Lo-Fidelity #1

Ten albums you probably haven’t heard; apart from one

I am a muso. I admit that. I love to collect music and learning facts; but as all really good musos know, the real pleasure is telling someone about an album that they have not heard before or of a band that only a few other select musos know. I know, I am probably lacking something in my life but I don’t care. I have bands that you never have heard of.

However, I am feeling generous. Here are ten albums you really should try to get your grubby little mits on. Ignore the NME. I have all the really great music.

In no particular order:

• Dr. Feelgood – ‘Down By The Jetty’ – They essentially sound like your best mate’s band down the pub when you are pissed and dancing around with them. All rock n roll and old blues feel, just a bit grubby round the edges. Completely uncool.
• Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – ‘Acme’ – You know the White Stripes right? Well this guy was doing it WAAAAAAAY before Jack plugged in his guitar. It all sounds like 60’s garage rock though a couple of samples are chucked in for good measure. Squawking horns, dirty riffs AND he sounds like Elvis.
• Mark Kozelek – ‘What’s Next to the Moon? – OK. This is not ironic. Just let me point this out. The album is a bunch of Bon Scott era AC/DC covers reproduced in acoustic folk form. Lyrics suddenly gain poignancy and weight. They sound like they could have been written yesterday or 100 years ago and sung by Leadbelly whilst he was at the mercy of the prison governor.
• Fang Island – ‘Fang Island’ – A NYC band. Mostly instrumental, but rocks really hard – there is the odd bit of chanting thrown in for good measure. Like an Animal Collective you don’t have to try and pretend to like.
• Ryan Adams – ‘The Suicide Handbook’ & ‘Destroyer’ – Remember when Ryan Adams was brilliant? Me too. These albums have never officially been released though they are spoken of in hushed tones by fans and critics alike. These were recorded during a particularly prolific time for Adams during the ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘Gold’ sessions. Though many songs were scrapped as the record company said they were too depressing. They maybe only demos, but that is what makes them all the more special. Some you will recognise, others have remained unreleased, though God knows why. Unfortunately you will have to try and download these, though of course you can’t do that as it’s illegal, and you probably wouldn’t do it anyway...
• The Tallest Man On Earth – ‘The Wild Hunt’ – He’s Swedish but don’t let that put you off. He sounds nothing like ABBA. This is sparse music. The songs generally consist of acoustic guitar and maybe a slightly out of tune piano. It feels like overindulgence when a lightly plucked banjo comes in on the title track. Lyrics are slightly non sensical but he has an amazing voice stolen directly from early Dylan and melodies that will stick in your head. You can also sound deep when you are stroking your beard and trying impress that girl with your knowledge of Swedish folk.
• The Police - ‘Outlands D’Amour’ – Yes. I said it. The Police...but don’t let that put you off. Their first album is great. Your parents probably own this but I reckon you don’t. You should. Great tunes. All massive singalongs. Well nearly...apart from the song about a blow up doll. Get it. It won’t let you down. All done before Sting went all stupid and pretentious...well, nearly.
• Park Ave. – ‘When Jamie Went To London...We Broke Up’ – Indeed they did. This lot only made one album. I won’t tell you how young they were because your life will suddenly feel completely wasted and you will feel too old. Folk and tweeness seems to be making a comeback and this album is perfect for it. Great if you are trying to woo that bird from th local Art college.
• The Hold Steady – ‘Boys and Girls In America’ – This band have been around for ages. They just seem to scrape by on the touchline of the music press but never quite make it. The songs fucking rock basically. Loud guitars, loud drums, loud piano and lyrics that if put all together would probably make a novel longer than Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’. The lyrics centre around three main protagonists and their dead beat friends finding love in a recovery tent at a festival, betting on a horse called Chips Ahoy! and the songs reference each other and other literary wonders such as Jack Kerouac and John Berryman (and that’s just in the opening song).

There you have it. Some old bands and albums, some new. And one You will definitely have heard of. Sorry. I didn’t keep my deal. Well, I tell you what...you tell me yours.