1. AGNES OBEL – Philharmonics (PIAS)
OK. This fabulous singer songwriter has already sold a staggering 75,000 albums in France, and will be in the UK in April for a show at Bush Hall in west London, and hopefully some regional dates. Here is the official video for ‘Riverside’:
2. NATHANIEL RATELIFF – In Memory Of Loss (Rounder)
This is one man you are going to be hearing a lot from in 2011. Check out the official video for ‘Shroud’ here:
3. TIMBER TIMBRE – Creep On, Creepin’ On (Full Time Hobby)
So far, this is all we have! We can tell you that the album is stunning though…tantalising, eh?
4. MARIANNE FAITHFULL – Horses And High Heels (Dramatico)
Here’s a clip from French TV of Marianne performing ‘The Stations’, the opening cut on the album:
5. GRAILS – Deep Politics (Temporary Residence)
Intellectual, textural, enthralling rock of a genuinely alternative bent. Check out this track from the album, which is released this week:
6. ALEXI MURDOCH – Towards The Sun
The title track from Alexi’s new album will appeal to lovers of wistful, reflective balladry. A Nick Drake for the new age:
7. CORNERSHOP – Cornershop And The Double O Groove Of (Ample Play)
Sometimes dismissed as one hit wonders, the ever-excellent Cornershop have made an effervescent record that defies categorisation and plays with cultural stereotyping in a most delightful fashion. Check out a snippet of ‘Natch’ here:
8. ABIGAIL WASHBURN – City Of Refuge (Rounder)
Boy, Rounder are signing some great acts these days. Abigail’s new album ‘City Of Refuge’ is a modern bluegrass classic. How many other clawhammer banjo players do we know who have a grasp of the Mandarin dialect? Here she sticks to her native tongue on the title track from the aforementioned album:
9. OBITS – Moody, Standard And Poor
Brooklynites impress on their latest. Check out this track from their sophomore outing:
10. YOAV – A Foolproof Escape Plan
This rather shakily filmed live film of album opener ‘Greed’ is worth checking out by virtue of the fact that the performance is so good.
