Belated best of May and June

Yeah, I know I’m wayyy behind with stuff on this blog, but I’m playing catch-up on a heap of stuff, and now on 5th July, it’s time to cast an overdue glance back (as I normally do) over the past month. Except this time it’s the past two months. My review of May didn’t happen for obvious reasons. Now the problem is that May seems too far away, and June passed in a bit of a blur, without much contact with the outside world. So forgive me for a less than coherent post. Still, I’ll try anyway.

Album of the month(s):

Boxer by The National. Yeah! This was probably going to be May’s choice, though that month was pretty crowded with possibilities. On the other hand, it might have been Battles, but this is definitely the album I’ve got most enjoyment out of. There’s a warmth and general memorableness to it, which makes it feel like an old friend already.

Download: The National – Gospel


Songs of the month(s)

Los Campesinos! – You! Me! Dancing!

I’ve posted this one before, but since then Los Campesinos! have signed to Witchita, re-recorded it and released in on delicious bright red vinyl. It still sounds great. Last night in my continued attempts to bond with my baby, I danced round the lounge to this with her in my arms. She fell asleep.

Emmy the Great – Easter Parade

I’ve acquired a load of new Emmy songs over the past couple of months and they’re all pretty fantastic, but this is the one that keeps popping into my head at all times of the day and night (yes, I’m up during the night).

Rufus Wainwright – Going to a Town

Mrs Growl has had the latest Rufus Wainwright album on steady rotation since it came out in mid-May. And despite my love for all things stripped down and low-fi, I’m actually really loving Rufus’ over-the top orchestrations. A little frilliness every now and then is no bad thing. I totally love this song. Simple as that.

The Young Republic – Girl from the Northern States

Sneaking in at the end of June is this brilliant slice of Americana-tinged indie-pop from a band who are on the way to becoming one of my favourites of the year. I’m not going to post the song – you should really go and buy it, but if you want to hear it, click back to my previous post for a live version.

The White Stripes – Icky Thump

A monstrously good return from Jack and Meg, which although it’s fresh and exciting, already seems familiar, like an old Stripes classic.

Bonde Do Role – Office Boy

OK, I know there’s been silly hype and all that, but it’s a infectious little thing, and another nice little 7 inch slab of vinyl. This time sky blue. This is also another baby dancing record. She stayed awake though this one though. I think she liked it.