THE DUMMY GUIDE TO THE BEST NEW ALBUMS: FEBRUARY 2012
The month-long Monday-itis of January is passed and the music world is rearing for a year of anticipated releases. For February young, old and as yet unrealised new talent will be making their compilations, retrospectives and collaborations, including the debut album that should have been with Speech Debelle’s follow up to her Mercury Prize winning “Speech Therapy” and yet another film score from Air.
February 6th
Air – Le Voyage Dans La Lune [Virgin]
The French chillout duo have not only seemingly soundtracked Sofia Coppola’s entire film career but they also lend their scoring potential to the French silent film Le Voyage Dans La Lune (A Trip to the Moon).
Blondes – Blondes [RVNG Intl]
RVNG Intl has been putting out all sorts of interesting stuff from artists down Brooklyn way, not least this saturated dance duo who release a compilation of 12“s / a debut album.
Boy Friend – Egyptian Wrinkle [Hell, Yes!]
With SXSW and new psychedelia, it feels like Austin, Texas is the energy centre of New Weird America in general. Thus, Boy Friend offer a more trip-hoppy, ambient take on modern spiritualism.
Goldfrapp – The Singles [Mute]
As if to remind us they’re still here, electro-pop duo Goldfrapp will be indulging their fans with two new tracks on this compilation of mostly old stuff.
February 13th
Ital – Hive Mind [Planet Mu]
Daniel McCormick (aka Sex Worker, Black Eyes) didn’t mean to work under so many different monikers but he did mean to make punk boy dance-tracks that are better than the real thing.
Phenomenal Handclap Band – Form & Control [Tummy Touch]
The Brooklyn organism that is the ever-changing, psych-tinged indie-poppers is eclipsed only by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah for world’s dumbest band name. Thankfully, their music isn’t so silly.
Speech Debelle – Freedom of Speech [Big Dada]
Sadly, Speech Debelle’s debut album sales didn’t match the critical acclaim awarded her through that 2009 Mercury Prize win. It’s time the London emcee collected on those promises.
Thomas Brinkmann and Oren Ambarchi – The Mortimer Trap [Black Truffle]
Following a stint with Pan Sonic’s Mika Vainio in Japan, German Thomas Brinkmann and Australian Oren Ambarchi add to the multi-cultural set with a hotly-anticipated collaboration.
*February 27th
Gang Colours – The Keychain Collection [Brownswood]*
Ifan Daffyd did one of the best Amy Winehouse remixes you’re ever likely to hear and he contributes a remix to the Southampton band’s upcoming album release. Incidentally, they’re pretty good too.
Nina Kraviz – Nina Kraviz [Rekids]
How can house artist Nina Kraviz ever follow up a song title like Ghetto Kraviz? Listen to her album and find out.
Qluster – ‘Antworten’ [Bureau B]
Kluster, Cluster and now Qluster shed consonants like a snake sheds its skin and Hans-Joachim Roedelius abandons band members. This, the third incarnation of the legendary German vanguard features Onen Bock, half Roedelius’ age.
Scuba – Personality [Hotflush Recordings]
Dubstep pioneer Paul Rose releases his latest electronic mutations on his own Hotflush Recordings label and argues why he is master of bass and beat tension.
