What about the covers? no 15

For 2009 - The Hidden Cameras - Origin:Orphan

Designed by Robyn Kotyk (graphic artist nominated for Juno for her work) and Joel Gibb (the band's leader), the Hidden Cameras' Origin:Orphan cover's symbolism is blatantly obvious. The orphan and the camera are in plain sight, connected to each other, marking our Orwellian era of constant camera watching. Arts and Crafts, the label that released the album is a design house too, and their aesthetic is consistent to all their releases and merchandise. Photography by Guntar Kravis (the second photo is by Norman Wong and not on the album, but it expresses perfectly the gay church music tag that Gibb gives his songs).

For the 00's - no15 - Roisin Murphy - Overpowered

The art direction and design for this one was done by Scott King, with photography by Jonathan de Villiers. King's characteristic "album-title-as-sticky-label" mark is here again. Quirky and fashion-forward as always. Roisin is certainly no wallflower. Her look is always unique and original. The inner sleeve is pink inside and blue outside, with a graphic that incorporates various quotes from Roisin and people she gets inspired from. I would have been happier with the lyrics and more photos of Roisin though.

Top 20 Countdown - no.15

For 2009

No.15 - The Hidden Cameras - Origin:Orphan

Strange album title. But oh, what an album it is. From the opening drone that segues into the eastern-inspired Ratify The New to the guitar ballad almost retro sound of Silence Can Be A Headline (oh how appropriate a title for today), it sucks you right in and never lets you out. Brilliant music.

For the 00's

No.15 - Roisin Murphy - Overpowered

She's one of the most talented women in music today. A great album that makes you dance like there is no tomorrow, much like her live gigs too. Roisin proved with this one that she can make her own mark in music, after the Moloko break up. I never doubted it of course!

2007 Top-20 Countdown - No.7

Best Albums of 2007 - No.7

Roisin Murphy - Overpowered

Ex-Moloco singer Roisin Murphy gave us a precious gem this year, with her second album. A surreal piece of dance music, infused with paranoia, melancholia, not to mention energy and fun. For me it is one of the best records to play at a party, a sure-fire way to make people dance - you cannot stay seated when you listen to these songs. With her eclectic team of producers (among them my favourites, Groove Armada) and songwriters (with her at the lead of course), she manages to assemble a brilliant necklace of pure dance pop diamonds, the likes of which are the envy of many wanna-be dance divas the world over. We will wait breathlessly for the next one.

P.S. Her Mad-Hater look is pure genius, I wish more singers would follow her suit...

Overpowered



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Worst Albums of 2007 - No.7

Debbie Harry - Necessary Evil


Has it really been fifteen years since Debbie last released a personal album? Maybe she should have thought better. It does not do her justice, appearing with an album like this, tarnishing her image of new wave queen, the woman that has inspired many of today's fledglings. It sounds messy, confused, overwhelmed. Maybe next time she should stay home. An unnecessary album if ever there was one.

Two Times Blue