MIDLAKE - THE COURAGE OF OTHERS

I read that 'The Courage Of Others' could be imagined as the Romantic poets mourning climate change to a 1970s folk rock soundtrack. That might sound strange but the third album from the Texan quintet Midlake does sound something like that. Unlike most folk rock records, this album is far from gentle. There are sweeping harmonies and classical elements mixed with angry guitars and dark lyrics. This is serious, serious music.

After Spinal Tap and the Stonehenge scene, I find it hard not to laugh at any sort of British style prog-rock music, but there is no laughing here (well, okay, there is, but just a little). This album sounds from another time, certainly not from 2010 anyway, and I doubt that Midlake will be a 'cool' name to drop this year, but I always appreciate acts who attempt, and succeed in doing something different from their time. Midlake are definitely doing this and are better for it.

Introducing... Perfume Genius

"Alone at his piano he sings about sex and death like Sufjan with all the pep punched out of him."

http://www.myspace.com/kewlmagik

Introducing... Internet Forever

"Internet Forever make one of those sublime rackets that sound like falling in love as it happens."

http://www.myspace.com/internetforever

forgive them, even if they are not sorry...

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons

Introducing... Turbo Fruits

http://www.myspace.com/turbofruits

THE AVETT BROTHERS - I AND LOVE AND YOU

Produced by the legend that is Rick Rubin, 'I And Love And You' is the follow up to The Avett Brothers acclaimed 2007 album 'Emotionalism'. Many fans were worried by the bands move to major label Sony and the choice of Rubin; they felt any rough edges would be smoothed out and the band would be forced to play the 'pop game'. And in a way they have (Britain had never heard of the band until this album, and they been dubbed as, wait for it, the 'folk Kings of Leon').

Revisiting 'Emotionalism' and reading that live experiences are often, crazy, rawkus affairs, 'I And Love And You' does seem to dampen spirits somewhat. There are still some good moments of folk and bluegrass rock 'n' roll, but it is kept to a minimum which leaves the album feeling a little flat and less special than it could have been. Still, expect to hear about this band thanks to major label marketing.

http://www.myspace.com/theavettbrothers

AUDIE DARLING - FULL OF GHOSTS

More American folk from Portland, but there seems to be so much quality with these small releases at the moment. 'Full Of Ghosts' is no exception. Audie Darling has created a world of sad acoustics driven by her strong voice and swooping, hurt strings. A great quote I read of this said "through her confidence and toughness, she retains the honey-stick sweetness and desperate twang of a small town waitress aching to leave." This is a beautiful album, one that just begs you to slow dance with your sweetheart.

jj - jj no. 3

jj have been making waves since they released 'jj no.2' to great acclaim last year. And the Swedish duo are releasing their follow up 'jj no.3' in March this year, followed by a tour support slot with The xx (a tour which lovers of bands with lower case double letters will love - I think my band would be called The mm or The hh).

'jj no.3' is slightly less electronic than their previous effort, but still contains the Balearic beats and is slightly more 'dream pop' with the delicately lush vocals, showcased on current single 'Let Go'. There are still some odd moments also, 'Into The Light' seems to include some Italian football commentary. This album should propel jj to a wider audience (perhaps still only on the indie scene), one who would do well to check out their last album aswell.

I load it, I shoot it like a tommy gun ...

YEASAYER - ODD BLOOD

Seeing how almost everyone in the world (or at least some people in the music press and on the Internet) are raving about the new album Yeasayer, I thought I'd have to have a listen. I was prepared for a hard listen - my impressions of this band were of crazy, well, just noise basically. And in effect, 'Odd Blood' is just that really, but it works somehow. 'Odd Blood' is easier to listen to that I first thought it would be, and although there is so much going on, it never becomes overwhelming like a lot of experimental records. This album invites you to explore the different sounds each time, but you are always aware that you will never fully understand or 'get' them all. I have a feeling that many will point to 'Odd Blood' as this years 'Merriweather Post Pavilion' and shower it in praise. I know this can put a lot of people off, but Yeasayer have something here worthy of plaudits all round.

