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2. MGMT-Oracular Spectacular
A very deserving number 2 for MGMT. First things first, this summer saw 2 disappointing live performances by the band, at Glasto and Leeds by the band. Live music is so important to me that it is difficult not to let it put a dampener on my enjoyment of this album. I still think this is a brilliant album. Similarly to Vampire Weekend, MGMT have a unique sound (in the mainstream anyway) described by Pitchfork.. "MGMT find kindred spirits in Muse and Mew by dressing their melodies in the fanciful trappings of 1970s British prog, but unlike their contemporaries the duo also weaves in lessons from disco, new-wave synth-pop, and early 90s Britpop.". Unlike, "Vampire Weekend", Oracular is far from perfect. Whilst Time to Pretend, Kids, Electric Feel and the Youth are anthemic and brilliant, 4th dimensional transition and the handshake fall flat. But the superb "Future Reflections" rounds it all up superbly. Lyrically the duo have immense potential, the lyrics to Time to Pretend are fantastic, as are those to Kids imo. Their next move is gonna be so interesting, could be awful or epic. Only time will tell...My favourite song on this album was always Kids, until it got released as a single...I'll always remember the Skins trailer for the Jal episode, with Chris being wheeled away on a hospital bed, with "Kids" as the music, ah dear. Perfect. Anyway, a little too much radio1 whoring of Kids/Time to pretend has turned me towards The Youth (even though they are probably better tracks!) as my selected track from this album.
Best track: MGMT-The Youth
Bonus: MGMT-Electric Feel (Justice Remix)
Reviews by journos:
Pitchfork (6.8/10)
IGN (9.6/10)

3. Lightspeed Champion-Falling off the Lavender Bridge
Dev Hynes, formerly of Test icicles, is an absolute don. Taking large influence from Bright Eyes (he was watching Conor and the band at Leeds festy!, ignoring the attentions of some random hot girl beside him!) can never be a bad thing. Though Dev's lyrics are never going to be as deep, dark, sinister and altogether amazing as Conor's he gives a damn good go. This is a pretty strong album lyrically and musically it is lovely. The chords are so nice, simple yet beautiful, and come to think of it this album has a number of fantastic songs. Midnight Surprise is an amazing piece, Galaxy of the Lost, Tell me what its worth, dry lips...the list goes on of awesome songs on the album! No real bad songs come to think of it. He is awesome live as well, saw him in a half empty leadmill where he was brilliant and a half empty NME tent at leeds where he was also very good. Looking forward to new material next year maybe? He also seems like a eally really really nice guy lol.
Best track: Lightspeed Champion-Midnight Surprise
Bonus: Lightspeed Champion-Galaxy of the Lost (Bo$$ in Drama Remix)
also, check out his regularly updated blog, its pretty cool.

Honourable Mention: Chris Walla-Field Manual

Funny story. I typed "CHR" into my itunes to have a quick listen before writing on here...but ended up getting distracted by Chris Brown's "With You". How much does that tell you about this album? actually not alot, with you is a big tune! Chris Walla (Death Cab's guitarist if you didnt know) is an amazing producer (see Transatlanticism), a brilliant guitarist (see every Death Cab album), and a great pianist (see the majority of DCFC piano songs). 1 Big problem with his debut solo record is his voice. I don't like being mean to someone who i have a huge amount of respect for, but his voice is really weak, strainy and often sounds like he had a serious sore throat when recording this album. Also, although the lyrics aren't awful, Chris could do with getting (alot) of tips off lead songwriter Gibbard if he ever makes a second album...there are some really nice songs though, "sing again" and "geometry &C" are pretty good, but the album as a whole just doesnt hold up! Stick to the producing/guitaring please Chris! I feel sorry for him, he hasn't even been able to tour this album yet. It had been pretty highly anticipated for ages, but he wasnt even able to properly promote it as Death Cab took over all his time. Maybe next year eh?
Best track: Chris Walla-Sing Again
Bonus track: Death Cab For Cutie-This Charming Man (back in the day when Chris was allowed to sometimes sing lead vocals, this cover is so bad its good :D)

gigs this month
ermmm none i can remember.

This month in Music according to wikipedia

february on its way!