Writers’ Choices – March 2013

**OutKast** – _Aquemini_

Though effectively **M.I.A.** since 2006, **OutKast** more than earned their time out with their sublime first four records (oh, and a certain masterpiece which had something to do with shaking polaroid pictures… you might know it?). _Aquemini_ is the pick of the bunch: hip-hop records don’t often come this distinctive, characterful, texturally and rhythmically rich and inventive, and they almost certainly don’t possess perhaps the greatest horns ever put to tape (re: ‘Spottieottiedopaliscious’.) The epitome of a stone-cold classic album.

**Similar To:** 3MG, Gnarls Barkley

**Christopher Sharpe**

**James Vincent McMorrow** – _Early In The Morning_

Three years ago, Irish singer-songwriter **James Vincent McMorrow** quietly released his debut LP _Early In The Morning_. Recorded during a six-month stint spent in isolation, the album’s atmospheric production is at times haunting, featuring melancholic folk harmonies reminiscent of **Bon Iver**. McMorrow’s effortless falsetto is a joy, and there’s a simple honesty to his songwriting that permeates everything from the simmering guitar to his moving lyrics. While he may not yet have the stardom he deserves, this stunning debut is certainly worthy of your attention.

**Similar To:** Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes

**Sam Carter**

**Cat Power** – _Moon Pix_

In autumn 1997, Chan Marshall was left alone for a month in the old secluded house in South Carolina that she shared with Bill Callahan (aka, **Smog**). One night, she suffered from a hallucinatory nightmare, in which – she recounted in interviews – “the earth started shaking and dark spirits were smashing up against every window of my house”. She turned on all the lights, got her guitar and – that very night – wrote most of her magnum opus: the intensely compelling, devastatingly sad _Moon Pix_.

**Similar To:** Fiona Apple, Feist

**Trahearne Falvey**

**Pink Floyd** – _Dark Side Of The Moon_

Featuring a poignant recognition of Syd Barrett’s absence in ‘Brain Damage’, and culminating with ‘Eclipse’, whose perfectly poetic lyrics for me eclipse every song ever, **Pink Floyd**’s epitomous symphony remains the definitive psychedelic rock album, even forty years after its release. Its themes of death, greed and insanity are matched by stunning musical quality, from Roger Waters’ iconic 7/4 bassline in ‘Money’, the incredible vocals of Clare Torry on ‘The Great Gig In The Sky’, and the perfect guitar solo of ‘Time’. _Dark Side Of The Moon_ still thrills on every listen.

**Similar To:** The Doors, King Crimson

**Robin James Kerrison**

**Rusko** – _Woo Boost_

This was the first album that got me into dubstep, so I came to the game late, but what an entrance. The bass on opener ‘Woo Boost’ hit me where it hurts, whilst the appearance of electro-indie darling **Amber Coffman** on ‘Hold On’ makes for a more fun number. This was a bold debut from the British producer, who has since collaborated with **Cypress Hill** and broken America (which may or may not have been the result of an interview with a student radio presenter in Nashville… yes: me). With vocals dotted throughout and a splash of moombahton, this album is a hugely enjoyable slice of dub magic; you’ll be up and raving in no time. Also, **Gucci Mane** makes an appearance, so what’s not to like?

**Similar To:** Datsik, Flux Pavilion

**Francesca Peak**

**Beck** – _Odelay_

Following on the early promise of ‘Loser’,**Beck**’s seminal 1996 album combines country, folk, RnB, noise-rock and hip-hop (amongst many other things) in an unpredictable and upbeat mixture. On paper, it sounds terrible, but here, it works magically to create an erratic set of unique songs. Jam-packed with samples and full of**Beck**’s distinct gutterball poetry – which makes little sense but somehow just clicks – _Odelay_ is immensely listenable, always open to new discoveries. But seriously, what is ‘Devils Haircut’ really about?!

**Similar To:** Eels, Sonic Youth

**Patrick Lavin**

**Mercury Rev** – _Deserter’s Songs_

As all that unwanted snow begins to flurry around these fair isles once again, the remarkable fourth album of **Mercury Rev** feels well-suited to soundtrack the cold times ahead. Recorded in the mountains of the Hudson Valley, it’s an album charged with a sense of loneliness and disenfranchisement, with Jonathan Donahue’s fragile voice crying out in anguish for escape and catharsis. With its tender topics enhanced by sweeping orchestral arrangements worthy of Disney, _Deserter’s Songs_ still retains its power nearly fifteen years on from its original release.

**Similar To:** Spiritualized, The Flaming Lips

**Michael Perry**