David Bowie’s first new album in over ten years was preceded by the completely unannounced release of the first single, ‘Where Are We Now?’, on the morning of 8th January; the singers 66th Birthday. It’s Bowie in wistful mood, looking back on his years in Berlin and the perfect appetiser for what was to come.
When the album came, there were further nods to the past; not least the album cover itself being a bold reworking of the artwork from Heroes. From an artist who’s made a career from constantly changing his image and style, it should be no surprise that there’s nothing dated about this record. While The Next Day could never have the same impact as Bowie’s career – and era – defining work of the 70’s and 80’s, it’s a fantastic addition to his catalogue and show’s there life in music’s greatest chameleon yet.
For our full review, click here.
Favourite Track: The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
Listen Up Manchester Present:
The Top 10 of 2013
Our favourite albums of the year
10. David Bowie - The Next Day
9. Kurt Vile - Wakin On A Pretty Daze
The followup to 2012's critically acclaimed Smoke Ring For My Halo finds the former Rats frontman at his most laid back and lanquid.
If some records are Saturday night and some are Sunday morning then Wakin On A Pretty Daze is a stoned Tuesday afternoon. An opening track of over eight minutes long lays down a marker and, as these songs wash over you, you'll find yourself drawn into Kurt's world with surprising ease.
Favourite Track: Wakin On A Pretty Day
8. Eels - Wonderful, Glorious
Listening to Eels tenth studio album Wonderful, Glorious is a warts and all insight into the mind of enigmatic frontman E. His personal demons are well documented and this latest release sees him pick himself up from the canvas and fight back to deliver the bands best album in years.
Setting the scene with the fantastic opener, Bombs Away, E sets his stall out as a man who's been to the bottom but is in no way beaten. This theme is continued in On The Ropes and New Alphabet and its a record that continually packs a punch from start to finish.
For our full review, click here.
Favourite Track: New Alphabet
7. Jake Bugg - Shangri La
The Nottinghamshire lad proves he's no one trick pony with his second album in two years. The follow up to his fantastic self titled debut allows Bugg to grow and develop his sound whilst retaining those charactaristics which are starting to set him aside as a special talent.
With the legendary Rick Rubin behind the desk and the song writing talents of both Iain Archer (formerly of Snow Patrol and Tired Pony) and Brendan Benson (one time member of The Raconteurs) at his disposal, it's no surprise that the finished article is well polished, with more than an edge of Rockabilly Americana. As with the first record, there are songs here that will grab you instantly (Slumville Sunrise, What Doesn't Kill You) and those that only slowly reveal their infectiousness with repeated listens (Kitchen Taqble, Messed Up Kids).
Favourite Track: Me and You
6. Ethan Johns - If Not Now, Then When
As the son of legengary Producer Glynn Johns, Ethan Johns could not have hoped for a better education in the music industry. An accomplished producer himself having worked with the likes of the Kings Of Leon, Ryan Adams and Laura Marling, Johns is also a fantastically talented musician and song writer.
As the album title suggests, If Not Now, Then When is likely to have been a long talked and dreamed about project. It's well worth the wait. Ethan Johns showcases a variety of styles and genres across the album, taking us through Folk, Americana, Blues and back again with equisite melodies and a vocal thats at times powerful and at others, fragile.
For our full review, click here. For a live review of Ethan Johns at Salford Trinity Church, click here.
Favourite Track: The Turning
5. The Dirty Hooks - Electric Grit
This is perhaps the controversial one. Please don't think for one minute that I've selected an unsigned, unknown band from America's Wild West to purvey some kind of superiority or hipsterish sentiment. I haven't. I've selected them because this is simply one of the freshest and best things I've heard this year.
The Dirty Hooks come from Las Vegas and play funky, dirty, bluesy, electric rock and roll. In an industry where so much is recycled and rehashed, The Dirty Hooks offer something new and different. These are tales of busted deals in the desert and outlaws on the run.
For our interview with the band, click here. For the bands new video, click here
Favourite Track: Naked City Colt
4. Jim James - Regions Of Light And Sound Of God
Taking a break from his day job as the front man for My Morning Jacket, Jim James delivers a debut solo album thats not just a record but an experience.
Taking it's inspiration from the tale of a faustian bargain gone sour, Jim James explores concepts of religion, love and the meaning of life across nine ephereal, dream like tracks. It's hard to pick a stand out track here; as with many concept albums, Regions Of Light works best when listened to as a whole. Take the time with this record, and you'll discover new depths on each listen.
For our full review, click here.
Favourite Track: Dear One
3. Jason Isbell - Southeastern
The latest release from the former Drive By Trucker, is packed full of sublime songwriting and beautifully devastaing lyrics.
Jason Isbell has been through his own fair share of up's and downs (marriage and divorce from a former band mate, drug and alcohol addiction) and he's used these expericiences to fuel his latest solo effort. Now clean and sober, there are direct reflections on his former self (Live Oak) whilst his ability to take on controversial subjects (notably Elephant on which he tackles Cancer and the loss of a loved one, and Yvette which deals with child abuse from a childs perspective) with tact, beauty, humour and grace leads to some of the albums most mesmorising and moving moments.
Favourite Track: Elephant
1. Arctic Monkeys - AM
... Like Clockwork see's Queens Of The Stoneage stepping out of their comfort zone and expanding their sound. The result is not only the most accessible record in their portfolio but also one of the best.
From the laid back slide guitar of I Sat By The Ocean to the atmospheric theatre of The Vampyre Of Time And Memory (check out the interactive video by the way), this a band willing to push beyond their desert rock staple sound and test their creative limits.
Look out for cameo's from Jake Sheers on Smooth Sailing (featuring my lyric of the year, 'I blow my load over the status quo') and the ulimate queen himself, Elton John on Fairweather Friends.
Favourite Track: Smooth Sailing
2. Queens Of The Stoneage - ... Like Clockwork
Up until the release of this latest album, I was was firmly in the camp that believed Arctic Monkey's best days were behind them. I adored Whatever You Think I Am... but really felt they never matched up to that seminal debut with anything that followed. Each new album felt like they were trying to discover what they should do next but never quite making it. And then this record dropped.
This is what Arctic Monkey's have been building up to. This is the sound they've been searching for and this puts them right back at the top of their game. Alex Turner's lyrics are superb throughout and the melodies, beats and riffs throughout the record are fantastic. The sublime Do I Wanna Know? opens the album, quickly followed by the titanic R U Mine? Both tracks are colossal stadium fillers and there's much more to come. One For The Road, Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? and Snap Out Of It are all album highlights but in truth, each song is a winner.
With quiffs neatly bryl-creemed and sunglasses on, the Arctics are back where they belong; at the pinacle of British rock and roll.
Favourite Track: One For The Road
