Tim’s 2015 Picks

1. Fresh Blood (Matthew E. White) – just own it – immaculate production – perfect songwriting – brilliant.
2. Ones and Sixes (Low) – Low are back with some new effects pedals and a drum machine, but their definitive harmonies and lo-fi approach is still evident despite the tactic change. Not a very consistent album, but worth checking out for the first 2 tracks!
3. Highest Point in Cliff Town (Hooton Tennis Club) – I don’t know why there are so many 2015 bands that sound a lot like Pavement, but I ain’t complaining!
4. The Wanton Song (Rose Windows) – now THAT is a cover!
5. Drones (Muse) – blah blah blah, Tim likes Muse. Yeah – I do. I like that they rock, and I like that they make such a great noise with minimal instruments and production. Econo-pop-rock.
6. Music in Exile (Songhoy Blues) – no idea what they’re on about, but I get it.
7. Chappie (Hans Zimmer) – don’t typically like Neill Blomkamp’s movies, but ‘Chappie’ was rather awesome, not least because of Hans Zimmer’s excellent soundtrack. Not easy to fuse contemporary electro with classic Techno and ambient, and make it poignant and powerful.
8. For Use and Delight (Promised Land Sound) – this is a great album, you’ll like it.
9. Hometown (Table People) – only heard one song so far, but me like.
10. Fremm (Bed.) – More Pavement? Yes please.
11. On The Outs (The Rotaries) – dig.
12. Saturn’s Patterns (Paul Weller) – only just heard this, not sure if its worthy of a place on my list yet, but its certainly an exciting effort from the modfather.
13. West Kirby County Primary (Bill Ryder-Jones) – more seBADoh than pAVemENt, but that’s even better! Shame he’s kinda monotonous with his vocals, but a valiant songwritery effort.
14. Tire Swing (Los Elk) – I’m typically turned off by white people playing Afro Pop Indie, but when they sound a bit like TMBG, I have another listen!