Luke Haines – 21st Century Man

“I was a spiteful child, caught up in the razzle-dazzle/I gotta get myself together – just like Peter Hammill” Or so says Luke Haines on the imaginatively titled ‘Peter Hammill’ – a glam funk ode to the Van der Graaf Generator front-man, following a familiar Haines path of underground pop culture and fearful introspection.

It’s a sentiment of some contradiction though, following, as it does, an album opener of settled reflection in ‘Suburban Mourning’. Haines may still see the sleaze with his patented Cynical Goggles if just for the title, but here, he’s already together, content merely to reflect on the many lives Haines lived and saw.

It’s a theme throughout, as ‘Love Letter To London’ and ‘English Southern Man’ affirm Haines’ identity as a man of his country and his culture, singing of what he’s already learned – the intellectual enlightenment of The Auteurs something of times past.

The music too lacks progression, sticking firmly on the Haines stately home as ‘White Honky Afro’ (he can still do brilliant title) apes the intense back-and-forth of ‘New French Girlfriend’ and most else could be a Now I’m A Cowboy era B-side. ‘Wot A Rotter’ may shine for a few minutes in its Sparks/Blondie disco punk decadence, but it’s hard to see any reason to reflect on this come 2100.

He may be a 21st Century Man right now, but Haines may be on his way to be being a 21st Century Granddad.

6.0/10

My entry for STV’s Write Factor competition thing.

—–

Am I the Scottish Richard Littlejohn – Nick Griffin’s favourite columnist and the man who described the deaths of “disgusting, drug-addled street whores,” or those five women with names, families and their own personal stories of trauma and addiction that saw them compelled into working as prostitutes in Ipswich before being murdered by Steve Wright in 2006, as “no great loss?”

The short answer to that is ‘no’. The longer answer is ‘nnnnnnoooooooooo,’ though perhaps with an expletive or two in front .

But why I would even ponder such a query may be the more pressing matter here. And the more involved answer to that question comes from this column, and the reason I am writing it.

For in their attempts to showcase the work of up-and-coming Scottish journalists and writers, Scotland’s ‘fastest growing major web-site,’ STV, has set up the imaginatively titled ‘Write Factor’ offering a £5,000 contract for someone who is indeed the Scottish version of the Daily Mail’s prized possession, or, in the further words of the position’s description can ‘provoke people as much as Joan Burnie or Jeremy Clarkson.’

Because that’s what a news website needs – provocation from more gossiping old-crones (yes Clarkson, you’re a crone), so adamant in their own moral superiority and so unwilling to see two sides to a story, regardless of how offensive and misinformed their own take may be.

I know real journalism’s dead and all, but do we have to say it’s been up to ‘poovery’ and then blame it on immigrants whilst setting it on fire with as much oil as can be found in the North Sea, because CO2 emissions and the subsequent climate change isn’t all that big a deal?

What you’re reading though is still a column written for this exact advertised position with STV, and one I feel needs to to be heard. For this is a plea. A plea that STV will have the sense to choose someone for this position that is able to deliver 1000 words a week to Scotland, and indeed the world, that doesn’t contrive to the Clarkson/Littlejohn/Leckie school of lazy complaints of political correctness, hypocritical views on immigration and that a Britain with such a wonderfully diverse mix of cultures, excellent education, and a real freedom of debate is somehow ‘broken’.

Such views may play up to fearful Scots, looking for someone to blame for whatever gripes and complaints they, or more likely the media has suggested they may have, about modern life, giving the organisation the audience, and thus advertising, it desires.

But it will never bring it the respect, integrity and honesty journalists should pride themselves on. Have STV just seen what Jan Moir has done for the Daily Mail and equated controversy to ratings? It’s a depressing state of affairs when the country’s second largest news broadcaster actively requests sensationalist content.

Feel free to see me as the liberal arts graduate nuisance who should get back to his Guardian that Littlejohn would surely dismiss me as. But whether it’s me or someone even more informed and dedicated to delivering polemic that sees two sides and prefers facts to irrational fear that can convince STV that this is a dangerous route to go down, my main hope is that it does.

Lest we have our very own Glenn Beck. Ooh, there’s a chill up my spine.

I Am Kloot – B Album

Ten years since they first formed, Manchester’s most underappreciated band (now that Elbow have hit the big time) mark their anniversary with this collection of B-sides, rarities and unreleased songs. Spread over two CDs, these 28 tracks not previously seen fit for a proper release may be an intimidating prospect for anyone other than a die-hard Kloot fan.

