A Decade of Favourite Albums
In anticipation of my 2007 'Favourite Albums of the Year' list I decided to count down my favourite albums of the last 10 years. I have created iTunes playlists for each year and have been having a great nostalgic time looking back on what I was listening to, and which of these has stood the test of time for me.
2007
[No essential albums were released in 2007]
Also recommended:
Cassadaga (2007) - Bright Eyes
Cease to Begin (2007) - Band of Horses
Children Running Through (2007) - Patty Griffin
Cross (2007) - Justice
Dear Companion (2007) - Meg Baird
Discount Fireworks (2007) - Over The Rhine
An End Has A Start (2007) - Editors
The Flying Club Cup (2007) - Beirut
Fur And Gold (2007) - Bat For Lashes
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007) - Spoon
Ghost Is Not Real (2007) - Husky Rescue
God Save The Clientele (2007) - The Clientele
The Good, The Bad & The Queen (2007) - The Good, The Bad & The Queen
In Rainbows (2007) - Radiohead
It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land (2007) - Soulsavers
Neon Bible (2007) - The Arcade Fire
Our Love To Admire (2007) - Interpol
Proof of Youth (2007) - The Go! Team
The Reminder (2007) - Feist
The Shepherd's Dog (2007) - Iron & Wine
Sky Blue Sky (2007) - Wilco
Sojourner Box Set (2007) - Magnolia Electric Co.
Icky Thump (2007) - The White Stripes
La Radiolina (2007) - Manu Chao
Raising Sand (2007) - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
2006
Nux Vomica
(2006) - The Veils
Follow up to the excellent debut, The Runaway Found, does not disappoint. My most listened to album of the year.
Follow up to the excellent debut, The Runaway Found, does not disappoint. My most listened to album of the year.
Silent Shout
(2006) - The Knife
Undisputed as the greatest electronic album of the year. An addictive and flawless Royksopp-esque masterpiece.
Undisputed as the greatest electronic album of the year. An addictive and flawless Royksopp-esque masterpiece.
Fading Trails
(2006) - Magnolia Electric Co.
More of the same lonesome and cathartic alt-country rock that fans of MEC have come to expect - and as good as the earlier Songs:Ohia days.
More of the same lonesome and cathartic alt-country rock that fans of MEC have come to expect - and as good as the earlier Songs:Ohia days.
Return To Cookie Mountain
(2006) - TV On The Radio
If all the critics aggregated their 2006 lists, this would be universally accepted as the number one album for the year. Rock that is dense and experimental in places and melodic and haunting in others.
If all the critics aggregated their 2006 lists, this would be universally accepted as the number one album for the year. Rock that is dense and experimental in places and melodic and haunting in others.
The Gulag Orkestar
(2006) - Beirut
Points for originality. An Eastern European-sounding, multi-instrumental debut.
Points for originality. An Eastern European-sounding, multi-instrumental debut.
Broken Boy Soldiers
(2006) - The Raconteurs
I have to admit that after Big Day Out in this year, I was starting to suffer from White Stripes appreciation burn-out. But the enthusiasm is back here as Jack White teams up with Greenhornes members to create an entertaining and timeless rock album.
I have to admit that after Big Day Out in this year, I was starting to suffer from White Stripes appreciation burn-out. But the enthusiasm is back here as Jack White teams up with Greenhornes members to create an entertaining and timeless rock album.
The Warning
(2006) - Hot Chip
It took me a while to warm to this one because I'm not usually into click-and-glitch dance, but Hot Chip have created a sound of their own that is very listenable.
It took me a while to warm to this one because I'm not usually into click-and-glitch dance, but Hot Chip have created a sound of their own that is very listenable.
Standing In The Way Of Control
(2006) - Gossip
Infectious bluesy indie rock with a punk attitude and vocals that steal the show.
Infectious bluesy indie rock with a punk attitude and vocals that steal the show.
Garden Ruin
(2006) - Calexico
A more evolved and straightforward indie rock album from Arizona based, eclectic alt country favourites, Calexico.
