My choice for Album of the Year, 2005: Wolf Parade’s “Apologies to the Queen Mary” (link has two album tracks for download). It’s only October, I know, but that’s how freaking good it is.. I’m positive nothing will top it. I haven’t been this obsessed with an album since The Unicorns’ debut. And this album fares even better, because the main reason I listened to The Unicorns so much was because they were just so refreshingly different from anything I had heard before. Now that I have them figured out, I don’t listen to them much anymore. Wolf Parade, on the other hand, have made something that is somewhat conventional pop rock, but manages to distinguish itself just by pure enthusiasm and talent.
What are they like? Their closest comparison is probably to Modest Mouse, which is no coincidence since the album is actually produced by Isaac Brock, Modest Mouse’s vocalist. Also one of their vocalists (they have two, who pretty much trade vocal duties for each song) has what you might call an “ugly” voice like Isaac, and the guitars definitely show some influence.
But! They are far more upbeat, and unashamed of using pop conventions such as “la la la” melodies to get the job done. And the keyboards! Their lineup is actually guitar, drums, keyboard, piano. And while Modest Mouse’s songs can sometimes drag on, with Wolf Parade you get the feeling that every second is important. Proving that point is the fact that every song is awesome. Really the only time they even bother to slow down a bit is the very Yo La Tengo-ish “Dinner Bells” which is still quite nice.
As good as Kanye’s new album was, as good as Broken Social Scene’s new album is, as good as DANGERDOOM should be (haven’t quite gotten to hear it yet), and as good as Rogue Wave’s forthcoming new album is sure to be, Wolf Parade still takes it easily. This is definitely the highest amount of quality music released in a couple months that I’ve been alive. (Note: each of the above links except BSS has mp3s or streams, download and enjoy.)
UPDATE: I may have spoken too soon, as I hear Menomena is releasing their second album in November. Damn it’s good to be a music fan these days.