Algiers… No you won’t, you’ll cheer!

2012 Top 100 LPs #80-77: Calexico, Ultraista, Trwbador, Dodson and Fogg

Published on December 6th, 2012 | Jonny Abrams

Yes, it’s…Rocksucker’s Top 100 Albums of 2012!

Rocksucker listened to a lot of albums this year and conferred varying degrees of merit (in quail form) upon them based on our own spurious criteria…

…and now we bring you our favourite hundred of them, counted down in order arbitrarily/for fun. By dint of mathematics (specifically 4 x 25), top spot shall be revealed on Christmas day. Now, let’s get crackling, and then cracking…

80. Ultraísta – Ultraísta

Super producer Nigel Godrich teams up with long-term collaborator Joey Waronker and new one Laura Bettison for a bit of a masterclass in hypnotic synthery, spaced-out grooves and subtle, smoky vibes. One of those albums where you can imagine each number being used to soundtrack something or other, but it’s still pretty ace in its unspoiled form.

Click here to read Rocksucker’s full review of Ultraísta

Click here to read Rocksucker’s interview with Laura Bettinson of Ultraísta

79. Trwbador – Trwbador

Slightly sinister, childlike vocals, buzzing electro and acoustic fingerpicking are but some of the ingredients in this occasionally disconcerting, frequently bewitching affair. Tangentialism is prized, absurdity wielded as only the Welsh can wield it, and Angharad Van Rijswijk’s sweet vocals throw lovely melodic shapes. Some may find initial exposure jarring, but verily this is a magical secret garden ripe for exploration.

Check out Rocksucker’s full review of Trwbador

Click here to read Rocksucker’s interview with Trwbador

78. Dodson and Fogg – Dodson and Fogg

Young writer Chris Wade decides to make psychedelic folk album, ropes in Nik Turner from Hawkwind, Celia Humphris from Trees and Judy Dyble from Fairport Convention, pulls it all off with aplomb. Two plombs, in fact. A collection of spellbinding strums coloured in with flute, lovely controlled vocals and the odd White Album-y chord progression; as DIY debuts go, this is rather special.

Click here to read Rocksucker’s full review of Dodson and Fogg

Click here to read Rocksucker’s interview with Chris Wade

Click here to read Rocksucker’s interview with Celia Humphris

77. Calexico – Algiers

No real surprises here for the already initiated, but Calexico’s continued mastery of graceful, elegant and filmic pop music reserves them a seat at the table of bands who can be relied upon to come up with the goods. A glowing ember of a record with stately cascades of piano, airy harmonies and the odd swinging brass line; as you were, Calexico.

Click here to read Rocksucker’s full review of Algiers

Watch this space for a continuation of the countdown of Rocksucker’s Top 100 Albums of 2012! Bloody do it!

Artists: calexico, dodson and fogg, trwbador, ultraista

About the Author

Jonny Abrams Editor of Rocksucker and the website's founder, Jonny is passionate about the music he listens to, both good and bad, as well as interviewing his favourite musicians.