FADED GLAMOUR

Surfacing: Swim Deep

2012-01-27T08:58:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

Speak to almost any new music blogger and they'll tell you about the dreaded band backlog. Swim Deep have been just another victim until now. A couple of months after I casually dropped their name, along with fellow Midlands bands Peace and Troumaca, I'm finally on it. Join the trio with their blissed out sounds below.

It's hard not to resist all the water-related puns so basically I'm not going to. Sorry guys. Swim Deep have been making waves in the West Midlands for a while now but it's the appearance of their ode to Warpaint bassist Jenny Lee Lindberg, 'King City', that's particularly attracted the attention of the NME and a handful of blogs.

Produced by Foals and TEETH collaborator DREAMTRAK, 'King City' carries elements of MGMT while showering itself in carefree dream-pop. But it's the older demos that captured my attention originally - dive into the beach vibes of 'Santa Maria' and 'Isla Vista' below.

Find more at Facebook.

Playlist: Rajan's Top Ten Tracks Of 2011

2012-01-26T09:03:00.000Z

Words: Rajan Lakhani

Following Jack's top ten tracks of 2011 and Simon's top eleven, here are my top ten songs from last year. Listen to them all in the YouTube playlist below, including tracks from Tribes, Glasvegas and Cut Copy.

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST:

TRACKLIST:

10. Katy B - 'Broken Record'

Katy B was one of the few British 'ones to watch' from 2011 that truly delivered on their potential. This single demonstrates why she was dubstep's major breakout star, melding a pop nous to electronic beats which packs an emotional punch with her affecting vocal.

9. Toddla T - 'Watch Me Dance'

Featuring the brilliant MC Roots Manuva, 'Watch Me Dance' is a infectious, fun slice of UK urban dance. No party playlist is complete without it.

8. Nicola Roberts - 'Beat Of My Drum'

Nicola Roberts has by far produced the best solo album by a member of Girls Aloud. This opening salvo from her debut 'Cinderella's Eyes' was as much brilliant as it was surprising, a thrilling pop single with a fantatically bratty chorus. It's a shame therefore it's not received major commercial acclaim -perhaps it's a result of cynicism around whether this is her really her own sound but who should care when the songs are this good?

7. Miles Kane - 'Rearrange'

Often maligned as the junior partner to Alex Turner, Miles Kane's debut 'Colour Of The Trap' was his opportunity to showcase his songwriting abilities. While not a perfect album, it's clear Kane knows his way with a melody and there are many tunes you find yourself humming along to with the retro, 60s feel of 'Rearrange' my favourite.

6. Glasvegas - 'The World Is Yours'

Glasvegas's second album contained too much empty bluster but this track is the exception, where they realise their epic, widescreen ambition. Like all the best songs, 'The World Is Yours' manages to be euphoric and heartbreaking (pun intended) in equal measure, as James Allan sings “If I’m your world/Then the world is yours”.

5. Joan As Police Woman - 'The Magic'

I must admit I hadn't heard of Joan As Police Woman before hearing her latest album 'The Deep Field'. A mature affair, the record is full of soulful insights although on occasion verges too close to MOR. Lead single, the sleek, funky, 'The Magic' avoid this, as Joan searches for the emotional, giddy rush of a relationship.

4. Tribes - 'Sappho'

I'd read a lot about Tribes before hearing this single, mainly about the band reviving the sound of Britpop. As someone who grew up during that period, this peaked my curiosity and 'Sappho' was no disappointment. While, yes it is clear their sound harks back to the likes of Suede and Oasis, there is also a grunginess a la Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins and of course Nirvana which gives their sound a different dimension. What the chorus lacks in subtlety, it more than makes up with its effusive, gaudy singalong refrain.

3. Lady Gaga - 'Judas'

After the letdown of title track 'Born This Way', many of the sceptics were looking to say Lady Gaga was already running out of ideas. It seemed she was taking herself too seriously and the album is muddled but 'Judas' demonstrated what she is best at - disposable, catchy pop songs with melodies that get their slippers off and take up residency in your head. A cousin of the all-conquering 'Bad Romance', the song has a sweet, 80s-pop chorus which is undeniable.

2. The Strokes - 'Under Cover of Darkness'

The Strokes returned with this superb comeback single, their first release in almost five years. It has all the elements which saw the band reinvent indie rock in at the start of the noughties together with a lovely, vulnerable chorus as Julian Casablancas sings “Don't Go That Way/I'll wait for you”. It's a shame the album didn't live up to this track.

1. Cut Copy - 'Need You Now'

I'm a huge fan of Cut Copy and while 'Zonoscope' didn't quite match the overall standard set by 'In Ghost Colours', it has moments which not only equalled but surpassed their earlier record. Opener 'Need You Now' is one of those songs, as its hynoptic beats slowly builds into a stunning peak as Whitford's pleads grow more desperate and aching, recalling Bowie's 'Heroes'. The genius of Cut Copy, like their musical forefathers New Order, is they know exactly when to make a shift in a song or add a new element to keep the listener guessing. Simply put, a brilliant song.

Listen to the playlist in full in the embed above or at YouTube. For other FG playlists, click here.

Album Review: Tribes - Baby

2012-01-25T09:18:00.001Z

Tribes - 'Baby' (UK Release: 16 Jan '12) // Words: Emily Solan

As long ago as it seems, it was this time last year that I was tipping Tribes to be the next big things. It seems that my predictions were wholly accurate, with every man and his dog frothing at the mouth at the release of their debut 'Baby' (count the recent double page spread in The Sun among all this hoo-hah). This collection of faux-grunge, hipster anthems, however, leaves a slightly bitter taste.

There are the obvious stand out tracks, such as the wickedly anthemic 'We Were Children' with its insanely catchy refrain of “These things happen, we were children in the mid-nineties”, latching suitably onto the seasons trend for all things grunge. Another highlight is 'Sappho', almost an ode to lesbian love everyone (“How do you tell a son that his daddy left his mum when she fell in love with a girl like you?”).

Other than that, 'Baby' is a collection of vaguely repetitive and somewhat mediocre tracks. With songs so similar that they flow into one another perfectly, it’s hard to listen to this as an album, the whole thing sounds like the background music to an episode of 'Skins' or some other similarly distressing alternative TV show. This may be doing them a disservice, but the more you listen, the more of a turn-off this entire album is.

This may be doing a slight disservice to Tribes though. What is here is a solid attempt at reviving guitar music (did you hear it’s apparently dead?), and of course that’s the reason that most of the music press are going to scream for this album. While it is fairly repetitive, it’s hard to deny that the band have an ear for a tune. 'Corner Of An English Field' is yet another of those swooning and gently melodic tunes yet it manages to stand out completely from the album.

'Baby' is a valiant attempt for a debut album. Tribes have played the game well with tours set in fans gardens and tabloid rumours, coupled with Topshop’s current range of “grunge chic” and its easy to see them fast becoming a fad. Come festival season they’ll be the band on everyone’s lips, as we’ll all be chanting 'We Were Children' all over again. With a stronger debut though, they could have easily followed The Vaccines atmospheric rise.

6.0/10

'Baby' is available to purchase at Amazon.co.uk, iTunes etc. Find more at tribesband.com.

Playlist: Simon's Top Eleven Tracks Of 2011

2012-01-24T08:50:00.001Z

Words: Simon Opie

Following up Jack's top ten tracks of 2011, here my top eleven songs of last year - featuring the likes of Low, The Dirtbombs, and Esben And The Witch. Along with eight others. YouTube playlist below.

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST:

11) Dan Mangan – 'About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All'

Apart from having the longest title of any song ever, this opener from 'Oh Fortune' is a genuinely beautiful song from an album that didn’t get the attention it should have done. In the plethora of singer songwriter efforts, it’s one of the very best.

10) Battles – 'Ice Cream'

Guest vocalist Matias Aguayo spices up this lead-off single from 'Gloss Drop'. It is certainly the funkiest tune they’ve produced and has a great video to boot. 99’s all round.

9) Beastie Boys – 'Make Some Noise'

The theme tune to the greatest pop video ever made and a welcome return for the Beastie Boys, whose 'Hot Sauce Committee' was maybe their finest ever record.

8) Esben And The Witch – ‘Marching Song’

The highlight of 'Violet Cries' – the debut album from Esben And The Witch. In truth the rest of the album fell some way short of this tune, but this is a great off-kilter anthem full of tension and drama.

