I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2021 : 81-90

It's been difficult to get these choices down to 100. I'm also not a believer in saying one album is better than another. Most of the time you are comparing Apples To Oranges. I'm not a List person, I just think what's the point.

However, for the last few years I have compiled annual Best Of 's  because these posts seem so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists. There is no meaning or judgement on an album that is Number 1, Number 100 or not on the list. Anything that I review on here, mention on Social Media or play on the Radio Show is as highly recommended.

There are few rules. All albums have to have been reviewed on IDHAS. Reissues and Live Albums are not included. Previously unreleased albums are included, but Best Of's are not. For each album, I've posted a song from it and a link to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album. 

No 81 : The Arthurs - Glass       IDHAS Review

No 82 : Nova Waves - Going The Distance      IDHAS Review

      

No 83 : Kitner - Shake the Spins      IDHAS Review





No 84 : Dutch Tulips - Double Visions      IDHAS Review

No 85 : Anton Barbeau - Oh The Joys We Live For      IDHAS Review

No 86 : The Reflectors - Faster Action      IDHAS Review







No 87 : Keats - The Saturday Night Shocker      IDHAS Review     





No 88 :  Kevin Robertson - Sundown's End      IDHAS Review

No 89 : Vukovar - The Colossalist      IDHAS Review

 

No 90 : Space Cadet - Lion On A Leash      IDHAS Review

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Dutch Tulips - Double Visions

 

There's no doubt that the Boston Quartet Dutch Tulips are American, but at times they come across so UK. For example, Pez Mansion has a verse that is all Lou Reed in London Transformer period, but then it explodes into the catchiest chorus imaginable.

It is really hard to label what the band do, there is a slight hint of The Killers without the pomposity. They certainly hit on a riff that completely hooks you and the choruses are massive, so all the essentials are present for the Pop Rockers. But there is something more.

EMTR has an almost 60's Garage Rock feel crossed with the Indie College Rock of the 90's. Mike Holland's Vocals help to spread the variety. The odd time he can sound like a grown up Feargal Sharkey, there is a gentleness and warmth to his voice. Take for instance, Frozen Orange which has a 60's Beat fighting to get out.

Sick Middle just explodes with melodic noise, it doesn't come up for air. Disconnected is a Brit Pop riff accompanying a generally 80's Synth Rock affair. Too Late is very spacey with a Bass line that just takes over your body and the guitar solo is a real plank spanker.

The one common factor here is that there is a real storytelling chatty feel to the verses, mainly with a lot of words, that builds up to an unexpected killer chorus. The album is very Indie Guitar, but brilliantly produced which updates the sound. Lockdown has meant way too much Lo Fi, so it is refreshing to hear something sound so clear.

My personal preference are the songs that take chances, but most will be grabbed by the little anthems like Tell Me Your Codes and Stages And Phases. Double Visions is a cracking album, songs that get your foot tapping, played splendidly. A proper band album. Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album here. 

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