albums of the decade - 42. The Antlers - Hospice

42. The Antlers - Hospice (2009)

At the time of writing, this is so fresh in the memory as another great band from New York have made a modern classic. This one is about loss, mourning, bleakness and trying to make the most of things in tough times. The music is very cathartic and it directly addresses the pain of someone deteriorating to the point of no return in a poignant grace that demands candles and your total attention. This has been one of the best discoveries of recent times, and The Antlers seem to have everything to come because while this concept records may be one the most delicately arresting rock records made in an infinity, their horizons will gather even more scope soon, I can really feel it.

Exc. 'Kettering'

But something kept me standing

By that hospital bed

I should have quit but instead

I took care of you

You made me sleep and uneven

And I didn't believe them

When they told me that there

Was no saving you