7) The Dirtbombs – 'Alleys Of Your Mind'

A terrific groove from an underrated album. The Dirtbombs tribute to Detroit’s Techno roots, 'Party Store', is as bold and challenging a covers album as you’ll ever find and this is pure soul.

6) PS I Love You – 'Meet Me At The Muster Station'

Strangely topical song from one of the very best Black Keys/White Stripes influenced two man bands. Snappy lyrics, crunchy guitars, it’s two minutes of pugnacious punk pop, from the album of the same name.

5) Low – 'Witches'

Marking Alan Sparhawk’s recovery from a pretty serious illness, 'C’mon' has some brilliant moments and this is my favourite. A life affirming song about tackling Witches with a baseball bat – how to cast out your demons you might say. Faintly reminiscent of 'Bittersweet Symphony', which is a very good thing of course.

4) Down I Go – 'Atlas'

Madder than a crazed soothsayer, this chaotic tune from the 'Gods' EP is as glorious a swansong as you could wish for. Motown chorus girls interrupt hardcore metal mythical storytelling that then breaks into Nirvana like festival anthem. Cue the feedback. A band that will be sorely missed.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://shelsmusic.bandcamp.com/track/atlas"&amp;gt;Atlas by Down I Go&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3) Ghostpoet – 'Survive It'

A real talent breaks it with this tremendous single. Gentle despair, with a painfully true to life account of impending middle age. Trust me on that one. Maybe not high on the uplifting stakes, but supremely well done.

2) Richmond Fontaine – 'Lost In The Trees'

Naked drug taking in remote woods to the strains of a Judas Priest mixtape. You just have to be drawn into the sticky web of this bizarre story, a huge part of 'The High Country'’s unique appeal is its concept but the music is pretty good too. “I screamed her name until my voice broke...”

1) CSS – 'City Grrrl'

Music is supposed to be fun after all, so top spot goes to this uplifting pop song from the return to form that was 'La Liberacion'. CSS are sexy, sassy, brilliant live and this should have been the Christmas number one after several unbroken weeks at the top of the charts. But if we all got what we deserve I’d be living in Rio hooked up with their guitarist, and that’s not happening any time soon either.

Listen to the playlist (minus the unavailable Down I Go track) in the embed above or on YouTube.

Surfacing: Stella Le Page [New Artist]

2012-01-23T08:47:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

25 year old Londoner (hey, me too) Stella Le Page cut her teeth as a member of synth-pop outfit Primary 1's live band as well as recording cello parts for Plan B. After dropping a succession of covers last year, 2012 sees Stella stepping out on her own two feet properly - her sassy debut single, 'Snake', is released digitally today.

Stella recorded eight covers in 2011, taking on a blistering variety of tracks by the likes of The Weeknd, James Blake, Robyn and Nancy Sinatra. Influences on her music? At some level, I guess they all must be. I've included a couple of my favourite of her covers below. Pick up all eight covers for free from her parent label, Anchor Factory.

One influence/contemporary that I feel is particularly valid is Little Boots - both have a synth-pop sensibility while embracing more classical roots. 'Snake' is a perfect example, a fantastically bitter revenge anthem compromising rousing electro-pop juxtaposed with classical piano. Hypnotic demo 'The Morning After' opts for a more magical direction. Both tracks hint at the birth of something truly exciting.

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For more info, head to facebook.com/stellamusicuk.

Playlist: Jack's Top Ten Tracks Of 2011

2012-01-20T09:35:00.001Z

Words: Jack Thomson

Most music outlets have already gone and forgotten 2011 but we wanted to share some of our individual favourite tracks of the year after giving it some considered thoughts. Listen to my top ten tracks of 2011 in YouTube playlist below, featuring everything from hot tips for 2012 Zulu Winter and Alt-J to new rap "sensation" Azealia Banks.

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST:

10. Zulu Winter - Let's Move Back To Front
The sounds from this London based band more than make up for the lack of information about them online. ’Let’s Move Back To Front’ begins with jangly guitar chords and pitch-perfect falsetto vocals over a solid beat. As it progresses, it grows and develops into something much darker and moves away from its dreamy opening, ending on a guitar fuelled crescendo, full of reverb and distant vocals. If this track is anything to go by, Zulu Winter are definitely a band to watch out for in 2012.

9. Tyler, The Creator - Yonkers
The music video for ‘Yonkers’ by Odd Future’sTyler The Creator is definitely one of the best promo clips I’ve seen in a long while and is taken from his debut album ‘Goblin’ which came out last year surrounded by a whole world of hype. The album is by no means an easy listen, but with music and accompanying visuals as strong as ‘Yonkers’, all eyes will be on Tyler and his new album which is due to drop in early 2012.

8. SBTRKT - Wildfire (feat. Little Dragon)
South London’s SBTRKT got a lot of attention in the electronic music scene last year with the release of his debut album. As a whole it was an incredibly strong album, but my personal favourite had to be ‘Wildfire’ featuring Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon. She provides perfectly pitched vocals over the instantly catchy, wobbly bass that made this track one of my top tracks of the year.

7. Arctic Monkeys - Brick By Brick
I have always been a huge fan of Arctic Monkeys and their ability to release consistently brilliant albums that people seem to genuinely care about. The first track to emerge last year from their latest effort was the superb ‘Brick By Brick’. A lot heavier than some of their previous outings, but still instantly recognisable with Turner’s trademark witty lyrics and fuzzy guitar solos.

6. Azealia Banks - 212
Now prepping her debut album, Azealia Banks released the video for ‘212’ last year, a certified club banger that certainly shows what all the buzz is about. Whether her music hits you with seasoned bars or her angelic voice and hooks, Azealia Banks gave everybody a reason to rewind that track with ‘212’. Download it for free below.

5. Breton – The Commission
Breton are by quite a way one of the most exciting sounding projects I’ve come across in a long while. Signed to FatCat Records, the label who discovered Sigur Ros and Animal Collective, ‘The Commission’ is a beautifully atmospheric song on the surface, with an incredibly dense sounding core, giving it an overwhelming sense of inevitable foreboding. The accompanying video encapsulates this perfectly and was directed by BretonLABS and Stuart Sinclair. Definitely an album to look forward to in 2012.

4. White Russia - O Jerusalem
White Russia's debut LP is a real body of work and album closer 'O Jerusalem' showed this best clocking in at a powerful 9:23. From start to finish the track grows and grows into the most spacious, hypnotic sound, really drawing the listener into their world of distorted bass and beautiful atmospheric vocals.

3. Bon Iver - Holocene
Bon Iver's latest album 'Bon Iver' showed a progression from his debut with the addition of a band. I was cautious at first having been such a big fan of 'For Emma, Forever Ago', but from the word go completely fell in love with it. 'Holocene' is such a beautiful track and summed up for me what the album was about, and also showed what great musicians were involved.

2. Lana Del Rey – Video Games
Lana Del Rey is soon to become a regular household name and her rise to fame has taken just a mere few months. Video Games kicked things off last year and the combination of a quirky home made video and her laid back, seductive vocals was enough to draw me in. It is an instantly catchy song that stuck in my head for days and hopefully shows the beginnings of 2012s next big star.

1.Alt-J - Tessellate
There aren't many bands that excite me from the word go, but Alt-J have made my top track of 2011. With their sublime vocal harmonies, jittery indie beats and intricate guitar parts, Tessellate is an incredibly infectious song and shows why 2012 is set to be a big year for the Leeds band. Download the demo version below for free.

Listen to the playlist in full on YouTube or in the embed above.

Surfacing: Model Railway Exhibition [New Band]

2012-01-19T09:01:00.004Z

Words: Saam Das

Last week saw the debut release for London three-piece Model Railway Exhibition on Verulamium Records, which is the record label offshoot of Just Music That I Like. Not only is that a blog we heartily recommend checking out but we share similar sentiments for this band and their engaging, beat-laden shoegaze.

There's more than a hint of a Creation Records influence here with a scuzzy sound that has seen contemporaries The History Of Apple Pie garner hype over the course of 2011. Perhaps Model Railway Exhibition will receive similar plaudits in the coming months. We certainly hope so as not much has been said about them thus far. Not nearly enough, anyway.

Debut single 'Jennifer's Brother' is out on cassette tape (100 copies only) with 'Future Perfect' on the flip-side. It is the a-side 'Jennifer's Brother' which most appeals, with its hypnotic juxtaposition of heavenly vocals and onslaught of guitars. A Christmas track, 'Always Winter In Grantham', is also available to listen to on their Soundcloud page.