Fortunately, the quality of what’s on offer seems more suited to a ‘best of’ than some collection of cast-offs only desired by Kloot completists. Keeping mainly on the acousitc side of indie, tracks like ’Junk Culture’ and ’Fat Kids In Photographs’ are warm and welcoming takes on the little things in life that can mean so much. Things do get dark though, with ’This House Is Haunted’ a fitting release for Halloween – discordant and vengeful, and another side the band are just as comfortable in.

28 tracks is a trawl though for any compilation though, especially when the second CD throws in the occasional oddity – ’Dogs Howl’ does not lie about its content. One at time though, these are two parts to an undeservedly rarely heard side of an undeservedly rarely heard of band.

7.0./10

Broken Records
Out On The Water EP

As ‘Out On The Water’ just flows past unassumingly, you might begin to wonder what happened to that wonderful melodrama and penchant for orchestral triumph that made Broken Records one of the most exciting bands in the country?

For these five tracks of demos and rarities it just seems to have been traded in for a softer touch, more traditional and relaxed, but still just as romantic and wonderful as anything on the brilliant Until The Earth Begins To Part.

With the electric guitars locked up, it‘s nice to hear the cello and violin so intimately, blending with Jamie Sutherland‘s vocals as though it was always meant to be. Perhaps not quite so exciting a prospect for a live show, but something to savour on record.

7.4/10

Frightened Rabbit
Swim Until You Can‘t See Land

Just back from a co-headlining tour of the US with fellow Fat Cat’s, Twilight Sad and We Were Promised Jetpacks, Frightened Rabbit return to our radios with a song touched by the sun of their travels. S

cott Hutchison holds back his often powering vocals, letting an almost Beach Boys guitar style mix with their more typical tumpping percussion and an interesting string arrangements that hints of where this mighty act can go. And that would be ’very far indeed’.

Their most understated work yet, but it just makes the pay-off so much more worth it.

7.9/10

We Were Promised Jetpacks
It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning/Ships With Holes Will Sink

Seen somewhat as successors to the Biffy crown of Scottish champions of loud, passionate, indie post-rock, We Were Promised Jetpacks are only getting bigger every day.

Fortunately for us, WWPJ are sticking firmly to old-school Biffy as an influence, rather than the dreadful neo-prog pretension they are now, keeping with the always fulfilling clean intricacy to awesome distortion approach, and letting forceful vocals that marry rage and wonder evoke a vital passion.

As pleasing as it all is though, it’s a work lacking in ingenuity somewhat, with both sides in this AA side difficult to distinguish, and some new ideas must be forthcoming for their rise to continue.

For now though, the boredom is a long way off, and it’s still fun to get a little prima, even if it‘s hard to tell exactly what song‘s making you do so.

7.5/10

100 – 51
50 – 26
25 – 11

SPOTIFY

—–

10. Loretta Lynn - Van Lear Rose (2004)

Jack White’s production on this is the best thing he has ever done. Even better than that time he cured cancer for a laugh. Then wrote the entire 19 episodes of Eerie Indiana and invented the orgasm. He turns Lynn’s traditional country tones into sweet, rich blues, deep in history, but as contemporary and relevant as Modest Mouse, Wilco or, indeed, White Stripes. Lynn is the star though of course, not afraid to grow up and tell the stories and sing the songs of a life well-lived.
Listen to this: ‘Women’s Prison‘

9. Avalanches – Since I Left You (2000)

So perfectly formed, creationists would use it as evidence for the existence of God. I just use it to prove that never has there been a more exciting decade for creating music – being able to manipulate, steal and borrow from all that’s gone before, and use the technology to make it as fresh, unique and exciting as this. Blooming brill.
Listen to this: ‘A Different Feeling‘

8. The Libertines - Up The Bracket (2002)

“WELLLLLLLLLLLL, GET OUT OF IT!!” Pete Doherty was great once. He still is probably, somewhere in there. This was the first record that actually made me excited about music and realise just what an important, fantastic thing it was. No, really. Before that I thought Barenaked Ladies and Turin Brakes were a pinnacle of the artform. They’re not. This made me shout though. I got it for Christmas in 2002. Planet Sound had mentioned them. I trusted Planet Sound even then. I was 15. And very confused. My mother had only let me into Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Small Faces and Manfredd Man, and my dad did not care for sound. I had nothing of my own to claim. The best record I owned was ‘Asleep in the Back’. This was a new world though, and one I was glad to be a part of. I played it on the living room hi-fi on Christmas Day – I’d never done that with my family home. I’m listening to it now. I just want to learn it all again. Every word like I did one time. And every chord. I won’t. Too much of its time.
Listen to this: ‘Up The Bracket‘

7. Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)

This took a while to love. A 10/10 from Pitchfork will do that to an album. Such awesome expections. Such confusion on first listen. There’s too much going on, there’s not enough going on. I hate his voice, I love his voice. I don’t understand what he’s trying to convey, I understand it all too well! I wish I never bought this, I want to make love to this CD. And so on. Until I didn’t care anymore and let it all happen naturally.
Listen to this: ‘Jesus etc‘

6. The Wrens - The Meadowlands (2003)

Long delayed, long played, and £13 I paid. No really. That may be the most I’ve ever spent on a record. It was worth it though. I was too excited. I listened to it the first time climbing Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. A sunny day. And after a much horrid evening, which involved a man in a towel babbling under his breath and saying ‘cunt’ a lot whilst getting a drink of water. Anyway, some hope was restored by this. Proper voices and proper rock and proper ambition.
Listen to this: ‘Hopeless‘

5. Arcade Fire – Funeral (2004)

Their only album so far. In my head. Neon Bible belongs with the lonely, rejected orphan children of Dickens. This was different though. First listened to on some headphones in Fopp, being briefly stunned, but in a hurry. Not forgotten though. And to never be. Incredible scope, and something wonderfully fresh as to bring forth a flurry of pale imitators. None were as good.
Listen to this: ‘Wake Up‘

4. The Delgados – The Great Eastern (2000)

The highest British entry, and a deserving one. Like Arcade Fire, it’s in its ambition that it excels, blending indie with an inspiring classical influence. Dark too of course being Scots, with a bleak but building opener in ‘The Past That Suits You Best’ setting a tone of a battle between the pessimist and the optimist, as lyrics travel through deep depressions and hopeful epiphanies in the likes of ‘Aye Today’. It’s rain and it’s sun. Blue skies and the wind in your face.
Listen to this: ‘No Danger‘

3. Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (2005)

Oh Conor, you little sweetheart. Getting all your frustrations out like that, but still being the articulate little emo hero too? Joys. His folk answer to ‘Digital Ash’ and an album that follows Cash, Dylan, Young and Springsteen in defining, angry North American folk that ignites a passion but keeps a campfire happy. Opening with a story to set the scene, as a plane crashes and a character seeks meaning in a stranger’s words, before ‘At The Bottom Of Everything’ battles tastes and trends and shows up the darkest sides of the USA in neat couplerts of contemporary poetry. It’s a tone kept throughout – cynical of faceless power and their desire to control, but hopeful in each individual and the journeys they face. Bitterly in love with it all. Comforted by strangers.
Listen to this: ‘Lua‘

2. Modest Mouse – The Moon And Antarctica (2000)

My most favourite band of my lifetime. This is the main reason why. Such a grand scale yet such personality. A vicious, attack minded recorded, with ‘Tiny Cities’ the sinister creep down the alleyway before ‘A Different City’ reveals the bottle in its fist and delivers some killer blow. A record to knock you out, surprising at each turn, opening gently but always snarling at you along the way. The only music recorded that’s given me the same adrenaline rush as when those dogs jump through the window and try to bite your shins in the first Resident Evil game.
Listen to this: ‘Tiny Cities Made Of Ashes‘

1. The National - Alligator (2005)

I’ve said enough. Just listen.
Listen to this: ‘Geese Of Beverly Road‘

—–

100 – 51
50 – 26
25 – 11

100 – 51
50 – 26
10 – 1

SPOTIFY

—–

25. Jay Z -  The Blueprint
The start of something extraordinary as Mr Z became more than merely a hip-hop star, but one of the world’s biggest and most celebrated entertainers, businessmen and Beyonce lovers. Tremendous production flashes over the casual misogynisim, but it’s more than that, with the odd glimpse into the emotions and romance of Shawn Carter in the likes of ‘Song Cry’ and ‘Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)’.
Listen to this: ‘Never Change‘

24. Brian Wilson -  Smile
Nearly 40 years to make Wilson eh? Where’s your work ethic? Some people might think you had a nervous break down or something. At least it was worth it.
Listen to this: ‘Wonderful‘

23. Various: Smithsonian Collection – Classic Labour Songs
I toyed with the idea of putting compilations in this here list, but decided against it. Then I recalled this and went ‘dang’. Literally. Out loud. Surrounded by people. Staring at me. Wondering what my anguish was over. I never told. For this, like most other Smithsonian Collections, was just too worthy not to include. Probably the most emotional record on here – a collection of work songs over the century, taking in the American lower class labour life, but with a main focus on protest and unions, fighting for fair employment and justice against the greed of the companies that gave them their wage packet. Or didn’t.
Listen to this: Woody Guthrie – ‘1913 Massacre’

