Tuesday, 27 December 2016

Albums of the Year Pt 10 (25-21)

25. THE NOVEMBER FIVE - "Throwing Rocks Against The Sun"

While their debut "If You're Satisfied, You Are Dead" was a furious slice of political alt-rock with an '80s goth bent, "Throwing Rocks Against The Sun", the November Five's second album, was a full on panic attack set to music, a real 21st century breakdown album if you will. One of the darkest albums of 2016 and all the better for it - full review here.

24. THE WONDER STUFF - "30 Goes Around The Sun"

No less than the Wonder Stuff's eighth album and another solid addition to their legacy following on from 2014's excellent "Oh No...It's The Wonder Stuff". More of a mellow offering than their efforts of old but still with some fine tunes on there - give the title track and "Kids From The Green" a listen for proof. Full review here and you can watch the video for "For The Broken Hearted" below.


23. IGGY POP - "Post Pop Depression"

Iggy's output has been a bit patchy in recent years and the news that he was teaming up with Josh Homme (a man who hasn't put his name to a decent album since Queens of the Stone Age's "Songs For The Deaf" all those years ago) for his final effort didn't exactly inspire my confidence it has to be said. However, "Post Pop Depression" was a more than respectable sign-off from the Ig, harking back to the tightwire new wave sounds of 1979's "New Values". It wasn't completely flawless but the likes of "Break Into Your Heart", "Gardenia", "In The Lobby" and the foul-mouthed "f**k you" sign off of "Paraguay" were fine efforts indeed.

22. THE 69 EYES - "Universal Monsters"

Another icy slice of goth rock cool from the Helsinki Vampires and a worthy addition to their back catalogue. It combines their goth elements and their rock tendencies to good effect to make a good varied consistent album. You can read my review of it from Pure Rawk here and check out the video for lead-off single "Jet Fighter Plane" below.


21. THE HILLBILLY MOON EXPLOSION - "With Monsters And Gods"

After a disappointing previous effort (2014's "Damn Right Honey!"), the HMX put in an impressive return to form on "With Monsters And Gods", a punchy mix of country and psychobilly which was a good reminder of everything that brought them to our attention in the first place. Give the video for their version of "Jackson" a watch below and see for yourself.


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