Rich*

10 Metric - Fantasies http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/MET80019.JPG ‘Fantasies’, the fourth album by Canadian rock band Metric continues the countdown at No.10. This album’s really grown on me in recent weeks and the more I listen, the more I appreciate just how brilliant it is. is the albums highlight for me , other standouts include ‘Help I’m Alive’, ‘Sick Muse’ and bonus track ‘Waves’ which I was sent just yesterday but has already managed to grab my attention. When I originally compiled my list this album was just inside the top 20 and has since climbed to just inside the top ten which goes to show just how much of a grower it is. It’s a remarkable effort and has made me want to check out their back catalogue of which I know very little about.

Not liking the mellow face for Paramore Mr Self Destruct :(

You are all clever :D

The Top Ten: http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture6.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture3-1.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture5.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture7.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture9.png http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture4.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture10.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture1-14.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture2-3.pnghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/RichardAllen/Picture8.png Most are rather obvious but still fun :)

The Prodigy were higher but have slipped in the last couple of days :( Still a brilliant album though :D

'Eat Raw Meet = Blood Drool' is such a song though :wub: Jay-Z is amazing :D

Many thanks for commenting :) On the Doves front, it is a very good album just one that doesn't make me want to go back and listen again and again :( You've mentioned three of the standouts though

Cheers for commenting :) I reckon 'Daisy' could be higher if I'd listened more :o

12 Editors - In This Light & On This Evening http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/KW43.JPG Editors third album ‘In This Light & On This Evening’ makes an impressive finish at No.12. Despite reaching No.1 upon its release in October this album seems to have fallen somewhat under the radar. Featuring the singles and ‘You Don’t Know Love’, the Editors third record is their darkest to date. From the opening riff of the title track, Tom Smith’s haunting voice captures the attention of the listener with intent. The first half of the album is very strong and whilst the album loses focus slightly on ‘Like Treasure’, it manages to regain it for closer ‘Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool’. This album was a very strong contender for my top ten, in fact until moments ago it was inside my top ten but upon reflection there’s that little something missing to make it that bit more exceptional. Nevertheless, it’s a vast improvement on ‘An End Has A Start’ and is well worth a listen. 11 Jay-Z - Blueprint III http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/JAYZBLUEPRINT.JPG Just missing out on a place inside the top ten is Sean ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, with Blueprint III. In terms of ‘great’ hip hop records, they come very few and far between. When they do come however, they are rather spectacular and Jay-Z is responsible for a good number of those records. The Blueprint III, is Jay-Z’s 11th studio album (all 11 of which have been No.1 in the US, quite a remarkable feet) and includes some of Jay-Z’s finest work to date. Featuring the likes of Rihanna, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Mr Hudson, the record is a throughly enjoyable listen from start to finish. Perhaps lyrically is where I admire artists Jay-Z the most. His raw talent for writing clever hooks and rhymes is something I appreciate so much when listening to his music. Finally, I had the pleasure of seeing him twice this year (supporting Coldplay) and he is one of the greatest live performers I have ever seen. The way he works the crowd is quite something and he puts on quite a show. Amazing!

14 The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/HOSPCD001.JPG The Prodigy’s fifth studio album, and first in 12 years to feature all three members ‘Invaders Must Die’ is at No.14. Possibly one of the best ‘single’ albums of the last twelve months, ‘Invaders Must Die’ includes , ‘Warriors Dance’, ‘Take Me To The Hospital’ and the title track. With ‘Thunder’ and ‘Colors’ are also amongst highlights, the album never really loses its way. Where this album works best though is live. The high intensity of songs such as ‘Omen’ and ‘Invaders Must Die’, allowed the band to steal the show at this years Leeds festival. Their superb set, which lasted a little over an hour really does beg the question, why weren’t they headlining as apposed to Arctic Monkeys? A triumphant year for The Prodigy and a fitting end to this decade for the band. 13 Brand New - Daisy http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/BRANDDAISY.JPG ‘Daisy’, the forth album by Brand New is at No.13. Released late September, perhaps the greatest moment on the album comes just a couple of minutes in to opening song 'Vices'. The opening (and closing music at the end of ‘Noro’) is ‘On Life’s Highway’, a gospel hymn which is then turned on its head by Jesse Lacey who screams ‘We need VICES’. There’s quite a remarkable contrast after ‘Vices’, the album slows down in pace with songs such as ‘Bed’ and lead single ‘At The Bottom’. ‘Daisy’ is such an enjoyable listen and an album that would have finished a hell of a lot higher if I’d listened more.

