Well, this was tough, I think there was only 5 albums I really enjoyed this year, there was a few that I had high expectations for, but they failed to live up to any expectation I had, one being Machine Head’s latest release Unto the Locust, them being my favourite band of all time it was disappointing. anyway here is the five that I did enjoy.
5. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – S/T
Having heard a few of the singles before the album actually came out, I had expectations for a good album, and it delivered. Great pop songs, Noel has a knack for writing a great hook, and there are several examples of it on this album. My favourite track would have to “The Death of You and Me”, the chorus is just so damn catchy.
4. Scoobius Pip – Distraction Pieces
Having only heard this album last week, I was instantly hooked on it. The opening track “Introdiction” is mesmerizing, the opening lines “I saw a dead fish on the pavement, and thought “what did you expect? There’s no water round here, stupid, should have stayed where it was wet…” Another great track would be one called “The Struggle”, it has a bluesy riff throughout and builds to a gritty and dirty chorus. “Hi my name is Johnny Depp and I kill people”. He’s a poet.
This is a smashing debut album from a fellow Dublin man. I got this album last week and instantly thought it was great, think Bruce Springsteen meets Counting Crows.. or something like that. Great pop tunes like “Hard Rocking Woman” and “Hello Caroline” make you want to get up and dance, and the closing track “Carlisle Bridge” well, what can I say about this, it’s his latest single and it’s a wonderful ballad about Dublin, very picturesque.
2. Frank Turner – England Keep My Bones
Being a fan of Mr.Turner for a long time, and this year I had a the privilege of touring with him on the Irish part of his world tour for this album, which is a great album. “If Ever I Stray” has to be the catchiest song I’ve ever heard, love the lyrics, the melody, everything..this albums flows wonderfully, the lyrical theme of England makes you see the scenery in which he describes in songs like “Wessex Boy”. This is one of the finest folk albums of the past few years.
Well, this album came out the same day as Machine Head’s latest offering Unto The Locust but this album smashed that one out of the water. I can’t think of anything to say about this album other than, it’s fucking amazing.
