'09 DEFINED - ALBUMS OF THE YEARPART I: 50-41

First of all, Merry Christmas! Hope you had a good one.
So here it is: Part I of 2STEPS' official albums of the year list. We love lists here, even if there has been a slight overload this year what with the decade ending and all (more on that in the coming weeks) But this is always the most important. Come the end of every year I look back and bask in all the great music we've been graced with over the last 12 months. It's inspiring when you look at it - innovative and great music is still being made, and most importantly, the album is not dead. So have a look through, seek out anything you've missed - I'm sure you'll find something to fall for.

50: Morrissey - Years Of Refusal
The last 3 albums from the Mozzfather have been great, and this could just be the best out of the bunch. The cover was a clue; a hench looking Mozz in a tight Fred Perry number, holding a baby with one hand. That's badass. Kicking off with the blinding 'Something Is Squeezing My Skull' it includes some of his best solo songs all made up of lyrical gold, namely the breathtaking 'That's How People Grow Up'. A strong and diverse record; it just goes to show that he's still as important and as impossible to ignore as ever.


49: The Twilight Sad - Forget The Night Ahead
Based on the songs preceded it, this was one highly anticipated sophomore. And for once, an album surpassed the expectations placed on it entirely, even somehow making coming 86th in NME's albums of the decade list. There was something different about this album that transcended all the other feedback tinged alternative rock. When you can make out the lyrics, they're stunning - the whole thing works together perfectly. Powerful, moody and melodramatic but irresistibly intricate, and very special indeed.


48: Broken Records - Until The Earth Begins To Part
There were so many great Scottish records out this year, but none sounded so grand as this particular 7-piece. They were initially likened to Arcade Fire in terms of majesty but musically they encompass a much colder terrain. Singer Jamie Sutherland's thick Edinburgh accent lined the music with a rich and captivating voice. Songs about wolves, ghosts and erm, Eilert Loevborg made for a unique listen. It was tense but inherently organic at the same time, and truly an exciting musical progression for Scottish music in general.


47: Franz Ferdinand - Tonight
The beginning of this year saw the return of Franz Ferdinand. They managed to sidestep all of the rumours surrounding the record (Xenomania? Afrobeat?) and hit back with a rare blend of guitars and synths that actually works. There was still some of their most hard hitting indie sound but in 'Lucid Dreams' a mind blowing electronic freak-out. It showed a deeper side to Alex Kapronos, and there were enough ideas here to firmly assure us that the band had a lot more tricks up their sleeves yet.


46: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This year's hype darlings made good. 2009 was the year these quirky French guys caught everyone's attention and held it tight, and deservedly so - this, their 4th album was so accessible but had a lot to discover. The singles were played everywhere, but the highlight was 7 minute album track 'Love Like A Sunset', an awe-inspiring masterpiece that first one me over. A string of incredible remixes from some big names didn't hurt either, but the album itself is strong enough on it's own to be played all year long.


45: Florence + The Machine - Lungs
This was almost doomed from over-hype, but just survived. I initially retracted from Florence Welch due to the terrible 'Kiss With A Fist' - the only bad song on the album - but as a whole this showed that she was a lot more than just another starlet. The harp led songs on 'Lungs' elevated her from any other girl with good vocals this year. Because she has got a fantastic voice but if the songs weren't so good it wouldn't mean a thing. 'Howl' and 'Drumming Song' encompassed a very dramatic mood that was undeniable. And for once it was refreshing to see a genuine eccentric get huge without selling out.


44: Nine Black Alps - Locked Out From The Inside
Back in '05 this band released one of the most refreshingly angsty debuts for some time, but followed it up with a dud second album. Thrillingly their 3rd completely redeems them, almost bettering the debut. Their return was marked by free download 'Buy Nothing' which would have made Richey Edwards weep with joy. In fact, it was produced to perfection by Manics producer Dave Eringa which explains a lot. In a year of 80s electronics their grunge punk soared above it all.


43: Art Brut - Vs. Satan
Everyone's favourite jokers returned this year to reclaim their crown as the most awkward British indie band. Brimming with hilarious anecdotes from charismatic frontman Eddie Argos as well as some poignant moments too ('Am I Normal?') His tales of drunken mishaps, childhood pleasures and general rejection of mainstream tastes (the satan in the title) made for something to genuinely treasure It was an awesome return to form and a reassuring sign that they'd be around for a lot longer yet.


42: Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
It only takes one listen to be completely and instantly blown away by the opening 3 songs here, 'The Only One', 'Shake It Out' and 'I've Got Friends' - possibly the most powerful triplet of the year. It's obvious Manchester Orchestra weren't content with simply wowing people anymore; on their 2nd album they set out to devastate. It took a memorable set at this year's Reading Festival that leave me and most of the crowd speechless to fully realise what an incredible act they really are. Every song is absolutely life affirming, nothing less.


