Album of the Day

Bloc Party named their debut album after a Japanese earthquake detection system, and its 2005 release certainly shook up the alternative music scene. Powered by such urgent tracks as “So Here We Are,” “Positive Tension” and “Banquet,” the collection entered the UK Albums Chart at #3, eventually selling more than a million copies worldwide. Co-produced by Paul Epworth, the set will appeal equally to fans of techno-house atmospherics and three-minute guitar pop, and its ambitious personal and political scope has drawn comparison to U2. Picked as Album of the Year by NME, SILENT ALARM remains inspiring nearly 20 years on, and we’ll give it a spin now to wish drummer Matt Tong a happy birthday.