As September rolls around, I thought it was about time that I put together some of my favourite albums of the year so far. There have been a lot of good releases musically and some I’ve not had the chance to review on here, much like the three below. All three featured are big names and you will have heard of the albums before but it is about time they got some love on my blog so without further ado, my favourite albums of 2015 so far.
Foals – What Went Down
Having been a long time favourite of mine, I can wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments of what critics the world over have had to say about these guys over the past few years. Every album they release, they grow, gain more fans, better reviews and become more respected within the world of music. This album is no exception to that growth and also becomes one of their best to date. It is hard to pick a favourite album by Foals because they are all so great but I think this one may end up being the pinnacle of their career or at least their career up until now anyway. Always breaking new ground musically, having a raw honesty to their lyrics and their indie DIY style of making music and touring remains just as prominent today as it did back when they started. A stellar album and a sure fire contender for album of the year.
Check out the single ‘What Went Down’ taken from the album below:
To find out more about Foals visit their website, their Facebook page or you can follow them on Twitter – @foals
The Maccabees – Marks To Prove It
Another contender for album of the year comes from The Maccabees with their fourth offering ‘Marks To Prove It’. Their last album ‘Given To The Wild’ cemented them as one of Britain’s finest indie rock bands and with this follow up, the five piece have taken their respect and crown further by experiementing so much more and creating an album that is truly brilliant and interesting to listen to. Taking some of the best bits of their sounds over their years and mixing it up with a good dose of experimentation has made for an album that mixes rock and roll sounds, ethereal moments, beautiful lyrics and vocal deliveries and the perfect soundtrack to your days and evenings. A great album and yet another one from this year that deserves your attention.
Check out the single ‘Something Like Happiness’ taken from the album below:
To find out more about The Maccabees visit their website, their Facebook page or you can follow them on Twitter – @themaccabees
Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
The brilliant Courtney Barnett has done nothing but impress me throughout the course of this year with her great sound and honest vocals which tell a story of the current life of twenty something’s and young people everywhere. That honesty is great, refreshing to hear and utterly brilliant, I love picking through Barnett’s lyrics for the rawness and the modern take on poetry that she is creating. That is all backed up by catchy hooks, rock riffs and grungy afflictions. Her music draws you in but leaves you to make your own mind up about it as the stories are delivered with nonchalent and lethargic ease never getting too excited or happy about anything. Her album is a brilliant debut, following the precedent of her great singles that have taken the airwaves by storm. She really is one to check out and her album just cements her place as an interesting music act.
Check out the single ‘Pedestrian At Best’ taken from the album below:
To find out more about Courtney Barnett visit her website, her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter – @courtneymelba
Credits
– Foals Album Cover
– The Maccabees Album Cover
– Courtney Barnett Album Cover
Mixtape Couture 