I found this sitting in my drafts from December 2019 and it was never published until now.
Being a top social media influencer if any of the bands featured want to send me any free merchandise or VIP concert tickets I will continue to promote your careers. ;-)
10) Days of the Bagnold Summer by Belle & Sebastian
I understand that this is the soundtrack to an unreleased comedy film directed by Will from the Inbetweeners about a boy living with his mother set in the 1990s. This explains the return to their original nineties sound and the inclusion of a couple of re-recorded tracks but it is mostly new material. Top Track: "Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying".
9) A Bath Full Of Ecstasy by Hot Chip
Great songs with catchy hooks that grow on you like an unpleasant fungal infection but leave you grinning from ear to ear. Top Track: "Melody Of Love".
8) Hot Motion by Temples
They remain devoted to replicating 1960's psychedelic pop and they are unrivaled in the Chamber Psych genre. (Yes Chamber Psych. Try and keep up). Top Track: "You're Either On Something".
7) Encore by The Specials
Social commentary in an age that needs it when too many artists appear to avoid it. I only know their early material so was surprised by how good this modern album was. Top Track: "Embarrassed By You".
Only 8 songs on this release but all killer and no filler. Beautiful vocals from Sloan singing classic pop songs accompanied by an Aussie garage band. Sounds like Lana Del Rey fronting the Vaccines. Top Track: "Our Love"
5) Lux Prima by Karen O & Danger Mouse
I always preferred the ballads from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Karen O has a great voice when she isn't being a shrieking punk rocker. This album is her best work so far. Switching a NYC punk band with the funky genius of Danger Mouse has elevated the quality of the music from the gutter to the coffee table. Top Track: "Lux Prima"
4) Weezer (Teal Album) by Weezer
A covers album where Weezer manage to interpret classic songs faithfully whilst the album retains the homogeneous sound of a Weezer album. Weezer's Teal album contains covers of famous songs originally released by Toto, Eurythmics, Black Sabbath, Michael Jackson, The Turtles, Ben E King, TLC, ELO, Tears for Fears and A-ha. Top Track: "Africa".
3) Apple Crumble by Winston Surfshirt
Laid back funky hip hop beats with Winston crooning away. They sound like the Fun Lovin' Criminals if they chilled out and moved to a beach-side suburb in Australia. Top Track: "Make A Move".
2) No Geography by The Chemical Brothers
A solid dance album that ranks alongside their 90's albums in big beats, squelchy 303s, use of samples and the overall consistency and intensity makes this the best dance album of the year. Top Track: "Got To Keep On".
1) Smooth Big Cat by Dope Lemon
A hazy narcotic trip from Angus Stone. Top Track: "Salt N Pepper".
Honorable mentions to bands that missed out in the top ten - Ride, Methyl Ethel, The Black Keys & Kaiser Chiefs.
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