I'm one of those people who needs to listen to music whilst they work. So with stressful exams and essay periods, I'm simultaneously and inevitably binging on and discovering new music. With some all-too-exciting Easter exams coming up, I thought now would be a good time to run down on my current favourite albums. These are constantly changing but I finally managed to whittle them down to a somewhat structured Top 10:
10. Open Season - High Highs (2013)
I've been listening to High Highs for a while, but have only listened to this album in its entirety recently. It is the perfect album for moments of relaxation and apt for both looking outside at the rain and laying down in the sun. Their sound is made up of these beautiful soft and slightly crackly drum beats and guitar twangs that emulate a spinning record. The real epitome of the High Highs however, is the lead singer's dusty and almost cottony voice that simply wraps around your ears like an enveloping hug. A true experience of cosiness here. Favourite Track: 'Flowers Bloom'.
9. A Fever You Can't Sweat Out - Panic! At the Disco (2005)
A real oldie right here but this album stands as my favourite of Panic!'s discography. A quirky and erratic collection of cabaret-rock and filled with some great satirical angst. In addition to satisfyingly catchy melodies that you can really click your fingers to, the lyrics are where this album's legacy is at. There are, of course, the charmingly long song titles (e.g. There's A Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought Of It Yet), but the allegorical stories within these songs are brilliant, the rhymes and metaphors are strong and the songs are solid poetry. Favourite Track: 'Build God, Then We'll Talk'.
8. My Head Is An Animal - Of Monsters and Men (2011)
Of Monsters and Men are a beautiful Icelandic folk band that have this undeniably nautical edge to their sound and lyrics. There's also something both chilling and warm about their vocals as Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir's frosty voice is comfortably balanced by Ragnar Þórhallsson, both of which complement each other perfectly. The momentum in every song in this album builds to such enjoyable crescendos whilst also adding a somewhat elemental and tribal emotive undercurrent. Favourite Track: 'Yellow Light'.
7. Shallow Bed - Dry The River (2012)
One of my absolute favourite folky bands and this album just bursts angelicism and relaxation. The lead vocalist alone could revive puppies with his voice; it is that amazingly clear and full. The music itself is moving and emotional, not to mention the exquisite harmonies which pulls everything together into something that is magical. I cannot praise this band enough, their music is perfect to just sit and listen to. Favourite Track(s): 'Bible Belt' / 'History Book'.
The acoustic EP of their album My Friends (full review here) uses a humbling collection of songs about nostalgia and friendship to tell the story of the band members' childhoods. I can only really describe this album as quaint with a touch of sunshine. Guitar here is at full twang accompanied by some gentle harmonies. This album was definitely the one that became the backdrop of my summer last year, every track is thoroughly charming. Favourite Track: 'Polly Hill'.
5. AM - Arctic Monkeys (2013)
AM has been a cult favourite as soon as its release and it's easy to tell why. Of all Arctic Monkeys' past work, AM is the sensational blend of deep, sensual tones with heartfelt vocals. This album exudes a kind of energetic yet languid dreamstate, where some songs feel hyperactive (Arabella) and others feel deeply narcotic (I Wanna Be Yours). Like a drug itself, AM is hard to stop listening to in rounds where every song synchronises brilliantly with one another. Favourite Track: 'Arabella'.
4. The Moth & The Flame - Moth & The Flame (2011)
This album is able to deliver a real classic, rusty rock sound whilst the band is still able to add something of their own into it. Every track has this old, tired and slightly crackly sound to it which resonates with their band name perfectly. Fitting somewhere between the aforementioned AM by the Arctic Monkeys and The Rubens (which appears later on in the list), this band is able to entrance the listener simply through the honesty in the vocals and lyrics. Incredibly intimate and comforting. Favourite Track: 'How We Woke Up'.
3. Submarine OST - Alex Turner (2011)
It's not a coincidence that the singer has already appeared on my list, but Alex Turner has such a charm to his voice. Whilst his voice is deep and erotic in Arctic Monkeys, his solo music on this album stands on the other side of the spectrum. His voice becomes buttery golden syrup, both sweet and thick. This entire collection is enchanting in a lyrical and highly euphonous way where the beach sea echoes beautifully behind Piledriver Waltz. It is incredibly stripped back, bringing just the right amount of organic richness to come through. Favourite Track: 'Stuck On The Puzzle'.
2. The Rubens - The Rubens (2012)
I have always tried to describe the Rubens as jazz-rock, which though apt, never feels quite accurate. This Australian group use a symphony of subtle synth, slow and calculated electric guitars and cymbals to create a slow brassiness that emulates a thick style of jazz. Despite the careful, counted use of their instruments, there's something deeply intimate about their music and this album feels like confessions being whispered into your ear. Favourite Track: 'Elvis'.
1. This Is All Yours - Alt-J (2014)
It is very rare that you find an album where you can sit and listen to it in its entirety without zoning out, losing focus or getting bored. 'This Is All Yours' is so remarkably magical that it feels like an experience every time I listen to it. The melodies are powerful and pull on every fibre of your being. I don't know how they do it, but the physics of their music works magically and I can practically feel the tangibility of their sound. The vocals are somewhat unintelligible and the lyrics ambiguous and yet you can still listen closely enough to have them mean nothing and everything at the same time. This album is a beautiful blend where each track flows into the other seamlessly. I could truly listen to it on repeat endlessly. I actually went to see them on tour whilst they were promoting this album which was one of the best musical experiences of my life. Check out a review of that here. Favourite Track(s): 'Bloodflood Pt. II' / 'Leaving Nara'.
And that draws the countdown to a close. As always, this list will undeniably change in the future but being a typically one-track from one artist kind of girl, I'm amazed by how all these artists managed to artfully draw me into these musical collections. Each album tells a full bodied story that is yours to decide.
(p.s. The hardest thing about writing this post was deciding my favourite tracks from them, oh my.)
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