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The best albums you never heard in 2009 The best albums you never heard in 2009
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'Tis the season to be tipping new artists, and next week the BBC Sound of 2010 list will showcase emerging acts. 'Tis the season to be tipping new artists, and next week the BBC Sound of 2010 list will showcase emerging acts.
But which albums from the past year flew under the mainstream radar and also deserve to be discovered by the wider world in 2010?But which albums from the past year flew under the mainstream radar and also deserve to be discovered by the wider world in 2010?
A selection of tipsters from the Sound of 2010 panel have chosen the most underrated albums of 2009, which they believe did not get the critical or commercial love they merited in the last 12 months.A selection of tipsters from the Sound of 2010 panel have chosen the most underrated albums of 2009, which they believe did not get the critical or commercial love they merited in the last 12 months.
Listen to tracks from these albums in playlists.Listen to tracks from these albums in playlists.
A Camp Blue Roses Dirty Projectors The Do Melanie Fiona The Low Anthem Major Lazer McAlmont & Nyman Mew Micachu Jack Penate Sky Larkin tUnE-YaRdS Wild BeastsA Camp Blue Roses Dirty Projectors The Do Melanie Fiona The Low Anthem Major Lazer McAlmont & Nyman Mew Micachu Jack Penate Sky Larkin tUnE-YaRdS Wild Beasts
A CAMP - COLONIAA CAMP - COLONIA
Eight years after their debut, The Cardigans singer Nina Persson has resurrected side-project A Camp. Working with her husband, she says the album was inspired by "the history of savagery", explaining: "The human urge to rape, conquer and pillage has always fascinated me."Eight years after their debut, The Cardigans singer Nina Persson has resurrected side-project A Camp. Working with her husband, she says the album was inspired by "the history of savagery", explaining: "The human urge to rape, conquer and pillage has always fascinated me."
James Foley, music editor, Record of the Day:James Foley, music editor, Record of the Day:
This album was a delight. The dark undertones running throughout the lyrics (Persson sounds bitterly lovelorn at times) are all placed in front of a backdrop of lush and uplifting 60s-inspired pop arrangements. It surprised me how many times I returned to this album over the year.This album was a delight. The dark undertones running throughout the lyrics (Persson sounds bitterly lovelorn at times) are all placed in front of a backdrop of lush and uplifting 60s-inspired pop arrangements. It surprised me how many times I returned to this album over the year.
A Camp on MySpace Return to the top of the page A Camp on MySpace Return to the top of the page
BLUE ROSES - BLUE ROSESBLUE ROSES - BLUE ROSES
Recalling Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell, the voice of Laura Groves is at the heart of this warm, folky album. She roped in family and friends to accompany her and recorded on borrowed equipment in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms in her home town of Shipley, Yorkshire.Recalling Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell, the voice of Laura Groves is at the heart of this warm, folky album. She roped in family and friends to accompany her and recorded on borrowed equipment in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms in her home town of Shipley, Yorkshire.
Natalie Shaw, editor, Musosguide.com:Natalie Shaw, editor, Musosguide.com:
The perfect soprano of Laura Groves, the fragile melodies, the warm thumb piano, the occasional twinkling xylophone - these were the reasons why Blue Roses' beauty didn't feel trapped by conventional boundaries of structure and harmony. Uneasy suspensions built up, descending scales and ascending sequences were sung, and I became enraptured. A stunning debut.The perfect soprano of Laura Groves, the fragile melodies, the warm thumb piano, the occasional twinkling xylophone - these were the reasons why Blue Roses' beauty didn't feel trapped by conventional boundaries of structure and harmony. Uneasy suspensions built up, descending scales and ascending sequences were sung, and I became enraptured. A stunning debut.
Blue Roses on MySpace Return to the top of the pageBlue Roses on MySpace Return to the top of the page
DIRTY PROJECTORS - BITTE ORCADIRTY PROJECTORS - BITTE ORCA
From the Brooklyn school of open-minded art rock (see Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear), Dirty Projectors mastermind Dave Longstreth aims to push every boundary. He has worked with Bjork and David Byrne and Bitte Orca is Dirty Projectors' fifth LP.From the Brooklyn school of open-minded art rock (see Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear), Dirty Projectors mastermind Dave Longstreth aims to push every boundary. He has worked with Bjork and David Byrne and Bitte Orca is Dirty Projectors' fifth LP.
Greg Cochrane, BBC Radio 1 music reporter:Greg Cochrane, BBC Radio 1 music reporter:
After reconstructing Black Flag's seminal LP Damaged from memory, this time the odd-pop Brooklynites outdid themselves. With undulating guitars, slithery beats and harmonic sweetness, lo-fi rock somehow sounds like early-mid 90s R&B. In short, Dave Longstreth and his gang push pop in directions previously unchartered.After reconstructing Black Flag's seminal LP Damaged from memory, this time the odd-pop Brooklynites outdid themselves. With undulating guitars, slithery beats and harmonic sweetness, lo-fi rock somehow sounds like early-mid 90s R&B. In short, Dave Longstreth and his gang push pop in directions previously unchartered.
