List: Best Albums of the Decade 100-91

Part Two of my countdown of the top 110 albums of the decade. You can find 110-101 here. But for now, here's 100-91...

100. Pete Yorn - musicforthemorningafter (2001)

Sometimes you make something so good with your first attempt that you can never hit those high standards ever again. Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly knows what this is all about. As does Pete Yorn. These days he's duetting with Scarlett Johansson and making so-so records. His debut, on the other hand, was a fantastic radio rock album, which leant many of its singles to soundtracks. It's not just a soundtrack album though, like Moby's Play, it has so much more to offer.

99. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky (2007)

Wilco are never going to make another Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. But the offspring of Uncle Tupelo came damn close with Sky Blue Sky. A much more rounded and polished album, it was their highest ever charting record. It's a much simpler album, much more direct, but is not worse off in any way; 'Impossible Germany' may well be Jeff Tweedy's finest hour.

98. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (2008)

Sigur Rós are another of these acts that'll never match their early work (Ágætis byrjun is a masterpiece, but technically a 1999 release), however they will not cease in trying to be better. Thus their fifth album was yet another change in direction, this one even had a song in English. It charted in the top 5 in both Ireland and the UK, and was much more pop than any of their past efforts. In fact, this was the first fun album Sigur Rós recorded. Yes. It's fun.

97. Okkervil River - The Stage Names (2007)

Will Sheff was always clever. WIth Shearwater he lets his aggression out, but Okkervil River is his best project. The lyrics are intelligent and also funny, but the melodies are what makes the album really shine. No album this decade ends on a higher note, 'John Allyn Smith Sails' is a reworking of the traditional 'Sloop John B' made famous by the Beach Boys, and is every bit as good as Brian Wilson's own.

96. Bruce Springsteen - Magic (2007)

Bruce Springsteen really regained form in the 00s. His 80s output was fantastic, but his 90s work left a lot to be desired. But out of his five albums released this decade, four of them are among his best (the newest,Working on a Dream, is awful). Magic was one of the two upbeat pop ones, less dark than The Rising, and perfect for radio.

95. Ryan Adams - 29 (2005)

The third of Ryan Adams' 2005 trilogy, and his grittiest ever work. It had nine long songs which seeped into your consciousness. A real grower of an album, it's beautiful. There was an article in the Guardian last week saying that a director's minor work - the film that's most different than the rest of their output - is their real best. Many people think this may be the case with Adams. They may well be right.

94. The National - Alligator (2005)

Alligator was the National's third album, but was the one on which they really shone. Filled with bleakly beautiful songs, it was an album which showed its beauty on first listen, but got even better on repeated spins. Interestingly, PopMatters gave it two reviews on its release - the total of which added up to give it 9 (2/10 and 7/10). Bet they're kicking themselves now.

93. Glen Phillips - Abulum (2001)

Toad the Wet Sprocket were much bigger on the other side of the Atlantic than over here. But anyone who doesn't know of them should take notice of their frontman, Glen Phillips's debut solo album. Abulum is like that old warm family friend, filled with curious observations, and a great deal of wit. It's also damn addictive.

92. U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000)

U2 came out of the blocks this decade with the splendid single 'Beautiful Day', which has soundtracked many a highlight reel since. Every song was a possible single, but it was the slower numbers like 'Walk On' and Bono's tribute to his late friend Michael Hutchence, 'Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of'. 'Peace on Earth' was the only weak point on what is otherwise a marvellous Irish album.

91. Richard Hawley - Coles Corner (2005)

Coles Corner was Hawley's fourth solo album and is named after one of Sheffield's hotspots. It was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2006 which gained Hawley a much wider fanbase. It contained many gorgeous songs, for example 'The Ocean', 'Hotel Room', and the tremendous title track.

The Countdown continues tomorrow...

List: Top 20 EPs of the 00s

My end of decade lists continue. But each day, we get nearer and nearer my list of the best 100 albums or so of the 00s! As I'm busy typing that list, I've split this into two halves. The second half, i.e. the top ten, features some fine blurbs, in case you decide you might have to buy some of these half-albums. Also, I left off Ryan Adams' Love is Hell EPs, as they would've held the top two positions, and will be high up my album list, as one sole album.

