I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2023 : 61-70

 

For the last few 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. 

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.

61 The Lunar Laugh - In The Black      IDHAS Review

62 Cult Figures - Between Us And Heaven      IDHAS Review

63 Vanity Tapes - Hiatus      IDHAS Review

64 Sandra's Wedding - The Hopeful Boy Replacement Service      IDHAS Review

65 Star Collector - Attack, Sustain, Decay... Repeat     IDHAS Review

66 The Smivets - How We Fade   IDHAS Review

67 Stephen Lawrenson - Chants Of A Lifetime      IDHAS Review

68 Dropkick - The Wireless Revolution     IDHAS Review

69 Missilkid - Missilkid      IDHAS Review

70 Alex Lahey - The Answer Is Always Yes      IDHAS Review

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Vanity Tapes - Hiatus

 

What a crackerjack of a debut from the London Trio, Vanity Tapes. It has a very UK 60s feel due to the wonderful organ sound. But there is a big dollop of Psych Pop, but also the album heads into the likes of Dream Pop and much more. 

There is a really splendid vibe due to excellent vocals of Jim Collett. Collett has a really unusual vocal in that he can adapt it to whatever the song requires. At times it can be Lloyd Cole, at others Al Stewart. It is always gentle, imagine the fruitiness of say Kevin Ayers and you get some idea.

Then there is the songs themselves and what a ride you are about to embark on. Portmanteau is pure Canterbury, yet 132 is Farfisa led UK Beat with a twist, yet Smoke On Mirrors is half way between XTC and Sparks.

Mercury is gentle Indie Pop, whilst Smoke And Mirrors is like an Indie version of Lounge, a little Bryan Ferry at times. Isolation is in Orange Juice territory with a Paisley Pop instrumental tint. Parade is pure Prog. 

The Illusionist is incredibly atmospheric and melancholic with a haunting riff, Wood For The Trees edges towards Psych Folk. Slow Motion even hints at a Morrissey direction with a completely surprising Guitar solo. You are in for quite a ride as the band take you gently through an almost pastoral album.

Tastefully done with some stunning arrangements. Beautifully played with unusual riffs and themes that completely engross you. The depth of the album is amazing. Vanity Tapes aren't gonna rock your socks off, but they will reach out for your senses and grab a hold of them. Oh and that vocal is a thing of such beauty. Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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