A Month In Records: May 2008

2008’s chipper run continues apace with a fine selection of spring lambs emerging from the already tired loins in May. A pair of heavily-promoted debuts in Santogold's Santogold and Scarlett Johansson’s Tom Waits covers record didn’t end up making the final cut; nor, for that matter, did the chart conquering Ting Tings or critical darlings Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan. There were also a couple few stinkers spoiling the view in Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Hadouken! and the quite unbelievably-bad Pendulum but, kickings duly meted out, we shan’t linger a moment on their mouldering corpses.

Nope. We’ll try getting on with it instead:

Subtle
ExitingARM
(Lex Records)

Says Billy Hamilton: “This is not the battle ready, P-Funk smothered Subtle of 'A Tale Of Apes pt 1' - ExitingARM is without question an album to discover over time; one so awash with subtle (sorry) nuances it could take weeks, months, or even years to excavate the entirety of its bulging musical trajectory.”

Read the full review HERE

No Age
Nouns
(Sub Pop)

Says Kev Kharas: “What this record most implores is that you get up out of the chair and just do something your own. Have some balls, UK, and stop trying to stick your loins in the wagon’s exhaust pipe. And be sure to steer away from this one – already clear of the horizon, Nouns is truly psyched, soaring sound.”

Read the full review HERE

Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
(4AD)

Says Dom Gourlay: "What sets Bon Iver apart from many of the aforementioned is the sheer substance and obvious depth of personal experience that has formulated each and every one of these songs down to the bone… For you there's only one thing left to do: rush out and purchase this wondrous album.”

Read the full review HERE

Islands
Arm’s Way
(Rough Trade)

Says James Skinner: “Arm’s Way is as fascinating as it is unsettling, as unexpected as it is ceaselessly rewarding. Brazen noise sits next to magnificent style while its lyrics seem tailor made for umpteen accurate (contrasting) interpretations. It is a towering, complex achievement and startling progression to boot.”

Read the full review HERE

The Futureheads
This Is Not The World
(Nul)

Says Dean Samways: “In places this album is the statement it should be, a Trojan Horse bringing down one of the biggest symbols of capitalism from the inside. If sometimes the band equip themselves with teaspoons and not chainsaws to do the job, this remains an almighty journey through realms uncharted by The Futureheads thus far, and it’s done in fine form.”

Read the full review HERE

Stapleton
Rest And Be Thankful
(Xtramile)

Says Mike Diver: “Burrow deep as you like, by all means, but even if you only enjoy Rest… passively while supping a cool brew this summer, you’ll be hearing one of the best examples of its kind released in 2008. That toe’s not tapping itself - Stapleton have a hold on the listener that no critical summary can ever absolutely explain.”

Read the full review HERE

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
Lie Down In The Light
(Domino)

Says Alex Denney: “Much of Lie Down In The Light unfolds with an easy charm not readily associated with this most ponderous of artists, but with repeat plays reveals all of the sunken depths and mastery of form Oldham has proved himself capable of time and again. It's a worthy addition to an already formidable oeuvre.”

Read the full review HERE

Cut Copy
In Ghost Colours
(Modular)

Says Sean Adams: “From start to finish this is an unexpected adventure through the crossover, leaving the door of the VIP bunker open for us all to sneak in. Save yourself the bother of learning to beat-match and throw this on all summer, then stand around like Justice pretending you’re doing something clever with all the buttons.”

Read the full review HERE

Zombie Zombie
A Land For Renegades
(Versatile)

Says Dom Gourlay: “…although not quite in the same ball park rhythmically as fellow Gallic duos Justice and Daft Punk, A Land For Renegades is no less inventive than either's finest works, and therefore a crucial addition to anyone with even the slightest interest in experimental or electronic music's collection.”

Read the full review HERE

O Fracas
Fits & Starts
(I Can Count)

Says Ben Marwood: “…though watered down by the couple of interludes amongst its twelve tracks, this still impresses as a debut. Punchy, brief, technically proficient and suitably varied, Fits & Starts dares you to make it through its duration without moving your feet, whether it’s a toe-tap or a stomp.”

Read the full review HERE

DiScover Album Of The Month

The Wave Pictures
Instant Coffee Baby
(Moshi Moshi)

Says Sam Lewis: “If previously The Wave Pictures were slightly too indebted to The Modern Lovers, here they sound like a band finding their own voice. Dave Tattersall’s a fantastic guitarist, but it’s his lyrics that carry the music, the simple compositions built around the vocal framework, one only occasionally interrupted by a searing, bouncy solo.”

Read the full review HERE