10. Birds of Tokyo – Birds of Tokyo [EMI]
I’ve always had a soft spot for this band as songs like Plans and Saddest Thing I Know were stuck in my head for long periods this year.
9. Angus & Julia Stone – Down the Way [EMI]
Their last album A Book Like This didn’t do much for me. However, they redeemed themselves with this one with wonderfully produced pop songs like And the Boys and Big Jet Plane.
8. Deftones – Diamond Eyes [Warner Bros]
It’s good to see the boys revive their White Pony/Deftones era sound on this album. While Chi Cheng was not present on this CD the songs still impress, most notably Diamond Eyes and Royal.
7. British India – Avalanche [Shock]
It’s nice to see an Aussie band stick to their roots. Songs like Vanilla, Safari and Because of You are a nice reminder of what non-candy pop sounds like.
6. Clare Bowditch & The New Slang – Modern Day Addiction [Island]
This lady is what all pop stars should aspire to be. This album talks about all things plaguing society at the moment… war, consumerism and politics in a way that truly touches the heart.
5. The Vasco Era – Lucille [Universal]
The Apollo Bay trio are back rocking with their unique blues rock sound. After a change of direction on Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside the boys have revived their catchy old-school rock sound.
4. Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens – Family Pets [Honeybeast]
I was a latecomer to Julia’s music, but am now a fully committed fan and loved this album from the word go. She is a true talent out of the nation’s capital and a staple in our music scene. Little Surprises... more like No Surprises.
3. Children Collide – Theory of Everything [Universal]
Loved their last album The Long Now, so it was a relief this one didn’t lessen my love for them. The boys continue with their new-age grunge brand on this album, most notably with Jellylegs and My Eagle but also throw in pop-rock songs like Arrows and Loveless.
2. The Roots – How I Got Over [Def Jam]
Their hip-hop/jazz fusion never gets old. Listen to How I Got Over, Dear God 2.0, The Fire and Walk Alone if you need proof. Nuff said!
1. Massive Attack – Heligoland [Virgin]
After much doubt the trip-hop pioneers are back with one of their greatest albums yet. For me this is on par with Mezzanine, as it brings back the days when Daddy G and 3D were writing together. Well worth the wait as this is an album for all occasions.