Find out more on the band at modelrailwayexhibition.co.uk. Purchase the single at Bandcamp or from Verulamium Records.

TV Review: Sherlock - The Reichenbach Fall [BBC iPlayer]

2012-01-18T09:04:00.004Z

'Sherlock' Series Two, Episode Three: 'The Reichenbach Fall' // Words: Saam Das

SYNOPSIS: "Contemporary crime drama. Moriarty is back, with the most audacious crime of the century. But is Sherlock Holmes all he claims to be?" (bbc.co.uk)

It is perhaps unfortunate that the recent film sequel 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows' and the finale to the second series of this fantastic television show both opted for the same source material - 'The Final Problem'. Yet both the film and this episode have turned out rather well. For more on the latter, read below - there will be spoilers on the series as a whole but these will be heavily marked.

The episode opens in a solemn fashion as we find our old buddy Dr John Watson (Martin Freeman) attempting to come to terms with the death of Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) before we flashback to months previously to the man in his pomp. Solving cases like no amateur has done before, "boffin" Sherlock Holmes has become the media's darling, with "confirmed bachelor"-cum-PR-assistant Watson also thrust into the limelight.

All is looking well until the return of one Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott), generally regarded as "the greatest criminal mind the world has ever known". An ominous, if not catchy, slogan. Moriarty has played a rather subdued role in this series considering the manner in which he exploded into Sherlock's world in the previous series finale. But he has clearly been biding his time.

Breaking into The Tower Of London, Bank Of England and Pentonville Prison simultaneously via what appears to be a mobile phone app - there's an app for everything these days - but is apparently a few lines of computer code which can open any door, anywhere. "I can blow up NATO in alphabetical order". Moriarty rather gloriously decorates himself in the crown jewels while awaiting his capture - his object of desire being Sherlock, and not money.

Moriarty finds himself on trial, entering a "not guilty" plea, while presenting no defence. We're already aware that this is a man who is quite possibly batshit insane yet we also know that he is extremely intelligent. This is a man with a plan. A plan to destroy Sherlock. And that plan is already well under way...which is about as much as I'd like to say in terms of plot without entering the realm of spoilers.

'The Reichenbach Fall' was truly excellent, one of the finest pieces of television (British or otherwise) from the past decade. The writing, acting and direction all superb with perhaps the only sour note being the final shot, which was too revelatory for my liking. As well as a slightly dubious assassins sub-plot. Nonetheless, I salute all involved, particularly the terrific writing of Steve Thompson and direction from Toby Haynes. A shame we'll have to wait a long, long time till the third series.

*****SPOILERS FROM HERE ON*****

So before the intermission for spoilers, I was talking about Moriarty being on trial. Obviously he got out of that in a typically malevolent fashion. Which surely brings up an interesting discussion about why good guys (almost) always win when they're so restricted by the "rules"? But that's for another time.

A brew with Moriarty later and we're onto kidnapped children. In similar fashion to 'The Great Game', Sherlock managed to solve the case in spite of severe time pressure but ultimately, this counts against him. When the young girl immediately screams upon meeting Sherlock, Sergeant Donovan grasped upon her long standing grudge against the detective and pinned him as prime suspect. Bloody women.

The dramatic montage (from a taxi, of all places) that followed was unexpectedly brilliant, both cementing Moriarty's status as a maniac and a genius. Of course, having had a run in with one cab driver already - you'd have to ask why Sherlock doesn't at least take a glance at who he's joining inside a moving vehicle. Bloody cabbies.

Two arrests later and Sherlock and Watson made their "imminent and daring escape" from the police - which seemed like something of a plothole for the rest of the episode, it must be said. But that kind of thing is easily overlooked when the twists start coming - first, Moriarty posing as an actor who Sherlock had hired to perpetrate his "fake" crimes. Then, the computer code that never was - even the great Sherlock was dumbfounded that something could have been done so easily.

The biggest twists of course were the final deaths. Moriarty's, in particular. Just as I was warming to Andrew Scott as well. Having so skilfully defeated Sherlock, it was something of a surprise that he would sacrifice his own life simply to ensure a greater probability that Sherlock's friends would die. Especially as they ended up surviving. But really it's all about Sherlock's end. Or rather, his un-end.

***(WILD SPECULATION ON) THE ENDING***

He clearly jumped off the roof. Was it his bloodied body lying on the pavement? We've seen a similar bait-and-switch in the first episode of this series - speaking of which, it was a shame not to see a returning Irene Adler - whether that has any reflection on the eventual explanation, I'm not sure.

There's a few key elements - Sherlock insisting that John stand in a certain location, followed by the cyclist knocking John over as Sherlock jumps. With difficulty, he stumbles over to see what he believes is Sherlock's body and checks for any pulse - finding none. In his discombobulated state though, what he perceived might not have been true.

Molly (Louise Brealey) seems to be the missing piece of this jigsaw. Her character has been nurtured magnificently over the course of the six episodes and she could well have played her finest hand yet here. Significantly, Sherlock asks for her help in a sincere rather than commanding manner and she appears willing.

It seems most likely that Sherlock jumped onto an adjacent garbage truck, then as Watson was hit by the cyclist, faked substantial injuries with or without the help of a) Molly and/or b) Mycroft and his pals c) Irene Adler d) Lestrade e) Dangermouse etc. Molly would then conduct the resulting autopsy and cover-up the issue. It'd be good for Molly to be the hero, for once.

If the garbage truck had nothing to do with the situation, it pulled away surprisingly quickly considering someone had just committed suicide about 5 yards away. But I suppose Londoners are known for their ability to continue their daily lives in the face of adversity. And the makers can always claim it was an intentional red herring and it was their plan all along. I will stage a small protest/my own fake suicide if they try though.

Other theories are certainly available, and the traumatised child who screamed at the sight of Sherlock could be key - perhaps there was some sort of mask/disguise which could have been placed on another corpse or even more juicy, a (now deceased) Sherlock double. Some people even think Moriarty might have a double, although I would like to think not purely as it would be of tremendous detriment to this episode.

As it stands, 'The Reichenbach Fall' was not a fall but a triumph. Whether the final reveal of an alive Sherlock was needed, I'm not sure - I thought it actually took away some of the emotion of Watson's empassioned plea for him to return. Perhaps simply showing a shadowy figure walking away or some such would have been preferable.

To sum up the series, we found ourselves in a similar pattern to last year - a strong start followed by a middling...middle, which was then topped off with a thriller. Holmes and Watson have stepped up a notch both in acting and in character, while the likes of Lestrade, Mrs Hudson and Molly are pleasingly seeing more game time. Let's keep this up for series three, guys.

PREVIOUS EPISODE (SPOILER-FREE) REVIEWS:
'The Hounds Of Baskerville' (2012)
'A Scandal In Belgravia' (2012)
'The Great Game' (2010)
'The Blind Banker' (2010)
'A Study In Pink' (2010)

Watch 'The Reichenbach Fall' on BBC iPlayer till 21.29, 28 Jan '12. Feel free to leave any comments on this episode, the "death" of Sherlock, and/or the series as a whole below.

Short: Watch Cinematic Mash-Up Of Lionel Ritchie's Hello

2012-01-17T19:36:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

The iconic video to Lionel Ritchie's 'Hello' featured a teacher (played by Richie) falling in love with a blind student of his. Was that not a no-no back in the eighties? Anyway, Matthijs Vlot has elected to recreate Ritchie's song via a supercut of clips from the history of cinema. Everything from 'Taxi Driver' to 'Inception'. Watch it below, along with the original video.

Hello from ant1mat3rie on Vimeo.

Find more about Matthijs at his website.

Playlist: FG Top 50 Albums Of 2011

2012-01-17T09:16:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

Due to overwhelming popular demand (not really), I've put together a YouTube and Spotify playlist for our writer compiled "albums of 2011" poll. Find the list in full below along with the aforementioned playlists at the bottom of the page. A mighty fine way to spend a couple of hours, me thinks.

