9. Pink - Funhouse
Funhouse is Pink's break-up album and it shows. This is the first album from Pink in which you can feel real emotion. Her obvious heartbreak is evident in many of the songs like "Sober", "I Don't Believe You", and "Please Don't Leave Me" all of which drip with slightly melodramatic melancholia. But with other songs like the mega-hit "So What", "Bad Influence", and "Funhouse", all much more energetic, you feel Pink flipping her finger at love, marriage and her ex, Carey Hart. It's written all over Funhouse in the up-beat pop-rock tracks and the emotionally bereft, pain filled ballads, it's clear that Pink means every word and sentiment, and feels every ache, every bruise, keenly. But she is Pink, she'll recover and she knows it, it shows.
8. The Dollyrots – Because I’m Awesome
The Dollyrots are better classed as hard-core, non-conformist, progressive pop with a strong undercurrent of punk, rather than the pop-punk label they have had thrust upon them. Their debut album Because I’m Awesome is a strong, offbeat, aggressive but friendly album that will inspire you to jump around with your fist in the air singing at the top of your lungs. Definitely a must hear album.
7. Jem - Down To Earth
This Welsh singer-songwriter's works are easy enough to recognise, if you watch much useless television-porn like The O.C., Desperate Housewives, or Grey's Anatomy. However I would be willing to bet you had never heard of her. But now is your chance. Jem weaves beautiful music from the nether region between electro-pop artists like Imogen Heap, musical mavericks like Björk, and whinny, whispering neurotics like Dido. Using elements of soul, electronica, pop, latin, and dance she creates atmospheric electro-pop, that flows together like any great symphony, and yet each song easily stands out on it's own merits. Down To Earth is Jem's second outing and really a must hear album.
6. Paddy Casey - Addicted to Company
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
Cool list.
I really enjoyed the Ting Tings album this year. It's probably my personal favourite from your list. Gonna have to check out Jem. I didn't even know she had another one out, so thanks for enlightening me there.
:)
2 - A.L. Harper
They are all fabulous albums. or I wouldn't have put them on my list!
But yes The Ting Tings are fantastic. I'm sure they are only going to get better!
A.L.
3 - Donald Gibson
I reviewed a compilation album last year that had a Tings Tings cut on it ("Fruit Machine"), which drew me to getting their album. They're playing a club gig here near my hometown in a month or so; I may have to check that out.
4 - A.L. Harper
I couldn't vouch for their live show, but you'd hope with that kind of energy on an album, that their live show would be something amazing!