Thursday, 24 May 2012

FA Cup Vinyl's 5 Albums For Summer



Here in England, so far we've had a typical miserable British season so far with, yes you guessed it, rain. Bloody Rain, constantly.

But this week so far it's been hot! I know who would have guessed? Also with the forecast predicting a 'sunny week' and we don't want to jinx it but summer may be here... We may regret those words in a weeks time.

However as it is a reminder that summer is looming, here at 'FA Cup Vinyl' we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to name our 5 albums for those perfect summer days, yes we know that sounded unbelievably cheesy.

1: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend


This is of our favourite albums to dig out for the summer, with it's brilliant poppy, guitar music and combination of African music providing catchy lyrics and upbeat 2 minute songs such as their most well known song 'A-Punk' that make it one of the favourites here. The New York Vibe is also apparent in here but what we love most about it is the lyrics may be catchy, but they can also be complete nonsense. But it's not trying to be a deep, thought provoking album it's just a really good gorgeous album to bask in the gorgeous sunshine with. What more could you want?

Tracks FA Cup Vinyl recommend:  Campus, Walcott, The Kids Don't Stand A Chance

2: Alex Turner - Submarine Soundtrack



Ok, so this isn't technically an album really, but it's worth mentioning as its one of the Arctic Monkeys' frontman's best efforts, and so far his only solo effort. This is one of the best soundtracks accompanying a film that we've heard in a while. As Turner is well known for his song-writing, the lyrics as always are brilliant and with its stripped back guitar and the soothing lyrics, it's a perfect combination and ideal for one of those perfect lazy summer afternoons. The film's not bad either. 

Tracks FA Cup Vinyl recommend: Hiding Tonight, Stuck On A Puzzle, Piledriver Waltz

3: Frank Ocean - Nostalgia/Ultra


Ok, so this isn't an album either
It's a mixtape, but we can't call this feature '5 albums/mixtapes/soundtracks' can't we? It doesn't have the same ring to it.

Anyway, this another favourite album of FA Cup Vinyl's not just for summer, but to listen to all year round. 

What's worth mentioning is first of all is his voice, it's outstanding and so soulful. It's hard to believe at times that he is associated with 'Odd Future' or  'OFWGKTA' for all you cool cats out there. What is also good is that its clear that Frank has a good taste in music, sampling MGMT, Radiohead, The Eagles and Coldplay... Ok, maybe not the last one but the song he does sample from Coldplay is brilliant and they must agree as they asked him to support them on their European tour. But that's the last time that Coldplay will ever be mentioned on here. We definitely recommend this one.

Tracks FA Cup Vinyl recommend: Strawberry Swing (The Coldplay One), There Will Be Tears, Swim Good

4: The Black Keys - Brothers


While this is The Black Keys' most commercially successful album, it's still worth noting that it's popular for a reason. It's fantastic, it's rough guitar, unusual vocals and to us, just seems to be the finished product really for an album like this that makes it one of FA Cup Vinyl's favourite summer albums and their latest effort 'El Camino' is also worth a listen as well. What we also like is the album cover, which is simple and basic but to the point, much like this album which is simply cracking. You'll thank us later.

Tracks FA Cup Vinyl recommend: Everlasting Light, The Only One, Never Gonna Give You Up

5: Jamie T - Kings & Queens


We have to admit we are a big fan of Jamie Treays, or 'Jamie T' as he is more well known as, and his second offering 'Kings And Queens' is one of our favourite summer albums. There's a lot of reasons why as well, the backing tracks are fantastic and his honest sort of 'alright mate' Londoner vocals gives this album its uniqueness and we're not the only ones who agree, Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe declared it his favourite album of 2009 as 'a brilliant, poignant, incredible observational record'. Yes we did nick that last bit off Wikipedia, but we were going to say that anyway. Joking aside, this album is well worth a listen because of its indie rock guitar and brutally honest lyrics, which make it definitely one of the records you need spinning or for most of you, playing on iTunes this summer. 

Tracks FA Cup Vinyl recommend: The Man's Machine, Emily's Heart, Jilly Armeen

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