6. Bombay Bicycle Club – I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
Andy : 13 :: Dave : 2
I struggled with where to begin writing about our sixth best album of the year. You will not be getting the most descriptive of write-ups, as that is not what I wish to say about this band and this album. As you can see from our individual rankings, I loved this album more than any other this year with the exception of one. The authors of my second favorite album of the year are a group of four young North Londoners who have put forth two EP’s and a single prior to the release of this, their debut album. It’s straightforward indie rock with glimpses of shoe-gaze and jagged guitars. But what it truly breaks down to be is pure enjoyment.
I listen to a lot of music and generally enjoy consuming it in album form. Albums can mean several different things to me and often fall into one of a few varied categories. I won’t be getting into all of the categories I catalogue in my head, but the category this album falls into is that of one I can affectionately designate “anytime.” There are certain albums that people wish to listen to when feeling down, when drinking and when driving (separately of course), and any other countless situations. Certain albums are good for background music or to be blasted when angry. Regardless of where I happen to be or what I happen to be doing, this album can be popped in (if in cd form, there is no good description for pressing play on iTunes), listened to from beginning to end and loved each and every time. There are a select few albums in my collection I can say this about.
At this point Blues has gotten far past the usual infatuation period one encounters with a new album. I played the shit out of it when I got it, and it is my go-to music for when I’m driving and don’t know what the hell else I want to listen to. This is how I know it has made it that “anytime” status. I’ve kept my previous entry into this category, Minus The Bear’s album Planet of Ice in my car for well over two years, perhaps I now have a suitable replacement.
Bombay Bicycle Club – Autumn (mp3)
Bombay Bicycle Club – What If (mp3)
(Both songs from I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
