2017...in Music

Ahhh, the annual best albums blog post. Like a comforting blanket or warm hug that signals the end of deadline or exam stress and the beginning of festivities.

Last year I bowed down to the wonderful 'A Moon Shaped Pool' (which I was blessed to see its magic live at Glasto 2017), the sheer haunting legacy left by Blackstar and of course Bon Iver's extraordinary '22, a Million'.

I almost felt a bit disappointed before I started looking back; then I remembered the wealth of eclectic and artistic releases that have blessed our ears in this rather interesting year. Same as last year, let's avoid discussing politics.

So here we go...the top 10. In no particular order, obviously. I'm not an animal.

Boxed In - Melt

Boxed In's sound is as if the Talking Heads got a bit more emotionally involved with a Microkorg. With fascinating swirling and dancy funky synths it's impossible not to dance to, and is equally brilliant live. I always forget how much I love them until I do a full on binge every now and then- I can't get enough! Check out an interview I did with them earlier on this year here.

Kurt Vile & Courtney Barnett - Lotta Sea Lice

Although sounding a bit like they've only just woken up and are singing this over an egg muffin and cup of black coffee (obviously neither of them have milk in it. They're too cool for that), this album is like a warm hug. So chilled and with some hazy, dreamy, lingering guitar accompaniments working together. This album is friendship goals.

The xx - I See You

'On Hold' is good enough a track alone- this album is completely the xx whilst sounding so new; it's intimate, with Croft's classic reverberent guitar lines yet makes extensive use of sampling.

Sampha - Process

Such a deserved winner of the Mercury Prize. Sampha has spent most his musical career so far simply featuring on tracks (such as SBTRKT with Hold On) but never being able to fully expose his creative talent. Process is a stunning representation of his story; from his family to bereavement, conclusively really discovering himself. 'No-one knows me like the Piano' is one of the most thoughtful, soulful ballads I've heard in a long time. I physically shook and cried when I first heard it.

Loyle Carner - Yesterday's Gone

Loyle Carner is redefining rap with his electric debut. Hip-hop has always been a bit sentimental, but have any artists ever let their own mother recite a poem about them in the middle of their album? It's some of the most emotive and sensitive hip-hop on the scene right now, but still remaining startlingly relevant. "Yeah, I miss my student loan."

Queens of the Stone Age - Villains

All I can think about with this album is how much fun they probably had making it. It's dancy in its rhythms and just emits a who-the-f-cares-we're-having-fun mentality. 'Feet Don't Fail Me' is probably one of the best opening tracks of the year. It hits you like a funky train led by Homme dressed as the devil. Still, apparently Josh Homme kicked a photographer in the face so maybe I shouldn't be promoting him anymore. Either way, fab album, and a really great singalong band to see live.

The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding

This album got a lot of stick, but I thought it was painfully insightful and gorgeous in its depiction of endings. It's detailed, layered, and ideal late night listening. Albeit slower than Lost In The Dream, 'You Don't Have To Go' is the perfect ambient track; slow, steady, and undeniably sad.

And as always we have the honourable mentions- singular tracks from often great records, that didn't quite make the cut.

- The French Press by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

- Black Screen by LCD Soundsystem

- It's A Shame by First Aid Kit (album being released in January! I'M SO EXCITED FOR MY GIRLS!)

- MASSEDUCTION - entire album - by St Vincent

- Darling by Real Estate

- Everything Now by Arcade Fire

- Love You So Bad by Ezra Furman

- Star Roving by Slowdive

- Kindling (Fickle Flame) by Elbow featuring John Grant

And that's it for the year! My radio listeners are all probably a little TOO familiar with all these tracks and albums. I'm not even sorry.

You can listen to my 'best of 2017' radio show here! Just in case you aren't absolutely sick of the sight and sound of me.

Lots of love, bear hugs and best wishes for 2018,

El xx