Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Easily the strongest release of Noel Gallagher’s career since (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?. Not a bad song in the lot, and it’s now incredibly evident (was it ever a question?) which brother got the talent in the family. This album makes Beady Eye sound like a garbage disposal. And, following standard Oasis tradition, the album b-sides are just as good, if not better, than the album tracks (Let The Lord Shine a Light On Me and A Simple Game of Genius).
National Skyline – Primitive Parade
The most secretive musician out there, Jeff Garber, throws a last minute surprise attack in December and releases another completely-under-the-radar album with absolutely no promotion. I stumbled across this album just last week, and at the same time discovered another album released back in August and an EP released in December. I’d listen to this guy brushing his teeth and love everything he’s ever released, butPrimitive Parade is the best thing National Skyline has put out since Bliss & Death. Amazing.
Greek Fire – Deus Ex Machina
A side project from Story Of The Year’s guitarists Philip and Ryan (as well as bassist Mark Joseph Roth and drummer Johnny Venus), this album has been long in the making and has finally seen the light of day. A great blend of catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, Deus Ex Machina is a solid rock album. From their own statement: “Greek Fire is a mission to capture the attention of a rock-deprived generation. A mission to revitalize the spirit of rock music in all of it’s purity and greatness. A mission to create uplifting, soaring music for those who need it now more than ever.” Well said.
Twilight Singers – Dynamite Steps
Greg Dulli puts out another amazing album under the Twilight Singers moniker. Dark, dirty, raw and sexy. Can’t wait to see him live again.
Social Distortion – Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes
Mike Ness takes his sweet time making Social D albums, but they’re always worth the wait. I didn’t think they could top 2004’s Sex, Love, and Rock & Roll but luckily I was proven wrong. The lyrics are written by an older, wiser Mike Ness, husband and father, and the music is as hard and fresh as a ever. Short and sweet, this is a solid album from start to finish.
Charlie Simpson – Young Pilgrim
The first solo effort from Fightstar’s principal singer/songwriter, Young Pilgrim takes Simpson’s music in the opposite direction of the post-hardcore Fightstar, gentle, acoustic and melodic.
Ivy – All Hours
Pop-electronic trio Ivy return after a six-year hiatus. A late-night “sophisti-pop” album crafting together dreamy, danceable synths, thumping bass and the seductive voice of scorching-hot French singer Dominique Durand.
Fair To Midland – Arrows & Anchors
I don’t even know where to begin with this album. It’s loud, crazy and all over the place. I’m amazed that this album didn’t get more press.
Snow Patrol – Fallen Empires
This one slid in just under the wire, but blew me away after the first listen. Apparently Gary Lightbody struggled terribly with writer’s block while making this album, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to it. A bit slower and more melancholy than their previous efforts, but I personally prefer the mellow, acoustics-and-strings Snow Patrol to the electric-and-plugged-in Snow Patrol. The DVD with the deluxe edition of the album is an amazing orchestral concert from London’s Royal Albert Hall.
DJ Shadow – The Less You Know, The Better
Shadow’s best album since Endtroducing… and on par with the classic. Shadow shelved the hip hop influences (for the most part) and went back to his vinyl crate-digging roots.
The Fuck Off And Dies – Songs In The Key of Fuck
Awesomely immature (every song features the wonderful word ‘fuck’ and OFTEN), St. Louis punk heroes release their debut album full of songs that make me want to drink beer, drive fast and close down bars. Highly fucking recommended.
Honorable mentions: Heirlooms of August – Forever The Moon, Francesqa – We Lived, Foo Fighters – Wasting Light, City and Colour – Little Hell, Desertshore – Drawing Of Threes, Glasvegas – Euphoric Heartbreak, You Me At Six – Sinners Never Sleep
Radical Face has a new album ‘The Family Tree: The Roots’, but damn this older song is incredible. The new album is growing on me.
Thanks Bag for the introduction to them.