For more details on each album, check out these links: 50-31 // 30-21 // 20-11 // 10-1

50) Youth Lagoon - 'The Year Of Hibernation'
49) The Weeknd - 'House Of Balloons'
48) Braids - 'Native Speaker'
47) Fight Like Apes - 'The Body Of Christ And The Legs Of Tina Turner'
46) Veronica Falls - 'Veronica Falls'
45) Nicolas Jaar - 'Space Is Only Noise'
44) Tune-Yards - 'WHOKILL'
43) Austra - 'Feel It Break'
42) Boris - 'Heavy Rocks'
41) Cults - 'Cults'
40) Touche Amore - 'Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me'

39) WU LYF - 'Go Tell Fire To The Mountain'
38) TV On The Radio - 'Nine Types Of Light'
37) Cat's Eyes - 'Cat's Eyes'
36) SBTRKT - 'SBTRKT'
35) Friendly Fires - 'Pala'
34) Smith Westerns - 'Dye It Blonde'
33) Brainoil - 'Death Of This Dry Season'
32) Beirut - 'The Rip Tide'
31) Little Comets - 'In Search Of Elusive Little Comets'
30) PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake'

29) Kurt Vile - 'Smoke Ring For My Halo'
28) Justice - 'Audio, Video, Disco'
27) Nils Frahm - 'Felt'
26) Matthew Herbert - 'One Pig'
25) Tom Vek - 'Leisure Seizure'
24) Hauschka - 'Salon Des Amateurs'
23) Summer Camp - 'Welcome To Condale'
22) WATERS - 'Out In The Light'
21) M83 - 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming'

20) White Russia - 'O Jerusalem'
19) Will Haven - 'Voir Dire'
18) The Vaccines - 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?'
17) Mogwai - 'Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will'
16) Kate Bush - '50 Words For Snow'
15) EMA - 'Past Life Martyred Saints'
14) Girls - 'Father, Son And The Holy Ghost'
13) Noah & The Whale - 'Last Night On Earth'
12) Big Deal - 'Lights Out'
11) Benjamin Francis Leftwich - 'Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm'

10) Jay Z & Kanye West - 'Watch The Throne'
9) Slow Club - 'Paradise'
8) Drake - 'Take Care'
7) James Blake - 'James Blake'
6) Arctic Monkeys - 'Suck It And See'
5) Ghostpoet - 'Peanut Butter Blues And Melancholy Jam'
4) Fleet Foxes - 'Helplessness Blues'
3) Bon Iver - 'Bon Iver'
2) The Horrors - 'Skying'
1) Wild Beasts - 'Smother'

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST:

FREE DOWNLOAD: Veronica Falls - Bad Feeling by Bella Union

FREE DOWNLOAD: BEAT AND THE PULSE by AUSTRA

Listen to the playlist on Spotify or YouTube.

Album Review: Trailer Trash Tracys - Ester

2012-01-16T21:29:00.000Z

Trailer Trash Tracys - 'Ester' (UK Release: 9 Jan '12) // Words: Simon Opie

London four piece Trailer Trash Tracys certainly have a terrific name, obviously not bothered whether the plural of Tracy is technically Tracies, and determined to do things their way. They have built a solid following, supported both The Horrors and The xx and I wouldn’t bet against them outlasting both. Their debut album 'Ester' comes out on Domino, one of the most enlightened labels of the last two decades.

'Ester' starts with a psychedelic flashback - 'Rolling – Kiss The Universe' – worthy of Japanese supergroup Acid Mothers Temple, and then breaks into 'Baba O’Riley' by The Who (well at least the opening riff to single 'You Wish You Were Red' uses the same three-note phrase) So all the cards are on the table nice and early. Retro, David Lynch soaked, echoplexed songs are their core mode with some flashes of dissonance and almost My Bloody Valentine moments. As someone nearly said, it may or may not be rock and roll but I like it.

Suzanne Aztoria has a great voice, both gritty and ethereal, as evidenced on their breakthrough single 'Candy Girl' and musically they keep pulling the rabbits out of the sack. Whether lost in the winding paths of 'Engelhardt’s Arizona' or building the chiming lines of 'Strangling Good Guys' they have an immensely wide and effective vocabulary.

The album is perfectly paced and the time they’ve put into its development – 'Candy Girl' was first released in 2009 - has been rewarded with a set of songs that hang together but stand each on their own. Of course as many have found that can be a hard act to follow but for now Trailer Trash Tracys should be proud of a fine record, which gets 2012 off to a really good start.

8.0/10

Find more info at trailertrashtracys.com. 'Ester' is available to purchase at iTunes, amazon.co.uk etc.

Preview: Shut Up And Play The Hits [LCD Soundsystem Documentary]

2012-01-15T19:38:00.000Z

'Shut Up And Play The Hits' (2012) // Words: Saam Das

James Murphy disbanded LCD Soundsystem in 2011, ending on one triumphant night at Madison Square Garden. Directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace were on hand to document the before, during and aftermath of the experience in 'Shut Up And Play The Hits'. There is life after death. Watch the trailer below.

This documentary has been made by the same team behind the well-received Blur documentary 'No Distance Left To Run', and judging from the trailer, it's definitely been left in safe hands. The documentary debuts at the Sundance Film Festival presumably preceding a wider release. Maybe even the London branch of Sundance?

For more info, go to shutupandplaythehits.com. Check out Kieran's 2010 live review of LCD Soundsystem in Paris.

Download: Disappearers - Leave What You Love [Live Session]

2012-01-13T09:16:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

I'm quite excited by the fact that 2012 could see a lot of the bands we've featured on the blog actually going places. Step forward Disappearers, who did a live version of one of their newest tracks for Reebok Classics. And for all of us. But mainly Reebok. The organ-infused alt-pop of 'Leave What You Love' lies in wait below, in both its original demo and recent live session forms.

We've been enjoying each of the tracks the band has come up with beginning with my #38 top track of 2010, 'Everything Straight Lies', to the last demos I posted almost exactly a year ago. 'Leave What You Love' is the latest of their tracks to pleasurably combine a certain melancholy with a wistfulness.

The Reebok session saw artist Andrew Groves use a room as his canvas, in which Disappearers then performed the track. Read more and pick up the free live version download at Soundcloud. You can pick up the superior sounding demo from the widget below the videos.

Find more info at disappearers.com.

Stream: Mammal Club - Towards You With Lust [New Demo]

2012-01-12T09:02:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

We first talked about Northerners Mammal Club in October 2010, followed by our excitement over their 'Au' EP last April. 'Otter' still stands out as one of my favourite tracks of 2011. Anyway, they've returned with a wonderfully ethereal slice of experimental pop, which you can listen to below.

'Toward You With Lust' is actually a track that's been floating along for well over a year now, with the YouTube performance video below, filmed way back in September 2010. A new hypnotic, nostalgic-sports-day-themed video has been put together - perhaps with the Olympics arriving on our fair isle in mind? Either way, watch it below. More news as and when I have it.

Find out more at facebook.com/mammalclub.

Surfacing: Iman [New Artist]

2012-01-11T09:18:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

Ed Sheeran was one of the most commercially successful new artists of 2011. In the midst of his meteoric rise, he co-wrote songs with London singer-songwriter Iman, who very much has the potential to become one of the most popular artists of 2012. Indeed, she's already won a competition to play the Big Chill Festival later this year. Unfortunately, pop's a fickle business but debut single 'Only You' should go down as a timeless ballad.

'Only You' was one of the tracks co-written with Sheeran and the result is a delicate, heartfelt offering. Complete with strings. More pop songs need strings. In fact, more of Iman's demos could do with strings to beef them up. Alternatively, she could continue in a dancier direction as exhibited by her lively 'I Hold The Stars' demo. I think I'd quite like that.

Find out more at imanmusic.co.uk.

Top 50 Albums Of 2011: 10-1 [Part Four]

2012-01-10T18:04:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

And lo, our list of the fifty most stupendous albums of 2011 finally comes to a close. Thanks to all our contributing writers, namely: Rajan Lakhani, Simon Opie, Emily Arc, Jon Sidwell, Emily Solan, Jack Thomson, Raman Kamboh and Kieran Toms. Some honourable mentions which didn't quite make the list include efforts by: Laura Marling, Oneida, Oneohtrix Point Never, The Antlers, Low and Metronomy. Feel free to add any others we missed out in the comments below.

Links to the other parts: 50-31 // 30-21 // 20-11 // 10-1

10) Jay Z & Kanye West - 'Watch The Throne'

Two heavyweights of the hip hop world combined to drop one of the year's most anticipated releases. For those who lay in wait, it did not disappoint - for them, Jay-Z and Kanye West sit side by side on their respective thrones.

9) Slow Club - 'Paradise'

A more polished effort than their debut but equally as charming, 'Paradise' saw the re-birth of Slow Club as an act here to stay. Still with the same twee-folk heart but with a newer, darker outlook.

8) Drake - 'Take Care'

Such is Drake's standing in the hip-hop world that he commanded appearances on his second album from the likes of Rihanna, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, Andre 3000 and Nicki Minaj. Combining many moods from bravado through to sadness over the course of 18 tracks, Drake's aspirations were much appreciated by a selection of FG writers.