Dirty Projectors on MySapce Return to the top of the pageDirty Projectors on MySapce Return to the top of the page
THE DO - A MOUTHFULTHE DO - A MOUTHFUL
Named after the first and last note on the musical scale, this French-Finnish duo claim to be as inspired by jazz and classical as rock and pop. The result is wilfully off-the-wall and exhilarating.Named after the first and last note on the musical scale, this French-Finnish duo claim to be as inspired by jazz and classical as rock and pop. The result is wilfully off-the-wall and exhilarating.
Fraser McAlpine, BBC Chart Blog:Fraser McAlpine, BBC Chart Blog:
Some of this album is poppy and brash like Lady Sovereign or Lily Allen. Some of it is melancholy and folky like Gorky's Zygotic Mynci or Joanna Newsom. All of it is fresh, bright and crammed full of engaging ideas.Some of this album is poppy and brash like Lady Sovereign or Lily Allen. Some of it is melancholy and folky like Gorky's Zygotic Mynci or Joanna Newsom. All of it is fresh, bright and crammed full of engaging ideas.
The Do on MySpace Return to the top of the pageThe Do on MySpace Return to the top of the page
MELANIE FIONA - THE BRIDGEMELANIE FIONA - THE BRIDGE
Born to Guyanese parents in Toronto, Melanie Fiona made an impressive album of upbeat soul-pop. She has supported Kanye West on tour and has a Grammy nomination for best female R&B vocal performance.Born to Guyanese parents in Toronto, Melanie Fiona made an impressive album of upbeat soul-pop. She has supported Kanye West on tour and has a Grammy nomination for best female R&B vocal performance.
Paul Mack, station manager, The Hits, Smash Hits & Heat Radio:Paul Mack, station manager, The Hits, Smash Hits & Heat Radio:
If you're looking for crisp vocals and soulful vibes to chill out to then Melanie Fiona should do it for you. Highlights include the lead single Give It To Me Right and the euphonious Walk On By.If you're looking for crisp vocals and soulful vibes to chill out to then Melanie Fiona should do it for you. Highlights include the lead single Give It To Me Right and the euphonious Walk On By.
Melanie Fiona on MySpace Return to the top of the pageMelanie Fiona on MySpace Return to the top of the page
THE LOW ANTHEM - OH MY GOD, CHARLIE DARWINTHE LOW ANTHEM - OH MY GOD, CHARLIE DARWIN
This trio met at university in Rhode Island and have won fans with their fragile Americana. Their instruments include a WWI portable pump organ, a rusty saw, a nipple gong, a "gut-strung parlor axe" and "enough harmonicas to summon a swarm of locusts".This trio met at university in Rhode Island and have won fans with their fragile Americana. Their instruments include a WWI portable pump organ, a rusty saw, a nipple gong, a "gut-strung parlor axe" and "enough harmonicas to summon a swarm of locusts".
Leonie Cooper, music journalist, NME & The Guardian:Leonie Cooper, music journalist, NME & The Guardian:
With a former NASA employee among their ranks, it was surprising that The Low Anthem's glorious brand of moonshine folk shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. One of the few albums to lead me to tears in '09 (in the best possible way, of course), this was a delicate, graceful addition to the host of records by the plaid shirts'n'beard brigade headed up by Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear. With a former Nasa employee among their ranks, it was surprising that The Low Anthem's glorious brand of moonshine folk shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. One of the few albums to lead me to tears in '09 (in the best possible way, of course), this was a delicate, graceful addition to the host of records by the plaid shirts'n'beard brigade headed up by Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear.
Watch The Low Anthem perform on BBC Radio Scotland The Low Anthem on MySpace Return to the top of the pageWatch The Low Anthem perform on BBC Radio Scotland The Low Anthem on MySpace Return to the top of the page
MAJOR LAZER - GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE... LAZERS DOMAJOR LAZER - GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE... LAZERS DO
Major Lazer is a one-armed Jamaican ex-commando who battles the forces of darkness. Actually, he is a cartoon character devised by producers Diplo and Switch to serve their blistering cocktail of dancehall reggae, hip-hop and electro.Major Lazer is a one-armed Jamaican ex-commando who battles the forces of darkness. Actually, he is a cartoon character devised by producers Diplo and Switch to serve their blistering cocktail of dancehall reggae, hip-hop and electro.
