02/02/2014

Walkman: Annual Review

I wanted to share some music I enjoyed last year. Since I don't feel adequate to judge the quality of the albums, I made a list of my favourite ones rather then the best ones. The criteria for classification as favourite was the degree of obsession, which means: these are the albums I listend to most of the time. (Well, I was obsessed with some older stuff too. Not to mention I have a stockpile of artists I haven't downloaded yet due to a lack of time, so my apologies they didn't make it on the list. Also, I coudn't decide which to include, so here's 15 freaking albums. The world's worst problems.)
How to describe the selection? What dominates is the high proportion of pop (pop, electronic-pop, pop-rock, rock turning more pop...lol). Also, electronica, and some good rock (coz we can't omit rock). And quite a few seriously dark and depressive albums (no I do not want to kill myself).
 
 











1) 'AM' by Arctic Monkeys

I wasn't into them before. But this record is sooo contagious. Every song could be a single. I think this is already a classic. It sounds like a classic to me.
 
 










2) 'MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY' by Vampire Weekend

Such a unique and genious band, and this is their best record in my opinion. If you haven't heard this, shame on you. 












3) 'DELTA MACHINE' by Depeche Mode
 
I was sceptical about this one. I mean, how could they have any more ideas to make an album? But yeah, it turned out they're as genius as always. Nothing's changed :-)
 











4) 'BIG TV' by White Lies
 
What they did on this record is gather all their signature elements and packed them in a more pop package, basically to gather more listeners. I think they made a good job, coz the songs are still cool except less "weird" (I sometime miss that, sometimes not).
 











5) 'LOUD LIKE LOVE' by Placebo
 
In my humble opinion everything by Placebo is great. I looove watching how bands develope and what else they can do, so I am VERY proud of this record. They made lyrics more simple and music more interesting, so the emotional intensity remained the same.
 












6) 'ORIGINS' by God Is An Astronaut

These guys are so creative. It's unbelievable how they made an album with so many new sounds and stuff but still consistent in their style. Thumbs up!
 











7) 'EXILE' by Hurts
 
Ok, NOTHING can compare to their 1st album, but this one is ambitious and catching. As someone nicely said: too ambitious, but so catching I can't help myself. Warning: it's dark as hell, really over the top.
 











8) 'PURE HEROINE' by Lorde
 
This kind of pop the world needed. Clever and seemingly modest. (The cover says it all.)
 











9) '...LIKE CLOCKWORK' by Queens Of The Stone Age
 
It is a very good album. Some songs are just epic. Something you can mark as 'good music' though I wrote that this list is not about that.
 











10) 'PALE GREEN GHOSTS' by John Grant
 
The man is brilliant, what else can I say. The album is so different from the previous one, but still suits him. Modern art.
 











11) 'I LOVE YOU.' by The Neighbourhood
 
Hm, interesting pop, not unheard but with more potential. Pretty dark. A LOT of people are talking about them, but I haven't seen a single mention in media and applications (tough they headlined 'Grammy Gig of a Lifetime'), interesting. 
 











12) 'U REDU JE' by Elemental
 
It's a step forward in their music career. More effort in instrumentals, lyrics strong as always. It's a winner in my book.
 











13) 'NATIVE' by OneRepublic
 
They made it right with this record. Some huge radio hits I don't find irritating and some cool rock songs that still characterizes them as rock-pop. I follow them from the begging and I'm glad they're doing great.
 











14) 'IF YOU LEAVE' by Daughter
 
It's a mix of The XX and Lorde with more "folk" guitars, and it sounds heavenly. Listen to it a few times to understand the lyrics, it makes it even better. I hope they will become better known.
 











15) 'APSURDISTAN' by Dubioza Kolektiv
 
Yep it's been on repeat for quite some time. They're being themselves again and it's awesome. It's a must for all the people from the Balkans.
 
 
 It took ages to write this. -.-
So, your favourites?
xxx 


2 comments:

  1. What do you think about Lady Gaga's album?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Lady GaGa, but as an icon and performer, not a musician. 'ArtPop' is dissaponting coz the lack of inspiration is evident (50% of the lyrics are about sex). Still, I love the instrumental part (it took me some time to get used to heavy electronica but now I find it genious) and her singing. It's a great album with boaring lyrics.
      xxx

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