Here is Part 2 of our ‘CDs from The Vault: 2006’ post. You can catch up with Part 1 here.
The eraser / Yorke, Thom
More depressing noodlings from Radiohead front man on the subjects of anxiety, paranoia, war, & the death of Dr. David Kelly in the spirit of the electronica of Kid A. Not as fleshed out as Radiohead tracks, leaving some of the tracks sounding like rough demos. Still it gives Yorke a chance to show how much of an instrument his voice can be. (Mark)
The trials of Van Occupanther / Midlake
The Texan band’s second album moves deeper into 1970s territory with this gorgeous collection of songs. Sweet harmonies, varied instrumentation and weird 19th century lyrics make it an exciting and rewarding listening. (Neil P.)
Highway companion / Petty, Tom
His first album since 2002’s patchy ‘The Last DJ’ and first solo album since 1994’s ‘Wildflowers’ sees a welcome return to form. Teaming with producer Jeff Lynne and Heartbreaker Mike Campbell he delivers a stripped down acoustic based set that is closer in style to 1989’s ‘Full Moon Fever’. Petty’s classic rock style was never groundbreaking, but on this effortless album he seems to know he’s no longer got anything left to prove, and the album is filled with the kind of melodic catchy guitar driven songs that no one seems to make anymore. (Mark)
Faust IV [2 CD] / Faust
The German band’s 1973 album is re-mastered and re-released with a bonus disc of Peel sessions and alternate takes. The sound is an improvement on the original release and the result is a collection of idiosyncratic pieces that make up what is truly one of the great albums of the seventies. (Neil P.)
Don’t you know who I think I was? : the best of The Replacements / Replacements
Anyone hearing The Replacements for the first time might just conclude that they sound like a lot of other bands, when the truth is that most other bands sound like The Replacements. For the first time a compilation gathers their work from indie & major labels, showcasing just how influential Paul Westerberg’s song-writing is. Their album ‘Let it be’ is regarded as one of the first grunge albums, & the song ‘Achin’ to be’ credited with heralding the whole Americana movement. An obvious influence on bands as diverse as Wilco, Nirvana, Green Day & Ryan Adams. Essential listening for any true ‘rock’ fan. (Mark)