SHREDnews

Poppy Cleere is co-assistant editor of Shred News. She started off as a writer during Summer 2009 and was promoted to assistant editor in November 2009. She’s the second writer from overseas to join the staff. She wow-ed Kayley with her sample article, which was used as her first update. She’s a hard working and dedicated writer, with the dream to work in the music industry. Poppy has worked a Paramore meet and greet and got to listen to Chester Bennington’s new album long before it was released. Clearly these are only baby steps in the long and exciting career path for Poppy! Wanna know she’s called Hulk? Find out in her staff interview posting the week after Christmas!

1. A Day To Remember – Homesick

This album definitely had to be number one on my list, it’s probably my most listened to record of the year. Named one of Alternative Press  magazine’s ‘Most anticipated albums of 2009′ Homesick certainly lived up to all expectations, once again proving just how well ADTR can mix pop-punk and hardcore. Produced by NFG’s Chad Gilbert, mixed by Killswitch Engage’s Adam Dutkiewicz and featuring guest appearances from TDWP’s Mike Hranica and Versa’s Sierra Kusterbeck, the album has been tended to by a feast of talent and this comes across in the pure quality of each individual song. It’s rare that you can find an album where you don’t skip at least one track! Favorite Track: Another Song About The Weekend

2. Conditions – You Are Forgotten

Although not a full-length record, You Are Forgotten’s six tracks provide just as much (if not more) entertainment as any 12-song album does. It’s the overall feeling I get after listening to this EP that really gets to me; like I’ve just been witness to something truly spectacular, something epic. That feeling comes only from great musician craftsmanship and honest, beautiful lyrics, something that the four guys from VA seem to have perfected. Favorite Track: Illuminati

3. Thrice – Beggars

Perhaps slightly more melodic than the Alchemy Index albums, Beggars still stays true to the bands well loved musical tone which, almost like some magical presence, manages to take the listener on an vivid emotional journey. Lyrically I find this album to be a masterpiece, it feels like Thrice have literally poured their hearts and souls into these works and the outcome can only be described as a true work of art. It’s just a shame that it was leaked so early prior to release. Favorite Track: Wood and Wire

4. Paramore – Brand New Eyes

Many of us have seen the transition of Paramore from teens to grown-ups but nothing can present the stark contrast in musical and lyrical maturity like their third album can. In a full-length that once again presents the band as having talent beyond their years, Brand New Eyes shows the world just how serious these five are about their music as they present 11 carefully crafted tracks that demonstrate their understanding of different sub genres and sounds. I love the honesty of the lyrics on this album, nothing is held back and the melody’s seem almost stripped down rather than over-complicated, which once again suggests their mature take on creating songs. Favorite Track: Misguided Ghosts

5. Florence + the Machine – Lungs

An enchanting debut from one of the UK’s hottest acts of the year, Lungs features a unique mix of poppy dreamlike songs that will be stuck in your head for days. It’s refreshing to have such a talented female artist break into the charts with something other than a Will.I.Am produced, beat pumping, dance or R&B track. Her ’soul-inspired’ indie works are truly original and the fantastic musical talent of her collaborators is evident throughout the songs. Favorite Track: Drumming Song

6. The Temper Trap – Conditions

Another impressive debut, this time from Australian four-piece The Temper Trap. You’ll have probably already heard atmospheric anthem Sweet Disposition, even if you don’t know it yet – the track has been featured in many commercials, trailers and film soundtracks throughout the year. Conditions’ indie-rock track listing contains many understandably infectious songs that’ll sit quite happily on repeat for hours. Favorite Track: Sweet Disposition

7. Lady Gaga – The Fame

Go on, go ahead – laugh. You know you want to! Yes, ‘understatement’ may spring to mind when describing Lady Gaga as eccentric but, persona aside, it’s difficult not to appreciate her music. Her song’s may not be everyones cup of tea (remember her phase of carrying a teacup anyone?) but you can’t deny this little fame monster has talent and a hell of a lot of it too. Her lyrics are unmistakably unique; they’re humorous, provocative, catchy and often offensive but they’re also refreshingly honest and I think everyone can agree that her performances are always extremely…interesting. She’s creative and original and I believe that The Fame and more so re-release The Fame Monster are definitely worth a listen. Favorite Track: Bad Romance

8. Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures

Though they refuse to refer to themselves as one, Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones and Josh Homme truly are a super group. With years of experience in some of the worlds biggest bands between them (Led Zepplin, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age) the trio were bound to feel the pressure when working on their debut album. It’s not ‘The best album in the world ever’ but it never set out to be. It’s a hard rocking, quality feast of musicianship at its best and it shows musicians how it should be done – kicking the ass of all the disgraceful, wannabe rock-stars in their tight jeans and vests (I’m looking at you Trace Cyrus!). Favorite Track: New Fang

9. Rodrigo Y Gabriela – 11:11

Once again I cannot implore you enough to pick up this duo’s CD!! Like the above mentioned super group, Rodrigo Y Gabriela are masters of their craft. They effortlessly move around their guitars so fast that it makes your eyes water and they play with such fierce passion that it’s impossible not to fall in love with their performance and songs. Each classical guitar track is an ode to one of Rodrigo and Gabriela’s eleven top musical inspirations – see if you can guess which song matches which influential artist without looking! Favorite Track: Buster Voodoo

10. Karen O and the Kids – Where the Wild Things Are (OST)

It’s the magical soundtrack to the motion picture ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, based on one of my favorite childhood stories by Maurice Sendak. It’s beautiful – what more can I say?! Favorite Track: Sailing Home