7) James Blake - 'James Blake'

One of the most polarising artists of the past year but one who impressed several FG writers with his ambitious debut self-titled album. Emerging from the dubstep scene, Blake created something unique, minimal and experimental - admirably executing his bedroom-born vision.

6) Arctic Monkeys - 'Suck It And See'

The blistering start to their career seems long ago but the impressive songwriting skills remain. "A mature and gentler approach has revealed a romantic side to the band that they’ve previously shyed away from at times." (Emily Solan, full review of 'Suck It And See' here) Special mention must also go to frontman Alex Turner's solo EP, which superbly soundtracked the film 'Submarine'.

5) Ghostpoet - 'Peanut Butter Blues And Melancholy Jam'

Spearheading a movement for engaging UK hip hop along with the likes of collaborator DELS, Ghostpoet's "terrific debut" was nominated for the Mercury, and according to at least one of our writers, "should have won" (Simon Opie, other words here).

4) Fleet Foxes - 'Helplessness Blues'

Well worth the long wait to follow-up their acclaimed self-titled folk debut. "It separates them from bands they are often categorised with, showing a greater depth and understanding of their inspirations such as Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Byrds, Elliott Smith and the Beach Boys."(Rajan Lakhani, full review of the album here)

3) Bon Iver - 'Bon Iver'

Justin Vernon's 2008 debut 'For Emma, Forever Ago' was widely considered as the top record of that year and Vernon has returned to deliver another beautifully heartfelt record. Except this time, he's brought a full band with him, presenting a richly layered sound that makes this album arguably superior to the debut.

2) The Horrors - 'Skying'

It's difficult to imagine this is the same band that began in a shambolic, sub-garage-rock style. Their second album, 'Primary Colours', warranted a reappraisal of their talent and with their latest effort, "The Horrors have matured into one of the most innovative bands alternative music has to offer" (Rajan Lakhani, full review of 'Skying' here)

1) Wild Beasts - 'Smother'

Yet again pipping The Horrors to the post, following their victory in our inaugural "alternative Mercury music prize" award in September. Their "eerily therapeutic and haunting album full of love, lust and longing" (Emily Solan, full review of 'Smother' here) won over several of our writers as well as critics worldwide.

Feel free to add your thoughts on the list below.

BBC iPlayer: Sherlock - The Hounds Of Baskerville [TV Review]

2012-01-10T09:12:00.002Z

'Sherlock' Series Two, Episode Two: 'The Hounds Of Baskerville' // Words: Saam Das

SYNOPSIS: "Contemporary crime drama. Sherlock and John investigate the truth about the monstrous creature which apparently killed their client's father." (bbc.co.uk)

The first series of 'Sherlock' saw an extremely bright opening episode followed by a middling offering. Unfortunately, two years later(s), it's more of the same - last week's excellent return, 'A Scandal In Belgravia' followed in disappointing fashion by an effort that fails to live upto its original story ('The Hound Of The Baskervilles') basis. Spoiler-free thoughts below....

The opening of 'The Hounds Of Baskerville' has an element of British cult horror film 'Dog Soldiers', as we see a wide-eyed Henry Knight (Russell Tovey) relive his father's death at the hands/paws of "a gigantic hound". Meanwhile, Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) struggling to maintain his composure and sanity as he battles his nicotine addiction and a lack of intellectual stimulation. Holmes and Knight discuss his father's death and after his usual flippancy, Sherlock takes the case on.

Watson (Martin Freeman) and Holmes travel down to the Dartmoor area (allowing us to witness some pleasurable vistas) to investigate Knight's father's death - all the more suspicious due to a long-standing governmental chemical and biological weapons facility, Baskerville, located nearby. Rumours have long since spread in the local area that one of the animals experimented on escaped...

A brief (illegal) foray into Baskerville sees Watson pleasingly take the limelight when he pulls rank to avoid suspicion, and also presents us with a brilliant look of disdain from Mycroft (episode writer Mark Gatiss). Holmes, Watson and Knight return to the scene of the death soon after and Holmes finds his pre-conceptions shattered, which later gives rise to a supremely breathless monologue - Sherlock at arguably his lowest point but Cumberbatch at one of his highest.

Unfortunately, such compelling moments are few and far between. The references to the original Conan Doyle stories seem slightly forced and the pacing of the episode is slow, particularly as the game is mostly given away with plenty of time to spare. I can only presume Gatiss has never seen 'Batman Begins'. His strong point and success is in building the characters of Sherlock and Watson - "John, I don't have friends. I just have one." - although that only goes so far in a plot-driven environment.

Director Paul McGuigan fails to follow up his impressive show in the previous episode, his horror chops largely lacking and undoubtedly hampered by the relatively small budget - the CGI "hound" is somewhat amateur-ish. Nor is McGuigan aided by Tovey's unnecessarily hammy performance, struggling to demonstrate years of mental anguish in a nuanced manner. Although arguably that too is ultimately McGuigan's responsibility.

Freeman and Cumberbatch, on the other hand, do their usual sterling job, save for one scene where the latter goes to his "mind palace", which is hilariously bad. Unless you enjoy seeing Cumberbatch do the robot while trying to re-enact a scene from 'Minority Report'. Once again, McGuigan is capable of better.

The unexpected coda proves to be a teaser for the (all too soon) series finale - a vivid demonstration of Moriarty's (Andrew Scott) obsession with Sherlock. Indeed, Moriarty's shadow has been looming throughout since the cliffhanger of the first series. The world's greatest criminal mastermind has since received less than five minutes screen-time and just a handful of lines. The stage is set. 'The Reichenbach Fall' could see Sherlock's greatest duel yet. Hopefully.

PREVIOUS EPISODE (SPOILER-FREE) REVIEWS:
'A Scandal In Belgravia' (2012)
'The Great Game' (2010)
'The Blind Banker' (2010)
'A Study In Pink' (2010)

Watch 'The Hounds Of Baskerville' on BBC iPlayer until 21:59, 22 Jan '12. Leave any thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

Top 50 Albums Of 2011: 20-11 [Part Three]

2012-01-09T19:06:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

Our top fifty albums of the past year continues in this penultimate post. We'll wrap this up tomorrow.

Links to the other parts: 50-31 // 30-21 // 20-11 // 10-1

20) White Russia - 'O Jerusalem'

Enthralling, dark, and above all, consistent. "Layered harmonies weave images of impending apocalypse with dark overdriven synths and uncompromising bass lines, making for a not always comfortable sensory experience." (Jack Thomson, full review of 'O Jerusalem' here)

19) Will Haven - 'Voir Dire'

Not a male solo singer-songwriter as you may presume but instead a noise metal quintet from Sacramento, who split for three years before returning in 2005. "Quite simply a masterpiece. There is life after death." (Simon Opie, more words here on his #1 album of the year)

18) The Vaccines - 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?'

I noted my apprehension of The Vaccines in October 2010 but while they proceeded to suffer from a severe backlash, they actually exceeded not just my own expectations. Other FG writers also enjoyed their brand of rousing, uncomplicated guitar pop enough to place this album in their respective albums of the year lists.

17) Mogwai - 'Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will'

The (mostly) instrumental Scottish outfit's latest breathtaking album showed they were "still making vital and innovative music and kicking Radiohead's collective arses." (Simon Opie, read full review of the album here)

16) Kate Bush - '50 Words For Snow'

Returning from six years (perhaps literally) in the cold, '50 Words For Snow' is a supremely absorbing, quietly orchestral offering. Packing just the seven songs into its 65 minute running time, this is truly an album to envelope yourself in. Kieran's #1 album of the year.

15) EMA - 'Past Life Martyred Saints'

FREE DOWNLOAD: EMA - Milkman by WorkItMedia

The debut of former Gowns frontwoman Erika M Anderson. "'Past Life, Martyred Souls' pulls you in to its murky, uneasy depths, and then spits you out with crystal clear passages that make everything seem so understandably normal. It’s seriously challenging and highly entertaining – just how great rock music ought to be." (Simon Opie, full review of 'Past Life Martyred Saints' here)

14) Girls - 'Father, Son And The Holy Ghost'

The acclaimed "sophomore" effort from San Francisco's Girls, led by main songwriter Christopher Owens. "Even though the melodies feel instantly familiar, it’s to Owens’ credit that 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' is by no means derivative and sounds like nothing else in the current alternative rock scene." (Rajan Lakhani, full review of the album here, his #1 album of the year)

13) Noah & The Whale - 'Last Night On Earth'

Another sonic re-invention from the London five-piece. Their debut album's folk beginnings and the heartbreak of excellent second album, 'First Days Of Spring' seem to have brushed away in favour of glorious, anthemic pop. Complete with hat-tip to stadium rock.