Beach House - Silver Soul

ADAM GREEN - MINOR LOVE

Now on his 6th album, New Yorker singer/songwriter Adam Green recorded 'Minor Love' in almost isolation, playing nearly all the instruments himself. Green states that the album showcases "a tender side of the often arrogant and emotionally unavailable bully/singer" - light stuff then.

'Minor Love' shows Adam Green all grown up, following on from his last album 'Sixes & Sevens', leaving out almost all humour and focusing on proper songwriting. And it works in most cases. It is short and sweet, most of the songs are decent and most importantly, interesting.

http://www.myspace.com/adamgreen

LAURA GIBSON - BEASTS OF SEASONS

More folk understated music from Portland here - 'Beasts Of Seasons' by singer/songwriter Laura Gibson, which might get passed by by some. It would be a shame, as although there are many artists out there at the moment who do the indie-folk-thing well, 'Beasts...' is a great listen.

I have a simple way of dividing folk music into two distinct categories; folk that you want to listen to as the sun goes down on a warm summers days, or folk that you want to listen to by the fire with a hot drink in the depths of winter (this is hard to apply in Manchester - we have neither warm summers or real fireplaces). This definitely falls into the latter category. Listen to it when you need to and it will definitely help warm you up.

http://www.myspace.com/lauragibson

Introducing... Novels

“In January of 2009, five of us locked ourselves away in Chemical Sound Studios in Toronto with the goal of writing, arranging, and recording an EP from scratch in one marathon session. When we stumbled out the door in the wee hours of the next morning, we found ourselves with what we’re now calling Novels.

Novels won’t be sold in CD stores, on the internet, or anywhere else. Instead, we’ll give them away, or put them places. Maybe you’ll find a copy sitting on a park bench. Maybe a masked man will hand you one as he passes you on the street. Maybe none of these things will happen. But we’ll make sure that everyone gets a chance to listen if they want to.”

http://www.okaynovels.com/download.html

All I Wanted For Christmas...

So... For Christmas this year, my girlfriend got me pretty much the best present ever. I have never owned a record player, and for all my musical interest, it is pretty sad that I have never owned one. Out of the blue I received this gift, far better than any other gift I've ever really gotten, and I am constantly fiddling with it and playing actual records. I've raided my mums old vinyl collection, as well as my girlfriend shipping half her collection to me (I don't think I can ever thank her fully, but I'll keep trying).

I've decided that I want to own all my favourite albums on vinyl. Ones that mean something to me and that I truly want to own and play forever. This will take time (and money) but I'm in no rush. I'm sure me and Kate will complete the collection one day. But the search is the fun part aswell. I'll keep you updated with how I get on.

Mumford & Sons - The Cave

BILL CALLAHAN - SOMETIMES I WISH WE WERE AN EAGLE

Another album released back in 2009, Bill Callahan's 'Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle' has been an absolute gem of a discovery. Previously know as 'Smog', Callahan has been recording since 1990, but it is with this album that he has been found by the the masses. The album was named the second best of 2009 by Mojo magazine, as well as featuring a number of other lists; it's not hard to see why.

Nine long tracks, all featuring lush arrangements and sparkling sounds and lyrics that express this hugely personal record. The album is a self-portrait of Callahan after this long career, and the mixture of dark and light moments on it work perfectly well together. Just by listening to the music this album could affect people, but combined with the intensely personal lyrics 'Sometimes...' becomes an engaging, intriguing and genuinely moving experience. A corker.

