Ok, first update already!
50. Sarah Fimm – Nexus [2004]I will admit that I have not checked out much of Fimm’s other music, and that which I have heard hasn’t grabbed me all that much, which is why Nexus is the only album mentioned here. It is, however, a really gorgeous album. The down-tempo vibe is very calming, and her voice is very soothing. It’s a perfect album for chilling out in the evening before bed, or hiding indoors on a rainy day. I believe it was Zander who told me I should listen to her music, and I’m glad this was the album I was told to try, because it is one of very few albums I have that really put me in a relaxed mood.
Recommended tracks: Velocity; Story of Us; Sky is Falling Down49. Thomas Giles – Pulse [2011]I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first decided to get this album, having heard that it was much less intense than BTBAM and mostly clean. Giles is one of the best harsh vocalists out there in my opinion, and his clean voice has a nice quality but I wasn’t sure it’d be enough to carry an album. The album impressed me a lot on the very first listen though, and quickly became a favourite! His voice doesn’t need to carry the album (although he does a perfectly good job), because the quality and variety of the music is what makes this such an engaging listen. The mix of big rockers, mellow ballads, unusual piano songs and heavy electronic tracks works surprisingly well, and he pulls all the styles off really well. And of course, there is still one metal track to keep the BTBAM fans happy.
Recommended tracks: Sleep Shake; Mr. Bird; Scared48. Fair to Midland – Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times is True [2007]Also recommended:
Arrows & Anchors [2011]I’ve said this before about FTM, but they are difficult to define. Alt-rock? Alt-metal? Whatever, they are a great band, always striking me as a cross between indie rock and modern metal. Fables From a Mayfly is such an excellent album – crunchy riffs, great melodies, and a small amount of experimentation. Above this all, there is something about the music that makes me feel like I’m being carried away into a tale of fantasy and adventure. It’s the sense of whimsy and storytelling that really makes this album stand out and become such a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Recommended tracks: Dance of the Manatee; Kyla Cries Cologne; April Fools and EggmenArrows & Anchors was the band’s second major release (yes I know there were albums before Fables) and it’s another very solid album. The quality of the songs is just as good as on Fables, I think the only reason it doesn’t grab me quite as much is that it doesn’t have as much of that storytelling quality. Still well worth a listen though!
Recommended tracks: Musical Chairs; The Greener Grass