#366albums
Entry number 366 & last pick goes to Thom Yorke’s “not solo” but solo album “eraser”.
“Harrowdown Hill” is as political as Thom goes whilst retaining a mystique air holding back the anger.
“Black swan” & “the clock” also standout.
A great album & one to bring an end to the list.
#musicsky

#366albums
Got to put an indie compilation album on the list & this is, perhaps, is the best one (though it was close with “Product 2378”).
Just look at the track listing, stunning! Even the lesser known bands (Spin, the Darkside) have great tracks here.
Those were the days…
#musicsky

#366albums
Much maligned but history has been fairer on “Thames Valley Scene” (Ride, Slowdive, TYS, Etc).
“Pearl” track is as precious as the title, just musical heaven.
Play “pearl” & then you will appreciate how stunning this track is & then play the album & be in #shoegaze history.
#musicsky

#366albums
A tad overlooked now but this is a great album ending their “early years”.
The headlines grabbers were “Brianstorm”, “Teddy picker” & “fluorescent adolescence” (the latter a great lyrical run capturing British life) but real highlights are “old yellow bricks” & “505”.
Essential #musicsky

#366albums
Mystery Jets with a gem of an album.
Fall in love with “young love” feat. Laura Marling (pre solo career) & have a bop with the catchy “two doors down”.
Indie guitars meet pop in an underrated album that has mellow moments with “flakes” & “half in love with Elizabeth”.
#musicsky

#366albums
Lovely album alert.
MHS debut remains just as wonderful as it did on release. Indie pop fans looking for a cross between Badly Drawn Boy & alternative US rock can find much joy here.
“Watching Xanadu”, “barcode bypass”, “I tried” & “public service announcer” shine out.
#musicsky

#366albums
“Take me out” is a track that had a huge impact on release & stands time’s tide without being washed away.
Dig deeper on the album & there is a lot to enjoy - “dark of the matinee” is a romp, “Jacqueline” & “this fire” other stands outs.
#366albums

#366albums
With F.E.A.R. Ian Brown delivered a track that many indie fans adore lyrically & musically. It is a true golden great.
Whilst the album is overshadowed by the standout, “whispers” is another great track that should be heard & Talk Talk mininalism in “hear no see no speak no”.
#musicsky

#indieadvent

Day 24

Last song of advent & it simply had to be the legend Bob Dylan with his energetic take on “must be Santa”.

Happy festive season one and all & see you after Boxing Day for the last 8 albums in the #366albums list.

#musicsky

youtu.be/a8qE6WQmNus?...

#366albums
You want a smile? You want a good chuckle? Play this!
“The most beautiful girl” is lyrically hysterical & the standout (I won’t ruin it - give it a play).
“Hiphopotamus vs rhymenocerus” (a great rap spoof), “business time” (that stage in a LT relationship) & “Bowie” standout.
#musicsky

#366albums
Los Campesinos! Is a band that deserve much more attention for those that like good indie music.
Some belters on this debut, “death to…”, “sweet dreams, sweet cheeks”, “don’t tell me to do the math” &, my own fav, the utter madness of “You! Me! Dancing!”. Give it a try.
#musicsky

#366albums
CSS “Cansei de Ser Sexy” was a blast from nowhere.
Fun, mad but a great throwback to great indie guitar pop that simply put a smile on your face.
“Let’s make love & listen to death from above”, “alala”, & “off the hook” are essential plays from a party album.
#musicsky

#366albums
2007, Old Trafford cricket ground, Manchester, for the Arctic Monkeys gig & I got to hear Amy’s voice live for the first time. I recall saying to my future wife something like “wow, what a voice”. I wasn’t a fan but I appreciate pure talent when I hear it & Amy was a special.
#musicsky

#366albums
My 2nd pick from Shack with an album often & wrongly overlooked.
“Cup of tea” is Michael Head at his most humorous & poppy best (it is up there with the bands best ever tracks) & “butterfly” has John Head at his excellent best.
For “HMS Fable” fans then go get this!
#musicsky

