Its pretty much halfway through the year, so I though, in time honoured tradition, that I would list my 5 favourite records of the year so far. 2009 has been a 'steady' year so far, not quite the same excitement of the new (bon iver..fleet foxes..) as last year but some really good albums all the same. Lots still to come too with Wilco, Twilight Sad, Innocence Mission, MeCo and Mark Eitzel records on the horizon and the T&G diary positively full with gigs I'm attending in July/August. Anyway, the five best so far..
1. Bill Callahan 'Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle'
A clear winner thus far. A graceful set of songs from Mr Callahan, his finest for many a year. From the simple beauty of 'Jim Cain' to the quirky brilliance of 'My Friend' and 'All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast'. Best of the lot though, is the stunning 'Too Many Birds' with the stare-at-the-sky-beautiful unravelling of the line "if you could only stop your heartbeat for one heartbeat" being the musical highlight of the year so far.
2. M. Ward 'Hold Time'
Still not as magical as 'Transistor Radio' but 'Hold Time' is a retro feast for the years. Beautifully recorded and with some great tunes, Ward is the finest troubadour we have.
3. Broken Records 'Until The Earth Begins To Part'
Not for everyone. Your love for this record will depend on how you feel about windswept Waterboys-esque epics...sung with a Scottish accent. For me though, this is a fiery, passionate delight and I can't wait to see them play live.
4. Camera Obscura 'My Maudlin Career'
More Scots! Sad, lovelorn songs but strangely uplifting due to a sprinkling of fine tunes and Tracey-Anne Campbell's warm vocals. Perfect pop as it should be.
5. Fanfarlo 'Reservoir'
Out of nowhere this London based band produced a fine record of pop masterpieces, mixing the multi-instrumental sound of Beirut with the passion and drive of Arcade Fire. Great stuff and 'Comets' is the ballad Chris Martin wishes he'd written.
There's the five. Yes I know Bonnie Prince Billy didn't make it...and nor did Morrissey.
stay tuned.
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