Adele Roberts, DJ, Galaxy FM:Adele Roberts, DJ, Galaxy FM:
Part of me can't understand why this album isn't on everyone's iPod, but then again I think maybe it's Diplo & Switch's own fault for being so damn clever. This album may be a little ahead of it's time but it's a glimpse to the future and the future looks bright.Part of me can't understand why this album isn't on everyone's iPod, but then again I think maybe it's Diplo & Switch's own fault for being so damn clever. This album may be a little ahead of it's time but it's a glimpse to the future and the future looks bright.
Major Lazer on MySpace Return to the top of the pageMajor Lazer on MySpace Return to the top of the page
MCALMONT & NYMAN - THE GLAREMCALMONT & NYMAN - THE GLARE
This collaboration saw composer Michael Nyman provide the music and David McAlmont write and sing each song based on news stories from around the world. He put himself in the shoes of figures from Susan Boyle to a Nigerian prostitute in a people-trafficking ring to Silvio Berlusconi's lover.This collaboration saw composer Michael Nyman provide the music and David McAlmont write and sing each song based on news stories from around the world. He put himself in the shoes of figures from Susan Boyle to a Nigerian prostitute in a people-trafficking ring to Silvio Berlusconi's lover.
Simon Price, rock and pop critic, Independent on Sunday:Simon Price, rock and pop critic, Independent on Sunday:
This incongruous but inspired partnership married the angelic falsetto of one of Britain's finest singers to the minimalist/maximalist arrangements of our foremost classical composer, resulting in an album which told the human tales behind a dozen small newspaper stories with elegance, grace and heartbreaking poignancy.This incongruous but inspired partnership married the angelic falsetto of one of Britain's finest singers to the minimalist/maximalist arrangements of our foremost classical composer, resulting in an album which told the human tales behind a dozen small newspaper stories with elegance, grace and heartbreaking poignancy.
McAlmont & Nyman on MySpace Return to the top of the pageMcAlmont & Nyman on MySpace Return to the top of the page
MEW - NO MORE STORIES...MEW - NO MORE STORIES...
Danish indie trio Mew attracted praise for their fourth studio album, which mixed jaunty choruses with adventurous storytelling and arrangements. They described the results as "dream pop".Danish indie trio Mew attracted praise for their fourth studio album, which mixed jaunty choruses with adventurous storytelling and arrangements. They described the results as "dream pop".
Phil Singer, There Goes The Fear blog:Phil Singer, There Goes The Fear blog:
This has been my favourite album of 2009. One moment extremely bombastic, the next surprisingly fragile and gentle, it is not your typical indie-by-numbers affair. The stunning opener New Terrain can be played both forwards and backwards, the magical Sometimes Life Isn't Easy has chirpy hand claps and uplifting kid choirs, while Hawaii has hypnotic vocals and fun, calypso-style percussion.This has been my favourite album of 2009. One moment extremely bombastic, the next surprisingly fragile and gentle, it is not your typical indie-by-numbers affair. The stunning opener New Terrain can be played both forwards and backwards, the magical Sometimes Life Isn't Easy has chirpy hand claps and uplifting kid choirs, while Hawaii has hypnotic vocals and fun, calypso-style percussion.
Mew on MySpace Return to the top of the page Mew on MySpace Return to the top of the page
MICACHU - JEWELLERYMICACHU - JEWELLERY
Micachu is Londoner Mica Levi, who recorded the album while studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and used home-made instruments ranging from a modified CD rack to broken bottles and a vacuum cleaner.Micachu is Londoner Mica Levi, who recorded the album while studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and used home-made instruments ranging from a modified CD rack to broken bottles and a vacuum cleaner.
Paul Macinnes, entertainment editor, Guardian.co.uk:Paul Macinnes, entertainment editor, Guardian.co.uk:
Mica Levi collects sounds she finds in the street. She plays melodies on home-made instruments and takes inspiration from genres as diverse as grime and skiffle. But the real charm of this album was how Levi and her band rendered these unlikely materials into something that was distinctly recognisable as, catchy, crazy pop music.Mica Levi collects sounds she finds in the street. She plays melodies on home-made instruments and takes inspiration from genres as diverse as grime and skiffle. But the real charm of this album was how Levi and her band rendered these unlikely materials into something that was distinctly recognisable as, catchy, crazy pop music.
Micachu on MySpace Return to the top of the pageMicachu on MySpace Return to the top of the page
JACK PENATE - EVERYTHING IS NEWJACK PENATE - EVERYTHING IS NEW
Singer-songwriter Jack Penate reached the top 10 with his debut album Matinee in 2007, but the follow-up Everything Is New dropped out of the top 40 after two weeks.Singer-songwriter Jack Penate reached the top 10 with his debut album Matinee in 2007, but the follow-up Everything Is New dropped out of the top 40 after two weeks.
