10 for 2010: Former Ghosts

This week we're bringing you our 10 for 2010; musicians set for tours and records in 2010 at one end and 2009's give-a-listen albums at the other.

'Fleurs' is one of the best records of the year. After Freddy Ruppert changed his mind [again] and brokeoff This Song Is A Mess But So Am I, it's the sound of one talented man getting back down to it and being excited by music. Listened through a broken record player [we've had to] it's a fuzzy sidestep into the noise pop that's broken away from Pitchfork and been embraced by MTV. It's definitely smothered in reverb, a technique that's become derided as quickly as it gained popularity [again] this year.

But listen again and it's not about what kit he's using all. Ruppert is a master in subtlely layering sounds together. It's probably why he doesn't fit into any time or worse, 'scene'. He's constantly changing his mind and coming up with something different but without neglecting what it is he truly loves; pop songs. We're not into dissecting lyrics but his are something to prick your cynical ears up for.

Freddy is currently working on new songs for the next Former Ghosts full length."I went into it thinking things were going to come across darker and more textured: he says "But so far, the handful of things I have been working on are coming out poppier. Go figure". It gets better. The other people in Former Ghosts are Jamie Stewart and Nika Roza otherwise known as that man from Xiu Xiu and that woman who does Zola Jesus. They send songs around the U.S, and play live when they can. Sorry to get all music-porn but it's a three way we can totally get along with. "I'm also in the beginning stages of planning some European and UK tour dates for the first half of next year. I'm not sure what the live set up will consist of yet for these shows, whether it will be just me solo, me with Jamie, me with Nika, the three of us, or me with someone else/other people". Buy 'Fleurs' and Freddy might not disband Former Ghosts.

Former Ghosts has a Christmas cover to download

Freddy has made a mix for the No Conclusion Blog

And the record is available to buy from Upset The Rhythm.