A more evolved and straightforward indie rock album from Arizona based, eclectic alt country favourites, Calexico.
Everything All The Time
(2006) - Band Of Horses
Debut album from Seattle based melancholy rockers. Hard to pinpoint what makes this different, but it has a shimmering sound not unlike the also great, My Morning Jacket.
Debut album from Seattle based melancholy rockers. Hard to pinpoint what makes this different, but it has a shimmering sound not unlike the also great, My Morning Jacket.
Also recommended:
Let Me Go Let Me Go Let Me Go (2006) - Jason Molina
The Drift (2006) - Scott Walker
Meds (2006) - Placebo
Highway Companion (2006) - Tom Petty
Writers Block (2006) - Peter, Bjorn and John
Bring Me The Workhorse (2006) - My Brightest Diamond
Rabbit Fur Coat (2006) - Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins
It's Never Been Like That (2006) - Phoenix
Black Holes And Revelations (2006) - Muse
Raise The Alarm (2006) - The Sunshine Underground
Amputechture (2006) - The Mars Volta
On The Outside (2006) - Starsailor
The Greatest (2006) - Cat Power
The Crane Wife (2006) - The Decemberists
Begin To Hope (2006) - Regina Spektor
The Avalanche (2006) - Sufjan Stevens
Classics (2006) - Ratatat
Edin (2006) - Paul McLaney
Fear Is On Our Side (2006) - I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006) - Justin Timberlake
New English (2006) - Ambulance LTD
Post-War (2006) - M. Ward
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (2006) - Bruce Springsteen
2005
The Understanding CD
(2005) - Röyksopp
Building on their highly successful debut album, The Understanding CD takes Royskopp into experimental new areas.
Building on their highly successful debut album, The Understanding CD takes Royskopp into experimental new areas.
What Comes After the Blues
(2005) - Magnolia Electric Co.
Gradually becoming my favourite of Jason Molina's works with a great guitar sound and masterful lyrics.
Gradually becoming my favourite of Jason Molina's works with a great guitar sound and masterful lyrics.
Country Falls
(2005) - Husky Rescue
Best described by band founder - "Every track is designed to be a warm breeze to counter the chill of daily life, whether you live in cold climes or not"
Best described by band founder - "Every track is designed to be a warm breeze to counter the chill of daily life, whether you live in cold climes or not"
Pegasus
(2005) - Phoenix Foundation
I'm inclined to think this is my favourite NZ album in years.
I'm inclined to think this is my favourite NZ album in years.
Get Behind Me Satan
(2005) - The White Stripes
The duo's fifth album, while not their best work, still ranks amongst the best pure alt-rock albums of the year.
The duo's fifth album, while not their best work, still ranks amongst the best pure alt-rock albums of the year.
Demon Days
(2005) - Gorillaz
More of that great innovative genre defying and spooky sounding alt-rock-electronica.
More of that great innovative genre defying and spooky sounding alt-rock-electronica.
Also recommended:
Employment (2005) - Kaiser Cheifs
The Cosmic Game (2005) - Theivery Corporation
The Bravery (2005) - The Bravery
Here Come The Tears (2005) - The Tears
Elephunk (2005) - Black Eyed Peas
Gimme Fiction (2005) - Spoon
I Am a Bird Now (2005) - Antony and the Johnsons
Frances The Mute (2005) - The Mars Volta
Illinois (2005) - Sufjan Stevens
The Mysterious Production of Eggs (2005) - Andrew Bird
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (2005) - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Eye To The Telescope (2005) - K.T. Tunstall
Transistor Radio (2005) - M. Ward
Back To Bedlam (2005) - James Blunt
Supernature (2005) - Goldfrapp
The Magic Numbers (2005) - The Magic Numbers
Trials And Errors (2005) - Magnolia Electric Co.
