It’s a bit of a mixed media month at Bookgazing already so I thought I’d continue that by rounding up some of the music I enjoyed in 2010. No books here, just bands:
Favourite non-festival shows of 2010
Turin Brakes – This was really intimate gig in Nottingham. Lots of singing without the mike and acoustic versions (although what I really like about Turin Brakes is that oddly disconnected, disturbed edge they bring to their early music, which is missing in the acoustic versions). Their support was the wonderful Pete Lawrie who have been making a big name for themselves this year, also supporting Amy Macdonald (gutted I missed her shows this year) and there was a second encore.
The National – Just amazing. I came out feeling a little weak at the knees, because how can you not when a singer is so obviously into what he’s performing and the material is all fantastic. I also got to meet Nymeth for a little bit and probably made the most odd, hyper first impression on her (I was having the worst day right up until I got off the train and so overcompensated). And thanks to Nymeth you can all see part of it here.
Ash – Soooo good and we were sooooo close. We were 2 rows back, near centre stage in this tiny venue and the crowd was buzzed. Probably my favourite gig for atmosphere this year. Girl from Mars anchors my teenage memories of one of the people I went with, so having that as a last minute encore was fantastic.
Train – I went to see them play because the tickets were cheap and both me and Claire really liked the first album. We weren’t expecting anything beyond a pleasant night, but both our expectations were blown as this show got under way. So much crowd interaction (it became apparent that lots of this was unplanned crowd interaction, as the security guy near us swore and ran when a walk in the crowd was suddenly announced). Still got the voice and there’s a lot of power behind it.
Sadly you’ll see that Belle and Sebastian didn’t make the list, because the show we were off to see was the one cancelled in Leicester (yes I’m still doing puppy dog eyes and looking for sympathy for that). It would be good if they reschedule as one my friends had food poisoning that night and would have missed out, but...NOT SOMETHING I WANT TO THINK ABOUT, PLEASE RESCHEDULE (clings on to tickets).
Favourite albums bought in 2010
‘High Violet’ – The National (although I have a huge soft spot for their self-titled album which I also picked up this year)
‘Dear Catastrophe Waitress’ – Belle and Sebastian (I like the new album ‘Write About Love’ a lot, very catchy, but I think it’s an album that grows on you while this one makes a more immediate connection)
‘Winter of Mixed Drinks’ – Frightened Rabbit
‘Alas I Cannot Swim’ – Laura Marling (a recommendation which I owe Nymeth tons for, as I have this on at least once a month)
‘Lungs’ – Florence and the Machine (also fantastic website, so weirdly pretty)
Honourable Mention
‘The Butterfly House’ – The Coral (I’ve only listened to it once, but how did I forget they were like this? Everyone my age, who grew up in the UK, probably remembers their over played (but very fun) hit Dreaming of You, but The Butterfly House shows that their musical heart still contains wide lines of creepy, Western film style, guitar riffs).
I'm always looking for new music recommendations. What have you been listening to and loving this year?
6 comments:
YOU DID NOT MAKE AN ODD FIRST IMPRESSION. The others shows all sound awesome as well - and B&S had better reschedule, or else I'll personally kick their shins :P
My recommendation: Allo Darlin Allo Darlin Allo Darlin. I really think you'd love them.
I am glad The National was so great live. I get to see them in February! (Are you tired of my mentioning this yet?) And I'm sorry to hear Belle and Sebastian got cancelled, I do hope they reschedule.
I have a lot of music to check out from your list & Ana's.
I do not really have any music of my own to recommend. Except for my ongoing love for the Veils, they did not have a new album out this year so that is no excuse to promote them. Oh, did you listen to the new Laura Marling album yet? I saw her live as a support act to Elbow I think about 2 years ago, she was great live (so was Elbow, but I actually came to see Laura Marling).
I have a soft spot for Dear Catastrophe Waitress too. I love "I'm a Cuckoo," because it's so silly, and "If She Wants Me" because it's my song with my best friend, hehe. :) I didn't know B&S had a new album out, I have to find it now!!!!
I really like the songs by Florence & The Machine as well. My sister made me a mix CD with a National song on it, and I really enjoy it.
Hm, this year, I got more into Passion Pit - their album "Manners" particularly. Try "Eyes Like Candles" or "Folds in Your Hands". Also, Dirt Poor Robins was a discovery for me. Their song "Human After All" which I think may be on their myspace site, blows me away.
- Christy
Nymeth oh good, it had been the worst day and I was determined it would be a good night - feared I might have gone a bit manic. I will be taking all your music recs from now so I'll add them to my list.
And they did so no violence please - we will be going in June!
irisonbooks you are going to have so much fun. Hope you enjoy it and no I'm not tired of you mentioning it, we will be able to say oooo awesome together lots after you see it.
Veils - check will have a listen. I have the new Laura Marling album, but haven't listened to it so much because I'm obsessed with Alas I Cannot Swim and that's on constant repeat. Isn't she fab live though, would love to see her in a none festival situation.
Cass I love I'm a Cuckoo too, so sweet and mad. Think the title song has to be my fav song off that album, although Lord Anthony feels pretty classic Belle and Sebastian to me. Soooo cute that one of their songs is you and your best friend's song - that makes me way happy! The new one is Write About Love and again I think the title song is one of my favourites because it has a little odd story going through it.
agoodstoppingpoint I might be over hyping it but you need High Violet by The National - everyone needs this album. Thanks for the recommendations I will see if I can find their song on myspace, or bound to be an excerpt I can find somewhere.
Glad Florence make your list of fav albums :)
Also, lots of love for Laura Marling. I asked (and got) Alas I cannot swim for Christmas this year and it's been on all the time :)
Her gig here was postponed but we have no idea when it's going to be!
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