20. Bright Eyes - Four Winds (2007)
19. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Tallest Man on Earth (2006)
18. Bon Iver - Blood Bank (2009)
17. Gemma Hayes - Work to a Calm (2001)
16. Gorillaz - Tomorrow Comes Today (2000)
15. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - IsIs (2007)
14. Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light In the West (2009)
13. Mumford and Sons - Mumford and Sons (2008)
12. Jill Andrews - EP (2008)
11. Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant (2008)

10. Joanna Newsom - Joanna Newsom and the Ys Street Band (2007)

Not only is this Joanna Newsom's beautiful follow-up to Ys, but it's also the best named release of the decade. A genius titled EP which contains three gorgeous, encapsulating songs. She's a marvellously consistent artist, and I can't wait to see what the next decade has in store for her.

9. Iron and Wine - Woman King (2005)

Sam Beam is also one of the most consistent artists around, and Woman King may well be his finest ever release under the Iron and Wine moniker. He's also fantastic live, so if and when he does return, I advise you to go to see him.

8. The National - Cherry Tree (2004)

The Virginia EP narrowly missed the top twenty here, but this is their better short-length record. Cherry Tree signalled the brilliance that was yet to come from the National on their excellent Alligator and Boxer full lengths.

7. TV on the Radio - Young Liars (2003)

Another teaser EP, this one showed glimpses of what TV on the Radio would come to be. Even still, it's a fantastic release, and one any artist would be delighted to have in their canon. Check out the excellent 'Staring at the Sun' and the phenomenal 'Blind', a seven minute tune which feels like it ends too soon..

6. Richard Hawley - Richard Hawley (2001)

This decade has been Hawley's decade. He has stood out on his own. Previously a session musician, his self-titled EP, with songs like 'Naked in Pitsmoor' and 'Coming Home' showed that Hawley could be the Roy Orbison of the 00s.

5. The Gaslight Anthem - Senor and the Queen (2008)

A lot of these EPs are teasers that the best is yet to come from an artist, but Senor and the Queen contains a lot of the Gaslight Anthem's best work. Overall it's their best ever release, mainly because of the song 'Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts'.

4. Kings of Leon - Holy Roller Novocaine (2003)

They weren't always pop darlings, you know? Long ago, before X Factor wannabes sang their songs, Kings of Leon were a fantastic rock band, up there with the White Stripes and the Strokes. They weren't polished in any way. They were raw, and they rocked. Hard.

3. Bloc Party - Bloc Party (2004)

I first downloaded this in 2004, on a recommendation from NME before their debut album was released. It was incorrectly titled Banquet EP, but that is mainly the reason it was so good. That one song. 'Banquet'. Perhaps the best rock song to come out of England this decade. And that includes everything Pete Doherty was involved in too.

2. Fight Like Apes - How Am I Supposed to Kill You if You Have All the Guns?

The best EP to come out of Ireland this decade? Certainly. Might well be the best EP to come out of Ireland ever. It also had a more normal souning name than any of their other EPs. It quickly sold out everywhere, and a wave of hype followed the band everywhere. It was truly deserved, as no-one can argue with songs like 'Battlestations' and future single 'Jake Summers' He's the man...

1. Arcade Fire - Arcade Fire (2003)

This is what good EPs are all about. Also known as the Us Kids Know EP. It introduced the world to the fascinating Win Butler and Rene Chassagne, and contained no songs that would appear on their debut album Funeral. (Although 'No Cars Go' was later re-recorded for Neon Bible). It's the perfect EP, as its unique tracklist makes it worth owning, as much as a full-length album.

Live: Other Voices 8 Tickets

Other Voices returns in December, and will return to our TV screens next year for season 8. Snow Patrol, Richard Hawley, The XX and Temper Trap are some of the acts already announced, but there are sure to be a lot more fantastic artists announced nearer the dates.

Tickets for each of the Other Voices recordings, Saturday December 5th to Wednesday December 9th inclusive, will go on sale on Monday November 23rd at 9am from www.tickets.ie.

Tickets for each night are €35 including booking fee.

Here's the official word on ticket info:
"As is the nature of television recording, it will not be possible to announce each evening’s line up until closer to the recordings. Early booking is essential, with only 60 tickets per night available. Historically, each show has been an immediate sell out. Booking is limited to two tickets per person and a maximum of two nights per person."

Watch Richard Hawley - 'Tonight the Streets are Ours' on Jools Holland:

Album Review: Richard Hawley - Truelove's Gutter

It took a long time for Richard Hawley to come out of the shadows and into the limelight, but now that he's here, he's doing his damndest trying to stay on people's record players (because something as smooth as this really needs vinyl). His latest album Truelove's Gutter cements his place as one of the 00s' most consistent artists.