In The Reins (2005) - Iron and Wine/Calexico
Wolfmother (2005) - Wolfmother
The Campfire Headphase (2005) - Boards of Canada
Cinder (2005) - Dirty Three
Cripple Crow (2005) - Devendra Banhart
Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005) - Shakira
On the Outside (2005) - Starsailor
Oral Fixation Vol.2 (2005) - Shakira
Witching Hour (2005) - Ladytron
22-20s (2005) - 22-20s
'64-'95 (2005) - Lemon Jelly
2004
The Runaway Found
(2004) - The Veils
Young former Kiwi, Finn Andrews, has created a stylish bitterweet and beautiful debut rock album.
Young former Kiwi, Finn Andrews, has created a stylish bitterweet and beautiful debut rock album.
Thunder, Lightening, Strike
(2004) - The Go! Team!
Boundless energy and innovative sampling have created this sonic masterpiece.
Boundless energy and innovative sampling have created this sonic masterpiece.
Funeral
(2004) - The Arcade Fire
The little indie-rock album that deserves more love.
The little indie-rock album that deserves more love.
Antics
(2004) - Interpol
Menancholic followup to 2002's excellent Turn on the Bright Lights. An equally brilliant rock masterpiece.
Menancholic followup to 2002's excellent Turn on the Bright Lights. An equally brilliant rock masterpiece.
Destroy Rock & Roll
(2004) - Mylo
Catchy eighties infused Electro-synth dance pop with an infectious beat.
Catchy eighties infused Electro-synth dance pop with an infectious beat.
Also recommended:
Together We're Heavy (2004) - The Polyphonic Spree
Trouble (2004) - Akon
A Ghost Is Born (2004) - Wilco
Waves Are Universal (2004) - Rachel Goswell
The Futureheads (2004) - The Futureheads
Talkie Walkie (2004) - Air
Pyramid Electric Co. (2004) - Jason Molina
Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004) - Modest Mouse
Our Endless Numbered Days (2004) - Iron and Wine
Franz Ferdinand (2004) - Franz Ferdinand
Heroes to Zeros (2004) - Beta Band
Finally Woken (2004) - Jem
Smile (2004) - Brian Wilson
The Libertines (2004) - The Libertines
From A Basement On The Hill (2004) - Elliott Smith
Now Here Is Nowhere (2004) - The Secret Machines
Bows and Arrows (2004) - The Walkmen
Cellar Door (2004) - John Vanderslice
Let It Die (2004) - Feist
Hot Fuss (2004) - The Killers
LP (2004) - Ambulance LTD
Alphabetical (2004) - Phoenix
Ariels (2004) - Bent
Bright Like Neon Love (2004) - Cut Copy
Convict Pool (2004) - Calexico
Gran Hotel Buenos Aires (2004) - Federico Aubelle
Ratatat (2004) - Ratatat
Silence Is Easy (2004) - Starsailor
Tiny Blue Biosphere (2004) - Rhian Sheehan
When It Falls (2004) - Zero 7
You've Got To Hear The Music (2004) - Dimmer
2003
Deloused at the Comatorium
(2003) - The Mars Volta
It's really not important that you have no idea what any of this is about, what matters is how this explosion of creativity makes you feel.
It's really not important that you have no idea what any of this is about, what matters is how this explosion of creativity makes you feel.
Magnolia Electric Co.
(2003) - Songs: Ohia
My favourite of Jason Molina's works. This Steve Albini produced country-folk rock album is a real unleashed masterpiece.
My favourite of Jason Molina's works. This Steve Albini produced country-folk rock album is a real unleashed masterpiece.
Echoes
(2003) - The Rapture
Ordinarily, dance-punk is a genre I would avoid. But The Rapture have created a standout album with Echoes - it just works on energy.
Ordinarily, dance-punk is a genre I would avoid. But The Rapture have created a standout album with Echoes - it just works on energy.
Elephant
(2003) - The White Stripes
The White Stripes sound incrementally evolves with Elephant. This is the perfect followup album.
