An Album of the Year: Mr Oizo - Stade 2

I have said some rather extreme things about Mr Oizo in the past. Today I'm here to tell you that those feelings have not softened.

I concede that this album also came out in 2011. But I do have a problem with Quentin Dupieux that boils down almost solely to the fact that I am obsessed. A creative French bearded man with misanthropic tendancies? If he likes gin, camomile tea, Kaufman films and The Wasp Factory then he could be the perfect man!

Being able to make music like this album-titled track, Stade 2, makes him near perfect already..

An Album of the Year: The Maccabees - Given to the Wild

Soaring. This album is so very beautiful. The Maccabees seem to be continually developing such a touching and ethereal sound with such ease. Considering it is a third album they seem to have lost little of their intrigue.

As this album works so well as a whole, it was difficult to select just one track. But Went Away leaves me particularly choked. So that it is!

An Album of the Year: Modeselektor - Monkeytown

I mean, so our household was fairly excited for the new Modeselektor album. And, yes, I am aware that it was released in September 2011! But in my defence this year has been fairly crazy. Modeselektor hold a special place in my music collection and heart. This track has been a regular feature of my MP3 player, computer playlists and frequently finds its way onto our bedroom stereo. The very excellent Pretentious Friends featuring Busdriver. I also think many of you out there would appreciate This featuring Thom Yorke. Unfortunately it is only a 45 second teaser from SoundCloud.

Merry Christmas.. (Return)

I haven't forgotten about Pop Cultureddd. I still love it. Here is a genuine Christmas delight: