Glorious Sound
We are only a quarter of the way through the year and already there are some outstanding albums being released.
It's an incredibly competitive music world for artists with the ambition to become "the greatest" in 2011. Last year we heard some great music, some surprises, some fabulous debut albums, some superb re-releases of vintage albums.
It was a hard act to follow but the team here at Find CD have already picked out some exceptional examples of what's on offer and we have agreed that the signs are that 2011 is going to be a great year for music.
So far the favourite for all of us is The Magic Place by Julianna Barwick.
The Magic Place was, in fact, a tree on the farm where Julianna spent her childhood and the title couldn't be more appropriate. This album is absolutely magical with looped layers of glorious sound, and it is the sound rather than the vocals which make this such a unique musical experience, but there is no sugar coating anywhere on this album. The first song is "Envelop" and that's the beginning of this sublime and intimate experience. The listener is indeed wrapped around and enveloped by the voice of this sublime singer, withdrawn from the present time and taken by her to a magical place of unidentified memories. It's rich, powerful and emotional and very beautiful. "The Magic Place is released on 2nd May and can be pre-ordered now.
Now back to the real world and some other fantastic new releases.
Tune-Yards by Whokill is the second album from Merril Garbus.
Again there is layering of sound but with this lady it's powerful, frenetic, fun, playful and even chaotic. The vocals carry complex and personal messages but the album is a thumping, energetic and predicted to be one of the best albums in 2011
I Remember Me by Jennifer Hudson is a classy offering from the Grammy Award winner, Her voice has the rich, powerful, emotional, sound of the gospel singer. Hudson has been deeply affected by the tragedy in her personal life and some of the soulful tracks on the album reflect her emotions. If you are an Rand B fan this album is a "must have" for you
This Modern Glitch by The Wombats is full of rhythms to dance to. It doesn't stand up to too much scrutiny, but it's fun and energetic with great choruses. This one could be the pop album of the year.
Ending On A High Note. The Final by a-ha - This is what fans of a-ha have been waiting for and it doesn't disappoint. There's a fantastic mix of old and new with the remarkable voice of Morten Harket at its best, just listen to that high note on the track "Summer Moved On". Amazing! And again there is the superb rendition of "Butterfly butterfly" by Morten, Paul and Mags and the iconic hallmark track "Take On Me" This is one for the fans don't miss it.
Now That's What I Call A Wedding Box Set by Various artists . Just in time for the Royal Wedding or perhaps YOUR wedding. This album has it all from smoochy love songs to thumping party tunes. It would be easier to say which artists don't feature on the album, the list of those who do is so long. There's Van Morrison, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Frank Sinatra, Barry White Elvis, Tina Turner etc.etc.This is an absolute must for all 2011 weddings. So don't wait too long it's going to be very popular.
If you haven't found your favourite here then check out all our new releases. You will be sure to find it there.