CD-Charts Position 1
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The Hawk Is Howling

by: Mogwai

Release Date September 22, 2008
I hadn't heard any Mogwai before. Listened to this album on their myspace page and really liked. Sometimes happy but mostly moody soundtracks to films never made but probably should have been. I can imagine Shane Meadows making a film with a Mogwai soundtrack.
A bit of Sonic Youth, a bit of shoegazing, a bit of Pink Floyd, it even reminds me a bit of some Pat Metheny stuff. Whatever it is it's worth listening too. Buy without hesitation if you like proper grown up sounds.

CD-Charts Position 2
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Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

by: Sigur Ros

Release Date June 23, 2008
This, the fourth album proper from the band, starts well with two songs that sound fresh, lively and a little different before normal service is resumed with mixed results. I wish they'd continued with the sunnier upbeat vibe of those opening tracks and made this their summer album (I already see 'Agaetis' as their wet behind the ears Spring album and '( )' their chilly winter disc). When compared to the previous three albums you'd have to conclude that this is the weakest but it is still an enjoyable listen.

The next album will be the real test for the band as more of the same might not be enough to keep everyone interested.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Fleet Foxes

by: Fleet Foxes

Release Date June 16, 2008
HELLO? HI, THIS IS A GOOD ALBUM, THE SONGS ARE GOOD, IT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, IT MAKES YOU THINK.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Third

by: Portishead

Release Date April 28, 2008
Much of the time bands who have gone into hibernation return with albums which are mere shadows of their previous work. This album is the complete opposite and successfully captures the eerie tones which occupy many of their best songs. I simply cannot pick a favourite from an album which oozes style.

CD-Charts Position 5
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The Hawk Is Howling (Limited Edition)

by: Mogwai

Release Date September 22, 2008
When Mogwai released 'Young Team' back in 1997, they were a breath of fresh air. They combined the rawness of Pavement circa 'Slanted & Enchanted' with the atmosphere so fondly remembered on Slint's milestone album 'Spiderland'.

11 years on from that landmark release and Mogwai have gone through many up's and downs. 'Come On Die Young' blew us all away with its blinding dynamics and sinister air, but conversley, 'Rock Action' left me with an empty feeling and made me wonder wheather this once great band had gone as far as it could. Since 'Rock Action', Mogwai have released a steady stream of good if not remarkable albums (although I beleive 'Happy Songs For Happy People' to be somewhat of a lost classic).

'The Hawk Is Howling' keeps ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Songs in A&E

by: Spiritualized

Release Date May 26, 2008
I've never been one for the jazz themed white noise thrashouts so beloved of Mr Pierce, but always loved the droney cathedral rock of his earlier days (which I appreciate is just as unmusical to some ears - I absolutely love Pure Phase). Ladies and Gentlemen is undoubtedly his masterpiece (jazz themed white noise thrashouts notwithstanding), but why oh why did I not buy a second copy and keep the first fresh in its pill box?

Anyway, post L&G the work declined. Some decent stuff on Let it come down, but I didn't bother with Amazing Grace. This is a return to form. I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer who said he might need a bit more inspiration when it comes to song titles, but the songs and music are back. I cannot stop listening to Death ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Mr. Beast

by: Mogwai

Release Date March 06, 2006
The first two tracks alone are worth buying the album for. Outside of Pink Floyd and other Mogwai tracks these two tunes are untouchable. Keep it up guys.

CD-Charts Position 8
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Happy Songs for Happy People

by: Mogwai

Release Date June 09, 2003
I've only heard a few of their tracks before, and just bought this finally last week (!!), since then I've listened to it constantly - all I can say that this is now one of the best CD I have, and I have A LOT of music of all types of genre. Buy this now.

CD-Charts Position 9
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Come on Die Young

by: Mogwai

Release Date March 29, 1999
I saw Mogwai a couple of years back and I don't think they played anything off this album, which might suggest it isn't much cop. A couple of listens reveals the reason however: this is not a bunch of singles in the same way as Mr Beast or Happy Songs, this is a body of work that needs to be listened to as a whole to truly appreciate it. The mood is a mix of the melancholy and the sinister but it works surprisingly well. I find it is one of those album that withstands repeated listening - there is always something new to latch onto and there isn't a single minute of filler in the entire 70+ minutes. I wish I could same the same for some of their other albums because when they are on form, they produce some stunning moments of beauty. An album the is most definitely in my top 3 (with Endtroducing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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For Emma Forever Ago

by: Bon Iver

Release Date March 24, 2008
For Emma just creeps up on you and invades your existence but in the most wondrous way. Had an awful long drive home one evening in the pitch darkness and listened to it properly. It's like having your best in friend in the car with you. When it finished I just put it back on again. Very wintry, isolated, atmospheric and lovely. Creature Fear and Lump Sum are brilliant. Lets not mess about all the songs are superb. And then of course there is "Re. Stacks" - the song of the year. Quite where Justin Vernon goes next I don't know but I do care a lot.