As Ahmad Jamal would say, I Love Music. Here are 3 albums from the mid to late aughts of the U.K. music scene that I'd love for you to consider adding to your regular rotation.
Why does Thalia love it?
Nostalgia, really. I remember being very young, certainly no older than ten or eleven, and playing "That's Not My Name" at my cousin's house. I've known the lyrics to every song on this album for as long as I remember. This is probably the first album I can very confidently say I knew from front to back. There are a lot of fun singing moments in here and truly just brings me to a space of youthfulness, romance, freedom, and levity in a very unserious, 2000s British indie pop kind of way.
Who would like this?
The girls that want to have fun! This is a fun album! Very much the British extension of the Katy Perry, Pink!, and Nicki Minaj sound that was emerging around the same time across the pond. Someone who just needs to punch out some focus work, get in and out of the grocery store, or just in need of a joyful addition to an otherwise mundane activity. The Ting Tings got your back.
Where should I start?
"Great DJ" and "Keep Your Head."
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Why does Thalia love it?
So many reasons. First of all, Thalia loves rock, specifically indie rock. And Arctic Monkeys is and has been the (gorgeous) face of British indie rock for quite some time now. Second of all, this particular album is probably the most "pure" rock album they've ever released, as they began to lean far more into the indie/soft rock/dare I say a little pop-adjacent by the time they released AM in 2013. But this is the sound I fell in love with. It’s the weight in the drums, the grit in the guitar, and the slightly unkept vocal performances that just reel me in and have kept me put for over a decade.
Who would like this?
Anyone with ears for a proper indie rock band, and perhaps even those who are simply feeling a bit adventurous today. The early aughts really graced us with such delightful rock music, so if you love a strong lead guitar, understated bass, and an angsty man yelling into a microphone, well, my dear, do I have an album for you.
Where should I start?
"From The Ritz to the Rubble," but I suppose if you want to have some decorum, starting from the top with "The View from the Afternoon" would certainly bring a grin to Alex Turner's impeccable face.
Why does Thalia love it?
Last year, I attended the Franz Ferdinand's Hits to the Head tour stop in Atlanta at The Tabernacle. It was my first time hearing them live, but also the first time it truly clicked for me that this is what music is supposed to be! It’s supposed to make you feel something, it’s supposed to get you moving, it’s supposed to grab you and not let go. And let me tell you! This album has never, ever let me go. I love the very angsty, romantic lyrics, and the very sad but luring voice of our dearest Alex Kapranos.
But you want to know what I really, really love about this particular album? THE INTROS. I LOVE A GOOD, SOLID INTRO TO A SONG. So many people these days just throw you in a tune with no time to acclimate yourself, but Alex and the besties? They’re going to give us a full 16-measure intro (almost) every time and I’m just very obsessed with the power of 16 measures!
Who should listen to this?
I’d play it for my grandma if she’d let me. But no, generally if you like low-key, undemanding, but very accessible indie rock, this is your album. If you just want something to sing and dance along to when you’re in need of a good pick-me-up, look no further, bestie.
Where should I start?
“Michael”
