The Plastic Fuzz Web Log

Archive for December, 2010

2010 passed way to quickly for words. Musically speaking, we saw another drop in love, and sales, of the album format and a rise in the popularity of singles. The song as a format is back and something tells me 2011’s album round up will prove even tricker as I find myself drawn towards the new age way of consuming music. So here’s a toast. A toast to the beloved album!

1. Massive Attack – Heligoland [EMI/Virgin]

Two decades of music and only a handful of albums. It must be a good sign right? Massive Attack’s eagerly anticipated effort, Heligoland, is the first we’ve seen in 7 years and worth the wait. A return to songwriting as well as production, a return to a less politics, more apocalypse. Featuring a handful of gifted vocalists, we are treated to some haunting moments all gracefully delivered to us in perfect time for the cold winter nights. Standouts: Pray for Rain, Paradise Circus

2. M.I.A – /\/\/\Y/\ [XL Recordings]

Yes you can pronounce it, but you can’t type it without a few attempts. Perhaps the title is what she intended, perhaps it was a joke on her part, but either way it fits perfectly. Whilst not by any means her best offering, pint-sized M.I.A towers above others though not through competition but through being the only one doing what she does. Being M.I.A is easy: Get repeatedly banned from twitter; hook up with controversial video directors; strive for philanthropy – anyone can do it, right? Standouts: The Message, Born Free.

3. Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can [EMI/Virgin]

Somehow born in the 90’s, ex-Noah And The Whale, Laura Marling voice can melt ice and warm cockles.  Her attempts at being a less threatening Joni Mitchell works wonders on those cold winter nights.  No it’s not a sign of age, it’s just the anthithesis of M.I.A, it’s the sound of nothing, But a really good nothing. Standouts: Devil’s Spoke, Goodbye England(Covered In Snow).

Excuse me.

I have been “away on a project” for most of the year. However now I return and there will be new music, websites and pointless merchandise in 2011.

Meanwhile here’s a gentle cover of MGMT’s ‘Time to Pretend’ by Jonsi (Sigur Ros). It’s perfect for this time of the morning.

http://stereogum.com/309621/jonsi-time-to-pretend-mgmt-cover/mp3s/