Albums of the Year 2019

Here is Old Indie Kid's Top Ten Albums of the Year 2019

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". 

6) Midnight Love, Vol 2 by Sloan Peterson
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.

Albums of the Year 2020

 Greetings Music Lovers,

Here is my 6th annual end of year review of my top ten albums.  I’ld like to start by quoting some lyrics from the I’m Good single by Hilltop Hoods.

“I’ve seen better days man, we all have, 2020’s nothing but an unshaped ball bag, it’s not all bad...” The soundtrack was phenomenal. 

#1. Finer Times In Other Worlds - Crimson Bloom

Teesider Andrew Johnson has been releasing music for nearly 20 years as a solo artist and under a few different names.  He sings with a successful cover band The Southmartins (Housemartins, Beautiful South, Paul Heaton).

In 2018 when it looked certain that The Stone Roses wouldn’t release another album he decided to write it himself.  He formed a band called Crimson Bloom and released an outstanding eponymous debut album influenced by the Roses and his love of the jangle pop of the late eighties.  This debut has been my most played album of 2020 but being two years old is ineligible. Maybe I should edit my previous posts and pretend I was on the ball back then? No - can’t be arsed. In August 2020 the Crimson Bloom follow up was released which was completed during isolation and lockdown conditions.  I have it on vinyl and there isn’t a bad note on it.  Sometimes pure indie rock pop with mystical pretensions, political undertones and baggy swagger.  Crimson Bloom have released six singles in 2020 (three from the album) a newer song Anticipation where they introduce funky acid to the mix and two covers Connected (Stereo MC’s) and Driving Home For Christmas (Chris Rea).  I’ve become a high fan and it has reinvigorated my love for new music. They have also refreshed my wardrobe with four band t-shirts.

Key songs: Cut Me Down, The Game of Love, Chasing Gold & The Brightest Star.

#2. The Tides of Time - The Mariners

Having turned my attention to the UK unsigned scene I discovered so many that 2020 will be remembered by me as a great renaissance of indie rock.  One album that stands out is from a Nottingham Band called The Mariners.  It’s a perfect collection of original songs with the sound of the mid-60s and other influences thrown in. Imagine The Monkees, The Kinks and The Animals covered by Supergrass or better still listen for yourselves.  The Mariners have wonderful artwork and release digital singles with b-sides.  They are already working on their second album due in early 2021.  #GetOnTheBoat

Key songs: Sycamore Street, Stuck Inside My Mind Not Fit For Use & Bring Her Back To Me.

#3. The Trip - Flip Fantazia 

A chilled electronic album with moody tracks designed for the mind rather than the feet.  Some samples steer the thoughts to topics the band want to promote.  Opener Hombre urges the listener to fight prejudice. Wombarra provides chilled drum n bass and a bit of didgeridoo.  S900 is my personal favourite - an ode to samplers including a description of the technique. Fracture could be lifted straight off Air’s Moon Safari.  The final two tracks take it up a few notches in case anyone dozes off.  Drums, rumbling bass and electronic squiggles propel Silver Spoon.  The album finale has beats, “wa wa wa wa wa wahs”, vocals, sinister overtures and the pressure builds until it suddenly stops.  If you’re seeking a break from the norm then let Flip Fantazia’s The Trip take you on a journey.  The band have made a trippy visualisation video to accompany the album which can be watched on YouTube.  https://youtu.be/BJuPvX5insA 

Key tracks: S900, Fracture, Hombre & Free By Design 

#4. Where Does It Go - Denise Johnson 

A Manchester songbird legend tragically taken just months before the release of her debut album. For thirty years Denise appeared on indie records providing vocals for other acts (Primal Scream 90-94 era, A Certain Ratio, The Charlatans, Electronic, Bernard Butler, Johnny Marr, Ian Brown etc.) She was loved by fans who crowd funded her funeral costs after her untimely death.  This album demonstrates her powerful voice on a collection of covers from Manchester bands (10cc, New Order, The Smiths) and some originals.  R.I.P. Denise

Key songs: Steal Around Me Easy, I’m Not On Love, Well I Wonder & True Faith.

#5. The Universal Want - Doves

Another Manchester band back with their first album in eleven years as the long awaited follow up to 2009’s Kingdom of Rust. The  The Universal Want is a stronger collection in my opinion.  It has anthems, powerful vocals, top imagery and intricate drum patterns. Doves have come back at the top of their game. 

Key songs: Carousels, Cathedrals Of The Mind, Prisoners & Broken Eyes.

#6. The Slow Rush - Tame Impala

The 4th album by Aussie producer Kevin Parker (Local Legend).  It comes five years after predecessor Currents.  The common theme of The Slow Rush is time with songs titled after yesterday, tomorrow, time, years and hours. Opener One More Year poses the question where will we be a year from now?  The possibilities and the trap of routine.  Released on Valentines Day 2020 before a year that no-one expected.  A year from now I’ll be watching a rescheduled Tame Impala homecoming gig in Perth. 

