The British Music that Rocked My Noughties
December 18, 2009 by MK Feeney
Filed under Anglophile in Exile, British Music
As we come to the end of another decade, it is rather common to take stock of what had transpired, the awesome and the should be forgotten. This week I found myself reflecting on the music I discovered and enjoyed. The 2000’s (or the Noughties as the BBC calls it) saw me graduate high school, go to college and jump into the working world, and music was there every step of the way.
So, here’s what I was rocking for the past ten years. (All music mentioned was recorded and released in this decade. I listen to A LOT of pre-2000 music, much of that was discovered during this time, but I will not include those tracks in this post.)
The Albums That Lived in My Stereo for Weeks:
1.) A Rush of Blood to the Head – Coldplay
Released in the fall of 2002, this is my favorite Coldplay album. More adventurous than Parachutes, yet not as bloated as X&Y, this album is the sound of a confident band reflecting on politics, spirituality, love and life. For me, it was the perfect college soundtrack.
2.) Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand
The boys from Glasgow came into my radar in spring 2004 when I heard the song “The Dark of the Matinée”. The energy and the mix of rock and dance was the perfect combination for finding the motivation to clean the house, writing that paper or hanging out with friends at a house party.
3.) Off With Their Heads – Kaiser Chiefs
Oh, this was a hard choice. I love Employment and its Blur/Kinks inspired social commentary, but I love this album a bit more. The playful vibe really resonates with me.
4.) Eye to the Telescope – KT Tunstall
I am a sucker of melodies, and this album is filled with them. KT is a great songwriter and I like that bit of edge she has in her voice. For me, this is a really enjoyable album.
5.) Hail to the Thief - Radiohead
First Radiohead album I ever bought. A bit more accessible than Kid A, it really captured elements of their previous releases. Every song has a subtitle, what isn’t there to love about that?
Other albums I dug: Back to Black by Amy Winehouse, Dig Out Your Soul by Oasis, Electric Arguments by The Fireman, In Rainbows by Radiohead, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends by Coldplay, Hopes and Fears by Keane, Roots and Echoes by The Coral and The Hour of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy.
Looking back, I am also reminded of songs that became favorites of mine and my friends. Who couldn’t miss “Dry Your Eyes” by The Streets? Or their other single “Fit But You Know It”? Other favorites included “Have a Nice Day” and “Mr. Writer” by Stereophonics, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness,
“Chasing Pavements” by Adele, “Mercy” by Duffy, “Boys in the Band” by The Libertines and “Smile” by Lily Allen.
Listening to the BBC and reading various Brit magazines also introduced me to American bands who hadn’t quite made it at home, but were popular in the UK. This included Kings of Leon, The Killers, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Scissor Sisters, Electric Six and the White Stripes.
Starting the decade in full boy band mode and progressing through to a more alternative sound competing with reality television show pop stars, the Noughties saw a variety of outstanding and not so great musical moments. Only time will tell what will be good enough to remember and play on our future Oldies channels.
What about you? What British albums, songs or bands did you enjoy this past decade? Any predictions for the new decade?
Author Info - When not dreaming of future trips to England, MK is usually found listening to The Beatles, reading Sherlock Holmes or watching Stephen Fry on the telly. Read more from this author
Coldplay, The Kaiser Chiefs, Muse, Supergrass, Ash, Travis, Doves. All fantastic bands hailing from the UK who created some excellent albums during the naughties. Vive le Britpop!
Coldplay is at the top of my list as well. I love them. I don’t care that I’m a dude and that takes away my dude cred. Coldplay rocks.
Also, I’m a big fan of Starsailor – they’ve had several really good albums this decade and I’m really surprised they haven’t hit critical mass.
Keane, Adele, Leona….but my fav has to be Amy Winehouse with Back to Black