41: The Whitest Boy Alive - Rules
I only discovered these guys this year but what a discovery it was. Their sound in unlike anyone else releasing stuff this year. It's minimal pop but chilled out, with heavy focus on a cool bassline and tight drum beat. It literally sounds perfect in any situation you play it - you can't get any cooler than that. The messages were basic but rung true - take 'Gravity', about a friend edging in on the singer's girl. "You only want to be with her becuase she's mine / You will loose me as a friend if you cross that line" Effortlessly powerful.


-------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright! Part II comes tomorrow, with the rest all being revealed before the year is out. Have a lovely Boxing Day xxcc

MP3: Florence + The Machine - You've Got The Love (The xx Remix) (ysi)
MP3: Franz Ferdinand - Ulysses (Mickey Moonlight Remix) (ysi)

KILLING IN THE NAMEOF A CHRISTMAS NO. 1?

"a wonderful dose of anarchy"

At 9 o'clock this morning something magical happened on the airwaves. Rage Against The Machine managed to screw the BBC AGAIN, (see Reading festival '08 when they got the crowd to shout the forbidden swear words for a live radio performance) this time live on breakfast radio. It came on Nicky Campbell's Five Live show where the band were invited to be interviewed via live feed, followed by a live performance of the song.

Until now I'd be pretty cynical about the facebook-led campaign to stop X-Factor winner Joe McElderry (i.e. this year's dick off the street) from getting the Christmas number 1 accolade. Don;t get me wrong, I truly think we're stuck in a right sorry rut in this country right now where decent music appreciating minority has to endure a sorry X Factor run every year and then know with total certainty what would be number 1 at the end of December. Do you remember when it was exciting? The countdown? I mean, it was always something a bit dodgy but it was still fun trying to guess who it'd be. How about when Gary Jules' cover of Tears For Fears' 'Madworld' got the top spot. The most spooky cover of an 80's song ever, and the soundtrack to 'Donnie Darko' - number 1 at jolly old Christmas time. It was amazing.

But Rage Against The Machine? Really? I bought Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah' last year in the hopes of stopping the last 15 minute fame whore from getting a number 1 with her diabolical version, but it only reached number 2. I did that though becuase it's a nice song, one I'd like to be number at this festive time. And 'Killing In The Name' doesn't really have that feel to it.

But then I listened to the interview. Guitarist Tom Morello had this to say:
"It's tapped into the silent majority of the people in the UK who are being tired of being spoon fed one schmultzy ballad after another and they want to take back their own charts. We're honoured that they've chosen our song to be the rebel anthem to try and topple the X Factor monopoly"
Zach de la Rocha added:
"I think that it says something about the real tensions that people are experiencing all over the UK"

Then the band played, and sounded absolutely as destructive as ever. And they managed to shout the infamous line four times before they were cut off, making further radio history. Campbell's whiney co-presenter cut in with "Get rid of it!..We were expecting it and asked them not to do it and they did it anyway, so buy Joe's record" Nice one, 'Sheila' have you actually listened to the words of the song? It was a true moment.

Basically I hadn't thought of it that way at all. I like the song but I'd always seen it as a bit of an ape-anthem, for big fellas to throw themselves around to. But the sheer fact that over 825, 000 people have joined the group shows that really, a lot of people would rather have 'FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME" as the lasting message of Christmas 09 rather than whatever pap is being pedalled by the opposition. The song is currently leading the charts by at least 65, 000 copies.

So I know it seems kind of juvenile, and it's not 'christmassy' in the slightest. But I love it when things don't go to plan. And God, I hate Simon Cowell. So that's why here at 2STEPS we're saying go for it. It's only 50p! xx

Buy the song here!

And here's an awesome remix by Ed Banger artist SebastiAn, just to get you in the mood
MP3: Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name (SebastiAn's Late Night Laptop Edit) (ysi)

'09 DEFINED -BEST OF THE REST

Thought we'd start this year's rundown with the albums that just missed the top 50, so those of you keeping up with the countdown won't have your fingers crossed for U2 all the way til the end only to discover that they're naff and of course nowhere to be seen. But actually, no they're not on this list either. This whole thing has taken a long time due to a ridiculous amount of assignments I've been battling with before I can go home for Christmas. Uni eh? So here we are, in no order, the albums I loved but not quite enough. The proper Top 50 Albums of the Year list will come in the next coupla days so keep a look out.

