As the weather warms up here in the UK, I am generally becoming much happier. I feel so much more productive when I am doing things in the sun (whether it's applying for placements, revising or just generally 'vegging' out). But of course, the summery weather cannot come without a fantastic backing track of tunes.
As a lover of indie-rock (and a few other genres), I have compiled together my favourite albums that I'll be spending my summer listening to. I've also taken note of my favourite songs and where you can catch the artists this summer. So check them out, give them a listen and let me know what you think...
1. The 1975 // The 1975
The bands self-titled album was released last year and was an instant no.1 success. For me I feel that their music is so eclectic. They DEFINITELY do not stick to just one genre, which is, in a way, so darn refreshing.
Every track from the album feels like it should be featured in a John Hughes film. The realism in the lyrics practically ejects the life of a teenager (along with quirky beats and the occasional saxophone). TOP TIP: if you purchase this album make sure to check out the deluxe version, which features (in total) 39 tracks. (And some amazing songs from their EP's (Head.Cars.Bending, So Far (its alright), Anobrain, and Me are amongst my favourites)).
Favourite Tracks: Chocolate, Settle Down, She Way Out, Sex.
Catch them at: Reading and Leeds, Isle of Wight, Glastonbury and T in the Park.
2. Peace // In Love
Peace are set to be massive this year. Their indie-rock jams have a very Vampire Weekend / Foals feel to them, and their music gives off such festival vibes. The bank describe their sound as "dark melodic indie-techno", but to me it has quite a 'light rock' feel. If you're a Made in Chelsea fan you may have also seen them appear in a recent episode (if you didn't notice you'll still recognise some of the tracks). After their album hit early last year, they've been non-stop touring (and you can catch them at some of this years big festivals).
Favourite Tracks: Wraith, Bloodshake, Lovesick, Delicious
Catch them at: Reading and Leeds, Truck Festival, Isle of Wight and RedFest.
3. Imagine Dragons // Night Visions
I've only recently got into Imagine Dragons. I was never convinced originally, as I used to base them on their singles (which can I say, DO NOT do the album justice). I felt they were a little bit cliche, and their song 'radioactive' definitely got overplayed on the radio.
However, after recently listening to their album track-by-track on Spotify, I have totally turned, and I am now a MASSIVE fan of the alternative rock band (who are actually from Las Vegas...if you didn't know).
Billboard have named Imagine Dragons as the "Best Breakthrough Band of 2013" (so they are definitely ones to watch!)
Luckily for me, they are exclusively performing to just Reading and Leeds Festival in the UK this year. (Which is great for people (like myself) who have a ticket!) I am so excited to see them, so if you are off to this fest too, do some prep and go check these guys out now.
Favourite Tracks: Tiptoe, Amsterdam, Underdog, Cha-Ching (Till We Grow Older), Working Man
Catch them at: Reading and Leeds
4. Little Comets // In Search of the Elusive Little Comets
Possibly one of my favourite bands of all time. Although they have released other material since this 2011 album (Life is Elsewhere was released in 2012, and their new album is soon to be released this year), nothing will compare to the beauty of 'In Search of the Elusive Little Comets'.
I saw these guys back in 2012 at YNot festival, and again this February on their UK tour. I love love love this band and if you like indie music with a injection of quirk, I seriously suggest you check these guys out!
Favourite Tracks: Tricolour, Lost Time, Dancing Song, Mathilda
Catch them at: Lainfest, TruckFest, YNot Festival and FireFly Festival
5. King Charles // LoveBlood
Because I am very into bands, I never usually take to solo-artists very well (especially male ones), as sometimes I feel they can lack originality. However, this is definitely not the case for King Charles, whose romantic, yet very 'hippy' genre of music is not only beautiful, but incredibly fun. (and his mane of hair and vintage wardrobe makes him look like he just walked out of an Emily Bronte novel).
Despite the fact that King Charles has been very 'under the radar' since releasing the album in 2012, he is still performing at some of this years festivals, including the massive Reading and Leeds (so I am PRAYING for some new material to be showcased then...). Lets hope for a new album soon.
