Staff picks
This week
No Thrills (2013) by Amateur Best
“Anything involving a combination of the words “pop”, “electronic” and “London” makes me think of the kind of hipster-fuelled nu-rave that I had hoped was long behind us. Fortunate then, that I didn’t take Thrills on description alone, and discovered a record that laughs in the face of stereotypes with a solid sense of humour, upbeat melodies and expertly compressed-to-the-max, radio-ready production. If this is the sound of London’s electro-pop today, I’m sold.” Nick Skelton
The Hurry and the Harm (2013) by City And Colour
“Sitting somewhere sonically between Adele’s 21 and The Black Keys’ Brothers, The Hurry and The Harm finds Dallas Green taking a break from his usual, cathartic duties in Alexisonfire but retaining all of that stomach-deep emotion. Another progression of his modern take on folky blues – lovely stuff.” Dan Smith
Excavation (2013) by The Haxan Cloak
“Straddling the nebulous border between sound design and electronica, Bobby Krlic’s second album offers a masterclass in creating claustrophobic horrorscapes. It also contains some of the most bowel-bothering bass notes you’ll hear this year.” Gemma Samways
Space Pong / Space Break (2013) by T++
“Nautical techno steppas from erstwhile Monolake member Torsten Pröfrock. Still sounding state of the art seven years after its original release; hi-def soundscape and merciless sub-bass.” Matt Gray
Last week
Singles and Sessions 1979-1981 (2009) by Delta 5
“Shouty, danceable, fun-loving, post-punk group Delta 5 suffered from a classic case of over-hype. This collection of their singles and sessions presents them at their best – leading the party with infectious tunes and lyrics. ‘You’ is still one of my favourites.” Sam Gething
For Club Play Only Pt.1 (2012) by Duke Dumont
“Analogue lover Duke Dumont has produced an energetic, body-jacking techno EP, and released it on Tiga’s winning label Turbo Recordings. Superb DJ/producer!” Sharri Morris
Kenya Special (Selected East African Recordings From The 1970s & '80s) (2013) by Various Artists
“Soundway’s relentless archaeology of mid-20th century African music continues with this latest collection that’s focused on the funk and hi-life of 70s and 80s Kenya. The standout track from Mbiri Young Stars will threaten any dance floor and wouldn’t sound out of place in a Four Tet or Daphni Boiler Room set.” Aaron FitzGerald
Some Say I So I Say Light (2013) by Ghostpoet
“There’s nothing too hazardous on this, the second album by English beat-maker Ghostpoet, but the experimental beats and his nagging murmur makes it all worth it.” Emmylou Prevett
The week before last week
Floating Coffin (2013) by Thee Oh Sees
“Another tour de force from legendary garage-rockers Thee Oh Sees. Seriously, there can’t be many bands that sound this good 25 years into their career.” Gemma Samways
Ceremony (2013) by Anna von Hausswolff
“Maybe Anna von Hausswolff’s second album was influenced by her tour with fellow countrywoman Lykke Li… Dark, serious and morbid, but deliciously beautiful and haunting.” Julia Killer
Namaste EP (2013) by Kryptic Minds
“While many from the dubstep scene have jumped ship to house quicker than the evacuating passengers of the Costa Concordia, it’s refreshing to see such a figurehead keeping true to their roots. The traditional, dread halfstep-vibe that Kryptic Minds are known for is present on both the title track ‘Namaste’ and the long-awaited anthem re-work of ‘Badman VIP’, but it’s ‘Nebula’ and ‘To Feel’ that fly the flag for the future of dubstep, mutating the classic sound into broken techno territory. Fre-ki-fre-ki-freshhh.” Dan Smith
The Dark of the Psychic Unknown (2011) by Milton bradley
“New wave dark techno from Berlin. Cold, uncompromising sounds and ludicrously hammy track titles, I’m sold.” Matt Gray
The week before that
Hudson Square EP (2011) by Homework
“Terrace season is almost upon us! This is hands-in-the-air sunshine music from the Homework boys. Out on Exploited in 2011, this has timeless all over it, probably becaue the Taana Gardner’s ‘Heartbeat’ sample is always going to be so damn infectious...” Ben Lee
The Hearse (2013) by Wampire
“David Lynchian, creepy-camp, electro-rock (and witty with it!), this EP trails the album due in May. I cannot wait!” Sam Gething
Welcome To Mikrosector-50 (2013) by Space Dimension Controller
“The very idea of a house/tech/funk concept album surely makes it worth checking this out?” Will Munn
Greatest Hits (2013) by Fleetwood Mac
“Such a good Greatest Hits. I bloomin’ love this.” Phil Quigley
And so on...
