We're Almost Halfway...

... I'm an absolute sucker for lists of any sort so when I saw a best albums thus far this year earlier, I immediately dropped all relevant work I was supposed to be undertaking that day and got cracking. I'm going for 10 albums as although I've listened to a heft amount of albums this year, some have only been fleeting airings and need more rotations.

No particular preference in order here, don't think I can bring myself to tackle that just yet.

Villagers - Becoming A Jackal

This is an album I'm sure will topping many end of year lists. It was an album that carried a lot of hype with it but still managed to deliver on it and possibly even more. Grows with every listen.
LISTEN TO: I Saw The Dead, Meaning Of The Ritual, Ship Of Promises.

LaFaro - LaFaro

Another homegrown act albeit north of the border. This album just straight up rocks rocks in a filthy scuzzy way that The Jesus Lizard did and to an extent Future Of The Left do now.
LISTEN TO: Tupenny Nudger, Chopper Is A Fucking Tout, The Ballad Of Burnt Dave

65daysofstatic - We Were Exploding Anyway

I had very high hopes for this album after getting a taster in what was one of the best performances I'd ever seen December last year. Still though, I don't think I was ready for this, 65daysofstatic had evolved into a bastardised and heavier Fuck Buttons which is no bad thing at all.
LISTEN TO: Go Complex, Crash Tactics, Tiger Girl

Enemies - We've Been Talking

A release from the awesome Richter Collective label this album was added to the ever growing list of post rock albums I seem to be collecting. This stands out from the rest though from the from the moment it start. Some of the most heavenly guitar tones you'll hear all year.
LISTEN TO: Backaches & Cardigans, Nag Champa, Creamist

The Redneck Manifesto - Friendship

Again, a true testament to both the music scene in Ireland and the Richter Collective who pulled off quite a coup in getting one of Dublin's finest independent's to release a long in the waiting album with them. And the wait was worth it, a glorious return that easily surpasses their finest effort I Am Brazil, I can only hope the wait isn't as long next time.
LISTEN TO: Black Apple, Rubber Up, Smile More

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

I've always liked Gorillaz but I've found their albums to be pretty patchy, packed with a few cracking tunes and then a lot of filler. Plastic Beach however seems to have bucked the trend. Another great selection of guests with the return of Bobby Womack probably the cherry on top.
LISTEN TO: Stylo, Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach, Sweepstakes

The National - High Violet

Becoming A Jackal had a lot of hype about it in Ireland, High Violet had the entire planet waiting with bated breath. This time Brooklyn's finest came up with the goods again. Already touted as being as good if not better than Boxer, I think it may just be.
LISTEN TO: Bloodbuzz Ohio, England, Anyone's Ghost

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

This album lures you into a false sense of security for all of 8 seconds before erupting into a chaotic frenzy. Dillinger basically still make the music they did 10 years ago but they seem to be adding a bit more accessibility which certainly needed.
LISTEN TO: Farewell Mona Lisa, Widower, Chinese Whispers

The Cast Of Cheers - Chariot

This album came out of nowhere and it's success is a true testament to the power of social media outlets. Released for free through Bandcamp, this is spikey loop driven guitar at it's finest.
LISTEN TO: Strangers, Tigerfox, Auricom

Beach House - Teen Dream

This is probably one of the first album's I was exposed to this year and it hasn't left rotation for very often, probably due it's Victoria Legrand's beautiful voice's power to eradicate the after effects of a night of alcoholic indulgence.
LISTEN TO: Zebra, Walk In The Park, Take Care
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I guess what struck me most when I compiled this list is just how many of the artists present are from my own country which is certainly a wonderful thing to see. The music industry in Ireland was very stagnant for a time and seemed a dull and even at times bland place but in the last few years it's really started to flourish. I only hope that by the time the year is out I'll have many more to add to this list.