Passion Pit - Manners (Buy)
I loved 'Sleephead' dearly and I thought 'The Reeling' was almost as perfect. But the album was a little too squeeky clean for me ('Let Your Love Grow Tall' anyone?) Overall though, it's a really nice listen and I'm glad they got the recognition they deserved this year.

Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young (Buy)
Maybe if this had had a little more time to settle, or if the itunes bonus tracks were included on the original then this would have made my list - because it really is good, much better than I'd expected. Well done.

Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen (Buy)
This year I got into Cursive in a big way. I saw them support ¡Forward, Russia! a few years ago but only realised quite what I'd seen more recently. This isn't their best album though, but there are some dark breathtaking moments - wait for the Track of the Year list! But it's further brilliance from Tim Kasher, whose The Good Life I also got into in 09. Basically this is number 51.

Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms (Buy)
Watson's last album is in my top 50 of the decade so this had some expectation on it. He's even kookier this time round, with Tom Waits instrumentation and Jeff Buckley's voice. Each song is a surprise. Really good stuff.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South (Buy)
Last year's self-titled album was personally a let down which is why this came as such a great surprise. Back this time as a team, Oberst let off a spectacular hour and 10mins of raucous country and folk that sounded like actual fun. Such a step forward...but still not Bright Eyes.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz! (Buy)
Everyone went crazy for these guys all over again this year, except me. I think they're a fantastic act but the all too familiar switch from guitars to synth to 'shake things up a bit' or whatever just put me off a bit. There are some diamonds on here though, 'Heads Will Roll' and 'Dull Life' are both so good and on the whole I do like the album.

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone - Vs. Children (Buy)
CtFTPA is a rare and brilliant artist. I can't really fault this album, it's just good. But following 06's 'Etiquette' was too much I guess, and it just wasn't nearly as good. Literally just fallen off the Top 50, check it out if you haven't already.

Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport(Buy)
I really tried to find a place for this on my list but couldn't squeeze anyone else out. Every bit as good as last year's 'Street Horrrsing' this album saw the band get some well deserved recognition and on 'Surf Solar' their first club hit. Proof that a dodgy name doesn't hinder success.

The Rakes - Klang (Buy)
I was absolutely gutted when I heard The Rakes had split last month, their debut was a classic and the 2nd was great. So I struggled to get this into the top 50, but realised it was more for a tribute than becuase it deserved it. 'Klang' has some awesome, classic Rakes moments on it but it's more of a business as usual affair rather than the killer swan song that I wish it was.

Muse - The Resistance (Buy)
Now, here's a tricky one. I've always loved Muse, and have done for ages. But I don't know if I'm outgrowing them or something but from the first time I heard 'United States..' I've just felt like I can't tolerate them anymore. Wish is sad; there are some genuinely incredible moments on this album, not to mention the 3-part symphony, but they're spoilt by the band's new found glam-cheese. Coupled with some genuinely cringey lyrics ("They'll try to push drugs to keep us all dumbed down, And hope that we will never see the truth around") it was the band's first ever fail.

MP3: Fuck Buttons - Surf Solar (7" Edit) (ysi)

ON THE RADAR::MASKS

The future is here. Rock is long dead, synth electro has got boring and let's not talk about the charts. 2010 will herald the emergence of MASKS. Two 18 year old guys from a sleepy seaside town (mine) along the south coast where there's nothing to do but create your own fun. They formed about 6 months ago but already people are starting to take notice.

Influenced by other brave artists experimenting with sound, they draw from HEALTH, Dan Deacon, Fuck Buttons but add an epic build-up element that frees them from any old noise band.
Luke (left, gold mask) plays keyboards, guitar, and fiddles with the laptop. James (right, black mask) does the guitars, drums/percussion and loops it all. Like so many good bands, the boys have been separated by university, but aren't letting it stop their progress. Luke's been spreading the word around Wales, playing with a projection of James, which sounds pretty much amazing.

They've recently been in talks with Fear And Records (who signed Rolo Tomassi and Johnny Foreigner to name just a few) and look set to be releasing their first 7" in the new year. Lined With Ghosts is set to do the artwork, which is bound to be incredible as he's done stuff for Rolo Tomassi, Three Trapped Tigers, Brontide and recent starlet Ellie Goulding. We also hear they're working with the same promoter as Sebastein Tellier. Wow. So keep your ears out for their grand entrance in the months to come.

Here's a tasty exclusive song to get you excited, recorded with Joe Dennis of Hunting The Minotaur fame. And P.S. yours truly did the band's promo photos.

MP3: MASKS - Forever Dancing (ysi)

Myspace

I love Amy Quayle

TWITTER? RLY?

^^ Click.

