This is probably the umpteenth time you've read a tips for 2010 blog/article, but here at recordstore things are a little different. We like to think we are a cut above your normal retailer that will sell any old nonsense just to get your hard earned cash. With that in mind, I have composed a short piece on albums coming out in early 2010 that you can really cherish, not just for this year, but forever...
Right, I'll get this one out of the way first. I have driven our office mad talking about these chaps for well over a year now. Having changed their names from The Muslims, The Soft Pack finally release their debut album on February 1st. With louche vocal delivery, riffs tighter than my dads wallet and a drummer that pounds away like a zombie at human flesh, these guys really do the business. When Pavement return to these shores around the Spring time having bought this album, you really will ask yourself why you bothered with Pavement in the first place...
Fool's Gold are not your typical LA band. They are not some revoltingly sweaty, long haired lay abouts making scuzzy raaaaawwwwwkkkk music. Fool's Gold produce long, pop music entwined with african rhythms and melodies. HOLD ON I hear you shout as you read this, Vampire Weekend make African music for your average joe surely? No, no my friend as this album makes Vampire Weekend's African influences look about as detailed as a Michael Caine German accent in a WWII movie. Looking at photos of the band, there are about 27 and a half members in this band and the lead singer sings in Hebrew. Mesmerising stuff.
If Charlotte Gainsbourg were to enter crufts, she would win the competition purely on her pedigree. The daughter of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin returns with a Beck (including their duet Heaven Can Wait) produced album on January 25th. Sounding like a melting pot of Becks 'Modern Guilt', 60s Pop and an arthouse cinema soundtrack, IRM finds two artists coming together at the top of their game to produce a stunning record.
From the label that bought you Fionn Regan, Andrew Bird and Vetiver (Bella Union), comes another beautiful collection of indie folk songs. Artists such as MGMT, Julian Casablancas and Grizzly Bear have been raving across the atlantic about this boy and girl combo. With soaring choruses akin to stable mates Fleet Foxes and a feel of Bob Dylans 'Blood On The Tracks', this a classically modern sounding album. If Fleet Foxes sophomore effort sounds half as good as this, you shall be pleased.
You have heard of Ellie and Marina, but have you heard of Tigs? Over the last couple of years we have seen a dearth of female singers coming through singing thoroughly disappointing electronica but Chew Lips are different. Mixing soulful grooves with clever synths and crunching bass, Bat For Lashes producer David Kosten really has made an album that separates it from the rest of the 'female electro' genre.
Well there you have it, some exciting and very rewarding albums to start off 2010. Let's see if any of them make the end of year lists...
Martin
