Welcome to my annual look back at my favourite music of the year. Re-reading previous blogs, I realise that I spend most of the "blurb" in shock at how quickly time passes. And had I not done that, this is exactly what I would have done this time! I am a creature of habit (and limited imagination).
I started this series 10 years ago, and I enjoy looking back over the current and previous years to see which songs/artists have stayed with me, and those that I've forgotten. Either way re-listening reawakens old memories.
Being honest, I don't think I've been particularly good at discovering new music this year. I'll blame being busy, but deep down I worry its because I'm getting older and losing my instincts. I'll try to prove myself wrong next year!
Anyway, here we go.
Katy J Pearson - Talk Over Town
A 6 Music favourite and understandably so. Many things in here that tick the box for things I like - acoustic rhythm guitar, powerful female singer, fresh feel, pop sensibilities. Fantastic.
Say She She - Fortune Teller
A recent discovery, but this is such a brilliant song. The album builds on this and is a big recommendation from me. The song has a lovely feeling to it.
Panic Shack - The Ick
This song always makes me smile. Cutting and hilarious lyrics. Though every time I hear it, I worry that I'm the type of guy she's complaining about. "You shusshed me in the cinema!" I think I'm that annoying!
Julia Jacklin - I Was Neon
A welcome return from this incredibly talented artist. Her debut alum is one of my favourites. This track (and the album) has been played repeatedly since release.
Kojey Radical - Gangsta
This has been on my running mix all year and continues to impress me. Great layers to the music and powerful, personal lyrics.
Black Country, New Road - The Place Where He Inserted The Blade
Also a feature on my running mix, I love the sense of space in the song and the musicality. Incredibly sad that Isaac Wood, the lead singer, left the band as this album was released. I feel the rawness of this song shows the challenges he faced. I have no doubt the band will continue to progress and evolve.
Bret McKenzie - America Goodbye
"Brit" from Flight of the Concords released his "serious" solo album "songs without jokes" earlier this year and there is so much to love on it. I'm a huge FotC fan, but have been particularly impressed by McKenzie's development as a musician - he won an Oscar! Well worth checking out. And despite being "serious", there's plenty of wry smiles in the songs.
Metronony - Things Will Be Fine
Just a really lovely pop song. Metronomy continue to craft fantastic songs. Watching their set at Glastonbury (on tv obviously) was a real memory of the year.
Iraina Mancini - Undo the Blue
A new artist (with incredible music heritage - her dad played with David Bowie). Excited to hear other music that she creates.
Hollie Cook - Happy Hour
Another album that I recommend everyone listens to. Retro reggae vibes that feel so contemporary. A very cool and impressive artist.
Warmduscher - Wild Flowers
Filth. Pure funky filth. Love it.
(warning - includes wonderfully bad language)
And now ... family favourites
Wet Leg - Chaise Longue
Although the single was released in 2021, I'll claim it for 2022. Inappropriately, this is a favourite of Wilf (9 years old). Features on our family summer playlist and always makes me smile. Ted even used it to help learn to play guitar. So pleased to see the band have such a big year.
Harry Styles - As It Was
Time for the the truth ... this was the most played song in our family this year. Like Wet Leg, this featured on the summer playlist that Ted built. As such, it is etched in my memory as the track of the year. And I will defend it as a great song (and album)
Over and out!
