Best Non Punk And Metal
My play-list is 90% punk and metal. If not more. The last couple of years I have noticed I need to hear something else every now and then. To cleanse my palate if you like. Looking at what I listened most (outside of punk and metal, that is) there's still plenty of dark music, but also sunshine in audio format.
Hoshi
Il Suffit D’y Croire (Jo & Co)
I'll confess: French pop music is my guilty pleasure. This year I did not discover to much new music in this genre that I can recommend. However, Hoshi's debut makes up for all that. It's all hits and no filler if you ask me.
The Eye Of Time
MYTH II: A Need To Survive (Denovali Records)
One review on this very website changed my musical taste drastically. This review to be precise. A perfect score makes me curious. It took me some time to get used this type of music, but this strange mix of electronics and a bit of classical music with a dash of punk spirit never ceases to amaze me. This years MYTH II is another great record in an almost flawless discography (I find Acoustics a difficult record). It's part two of a trilogy. I can only say I am looking forward to part three!
Nils Frahm
All Melody (Erased Tapes Records)
This is minimal music at it's best. On All Melody I hear Nils Frahm discovering new sides of his trademark sound. The result is a beautiful and relaxing album. Perfect music for dark nights while enjoying poetry and a good glass of scotch.
Zaz
Effet Miroir (Jo & Co)
Zaz is the singer that drew me into the French pop scene. Her albums are irresistable. This new album is again a mix of pop, gypsy music and a lot more all blended into one coherent sound. Oh, and that voice...
Prairie
After The Flash Flood (Denovali)
Prairie operates in more or less the same genre as The Eye Of TIme. Prairie is more dark, more thunderous and less classical influenced though. This type of music is just epic. Like The Eye Of Time this could be the soundtrack for a movie; it is like this album is telling a story. So sit back and let the music take you to a different world.
Cœur De Pirate
En Cas de Tempête, Ce Jardin Sera Fermé (Dare To Care Records)
More French goodness. Well, sort of. This is actually Canadian, but you could have fooled me. Again some catchy music. Perfect for roadtrips if you ask me!
Nadia Struiwigh
WHRRu (Denovali)
I guess I could characterize this album as ambient techno, if that even means anything. It's very slow stuff, soundscapy, with nice interplay between electronics and (acoustic) instruments.
Julia Holter
Aviary (Domino)
After two albums that were a bit easier on the ears Julia Holter returns to the musical region where she truly excels: avant-garde. This is some weird stuff and thus not an easy nut to crack. Give it a couple of tries though, you will be rewarded!
The War And Treaty
Healing Tide (Thirty Tigers)
After all that ambient electronic stuff and those French pop-princesses this is nothing short of a stylistic u-turn. I've read comparisons to Ike And Tina transformed to today. And I can understand that comparison just fine.
GoGo Penguin
A Humdrum Star (Blue Note)
Would this list be complete without a jazz record? No, it would not. This is a prime example of modern jazz. With just drums, double bass and a piano this trio creates a whole universe. It's weird and wonderful at the same time and it will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole ride!
- Dennis
