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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Kitner - Shake the Spins

 

I'm not going to go on about labels again because it is as tedious for me as it is for you to read. Kitner have been lumped in with the EMO brigade and I just don't hear it here. This is Indie Rock, but a thoughtful toned down version of it. 

It has took a fair while to get to the Boston quartet's debut album, but it is well worth your wait. I've been hanging on to this for a few months and then I don't notice it has a first of the month release with all the 31 in 31 excitement.

There's a lot to get into here as the band follow various paths. The stand out song is Suddenly, a real jaunty Pop Rock affair that isn't that reflective to what else is here. Beth Israel is another stormer and that is splendidly shouty.

Below the surface, there is a real sense of melancholy, particularly in the lyrics. New Haven CT starts as a moody acoustic and although the mood doesn't improve, the song speeds up and adds instruments from everywhere. There is a hell of a lot going on in its 2 minutes 40.

Henry Miller '91 is almost Americana until a blistering Guitar Solo. Orient Heights is anthemic with a real rock out towards the close. Malden MA has a real rust belt feel with its Harmonica Rock and Junebug is an awesome affair, Keyboard Player Brianne Costa's vocal complementing and adding depth to the song.

The closer, If There's Anything Left, compares with any of the new breed of Folk Poppers out there. I think beautiful is the word to describe it. The time taken since 2019 to get this album out has definitely strengthened the album and the influences merge to provide an absolutely top notch album.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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