Favourite Tracks: LoveBlood, Lady Percy, Beating Hearts, Ivory Road, Love Lust.
Catch him at: The Secret Garden Party, Standon Calling, Gold Coast Ocean Festival and Reading and Leeds.
6. Lucy Rose // Like I Used To
Whilst writing this list, its occurred to me I haven't featured any female artists (apologies!). For me, Lucy Rose has an absolutely stunning voice, and her acoustic tracks are beautiful to listen to in the sunshine (or have as a backing track to watch the sun set...bliss).
She released this album in 2012, and has been doing the festival-circuit for many years. (I caught her at YNot back in 2012). Although there is no sign of a new album just yet, she is doing a few festivals this year, and supporting Counting Crows on their November tour. So you can catch her then!
Favourite Tracks: Night Bus, Don't You Worry, Bikes, Scar, All I've Got
Catch her at: Glastonbury, British Summer Time and Exchange Festival
7. Bombay Bicycle Club // So Long, See You Tomorrow
Bombay's fourth studio album is not my most favourite of all their albums, but no doubt screams SUMMER the most (in my opinion anyway...).
This album feels so exotic, but still oozes the eclectic cohesiveness that the band traditionally have. Some of the songs feature guest vocals sung by Rae Morris and LUCY ROSE? (Apparently her voice has been a regular feature on their albums- (I had no idea??)).The mash up of different sounds and beats really bring the music to life, and this album is a perfect backing track to lazy days in the sunshine.
Although we had to wait 3 years for this new album, it's fair to say that Bombay Bicycle Club are certainly not short of material. I have heard they are spectacular live, so I am very much looking forward to seeing them!
Favourite Tracks: Overdone, Luna, It's Alright Now, Feel
Catch them at: Glastonbury, T in the Park, Latitude and Reading and Leeds
8. The Kooks // Inside In / Inside Out
Who doesn't love a good vintage album? Although this was released back in 2006, the fact they are appearing at Reading has helped me rekindle my love for The Kooks and their rocky pop 'Brighton-Beach' songs.
They've recently released their EP Down, and I must say it isn't my favourite. However, I am very much looking forward to their new album Listen, because let's face it, knowing The Kooks it'll be bloody great. I cannot wait to jump around to them at Reading (beer in hand), and rock out to some of their classic tunes (and maybe some banging new ones).
Favourite Tracks: Naive, Seaside, She Moves In Her Own Way, Ooh La
Catch them at: Reading and Leeds
9. Crystal Fighters // Cave Rave
SUCH A SUMMER ALBUM. I can't help but smile when I listen to this 5 piece alternative dance band. Every song brings a different sort of high-spirited, jerky, jump around vibe, and I can't help but love them.
Although I won't be seeing them at any of the festivals I am attending this year (still so disappointed they are not on the RandL lineup *sob*) I will nevertheless be endlessly listening to them in my back garden (and praying I'll see them next summer)...
Favourite Tracks: Are We One, Love Natural, La Calling, You & I
Catch them at: Glastonbury, Lovebox
10. Vampire Weekend // Contra
This is definitely my favourite Vampire Weekend album (and one which most ejects the best 'summer vibes'?...in my opinion anyway).
I love love love Vampire Weekend and their Americanised version of an indie rock band. Their tunes have a sort of 'jingle' to them, and you feel so relaxed and fulfilled listening to their album. You cant help but sway your head to their cute and capturing tunes. I am certainly looking forward to seeing them at Reading (another band thats exclusive to RandL this year). Go check 'em.
Favourite Tracks: White Sky, Holiday, Giving Up The Gun, Cousins
Catch them at: Reading and Leeds
I hope you listen to some of these albums, comment below the bands you've most enjoyed, or any suggestions of anything else I should be listening to this summer? I want to hear YOUR favourite summer albums! I have so many more artists I want to blog about, so stay tuned for some more music posts!
Enjoy!
