Listmania!
A selection of must-have alt albums
Transistor RadioTransistor Radio by M. Ward
Buy new: £11.18
My favourite living artist by a country mile. A midas touch doesn't cover it - the man is a genius. This is indie music that has echoes of almost every decade of recorded material.
Tones of TownTones of Town by Field Music
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £4.24
Unexpected chord progressions from a band that make perfect pop. File in the realms of latter-day Belle and Sebastian.
The Letting GoThe Letting Go by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Buy new: £7.88 / Used from: £5.89
Beautiful alt-country from the mutli-talented American - with the help of some Icelandic folks' strings.
The Crane WifeThe Crane Wife by The Decemberists
Buy new: £7.98 / Used from: £7.95
Believe the hype. A wonderfully executed album updating folk-tales for this millenium.
Apologies to the Queen MaryApologies to the Queen Mary by Wolf Parade
Buy new: £7.98 / Used from: £5.50
Any one who enjoyed the avent-garde approach of "Funeral" by Arcade Fire should listen to this.
SupperSupper by (Smog)
Buy new: £7.98 / Used from: £7.50
The only Smog album that I have heard but on the strenght of this gentle alt-country album I shall seek out more.
Bryter LayterBryter Layter by Nick Drake
Buy new: £3.48 / Used from: £2.25
My favourite album from my favourite artist. The "poor boy" was a short-lived genius.
Rodrigo Y Gabriela [CD + DVD]Rodrigo Y Gabriela [CD + DVD] by Rodrigo y Gabriela
Buy used from: £29.99
A masterclass in acoustic guitar from the mexican duo. If you have the chance go and see them live!!
Figure 8Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £2.85
A great album from another tortured soul.
Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of EggsAndrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs by Andrew Bird
Any one who rates Sufjan Stevens should look no further. And he can whistle better than a contestant on One Man And His Dog.