The White Stripes sound incrementally evolves with Elephant. This is the perfect followup album.
Feast of Wire
(2003) - Calexico
Well, I just love anything Calexico. It just happens that this is mariachi styled genius craftsmanship.
Well, I just love anything Calexico. It just happens that this is mariachi styled genius craftsmanship.
The Everlasting Blink
(2003) - Bent
The superb follow-up to my downtempo favourite 'Programmed to Love'. Another underappreciated great of the genre.
The superb follow-up to my downtempo favourite 'Programmed to Love'. Another underappreciated great of the genre.
O
(2003) - Damien Rice
Debut album of intimate and beautiful music from this Irish singer/songwriter folk musician.
Debut album of intimate and beautiful music from this Irish singer/songwriter folk musician.
Transfiguration of Vincent
(2003) - M. Ward
A melancholic dose of atmospheric Americana folk.
A melancholic dose of atmospheric Americana folk.
Also recommended:
Summer at Shatter Creek (2003) - Summer at Shatter Creek
Absolution (2003) - Muse
The Black Album (2003) - Jay-Z
Black Cherry (2003) - Goldfrapp
Chutes Too Narrow (2003) - The Shins
Elephunk (2003) - Black Eyed Peas
Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State (2003) - Sufjan Stevens
Hail to the Thief (2003) - Radiohead
It Still Moves (2003) - My Morning Jacket
Just Like Blood (2003) - Tom McRae
Life for Rent (2003) - Dido
Rainy Day Music (2003) - The Jayhawks
Sleeping With Ghosts (2003) - Placebo
Veneer (2003) - Jose González
2002
Turn on the Bright Lights
(2002) - Interpol
The is the post-rock album of layered guitars and Joy Division influence that awoken my love for the genre.
The is the post-rock album of layered guitars and Joy Division influence that awoken my love for the genre.
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
(2002) - The Flaming Lips
The brilliantly eclectic electronic and pop weirdness of The Flaming Lips that stands out as a landmark album of our times.
The brilliantly eclectic electronic and pop weirdness of The Flaming Lips that stands out as a landmark album of our times.
Love Is Here
(2002) - Starsailor
This James Walsh vocal, guitar and piano assembly is a show of heart on a debut album that delivers on its promise.
This James Walsh vocal, guitar and piano assembly is a show of heart on a debut album that delivers on its promise.
Out Of Season
(2002) - Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man
A fantastic slow burner of an acoustic album from Portishead vocalist Beth Gibbons and Talk Talk bassist Paul "Rustin' Man" Webb. This is one of my all time favourites.
A fantastic slow burner of an acoustic album from Portishead vocalist Beth Gibbons and Talk Talk bassist Paul "Rustin' Man" Webb. This is one of my all time favourites.
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
(2002) - Wilco
Just a great alternative Americana rock album. Beautiful, earthy and layered.
Just a great alternative Americana rock album. Beautiful, earthy and layered.
Also recommended:
Electroclash Mix from Miss Kitten (2002) - Miss Kitten
Fever (2002) - Kylie
Details (2002) - Frou Frou
Let Us Garlands Bring (2002) - Early Day Miners
The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002) - Iron & Wine
Didn't It Rain (2002) - Songs: Ohia
Heathen (2002) - David Bowie
Justified (2002) - Justin Timberlake
Kill the Moonlight (2002) - Spoon
Read My Lips (2002) - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
The Richest Man in Babylon (2002) - Thievery Corporation
The Rising (2002) - Bruce Springsteen
A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) - Coldplay
Up The Bracket (2002) - The Libertines
Lost Horizons (2002) - Lemon Jelly
18 (2002) - Moby
2001
Melody A.M.
(2001) - Röyksopp
Downbeat electronica with a melodic warmth that is oxymoronically experimental perfection.
Downbeat electronica with a melodic warmth that is oxymoronically experimental perfection.
Time (The Revelator)
(2001) - Gillian Welch
One of my most listened to albums in recent years. A folk/country masterpiece from a modern great singer-songwriter.
