We asked some librarian types what their favourite books of the year have been and which they would recommend the most. They’ve read some interesting stuff, as it turns out; over the next few days we’ll be highlighting one of their reviews per day, counting down to Christmas. Check them out, if you haven’t already.
Category: reviews and reccs
Even though most people just download remixes from the Hypemachine these days, lots of albums were still released this year and some of them were really good. Here are the ten of the best we have at the library. Some are in the YA section, and some aren’t (so will cost to issue).
1. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
A couple of weirdo hippies making a psychadelic-electro album with Prince-esque disco moments sounds like a fantastic idea. And it was, even if ‘Kids’ ends up as this year’s ‘Hey Ya’ in terms of ubiquity. Perfect for summer.
2. TV on the Radio – Dear Science
This is TV on the Radio’s third album and also their most danceable. David Bowie is a huge fan and so am I.
3. Black Seeds – Solid Ground
The Black Seeds keep on pushing out the reggae/dub and this, their fourth album shows that they might just be the best around at doing it.
4. Radiohead – The Best Of
You could pretty much burn a cd of 18 random Radiohead songs and it would rule. A great starting point for a great band.
5. Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles
Electro + Punk Attitude = Awesome. Mathematics never lies.
6. Last Shadow Puppets – The Age of the Understatement
Artic Monkey, Alex Turner’s “other” band delivered this fine effort and I for one hope that it won’t be a one-off side project. One of the coolest sounding albums I’ve ever come across.
7. Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke
Finally! It’s Blondie for the new millenium. And she’s from Wellington. And she’s really cute, sigh.
8. The Black Keys – Attack & Release
I went to see these guys live earlier this year and they were mighty impressive. The production by Danger Mouse adds an extra layer to their potent blues rock.
9. Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
Australian electro at its very best. Another great summer album.
10. These New Puritans – Beat Pyramid
This makes it on the list for a few reasons; Cross by Justice came out in 2007 so I needed one more, Simon really likes them, and I’ve had Elvis stuck in my head for at least 6 months. Oh yeah, it’s a really good album too.
Here are the videos from each (after the Read more …):
Tessa is a 16 year old girl dying from Cancer. Doctors have told her she only has a few months left to live. Determined to make the most of her short life, Tess embarks on a journey of personal discovery, completing a list of 10 things she wants to do before she dies. Despite its sad theme, this novel is enlightening and surprisingly funny. I really warmed to the characters and enjoyed following Tessa’s adventures with her friends. I’d recommend Before I Die to anyone looking for something light and life-affirming to read.
If you enjoyed this, try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard.
