Top Tens of 2009
Here's is our year-in-review of last year's music, submitted by Hear/Say's dedicated writers and on-line contributors!
Andy Argyrakis
1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz! (Interscope) Karen O and company deliver their most accessible punk-tipped offering to date, complete with a newfound dance floor sensibility. But even with the widening of its sonic palette, the group retains its gutsy charisma and raucous overtones.
2. Black Eyed Peas, The E.N.D. (Interscope) Quite possibly the best pop album of the decade, this multi-cultural foursome hits a career high with plenty of infectious dance ditties. Adding in flourishes of hip-hop, rap and soul makes puts the Peas dead center on the pulse of current club culture.
3. Morrissey, Years of Refusal (Lost Highway/Attack) He may have been more famous as the lead singer of the Smiths, but this disc is by far his best offering since the band broke up. Searing guitars, melancholy lyrics and unmistakable vocal delivery put Moz in a monumental category of his own.
4. U2, No Line On the Horizon (Interscope) Consider this collection the post-millennial sequel to 1991’s groundbreaking Achtung Baby. Meant to be heard from start to finish, the disc may be short on singles but holds up unflinchingly when consumed in full.
5. Fischerspooner, Entertainment (FS Studios/ World’s Fair) The second coming of electronica belongs to this theatrical troupe, who literally follow in the footsteps of Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. Much of this album’s delight stems from the unabashed ear candy appeal, loaded with sugary synths and decadent themes.
6. Franz Ferdinand, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (Epic) This third project may have slipped through the cracks considering its early winter release, but it’s nonetheless an impressively varied album for the Scot-rockers. Rather than remarking the same old garage rock affair, the lads kick up the dance grooves and jam in the bluesy, psychedelic style.
7. The Flaming Lips, Embryonic (Warner Brothers) If aliens really exist, they very well could be the members of the Flaming Lips, who continue to focus on otherworldly excess. It’s a formula that’s been tried before, but Wayne Coyne and his cohorts continue to up the experimental ante.
8. Depeche Mode, Sounds of the Universe (Mute/Capitol/Virgin) The trio may be old timers, but this disc hearkens back to its Violator prime. Along the way, it also shows younger audiences how the Killers, the Bravery and all the like-minded wannabes got their sound.
9. Glasvegas, Glasvegas (Columbia) These Glasgow newcomers accumulated endless buzz, but this self-titled debut more than earned the hype. Consider the anthemic foursome to take a current crack at U2, Oasis and its stadium-shaking peers.
10. Cracker, Sunrise In the Land of Milk and Honey (429 Records) One of the most respected alternative rock acts dusts this comeback collection of sorts with some insurgent country that’s amongst its finest to date. Witty songwriting, sharp riffs and vibrant chemistry are just a few of its endearing traits.
Matt Conner
1. A.A. Bondy, When The Devil's Loose (Fat Possum) Scott Bondy executes a beautifully slow arrest of the senses on this gorgeous album.
2. Doves, Kingdom of Rust (Heavenly Records) Some Cities was definitely solid beginning to end, but nothing could have prepared fans for this career-defining tour-de-force.
3. Manchester Orchestra, Mean Everything to Nothing (Favorite Gentlemen) The one-two punch of "Shake It Out" and "I've Got Friends" near the album's front end can't be topped by anything else this year.
4. Arctic Monkeys, Humbug (Domino) The superficial charm is gone, replaced by heavier instrumentation and a seriousness needed for the long haul.
5. Vic Chesnutt, At the Cut (Constellation) Reveals layers of bravery and cowardice, love and loss and fond memories fading as slowly as the photographs involved.
6. Silversun Pickups, Swoon (Dangerbird) Brian Aubert's guitar work is strong and Nikki Moninger's bass work is equally impressive, creating a sound completely their own (with an obvious Smashing Pumpkins nod). One of this year's best rock albums.
7. Ancient Astronauts, We Are To Answer (Switchstance) The German hip-hop version of Chemical brothers host a brilliant collection of infectious samples and superb guests.
8. Lou Barlow, Goodnight Unknown (Merge) Founding member of Sebadoh and Dinosaur Jr. goes singer-songwriter in the best lo-fi way possible.