VETIVER - TIGHT KNIT

Released almost a year ago, 'Tight Knit' is one of many albums I have pleasantly stumbled upon thanks to obscure 'Best of '09' lists. It is a light, breezy indie folk album along the lines of Devendra Banharts more pop moments. There are some great simple acoustic numbers and a bunch of full band, guitar rippling punching efforts. Its a joy to listen to throughout, I'm just glad I eventually found this. Check out standout single 'More Of This' below.

http://www.myspace.com/vetiverse

Introducing... Yuck

http://www.myspace.com/yuckband

Surfer Blood - Swim

MUSIC GO MUSIC - EXPRESSIONS

The album 'Expressions' was released last year but I only just came across Music Go Music. Basically they are a whirlwind of electonic, Ladyhawke mix of beats and 80's influences mixed with a fondness for Abba. What is not to love then? This is a great retro party album, the video for 'Explorers Of The Heart' is below and you'll see what I mean...

http://www.myspace.com/musicgomusic

Introducing... Summer Camp

http://www.myspace.com/morganwaves

Smith Westerns A Go-Go

NME Radar Mixtape 2010 - Free Download

Just in case you missed it over the festive period, here is a good mixtape with some of the bands being tipped for glory in 2010 by NME. My favourites are Surfer Blood, Darwin Deez, The Drums and Everything Everything, but it's all worth a listen!

DOWNLOAD

Introducing... The German Measles

For fans of: The Black Lips, Smith Westerns, The Strange Boys.

http://www.myspace.com/germanmeasles

Introducing... Dum Dum Girls

After loads of hype and then signing to Sub Pop, Dum Dum Girls are releasing first single 'Jail La La' in March. They have an album on the way, which if this single is anything to go by, should be full of lo-fi indie pop hits. Enjoy!

Mp3 - Dum Dum Girls - Jail La La

Welcoming Back... Blood Red Shoes

Introducing... Kindness

http://www.myspace.com/kindnesses

Watching... Chapel Club - O Maybe I

Chapel Club - Oh Maybe I (Official Video) from Chapel Club on Vimeo.

Welcoming Back... Los Campesinos!

OWEN PALLETT - HEARTLAND

Previously known as 'Final Fantasy', Owen Pallett returns with his successor to the highly thought of, yet ridiculously titled 'He Poos Clouds'. After a few years out working with a number of acts (most notably Arcade Fire on 'Neon Bible' and The Last Shadow Puppets to name a few) he releases 'Heartland' this January. Alot of people will see comparisons to Joanna Newsom's 'Ys', Pitchfork stating the similarity's as "ambitious, classicist, cleverly arranged, lyrically high-concept, dense, and yes, a little strange." I would argue that this is more than just a little strange. But what else would you expect from someone who named their album, albeit very good album, 'He Poos Clouds' (yes, I mentioned it twice).

'Heartland' has received great reviews from almost all respectable sources, but Pallett has suggested himself that the album is a grower, and worth sticking with. I am not there yet after several listens, but I won't give up this soon.

http://www.myspace.com/owenpallettmusic

I think we're superstars...

LAURA VEIRS - JULY FLAME

Every review I read of this album before I listened to it raved about how good it was. 'July Flame' is Laura Veirs' seventh album and it seems acclaim has finally come her way. The folk and indie-rock balladry are beautiful and this album makes me want to explore her past work, which is why I love discoveries like this, not just new acts, but also ones who have been around and worked for their success, finally getting the attention the deserve.

'July Flame' might mention a summer month, but I can think of no better time to listen to this album than in these chilly and uncertain winter months (although I have yet to listen to it when the sun is going down in the summer). The songs mix a great range of simple instrumentation with Laura's voice and lyrics, as well as hazy backing harmonies that all help to create this woozy, poetic folk record.

http://www.myspace.com/lauraveirs

BROKEN BELLS - BROKEN BELLS

The Shins' James Mercer and Danger Mouse have been working on 'Broken Bells' since 2008 but the collaboration was kept quite a secret until it's release in March was announced a few months back. Claiming he had wanted to release a solo album for some time, Mercer and Danger Mouse met a few years ago and got together to record something they both enjoyed and felt was experimental.

