999. In Our Heads - Hot Chip

An album I know really quite well, and our most recent chronologically so far into the project, I have to admit that I was surprised that it made the list. I did not recall it being a bad album, but nor did I think it was as strong as some of the band's other records. 

Flutes was the song that stood out for me upon first listening, and my love for that track has strengthened; it is catchy, bold, fun, has a devastating rumble of a bassline, and is just an outstanding tune. It also works in different settings, which is a rarity for what is ostensibly a dance song. Motion Sickness is a great album starter, full of slinky building blocks that drive the song to a crescendo. It almost goes without saying that the sound quality is utterly superb; it is a great hifi tester.

Some tracks feel a bit lightweight, and even mawkish, with an overemphasis on treble; quite the contrast to most dance acts. Alexis Taylor's voice contributes to this, with a nice tone but lacking in range. There is a boldness to the variety the band attempt, however, with the contrast between club bangers and heartfelt odes readily apparent.

This is an album that will always have songs that make me get up and dance, but also too many tracks that I will simply want to skip. Given the brilliance of the band's peaks, it seems churlish to complain about their lack of consistency, but the fact remains that I do not feel this album is their high point, or even in their top three. That is not to say I don't like it, just to make the point that I prefer the artist to the album in this case.

Chloe's album rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 6. Night and Day
Olly's album rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 7. Flutes

Next week we have 589. Bad by Michael Jackson.