The Top 5 UK Albums of 2008 - #4

By: Nicole Kai Kobilansky

Plays Moolah Rouge by I am Kloot

This space originally belonged to Elbow’s Mercury-prize winning The Seldom Seen Kid, but after I read an interview in which lead singer Guy Garvey named I Am Kloot’s latest record as his personal favourite, I decided to give it a listen. Lo and behold, Plays Moolah Rouge impressed me so much that I decided to swap Elbow out of my Top 5. (It’s a backhand compliment, really! Plus, you already have the Mercury, Guy.)

The fact that Garvey lauds this record should already tell you quite a bit about it – poetic lyrics, subtle and understated accompaniment, and a lot of honest emotion. At first I actually thought I was listening to a new Wilco reincarnation, so much do these Scottish feelies echo Jeff Tweedy’s melancholy apathy and sedated desperation. Songs like “Chaperoned” and “The Oldest Role in Town” display mature depth and clarity, but don’t suffer from overproduced flourishes like some of Elbow’s songs do. This is definitely an under-the-radar record that deserves more ear time.