Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (V2)
Don't be fooled by the single, Sigur Ros have not made a pop album, just a few really neat pop songs thrown into a spectacular Sigur Ros album. Sigur Ros are one of the bands of our generation that are so fucking good that I'd try hard not to die, just to hear what they'll do next.
Here's a live video of them playing the album's best track:
4. Portishead
Third (Mercury/Island)
I know, it's freakin' Portishead, and it should be number 1. But that's not really fair. I'll give them this - Third is the best major-label album of the year. There's nothing to stop Portishead, I don't even know why they even bothered making another album, because they were already clearly the best in the world at the kind of music they make. But they exceeded expectations and changed up their style - less turntables and more drums, as per the evolution of things. Wanna appreciate Portishead? Just pay close attention to Beth Gibbons' vocal placement on Machine Gun. That, my friends, is masterful musical instinct.
3. No Age
Nouns (Sub Pop)
No Age are two really cool dudes from LA named Dean and Randy. They hang out with their fans and keep busy with their blog. They made a record called Nouns that is 30 minutes of Husker Du/Sonic Youth inspired punk rock; it's pure fun explosions of noise, and is one of those rare albums that one feels could be moving music forward.
2. Beach House
Devotion (Carpark)
Full of dark and delicate dreams, Devotion is like the album Portishead would have made if they lived in Balitmore and had no money. Indie acts don't normally make this kind of music, which makes Beach House even more special; a duo playing melancholy dream pop to small, eager audiences at intimate venues, which is where this album really shines. Have a listen to Gila and I'm sure you'll be hooked and putting Devotion on when you're trying to set the mood. This is sensual stuff.
1. Los Campesinos!
Hold On Now Youngster/We Are Beautiful We Are Doomed (Wichita)
If there is a sign of pop to come, I believe it can be found in the songs of Cardiff's Los Campesinos! This band has thrown the book of indie cool out the window of their tour bus and done everything wrong - releasing 2 albums in a year that they're still only just breaking out, putting an ! after their name, putting their own band name in their songs, having way too many people in their band...seriously, you would think this is a bunch of ADD teenagers who just ransacked the local music shop and started writing songs based on stuff they've seen on facebook. So, add it up...carefree experimentation, hyperactivity, unguided ambition, sloppiness...it's clearly an homage to the indie rock of the 90s, hooray! Let's have it folks - peace, prosperity, and post-hardcore. Los Campesinos are having a blast by doing what they love and not really giving a toss if it offends the hipster community. This is literate, heart-on-sleeve stuff, the kind of rock that emo was supposed to be before it got completely stupid.
"You, Me, Dancing" is already a bona-fide indie disco favourite. "Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks" is one of the best songs of the year, a rambunctious stomper of which any band would love to be able to have in their arsenal to conclude a gig in a fit of hysteria. These albums are fun, smart, emotional, and explosive. They're sure to divide audiences, but I'm glad to be firmly on the side of Los Campesinos, who, I believe, along with Danananananaykroyd, will herald in a new era of indie rock by paying tribute to bands like Pavement, Fugazi, and Sleater-Kinney.
Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks - Los Campesinos!
You, Me, Dancing!
Death to Los Campesinos!
My Year in Lists
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