July and August are odd months for albums. Most bands will have had their records out before the festival season really takes over so it can be a case of slim pickings. Or in some cases you've spent all your money on going to festivals you can't afford any vinyl before September arrives.
In the spirit of this there is a slight deviation from the strict rules of the albums having had to be released between the beginning of July and end of September.
Having said that there have been some cracking stuff put out, some that haven't been of the L.P format and one will sneak into the list but it is a five track E.P.
Alongside this, honourable mentions must be made to some great singles released during this period that have thrown themselves across my radar, mainly due to me writing for 'When the Gramophone Rings' the ace new music website that concentrates on introducing new bands and songs and getting those streamed instantly. Of those I have written about the excellent Shanklins, Communion and Screaming Peaches alongside blog stalwarts Desperate Journalist, Eaves, Tree Machines and Menace Beach, some will be mentioned further later, they have released and made available some amazing music over the past few months (of which you can read more about on the website, or via @gramophonerings on Twitter.
So, to the top 5 records from Quarter 3 of 2015.
1) Mark Morriss - The Taste of Mark Morriss (see review)
2) The Maccabees - Marks to Prove it
3) Menace Beach - Super Transporterreum E.P
4) Ryan Adams - Live at Carnegie Hall
5) Honeyblood - Honeyblood
Now, wait, wait. I know what you're going to say, Live at Carnegie Hall came out in April and Honeyblood wasn't even released this year. Somehow the fact a nice and succinct 10 track version of the multiple vinyl edition of Ryan Adams solo concerts in New York existed evaded me and it wasn't until late June/early July, I can't quite remember which, that I ordered it. So apologies, but it is too bloody gorgeous to be missed off, because whilst it is brilliant, it also might not make the ultimate Top 5 of 2015 so it had to be added to a quarterly review at some point.
Honeyblood came into my field of consciousness only very recently, due to my involvement with WTGR and a recommendation by an uber fan. They played at Victorious Festival and were aces, so thanks to the joy of internet shopping and apps for many a supplier of all things record shaped, it was ordered before the final ringing chord had time to fall silent.
As aforementioned there have been some epic singles and streams abound, some form part of E.Ps and deluxe edition L.Ps that drop in October so are out of contention (although this month has made something of a farce of those rules).
Desperate Journalist, whose debut eponymous L.P only arrived in January, release an E.P 'Good Luck' with the stupendous 'Perfect Health' concluding the 5 track disc (for further flowery description, please see my review on WTGR). Menace Beach, another whose debut only landed at the very start of the year, brought us "Ghoul Power" from No.3 on the list above (again, another lovely little write up on the lovely WTGR). Tree Machines returned following their first 8 track E.P with a triumvirate of singles, the stand out being the haunting 'At Arms Length' (and again, see an Introducing piece on.....that's right, you've got it) and finally Eaves is adding an extra 4 song disc to the utterly brilliant "What Green Feels Like" album, including the fucking gorgeous 'Jack Madness'. The name Nick Drake has been used in conjunction with him in many articles and reviews but this is very influenced by the likes of "Parasite" from 'Pink Moon' and "The Fly" on 'Bryter Layter'.
Already my mind wanders to who will make the pinnacle of the all important Top 5 record of 2015 from Back to the Vinyl. There are strong contenders, some are shoe-ins for a place in the much sort after five positions, but who will be Number One?
Will there be a last minute album arrive and steal the crown like Hookworms did from Royal Blood last year. Or will something from nearly 12 months previous hold off all comers and be victorious.
It's tantalising stuff and I can hardly wait myself. Although I think I already know. But you don't (although you could probably make a good educated guess).
As Charlie Bucket said to his old Grandma at the end of Roald Dahl's classic tale "Just you wait and see".