12) Big Deal - 'Lights Out'

Alice Costello, one half of Big Deal, used to be a member of FG faves Pull In Emergency, who sadly never quite made it. Her new project seems to be swimming along nicely, with an accomplished debut album already under the belt. "Considering Big Deal only formed in 2010, have already conquered the sub-genre of the boy girl duo in 2011, 2012 can only bring bigger and better things, though right now that hardly seems possible." (Emily Arc, full review of 'Lights Out' here)

11) Benjamin Francis Leftwich - 'Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm'

Enchanting folk-pop from this York singer-songwriter, who took his time to win us over before we succumbed to his magic. Always heartfelt, and often heart-warming, 'Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm' deserves to be recognised as one of the debut records of the year. Or of any year, for that matter.

Our top fifty albums of 2011 concludes tomorrow.

Top 50 Albums Of 2011: 30-21 [Part Two]

2012-01-07T23:54:00.003Z

Words: Saam Das

Our top 50 albums of 2011 list continues....

Links to the other parts: 50-31 // 30-21 // 20-11 // 10-1

30) PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake'

Surprisingly low in this list considering its universal acclaim, including winning the Mercury Music Prize and more importantly, gaining a 9.5/10 review from Simon. Ahem. Perhaps its resonance has been soured by an over-saturation? Nonetheless, one of the year's most solid offerings.

29) Kurt Vile - 'Smoke Ring For My Halo'

'Smoke Ring For My Halo' has been something of a breakthrough for this solo artist from Philadelphia. His fourth album, and second on Matador Records, saw his "epic folk" garner favourable comparisons to the likes of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.

28) Justice - 'Audio, Video, Disco'

The French electronic music duo took on a less aggressive tone for the studio follow-up to their well-received debut album, '†'. The latest album also received favourable reviews, with their nod to arena rock proving to be popular.

27) Nils Frahm - 'Felt'

"It’s like the record has its own special space and time. The intimacy of the record is heightened by the poignant, infrequent sounds of human breath, a distant hiss, and the rattle of the piano, a result of placing microphones deep within the instrument when recording the album. 'Felt' has been described as ‘modern classical’; a far more apt description would simply be a modern classic." (Rajan Lakhani)

26) Matthew Herbert - 'One Pig'

"On the face of it an album documenting the lifecycle of an anonymous pig created from field recordings doesn’t sound like a compelling prospect. Yet 'One Pig' is a riveting, well-made album of great music that draws you in not just through the strength of its proposition but with the power of its content." (Simon Opie, full review of 'One Pig' here)

25) Tom Vek - 'Leisure Seizure'

2011 saw a completely unexpected but relatively triumphant return for Tom Vek, whose one-and-only album 'We Have Sound' left a sizeable impact since its 2005 release. Six years in the making and with a world of a hype thrust upon him, 'Leisure Seizure' didn't thrill many in the way they'd hoped. We're not "many" though and thoroughly welcomed his return.

24) Hauschka - 'Salon Des Amateurs'

You won't see German composer Volker Bertelmann's latest experimental piano album on most album of the year lists. That could mean one of two things: either it was criminally ignored or it's actually not much good. We'd prefer to think of 'Salon Des Amateurs' as the former, and it's no surprise he's on one of the finest independent labels around - FatCat Records.

23) Summer Camp - 'Welcome To Condale'

"Encapsulating every emotion that teenagers encounter in life, Elizabeth Sankey and Jeremy Warmsley have packaged love, loss and heartbreak into an audio delight that could soundtrack any 80s Bratpack movie." (Emily Solan, full review of 'Welcome To Condale' here)

22) WATERS - 'Out In The Light'

"From the ashes of much admired alt-folk band Port O’Brien, frontman Van Pierszalowski has fashioned WATERS, a band of sympathetic souls he found in Oslo, turned up the ‘Rawk’ control and cut loose. The resulting debut album is brilliantly conceived and excellently delivered, and that makes it something special." (Simon Opie, full review of 'Out In The Light' here)

21) M83 - 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming'

A brave decision to release a double album from French producer Anthony Gonzalez but one that ultimately proved fruitful. Indeed, many critics considered 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming' an even greater triumph than 2008's acclaimed 'Saturdays = Youth', while it also proved to be the most commercially successful M83 album to date.

Click to read part one of our top fifty albums of the year. The list will be concluding soon.

Top 50 Albums Of 2011: 50-31 [Part 1]

2012-01-06T09:22:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

Some magazines did their albums of the year list back in November. Albums of the past 11 months, more like. We've decided to take our time, while aiming to be equally comprehensive in the manner of our poll - I asked the FG team for their list of albums of the year and the resulting posts exhibit democracy in action. Further parts are due shortly.

Consult these links for the rest of our albums of the year: 50-31 // 30-21 // 20-11 // 10-1

50) Youth Lagoon - 'The Year Of Hibernation' // ['Montana' video]

As powerful as it is magical, the Bon Iver comparison is both lazy and apt.

49) The Weeknd - 'House Of Balloons'

FREE DOWNLOAD: The Weeknd - Wicked Games by The_Weeknd

Free mixtape or debut album proper, either way this was breath-of-fresh-air R'n'B.

48) Braids - 'Native Speaker' // ['Plath Heart']

Beautiful dream-pop soundscapes with that dash of Animal Collective-esque experimentalism.

47) Fight Like Apes - 'The Body Of Christ And The Legs Of Tina Turner' // ['Jenny Kelly']

Another confident synth-pop-meets-punk offering from one of the most thrilling live acts working today.

46) Veronica Falls - 'Veronica Falls'

An album that actually fulfils its purpose as an album - that is, smoothly transitioning from one excellent song to another, with remarkable ease.

45) Nicolas Jaar - 'Space Is Only Noise' // ['Space Is Only Noise If You Can See']

One of the highlights of the year for electronic music aficionados.

44) Tune-Yards - 'WHOKILL' ['Bizness']

A dizzying mish-mash of everything from folk to R'n'B, with an underlying eye for a pop melody.

43) Austra - 'Feel It Break' // ['Lose It']

Pulsating synth-pop that managed to be compared to both Florence & The Machine and Fever Ray.

42) Boris - 'Heavy Rocks'

FREE DOWNLOAD: Boris - Riot Sugar

"Top drawer effort from prolific japanese noise-metal trio." (Simon Opie)

41) Cults - 'Cults' // ['Go Outside']

The Brooklyn boy-girl duo managed to successfully move from blog hype to major label debut.

40) Touche Amore - 'Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me' // ['Tilde']

A visceral, shining beacon in the post-hardcore scene from this Los Angeles quintet.

39) WU LYF - 'Go Tell Fire To The Mountain'

With the ridiculous shrouding of identity now shorn, their epic "heavy pop" sound flourished.

38) TV On The Radio - 'Nine Types Of Light' // ['Will Do']

"Supercool, laid back effort sadly overshadowed by the subsequent death of bassist Gerard Smith." (Simon Opie, his full review here.)

37) Cat's Eyes - 'Cat's Eyes'

Sixties girl group nostalgia, with the twist of partly coming from Faris Badwan of The Horrors.

36) SBTRKT - 'SBTRKT' // ['Wildfire']

Still veiled in mystery but SBTRKT's self-titled debut cemented him as one of the upcoming kings of UK dance music.

35) Friendly Fires - 'Pala' // ['Hurting']

Once more bridging the gap between indie and dance in a hip-shaking manner, on the follow-up to their debut.

34) Smith Westerns - 'Dye It Blonde'

More glam-rock than garage-rock, the nostalgia of this record appealed to fans and critics alike.

33) Brainoil - 'Death Of This Dry Season' // ['Opaque Reflections']

"They defy their terrible name to produce psychotic sludge metal of the highest caliber"(Simon Opie, more words here)

32) Beirut - 'The Rip Tide'

"A beautiful album that sees Beirut find their own unique sound which is more American in flavour as opposed the Euro influences of earlier records, matching the lyrical narrative of returning to the security of home." (Rajan Lakhani, full review here)

31) Little Comets - 'In Search Of Elusive Little Comets' // ['One Night In October']

Juxtaposing a light-hearted nature against a wider theme of misanthropy, this wasn't just your average indie album. Full review here.

