ALBUM OF THE WEEK

THE HORRORS - SKYING

The Simple Minds appreciation society starts here. Gone are the shock goth garage sounds replaced with sweeping 80's style ambience. Following on from the excellent Primary Colours, Faris Badwan and co have given a serious contender for album of the year. Shimmering synths with a more melodic sound suit Badwans breathless and sparse vocals. Coarse, cathartic and soaring. Who would have thought the band widely ridiculed just four years ago have become one of the most important and relevant bands around. Here is the lead single Still Life

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

HANSON - SHOUT IT OUT

14 years on from the pop perfection of Mmmbop Hanson have slowly morphed into a soft rock band. Freely dismissed as a teeny band their music was never taken seriously but their debut album contained many a hidden gem Thinking Of You and Where's The Love were supremely crafted songs. A glimpse of what was to come. The three brothers deserve respect if only for sticking to what they believe in. Eight albums later they finally release their most complete work to date.
'Shout It Out' is a collection of finely tuned, R&B-flavored pop-rock, a homage to the music that inspired Hanson when they started out. The album produced and written exclusively by the band demonstrates their quality musicianship. Infectious and genuinely talented. Take note Jonas Bros.

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

BLONDIE - PANIC OF GIRLS

Even if this album was really bad it would still be album of the week just because it's Blondie.EQs love of music began with Parallel Lines and for that we are eternally grateful.
It's no real surprise that this isn't in the same class as PL but still it proves that their is plenty of life left in these icons.The band, and especially Debbie Harry, sound reinvigorated here.Brash, confident, sassy and chic it's Blondie doing what Blondie do best.A mix of funk, punk and electro pop with plenty of attitude. A cracking return to form after the dismal Curse Of Blondie. Here is lead track Mother;

Panic Of Girls is out now. A lovely fan pack is available here

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

CLOUD CONTROL - BLISS RELEASE

Quickly gathering momentum across Europe following their deserved success at the Australian Music Awards, 'Bliss Release' is the debut album from Cloud Control.
The band hail from the Blue Mountains, where they set out to create their delicate ethereal swirling sound.Drenched in jangly guitars and sunshine-pop melodies that is akin to the influences of recent support slots with Vampire Weekend and The Magic Numbers, Bliss Release could well prove to be the sound of this years summer.A complete album, full of heart,soul and beauty.

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

BEASTIE BOYS - HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART TWO

A much welcome return to early era Beastie Boys.Old skool synth mixed with rhymin'& stealin' induced rap. They still cross genre with the obligatory nod to thrash metal and reggae but old skool hip-hop is what makes this album stand out. They set the bar with their groundbreaking production techniques and diversity throughout the nineties but this album sees Ad Rock,MCA and Mike D turn the clock back (unbelievably) 25 years to their Licensed To Ill roots. Volkswagen owners beware.
Here is the star studded Make Some Noise video.
The video of the year competition is now closed !

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

FLEET FOXES - HELPLESSNESS BLUES

The highly anticipated follow up to their 2008 platinum debut sees Fleet Foxes sticking with the folk drenched sound and soaring intertwined vocals. Lyrically bleak but ultimately uplifting and overwhelming Helplessness Blues lives up to everything it should be. A record that sits snugly alongside Van Morrissons Astral Weeks and Roy Harpers back catalogue. Mystical,melodious and magical. Here is the lead track ;

This will sound even more beautiful live. Fleet Foxes tour the UK throughout June before playing endless festivals throughout summer. You really have no excuse not to catch them.

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

THE KILLS-BLOOD PRESSURES

Another dose of deep and dark offerings from Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince. On this their fourth album they have produced a more polished, accessible offering. Powerful,haunting and vulnerable Blood Pressures could finally see The Kills break through to a mainstream audience. Check out the evidence;

The album is out now. You can listen to it here