I love lists, can not say I like to make them or am good at making them though. I'm pretty sure I've forgotten many shiny treasures. Don't beat me for that. The albums are not in any particular order. Let's say they are all equal. Everything that doesn't deserve to be THE album of the decade, is not listed here. Those without comments are victims of my laziness.
Mew - Frengers (2003)
Although I claim there's no favourite band of mine, I think I can honestly say this is my favourite band. I've loved Mew for a few years now and am over the "OMG I love them I listen to them 24/7 and OMG OMG look, Jonas is a cutie" part. This band is deeply in my heart and this album is my album of the decade. And, put your hand on your heart, No Mo Stories... is the album of 2009. Just so you know.
THE Track: Shespider
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - Source Tags & Codes (2002)
Oh Trail of Dead... I've been a fan of this bunch of weirdos for ca. three years, but this year could be called "Petra's year of Trail of Dead" or something. ST&C was there for me when I was at my worst. I'm at the stage when I can not seem to be able to describe it. I just let the energy consume me everytime I give this a listen.
THE Track: Another Morning Stoner
Arcade Fire - Funeral (2004)
Well, this album doesn't need any comment, does it? It's Arcade Fire's Funeral and that's what fuckin' matters.
THE Track: Rebellion (Lies)
Blood Red Shoes - Box of Secrets (2008)
If 2009 was my year of Trail of Dead, 2008 was definitely my year of Blood Red Shoes. I'd listened to their amazing debut almost the whole year (and well, I still do listen to it very often) and I never got tired of it. Sometimes I'm afraid this band is just too perfect to be true. Laura-Mary Carter makes every guitar tone so real you feel like killing yourself if she ever stops playing. Steven's voice sounds so urgent he'd make you cry immediately if he just tried. Together they make something so bloody good it's almost unbelievable.
THE Track: This Is Not for You
Caspian - The Four Trees (2007)
Have I mentioned I'm a post-rock girl? Haven't? Well, now you know. And ever since those fellas almost succeeded at blowing my head off last year, I consider Caspian my favourite post-rock band. As one person said, Caspian is that kind of post-rock that won't let you fall asleep. Or get bored (and I bet there are people who claim post-rock to be boring, that's just bullshit). They are pretty good at head explosions. Just try it. Auntie Petra knows her shit.
THE Track: Crawlspace
HEALTH - Get Color (2009)
It was a hard decision between HEALTH's selftitled album and this year's Get Color. I went for Get Color, because it just sounds better to me now. It's the same noise, the same angelic voice of Jake Duzsik, the same ol' HEALTH in better wrapping paper. Note: Do not base your opinion on this band until you see them live. Trust me.
THE Track: Die Slow
Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights (2002)
I know I'm obvious. BUT THIS ALBUM IS SO BLOODY GOOD IT HURTS, okay?
THE Track: Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down
JJ72 - JJ72 (2000)
Yes, my favourite JJ72's songs are Formulae from I to Sky and a B-side Spires. But as a concept, the self-titled is the best one. Tralala, I'm already tired of making this comments. Just trust me and give it a listen everytime when you feel like listening to good music.
THE Track: Snow
Kasabian - Kasabian (2004)
When I first heard this album, it felt amazing. I can't find another word. This album is just a pure brilliance. Such a shame Empire is average (if not worse) and the newest thing doesn't even deserve to be called an album. But the debut is the shit.
THE Track: Reason is Treason
Khoiba - Nice Traps (2005)
A Czech band, officially still in existence but ever since the singer Ema Brabcová left, it's considered non-existent by their fans. Khoiba is the best Czech band that I know of (my apologies to my pals from the Prostitutes, face the truth) and this beautiful dreamy poppy album is never going to be erased from my memory.
THE Track: Pathetic
Soap&Skin - Lovetune for Vacuum (2009)
This is an album not easy to absorb. This girl is not easily understood. But her screams and whispers will get under your skin. You'll suffer with her, you'll dream with her, you'll love with her.
THE Track: Thanatos
White Rose Movement - Kick (2006)
THE Track: Girls in the Back
Kinski - Down Below It's Chaos (2007)
THE Track: Dayroom at Narita Int'l
Muse - Origin of Symmetry (2001)
THE Track: Micro Cuts
Patrick Wolf - Wind in the Wires (2005)
THE Track: Tristan
Sigur Rós - ( ) (2002)
Special appreciation: Placebo - Sleeping with Ghosts (2003)
Because thanks to this album I am who I am. I do what I do. I like what I like. I'm not a huge Placebo fan now (I haven't even listened to their last album and I barely listen to Meds), but this band changed my life and I think they should be part of this list as they were part of my decade.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Years Like These
So, here it is people. It's nearly 2010. End of a decade,beginning of a new era blabla.
