SFW - Best of 2015
A momentous year, so much good music, yet so little time
1) Palace Winter - Menton
Danish Duo Palace Winter became a favourite of the year with this melodic masterpiece. A six minute sound clash of War on Drugs meets Kurt Vile has to be my favourite of the year. Do yourself a favour and add it to your exercise playlist - it might just help shift away those mince pies.
An intoxicating blend of smooth (Woon) and gruff (Mason) caught me unaware like a slap in a pub. The album is just as good and made December an even better time to celebrate.
4) Foals - What Went Down
Two years ago it seemed that the Foals ruled the world. Their combination of melodic indie-pop was a favourite of fans and critics alike. This years release picked up with they left off and gave us a song that encouraged everyone to drive fast. I cannot condone speeding, but this makes you feel like a formula one driver.
5) Au.Ra - Morning
I still do not understand why this band are not huge. This shoe-gazing jewel left me starring at my converse like a cure fan back in the 80's. From it's drum solo intro, volume controlled guitar and Pixies bass line then add a mix of guitar appegios and dreamy vocals (that sound like Tim Burgess) you have to do yourself a favour and listen to it (again and again). The pick up around 2.35 gives me goosebumps.
Comments
Jack Garrat - Very good track, your description built it up pretty highly... But rightfully so
Jamie Woon - I like Willy Mason a lot, so it would have to be really bad for me not to like it... It's not, therefore I do like it. I've heard of Jamie Woon, but didn't know what to expect... I ain't disappointed
Foals - Not my Foals #trackoftheyear (Mountain At My Gates was mine) but it's a bloody good 'un nonetheless
Au.Ra - Weirdly I only discovered the 'shoegazing' genre in 2014 through 'Ringo Deathstarr' but loving it as I do, I feel bad... Very Pixies-esque, very good... Thanks butt
Jamie Woon, another top track featuring another fav in Willy. It's a decent album, I preferred Sharpness and Message.
Foals, excellent track makes we want to headbutt a melon and then throw it!
Jack Garratt, I didn't really dig this track at first. I think it was that voice sample which grated but it has since come through. He definitely has the skills to pay the bills.
Au.Ra, What are you on about? A thoroughly enjoyable track. Windows down, sun out everyting irie!
Jamie Woon - interesting, Willy can do no wrong for me
Foals - I like the Foals, don't know about headbutting a melon 'tho
Jack Garratt - that was some build up and it just did not do it for me. Crisus time at the U.N.
Au Ra - This is good too, another top section, but did not get the JG one. Maybe needs another listen
Jamie Woon and Willy - a match made in music heaven. Love the brass and the way Willy's voice makes me want to clear my throat. My winner.
Jack Garrett - that operatic voice sample is so memorable. Nice and sparse
Foals - yes, just yessssss
Au.ra - it was you who introduced me to shoe-gaze and this is exactly it. The Pixies bass makes me expect they are going to kick into something any moment. Almost disappointed they don't.
All in all a good selection and I have you to thank for 2/5 of mine!