Cosmos (2013) by Slow Knights
“Slow Knights is the solo project of Scissor Sister’s Del Marquis, and features Rod “Bright Light Bright Light” Thomas and members of Prince’s New Power Generation amongst others. Their debut release is Cosmos, a cohesive collection of high-style, 80s-inspired pop, which could serve as the warm-up soundtrack to the now iconic Horse Meat Disco compilations and/or the ideal addition to your “so-cool-right-now”-themed playlist (squeezed between Kindness and Blood Orange).” Dimitris Ballas
Maiden England '88 (2013) by Iron Maiden
“A classic live concert, remastered and released as a download for the first time. Maiden England '88 showcases a superb performance from Iron Maiden at their commercial peak.” Alex Markham
Black Habit (2007) by Rings
“NY trio whose only release (from 2007) sounds a bit like an analogue take on Gang Gang Dance. Touching and adorable.” Mia Filisch
Yearning EP (2013) by HNNY
“Smooth, garage-inspired release from HNNY, arriving hot on the heels of his For The Very First Time EP and also released on Local Talk Records.” Reece Daniels
Sunburn EP (2012) by Baio
“This is the solo project of Vampire Weekend’s front man Chris Baio. Released on Joe Goddard’s label Greco-Roman, this EP tastes as sweet as honey. Track three will get you picturing yourself sipping mojitos in the sun and leave you hugely excited about the warmer months creeping up on us!” Sharri Morris
“This is Sam Howard’s Ark. Soundtrack to the Great Flood or emissary of the Angels of Death? With a field-recorded foundation of the hushed holy harmony heard in the eponymous hallowed Halls, it could be either, skittering seraphically in the beats between Burial and Blake and Murcof’s monastic melodies. To be listened to somewhere safe, and watched over by top men. Top. Men.” Nick Skelton
Smile That Won't Go Down (2013) by Filthy Boy
“Somewhere between Arctic Monkeys and Gogol Bordello, Filthy Boy are definitely one to watch this year.” Will Munn
“One of the best electronic albums ever. Should be listened to from start to finish, with no distractions.” James Wheatley
Metal & Dust EP (2013) by London Grammar
“Newcomers London Grammar showcase minimalist pop at its best, hinting at great things yet to come. A standout band amongst the siren-voiced female-fronted groups.” Julia Killer
How It Is EP (2013) by J.Wiltshire
“Following in the footsteps of his good friend BareSkin, J. Wiltshire drops a smooth release on the prolific Hypercolour label.” Reece Daniels
Stroh 80 (2013) by Casual Sex
“Another absolute gem courtesy of Moshi Moshi’s Singles Club. B-side ‘Soft School’ is my favourite of the two tracks, offering up a foot-tapping mash-up of post-rock, glam rock and Krautrock. Oh, and Casual Sex are four blokes from Glasgow, so you needn’t worry about googling them.” Gemma Samways
The Four Quarters (2005) by Vladislav Delay
“Dub/experimental improvisations in Vladislav Delay’s unique style. Very beautiful sounds – freer and more organic than his icy, earlier work. Like listening to the Finnish tundra springing into life with the first rays of the summer sun.” Matt Gray
The Living Infinite (2013) by Soilwork
“Besides being the first double album in the history of melodic death metal, this new effort from Soilwork is an astonishing achievement on all levels. Even without the presence of founding member and primary songwriter Peter Wichers, this Swedish powerhouse has produced one of the finest albums of the genre to come out in the last 10 years. Reminiscent of earlier works such as A Predator’s Portrait and Natural Born Chaos, while still sounding fresh and relevant, The Living Infinite will delight Soilwork fans old and new.” Alex Markham
“The Cribs have always been a band that people either passionately love or just dismiss; hopefully this collection of singles will be the album to convince the whole world of their greatness. The Jarman brothers possess a quality that’s rare and wonderful these days: that human element of classic punk rock excitement, where you’ve no idea if what you’re witnessing is going to fall apart into chaos at any moment. And even if it does occasionally, this is still a cracking display of their chaotic, exhilarating musical output.” Jim Sanders
Ten (2012) by Girls Aloud