Our albums of the year posts will be concluded next week.

Surfacing: Tom Kills [New Band]

2012-01-05T16:41:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

I can't say I'd ever heard of the Scottish town of Cumbernauld but that's where Tom Kills is from. It was also home to Neil Primrose of Travis and one of The Fratellis at one time or another. Not quite a rich tapestry of musical heritage but not bad going either. Tom Kills is on his own dark electronic path and you can listen to a couple of his tracks below, and download 'Million Pieces'.

Mr Kills shares similarities with the STRANGERS lot, so it's no surprise that Killing Moon Limited have been bigging up Tom. Much like STRANGERS, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Tom's music - most of his Soundcloud tracks passed me by without incident.

However, it's the brilliantly embittered anthem 'Silly Little Self' that displays Tom's talent for creating compelling, atmospheric electronica. Free download 'Million Pieces' is of a more serene ilk but similarly engaging. Check out the video below.

STREAM: Silly Little Self (Tom Kills) by Tom Kills

FREE DOWNLOAD: Million Pieces TKMIX (Tom Kills) by Tom Kills

Find out more at tomkills.com.

Top Twenty Films Of 2011

2012-01-05T09:04:00.001Z

Words: Saam Das

A selection of FG writers submitted their favourite films of 2011. Each was released in UK cinemas during the calendar year. I totted the votes up and added some patented editorial magic to present this list of our top 20 films of 2011. With contributions from: Ced Yuen, Lauren Johnson-Ginn, Raman Kamboh, Alicia McBride, Paul Dean and Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn.

20) 'The Help'
(76% Rotten Tomatoes critic approval / 8.0 IMDB user rating)

Heartwarming tale transcending the racial barriers of 60s America or standard Oscar fodder? We think it falls just on the right side of sincerity, despite its clichés.

19) 'The Inbetweeners Movie'
(68% / 7.2)
[Trailer]

Puerile? Check. Infantile? Check. Hilarious? Well, for one FG writer, at least - deeming it their second favourite film of the year. Fans of the TV series will greatly enjoy it. Others, probably less so.

18) 'The Skin I Live In'
(79% / 7.7)
[Trailer]

In a sense, the arthouse version of 'The Human Centipede'. In pretty much every sense, nothing of the sort. Pedro Almodovar once again getting the best from Antonio Banderas in this bizarre drama.

17) 'Snowtown'
(93% / 6.8)

Quite probably the year's most intense film, and another stunning installment of Australian crime drama, following the almost-as-brilliant 'Animal Kingdom' earlier in the year. Gripping throughout, would almost certainly have featured higher had more than just the one FG writer actually seen the film.

16) 'The Adventures Of Tintin'
(75% / 7.7)
[Trailer]

Steven Spielberg brings some of his 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' magic to the motion-capture medium, by way of Hergé's classic, adventurous graphic novel series.

15) 'Submarine'
(87% / 7.3)

Richard Ayoade's directorial debut impressively displayed the awkwardness of romance, in a witty and pleasantly puzzling manner. The young pretender to Wes Anderson's crown.

14) 'Blue Valentine'
(88% / 7.6)
[Trailer]

An oft troubling exploration into love. Powerhouse performances from leads Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, brought together magnificently by director Derek Cianfrance.

13) 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes'
(83% / 7.7)
[Trailer]

Remarkably well-received considering the prejudice of being an unnecessary prequel. Instead, it heralds a now eagerly anticipated rebirth of the franchise. Mostly thanks to director Rupert Wyatt and another stellar mo-cap performance from Andy Serkis. Read Ced's full review here.

12) 'Bridesmaids'
(90% / 7.0)

Women can be funny. As if that wasn't already obvious. But the success of this Kristen Wiig penned-and-starred comedy vehicle demonstrated that gender is no barrier to well-written humour. And admittedly, crass humour, but mostly good humour - encapsulated by the film's scene-stealer Melissa McCarthy who displayed both with remarkable ease.

11) 'Thor'
(77% / 7.1)
[Trailer]

Chris Hemsworth proved his doubters wrong and brought an appropriate gravitas to the larger-than-life comic book superhero, Thor. A summer blockbuster that delivered on all fronts. Read Ced's review here

10) 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows'
(60% / 7.8)

A vast improvement on the first film, Guy Ritchie once again brings his stylised version of the Arthur Conan Doyle character to the big screen. Perhaps not quite as good as the BBC TV show but an entertaining romp nonetheless.

9) 'The Ides Of March'
(86% / 7.4)

An accomplished political melodrama with an extremely strong cast featuring Ryan Gosling, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and actor-director George Clooney. Another successful collaboration between the latter and his writing partner Grant Heslov, following the brilliant 'Good Night, And Good Luck'. Read Raman's full review here.

8) 'The Guard'
(95% / 7.4)

Brendan Gleeson on top form in this slightly ridiculous Irish police buddy-comedy, reminiscent to 'Hot Fuzz'. Knowingly and gleefully unconventional. Read Alicia's full review here.

7) 'Source Code'
(91% / 7.5)

The follow-up to director Duncan Jones's excellent debut 'Moon', this film combined the sci-fi elements of his debut with a more action-orientated philosophy. The resulting mix was both intelligent and exciting, even if the film treated science and scientists with a certain disdain. Read Ced's full review here.

6) 'True Grit'
(96% / 7.8)

An unexpected remake of the Western by the celebrated Coen Brothers, and a potential star-making role for young Hailee Steinfeld - almost inexplicably nominated for a Best Supporting Actress nod at the Oscars, instead of the lead gong. Read Matthew's review here.

5) 'Midnight In Paris'
(93%, 7.8)

An unusual romantic comedy which proved to be a charming return for Woody Allen. For anyone who enjoyed 'Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure' or the 'Quantum Leap' TV series. All the more so, if you're a fan of early 20th century pop culture.

4) 'X-Men: First Class'
(87% / 7.9)

Arguably the finest film in the franchise - high praise indeed, with Bryan Singer's thrilling 'X2' in mind. Writer-director Matthew Vaughn teamed up with 'Kick-Ass' writer Jane Goldman (as well as the writers of 'Thor') for this excellent origin story. Read Ced's review here.

3) 'Black Swan'
(87% / 8.3)

Director Darren Aronofsky has firmly established himself in the top echelon of contemporary directors and this psychological investigation into the deteriorating mind of a ballet dancer added another critically acclaimed film to his catalogue. As well as helping Natalie Portman achieve a Best Actress win at the Oscars. Read Ced's review here.

2) 'The King's Speech'
(95% / 8.3)

A period drama based on the true events surrounding the ascension of Prince Albert, with the appropriately regal Colin Firth, aided superbly by Geoffrey Rush. Director Tom Hooper and writer David Seidler straddle the tone perfectly, making the film both comedic and witty and perhaps a deserving winner of four Academy Awards. Read the full review here.

1) 'Drive'
(93% / 8.1)

2011 was certainly the year of Ryan Gosling (with 'Blue Valentine' and 'The Ides Of March' also in our list above) and so it's fitting that this film has come out on top in our collated writers' poll. A suggestion of style over substance but thanks to director Nicolas Winding Refn, it is a magnificent style. Read Alicia's review here.

Feel free to leave your thoughts on your favourite films of 2011 below.

Singles: December 2011

2012-01-04T16:02:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

December is always characterised by the battle for Christmas #1, although the dominance of the Military Wives Choir put paid to any real interest in the 2011 "battle" against whatever the 'X-Factor' song was. It'd be nice to actually have a Christmas #1 that somewhow relates to Christmas at some point though. Anyway, here are the top ten singles of December 2011.

Akira The Don ft Envy - 'Nothing Lasts Forever' (5th)

FREE DOWNLOAD: Akira The Don - Nothing Lasts Forever (Radio Edit) by Akira The Don

I warmed a great deal to Akira The Don over 2011. Indeed, I particularly enjoyed his collaboration with Envy on their 'I Am Not A Robot' cover. The duo combine again on this superbly melancholic examination of the end of a relationship. Download the radio edit below for free, and purchase the real deal at akirathedon.com. SINGLE OF THE MONTH. (And perhaps a fitting end to this monthly singles column - unless I change my mind.)

Alex Day - 'Forever Yours' (18th)

A surprise contender in the race for the Christmas #1, "YouTube sensation" Alex Day eventually slotted in at a very respectable/quite incredible #4 in the UK singles chart. And well deserved to boot, not just that it was raising money for charity but also that it was actually a good, bouncy pop song - and even generated a decent remix.

