As I get older, I have mini crises of faith, worried that I no longer find music as important, or struggle to find new music. And then, at moments when I least expect it, I get floored by a song. This has happened a few times this year - Richard Dawson live on Marc Riley and seeing Electric Kif in Georgia - are particular shout outs. Though my favourite moment of the year has to be having 110 children singing my own creation back to me with our little Christmas song. Here's hoping a few of them have got the bug for music.
Here's the list in no particular order:
This Life - Vampire Weekend - if not may favourite song of the year, then definitely the most played. The album is really good, with some of the best bass playing I have ever heard. This song does everything that I love about Vampire Weekend.
Jefe - St Germain - a magical night in Athens, GA where this band performed at a rooftop bar with my 2 oldest friends. We had no idea who and they blew me away with their musicianship and smooth sounds. To prove it wasn’t just the beer, I bought their vinyl and have listened repeatedly.
Happy Unhappy - The Beths - great female pop-rock. I always run faster when this was on. I love the simplicity of the phrase “I was happy, unhappy”.
Vote for Me - The Specials - is there a more prescient song of the year? Haunting and straight to the point. What a comeback tune.
Juice - Lizzo - a real slap in the face. Perfect pop dripping in attitude. Love this live version from Glastonbury.
Seventeen - Sharon Van Etten - another great return. Took me a while to get into this, but it has grown and now I feel her emotion when she sings "Afraid that you'll be just like me”. Live version included to see the energy.
Norman & Norma - Divine Comedy - on one level a funny and clever sitcom in a song, but on the other a tale of romanticism dripping in ordinariness. Not enough songs reference Norfolk beach towns!
Too Real - FONTAINES DC - pure power and energy. Love it.
Two Halves - Richard Dawson - what an artist and performer. There is no-one else like him at the moment and his songs make incredible statements. This is a lighter one though that always makes me smile, breaking down the drama of a football game. How many songs could include this line and make it sound poetic: "Stop fannying around, keep it nice and simple” / "You're not Lionel Messi, just pass the bloody ball”
Disco Peanuts - Warmduscher - boom - take that. What an audio assault. So much fun.
We Just Saved Christmas Day - Birdlip Primary School - yes it’s narcissistic to include your own music, but I’m proud of this song and the children’s incredible singing. This was a great project to part of and I hope it provides the kids with a great memory for years to come.
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