Last week it was Spotify, this week it's Twitter. It's like the millennium round here at the moment! But anyway, we decided that seeing as everything's a bit hectic at the moment, twitter might be a good way to keep people interested when there's not as much going on here. So click the banner to go to the 2STEPS twitter page and start following us around and stuff. Hope this finds you well. Here are some 5th November related songs to keep you busy. Yes it's late, but I can still hear fireworks as I write this. And come on, we covered Halloween early!

Keep an eye out for end of the year fun kicking off soon. I'm told the decade is ending soon as well, so maybe we'll give that a nod like everyone else
xxcc

MP3: Alexis Taylor - Fireworks (ysi)
MP3: Animal Collective - Fireworks (ysi)

GIGS IN THE BIG CITY

So I've moved to East London, to Queen Mary University. It's good here, I finally feel like I'm not hanging around waiting anymore. And everyone likes good music! I've been to 3 gigs so far - money has stopped me from seeing more, most painfully Biffy Clyro with Manchester Orchestra and Frightened Rabbit, nice one money. Here's the run down of those I did catch.


Monday 21st September
THE VEILS w/ Swimming, So Say So - London Scala
This was an exciting one. 2 days into living in London and I was seeing one of my all time favourite bands for the first time. On the way in I met Finn Andrews, the lead singer hanging out by the merchandise stand. I shook his hand and chatted about the upcoming gig. I was struck by how timid he was, I've never met a musician like him. After he left I went to buy a t-shirt and one of the guys selling them spoke to me about the singer "yeah, all that stuff on stage is genuine, he's really like that" I didn't know what he meant but after the first line of the opener (and personal favourite) 'Not Yet' it became very clear. Between lyrics Finn would retract from the microphone and howl, his face gripped with some kind of anguish. I was stood in the front row, making for an intense set. They played a good mix of songs from all 3 albums, each one heightened by the frontman's apparent torture. It was unreal. But after the encore he told the crowd he was really happy to be back in the capital and had a great time. So did we. It's such a good feeling when an artist you love is even more impressive live. The two support bands were thoroughly enjoyable too, Swimming in particular.

Thursday 24th October
KID HARPOON - private album launch
A bunch of us one entry to this by answering 'What came first, the chicken or the egg?' The competition had actually closed by the time we submitted our answer but the Kid let us off becuase it was so funny haha, something about eggnog I think. So we went downstairs in some classy Soho bar to join friends and family for a little solo performance of songs from the new album 'Once'. If you haven't got it yet, buy it - it's pretty good stuff. The songs were really nice with just an acoustic and a piano, and ending the set with his Cohen cover 'First We Take Manhattan' was an inspired move. The night ended with everyone punching the air and shouting "Then we take Berlin!" it was awesome. After the set was over everyone hung around for a while and we met a certain Joe Lean of Jing Jang Jong fame. I was possibly more excited about meeting him than seeing Kid Harpoon and didn't waste the opportunity to ask about the album that never was. He told us the completed album is finished and is called 'Double Touch' due early next year. We did meet the star of the night afterwords too where he chatted to us for a while until we were interrupted by a wandering druggie. Harpoon signed my mates poster "No I don't have any drugs" It was a good night.


Monday 26th November
HEALTH w/ Pictureplane and PENS - Relentless Garage
A month later and I'd saved enough money to see another band. I was really looking forward to this one as HEALTH have got something of a reputation for being a powerful live experience. We turned up and joined a massive que outside, but something was very wrong. Everyone there was under 14 - literally. We were confused to say the least but waited it out til we got to the front and realised we were lining up for the gig next door, Pop Goes The Weasel apparently? I don't know who they are but they must be the new Wombats or something. After the initial shock we sauntered into the right floor and caught PENS open. Unfortunately they're one lo-fi act too far. Just because they're 3 cute thrift store girls it doesn't mean they're good. Put it this way, if they were guys, and Wavves et al weren't so popular right now, PENS would have been booed off as a high school battle of the bands disaster. They couldn't even play their instruments. But nevermind, Pictureplane was amazing and really got people moving with his technicolour electronic explosion. It was like getting punched in the abdomen by a rainbow - incredible. But then HEALTH finally took the stage and wasted no time getting loud, kicking things off with 'Triceratops' while bassist John Famigletti went absolutely mental. 'Crimewave' also went down a treat, mainly due to the double drumming. Any fan of the band will tell you that their drummer is a machine and I can now clarify that from first hand experience. Everyone went crazy when the opening synth pulse of 'Die Slow' crept in. They came back for an encore and played the thoroughly intimidating 'Courtship' in which the band scream like beasts. It was a real one off, there's no-one else quite like them right now. HEALTH are the future.

MP3: HEALTH - Die Slow (Pictureplane Remix) (ysi)
(Buy 'Get Color' here to get a t-shirt bundle, I did!)