As we get more and more excited about the upcoming Cornwall Hi-Fi Show, we thought it might be the perfect time for some of the music lovers amongst us to each share a couple of our favourite albums with you! Without further ado, we’ll let Sophie start us off…
Sophie – Online team
Taylor Swift – folklore
It’s hard to know where to begin with folklore when it comes to explaining why it’s one of my favourite albums. I think, for one, it came out exactly when it needed to – in the middle of the pandemic when things were still so unknown and a bit lonely. It brought a sense of peace, with Taylor’s excellent storytelling and wondrous, melancholy – but still hopeful – love songs. Collaborating with Aaron Dessner (The National) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) was the best thing Taylor could have done with this record, I think it is her best album to date – and that’s high praise from a Swiftie like myself!
Paramore – After Laughter
For me, the magic of After Laughter is having gone through all the relatable teen angst alongside Hayley Williams with “Riot!” and “Brand New Eyes” and then also getting to experience “After Laughter”: a record full of songs about the trials and tribulations of being a grown up, too, at a time where it was most relatable. It’s catchy, upbeat and will be stuck in your head for days, but at the same time the lyrics are so real, raw and relatable. A genius pop record from an equally-genius rock band.
Dan – Wadebridge store
Hans Zimmer – Live In Prague
I love film scores as it is, but something about this album just brings them to life for me. I first heard it as a demonstration disc in our shop and I was instantly hooked, purchasing my own copy on vinyl. The medleys of different parts of each film are superb. This whole album has this wonderful way of drawing the emotive force from within, with perfect execution, leaving the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end. I regularly put this on, close my eyes and just feel it.
Funeral For A Friend – Hours
An album I’ve listened to so many times I’m surprised I’ve not burnt a hole through the disc! An emotional album with meaning to every word. The first track “All the Rage” jumps straight in with a fast-paced kick to the senses, awakening you to what will follow. “Roses for the Dead” is my favourite track of the album and is what sparked my love for it. To me, the production is absolutely perfect; distinct and clear, and without a mass of sounds all vying for prominence in the mix. A punchy bass drum, wonderful accurate guitar riffs and vocals that perfectly suit the tracks.
Jemma – Accounts team
London Grammar – If You Wait
You know those albums that feel like they take you on an emotional journey? Well, this is mine. Goosebumps are imminent from the moment opening track “Hey Now” begins and they stay for the duration of this album. Just short of halfway through, “Strong” hits with full force and makes the listener feel invincible. The cover of Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” transforms an electro 80’s-inspired track into something hauntingly dark, aided by Hannah’s contralto voice. Her vocal on “Help” is beautifully chilling, with a real sense of desperation. Throughout, Dan and Dot (on guitar, keyboard and percussion) use a variety of instruments and sounds to create real emotion – evident on “Shyer” where steel drums combine with delicate guitar to sound incredible together.
Royal Blood – How Did We Get So Dark?
Straight away, the title track kicks in and you’re sucked into that addictive Royal Blood sound. It’s distinctive and punchy and it doesn’t let go. “She’s Creeping” hits with an incredibly catchy chorus and distorted guitar sound. A few tracks later and you arrive at “Don’t Tell” (my favourite track on the album) which is sexy, secretive and suggestive. The album closes with “Sleep” which comes in with punchy drums and an amazing bass tone throughout the chorus. This album followed on perfectly from Royal Blood’s self-titled debut album and also left the door wide open for the incredible third album that was to follow.
Kieran – Online team
Derek & The Dominos – Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs
Eric Clapton’s Derek and the Dominos period might have lasted for only a single studio album, but it’s the most absolutely perfect blues rock album of all time. From title track “Layla” (the song that ignited my love of music), to the truly heart-wrenching “Bell Bottom Blues” (my favourite song of all time), you can feel the pure emotion dripping out of this album. This is the sound of a man in turmoil, struggling with his infatuation for his best friend’s (George Harrison) wife – and it comes through in every note and word of every song.
Muse – Origin of Symmetry
It might not have been Muse’s debut, but this album is the sound of a band who have found their feet and their sound. Opener, “New Born” lulls you into a false sense of security with it’s delicate piano opening, before the absolutely massive fuzz riff kicks in. “Plug In Baby” is the archetypal Muse track; all big guitars, big chorus and soaring falsetto vocals, whilst the spacey synths of “Bliss” give an indication of where even later period Muse would head. Even when they cover the jazz standard “Feeling Good”, Muse can’t help but add their signature bombast.
The 2021 Cornwall Hi-Fi show will be held at Pavilion Centre, at the Royal Cornwall Showground on the 8th – 9th October. Entry is free and you can pre-register for the show at www.cornwallhifishow.com – all pre-registrations will be entered into a free prize draw for the chance to win a Sonos Roam portable speaker.
