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As we celebrate Chinese New Year and watch a whole host of new records and artists bursting forth in 2011, Purple Revolver has dug deep in the crates from last year’s releases in search of the most underrated albums of 2010.
So go find those giant Xmas headphones you swore you’d never wear in public, kick back and take a listen through our monthly ramble through last year’s forgotten musical treasures.
January
Charlotte Gainsborough – IRM (25th January 2010)
Gainsborough and song writing/producing collaborator Beck saw in the New Year with a refreshing dose of adult pop. Whispering rather than singing her way through 13 delicate tracks, Charlotte mixes American and French cultures to whisk the listener from back road trips across state lines, right into smoke laden corner tables at your favourite little Parisian café.
February
Gil Scot Heron – I’m new here (8th February 2010)
The landscape of music has drastically changed since Mr Heron last stepped into the studio 16 years ago, but thankfully he’s stayed as cool and poignant as ever. With the old voice maturing to a more gravely tone, the legendary poet/songwriter still has the ability to get you thinking as he walks us through his, at times painful, personal journey.
March
Joe Bonamassa – Black Rock (22nd March 2010)
At twelve years old Joe was picked to open for legendary blues man BB King (who features on the track Wandering Earth) by the man himself. Twenty one years later Bonamassa released his tenth studio album and, dusting off the Clapton and Hendrix comparisons, has staked his claim for the blues rock throne. Incorporating Greek instruments and featuring a stunning cover of Cohen’s Bird on a Wire, the albums is crammed with soulful singing and kick ass riffs.
April
The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt (12th April 2010)
Sweden’s Kristian Matsson delivered his second studio album in 2010. The folk protégé draws on Dylan, Guthrie and Springsteen, without ever imitating, to craft his songs and the result is a little gem of an album. Plucked from the obscurity of MySpace, Matsson has created catchy songs that will stay in your head well after you’ve finished listening.
May
Josh Ritter – So here runs the World Away (3rd May 2010)
Listening to a Josh Ritter album is like being guided through a work of fiction, whisking you past ancient mummies, voyages of discovery and western shoot outs. Each song is cleverly crafted and chock full of fantastic images. The singer-songwriter may have five previous albums behind him (and a novel on the way), but surely there is only so long that talented artists like Josh can stay hidden in the shadows of made to order pop artists. Hopefully 2011 will see him receive the accolades deserved.
June
Perch Patchworks – Maps and Atlases (June 29th 2010)
The first full length album from Patchworks after the group formed back in 2006. The Chicago four piece honed their live skills on two previous EP’s and now have nailed their song writing and found their place at the top of the list of upcoming indie rock bands.
July
Francis and the Lights – It’ll be Better (July 20th 2010)
Fresh from touring with Drake across the American college campus circuit last summer, Francis and the Lights hit you with all the funk you’ve been missing since Prince turned his name into a symbol. It’s over the top pop but with rave reviews from Kanye West and MGMT, Francis Farewell Starlite must be doing something right.
August
Ray Lamontagne – God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise (August 17th 2010)
Recorded in two weeks at Ray’s home in the Massachusetts Woods, God Willin’ is a quick reminder to all the young bucks with their fingers hovering impatiently over the auto tune button that the old ways of doing things are still the best. His time in the woods has really helped the Grammy nominee’s song writing and backed up by a band whose members have performed with Tom Waits, Beck and Lucinda Williams, the album really takes shape. This is the standard in contemporary folk, perfect for long drives in the night or sitting on the porch staring at the stars.
September
Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues (September 14th 2010)
Welcome to alternative country. No giant Stetsons or rhine stone studded cowboy boots in sight, just good music with a bit of soul and a modern twist. After hitting a rough patch in his early twenties, a period spent on hard drugs and street hustling in Nashville, Justin took the advice of pops (Steve Earle) and wrote songs about his own life, creating what could be the first urban country album.
October
Atmosphere – To All my Friends, Blood makes the Blade Holy (October 12th 2010)
Slug and Ant, who make up the rap group Atmosphere, have been doing their thing for the best part of 13 years. Bringing introspective lyrics over banging beats has been their niche and with their tenth studio effort they take yet another step forward. Slug spits stories of the downtrodden (imagine if Bukowski rapped) and never lacks swagger or humour, check out the vid of him freestyle spittin’ with Purple Revolver favourite Brother Ali to get a little taster.
November
The Left – Gas Mask (November 1st 2010)
Another hip hop release to make our list, The Left come straight outta Detroit, bringing old school beats, trumpets and R&B samples, leaving you with no choice but to lean back and nod your grill. Drawing on their Motown roots, the album is both gritty and soulful in equal measure.
December
Ghostface Killah – Apollo Kids (December 21st 2010)
It’s like the Wu never left. Ghostface is joined on this effort by a who’s who of rap royalty; Method man, Redman, Raekwon, The Game, Busta Rhymes and many others feature. The beats are solid and Tony Starks still hasn’t lost any his trademark flow that helped make the Clan rap’s most celebrated supergroup.