One of my most listened to albums in recent years. A folk/country masterpiece from a modern great singer-songwriter.
White Blood Cells
(2001) - The White Stripes
The evolution of this Detroit duo is complete with a breakthrough bluesy rock album with no lack of intensity.
The evolution of this Detroit duo is complete with a breakthrough bluesy rock album with no lack of intensity.
Origin of Symmetry
(2001) - Muse
My favourite Muse album, and after looking at their musical progression, this is their most artistic.
My favourite Muse album, and after looking at their musical progression, this is their most artistic.
Laundry Service
(2001) - Shakira
Latin styled dance rock with a great beat and melody that reached saturation point long ago, but still stands up among the best in the genre.
Latin styled dance rock with a great beat and melody that reached saturation point long ago, but still stands up among the best in the genre.
La Revancha del Tango
(2001) - Gotan Project
Even though electronic tango was played to death in Argentina I still love the sumptuous rhythms of this classic Gotan Project album.
Even though electronic tango was played to death in Argentina I still love the sumptuous rhythms of this classic Gotan Project album.
Also recommended:
Aero Calexico (2001) - Calexico
Versus (2001) - Kings of Convenience
Another Mellow Spring (2001) - Mellow
Waltz For Koop (2001) - Koop
Beautiful Garbage (2001) - Garbage
Amnesiac (2001) - Radiohead
Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward (2001) - The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band
Even My Sure Things Fall Through (2001) - Calexico
Girls Can Tell (2001) - Spoon
Gorillaz (2001) - Gorillaz
Here Be Monsters (2001) - Ed Harcourt
Is This It (2001) - The Strokes
It's a Wonderful Life (2001) - Sparklehorse
Oh, Inverted World (2001) - The Shins
Proxima Estacion: Esperanza (2001) - Manu Chao
Simple Things (2001) - Zero 7
Tourist (2001) - St. Germain
10,000 Hz Legend (2001) - Air
2000
The Lioness
(2000) - Songs: Ohia
Some of the most beautiful, melancholic, acoustic songwriting you are ever likely to hear.
Some of the most beautiful, melancholic, acoustic songwriting you are ever likely to hear.
Felt Mountain
(2000) - Goldfrapp
Goldfrapp's debut Electronica noir album delivers a rich atmospheric sound and has become a classic of the genre.
Goldfrapp's debut Electronica noir album delivers a rich atmospheric sound and has become a classic of the genre.
Kid A.
(2000) - Radiohead
This whole album sounds so much like it is from another world that you are left with the conclusion that it is crafted well ahead of its time.
This whole album sounds so much like it is from another world that you are left with the conclusion that it is crafted well ahead of its time.
He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corners of Our Rooms
(2000) - A Silver Mt. Zion
The side-project of Godspeed You Black Emperor! that somehow manages the difficult task of eclipsing it's parent to create a emotional journey of ambient musical symphony.
The side-project of Godspeed You Black Emperor! that somehow manages the difficult task of eclipsing it's parent to create a emotional journey of ambient musical symphony.
Programmed to Love
(2000) - Bent
Drawing together an electronic blend of samples from a wide array of genres that culminates in a smooth ambient trip-hop experience.
Drawing together an electronic blend of samples from a wide array of genres that culminates in a smooth ambient trip-hop experience.
Hot Rail
(2000) - Calexico
This is the real deal when it comes to Southwestern flavoured indie-rock/alt-country music with both substance and style.
This is the real deal when it comes to Southwestern flavoured indie-rock/alt-country music with both substance and style.
United
(2000) - Phoenix
Just beautiful French infused disco-pop-rock music that puts you in an upbeat mood and seems to fit just about any occasion.
Just beautiful French infused disco-pop-rock music that puts you in an upbeat mood and seems to fit just about any occasion.