22. Okkervil River -  Stage Names
That Will Sheff’s a bit loud isn’t he? All that shouting. It’s like he actually cares about what he’s singing or something. A brilliant band at their brilliant peak, combatting American alt-rock with modern lyrical films of celebrity and the warped concept of life Hollywood offers us. And smartly so.
Listen to this: ‘Unless It Kicks‘

21. At the Drive In -  Relationship of Command
Like Sonic Youth all over again, but all a bit more contained and melodic, and maybe even a bit louder, and all just as brilliant. It took a few albums, but they became a necessary part of the rock and roll world.
Listen to this: ‘Invalid Litter Dept.‘

20. Reflection Eternal - Train of Thought
My favourite hip-hop album of the decade apparently. Hmmm. It probably is. Maybe not as huge as The Blueprint, or inspirational as The College Dropout or as zeitgeist as Original Pirate Material, but just the most melodic, interesting and intelligent, with Taleb Kweli articulate and dynamic throughout.
Listen to this: ‘Good Mourning‘

19. Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters
Pitchfork called them ‘Groundskeeper Wullie singing My Bloody Valentine’ which is about right, if not quite getting across just how huge and powerful such a combination is. Like being drowned in distortion whilst some mad drunken Scot shouts about how much of a cunt you and everyone else is. That’s what you want from music, isn’t it?
Listen to this: ‘And She Would Darken The Memory‘

18. Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not
If you don’t understand why this is here, just go away now and never read any music related writing again. I don’t care if you don’t like it, but if you don’t appreciate it, then you’re too deluded to worth explaining things too.
Listen to this: ‘From The Ritz To The Rubble’

17. Sufjan Stevens -  Come On Feel The Illinoise
Indulgent and overlong, but with too many moments of American alt-rock majesty to be too infuriated with. Give him a limit of 35 minutes and he’ll make the greatest album ever.
Listen to this: ‘Chicago‘

16. Radiohead  – Kid A
How to follow one of the greatest works of art ever? Do something completely different. And they did. And it was great.
Listen to this: ‘How To Disappear Completely‘

15. New Pornographers -  Twin Cinema
An album you can’t not help but move something to at any point. A supergroup of unheard of vocal styles and pop mindsets that master epic abilities and a cheeky three minutes.
Listen to this: ‘Star Bodies‘

14. The Strokes -  Is This It?
Apparently did something sometime for music and rock and roll and guitars and haircuts and military style jackes. Absolutely beezer too.
Listen to this: ‘Hard To Explain‘

13. The National -  Boxer
I was so disappointed the first time I heard this. But I kept on putting it on for the one or two tracks I warmed to. Then I put on a few more times. Then I never took it off. Then I did. But I wasn’t happy.
Listen to this: ‘Apartment Story‘

12. Godspeed You Black Emperor! -  Lift Yr Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven
So big. Four tracks, two CDs one big gasping sigh when it all ends. A post-rock pinnacle.
Listen to this: ‘Storm‘

11. Hope of the States -  The Lost Riots
Took a while to decide if this was top ten material or not. And it was for so long. And it probably should be in there. What with combining my love of raw vocals, driving indie, awesome relentless percussion and a trio of strings, keys and brass to just put in the realsm of utter spacking beauty. It was close.
Listen to this: ‘Nehemiah‘

—–

100 – 51
50 – 26
10 – 1

100 – 51
25 – 11
10 – 1

SPOTIFY!!!

—–

50. Explosions in the Sky  - The Earth is Not A Cold Dead Place (2003)
Intricate post rock loveliness. This has soundtracked many an exciting bath. Now you’re imaging me naked. How is that?
Listen to this: ‘Your Hand In Mine‘

49. Sleepy Jackson  – Lovers (2003)
Luke Steele with his far better band. Same creepy voice though, though it works here, what with the violence and sweetness and the love.
Listen to this: ‘This Day‘

48. Bon Iver -  For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)
MAN LIVE IN WOODS MAKE MUSIC MAKE WOMAN CRY. Or something. Bloody gorgeous though, innit?
Listen to this: ‘Flume‘

47. Unwound -  Leaves Turn Inside You (2001)
Double album of heavenly post-rock chunks, all with a wonderfully natural flow and some dazzling pretension. But I like that.
Listen to this: ‘Scarlette‘

46. TV on the Radio -   Return to Cookie Mountain (2006)
All ultra cool hip-hop indie. Listen to it and you will be cool too. I think. That’s why I do.
Listen to this: ‘A Method‘

