Albums of the Year Number 8: The Defamation of Strickland Banks by Plan B Concept albums are a tricky business. It’s hard enough at the best of times to make one that doesn’t make you sound utterly pretentious. When you add into that the idea you’re making a Motown-infused album about a man falsely accused of rape, I think most people would have suggested to Ben Drew that it might be worth barking up some other tree. But this album not only works, it’s great. Drew has a beautiful, soulful voice and one that we didn’t hear much of on his first album. At its highest register his voice sounds so close to cracking that it provides a real sense of emotion. The songwriting is so solid and polished that the final result sounds more like a best-of singles collection from a band with quite a considerable career. That said, it doesn’t feel disjointed, the concept flows remarkably well and never feels forced. I have a lot of favourites but if I was forced to pick a couple of tracks, both Writing’s On The Wall and Prayin’ are excellent, and the latter also has a great video. Next year’s The Ballad of Belmarsh is apparently going to fill in the gaps in the story. I for one can’t wait to hear it. Spotify Link

Albums of the Year

Number 8: The Defamation of Strickland Banks by Plan B

Concept albums are a tricky business. It’s hard enough at the best of times to make one that doesn’t make you sound utterly pretentious. When you add into that the idea you’re making a Motown-infused album about a man falsely accused of rape, I think most people would have suggested to Ben Drew that it might be worth barking up some other tree.

But this album not only works, it’s great. Drew has a beautiful, soulful voice and one that we didn’t hear much of on his first album. At its highest register his voice sounds so close to cracking that it provides a real sense of emotion. The songwriting is so solid and polished that the final result sounds more like a best-of singles collection from a band with quite a considerable career. That said, it doesn’t feel disjointed, the concept flows remarkably well and never feels forced.

I have a lot of favourites but if I was forced to pick a couple of tracks, both Writing’s On The Wall and Prayin’ are excellent, and the latter also has a great video. Next year’s The Ballad of Belmarsh is apparently going to fill in the gaps in the story. I for one can’t wait to hear it.

Spotify Link