Apr 18, 2015

Hi mates

We haven't even finished the first half of 2015, but some very good and interesting records have already been released and I thought to make this thread. Ok, I'll start:

- Escape From h---, by Lower Dens: a nice, dreamy post-punk record, with beautiful, melancholic melodies and a bit of frustration in the mix.

- Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance, by Belle and Sebastian: I haven't decided exactly how I feel about this one yet, but I returned to it quite a few times since January; it has a strong disco influnce, it has some great, catchy tunes (as expected), but they kinda lose focus at times, mainly in the second half I think. An enjoyable album that doesn't come close to their best stuff, but it's decent and has several moments that you'll love.

- Ibeyi, by Ibeyi: Ibeyi are Cuban twin sisters who live in Paris, and this is their debut album. Their voices are beautifull and blend together perfectly (it must be the special connection between twins) to create a very emotional and passionate record. They sing in French, English, Spanish and Yoruba language.

- 'Asunder, Sweet And Other Distress' byt Godspeed You! Black Emperor: very good album, I was surprised when I saw that it's only ~40' long; I really like how it slowly builds up in the darkness, until the climax in the end.

- I Love You, Honeybear, by Father John Misty: great indie folk record about finding real love (and other things) in the middle-class America.

- Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper, by Panda Bear: colourful, bittersweet and at tiems strange, the new Panda Bear record probably isn't that accessible, but it's highly recommended. Tropic Of Cancer is haunting.

- Everything Ever Written, by Idlewild: the indie band from Edinburgh returns with a solid project. Not great, but I played it a few times, and it holds up well.

- We Cool?, by Jeff Rosenstock: as @CharlieWork said, folk punk artist goes relatively mainstream. Good album!

- Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit, by Courtney Barnett: the australian singer's debut might feel weird at first; "Put me on a pedestal, I'll only disappoint you", that's what she said, and she means it, because the album has quite a few meaningless lyrics. There's more to it though, from the guitar work, to her lovely voice, to her attitude. Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go to the Party is the truest thing I've heard the whole year.

- Carrie & Lowell, by Sufjan Stevens: an album inspired by the ultimate loss. Powerful.

- Strangers To Ourselves, by Modest Mouse: I think this is mainly for the fans? It has its moments, the instrumentation is varied, but it's inconsistent. I hoped for something better and tbh it isn't by any means close to their best work, but it's still a decent album.

These are the albums that I've listened to the most, what about you guys?

* If you're interested in talking about the best rap albums of 2015 so far, make sure to check that thread.

 

Apr 19, 2015

I think Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens is easily my favorite album of the year. Subtle, but really sneaks up on you. Just beautiful, devastating stuff - and the best thing he's ever released, I think.

I Love You Honeybear by Father John Misty is a very worthy second

 

Apr 19, 2015

Really enjoyed their first album and really enjoyed this one. Such a great band.

 

Apr 18, 2015

Anyone interested in indie should check out Ivy Tripp by Waxahatchee.

 

Apr 19, 2015

Apex Predator was extremely heavy for me I have no clue about venom from the very depths but I'll probably p---- out on this one too

I've only listened to Continued Silence by them and it didn't do much for me except from Demons (well and the Kendrick remix lol, he went in on that one). I might give them another chance

I agree man, Stevens' is the best, then Godspeed/Father John Misty/Ibeyi, then Panda Bear, then either Viet Cong or the Lower Dens, something like that; I haven't listened to Stevens' other music yet but I'm interested in more by him. C&L is exceptional.

Did you like the new Belle And Sebastian? You put me into them with If You're Feeling sInister, in SL

 

Apr 19, 2015

New Viet Cong and Björk albums are fantastic.
edit: and the new Godspeed You Black Emperor! album ofc.

 

Apr 19, 2015

This is def better than yela xD

Hey man, thanks

The new Toro Y Moi looks good, I haven't checked it out, I actually didn't know about the new album lol

Yes it's fine ofc; The Smiths are among my favourite bands, Elliot Smith's XO, Either/Or and Figure 8 are good but I haven't listened to more of his stuff, Portishead are GOAT (Dummy and Mezzanine by Massive Attack are essential albums, you may want to check out more by Massive Attack and Tricky's Maxinquaye and the more recent False Idols, he's a Massive Attack member, they and Portishead basically started Trip Hop). You might like The Cure and Joy Division, they released amazing albums in the late 70s - early 80's, a little earlier than The Smiths. Unknown Pleasures by JD is among my favourite albums of all time, and The Cure were very consistent up until 1992, Disintegration is probably their best album, but they have an amazing catalogue. Also check out Slowdive, it's early-mid 90's shoegaze, great music. Souvlaki is their best.

I had made a thread about random album recommendations, you might like to check it out later? No need to bump it, just read through it, it's not long but you may find something good to listen to http://forum.sectioneighty.com/recommend-an-album-or-two-or-more.t28929/

Also the thread in the bottom of the OP has more or less all the best new rap, there are some very interesting records

 

Apr 19, 2015

Alright the blue coloured phrases in the OP are yt links with songs from the respective albums; I didn't add for all of them because they need to be heard in full, and I couldn't pick one (except fomr the Modest Mouse album that doesn't have stand out songs xD)

thanks man, at least rap's very exciting recently so it doesn't get boring; if you find some time, yuo know where to look

Hi, welcome

It's def among my personal favourites, I still got more love for older stuff though

I have this one, haven't listened yet though :/

Is this similar to last year's Jayhawks? Looks good

 

Apr 18, 2015

great thread. i never have time to stay current on non-rap.

 

Apr 18, 2015

Glad to see you made this thread.

No Cities To Love by Sleater-Kinney - Should be obvious. One of the best punk records in the past few years.

Chronicle by Lights & Motion - Very straightforward and accessible post-rock album.

Big Dark Love by Murder By Death - Overlooked release by a very underrated band.

American Candy by The Maine - The Maine was a terrible pop rock band. Then they released the pretty d--- solid Forever Halloween. I'm not sure if this album is better than that one, but it's still worth a listen.

To be honest, I'm just trying to get through the year, until Brand New releases their new album.