Could you believe that, ten years ago, I was wearing black and worshiping some androgyn british guitarist ? (Who said 'You didn't change' ???)
Anywayyy. As it's december, aka 'the month where everyone makes lists and brings nostalgia in our heads', We, Groupies/Teasers/Bitches, contribute to that madness, by writing here about albums that owned us these last ten years.
Here's my list. Enjoy. Or don't. It doesn't count, does it?
The Joy Formidable - A Ballon Called Moaning (2009)
omgomgomgomg. You all know my ears have been feed by My Bloody valentine and Smashing Pumpkins. When I first heard 'Cradle',the first single, I thought I've found Heaven. That said, that mini album is one of the best things released this year. Whirring or Ostrich are perfect exemples.
Johnny Foreigner - Waited Up Till It Was Light (2008)
Everything is just perfect in that 1st album : lyrics I can relate to (even if I'm not from Birmingham, ie 'Sometimes in the Bullring'), inventive guitar tricks ('Hennings favorite' someone?), the boy/girl yelps I cherish. Since last october, these 13 hymns follow me like ghosts.Not that I'm complaining tho.
Blood Red Shoes - Box Of Secrets (2008)
Without this band, I wouldn't be here telling my stories. Back to 2006, when I first listen to them, I loved the grungey vibe they got. One year later, they were the 1st band I interviewed 'for real'. One year after, their first album appeared and I was caught by 'This is not For You'. We're late 2009 now, and most of my friends are related to this band. See The Subways for a similar story.
Los Campesinos! - We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed (2008)
October 08 document, post UK-traveling : How to sum up your complicated/catastrophic love life in 11 songs? ask Gareth Campesinos. Btw, Gareth, please stop being in my head when you sing 'It's Never That Easy Though, Is It?, my heart can't stand it. Sometimes known as 'best album ever', when I'm up for it.
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas (2007)
Late discovery, thanks fellow BRS boardies!!! Rusted Wheel is brilliant. Reminds me of my beloved Smashing Pumpkins. Excellent album
Serena Maneesh - Serena Maneesh (2006)
In 2004, I met someone who introduced me to My Bloody Valentine. In 2005, I met Serena Maneesh, who got the same spirit and taste for weird sounds and jazzmasters. In 2006, I saw their album in Covent Garden's Rough Trade. Little things make me happy.
The Subways - Young For Eternity (2005)
2005 was really intense for various reasons. I could actually tell you it was the worse year of my entire life. Strangely enough,it was also the year everything changed musically (for me). The Subways and their YFE weren't only that great,fresh teens with lots of energy on stage (euphemism), they were (still are) the band that changed my existence : creating a website, traveling through UK, meeting & partying with people who are now close friends.There's no goodbyes, they said.
The Rakes - Capture/Release (2005)
Burning dancefloors, being invited to hip parties, drinking orange juices when everyone is on drugs, sleeping in trainstations/on strangers floors, meeting scenesters and waving to Alan McGee. That's what this album is related to, in my mind.
Editors - The Backroom (2005)
Other part of the 'Great/horrible year 2005'. Munich and Fingers in the Factories still ringing in my ears. The whole album is stunning tho.
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (2005)
I remember thinking 'waow, a Cure side project' when i first heard 'Banquet'. Pardon my ignorance folks. 'Plans' is my favorite track.
The Cure - The Cure (2004)
I was so impatient to listen to that album that i've skipped school to buy it. Lost is an amazing track. The End Of The World and Before #3 are some of the best tracks Robert Smith has written.Btw,yes, I'm still in love with Simon Gallup.
Indochine - Paradize (2002)
French band. First cult following I was allowed to do. (hey I was only 16). First gigs,fans and longtime friendships; The band? some Depeche Mode/Cure/Pumpkins/NiN copycats.But fun anyway. 'Dark' & 'La Nuit des Fees' are real standouts. Plus, Melissa Auf Der Maur appears on one track!
The Libertines - Up the Bracket (2002)
Because of them, I : started a band, went to famous parties, improved my english, dreamed of Albion, skipped school a thousand of times and had endless chats about Pete&Carl, met some awesome people. I don't care what people will say about it : This album was a big breath of oxygen in our lives. that is all.
Queen Adreena - Drink Me (2002)
2nd year of high school. New town, new faces and Rocksound magazine, one cold morning, just before the english lesson. Katie Jane Garside is interviewed : her band is playing the french festival 'Les Transmusicales'. The journalist compares her to an 'UFO'. She compares herself to 'a bit of sand in the whole Universe' and truly thinks that 'all the world is a collective dream. We don't exist properly'. Of course, I bought the album afterwards. Her raw punk coupled to her fragile voice still amaze me, seven years later.
Damien Saez - God Blesse (2002)
French artist. Arrogant and talented. In 2002, he released his 2nd album, a double-album actually. Controversial and risky choice, amplfied by the fact half of the compositions are classical music. God Blesse/Katagena is sometimes pure as snow, sometimes dirty, but always intriguing and beautiful. How many times did I put that album at night, crying for a better tomorrow? I've lost count.
Muse- Origin Of Symmetry (2001)
at 15, I was way more impressed by Brian Molko singing about bi-love, but this album totally owned me. Bliss is still a tune, and Hyper Music often helped me during this year.And I think I've learnt to sing with Feeling Good.
Placebo - Black Market Music (2001)
Teenage years hello! I have to confess a deep obsession for Sir Molko, from 13 to ...18,yes. Black Market Music isn't my favorite album (Without You i'm Nothing ftw), but Taste In Men is one of the sexiest tracks I've ever heard.
Depeche Mode - Exciter (2001)
Before being a shoegazer, I was 'new waver' (sometimes mistaken as Goth.) I've never been able to resist Dave Gahan's voice and Martin Gore melodies ; 'I am You', 'I feel loved' and of course 'Dream On' : soundtracks of my last year before high school.That was good.
Marilyn Manson - Hollywood (2001)
Yes. Oh don't tell me you didn't listen to it. To be honest, it was fun to frighten classmates with songs like Fight Song or The Nobodies. Apparently, one of my nicknames at the time was Suicidal Girl. Classy.
Ash - Free All Angels (2001)
Summer album!!! 'Burn Baby Burn' was really popular in my 1st year of high school.But I definitely prefer 'Walking Barefoot' or 'Sometimes'. See, I'm a teenage romantic. Oh , did you know 'Candy' has its own french version? It's hilarious.
Smashing Pumpkins - Rotten Apples (best of) (2001)
BEST BAND EVER EVER EVER. Excuse the fangirlism here. I discovered Billy C and his posse the year they announced their spilt-up. Sad times heh? This best-of was released the year after, and, even if I already owned 'Adore', I obviously bought it. Covering all eras, this 2-discs edition got some interesting bsides. And a beautiful booklet.
The French One x
Could you believe that, ten years ago, I was wearing black and worshiping some androgyn british guitarist ? (Who said 'You didn't change' ???)
Anywayyy. As it's december, aka 'the month where everyone makes lists and brings nostalgia in our heads', We, Groupies/Teasers/Bitches, contribute to that madness, by writing here about albums that owned us these last ten years.
Here's my list. Enjoy. Or don't. It doesn't count, does it?
The Joy Formidable - A Ballon Called Moaning (2009)
omgomgomgomg. You all know my ears have been feed by My Bloody valentine and Smashing Pumpkins. When I first heard 'Cradle',the first single, I thought I've found Heaven. That said, that mini album is one of the best things released this year. Whirring or Ostrich are perfect exemples.
Johnny Foreigner - Waited Up Till It Was Light (2008)
Everything is just perfect in that 1st album : lyrics I can relate to (even if I'm not from Birmingham, ie 'Sometimes in the Bullring'), inventive guitar tricks ('Hennings favorite' someone?), the boy/girl yelps I cherish. Since last october, these 13 hymns follow me like ghosts.Not that I'm complaining tho.
Blood Red Shoes - Box Of Secrets (2008)
Without this band, I wouldn't be here telling my stories. Back to 2006, when I first listen to them, I loved the grungey vibe they got. One year later, they were the 1st band I interviewed 'for real'. One year after, their first album appeared and I was caught by 'This is not For You'. We're late 2009 now, and most of my friends are related to this band. See The Subways for a similar story.
Los Campesinos! - We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed (2008)
October 08 document, post UK-traveling : How to sum up your complicated/catastrophic love life in 11 songs? ask Gareth Campesinos. Btw, Gareth, please stop being in my head when you sing 'It's Never That Easy Though, Is It?, my heart can't stand it. Sometimes known as 'best album ever', when I'm up for it.
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas (2007)
Late discovery, thanks fellow BRS boardies!!! Rusted Wheel is brilliant. Reminds me of my beloved Smashing Pumpkins. Excellent album
Serena Maneesh - Serena Maneesh (2006)
In 2004, I met someone who introduced me to My Bloody Valentine. In 2005, I met Serena Maneesh, who got the same spirit and taste for weird sounds and jazzmasters. In 2006, I saw their album in Covent Garden's Rough Trade. Little things make me happy.
The Subways - Young For Eternity (2005)
2005 was really intense for various reasons. I could actually tell you it was the worse year of my entire life. Strangely enough,it was also the year everything changed musically (for me). The Subways and their YFE weren't only that great,fresh teens with lots of energy on stage (euphemism), they were (still are) the band that changed my existence : creating a website, traveling through UK, meeting & partying with people who are now close friends.There's no goodbyes, they said.
The Rakes - Capture/Release (2005)
Burning dancefloors, being invited to hip parties, drinking orange juices when everyone is on drugs, sleeping in trainstations/on strangers floors, meeting scenesters and waving to Alan McGee. That's what this album is related to, in my mind.
Editors - The Backroom (2005)
Other part of the 'Great/horrible year 2005'. Munich and Fingers in the Factories still ringing in my ears. The whole album is stunning tho.
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (2005)
I remember thinking 'waow, a Cure side project' when i first heard 'Banquet'. Pardon my ignorance folks. 'Plans' is my favorite track.
The Cure - The Cure (2004)
I was so impatient to listen to that album that i've skipped school to buy it. Lost is an amazing track. The End Of The World and Before #3 are some of the best tracks Robert Smith has written.Btw,yes, I'm still in love with Simon Gallup.
Indochine - Paradize (2002)
French band. First cult following I was allowed to do. (hey I was only 16). First gigs,fans and longtime friendships; The band? some Depeche Mode/Cure/Pumpkins/NiN copycats.But fun anyway. 'Dark' & 'La Nuit des Fees' are real standouts. Plus, Melissa Auf Der Maur appears on one track!
The Libertines - Up the Bracket (2002)
Because of them, I : started a band, went to famous parties, improved my english, dreamed of Albion, skipped school a thousand of times and had endless chats about Pete&Carl, met some awesome people. I don't care what people will say about it : This album was a big breath of oxygen in our lives. that is all.
Queen Adreena - Drink Me (2002)
2nd year of high school. New town, new faces and Rocksound magazine, one cold morning, just before the english lesson. Katie Jane Garside is interviewed : her band is playing the french festival 'Les Transmusicales'. The journalist compares her to an 'UFO'. She compares herself to 'a bit of sand in the whole Universe' and truly thinks that 'all the world is a collective dream. We don't exist properly'. Of course, I bought the album afterwards. Her raw punk coupled to her fragile voice still amaze me, seven years later.
Damien Saez - God Blesse (2002)
French artist. Arrogant and talented. In 2002, he released his 2nd album, a double-album actually. Controversial and risky choice, amplfied by the fact half of the compositions are classical music. God Blesse/Katagena is sometimes pure as snow, sometimes dirty, but always intriguing and beautiful. How many times did I put that album at night, crying for a better tomorrow? I've lost count.
Muse- Origin Of Symmetry (2001)
at 15, I was way more impressed by Brian Molko singing about bi-love, but this album totally owned me. Bliss is still a tune, and Hyper Music often helped me during this year.And I think I've learnt to sing with Feeling Good.
Placebo - Black Market Music (2001)
Teenage years hello! I have to confess a deep obsession for Sir Molko, from 13 to ...18,yes. Black Market Music isn't my favorite album (Without You i'm Nothing ftw), but Taste In Men is one of the sexiest tracks I've ever heard.
Depeche Mode - Exciter (2001)
Before being a shoegazer, I was 'new waver' (sometimes mistaken as Goth.) I've never been able to resist Dave Gahan's voice and Martin Gore melodies ; 'I am You', 'I feel loved' and of course 'Dream On' : soundtracks of my last year before high school.That was good.
Marilyn Manson - Hollywood (2001)
Yes. Oh don't tell me you didn't listen to it. To be honest, it was fun to frighten classmates with songs like Fight Song or The Nobodies. Apparently, one of my nicknames at the time was Suicidal Girl. Classy.
Ash - Free All Angels (2001)
Summer album!!! 'Burn Baby Burn' was really popular in my 1st year of high school.But I definitely prefer 'Walking Barefoot' or 'Sometimes'. See, I'm a teenage romantic. Oh , did you know 'Candy' has its own french version? It's hilarious.
Smashing Pumpkins - Rotten Apples (best of) (2001)
BEST BAND EVER EVER EVER. Excuse the fangirlism here. I discovered Billy C and his posse the year they announced their spilt-up. Sad times heh? This best-of was released the year after, and, even if I already owned 'Adore', I obviously bought it. Covering all eras, this 2-discs edition got some interesting bsides. And a beautiful booklet.
The French One x
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