Yes, you should :) 'Underdog' release annoyed me. Could have come up with a much better video and promoted it and it would have been way bigger :(

Agree with you on the Robbie front, very Christmassy :D Cheryl's videos :wub:

Cheers for commenting :)

Glad :) Especially pleased you like Idlewild

Can't wait for 'The Conquerer' :) Listened to 'The Bachelor' the other day again. First half is amazing but it drags on towards the end :(

16 Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/GREENDAY07.JPG ’21st Century Breakdown’ is a funny one. In many respects, compared with it’s predecessor (2004s ‘American Idiot) it’s a huge letdown. However, as I edged closer to seeing them in October I started listening to the album more and my opinion changed. As the album draws to it’s conclusion, it gets a hell of a lot better. Single-wise, this album’s campaign been handled all wrong. ‘Know Your Enemy’ was an appalling choice of lead single by which point nobody was interested. Personal highlights include Both ‘Viva La Gloria’s’, ’21 Guns’, 'East Jesus Nowhere', ‘Last Night On Earth’ and ‘Restless Heart Syndrome’. 15 Kasabian - West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/88697518312.JPG Kasabian’s much anticipated third album follows. ‘West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ is certainly an improvement on 2006’s ‘Empire’ which lacked the substance of their debut. , ‘Fire’, ‘Fast Fuse’ and ‘Vlad The Impaler’ are all amongst highlights on this psychedelic fifty minute listen. Whist the album is pretty much consistent throughout, I can’t help but feel there is something missing. Musically the album is very strong, but there’s just something missing that doesn’t make me want to go back and listen on a regular basis like the albums above it on this list. A valiant attempt, but it still doesn’t have the magic of their excellent self-titled debut.

18 Robbie Williams - Reality Killed The Video Star http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/5099968775223.JPG Robbie Williams is at No.18. He’s always been a guilty pleasure of mine, I even had a soft spot for ‘Rudebox’ (title track aside). ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’, his eighth studio album is a return to form for the Stoke lad. Personal highlights include opener ‘Morning Sun’ and singles ‘Bodies’ and . The latter half of the album tails of slightly but it’s still a great listen. 17 Cheryl Cole - 3 Words http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/2721459.JPG Cheryl Cole’s next with ‘3 Words’, her debut solo effort. Despite being a huge fan, I must admit I had my doubts about her solo career, however I must say I have been surprised. I wasn’t keen on at first, it reminded me too much of Mary J Blige’s ‘Just Fine’ however in time it grew on me (the video helped) and it’s now up there with one of the best pop songs of the year for me, there’s just something so addictive about it. Along with ‘Fight For This Love’, highlights include; along with ‘Rain On Me’, ‘Happy Hour’, ‘Make Me Cry’, as well as the title track. My main criticism is Will.I.Am’s huge influence on the album. One track is sufficient but four tracks (including Heartbreaker) is rather OTT. Surely they could have varied the featuring artist? I’m quite surprised at how high it’s ended up on my end of year chart. It’s a far better album then I thought it’d be (Heaven aside) and keeps the clock ticking nicely till Girls Aloud'.

Rather fantastic :D

The only one you like? :(

20 Idlewild - Post Electric Blues http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/COOKCD501.JPG Idlewild’s sixth-full-length studio album ‘Post Electric Blues’ was self released in June 2003 before receiving a traditional release in October. Speaking about the release, guitarist Rod Jones said “I think the way we approached making this record, and doing things ourselves and involving our fans just gave us the freedom and time to do what we wanted to do without any pressure. I think it has been a turning point for us.” Consistent from start to finish, highlights include; ‘Younger Than America’, ‘(The Night Will) Bring You Back To Life’, ‘Post-Electric’ and ‘Readers & Writers’ (which for me is by far the standout). Whilst it doesn’t match ‘The Remote Part’, ‘Readers & Writers’ is another solid effort and goes to show once again how criminally underrated a band Idlewild are. 19 Patrick Wolf - The Bachelor http://www3.hmv.co.uk/hmv/Large_Images/HMV/BCM2CD.JPG A prominent feature on my year to date charts, Patrick Wolf returned in 2009 with fourth album ‘The Bachelor’. My personal highlight from Wolf over the last twelve months is his onstage rant after his set was cut short which provided many a laugh. Originally intended as part of a double album entitled ‘Battle’, highlights include ‘ ’, ‘The Bachelor’, ‘Damaris’ and ‘Oblivion?’. One could argue ‘The Bachelor’ is Patrick’s most commercial record to date and whilst it has its moments, it doesn’t match his first two records. Nevertheless, the album is a throughly enjoyable listen and I await ‘The Conqueror’ in much anticipation in 2010.

Great, can't wait. I take it you'll be doing a singles as well?

I caught the end of them at Leeds Festival and thought they were really good :D I do like the album a lot, like I say, just wish it was shorter :(

Thanks for commenting :) Will you be doing a countdown? :o

Enjoying your countdown, will comment :) Over 30 times already :o That's over 30hrs of 'Them Crooked Vultures' listening. That's crazy! I take it you like Queens, Foos and Led Zeppelin then? :D

-Z_FT7hBKEM Doves - Winter Hill See what you think. Enjoy it for the video, if nothing else