I mentioned Rory Grubb in my Top 60 songs of the year but having given his latest album, Sketches From The Big Sleep, a proper listen I feel this Dublin singer-songwriter is worthy of a proper analysis. As I alluded to in the above post, there's nothing particularly revelatory about what Grubb does, and if prolonged exposure has left you allergic to the traditional formula of 'one man and his guitar', then look away now. Despite this, and even though Grubb ticks all the conventional boxes, he also infuses them with a lovely atmospheric dash, which makes for an interesting listen and serves to prevent him from falling under the tag of dreary dross.
Throughout Sketches...it's clear that Grubb is in no rush and the title of the album is certainly apt, with a dream-like quality apparent throughout.
Indeed, at times it feels like the bare bones of the songs have been gently marinated in a mix of hazy reflection and concentrated atmospherics, for quite some time. It won't be to everyone's taste admittedly and if immediacy is what you're after then stick on that new Daft Punk soundtrack or something, as what's on offer here makes for a gentle, woozy form of enjoyment. If you're looking for intrictae instrumentation, wry, reflective lyrics and the perfect Sunday hangover music then proceed right this way: MySpace // Breaking Tunes
On a side note, I saw Rory perform at the Young Hearts Run Free bash in the Co-Op a few months back (where his live set up was puzzlingly complex and involved a long-process of pre-recording each element), and on the way out, his albums were on the table at the door...I presumed they were there to be taken and proceeded to do so but if not and if you're reading this Rory - apologies and I owe you a tenner!
Below are old videos for two tracks off the new album: Ambulance and Fall Out, Start Again:
So here we are. I'm not quite sure why I settled on 60 but it's a nice number regardless, and one which holds the tracks which have most pleased my ears throughout the last 12 months.
I'm sure I've missed some obvious choices but it's a nice representation of what has been a great year in music none the less, particularly on an Irish front.
Have a listen, find something you may like/have missed and make sure to post your own!
Sure, who else? Love 'em or hate 'em there's no doubting that Horse Outside will be on the 'Reeling in the years' montage for 2010 in another decade or so...
59) Surfer Blood – Floating Vibes
Summery indie-vibes which are as fuzzy and warm as the name suggests.
58) El Guincho - Bombay
An outstandingly nonsensical video which almost detracts attention away from a great tune from Spain's Animal Collective influenced El Guincho.
57) Mountain Man - Animal Tracks
As with the best things in life this is simple and beautiful, and if you will excuse the lazy comparison, sounds close to an all female Fleet Foxes - which is never a bad thing.
56)Blur – Fools Day
An unexpected treat from a band presumed defunct; not a Blur classic but it holds more than enough to suggest a proper reunion is a worthy proposition.
55) Ham Sandwich – The Naturist
The greatest achievement yet of a band whose earlier praise baffled me, lovely voice.
Scandanavian pop-let lets loose to wondrous effect.
53) Laura Marling – Needle and the damage done
A charming retelling of a Neil Young classic; her incredible voice suits it perfectly and there's a smashing stop-motion video to boot.
52) Owen Pallett – Midnight Directives
Sufjan-esque, operatic splendour.
51) Rory Grubb – Take Your Own Advice
Lush acoustic ramblings; Ireland has never been short on singer-songwritrs but Grubb's latest album 'Sketches From The Big Sleep', does enough to keep his head well and truly above the water.
No videos unfortunately but have a listen over at Breaking Tunes.
50) Rihanna – Rude Boy
A pop song that the indie kids will dance to, no wonder it has 133 million YouTube hits...
49) Stornoway – Boats and Trains
A beautiful seranade from the thinking man's Mumford and Sons.
48) Tindersticks – Black Smoke
With our very own David Kitt in tow, Tindersticks produced a strong new LP in the form of 'Falling Down A Mountain', with this track in particular appearing as the perfect accompaniment to a 'Cohen' Brothers classic.
47) Everything Everything – My Keys, Your Boyfriend
Will no doubt infuriate many but these off-kilter melodies have enough originality to stick around
46) Belle and Sebastian– I Want the world to stop
Modern indie royalty arrive back with a good new album, of which this is a highlight.
45) The Flaws – Part of you
Jangly return from Monaghan's finest; which is the equal of anything on their excellent debut.
44) John Grant – TC and Honeybear
Wherein the members of Midlake combine with a singer to make an arguably more compelling set of songs than the band's own new LP.
43)Patrick Kelleher - Wonder (Jape Remix)
Emerged late last year but only officially released this year on the stellar You Look Colder remixes album. That good that it deserves as many listens as possible; genuinely spine tingling reworking of the splendid original. The Kittser remix would have made it also were it not for fear of an overload.
A sumptious pebble-dashed array of colours and shapes, which build and latch onto your snyapses in the process.
41) Solar Bears – Primary Colours at the Back of My Mind
The sound of the cosmos and equally as life affirming. Beautiful and in no way immediately recognisable as 'Irish', Dublin/Wicklow's Solar Bears are the perfect example of the depth and variety which Irish music has been offering lately.
The full run down from 40 - 1 will follow in the next couple of days...
I mentioned Rory Grubb in my Top 60 songs of the year but having given his latest album, Sketches From The Big Sleep, a proper listen I feel this Dublin singer-songwriter is worthy of a proper analysis.