9. Girls, Album (True Panther) There's something transcendent about the jangly guitars and sunny riffs present on this year’s best buzz band.
10. Metric, Fantasies (Last Gang) Emily Haines and crew delivers some of 2009’s strongest melodies via their dependable synth-rock delivery.
Jeff Ehrbar
1. Manchester Orchestra, Mean Everything to Nothing (Sony) Although the sonic guitar hooks recall the Nirvana/Hole era, Andy Hull’s cryptic and complex observations about God, religion, addiction and family are anything but slacker.
2. Sonic Youth, The Eternal (Matador) Finally, the NYC band quits the whining, pointless overindulgence returns to the guitar rock it’s capable of playing. Worth the 30-year wait.
3. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, Outer South (Merge) Oberst’s raucous, rollicking backing band give a joyful anarchy to such observations as “I’m so scared/but so prepared/for the worst” and “dementia/you better treat me good.” Also, Oberst’s contributions to Monsters of Folk (Shangrila) project stood above those of the other notable participants.
4. Fool’s Gold, Fool’s Gold (Iamsound) Don’t let the “world beat” label scare you: a beautiful convergence of Ethiopian/Mali guitar phrase, reggae/ski beats and soulful Memphis horns give this work the bright accessibility of Paul Simon’s Graceland or David Byrne’s Luaka Bop series.
5. Omar Rodriquez-Lopez, Old Money (Stone’s Throw) For you lovers of self-referential, space-out, trippy, lavender-scented jam bands reeking of mysticism, stick with Merriweather Post Pavilion. For you others that still believe music should attempt some type connection with the listener, this is for you.
6. Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid (Nonesuch) By the time 2009 was over, everyone discovered the wonders of this album —“Going Home” was featured in the movie Up in the Air. This solo effort by the Black Keys guitarist showcased a more intricate side to their cyber-swamp boogie. Also a standout is BlakRoc (BlakRoc) in which the Black Keys back Mos Def and members of the Wu-Tang Clan in guitar boogie rap.
7. Telekinesis, Telekinesis! (Merge) Great blend of innocuous new wave pop power in the style of Death Cab for Cutie.
8. Jay-Z, The Blue Print 3 (Shawn Carter/Atlantic) The soundtrack for 2009-2010 NBA season. It takes massive coordination to pull off something this successfully corporate.
9. Pilot Speed, Wooden Bones (Wind Up) and Peter Yorn and Scarlett Johansson, Breakup (Boyletown/Rhino) Like with Telekinesis!, neither albums break new ground but both have catchy, sticky pop songs that stay in the head long after listening.
10. Sufjan Stevens, The BQE (Asthmatic Kitty) and Noah and the Whale, The First Days of Spring (Mercury) Elegant pop orchestrations, be it for the tale of the notorious NYC freeway (The BQE) or a traumatic break-up (The First Days).
Kurt Hernon
1. Marianne Faithful, Easy Come Easy Go: 12 Songs for Music Lovers (Decca) Faithful reunites with producer Hal Willner who also crafted her other masterpiece, 1979's Broken English. Despite years of ravage, her voice has never sounded more distinct. A collection of 12 brutal and beautiful cover songs that simply owned the year 2009.
2. Mulatu Astatke/The Heliocentrics, Inspiration Information (Strut) Part of a Strut Records series from which the album takes its name, sextagenarian Ethiopian rhythmic jazz giant Astatke teams up here with youthful electronic lads from England to fuse together the pulse of music future.
3. Lily Allen, It’s Not Me, It’s You (Capitol) Sure, she owes it all to early ’80s Madonna, the difference here is that Ms. Allen is smart, funny and fabulous whereas Madonna survived on booty, beats and brassieres.
4. Dave Douglas, Spirit Moves (Greenleaf Music) Douglas’ all-horn quintet belts out a set that sounds like a cross between an old world New Orleans funeral party and the entertainment at a prohibition era speakeasy. Glorious stuff!
5. The Horrors, Primary Colors (XL) Showered in a reverence for all things ’80s and then lathered with the gritty soap of garage rock, Primary Colors is an oh-so-familiar reminiscence as well as something that somehow miraculously sounds utterly new. Not easy to pull off, but they do.
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz (Interscope) Is it disco? Is it even danceable? Who knows. Who cares. It’s pop. It’s infectious. It’s the catchiest pop record of the year. And every last track is a gem.
7. Madness, The Liberty of Norton Fulgate (Yep Roc) It’s been a decade since Madness last made a record and it’s been more than double that since they made one that matters. Now they’ve made their best. Hard to believe that the brilliantly poignant band here is the one that made its fame with “One Step Beyond!”
8. Robert Glasper, Double Booked (Blue Note) Imagined by everyone out there, accomplished solely by Glasper. Double Booked is utterly spot on in Glasper’s attempt to fuse hip-hop vibe with classical jazz. I know it sounds weird on paper, but go ahead, listen to it on disc. You will thank me.
9. Vijay Iyer Trio, Historocity (Act + Vision) Iyer’s piano performances only seem to get better and better. That said, the poor chap will be hard pressed to ever top Historocity. Jagged yet measured and always beautiful.
10. Joe Henry, Blood from Stars (Anti-) Joe Henry does more to keep the art of musical artistry alive than just about anyone outside of Tom Waits these days.
Jeff Niesel
1. Cribs, Ignore the Ignorant (Warner Bros.) The album begins with “We Were Aborted” and never lets up, lending credence to the theory that the band’s music is every bit as incendiary as the Clash’s.
2. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Up From Below (Vagrant Records) These retro rockers let their freak folk flag fly on this fine album.
3. Tegan and Sara, Sainthood (Sire) The duo finally wrote songs together and ended up with a surplus of good material for this fine album.
4. BlakRoc, BlakRoc (V2) Rap always sounds better with live instrumentation and this is no exception. The Black Keys get their groove on while backing up a number of underground rappers.
5. Silversun Pickups, Swoon (Dangerbird) You can still hear the Smashing Pumpkins references, but the band has finally come into its own.
6. Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid (Nonesuch) The Black Keys frontman proves he sounds just as good with a full band backing him up.
7. Pearl Jam, Back Spacer (Monkeywrench) Grunge rockers return as ballsy garage rockers was a welcomed one, though the disc’s brevity was a bit of a bummer.
8. Arctic Monkeys, Humbug (Domino) The brashest of the UK new young guard of brash acts returned with another strong offering.
9. Dead Weather, Horehound (Third Man) White Stripes/Raconteurs frontman Jack White relegates himself to playing drums but the songwriting here is so good that it’s effective, even if it’s not as compelling as White’s many other projects.
10. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Glassnote) These French electro-rockers one-upped Animal Collective with this great album.
George A. Paul
1. White Lies, To Lose My Life (Geffen) Dressed up with sharp post-punk and upbeat new romantic sounds, this brilliant debut from three young English lads proves that morbid themes don’t always have to equal dreary music.
2. Brendan Benson, My Old, Familiar Friend (ATO) Despite an acclaimed solo career in the 1990s, the singer-guitarist flew under the radar until joining the Raconteurs. His fourth effort, chock full of power pop, psychedelic and Motown gems, showed what everyone was missing.
3. Needtobreathe, The Outsiders (Atlantic) South Carolina siblings Bo and Bear Rinehart continued to amaze with their group’s rootsy, organic and emotionally resonant rock tunes a la Counting Crows and Kings of Leon.
4. Raul Malo, Lucky One (Fantasy) The Mavericks’ former main man still possesses a heavenly voice like few others. Here, he crafted classy, timeless tunes encompassing elegant ballads, retro cabaret and a little Tex-Mex for good measure.
5. Glasvegas, Glasvegas (Columbia) Writing about working class issues, these Scottish newcomers’ goosebump-inducing first effort came across like an inspired meeting between the Phil Spector of yore and Jesus and Mary Chain.
6. Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown (Reprise) Surpassing expectations, the punk/pop band provided one hell of a knockout punch with another world weary rock opera so seamless it would make Pete Townshend proud.
7. Pearl Jam, Back Spacer (Monkeywrench) Nine albums in, these grunge rockers sounded reinvigorated, like they were actually having a blast playing fiery songs; introspective numbers served as chill out time.
8. Dashboard Confessional, Alter the Ending (Vagrant/Interscope) Chris Carrabba’s cathartic music retains a sense of optimistic as Adam Schlesinger and Butch Walker wisely burnish the big rock anthems and graceful ballads with a poppier sheen.
9. Echo & the Bunnymen, The Fountain (Ocean Rain) Still on a creative roll more than three decades after emerging from Britain’s fertile post-punk scene, singer Ian McCulloch rediscovered his spite and inner Bowie. Underrated guitarist Will Sergeant’s deft soundscapes continued to impress.
10. Pet Shop Boys, Yes (Astralwerks) Singer Neil Tennant’s astute lyrics, Chris Lowe’s buoyant dance and melancholy melodies, plus a hot young production team (Xenomania) and an ex-Smith (Johnny Marr) added up to the veteran English synth pop group’s strongest album in years.
John Reed
1. Jeremih, Jeremih (Def Jam) Not only did Jeremih make birthdays more of a reason to celebrate, he also has some of the best licks since early R. Kelley. Now, hopefully he can stay on this side of the R-rating.
2. Eula, Language of Threat (self-released) Connecticut-based alt trio hashes out some of the best post-punk of this past decade on this their fifth EP release.
3. Beyonce, I Am...Sasha Fierce (Deluxe Edition) (Epic) Sure, it was officially released late last year, but Beyonce’s solo career still dominates all competitors with her always interesting arrangements that never rely on a certain formula.
4. Weezer, Raditude (Geffen Records) The kings of nerd rock still have not lost their touch.
5. Mission of Burma, The Sound The Speed The Light (Matador Records) The old guard of post-punk still retains its crown, even after three decades.
6. The Decemberists, The Hazards of Love (Capitol) The Decemberists are the best of the newer breed of rock bands and The Hazards of Love just cemented their rep.
7. Lily Allen, It's Not Me, It's You (Capitol) The sassy Brit still may have not broken in the U.S. yet, but this is not due to lack of quality tunes. First-rate pop with a big smack of attitude.
8. Kelly Clarkson, All I Ever Wanted (Sony BMG) Clarkson has left her American Idol shadow permanently and is back with hit singles again.
9. Sean Kingston, Tomorrow (Epic) Hip-hop lite may be his preference, but Kingston’s sophomore CD was as enjoyable as his debut two years ago.
10. Jay Z, The Blueprint 3 (Roc Nation) Jay-Z came out of self-imposed retirement and reclaimed his title as king of rap.
Nicole Roberge
1. Howie Day, Sound the Alarm (Sony) On his third full-length, Day captures songs about loss, longing as well as lighter songs about love. It is his best work yet and sure to put him further along in his music career.
2. John Mayer, Battle Studies (Sony) Mayer mixes rock, acoustic melodies and bluesy songs. His lyrics are outstanding, as always.
3. Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, The Bear (Vanguard) This groundbreaking album is honest, candid and beautiful.
4. Charlotte Martin, Piano Trees (self-released) On this instrumental album, Martin’s piano soars with breathtaking beauty as each note shines with emotion. She shows her true prowess here.
5. A Fine Frenzy, Bomb in a Birdcage (Virgin) Alison Sudol experiments with different sounds on this album, from piano ballads to pop songs, making it very eclectic.
6. Regina Spektor, Far (Warner Bros.) As usual, Spektor is fun and engaging, with witty lyrics as she infuses pop and rock into her songs.
7. David Gray, Draw the Line (Downtown) Gray’s distinctive voice shines on this album, with bright melodies and lyrics that each tell a story.
8. Mindy Smith, Stupid Love (Vanguard) Smith demonstrates her coffeehouse roots here with folksy songs and meaningful lyrics.
9. Norah Jones, The Fall (Blue Note) This is not the Norah Jones we know, but one we can be excited to hear. She has kicked it up a notch with songs that are peppy and animated, as she maintains her graceful voice.
10. Nellie McKay, Normal as Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day (Verve) Always quirky, McKay takes a big step with this tribute album, but gets it right. She does it elegantly and shows her true talent as a singer.
Deborah Singer
1. Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino Records) Animal Collective has finally done it! They’ve created an electro-folk album that isn’t hard to listen to. With this album, they managed to make their intricate, experimental music slightly more mainstream, without losing their signature sound.
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz (Interscope) This garage rock band dove head first into the electro-rock genre for this album, and it has never sounded better. Even with the new electro style, the band hasn’t lost its intensity, and Karen O is as fierce as ever.
3. Blakroc, Blakroc (V2) The most recent release from the Black Keys has to be one of the most exciting albums of the year. The band collaborated with artists like Nicole Wray, Mos Def and Jim Jones to make some very innovative hip-hop/rock songs.
4. Monsters of Folk, Monsters of Folk (Shangri-La Music) I’m not usually a fan of super-groups, but when I heard about Monsters of Folk, I couldn’t stop myself from becoming extremely excited. The combination of Oberst, James and Ward is absolutely perfect, and I can’t wait to hear their next album.
5. Tegan and Sara, Sainthood (Sire) Ever since 1999 with the release of their first studio album, these Canadian twin sisters have managed to rack up a huge following of diehard fans. With the release of Sainthood, these girls have left their fans anything but disappointed. Sainthood is extremely impressive, combining the styles of their last two albums, and adding some hints of techno undertones.
6. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Up From Below (Vagrant Records) Out of all of the impressive summer albums released, Up From Below blew all of the others away. This ten-piece band can only be described as epic, with their horns, hand claps and stomping; all of the elements needed for some great sing-along songs.
7. The Avett Brothers, I And Love And You (American Recordings) For their most recent album, these brothers from North Carolina took a step in a new direction. Instead of their typical twangy bluegrass style, they chose to go for more of a rock sound, focusing on the piano, rather than the banjo.
8. Metric, Fantasies (Metric Music International) Metric jumped on the bandwagon and changed up their typical sound. Instead of going for their usual edgy punkish sound, they chose to release a slightly more mainstream sounding, upbeat album. This change has probably caused Metric to lose some followers, but it has also opened the band up to a larger audience.
9. Passion Pit, Manners (Frenchkiss Records) This is the first full-length studio album from the electro-rock band from Massachusetts. It is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable, upbeat albums of the year.
10. Built To Spill, There Is No Enemy (Warner Bros.) This album was one of the most overlooked releases of the year, which is very upsetting. These indie music veterans didn’t break any musical barriers or drastically change their sound with this album. What they did do, though, is show that after sixteen years of releasing music they are still able to create solid songs with wonderful lyrics and guitar riffs that you can zone out to.
Joe Walker
1. John Mayer, Battle Studies (Columbia) Breaking up is hard to do; John Mayer making a solid album is not. Here on his fourth studio album he licks his wounds and guitar strings, but his relationship pains feel so good.
2. Alicia Keys, The Element of Freedom (J Records) Keys’ words and powerful melodic beltings resonate in my mind long after I’m done listening to her music. It lingers; that’s what hooked me on everything from her first album through this, her awesome fourth.
3. Eminem, Relapse (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope) This was so worth the wait; after a lengthy hiatus, Eminem returned (assisted by Dr. Dre’s top-form production) with this brashly personal, insanely-slick written Hip Hop addiction.
4. Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment (RCA/19 Recordings) On stage Lambert is a wild, over-the-top showman gunning for crowd response, but in the studio he’s a controlled vocal bullet who sings to please. His eclectic rock/pop debut does entertain.
5. Maxwell, BLACKsummers’night (Columbia) As long as Maxwell continues to make music the truest elements of soul musicianship will never, ever fade die. Rest in peace James Brown, Luther Vandross and Gerald Levert: Maxwell is carrying the torch.
6. Jay-Z, The Blue Print 3 (Roc Nation/Atlantic) Here is Jay-Z’s latest blueprint. Buck all popular hip-hop recording trends, showcase maturity, be as creative as possible, and make all others follow your lead.
7. Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Part II (Ice H2O/EMI) The Chef’s long-awaited sequel to his classic ’95 solo debut re-showcases his knack for dark, grinding story-telling, opening yet another must-visit chamber in Wu-Tang lore.
8. Kelly Clarkson, All I Ever Wanted (RCA) A year in music is not a year in music without an emotional, heart-wrenched anthem by the first American Idol. And Clarkson’s fourth album is full of them!
9. Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster (Interscope) Lady Gaga is pure energy; when this set comes on I don’t anyone who can sit still. A throwback to the electric dance pop of the ’80s, Gaga makes retro futuristic.
10. Busta Rhymes, Back On My B.S. (Flipmode/Universal Motown) While many of hip-hop’s pioneers and legends become conversations of the past and bedtime stories, Busta remains among today’s elite.
Jeremy Willets
1. Metric, Fantasies (self-released) After spending years on various indie labels, the Canadian act struck out on their own with their fourth album and found tremendous success.
2. Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilon (Domino) It's amazing to exist in a world where mind-bending music like this has been accepted by the mainstream.
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz! (Interscope) Album number three proves that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have easily outdistanced the crop of bands that started up during the same period.
4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Slumberland) Nobody did pop music better this year.
5. Morrissey, Years of Refusal (Attack/Lost Highway) Although it wasn't quite as robust as his Tony Visconti produced eighth album, it was still another great effort from the former Smiths frontman.
6. Land Of Talk, Fun And Laughter EP (Saddle Creek) While the revolving door of band members continued, so did the consistently great music from this Canadian trio.
7. The Clientele, Bonfires on the Heath (Merge) The English band’s six album is a sophisticated mélange of melancholic and pastoral pop.
8. A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Ashes Grammar (Mis Ojos Discos) This slice of noisy dream pop from Philadelphia was the best My Bloody Valentine impression of the year.
9. Girls, Album (True Panther Sounds) Christopher Owens is the new Elvis. Costello, that is.
10. The Field, Yesterday And Today (Kompakt) The most consistent minimal techno album of the year.
Emily Zemler
1. Mastodon, Crack the Skye (Reprise) It’s not a mistake that mainstream rock critics spent 2009 lauding Mastodon for their complex, intelligent metal. The Atlanta band’s conceptual fourth album, an homage to drummer Brann Dailor’s deceased sister Skye, is a lesson in artful instrumentation that resonates both loudly and emotionally.
2. Silversun Pickups, Swoon (Dangerbird) Standout track “The Royal We” alone puts this album on the top of any list, but the Silver Lake band’s complexly nuanced approach to song craft doesn’t hurt either.
3. Biffy Clyro, Only Revolutions (14th Floor) Technically, this Scottish trio’s fifth album was only released in the U.K., but its surging, impassioned epic rock songs are too deeply compelling exclude.
4. Dead Weather, Horehound (Third Man) Jack White and his magic touch seemingly strike again, but really it’s Alison Mosshart’s banshee-like howl amid the raw production that makes Dead Weather so striking.
5. Metric, Fantasies (Last Gang) The Canadian band culls together everything that’s made their last three albums so impressive to new and interesting results.
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz! (Interscope) The New York trio’s third album is a ride of emotional and musical highs and lows, with sparkling dance tracks melding into hushed, moaning ballads — and their juxtaposition makes each all the more powerful.
7. Paramore, Brand New Eyes (Atlantic) It seemed like Paramore might not be able to top Riot!, but singer Hayley Williams and her band have proven they are band to be taken seriously with their third disc. That tour with No Doubt last summer may indeed allude to this band’s future.
8. Andrew Bird, Noble Beast (Fat Possum) More proof that Andrew Bird is a master of all things: clever lyrics, playing a dozen instruments all himself, using song titles like “Tenuousness” and “Nomenclature” without sounding pretentious, and, of course, whistling.
9. Sea Wolf, White Water, White Bloom (Dangerbird) Musician Alex Brown Church crafts an overwhelming sonic landscape that’s almost visually palpable with evident skill — and that’s not something you can often say about music these days.
10. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Glassnote) Sure, this record is immensely overplayed but despite the over-saturation the French band’s songs actually overpower their deafening hype.
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