So today is the first National Album Day in the UK, and for me this is great as I tend to listen to full albums more than songs on their own - I like to listen to songs within the context that it was released in, if that makes sense?! So I thought I'd put together a list of my favourite albums; these are by no means the only albums I love - there are loads more! But I guess these are the ones that mean something to me, have a special place in my heart (as cheesy as that sounds!)
- The Resistance (Muse)
Not necessarily one I listen to a lot these days, but still important to me as it was the first album that get me into rock - and I'm using "rock" as a heavily generalised term! So I guess this is the foundation...
- AM (Arctic Monkeys)
The one I would categorise as a "heartbreak album"; in my mind AM has this theme of losing a love, then trying to navigate the confusing aftermath of that - from crying your heart out and wishing that the break-up had not happened, to trying to do things to forget about them. And somehow this resonated with me so much, as a break-up is not a black-and-white thing...
- Everything You've Come To Expect (The Last Shadow Puppets)
The one that somehow really means a lot to me, but without having a specific meaning like the other albums here - I guess you could say it's the "cornerstone" of my music taste?!
- Don't Forget Who You Are (Miles Kane)
The one that always lifts my mood, whether I'm having a bad day, feeling down/stressed, or just wanting to get in the mood for a party (which rarely happens these days I'll add!). There's just something about this album, in that for me it's a mix of songs which range from "upbeat and fun", "giving you reassurance/confidence" to "screaming at whatever/whoever is making you angry"!
- Blackstar (David Bowie)
Showing the true power of the album; I think that an album can be more than a collection of songs, and for me this is demonstrated by Blackstar really well. There are others for sure, and others that I can think of, but for me this was probably the first time I'd really noticed the "power of the album" I guess...
- 48:13 (Kasabian)
The one that showed me that I should branch out in the music I listen to; prior to listening to this album, I don't think I would have listened to another album like it. So for sure, this was a pretty important message to me, which said "go out and just listen to different stuff - you never know, you might like other songs which you wouldn't have necessarily listened to".
Aaand, as it's October now (where did most of this year go?!), here are some I've been listening to recently.
Coup de Grace (Miles Kane)
Yes, OK, I know I've already mentioned Don't Forget Who You Are, but I have to mention this one too! Another great one, with stunning moments including "Wrong Side of Life" and "Shavambacu" - well, there is a line in Shavambacu that I don't like, but still, it's a great song!
Chris (Christine and the Queens)
Still haven't gotten to know this one well yet, but definitely one I'm really liking so far!
