The below was originally a feature for subba-cultcha.com but the powers that be have decided to scrap the writers' best ofs this year - presumably because we are all ignorant trend-followers devoid of an independent thought. Regardless, here it is anyway. Enjoy!
Official Secrets Act – Understanding Electricity – One Little Indian
Amongst the saturation of guitar-noise, vocal effects and synth-splurges that characterized 2009, OSA shone like a beacon for what matters most: the songs. This criminally overlooked record melds the Beatles’ White Album with smatterings of XTC rhythm and lyrics recalling Blur’s middle-class dysfunction (personal favourite: “Well Victoria, I have seen the x-rays”). The pop album of the year.
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers – Domino Records
Genuinely enthralling record likely to provoke an immediate sensory response from those who hear it for the first time – if only due to the piercing falsetto vocals and dissonant, ringing guitars. Once ears acclimatize to the din, however, what we are left with is the most well executed attempt at innovation heard this year; a record which marries experimentation with both confidence and memorable songs.
The Horrors – Primary Colours - XL
Shoegaze has been making a rather conspicuous comeback this year, and much as it might pain some to back these spider-limbed trendsters, credit where credit’s due: this was the best of the lot. Extra points for the single of the year, ‘Sea Within a Sea’, for making 8 minutes breeze by in blissfully eerie fashion.
The Antlers – Hospice – Frenchkiss Records
The heart-wrenching tale of living through a close friend dying of cancer, Hospice gains an extra point for being that most elusive of things: a concept album with a purpose (i.e. not a sprawling, LSD-fuelled examination of ‘space’ or ‘colours’). Musically it cultivated a melting pot of both electronic and electric noise set back in the mix, while vocals dripping with childlike emotion wove simple patterns over the top. A must hear.
The Joy Formidable – A Baboon Called Moaning – Pure Groove
Admittedly only a mini-album, but worthy of mention nonetheless – largely thanks to a perfectly formed sound which welded yet more shoegazey wall-of-noise with a poppier aesthetic. Bonus points for the airily sexy vocals and the (ever receding) tendency for repetition, flattering listeners with the assumption that their attention spans are not so short that they need a new song figure every 15 seconds. Tres bien.
I also had to pick my favourite books/DVDs/Live shows of the year. Here goes...
LIVE – Blur @ Hyde Park – 3 July
Wonderfully triumphant return for the most adaptable (and indeed talented) of the Britpop troupe. Songs which seemed very of-the-time have mostly dated well, the musicianship was sublime and even the weather held up. All well and good, but when there’s 50,000 palpably delighted people aged 15-50 bouncing up and down in unison to ‘Girls and Boys’, frankly nothing else matters anyway.
LIVE – Pixies @ Brixton Academy – 6 October.
Older, balder, fatter, but no less relevant. The Pixies proved they can still produce the goods live with this unique cover to cover performance of their classic record Doolittle (plus attending b-sides). Omitting ‘Where is My Mind’ from the encore will have irked some, but the overwhelming majority were too busy savouring the moment. Joyous.
LIVE – Lemonheads @ Forum, Kentish Town – 19 September
Much-maligned by credible indie types in the 1990s, but this show was living proof that trends are fickle and talent will invariably outlast the contemporary whims. Sure, the songs may be simple as a rule rather than an exception, but add in the magnetic presence of the lumbering Evan Dando – not to mention his superlative vocals – and magic springs forth. Bonus points for the welcome variety afforded by the rapid-fire acoustic interlude.
DVD – Nirvana: Live at Reading – Universal
Spine-tingling vision of the legendary band. From the tongue-in-cheek entrance of Cobain in a wheelchair to the sprawling, feedback tracked instrument smashing finale, Nirvana sparkle. The camera pleasingly divides its time fairly evenly between band members, whilst their visceral, ear-splitting sound is pristinely recreated. Best bit – Cobain: “this is our last show ever...,” Novoselic: “...for today” – surely a worthy insight into the band’s personality dynamic.
BOOK – John Harris – Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll – Sphere Publishing
Former NME editor John Harris proves once again that he is witty, erudite and engaging with this compendium of all things weird and wacky in pop and rock music from the last 50 years. Best bit: collection of the worst lyrics ever and Harris’ response i.e. Travis’ ‘Turn’ referred to as “greeting card-esque wisdom that occasionally suggested work of optimistic eight-year olds”.
