The Manics seem to have become a bit infamous for throwing curveballs of late and "Futurology" is another one. Abandoning the mellow acoustics of last year's "Rewind The Film" which was actually recorded at the same time, "Futurology" was a weird mix of post-punk and Euro-beat influences but somehow it works and, with some of the usual quality thoughtful lyrics present, it lifts what could have been a major mis-step into a pretty good album. Personal favourite track - "The Next Jet To Leave Moscow" which you can have a listen to below.
39. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM - "Get Hurt"
A much darker album than previous efforts, the Gaslight Anthem's fourth effort saw them abandon the Springsteen references of old for a much darker sparser sound. Opener "Stay Vicious" has an almost grungy feel to it (have a listen below) while elsewhere the sound is much more sparse than before. The key though is that they've carried off a change of sound without losing any of their listenability which is what makes "Get Hurt" worth a listen.
38. AGAINST ME! - "Transgender Dysphoria Blues"
Definitely not the most accessible album on this list by a long shot, it's very tempting to write Against Me! off as a band who people like more for Laura Jane Grace's background than their actual music but there's a brutal ferocity to "Transgender Dysphoria Blues" that makes it well worth a listen. The nearest thing I can really think to compare this to is the Manics' "Holy Bible" - pure white hot tirades of alienation and confusion (listen to "Black Me Out" below which sums it up pretty well). Definitely not an album you'll get on first listen but in terms of something to listen to when you need a loud primal howl of anguish to let your anger out to, this is definitely up there.
37. BILLY IDOL - "Kings And Queens Of The Underground"
Largely given a poor reception in the music press, I think the main problem facing Mr Broad with this release is just how good his last effort, 2005's "Devil's Playground" was. This isn't up to the same standard and the fact that seven of the eleven tracks are ballads might be a bit much for some to stomach but if you can just accept it for what it is then it's a good solid effort with plenty of worthwhile tunes on there. Such as the title track below for example.
36. THE BLACK TAMBOURINES - "The Black Tambourines"
In a year which saw the Jim Jones Revue sadly go their separate ways, at least there's the small consolation that this Falmouth trio could be their heirs to the fuzzbox-drenched garage rock throne. This debut album is incredibly raw but there's an impressive Jesus & Mary Chain style ferocity to it which suggests that they're gonna get even better with age. Definitely ones to watch in the years ahead. Have a listen to "Bodies" below and see for yourself.
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