Lana Webb, head of music, Remedy Productions:Lana Webb, head of music, Remedy Productions:
Everything Is New is an aptly titled, risk taking, uninhibited album. Written and produced in a refreshing way that adds an element of beauty and euphoria to everyday circumstance. The sheer volume of different instruments and influences could have made it overly complex. Instead it is infectious and unpretentious, offering something new with each listen.Everything Is New is an aptly titled, risk taking, uninhibited album. Written and produced in a refreshing way that adds an element of beauty and euphoria to everyday circumstance. The sheer volume of different instruments and influences could have made it overly complex. Instead it is infectious and unpretentious, offering something new with each listen.
Jack Penate on MySpace Return to the top of the page Jack Penate on MySpace Return to the top of the page
SKY LARKIN - THE GOLDEN SPIKESKY LARKIN - THE GOLDEN SPIKE
After four years together, this Leeds guitar trio recorded their brisk, taut and spiky debut album in two weeks in Seattle. It owes much to American alt.rock and was released by respected indie label Wichita.After four years together, this Leeds guitar trio recorded their brisk, taut and spiky debut album in two weeks in Seattle. It owes much to American alt.rock and was released by respected indie label Wichita.
Matt Barnes, editor, NewNoise.net:Matt Barnes, editor, NewNoise.net:
This lot are simply an ace young British pop band, who recorded the most consistent power-pop album of 2009. The Golden Spike recalls the best bits of Sleater-Kinney, Death Cab For Cutie and Kenickie. It is a solid foundation for what could be a great future.This lot are simply an ace young British pop band, who recorded the most consistent power-pop album of 2009. The Golden Spike recalls the best bits of Sleater-Kinney, Death Cab For Cutie and Kenickie. It is a solid foundation for what could be a great future.
Watch Sky Larkin at Glastonbury on BBC Introducing Sky Larkin on MySpace Return to the top of the page Watch Sky Larkin at Glastonbury on BBC Introducing Sky Larkin on MySpace Return to the top of the page
TUNE-YARDS - BIRD BRAINSTUNE-YARDS - BIRD BRAINS
Made using a digital voice recorder and shareware software in her Montreal flat, singer and instrumentalist Merrill Garbus' rich, intimate and unpredictable album is held together by DIY charm.Made using a digital voice recorder and shareware software in her Montreal flat, singer and instrumentalist Merrill Garbus' rich, intimate and unpredictable album is held together by DIY charm.
Sian Rowe, editor, Neu magazine:Sian Rowe, editor, Neu magazine:
BiRd BrAiNs is the sound of one woman trying to find something that's her own. Merrill Garbus uses drum loops and effects pedals but makes beautiful additions - ukulele is put together with the most imaginative sampling of the year. It takes a brave person to mess with Always on My Mind but she effortlessly slots it into a patchwork of influences ranging from traditional folk to R&B slow jams.BiRd BrAiNs is the sound of one woman trying to find something that's her own. Merrill Garbus uses drum loops and effects pedals but makes beautiful additions - ukulele is put together with the most imaginative sampling of the year. It takes a brave person to mess with Always on My Mind but she effortlessly slots it into a patchwork of influences ranging from traditional folk to R&B slow jams.
tUnE-YaRdS on MySpace Return to the top of the pagetUnE-YaRdS on MySpace Return to the top of the page
WILD BEASTS - TWO DANCERSWILD BEASTS - TWO DANCERS
Hayden Thorpe's distinctive falsetto, coupled with Tom Fleming's baritone and a delicate, dreamy musical landscape, makes this Kendal foursome stand well apart from the conventional indie scene.Hayden Thorpe's distinctive falsetto, coupled with Tom Fleming's baritone and a delicate, dreamy musical landscape, makes this Kendal foursome stand well apart from the conventional indie scene.
George Ergatoudis, head of music, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra:George Ergatoudis, head of music, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra:
Hayden Thorpe's voice and occasionally daft lyrics are never going to be everyone's cup of tea, but for connoisseurs this album is brimming with exciting grooves, beautiful melodies, fine guitar work and detailed production. This is ambitious, cerebral, alternative pop at its very best.Hayden Thorpe's voice and occasionally daft lyrics are never going to be everyone's cup of tea, but for connoisseurs this album is brimming with exciting grooves, beautiful melodies, fine guitar work and detailed production. This is ambitious, cerebral, alternative pop at its very best.
Watch Wild Beasts perform on The Culture Show Wild Beasts on MySpace Return to the top of the pageWatch Wild Beasts perform on The Culture Show Wild Beasts on MySpace Return to the top of the page
Listen to tracks from these albums in playlists on We7 (13 tracks), MySpace (13 tracks) & Spotify (14 tracks, registration & application download required, only available in UK, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Spain). Tracks may not be available outside the UK.Listen to tracks from these albums in playlists on We7 (13 tracks), MySpace (13 tracks) & Spotify (14 tracks, registration & application download required, only available in UK, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Spain). Tracks may not be available outside the UK.