#366albums
Dreadzone’s “second light” is a stunner of an album.
Those who like upbeat dub blended with samples will love this, those that don’t will discover something new to love.
Standouts included “Captain Dread” (it’s an all time great track), “little Britain” & “life love & unity”.
#musicsky

#366albums
The whispering beauty of Elliott Smith is something to treasure.
“Between the bars” is a song that sounds out a warning &, to anyone who knows about Elliott, it is one to be heeded.
To those who enjoy haunting folk music with lyrics that pack a punch.
#musicsky

#366albums
Echobelly with EGO for anyone who likes jingle jangle indie guitars backed by lyrics that say something.
“I can’t imagine the world without me” fits beautifully with the album title as does “close…but”.
Other highlights “today tomorrow sometime never” & “bellyache”.
#musicsky

#366albums
Pick number 350 had to be special & “Interpol”’s debut is certainly that.
Joy Division fans rejoiced, here is a band that sounds like JD could have been in the early 80’s.
“Obstacle 1”, “hands away”, “PDA” & “NYC” standout but it’s an album to indulge your darkness with.
#musicsky

#366albums
The glorious The Beta Band, a band much loved by those that love their music.
“Squares” samples “daydream” to wondrous effect & delivers on the band saying they would deliver an album that was incredible.
Other highlights include “AI sharp” & “human being” from a banging album.
#musicsky

#366albums
Tanya Donelly moves to the front & delivers on this fine album.
Jingle jangle pop (“feed the tree”), haunting melodies (“full moon, empty heart”), folk (“someone to die for”) or guitars blazing (“dusted”) there is something for everyone here.
#musicsky

#366albums
My 2nd pick from Buffalo Tom, an American alternative rock band that deserves recognition.
I got this on tape on the day of release & still love it.
Try “sodajerk” or “I’m allowed” though my picks are “torch singer” & “would not be denied”.
Rock with emotion, recommended.
#musicsky

#366albums
Another surprise pick but “Woodface” is a very good album.
If you find yourself singing “four seasons in one day” (it is a brilliant track), “fall at your feat” or “weather with you” then you know it’s an album to celebrate.
#musicsky

#366albums
Public Enemy at their best with powerful songs that provoke & challenge.
Chuck D deserves credit for his lyrics &, on this album, they are, perhaps, at their peak in “Black steel in the hour of chaos” (later covered by Tricky), “Rebel without a pause” & “don’t believe the hype”.
#musicsky

#366albums
Basement Jaxx with an album full of styles all designed to get you to dance.
“Just 1 kiss”, “do your thing”, “all I know” & “Romeo” all feature but, for an indie fan like me, “where’s your head at” is the killer track.
#musicsky

#366albums
Sonic Youth with their masterpiece.
Guitars
Guitars
Guitars
Guitars
Did I mention guitars?!
Try “teenage riot” & play it loud.
#musicsky

#366albums
Marxman is a cross between Massive Attack & Arrested Development (probably).
The collaboration with Sinead O’Conner (“ship ahoy”) is a stunner.
Other standouts include “all about Eve” & “Dark are the days”.
Give it a try (especially”ship ahoy”).
#musicsky

#366albums
PJ Harvey with another truly great album (& my 2nd pick from her).
Musically intense, lyrically powerful & a voice that’s unique & soars from the depths.
“C’mon Billy”, “send his love to me”, “to bring you my love” & “down by the river” standout but not a duff track to be found.
#musicsky

#366albums
New Order, The Smiths & a bit of Pet Shop Boys thrown into a melting pot = Electronic.
I felt slightly underwhelmed at the time but their back catalogue was too hard to top.
Still, dodgy rap but with “get the message” in “feel every beat they were “getting away with it”.
#musicsky

#366albums
For fans of The Waterboys or American folk, give this album a try.
“The Shining hour” and the huge standout (and classic track) “fuzzy” are essential listening. A great album to get lost in.
#musicsky

#366albums
REM with another warm hearted classic.
“Near wild heaven” is right up there with their best tracks & Mike Mills can belt out a song!
“Half a world away”, “belong”, “country feedback”, “me in honey” & “losing my religion”.
Downside, “shiny happy people” (never got this).
#musicsky