Albums of the year to date…

Well it is June and if I don’t keep a rolling top 10(ish) I often forget gems come the year end lists.

Been a good year so far and these ten are my personal faves to date:

1. BIG BIG TRAIN Folklore – more excellent folk/prog from BBT.
2. FROST* Falling Satellites – classy progressive music with a distinctive pop edge.
3. DAN REED NETWORK Fight Another Day – excellent return and good mix of their classic sound and some more modern twists.
4. CHEAP TRICK  Boom Zoom Crazy…Hello – they are back and as good as ever. Possibly their best album since their mid-80’s heyday.
5. INGLORIOUS – very assured debut album, hard rocking blues.
6. TOSELAND Cradle the Rage –his vocal is slightly weird, damn fine tunes though.
   
7. THE DOWLING POOLE One Hyde Park – quintessential quirky pop rock. Superb stuff.
   
8. CIRCUS MAXIMUS Havoc – had low expectations on this one and was proved wrong. Harmonies galore and massive hook filled songs.
   
9. TAX THE HEAT Fed to the Lions – saw them supporting Kansas and was impressed then. Strong debut album, blue, rock, modern rock – just grab a listen.
10. LEFT WITH PICTURES After Life – chamber pop is the musical handle of this talented combo. Classical arrangements, moving lyrics and singing, what’s not to like?