I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2024 : 31-40

 

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 100 albums are 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.

31 Lunchbox - Pop And Circumstance     IDHAS Review

32 The Society Of Rockets - Tough Trip Through Paradise      IDHAS Review

33 The Smashing Times - Mrs Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys     IDHAS Review

34 Sharp Class - Welcome To The Matinee Show (Of The End Of The World)     IDHAS Review

35 Alex Pester - Boy     IDHAS Review

36 Supermilk - High Precision Ghosts        IDHAS Review

37 Velvet Attack - Visions From Inner Space      IDHAS Review

38 Pulse Park - First Second      IDHAS Review

39 Rural France - Exactamondo!      IDHAS Review

  

40 The Special Pillow - Meets The Space Monster     IDHAS Review

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Sharp Class - Welcome To The Matinee Show (Of The End Of The World)

 

Another Power Trio, but this time from the UK and in very different territory to The Deflators. Nottingham's Sharp Class are much more UK New Wave 1978, magnificently so. This album reminds me why I loved that New Wave scene.

They are not stuck in that era, there are big footsteps into the likes of Brit Pop, Indie Rock and the modern breed of Indie Guitar Pop bands, but the melody content is high and there is a real lyrical adeptness in these songs that few who cover similar ground manage.

There is a real Paul Weller Jam period to the words and at times the vocal, although less aggressive singing wise. Musically, they remind me a lot of The Len Price 3, but without their inclination for Mod Pop. We loved 2022's Teenage Of A Mind (review here) and this moves things on wonderfully.

The title track is probably the best thing here, New Wave of the highest order. Ordinary People is built on a killer riff, Where I'd Rather Be has a hint of Wreckless Eric, but the chorus is killer. Ivory Tower is very early The Jam with an added Jangling Riff.

Lights Out wipes the floor with most of the current new big wave of Guitar bands with another killer chorus. The whole offering rarely comes up for air, but does it without the need of a hammer. Sharp Class update the great past, bringing it into the now. Top Notch!

You can listen to and buy the album here. The CD can be ordered via the band's website here. The Vinyl can be ordered here.

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Sharp Class - Tales Of A Teenage Mind

 

If you looked at the band's Bandcamp site before listening to anything, the background image would leave you in little doubt about what you are likely to hear. This is the sound of Woking 1977 and it has to be said that Oliver Orton does a really convincing Weller.

Some music fans of my generation would boringly ask why they should listen to this when they can listen to their Jam albums, But that isn't the point at all. If da kidz are discovering High Energy Mod Pop 45 years on, then all well and good. It is time for a revival.

The Nottingham trio can really play and this is lyrically excellent original material. The band are a fine Power Trio and what they do, they do really well. The likes of the title track and Show Me A Good Time are classic examples of the genre and the Guitar Solo on I Don't You reveals that there is far more to these three who could have taken the easy Cover Band route.

When they branch out, they get even better. Move is great Canvey Island fayre and Contradiction is a little early Stiff, maybe even Nick Lowe. I'd rather listen to this than some sad "will that do" 12th album from a reformed group with one original member. There is a lot to love about Tales |Of A Teenage Mind.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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