Following on from a feature that used to run last year (but didn’t appear in the 4th quarter thanks to little releases and all the end of the year lists) it’s the 2nd part of the records that have caught my eye so far this year.

Despite the fact that the first quarter contained some really great albums, this second one may have just topped it. There’s plenty that I haven’t got around too as well, such as Leon Bridges.

Below, in release date order, is a list of some of these with a bit of background behind each one. If you’ve missed any of the below, well then you should probably get on it. At the very bottom of the post is a spotify playlist containing some of the tracks from the records listed.

Villagers – Darling Arithmetic

Despite being a Villagers fan, I had absolutely no excitement for this record when it was first announced. That lack of expectancy however could be what led to the record being one of my favourites of the last three months. The songs were bloody grand live too.

Track to check out – ‘Everything I Am is Yours’

San Fermin – Jackrabbit

It may not be as good as their debut, there may be more tracks that just don’t work; but, it is still a pretty damn good record.

Track to check out – ‘Emily’

Blur – The Magic Whip

When Blur announced that they were returning with a new album my expectations were pretty low. Instead, I was greeted with some of the best work that they’ve done! They were also really damn good when they visited Llandudno.

Track to check out – ‘Ghost Ship’

Other Lives – Rituals

A bit like the San Fermin record this one. It’s not as good as what they’ve put out previously but there are tracks on here that are as good as anything else they’ve put out. – Review

Track to check out:

Patrick Watson – Love Songs for Robots

I love Patrick Watson. I love Adventures in Your Own Backyard and I love this album. Can’t wait to see him in the summer. Just listen to this album and feel happy.

Track to check out – ‘Good Morning Mr. Wolf’

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love

I liked this record. I went to see the band at Primavera. I love this record. One of those albums and one of those bands that I really underestimated. They tour the UK in September. You should listen to it, go to see them and then thank me later. – Review

Track to check out:

Jamie xx – In Colour

Everybody was so excited about this album. I’d somehow managed to avoid ever hearing any of his previous work and had also managed to never see him perform, despite wanting to. When the record dropped, I understood the excitement. A contender for album of the year.

Track to check out – ‘Loud Places’

Gengahr – A Dream Outside

A record that has successfully filled the void that Avi Buffalo left with their recent disbanding. Managed to miss them when they supported The Maccabees, managed to miss them at their Fopp signing, hopefully won’t miss them at their Deaf Institute show. – Review

Track to check out:

Wolf Alice – My Love is Cool

I don’t have too much to say about this record. I like it, there’s some great tracks but I don’t understand why their fanbase is growing as quickly as it is. Mainly sounds like Metric, if Metric decided to put out a B-Sides and Rarities album.

Track to check out – ‘You’re a Germ’

Other Honorable Mentions

Everything Everything – Get To Heaven – An album that is maybe too long? Not for me, but writer Gareth O’Malley loves it.

Lord Huron – Strange Trails – More of the same from Lord Huron. A nice record but again, a bit long and nothing too amazing.

Torres – Sprinter – Not a record that I’ve heard yet but one that appears to be receiving a lot of love. – Review

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

Google

Reddit

Pinterest