Key songs: One More Year, Posthumous Forgiveness, Lost In Yesterday & Borderline.

#7. Working Men’s Club - Working Men’s Club

Another band from Manchester that have successfully melded indie rock and dance music with the emphasis clearly on dance here.  It’s like a dance album if it was made by  Joy Division in 1979 fronted by the ghost of Mark E Smith - at a rave.  Album closer Angel is an epic and comes in at over 12 minutes long like Flowered Up playing thrash metal. Very dark disco from Northern England.  

Key tracks: Valleys, White Rooms and People, John Cooper Clarke & A.A.A.A. 

#8. The Glow - DMAs

Third studio album from Melbourne’s Madchester fanboys.  The DMAs are very popular in Australia and this album has had cut through on the international stage.  They have incorporated more beats, synths and electronic noodling to their Shoegazy Oasis sound.  Key songs: The Glow, Life Is A Game Of Changing & Silver.

#9. The Erratic Explosion of Colour and Compassion - Alligator Moon

A psychedelic poppy rock band from Yorkshire.  Heavy on distortion, thundering drums, guitar licks and dance beats. Only 80 monthly listeners on Spotify so get onto them and play their wonderful debut album.

Key tracks: Podrick Payne’s Love Train, Numb, Feel The Past and Marmalade Dreams.

#10. Twin Heavy - Willie J Healey 

A singer songwriter from Oxfordshire with his second album. The nostalgic sounds of a 1970s ex-Beatle solo album recorded live to tape.  Willie is a great talent who has penned a top collection of interesting and catchy songs.  The orchestration on Twin Heavy rewards repeat listening.  There is just too much to take in with a single play. 

Key songs: Songs for Joanna, True Stereo, Fashun & Why You Gotta Do It?

Merry Christmas, Keep Safe and Happy New Year

Old Indie Kid’s Mixtape Dec 2020

 Here is my final monthly blog for 2020, a year that none of us will forget.  Like everyone else, I’m hoping next year will start to see a return to normality in the battle against the virus.  But I shall also remember 2020 for being a brilliant year for new music and I’m hopeful that this will continue for some time.  I always hunger for great new music but this year the quantity and quality has been unrivaled since the last great indie rock scene of the early Noughties led by The White Stripes, The Strokes and the The Libertines. It’s great being Twitter friends with all the bands and artists and  being part of the community of bands, fans, bloggers, DJ's and nutters from the #VirtualPubCrawl.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you another twenty talented acts from The Roaring Twenties. 

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Dec 2020 Spotify Playlist 

1) Anticipation by Crimson Bloom

A surprise release from Crimson Bloom who are moving on up and introducing new elements to their sound.  It opens with a wicked bass line, incorporates beats, an organ solo and builds up and up until the drop where it goes all tweaking acid funk bonkers.  I’ve not heard a single bad word said about the Blooms’ new direction. Then again, people know I wouldn’t stand for any nonsense.  As licky as trips.

2) Tin Man by Thrillhouse

Bloody brilliant single from Brighton’s Brightest.  It opens with a whirling tape, crowd noises and a beat reminiscent of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour.  A bit of wacka wacka guitar (for want of a real musical term), the obligatory sax section and an infectious tune that demands repeat listening.  However I cannot make any sense of the lyrics so I gave up and just enjoyed it for what it is.  Given how prolific Thrillhouse have become, I'll be shaken if they weren’t planning to drop a little festive cheer in December!

3) Equate by Dictator 

Equate is taken from a mental health charity EP released last month with two Scottish bands covering each other’s songs.  This song was written by Volka and performed by Dictator - a band I have great hopes for. Buy the EP here. https://dictatorvolka.bandcamp.com/album/dictator-x-volka

4) The Ballard of Me And Thee by Liam Hillyer

Liam Hillyer has now expanded his sound by adding a band with no name.  The Ballad of Me and Thee is yet another rousing single.  I’ve loved the last three or four releases and Liam Hillyer seems to have a regular place on my monthly playlist. It is well deserved. 

5) Fairytale Scene by Daydream Runaways 

I love the way this song starts with a chuckle, has a doorbell in it and feels like an early Strokes single.  The Daydream Runaways are gaining a bit of momentum with the in crowd and were very nearly endorsed by the actor who played Jay from the Inbetweeners! Surely it won’t be long until our Champion Bobby Carlyle gets in on the act.

6) Going Away by Plastic Glass

Top Sunderland band with a powerful blast of indie rock n roll.  Check them out and give them a follow on your platform of choice.  Plastic Glass have a physical CD for sale on Bandcamp containing this and previous singles Let Me Know and Come Clean. https://plasticglass.bandcamp.com/album/going-away

7) Sally by The Lilacs

Wigan band The Lilacs with their first new release in over a year.  Sally is a song about a woman struggling with kids and bills and planning to get back with her ex. The Lilacs are planning to release some vinyl hopefully before Christmas and get back to the studio as soon as the lockdown allows. If you don’t know them then go and check out their previous songs Vicarage Road and Seen It All.