This album is less up-tempo than the last few, but does not suffer due to this. Opener 'As the Dawn Breaks' lulls you in with its embracing melody which draws you in to be smothered by "the songbird's melody." After this, there is no escaping Hawley's unique charm. 'Open Up Your Door' is the song most like Cole's Corner or Lady's Bridge, but instead of their punch, it gives the listener gentle prods and pokes, teasing you at every turn. It's like a lullaby for adults. Gorgeous.

At only eight songs in length, the album feels as if it ends too soon. Not because it's short, but because you could gladly listen to this forever. 'Remorse Code', not even longest song on here at nearly ten minutes, never outstays its welcome. Nor does album closer 'Don't You Cry', which clocks in at 10:41. In fact, 'Remorse Code' is probably the best song Hawley has ever written. It's both beautiful and clever. The perfect combination in both woman and song.

'Don't Get Hung Up On Your Soul' features an excellent nod to Bob Dylan, and is the perfect winter song, for the cold nights ahead. 'Soldier On' is the only weak spot on the album, as I don't think it matches the mood of the record as a whole. It's too heavy. Yes, a Richard Hawley song that's too heavy. However, it's immediately followed by 'For Your Lover, Give Some Time' which is a ballad up there with Orbison's best.

Overall, this is a fantastic record, and one which should win Hawley yet more fans. While I may prefer Lady's Bridge, this is a very, very close second.

Watch the video for 'For Your Lover, Give Some Time':

Stream: Richard Hawley - Truelove's Gutter

Thank you very much Guardian Music. It's streaming the entire new Richard Hawley album, Truelove's Gutter. Album is out next week in the UK and Friday over here.

Tracklist:
01 As the Dawn Breaks
02 Open Up the Door
03 Ashes on the Fire
04 Remorse Code
05 Don't Get Hung Up in Your Soul
06 Soldier On
07 For Your Lover, Give Some Time
08 Don't You Cry

Stream:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/sep/15/richard-hawley-trueloves-gutter

Live: Richard Hawley at the Olympia Theatre

Just two days ago, I reminded you about Richard Hawley's upcoming album. Remember? Well, he's coming to Dublin to promote it with a fully seated show at the Olympia Theatre on October 22nd. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9, and are priced at €29.

I'm really excited for this show, especially as he'll be playing some new material.

Watch 'Tonight The Streets Are Ours' (from Lady's Bridge):

Album Cover: Richard Hawley - Truelove's Gutter

Another album from Richard (I gave you news of this a month or two back, remember), another horrible album cover. However, to go along with that, we do have a tracklist. The album comes out September 21st in the UK, so it'll be out the 18th in Ireland. I can't wait.

Tracklist:
01 As the Dawn Breaks
02 Open Up the Door
03 Ashes on the Fire
04 Remorse Code
05 Don't Get Hung Up in Your Soul
06 Soldier On
07 For Your Lover, Give Some Time
08 Don't You Cry

Stream: Richard Hawley - Truelove's Gutter

Possible Album of the Year contender, woo woo! Truelove's Gutter is Richard Hawley's sixth album, and is to be released on September 21st on Mute Records. It's three songs shorter than all of his other albums, but comes in longer overall at 51:05. Apparently two songs are about 10 minutes long.

Here's a little snippet from the press (hell yeah!):

Arrangements on Truelove’s Gutter occasionally feature some truly uncommon instrumentation, such as the megabass waterphone and crystal baschet. “I use a load of odd sounds on this album that are not heard on many other records,” says Richard. “The sounds in my head on a lot of the tracks - I didn’t even know what they were called!”

Eccentric instruments notwithstanding, the lush but minimal production provides a haunting backdrop to Hawley’s unique voice and allows him plenty of space for some outstandingly beautiful guitar solos. “I wanted it to be a listening experience from start to finish, where you couldn’t just pause it and go off and watch Coronation Street or whatever,” explains Hawley. “Sonically, it flows. It’s not jumping all over the place. It just has a mood that goes through the whole thing.”

Thematically his darkest work to date, Truelove’s Gutter explores the idea of people or things that are broken in some way, and the fractured and damaged times in which we live, to which Hawley’s lyrics give profound attestation.

Tracklist:
As The Dawn Breaks
Open Up The Door
Ashes on The Fire
Remorse Code
Don’t Get Hung Up in your Soul
Soldier On
For Your Lover, Give Some Time
Don’t You Cry