I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2021 : 91-100

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 91 : The Split Squad - Another Cinderella       IDHAS Review

No 92 : Harborcoat - Joy Is Elusive          IDHAS Review





No 93 : Children Collide - Time Itself        IDHAS Review

No 94 : Crosstalk Club - Liftoff           IDHAS Review

No 95 : The Stayawakes - Pop Dreamz      IDHAS Review

No 96 : Kitten Pyramid - KOOZY!!      IDHAS Review

  

No 97 : Reigning Sound - A Little More Time with Reigning Sound      IDHAS Review





No 98 : latewaves - Hell To Pay     IDHAS Review

No 99 : Ruby Bones - Laser Tooth Tiger    IDHAS Review

No 100 : The Kindest People - The Kindest People    IDHAS Review

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Harborcoat - Joy Is Elusive

 

Michigan's Matt Carlson is a talented chap. Ex of the excellent Pantones, now of The Stick Arounds and then there is the side project that is Harborcoat. The band are essentially Indie Pop, but far nearer the UK version than the US. Yet there is also a US Twang side.

There's a real Pete Wylie vibe to Transit Town and that feel appears more than once across Joy Is Elusive. There's a real DIY Pop Rock sensibility to the album, almost Glasgow, certainly the better end of the 80s, Guitar rather than synth led. 

Go To Sleep has a weeping riff to accompany an almost Country Rock type of affair. Help Me Out is Power Pop yet Tightrope Wire sound more IRS. Never Made It Home is strumming Americana but just as effective as the Pure Pop on show elsewhere.

Hear Me I'm Courageous also mixes the US / UK sound. Instrumentally very British, vocally more American. The title track is a brooding melancholic gem providing a splendid storytelling vibe. Again Country-ish without ever being good ole boy hat wearing nonsense. 

New Dawn Chorus has a real 60s big Studio feel. Edwardsburg follows this route too, anthemic and cheerleading. For the involvement of six musicians, the sound is very laid back, never lo-fi, but certainly restrained at times. The emphasis is on letting the instruments breathe and this just enhances the overall sound of the album.

Joy is Elusive is a top notch listen. Sit an Armchair and you'll soon find yourself tapping your foot and singing along. But this is also an album to listen to and admire. It is a balance between Country, even Americana and Guitar Pop, but that just makes the album welcomingly less predictable.

You can buy and listen to the album here. 

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