“With a record-breaking 20 consecutive top-ten singles – making them the biggest selling girl band of the 21st century – Girls Aloud show off the epic power-pop bangers that cemented their place in pop history on this greatest hits compilation. Although the band is no more, the music will live on forever.” Stacey Speakman
“Twin sisters Antha and Kincy are revolutionising French hip-hop with punk statements and coked-up dark-rave. No limits are reached here, just pure provocation.” Emmylou Prevett
Pale Green Ghosts (2013) by John Grant
“As a Queen of Denmark obsessive, interviewing John Grant was probably my career highlight to date. Pale Green Ghosts might just be his. Seriously, I can’t recommend it highly enough.” Gemma Samways
The Game (2013) by Friend Within
“Friend Within is a breakthrough UK house producer, releasing a belter of an EP on Dirtybird. Bouncy 90s house beats, that are punchy and definitely dir-tay!!” Sharri Morris
Seabed (2013) by Vondelpark
“I’m a big fan of Vondelpark and this long awaited LP coming out on music powerhouse R&S Records is sure to elevate them to big things. Relaxed, innovative and a great live act. Ones to watch!” Ben Lee
Sing To The Moon (2013) by Laura Mvula
“Loving this: a great mix of classic soul and folk with modern production and great songwriting. Plus, she’s my homegirl from Kings Heath in Birmingham!” Jim Molloy
Give You The Ghost (2012) by POLIÇA
“Somehow I entirely overlooked Poliça’s debut, despite it being heavily hyped across the music media. I think this and the wibbly-wobbly autotune pervading the record threw me off enough to immediately ignore it. Happening across it a year later, I realise now what an enormous error of judgment that was. Give You The Ghost is verily deserving of the all-around adulation it got in 2012, if only for the irresistible invite of dual-drumming action. Mmm-mmm.” Nick Skelton
Black Magic (2013) by Py & Kadabrah
“Kadabrah – consisting of hip-hop producer Knyt and deep house DJ Riyad Juno – have taken the “bubblin’” from UK Garage and refined it into a mature “simmer” for this smokey number. Py’s smooth, effortless vocal is expertly offset against a broken house beat to create a sound that sits somewhere within that loosely defined bass music territory, marking this single as a likely addition to the soundtrack of many a Croatian festival this summer.” Dan Smith
Everything Is Everything (2010) by Donny Hathaway
“This is not new, but it’s new to me. A few weeks back, there was a brilliant TV programme on classic albums – hosted by Danny Baker; a lot of the albums put forward I was familiar with but Martin “Tim from The Office” Freeman suggested this gem. Dirty Rhodes, heavy on groove and soulful as ____, it’s been on repeat ever since.” Jim Sanders
(Don't) Take More (2010) by Cristian Vogel
“Mainly included for the Jamie Lidell remix. Prior to his career as a crooner he made wonky techno bangers for Tresor and the like, and his remix here is a classic of that style.” Matt Gray
“A highlight from this reclusive Londoner’s latest album. ‘Riquelme’ is a tense, frenetic homage to Juan Roman Riquelme, the quintessential Argentine artisan footballer and Boca Juniors living legend. Search for the accompanying video on YouTube for evidence of the man’s footballing genius.” Aaron FitzGerald
Give Me (2013) by The Child of Lov
“Supremely funky single from Double Six’s first Dutch signing, and recent recipient of the NME’s Philip Hall Radar Award. His forthcoming full length’s fantastic too: like a three-way between Outkast, Dilla and TV On The Radio.” Gemma Samways
Marka (2011) by Dub Phizix and Skeptical featuring Strategy
“It’s not often you get MCing as good as this. A simple, dark and clever gem.” Will Munn
Ruled By Passion, Destroyed By Lust (2013) by The Asphodells (Andrew Weatherall & Timothy J Fairplay)
“A dark, alluring and infectious album...” Sharri Morris
Night Slugs Allstars Volume 2 (2013) by Various Artists
“Nightslugs present a selection of unreleased and exclusive bangers, alongside some well established dancefloor favourites. Girl Unit, Kingdom, Helix, Bok Bok and L-Vis 1990 all present and correct.” Jack Bridges
Sorrow and Extinction (2012) by Pallbearer
“Ending up in many metal top 10s for 2012, Pallbearer’s first full length album is pure, crushing, spacey doom-metal. A must listen for anyone with a beard.” Matt Carroll
The Book of Mormon (2011) by Original Broadway Cast
