Songs of 2017

I struggle to accept that 2017 is nearly over.  But I can’t argue with the calendar.  As I struggle to complete my jobs for Christmas, I was distracted by my self-imposed seasonal tradition of selecting my favourite songs of the year.  

This is largely a record for myself, and I really enjoy looking back at previous years (see 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012).  However, if you have a few minutes spare, do take a listen and hopefully there is something that pleases.  The songs can also be listened to on this YouTube playlist (though annoyingly not Future Islands).

Enjoy!

Shadows - Future Islands

The best duet of the year.  Debbie Harry’s voice is so strong and complements Samuel T Herring perfectly.  I’m not a fan of everything Future Islands have done, but this is a great song.  The performance is full of energy and power.

A Little Uncanny - Conor Oberst

This is possibly my most listened to song of 2017.  A relatively simple song but beautifully executed with acerbic lyrics.  I feel his pain when he sings “I miss poor Christopher Hitchens, I miss Oliver Sachs, I miss poor Robin Williams, I miss Sylvia Plath”.  

Nothing, Not Nearly - Laura Marling

Laura Marling features in almost every year’s review and I could have had multiple entries. Sempa Femina is a brilliant album.  I adore the pace of this song. The descending chord progression in the chorus gets me every time.

Oh Baby - LCD Soundsystem

This is the first song on the new album and it’s the best one.  Relatively slow and takes a long time to build, but that’s the genius - and a statement of the album which mocks the unnecessary rules of popular music.  Despite the intelligent construct of the song, the thing that comes through for me is the desperation and pain in the vocals.  Love it.

New York - St Vincent

It is often easy to get distracted by St Vincent’s style and artistic influence.  But this song allows her songwriting genius to take centre stage.  Whilst the video is visually impactful, again I feel it detracts from a simple and excellently written song.  For those of us who are diaspora from a major city, there is always someone we think of when she sings: “You’re the only mother fucker in the city who can handle me”

Trouble - Girl Ray

A new band for 2017, this has the classic hallmarks of a favourite.  Simple guitar chord progression, tight performance, effortless vocals.  A nice fresh approach.

Spent The Day In Bed - Morrissey

I’m not a fan of putting “popular” artists on here (I can imagine Morrissey spitting that line back at me), but this song needs to be recognised as an instant classic.  The lyrics have all the power of Morrissey, but a refreshingly uplifting message urging everyone to spend the day in bed.  “There’s nothing wrong with being good to yourself"  Never have I been so tempted to take a duvet day...

Take Me Home - Public Service Broadcasting

Every Valley was my favourite album of 2017.  A very well executed album with incredible samples and storytelling.  I found myself humbled by the sleeve notes which include numbers of people killed in mining accidents.  The final song is sung by a choir and sends shivers down my spine every time.  This is a responsible history lesson coated in stunning musicianship. 

As The World Caves In - Matt Maltese

An epic, sweeping song that makes you consider our small place in the world.  At it’s heart is a sweet message (though in the context of a nuclear apocalypse!).  A mature offering from a new artist

We A Famly - Flaming Lips

Yes, this song has truckloads of weirdness and Miley Cyrus as Wayne Coyne’s surprising muse, but this is such a lovely song.  Flaming Lips are a band who have a habit of making songs that make me emotional.

Dreams Tonite - Alvvays

My favourite song of 2017.  A great pop song. Dreamy, catchy, impactful, perfect.  It’s that simple.  The only song that I’ve listened to on loop. I hope you do the same.

Wasn't that fun?!

NADA 2017 (A Brit's View)

For the last few days, I've been at my equivalent of Disneyland ... the 2017 NADA Convention and Expo in New Orleans.  The Brits call it "nada" and the Americans "N.A.D.A",  but either way we know that for the automotive retail industry, it's - to quote Ron Burgundy - a big deal.  Over 23,000 visitors and 1.1m square feet of exhibition space.  This is the premier event for seeing the products and services that power American dealers.

