapper. It just happened. I was always obsessed with words. I was always cutting out random letterforms from newspapers or books because I liked the way that they sat on the page visually. This lead to me scribbling random thoughts into the back of school books and eventually picking up the mic to record those thoughts on a beat. I loved the freedom of how words can sit together in hip hop.”
DELS played the Lock Tavern in Camden on the 7th November. It was a free but intimate gathering and this is how it went….
Alongside the live sessions HP have created a Facebook hub called the Artist’s Lounge which you can ‘Like’ and can become part of. Exclusive content from some big summer shows and watch interviews with artists who took questions from people part of the HP Facebook community.
SOURMASH EXCLUSIVE: Buckle Up (Video) by Roxanne De Bastion
I have for you something very special on this fine winter evening. Not only will you be able to hear Berlin born Roxanne De Bastion’s brand new single, but she has given me the EXCLUSIVE preview of the accompanying video too.
"Buckle Up"
‘Buckle Up’ is the next single from Roxanne, it’s an absolute delight of a tune and a brand new version of the song to the version featured on her last EP. An autobiographical slant on being a musician in this challenging industry and the different obstacles that they face. This exceptional new video directed by Ed Dark, is a fast-paced joyous escapade that shows Roxanne crashing into the offices of The BBC and Absolute Radio! Escorted off premises and being tipped by Taxi drivers, it’s a video that sum’s up the meaning of the song and also Roxanne’s wonderful and captivating personality.
So without further ado, I present to you, ‘Buckle Up’ by Roxanne De Bastion
The Single is OUT NOW and can be found on iTunes. For more information on Roxanne head over to her official website.