It's hard to go wrong when you have Danger Mouse producing your album, and 'Broken Bells' rarely does. Great harmonies that will of course remind you of The Shins are enhanced by some interesting electronic production. 'The High Road' was the lead single and after one listen you can see why, it encapsulates the whole album, whilst songs like 'Vaporize' highlight the Gnarles Barkley feel to old-school keyboards. I'm not sure if the album is as 'experimental' as Broken Bells first made out, but I suppose the combination of the both artists was an eyebrow raiser at first, and in the end, a nice listen; an easy start to 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/brokenbells

Welcoming Back... Laura Marling

Introducing... Caitlin Rose

"Imagine Jenny Lewis acting her socks off in Oklahoma!, playing a toothless hillbilly in Deliverance or assuming the male role in a musical remake of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

myspace.com/caitlinrosesongs

Welcoming Back... Field Music

Introducing... Best Coast

As well as a list of 2010 albums to look forward to, I'm going to make a lists of some more acts to look out for that are worth doing some searching and some listening. I had to pick out Best Coast right now though because I am so in love with these tunes.

Slightly better than the current 'chillwave' hyped acts (Washed Out, Neon Indian etc), Best Coast make lo-fi 60's garage rock and surf music fronted by 22 year old Bethany Cosentino. There a few Ep's floating around the net, but check out their myspace for great songs like 'When I'm With You', 'Make You Mine' and 'Sun Was High (So Was I)'.

You may recognise Best Coast from the current 'Skins' promos aswell.

http://www.myspace.com/bestycoasty

VAMPIRE WEEKEND - CONTRA

I'm not sure about everyone else, but I had no idea how Vampire Weekend were going to follow up their 2008 debut. Don't get wrong, I loved their first record, it was completely different to anything else around and they made some of the most interesting new music as well as some of the catchiest pop tunes (A-Punk, Oxford Comma), but without repeating the trick and getting boring, what were they going to do on a follow-up to stay so current?

Well the answer is 'Contra', another delightful, soulful, different and enjoyable record. There are so many elements to Vampire Weekend's music that it is hard to know where to start describing it, yet alone try and decifer all their influences. Yea, the wonky, afro-beat rhythms are still there, as are the opaque lyrics, but whether you understand it, or even 'get it', no one can listen to this album and not feel something joyful, mostly wanting it to be summer already. 'Holiday' is fantastic, 'Horchata' sounds like some Little Mermaid theme tune, and in 'Cousins' they have another 'A-Punk' indie disco classic.

Coming Soon... Pete & the Pirates

Amsterdam Acoustics : ''Pete and the Pirates'' on their walk through the city from Mokummercials on Vimeo.

There are so many albums to look forward to in 2010, soon I may put a little list together, but here is a teaser video from one of the best bands around at the moment, Pete & the Pirates, who promise their album is coming soon. No details have been made available yet, but expect some in the near future, along with some new dates.

http://www.myspace.com/peteandthepirates

GOOD SHOES - NO HOPE, NO FUTURE

Good Shoes debut 'Think Before You Speak' was one my favourite albums of the past couple of years. Every single song could have been a single and it made a lasting impression on me. Seeing them live on a few occasions has also been a pleasure. So after two songs, 'The Way My Heart Beats' and single 'Under Control' were made available before new effort 'No Hope, No Future' was released, I had really high hopes for this record.

Unfortunately the album doesn't quite live up to the expectations I had set by their glorious debut and the two new singles. They are by far the best offerings on the album, perhaps with the exception of 'Our Loving Mother In A Pink Diamond'. It is still a good album, but I still can't help feeling slightly underwhelmed as I know what the band are capable of. The album is slightly darker in a Maccabees-style-sophomore way, but still unmistakably Good Shoesm mainly due to Steve Leach's scratch guitar and Rhys Jones' singing. It is still an enjoyable listen the whole way through. I just really hope they get the chance to make a few more records after this one. And I would definitely catch them live if you get the chance.