After writing yesterday’s blog on Sufjan Stevens and “The BQE” pretty soon after receiving the CD, further listens suggest it might be even better than I made out: a lot of Gershwin in there (and Danny Elfman, someone just said). “Movement II: Sleeping Invader” is sounding, this morning, like one of the best things Stevens has ever done.
This week’s other big crush is the new Reigning Sound. I’ll get to that in the next day or two, all being well. But first, here’s the full rundown:
1 Various Artists – The Ballad Of Britain (Heron)
2 Sufjan Stevens – The BQE (Rough Trade)
3 Fuck Buttons – Surf Solar (ATP Recordings)
4 Hudson Mohawke – Butter (Warp)
5 Andrew Weatherall – A Pox On The Pioneers (Rotters Golf Club)
6 Kris Kristofferson – Closer To The Bone (New West)
7 Fruit Bats – The Ruminant Band (Sub Pop)
8 The Reigning Sound – Love And Curses (In The Red)
9 Stardeath And White Dwarfs – The Birth (Warners)
10 Various Artists – Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy (Mezzotint)
11 OOIOO – Arminico Hewa (Thrill Jockey)
12 Om – God Is Good (Drag City)
13 Various Artists – Wayfaring Strangers: Lonesome Heroes (Numero Group)
14 Richard Hell & The Voidoids – Destiny Street Repaired (Insound)
15 The Unthanks – Here’s The Tender Coming (EMI)
16 Cate Le Bon – Me Oh My (Irony Bored)