45. Sufjan Stevens - Michigan (2004)
His first draft at this whole 50 state thing, and something approaching the genius that clearly resides in him. Folking beautiful.
Listen to this: ‘For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti‘

44. The Shins -  Chutes Too Narrow (2004)
30 minutes long and not a wasted second. What heaven’s waiting room would sound like. And there’d be old copies of Amiga Power and Your Sinclair to read.
Listen to this: ‘Saint Simon‘

43. Ryan Adams  – Heartbreaker (2000)
Named after a slogan Mariah Carey had on a t-shirt in a poster Adams apparently had hanging around, this debut is still his best moment, combining country, rock, alcohol and depression. Brilliant!
Listen to this: ‘To Be The One‘

42. Hold Steady -  Boys and Girls in America (2006)
Craig Finn’s average Joe noisemakers entertain some more in an average Joe sort of way. Who the fuck is this Joe? And why is he so average? I prefer median Ian anyhow. Or mean Jean.
Listen to this: ‘You Can Make Him Like You‘

41. Grandaddy – Sophtware Slump (2000)
Squealed vocals and driving electro influenced folk rock, with just enough blips and blops to hasten the trip and not force you to veer off road into a family of deer.
Listen to this: ‘The Crystal Lake’

40. Twilight Sad  - Forget The Night Ahead (2009)
Second record, and just like before it’s all pretty fucking loud and pretty fucking good. Shoegaze greatness once more. If a little darker this time.
Listen to this: ‘I Became A Prostitute‘

39. The Knife -  Silent Shout (2006)
Minimalist Swedish bods, creating the sort of computerised tones that robots would hear if they could ever ejaculate. Make it happen scientists. Make it happen.
Listen to this: ‘Like A Pen‘

38. The Streets -  Original Pirate Material (2002)
I hated this for so long. But then again, I hated cheese and crackers too. NOW THEY ARE IN MY MOUTH! Mike Skinner is not.
Listen to this: ‘Weak Become Heroes‘

37. Bob Dylan -  Love and Theft (2001)
Back to some form after a torrid couple of decades, this took Dylan back to rock’s roots and made him essential once again.
Listen to this: ‘High Water (For Charley Patton)‘

36. Madvillain -  Madvillainy (2004)
He’s not really mad. Nor a villain. He just makes dope hip-hop. Innit?
Listen to this: Meatgrinder

35. El Ten Eleven -  El Ten Eleven (2005)
Post-rock free from pretension? Can it happen? Yes it can. Here. And it sound pretty sweet.
Listen to this: ‘Fanshawe‘

34. Sleepy Jackson -  Personality (2006)
Better than Lovers. Thus it being a bit higher. Agree with me.
Listen to this: ‘Devil Was In My Yard’

33. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver (2007)
Mainly because I like shouting ‘North American Scum!’ and having a wee dance. This is known to happen a lot.
Listen to this: ‘Someone Great‘

32. Modest Mouse  - Good News For People Who Love Bad News (2004)
I bought this because it was £9 in a Fopp where the average price for a new record is £10. I saved enough for a can of Red Bull (depending on where you shop, natch) and got the best record in the store. BEST DAY EVER!
Listen to this: ‘Bury Me With It’

31. Outkast  – Stankonia (2000)
A recent addition to my collection, but already in the ’special’ section. Roots rap, like an apple pie with a cap in its ass.
Listen to this: ‘Ms. Jackson‘

30. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds  – No More Shall We Part (2001)
His second work on this list, and maybe his best ever. Sombre and smart.
Listen to this: ‘Fifteen Feet Of Pure White Snow‘

29. Kanye West -  The College Dropout (2004)
He’s a dick. I don’t care when I listen to this.
Listen to this: ‘Never Let Me Down‘

28. Broken Social Scene  - You Forgot It In People (2002)
No-one in this band is a dick I think.
Listen to this: ‘Lover’s Spit‘

27. Elbow  – Asleep In The Back (2000)
Nor this one. Garvey’s bloody charming, isn’t he? Their finest moment, mainly because of how fucking bleak it all is. Which is very. Sumptious beauty though.
Listen to this: ‘Red‘

26. The Shins -  Oh Inverted World (2001)
Low-key yet addictive, there’s something here I can’t stop loving, I just don’t know what.
Listen to this: ‘Caring Is Creepy‘

—–

100 – 51
25 – 11
10 – 1

50 – 26
25 – 11
10 – 1

So we’ve done singles, and we’re all perfectly happy and in agreement that ‘Hey Ya’ is the best song released this decade? Aren’t we now? Aren’t we? Good. Now for the even more exciting count down! In my head anyway. For in a decade where downloads and torrents and online radio stations such as Last FM, Pandora and Spotify devalued the art of collecting a few songs together, and making them mean something as a whole, we’ve had more than our share of classic records. Honest.

