Cougar Microbes

Cougar writer Mario offers his top ten albums for our Top albums of 2012 feature.

The XX – ‘Coexist‘

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Jack White – ‘Blunderpuss‘

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Bat For Lashes – ‘The Haunted Man‘

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros – ‘Here‘

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Soundgarden – ‘King Animal‘

In a time when mega reunions often amount to business flops and broken promises Soundgarden returned to the scene after 16 years. Preceded by a highly acclaimed sold out tour completely, the hard rock pioneers released ‘King Animal‘ in the wake of enthusiasm, a album of pure rock that proves that when it comes to getting down and dirty you can rely on past heroes rather than churning out dozens of new copycats. They might offer very little new, but the formula still sounds very current.

Lana Del Rey – ‘Born To Die’

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Tame Impala – ‘Lonerism’

‘Lonerism’ is the title of the second album of this psychedelic rock band from Perth, noted partially for being the same label as MGMT and supporting act for Black Keys on their first tour. Two names that are not casual as both these bands manage to mix nostalgic/vintage sounds to produce a modern and fresh output. In this case the psychedelic 60′s rock style of Hendrix or the Beatles circa Revolver and Sgt Pepper. Excellent confirmation.

jessie Ware – ‘Devotion‘

True revelation of the year, comparisons are wasted for the London pop/RnB artist including annie lennox, sade, tracey thorn. in addition to an extaordinary voice she is also equipped with a great compositional talent and promising live perofrmance (take note miss Lana Del Rey). see the video of the beautiful ‘Wildest Moments’ for yourself.

Toy – ‘Self-Titled‘

I could not fail to include the latest promising classic new wave band although this genre has probably become very saturated. that being said, this self-titled debut album is a mix of dark and experimental songs with echoes of some alternative bands of the British scene of the 80′s like Jesus and The Mary Chain and more recent bands such as the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and even Modest Mouse.

Passion Pit – ‘Gossamer‘

Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.

Bat For Lashes decamped to the idyllic Italian countryside to write and record her third album in an attempt to rid herself of a classic bout of writer’s block.

She got that monkey off her back- no reference to the Mapplethorpe style cover- succeeding in giving us a the most heartfelt record of her short career. Tracks like “Laura“, “Marilyn” and “Lilies” are the pick of the bunch.

Intense and totally naked emotionally… just like on the beautiful cover. – Mario

TRACKS:

Bat For Lashes, AKA Natasha Khan, decided to isolate herself from the external pressures of those who expected a new hit in the vein of 2009′s ‘Two Suns’. The Brighton artist composed and recorded her new album ‘The Haunted Man‘ in the Umbria countryside and this decision appears to have benefited her work.

The Brighton native’s return is stripped (right down to the Mapplethorpe style cover) and inspired as can be heard on the beautiful ballad “Laura” (which continues a tradition of first name single titles) and the Gotye-esque “All Your Gold“.

All the usual elements of the Bat For Lashes sound are present; minimal Middle Eastern rythmic patterns, subtle electronica bursts that never outstay their welcome and Khan‘s voice which, as displayed on opening track “Lillies“, can truly be regardes as one of the best heirs to the throne of Kate Bush and Elizabeth Frazer.

This album can be considered a coming of age for Bat For Lashes succeeded in producing an album that is even more passionate and sincere than it’s predecessors pushing ‘The Haunted Man‘ amongst the best, and possibly the very finest, release of her short discography.

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Post by Mario
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TRACKS: