I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2021 : 41-50

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 41 : Caddy - Detours And Dead Ends Vol. 1    IDHAS Review

No 42 : The Summer Holiday - B-Sides Volume 1       IDHAS Review

No 43 : Dolph Chaney - This Is Dolph Chaney     IDHAS Review

No 44 : This Circus Life - The Vast And Endless Sea         IDHAS Review

No 45 : Real Sickies - Love Is For Lovers    IDHAS Review

No 46 : Empty City Squares - The Disappearing Architect      IDHAS Review





No 47 : The Mono LPs - Shuffle / Play    IDHAS Review

No 48 :  Cheap Trick - In Another World    IDHAS Review

 

No 49 : the black watch - Here & There   IDHAS Review

   

No 50 :Portable Radio - Portable Radio        IDHAS Review

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Real Sickies - Love Is For Lovers

 

Edmonton six piece Real Sickies really deserve a wider acclaim and this, their fourth album, might just do it. What is underlined here is the difference between the UK and US definition of Punk. Most US Reviews will have Love Is The Lovers as punk, here in the UK we look at this more as rocked up Power Pop.

We don't really think of The Ramones as Punk, more New Wave Garage Rock and that Ramones comparison can be a millstone. Yes, there are 14 songs in 35 minutes and there is great pace in all that the band do, that is really where the comparison ends. There is far far more to Real Sickies than just heads down and go.

The band are far more melodic than you'd imagine, you can actually tell what's being sung and the six piece adds greater variation with the liberal sprinkling of Organ added at times and they can get Indie Rock muscular, particularly on Queen Of Hearts which closes with a metal solo. If you want The Ramones, go to Rumbar, Real Sickies are far more interesting.

Hold On Baby is a great example of what they do, all Glam Rock with additional rock and roll piano and a killer guitar solo, it is an absolute joy to listen to. Keeping up the Glam content, there is a cover of T.Rex's Jeepster which although not essential, is really rocked up.

Destructive Nights is a fantastic slice of Power Pop, as catchy as catchy can be. Least Favourite OF Mine just has you shaking your fist, it is 100mph and that solo.............. Give and Take is even built around a Steve Nieve like Farfisa run. Don't expect the tempo to slow or any ballads, not that you'd want it to.

Canada should be really proud of this lot. Love Is A Lovers is an album that you just don't want to stop. It rattles your cage, has you playing air guitar and belting out the choruses. Real Sickies aren't The Ramones, they stretch out way too much. Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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