And never have we had such a varied, diverse bunch to pick from, due mainly to the internet and its ability to make music from all over the world as easy to access as clicking on a few buttons and ignoring porn for 15 minutes. Magic! Though this particular list has a wee bit of a focus on North American alt-rock, but that’s just me. And it is my list. So make your own if you don’t agree. Or do something worthwhile. Like start a family or storm a KFC.

SPOTIFY INNIT?!?!?

—–

100. John Cale – Hobosapiens (2003)
My favourite Welsh senior citizen – sorry Shirley, Tom and Anthony. A voice matured and a sound still relevant, taking in Eno electronica and Italian choirs, building ideas upon an eclectic mix of samples.
Listen to this: ‘Things‘

99. Belle and Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress (2003)
Their most pop album yet, and thus their most joyful and commercially successful. Brilliant drama in ‘Step Into My Office’, American melodrama in ‘Piazza, New York Catcher’ and the anthem for longing hearts that is ‘If You Find Yourself Caught In Love’ made this more than just some pop pleasantry though.
Listen to this: ‘If You Find Yourself Caught In Love‘

98. Joanna Newsom – YS (2006)
Moving on from her unique, if slightly annoying debut, Newsom put her sexy elven tones to story-telling, exploring the mythical and the spiritual over these five tracks that had more ambition that most records this century.
Listen to this: ‘Sawdust and Diamonds‘

97. Original Broadway Cast – Soundtrack to Wicked (2003)
Cos I’m a fag or something.
Listen to this: ‘Defying Gravity‘

96. Sun Kil Moon – Ghosts of the Great Highway (2003)
Mark Kozelek’s post-Red House Painters effort, and one where his voice remains the perfect accompaniment to acoustic guitar. Guilt-free loveliness.
Listen to this: ‘Gentle Moon‘

95. Silver Mt Zion – Born Into Trouble As The Sparks Fly Upwards (2001)
More contained epic post-rock from the Godspeed boys, all vicious and ambitious yet smart and articulate, looking to the Old Testament for inspiration and delivering a mighty sermon.
Listen to this: ‘Built Then Burnt (Hurrah! Hurrah!)‘

94. PJ Harvey – Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea (2000)
I was once pissed off at this record, mainly because it beat the brilliant Asleep in the Back to the 2001 Mercury Prize. I am now over such feelings. The most ecstatic female voice the UK has.
Listen to this: ‘Good Fortune‘

93. Go! Team – Thunder Lightning Strike (2004)
An abundance of enthusiasm, this was a stupidly fun romp through old school samples and playground chants that proved how exciting modern music could be.
Listen to this: ‘Huddle Formation‘

92. Bright Eyes – Lifted (Or The Story Is In The Soil, Keep Your Ear To The Ground) (2002)
Not my first, my most profund or my most lasting encounter with Conor, but one that still was able to show off the talent of a young singer/songwriter aptly staking his claim for voice of a generation. Modest and grandiose in equal measures, and a sign of where American folk was going.
Listen to this: ‘You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will‘

91. The Decemberists – Her Majesty… (2003)
Combining song-writing ambitions with ideas of story-telling, letting full-fledged characters take over each song, this was equally valid under ‘audio-books’ in any record store.
Listen to this: ‘Red Right Ankle‘

90. Why? – Alopecia (2008)
It’s folk hip-hop and it’s not shit. For that alone it would merit a place. Not really. They make it marvellous though.
Listen to this: ‘Fatalist Palmistry‘

89. Okkervil River – Don’t Fall In Love With Everyone You See (2002)
Oh, just lovely. Really. Lines like ‘red is my favourite colour, red like your mother’s eyes after crying a while about how you don’t love her.’ Majestic Sheff. Emotion without sentimentality, and mandolins without public school tossers playing them.
Listen to this: ‘Red‘

88. Robert Forster – The Evangelist (2008)
The former Go-Between carries on after the death of his former bandmate, Grant McLennan creating a fitting tribute. Happy/sad. Celebratory/mourning. Great/brilliant.
Listen to this: ‘Let Your Light In Babe‘

87. Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury (2006)
With crisp Neptunes production, this was a sparse hip-hop record, free from decadence and unafraid to explore the murkier side of the rap scene.
Listen to this: ‘Mr. Me Too‘

86. Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank (2007)
The excitement of the guitarist from my favuurite band of all time joining my favourite band of the last 20 years was almost too much to cope with. As such, this album was never going to live up to the genre/era/religion/space/time defying result I was expecting. It was still pretty fucking sweet though.
Listen to this: ‘Missed the Boat‘

85. Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)
Yeah, it’s great. Okay? Got a problem with that? Good. The world’s biggest band at their most subtle, thought-provoking and interesting. They’ll never beat this.
Listen to this: ‘A Warning Sign‘

84. Gillian Welch – Time (The Revelator) (2001)
In a fantastic decade for North American female folk (see newcomers Jenny Lewis, Whispertown 2000, Feist, Neko Case, Dixie Chicks, Alison Strauss and old hands still going strong – Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris etc) Time was one of the deeper moments this genre offered, fearful of the clock taking away friends, loves and heroes, but aware of what to make the most of.
Listen to this: ‘Elvis Presley Blues‘

83. MeWithoutYou – Catch For Us The Foxes (2004)
Classed as ‘punk’ but so much more than the pop hybrid this decade turned it into. Crazed dueling vocals, and something of a passion in the performance. Even if they are a bunch of Goddos. Jesus would be rocking out though.
Listen to this: ‘January 1979‘

82. Elbow – Seldom Seen Kid (2008)
The one that broke them, and their biggest, if not best, yet. Easy to love on first listen, but showing off a talent so much more than being the Snow Patrol types many dismiss them as. Many are idiots.
Listen to this: ‘Weather to Fly‘

81. Lucinda Williams – World Without Tears (2003)
Again, another whisky soaked example of great country feminity, blasting and blazing and ripping up every record Shania Twain ever made.
Listen to this: ‘Those Three Days‘

80. Radiohead - Amnesiac (2001)
Not quite Kid A but still containing the sincerity of a band keeping their credibility and quality, whilst simultaneously taking over the world. Dark, sensual and essential.
Listen to this: ‘Pyramid Song‘

79. Portishead - Third (2008)
Dummy is one of the ten best albums of all time. This isn’t. It’s still a bit good though. So give it a go.
Listen to this: ‘The Rip‘

78. Death Cab – Transatlanticism (2003)
The emo sorts it’s okay to think aren’t a bunch of stupid haired cocks. And the dude gets to have sex with Zooey Deschanel. Amazing.
Listen to this: ‘A Lack of Color‘

77. Dawn Chorus – Big Adventure (2008)
A British take on North American alt-folk, and it couldn’t have worked out better. Or it could have actually, as in them managing to sell a few records.It’s not too late though! Google it now and buy buy buy.
Listen to this: ‘The Hope Will Kill Us‘

76. Dresden Dolls – Dresden Dolls (2003)
My first introduction to the love of my life. Oh, Amanda. Beautiful goth sorts aside, this was an overdramatic delight, all punched piano and deafening drums, thrilling all the way.
Listen to this: ‘Gravity‘

75. The Dears – No Cities Left (2003)
Where on earth did they go? They were just behind Arcade Fire in over-indulgent orchestral rock to shatter minds and kill cynics dead? Oh well. Just enjoy this.
Listen to this: ‘Lost in the Plot‘

74. White Stripes – White Blood cells (2001)
They never did anything better than this. No, really. I defy Peel and I defy Uncut and I defy most thoughts. Elephant was a mess. And everything after was pointless. This was nice though.
Listen to this: ‘Fell In Love With A Girl‘

73. …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead – Source Tags and Codes (2002)
The lighter side to shouty music. And the better side. Not gutteral wretching, but something resembling honest pain, and all with experimental, exploring music taking the same trip as Modest Mouse but going a little faster and with a few more tumbles on the way.
Listen to this: ‘Baudelaire‘

72. Vampire Weekend -Vampire Weekend (2008)
Jolly, jolly, jolly indie. Smart men trying to be Talking Heads and the Beach Boys at the same time, and not falling flat on their faces. Must be commended.
Listen to this: ‘Oxford Comma‘

71. My Vitriol – Finelines (2000)
Make one brilliant album. Disappear. Come back for a bit and bore some people. Make people wish this was only thing they ever made.
Listen to this: ‘Always Your Way‘

70. Mogwai – Happy Songs For Happy People (2003)
Their one really excellent mark on this decade after a 90s filled with infallible brilliance. Horrible and, well, happy.
Listen to this: ‘Hunted By A Freak‘

69. Jay Z – Black Album (2003)
I like this a lot. Autobiographical in many ways, and something of a lesson in hip-hop. Pimpin’, innit?
Listen to this: ‘December 4th‘

68. Danger Mouse – Grey Album (2004)
Mixing the above album with The Beatles classic monikered with the opposite end of the colour spectrum produced an album as good as its name.
Listen to this: ‘Encore‘

67. Pretty Girls Make Graves - Good Health (2004)
They’re shouty and female and hot and play guitar like an emo Prince – what more do you want?
Listen to this: ‘Speakers Push The Air‘

66. Ryan Adams – Gold (2001)
Before he went mad, Adams was on course for being the best songwriter of the decade. A glimpse of why.
Listen to this: ‘Harder Now It’s Over‘

65. Magnetic Fields – I (2004)
I see 69 Love Songs as a 1999 album, thus its lacking from this list. This is still bloody lovely though. And your usual MF fare of startling imaginative US folk/electronic sounds.
Listen to this: ‘I Don’t Believe You‘

64. Justice – Cross (2007)
Mad French dance drunk mess fall over move about.
Listen to this: ‘Phantom‘

63. Ash - Free All Angels (2001)
I’ve mentioned before how they are now irrelevant. It’s as if they took the shitness that was ‘Candy’ in this otherwise punk joy, and made a braindead career on it. Dicks.
Listen to this: ‘Shining Light‘

62. Johnny Cash – American IV (2002)
One of his final hurrahs, and one of his most poignant touches. You’ll cry. Oh, you’ll cry. Like an X Factor contestant. Being kicked in the face. And realising they deserve it.
Listen to this: ‘In My Life’

61. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (2009)
I think this is how Pitchfork hear Animal Collective – all that noise and vibrance, though without the side effect of being unlistenable shit.
Listen to this: ‘Two Weeks‘

60. Dizzee Rascal – Boy In Da Corner (2003)
Funny on camera maybe, and probably a nice wee man, his music has turned a sour shade of complete fuck. Before Harris polluted his brain he was good though.
Listen to this: ‘Jus’ A Rascal’

59. Nick Cave And His Bad Seeds – Lyre of Orpheus/Abattoir Blues (2004)
A double album of heaven and hell, with both sounding just as great a place to hang out in. Still the coolest man in rock and roll.
Listen to this: ‘Breathless‘

58. Rufus - Want One (2003)
The best Wainwright of them all. And a cabaret pop star in full glam glory, all heartbreak and ecstacy. And fabulous. Natch.
Listen to this: ‘Oh What A World‘

57. Eminem – Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
I bought this on cassette as I was weaning off 5ive and Boyzone and wondering where my music adventures should go. I’ve lost the cassette. I have not lost the love.
Listen to this: ‘The Way I Am‘

56. Wilco – A Ghost is Born (2004)
This was number three for Uncut. I can sort of see why – old school folk yet looking to a future, like CSNY or Dylan, and easy to drive a pick up to, or soundtrack a barbecue. That’s what Uncut readers want, isn’t it? And me too evidently to some extent. There’s a darker side though, offering something a little less plaid, but still nothing quite like Yankee… which will quite obviously be coming much later on.
Listen to this: ‘Hell is Chrome‘

55. Cat Power – The Greatest (2006)
My crush on Chan Marshall does not quite match my Jenny Lewis one. Still I’d back the Channers in a fight. Or a drink-off. Or a songwrite off. As she is great. And this is proof.
Listen to this: ‘The Moon‘

54. Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele (2000)
The one real Wu-Tang man to keep it up musically in the new millennium. And even if he’s not appearing in The Wire, he’s at least made a record as controlled and dedicated as this.
Listen to this: ‘Nutmeg‘

53. McLusky – McLusky Do Dallas (2002)
Ha ha ha ha! FUNNEH TITLE! They have sex like in that naughty film! Not really. It’d have an awesome soundtrack though. Sounds almost like a singles collection of 2 minute vitriol. Class.
Listen to this: ‘Alan Is A Cowboy Killer‘

52. The Delgados – Hate (2002)
My choice for best British act of the decade, and one of three superb albums released in that time (though only two make this list – apologies to Universal Audio) coming after the modern Scotch masterpiece The Great Eastern and almost living up too such heights. Not quite though. Still beautiful.
Listen to this: ‘Coming In From The Cold‘

51. MIA - Kala (2007)
Not managing to break the top 50, even if it did contain the fourth best song of the decade. Still a bright, dazzling mix of every genre going, bringing together Pixies, The Clash, bhangra, hip-hop and jungle and more in a fluorescent epic.
Listen to this: ‘20 Dollar‘

—–

50 – 26
25 – 11
10 – 1