The Japanese Popstars ft James Vincent McMorrow - 'Shells Of Silver' (18th)

I've never quite got into James Vincent McMorrow nor have I evenheard of The Japanese Popstars so it was an extremely pleasant surprise to discover that 'Shells Of Silver' happens to be one of the best singles of 2011. McMorrow's fragile vocals lie atop atmospheric electro-pop, creating a magical mix of styles.

Famy - 'Dogg Dogg' (5th)

You may have heard of FAMY in their previous guise of FAMILY. As I said last month, I'm more a fan of the b-side to this debut release, 'Mother Benita', and its sweeping "I'll try, I'll try, I'll try, I'll try" refrain.

Spector - 'Grey Shirt & Tie' (5th)

The backlash for Spector is already in full flow, thanks to their "hipster look" and frontman's Fred Macpherson's dubious interview responses. Relative success has come early, with the band now on a major label and appearing on Later With Jools Holland and the BBC Sound Of 2012 etc. Maybe you'll love their melodramatic indie romanticism, maybe you won't.

Woman's Hour - 'Jenni' (5th)

They are beginning to light up the blogosphere and now Woman's Hour have put out their debut single. The band originate from Kendal, the same part of Cumbria as Wild Beasts came from - and the two share similarities in their wistful, intricate music.

Theme Park - 'Milk' (12th)

Coming in at #2 on our collated bloggers' version of the Sound Of 2012 suggests good things await. 'Milk' is pleasant enough, an updated take on Talking Heads.

Hook & The Twin - 'We’re So Light' (12th)

It's apt that I just mentioned Wild Beasts as 'We're So Light' has elements of that band while also combining dream-pop and disco. The debut Hook & The Twin album comes out this year and I'm infinitely more excited about it after hearing this excellent single.

The Collectable Few - 'Model Behaviour' (12th)

Almost a year ago, we featured The Collectable Few in our January 2011 singles column and while we'd thought they'd gone off the boil a bit, this latest single is a nice surprise. Hardly revolutionary but an enjoyable slice of indie regardless.

Little Comets - 'Worry' (12th)

Their debut album is still one of my favourite records of the year, and 'Worry' is the lead track of a new EP, which suggests they haven't dropped their pace. Good old jangly, melodic indie-pop.

ALSO WORTH CHECKING OUT:
5th: First Aid Kit - 'The Lion's Roar' // Post War Years - 'All Eyes' // We Were Promised Jetpacks - 'Human Error' // Big Deal - 'Distant Neighbourhood' // Gabriel Bruce - 'Sleep Paralysis'

12th: Miracle Fortress - 'Everything Works' // DJ Shadow ft. Little Dragon - 'Scale It Back' Little Racer - 'Split For The Coast' // Mike Doughty feat. Rosanne Cash - 'Holiday (What Do You Want?)'

19th: Nero - 'Reaching Out' // Futures - 'Start A Fire' // Cast - 'See That Girl'

Click to read previous monthly singles review round-ups.

TV Review: Sherlock - A Scandal In Belgravia [BBC iPlayer]

2012-01-03T08:39:00.004Z

'Sherlock' Series 2, Episode 1: 'A Scandal In Belgravia' (UK Airdate: 1 Jan '12) // Words: Saam Das

SYNOPSIS: "Contemporary crime drama. Compromising photographs threaten the monarchy, but for Sherlock and John the game is on in more ways than one." (bbc.co.uk)

The three episode first series run of the BBC's modern day take on Sherlock Holmes proved wildly popular - indeed our review of the series finale, 'The Great Game' has had over 35,000 pageviews. Which is a bit ridiculous really. But I've been as excited as anyone about the series return. 'A Scandal In Belgravia' has been a long time coming, and it kicked 2012 off in a suitably brilliant fashion.

Inspired by the Conan Doyle short story 'A Scandal In Bohemia', the second series of 'Sherlock' picks off at the cliffhanger ending of 'The Great Game', which saw Moriarty (Andrew Scott) face off with Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman). One phonecall later from a mystery woman (more on her in a moment....) and Holmes and Watson were effectively off the hook. A little too easy for my liking.

The inadvertent saviours of Holmes and Watson proved to be Irene Adler (Lara Pulver), known for her "recreational scolding", whose ownership of compromising photographs of a female member of the British royalty leads to Holmes being pulled off another case. Probably a good thing as the situation began to worryingly resemble 'CSI: Dartmoor'.

Adler plays a prominent role in the episode becoming a playful but fearsome adversary for Sherlock - much like in 2011's Guy Ritchie big screen adaptation, the addition of a strong antagonist elevates the stakes in a particularly engaging manner. Similar to the film, slo-mo action sequences were in relative abundance (which I could do without) but the on-screen text annotations of Sherlock's deductions are thankfully retained.

Adler's addition also displayed another side to Sherlock - normally so used to his own manipulation, her flirting swayed Sherlock so much that he endangered the safety of those closest to him while also demonstrating a blistering naivety in showing off his deductive skill. Adler, if we needed reminding, was working with Moriarty.

Speaking of Moriarty, he played a remarkably hands-off role in 'A Scandal In Belgravia' although admittedly Adler already had Sherlock's hands full. And Mycroft's (Mark Gatiss) for that matter. Hopefully Moriarty will be more prominent in forthcoming episodes.

This episode was largely excellent - more character-driven than plot-driven, allowing us insight into Sherlock's fierce protection of those closest to him and his bewildering approach to affairs of the heart. It turns out he is human, after all. Indeed, the highlight of the episode was his (seemingly) sincere apology when his forlorn admirer Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) was again spurned in the blink of an eye. "You always say such horrible things."

Luckily for Sherlock, he also says brilliant things. That is, of course, down to the writing. While Steven Moffat is somewhat floundering (relative to his own high standards) with his recent 'Doctor Who' episodes, he was near to top form here. Although Sherlock's use of the colloquialism "Laters!" was plucked from the 'Juno'-school of abysmal dialogue. Please never again.

Director Paul McGuigan returned, having helmed 'A Study In Pink' and 'The Great Game' in the previous series, on top of his past feature film experience - namely 'Lucky Number Slevin' and 'Push'. McGuigan added an accomplished hand - even allowing for the odd indulgent (but arguably necessary) flourish, such as in the Sherlock's 'CSI: Dartmoor' deductive murder walkthrough.

McGuigan will also be directing the second episode of this series, 'The Hounds Of Baskerville', in which Mark "Mycroft" Gatiss will be adapting Conan Doyle's 'The Hound Of The Baskervilles' - one of my favourite novels as a child, as it happens. The bar has been set. It is high. I am excited. You should be too. "Till next time, Mr Holmes."

Watch 'A Scandal In Belgravia' on BBC iPlayer until 21:39, 22 Jan '12. Click to read our previous reviews of 'Sherlock'. Leave your thoughts on the new episode/series below.

Blog Sound Of 2012: Shortlist + Winner

2012-01-02T19:19:00.000Z

Words: Saam Das

Over thirty bloggers got together (via email) and made our own "ones to watch" list to rival/complement the BBC's Sound Of 2012 poll. The latter poll has begun the countdown of its five act shortlist today and we're revealing the top five of ours too, following the fifteen strong longlist.

5) Daughter

A long time FG favourite who is on the path to "doing a Laura Marling" and finding her folk-pop showered in critical acclaim while still appealing to something of a mainstream audience.

4) French Wives

FREE DOWNLOAD: French Wives - Covered in Grace by Red Hat Records

I'm not overly familiar with this Scottish outfit except knowing they are neither French, nor wives. but their support from blogs North of the border has translated into an impressive showing in this poll.

3) Beth Jeans Houghton

Another act touted on FG for quite sometime and finally unleashing her debut album on Mute Records this year. Album track 'Dodecahedron' was unveiled back in May and suggests big things.

2) Theme Park

I'm on the fence about this band. (Perhaps because I was more a fan of Theme Hospital.) But there's moments here that appeal to me, normally when the bits influenced by Mystery Jets or Talking Heads, such as the b-side to their debut single - 'Wax'.

1) Friends

The only band actually also on the BBC's Sound Of 2012 poll - and the only band in that poll to be independently signed, rather than on a major label. Nonetheless, that doesn't particularly change my poor opinion of our winning act. I'm still waiting to be excited by their self-diagnosed "tropicool" material.

Check out the YouTube/Spotify playlist of the longlist. Our own list of "tips for 2012" (aka Futuresounds) is in the works.