Also recommended:
Oui (2000) - Sea and Cake
The Teaches of Peaches (2000) - Peaches
Artists Rifles (2000) - Piano Magic
Whoa, Nelly! (2000) - Nelly Furtado
Bachelor No. 2 (2000) - Aimee Mann
Behind the Sun (2000) - Chicane
Brazilification (2000) - Fila Brazillia
The Covers Record (2000) - Cat Power
De Stijl (2000) - The White Stripes
Every Day and Every Night EP (2000) - Bright Eyes
The Facts of Life (2000) - Black Box Recorder
Fevers & Mirrors (2000) - Bright Eyes
Figure 8 (2000) - Elliott Smith
The Hour of Bewilderbeast (2000) - Badly Drawn Boy
Lemon Jelly .KY (2000) - Lemon Jelly
The Mirror Conspiracy (2000) - Thievery Corporation
Parachutes (2000) - Coldplay
Production (2000) - Mirwais
Since I Left You (2000) - The Avalanches
Tempovision (2000) - Etienne de Crecy
1999
Axxess & Ace
(1999) - Songs: Ohia
Indie folk, Americana, Alt. Country - however you want to classify it Axxess & Ace is one of the most beautifully crafted albums I have ever heard.
Indie folk, Americana, Alt. Country - however you want to classify it Axxess & Ace is one of the most beautifully crafted albums I have ever heard.
Premiers Symptomes
(1999) - Air
An EP compilation of singles recorded before their debut album Moon Safari. Premiers Symptomes (First Symptoms) gives us a prelude to the magnificent soundscapes to follow.
An EP compilation of singles recorded before their debut album Moon Safari. Premiers Symptomes (First Symptoms) gives us a prelude to the magnificent soundscapes to follow.
Showbiz
(1999) - Muse
Fantastic deput album from the band often described as somewhere between Radiohead and Nirvana.
Fantastic deput album from the band often described as somewhere between Radiohead and Nirvana.
Play
(1999) - Moby
Beautifully emotive and spiritual tracks make this an essential electronica/dance classic.
Beautifully emotive and spiritual tracks make this an essential electronica/dance classic.
Also recommended:
Abductions and Reconstructions (1999) - Thievery Corporation
Another Mellow Winter (1999) - Mellow
The Beta Band (1999) - The Beta Band
Beyond Skin (1999) - Nitin Sawhney
Gemini (1999) - Sven Van Hees
Good Morning Spider (1999) - Sparklehorse
Head Music (1999) - Suede
Hours (1999) - David Bowie
The Hush (1999) - Texas
Keep It Unreal (1999) - Mr. Scruff
No Angel (1999) - Dido
On The 6 (1999) - Jennifer Lopez
Peace Orchestra (1999) - Peace Orchestra
Straight Story (1999) - Angelo Badalamenti
Summerteeth (1999) - Wilco
Super Sound (1999) - Pepe Deluxe
The White Stripes (1999) - The White Stripes
1998
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
(1998) - Neutral Milk Hotel
Anthemic melodies and cleverly surreal lyrics. The album Pitchfork rated a 10. It's a flawless masterpiece.
Anthemic melodies and cleverly surreal lyrics. The album Pitchfork rated a 10. It's a flawless masterpiece.
Moon Safari
(1998) - Air
Arguably the greatest electronic album ever made. Still sounds fresh almost a decade after its release.
Arguably the greatest electronic album ever made. Still sounds fresh almost a decade after its release.
XO
(1998) - Elliott Smith
Smith's fourth studio album marks a turning point in his music with lush, harmonic, full instrumentation and a more layered sound.
Smith's fourth studio album marks a turning point in his music with lush, harmonic, full instrumentation and a more layered sound.
F# A# (Infinity)
(1998) - Godspeed You Black Emperor!
A multi-instrumental sonic-landscape which is either highly pretentious or brilliantly prophetic. I can't listen to the powerful 'Dead Flag Blues' without thinking of 911.
A multi-instrumental sonic-landscape which is either highly pretentious or brilliantly prophetic. I can't listen to the powerful 'Dead Flag Blues' without thinking of 911.
