I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2024 : 91-100

 

For the last eight years We 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. A reminder that anything reviewed on I Don't Hear A Single is highly recommended. A reminder that only new albums are included among these 100.

Narrowing things down to this 100 has been really difficult. The countdown is posted in reverse batches of 10. For each album, A song is embedded from the album and a link is provided to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album.

91 Day Dreems - Day Dreems      IDHAS Review

92 The Duke Of Surl - Borneo      IDHAS Review

 

93 The Proctors - Snowdrops & Hot Air Balloons      IDHAS Review

94 The Duskwhales - Strawflower Lane      IDHAS Review

95 The Hard-Ons - I Like You A Lot Getting Older      IDHAS Review

96 The Successful Failures - Enemy Sublime      IDHAS Review

97 Radio75 - Screaming Out      IDHAS Review

98 Love Fiend - Handle With Care      IDHAS Review

99 Neon Bone - Eager To Please      IDHAS Review

100 Young Scum - Lighter Blue     IDHAS Review

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Love Fiend -Handle With Care

 

There are many ways to approach Power Pop. No honest there are, despite what long aficionados may tell you. Los Angeles five piece, Love Fiend, prove this in spades with their 80s take on the genre. Being 80s sounding, you might be expecting synths and you get them. 

There is an extra dimension with these five as one member, Kurtis Ray, is a Sax player who adds variety to what you might expect. There is a real US New Wave feel to proceedings at times and I can't help thinking  of The Cars as Love Fiend get really close at times.

Having said that, the album opens with classic UK Glam Rock stomper, Just Like Eddie and Jimmy (Is An Agent) gets heavily into the same territory. Got Bad gets much rockier and the Sax plays a big part in that, yet instrumentally, Neu Testament is far more 80s bar the great guitar solo. I am reminded a lot of what Bates Motel brought to Sparks in that first half of the decade.

Tied Up is splendid UK New Wave, yet One Forever is again more is fine 80s Synth Pop despite the Glam handclap that parties up the song. Vacant Love is a great closer, slowing things down, with again a slight Cars feel, this time rhythmically and the beat continues.

Special mention has to go to two songs that show off the variation that Love Fiend provide. Secret Cabals is synth driven and really catchy. I have no idea what CKIL meant, but the song soon tells me. It is a cracking of rocked up Glam that sums up what a great listen Handle With Care.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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