8) First Fire by Red Cavalry 

This is my favourite song so far by Red Cavalry. It’s a jangle pop tale of love/lust at first sight.  

9) Different Way by Felix Hill

Felix is a talented enigmatic teenage singer-songwriter from Manchester.  He sounds uncannily like a young Mozza on Different Way. Felix’s voice and the production on this single are absolutely fantastic so I can’t wait to hear more.

10) Dublin Serenade by Amelia Coburn

Speaking of fantastic voices, Amelia Coburn has one of the finest going at the moment.  She’s released a couple of ukulele based cover albums with her interpretations of The Clash, The Jam, The Roses and Bowie among others.  This beautiful song is outstanding and is available for pre-order on vinyl over on Bandcamp. https://ameliacoburn.bandcamp.com/

Amelia Coburn and Teenage Waitress are playing an online gig on Facebook on Friday 4/12/20.  https://m.facebook.com/rebirthofcoollive/

11) Home by Vela Incident 

A ode to retreating from the world to the comforts of your home. An anthem for introvert released during a year of lock downs.  The song starts softly and the music builds throughout transforming from a gentle statement of intent to a defiant call.  There is no verse/chorus here just a repetition of the same eight lines so the song structure offers stability and suggests a safe place mirroring the theme of the lyrics.  A great song that is a firm favourite with everyone who has been snared on its refrain. 

12) Hooked by Cobain Jones

Cobain’s latest single opens with an acoustic strum, before drums and bass join the picture.  Distant horns enliven proceedings before the outro reverts to vocals and acoustic guitar. Hooked is a modern pop classic song about the free spirited Rosie who always leaves them wanting more with a trail of admirers in her wake His next single Wonder is released this coming Friday. 

13) Star City Serenade by Jay Tennant

The second song with serenade in the title this month.  I honestly don’t think I’ve ever typed that word before today. Jay is another talented artist in a crowded field.  He’s releasing brilliant indie guitar music, has a new album coming out in 2021 and he’s also a top bloke and active on Twitter sharing his favourite songs.

14) S900 by Flip Fantazia ft. ERaze

An ode to sampling taken off Flip Fantazia’s amazing The Trip album.  This is my most played track of theirs  so wanted to share it.  Boom Bap!  Another quality emerging act you can support on Bandcamp.

15) Stargazing by Independent Music Club

Beautiful guitar playing, twinkling chimes and an astronomical theme.  

16) Wasted by Connie Miles

Now here’s another beautiful emotional song co-written by Connie and her Dad Ian Miles.  It’s an excellent performance and great production.  It really deserves a wider audience.  Connie is also the front woman for Revivalry and a little bird has told me to watch out for a Revivalry Christmas cover song in the next few weeks. Be warned - it might be a little shaky!

17) Sad Eyes by The Shop Window

Maidstone’s The Shop Window have been releasing songs under this name for the past 12 months now having reformed musical alliances that date back to the 90's when they were known as Westpier.  Their latest single is an emotional one inspired by Carl’s visit to see his ageing Grandma. The band harmonies and hypnotic guitars are excellent here.  The Shop Window plan to release their debut album The State of Being Human in 2021 and there is also talk of vinyls coming soon. Given that it’s December I must give a shout out for The Shop Window’s Christmas song.  Signpost is wonderful and the best original Christmas song I’ve heard in the last decade.  Listen to Signpost on their Bandcamp site and buy some digital singles. https://theshopwindow.bandcamp.com/track/signpost 

18) Bored of Babies by Bad Nerves

Bad Nerves are an East London Punk Band playing fast thrash punk pop songs.  They have just released a self titled album full of Ramones inspired rock n roll.  

19) All That I Know by Sages Of The Subway

The Sages of the Subway are channeling their inner War On Drugs here to great effect.  This band have only released a handful of songs over the last few years and I hope this indie-cates (could help it) their new direction as they do it so well.  They are clearly great musicians and songwriters so check out their back catalogue.

20) Merry Christmas by Willie J Healey

A modern Christmas song that sounds traditional.  It doesn’t rely upon gimmicks just warms the cockles of your heart.  Willie has released a brilliant album this year called Twin Heavy which has the vibe of a post- Beatles solo album from the early Seventies.

Epilogue...

Don’t forget that Bandcamp Friday is 4th December so head there and buy some physical or virtual music and support the artists you love. Also The Mariners new 3 track EP Dear Genevieve is available for pre-order.  https://themariners.bandcamp.com/album/dear-genevieve-single

Finally Michael Tanner (Rebirth of Cool Blogger) and myself are currently counting down our combined top 100 independent songs of the year in a series of videos hosted on YouTube.  If you want to hear our considered opinions on such matters and learn some new dance moves then you need to check out the Indie 100 countdown videos on the Rebirth of Cool TV channel.  https://www.youtube.com/user/Mobytanner

Merry Christmas 

Danny / @Oldindiekid1