Without You I'm Nothing
(1998) - Placebo
The unique sound of Placebo hit mainstream with the release of 'Pure Morning' and this album is equally solid in capturing the spirit of the times.
The unique sound of Placebo hit mainstream with the release of 'Pure Morning' and this album is equally solid in capturing the spirit of the times.
Clandestino
(1998) - Manu Chao
An album that can be summed up in two words - "good times". A Latin-flavored world-beat rock album that captures a fun laid back vibe.
An album that can be summed up in two words - "good times". A Latin-flavored world-beat rock album that captures a fun laid back vibe.
Roseland NYC Live
(1998) - Portishead
Portishead + full orchestra = stand out performance that takes their jazz infused, trip-hop dynamics to a whole new level.
Portishead + full orchestra = stand out performance that takes their jazz infused, trip-hop dynamics to a whole new level.
VH1 Storytellers: Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson
(1998) - Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson
A landmark concert from two legendary singer/songwriters.
A landmark concert from two legendary singer/songwriters.
Also recommended:
Queens of the Stone Age (1998) - Queens of the Stone Age
Duality (1998) - Lisa Gerrard
The Black Light (1998) - Calexico
Blue Wonder Power Milk (1998) - Hooverphonic
Carmine Meo (1998) - Emma Shapplin
England Made Me (1998) - Black Box Recorder
Hell Among the Yearlings (1998) - Gillian Welch
Holding Back the Years (1998) - Jimmy Scott
The K&D Sessions (1998) - Kruder & Dorfmeister
Moon Pix (1998) - Cat Power
People Move On (1998) - Bernard Butler
Question (1998) - Purple Penguin
Speak of the Devil (1998) - Chris Isaak
You, My Baby & I (1998) - Alex Gopher
The 3 E.P.'s (1998) - The Beta Band
1997
OK Computer
(1997) - Radiohead
An album that needs little justification for inclusion on any end of year list. Radiohead's third album captured the spirit of the times with astonishing vision.
An album that needs little justification for inclusion on any end of year list. Radiohead's third album captured the spirit of the times with astonishing vision.
Portishead
(1997) - Portishead
An album that blends a wide array of genres ranging from Sci-fi, 1940s noir, trip-hop and jazz overtones - all topped off with Beth Gibbon's amazing vocals.
An album that blends a wide array of genres ranging from Sci-fi, 1940s noir, trip-hop and jazz overtones - all topped off with Beth Gibbon's amazing vocals.
Sci-Fi Lullabies
(1997) - Suede
An outstanding compilation of Suede B-sides, the majority of which hold their own against the corresponding album tracks.
An outstanding compilation of Suede B-sides, the majority of which hold their own against the corresponding album tracks.
Buena Vista Social Club
(1997) - Buena Vista Social Club
The essential Cuban music experience. A rich and melodic mix of tracks that capture generations of talent.
The essential Cuban music experience. A rich and melodic mix of tracks that capture generations of talent.
A Grand Love Story
(1997) - Kid Loco
A cinematic array of ambiant sampling and trip-hop grooves. One of the great downtempo albums of all time.
A cinematic array of ambiant sampling and trip-hop grooves. One of the great downtempo albums of all time.
Also recommended:
Big City Secrets (1997) - Joseph Arthur
The Colour and the Shape (1997) - Foo Fighters
Either/Or (1997) - Elliott Smith
Far from the Maddening Crowds (1997) - Chicane
The Fat of the Land (1997) - The Prodigy
Formica Blues (1997) - Mono
Joya (1997) - Will Oldham
Maverick A Strike (1997) - Finley Quaye
A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular (1997) - Hooverphonic
Signify (1997) - Porcupine Tree
Songs: Ohia (1997) - Songs: Ohia
Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi (1997) - Thievery Corporation
Sympathique (1997) - Pink Martini
Earthling (1997) - David Bowie
What's Your Shrine (1997) - The Pilgrims of the Mind