I've attempted to use this blog as a scrapbook for my thoughts.  

1) Analytics and tracking

The principle theme that I spotted from a digital retailing perspective was analytics.  The number of Dealer Management Software (DMS) vendors exhibiting, and the language used in their marketing collateral, highlighted the value in using data to understand and improve your business.  There was some very interesting new companies who were providing better insight into online traffic, handling of leads and business performance.  The importance of internet traffic (the vast majority of consumers start their car search online) uncovers a number of data sources for audience profiling and tracking.  These tools which are quite common in other areas of digital marketing are flowing through into other areas such as call and email handling. 

I'm a big fan of data and can only encourage dealers to use this to understand their business to help make informed decisions.  However, I still also believe that an "art" remains in connecting with a consumer.  There is a danger in becoming robotic in process and data.  But combined with an underlying philosophy around customer service, they can provide real insight and opportunity to deliver significant improvements.  There was almost an embarrassment of such companies on show, to which I provide a warning that data and tracking is only of use if it is analysed and acted upon.  

2) Digital replacing physical exhibitors

I last attended NADA 3 years ago.  Comparing this visit to my last, I felt that there was fewer exhibitors of "physical" goods (showroom facilities, hydraulic ramps, mechanic equipment etc) at the expense of software, media and website companies.  Given my profession, that should be a good thing.  But the child in me felt a little sad to see fewer of the exhibitors of stuff that I never normally get to see, but is very cool.  I still managed to find myself falling into a trance watching an automatic car washing machine.  A feat of engineering excellence.  Here's some particular favourites:

Hydraulic lifts

(this pick up is big, no problem for this lift. Magic!)

Big Ass Fans

(Big Ass Fans is my favourite company name ever)

Planes

(yes, planes! I'm assuming they'll attach the wings later)

3) Manufacturer support

A key difference between NADA and smaller shows in the UK is the manufacturer support.  Ford, GM and Toyota had very large presences here as did some smaller retailers such as Suzuki and Mitsubishi (and some beautiful Shelby customisations).  The OEMs on show used this event to get their team together for seminars and account management meetings.  Their dealers were made to feel special and would have felt pride in representing their brands.  I hope that OEMs begin to support the British shows to help build an easy way for dealers to gain insight into latest trends and products.

Toyota

GM

Ford

(this is the pick-up I'm after - perhaps it might be overcompensation for my height!)

4) Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive (parent company of Motors.co.uk) made a real statement at NADA.  Its "village" (almost as large as the actual village I live in) consisted of enormous stands for group companies including: AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com (the Media division); VIN Solutions (CRM software); Xtime (after-sales software); vAuto (stock intelligence); Stockwave (intelligent stock provisioning); Manheim (including supporting inventory solutions businesses); and Dealer Track (DMS software).  I was proud to be representing Cox Automotive International working with colleagues from Australia, Germany and Canada on the variety of solutions we offer across the world and welcoming travelers.  

The investment in the stands shows the ambition of the group and a commitment to supporting dealers with a comprehensive product set.  The video below provides a quick tour of the "village".  I can't underestimate the professionalism of the production and how this was brought to life by 600 team members passionate for the products.

Cox Auto @Nada100 from Phill Jones on Vimeo.

5) USA! USA!

A final thought, the show epitomised the USA in many ways - it was big, loud, impressive and a bit confusing!  But one thing that stuck in my mind was positivity.  Dealers came into the exhibition open minded to learning about new providers.  It was common to see dealers signing up to new products in the exhibition hall.  Selling wasn't a dirty word, it was good.  If America is the home of capitalism, this show was its epicentre.  But people weren't signing to show off, they were signing up because they want to improve and were open to ideas and taking risks.  

It might be the local ale talking, but at a time when our thoughts of America are conflicted by scary messages in the news, I remained impressed by the ambition that fuels the American dream.

Now get me back to the UK before I start high fiving people... Hell yeah!