Conor Oberst oversaw the evolution of Bright Eyes over the past 10 years offering a series of constantly changing albums which displayed the frontman’s outstanding ability to write a pop song in his many evolving guises.
Hardcore fans may have been left disheartened by the apparent refusal to return to what brought Bright Eyes to the limelight in the first place. Perhaps with ‘The People’s Key”s sciencefiction themes Oberst has travelled back in time for a little bit.
Cougar writer Jazmin commented “As someone who gave up on Bright Eyes a long time ago, ‘The People’s Key’ was an unexpected surprise in 2011. Harking back to the elements that made Conor Oberst lovable in the first place- strong vocals and acoustic guitars- this album seems like the natural follow up to 2002’s ‘Lifted’, not an album that comes almost 10 years later.
The People’s Key seems a genuine, emotional record, a far cry from Bright Eyes’ over produced outings such as ‘I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning’, that often lacked the sincerity of his earlier records. So, if Conor Oberst has finally reconnected with what made his music so impressive in the first place, I hope there are many more albums like ‘The People’s Key’ to come‘.
Still only in their early 20′s Londoner‘s Bombay Bicycle Club released their third album in as many years in 2011. Just as the novelty factor of the foursome being fresh out of school was starting to wear off they produced an album that begs to be described as mature.
Those expecting more acoustic forays in the style of ‘Flaws‘ might be disappointed as ‘A Different Kind Of Fix‘ signals yet another evolution for the band. This time round they showcase a slick layered sound that sits them comfortably at the table with other British cutesy indie stalwarts such as Los Campesinos with the ambition of Editors.
It really feels like they were less concerned with wearing their influences on their sleeves as obviously as in the past. Instead, with the help of producer Ben H. Allen, they recorded an album that nods to American Indie but crucially sounds like Bombay Bicycle Club.
It might have a flaw or two but it sounds like it comes from a genuine place.
Apparat‘s, AKA Sasha Ring, latest album feels like the most natural progression for the German DJ/artist merging diverse elements from his past into an all together more ambitious vision.
‘The Devil’s Walk‘ sees a whole bunch of personalities share vocal duties but the real star is always it’s creator. He builds his songs subtle string elements and melancholic keyboard in a sparse sound that is majestic only occasionally dropping reminders of his beats.
Due to his propensity for change there is no saying what the next Apparat release is gonna sound like. On ‘The Devil’s Walk‘ he’s succeeded in producing one of 2011 most cinematic albums.
Popular music and the way we consume has changed a great deal in the past 20 or so years. CAKE on the other hand exist in their own bubble continuing to pinch from seemingly dated influences and turning them into something all together more timeless.
The Californians, who I finally saw live this summer, pull off every move from their personal playbook on ‘Showroom Of Compassion‘ guaranteeing old fans will have crack a wry smile and new fans curiosity will be aroused.
Throughout John McCrae‘s delivery is as laid back and sarcastic as ever. He reels off topics ranging from relationships, cars and a few sly references to the economy dropping in his trademark “oh no” while the band again show why they are some of the best musicians in the business, something they are not often given credit for.
The band appear to have been revitalized by the launch of their own label and the chance to record in their home studio. The result is a set of songs that is as tight as any album they have produced in the past.
CAKE circa 2011 are not a lightyears away from their 1993 counterparts. Another “The Distance‘ may elude them but in my eyes they deserve their spot as the deadpan elder statesmen of alt rock.
Cougar writer Emilyadded: “Listening to CAKE always brings me back to my carefree high school days, and their new album is no exception. It is as fun as their previous releases, and feels a bit retro without edging towards anachronism.”
The Black Keys didn’t keep us waiting long for their new album reuniting with old co-conspirator Danger Mouse in the process. The album oozes retro flair but manages not to sound dated. There’s more than a knowing nod to the past but this isn’t a rehash of a bygone era but rather an exciting interpretation
El Camino‘ is further proof that the duo’s unlikely success is far from a fluke and the band are bound to play larger and larger audiences. The Keys have been working hard and no doubt in 2012 they will once again be cramming their instruments into their van, finding cheap car insurance and travelling to far off towns to export their brand of rock n roll.
Cougar writer Coleadded this to his top 10 explaining “‘El Camino’ is not The Black Keys’ best album. Frankly I don’t know if The Black Keys have a best album. ‘Brothers’ allowed them into mainstream radio but that may not be a good thing.
The reason ‘El Camino’ made this top list is because The Black Keys can always fulfill my rock needs. Dan Auerbach’s voice is real and raw but never obnoxious. The energy is kept high throughout the disc with beat and riffs that are designed to kick your ass and get you past your most recent break up“.
New Cougar recruit Nicoleadded “in terms of coming up indie, making work with integrity and now finally hitting it big; Dan Auerbach‘s giving Ryan Gosling a run for the money. Oh yea, and the sex appeal too“.
Over 25 years have passed since the release of ‘Licence To Ill‘ and the Beastie Boys still sound as exciting as ever. In today’s musical landscape their shared delivery style is almost singular and on ‘Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2‘ the true New York kings are as good as they have ever been.
Cougar regular Thom says ‘you’d expect the Beastie Boys to be out of touch by now but I can safely say I have not, and don’t think I will tire of their unpredictable nature. ‘Hot sauce committee part 2′ is sophisticated and balls out cool‘
Best still the Beasties have the power to make illustrious guests shine. There are few groups around today with as distinctive vocal styles of Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA. The latter in particular sounds as hungry as ever following the cancer scare which practically shelved ‘Hot sauce committee pt 1‘. We are glad to have him and his partners back.
Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox delivered his third official outing as Atlas Sound (if we exclude the ‘Bedroom Databank‘ free downloads from 2010) and it does not disappoint. ‘Parallax‘ shows similarities with Deerhunter‘s last opus ‘Halycon Digest‘ while ditching some of the noisier elements for a decidedly more candid and melodic delivery.
Cougar regular Olivia added ‘Parallax‘ to her top 10 revealing ‘I adore Bradley Cox in both Deerhunter or his solo project as Atlas Sound. This album is pure beauty, and as always, it’s all about intimacy, delicacy and humility‘
Beirut‘s third full length album ‘The Rip Tide‘ does not see Zach Condon divert wildly from the nostalgia tinged sounds he has offered on past efforts. Whilst introducing new ideas the bulk of this material builds on the Beirut strengths we knew and loved.
Cougar scibe Jazmin added the album to her top 10 stating: It may have been a wait 4 years since ‘The Flying Club Cup’, Beirut’s last full length outing, but on the strength of ‘The Rip Tide’, sitting it out was more than worth it. Bursting full of beautiful brass and accordion heavy tunes, ‘Rip Tide’ manages to do exactly what Beirut’s 2006 debut ‘The Gulag Orkestar’ did so well- combine melancholy lyrics with wonderful optimistic melodies.
There was always a risk that the novelty factor of Beirut’s unique sound might wear off someday, however with consistently brilliant albums such as this, and heart stopping live shows, it doesn’t seem like that’s a risk we need to worry about anytime soon.”
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