“After seeing the show, now I’m listening to the soundtrack. It’s jaw-droppingly offensive, and probably blasphemous too. But incredibly funny.” Anthony Steele
Out Of View (2013) by The History Of Apple Pie
“A bit self indulgent, but thought I would pop on my own little label’s latest release…” Leon Diaper
Workshop 13 (2013) by Move D
“Move D on the ever-dependable Berlin imprint Workshop. ‘B2’ is the standout for me: a warm, boogie-influenced, slow jam, perfect for the winter months!” Matt Gray
Let It All In (2013) by I Am Kloot
“I know we’ve been featuring this a lot, but I’m really loving the latest I Am Kloot album.” Jim Sanders
Attica Blues (2003) by Archie Shepp
“Along with the subsequent The Cry of My People, Attica Blues is one of Archie Shepp’s finest, early-70s moments. Fusing commentary on social injustice and calls for civil rights with everything he termed “Trans-African”. Though fundamentally a free-jazz record, the real freedom is in the unflinching meld of soul, funk, R&B, big-band, gospel, spoken-word and more. Inspired by the Attica Prison Riots, this deserves much more than a cursory listen.” Nick Skelton
Variations On Swing (2007) by Meet Me In St Louis
“Striking, leading bass lines; beautiful, picked guitar parts and intricate tapping; unpredictable stop-starts; super-tight drum parts... I love this album.” Phil Quigley
From back in the mists of time...
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America (2012) by Dan Deacon
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Black (2013) by Project Pitchfork
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MMT Tapes (2013) by Jorge Velez
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Greatest Hits (1998) by Womack & Womack
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Let's Go Swimming Wild (2013) by Sweet Baboo
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Hive Mind EP (2013) by LeBreton
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Light Asylum (2012) by Light Asylum
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Cut It Out EP (2012) by Kitten
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The Dead Texan (2004) by The Dead Texan
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Rainbow Man (2007) by Busy P
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Waves (2012) by Joey Bada$$
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Out of Touch in the Wild (2013) by Dutch Uncles
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The Cactus Cee/D (2000) by 3rd Bass
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ORA Deluxe (2012) by RITA ORA
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The Bird School of Being Human (2012) by Woodpecker Wooliams
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Kitsuné Maison Compilation 10: The Fireworks Issue (2010) by Various Artists
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The Cinematic Orchestra presents In Motion #1 (2012) by Various Artists
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45:33 (2007) by LCD Soundsystem
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Fin - Special Edition (2012) by John Talabot
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White Label Classics (2012) by Ruff Sqwad
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Heartland (2010) by Owen Pallett
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Riots In The Jungle (2012) by Skip&Die
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Screws (2012) by Nils Frahm
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Child EP (2012) by George Fitzgerald
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Azimuth (Remastered & Remixes) (2007) by Azymuth
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I Bet On Sky (2012) by Dinosaur Jr.
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Mutual Friends (2012) by Boy
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Populuxxe (2007) by Cutting Pink with Knives
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Tender New Signs (2012) by Tamaryn
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Operation Ivy (2012) by Operation Ivy
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The World Below G and Beyond (2010) by Mari Kimura
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Forever EP (2012) by Haim
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You/Don't EP (2012) by Bicep
