2024 - another mad year. Another year where I've become slightly madder. I have so many things to be grateful for but my overwhelming memory is wondering around grumbling about being busy. Resolution #1 make gratitude my attitude in 2025.
The key reason I get grumpy is that one of my favourite things remains listening to music and discovering new treasures. Being busy has a horrible way of getting in the way.
So these are the nuggets I've picked from the year. They have provided me the moments of zen I've needed.
I hope you find something in here too.
Adrianne Lenker - Sadness as a Gift
My favourite song of the year. Incredible performance of a seemingly simple framework. Always makes me stop and think. I always enjoy Big Thief, but this solo work speaks to my melancholic cowboy.
Yin Yin - Pia Dance
A song that has been my friend through the year. A largely instrumental piece, but this song (and the whole album) is so evocative and takes me to relaxing on a Bullet Train in Japan.
Cmat (ft John Grant) - Where Are Your Kids Tonight?
A super duet that never fails to make me smile and sing along. John Grant adds a lovely timbre to weave with the tune. Listen to more of Cmat, her music is full of ear worms and energy.
Laura Marling - Caroline
Probably the most featured artist on this list over the 13 years. Her new album is about the arrival of her son. Whilst the lead single Child of Mine is the traditional standout, Caroline is the one I pick simply for the concept of including recalling a song without know the words "something, something... Caroline". Fabulous.
Master Peace - Panic101
This will pucker up your beak! A song that always gives me a boost on my running playlist. Really interesting album, loads of variety and narrative. In the vein of Jamie T, straddling genres with a big grin.
Fontaines DC - In The Modern World
Although Starburster is the biggest track from their new album (Romance), this is the one that has stuck with me most. On vinyl, the depth of the sounds pulls you in. One worth taking the time to sit down and listen to the album throughout.
Divorce - Eat My Words
Really like this band. This song keeps building, with a great swing. When running, this has me swaying my head with the drummer.
Jalen Ngonda - Anyone in Love
A late entry to the list, following an incredible performance on Jools Holland (included below). 60s sensibilities with virtuosity in the singing and guitar playing. His Jaguar forms part of him. Soul music at its best.
Hinds - Superstar
4 minutes of girl guitar band perfection. I challenge you to not be cheered up by this band.
Beabadoobee - Beaches
This song shows a young performer with a terrifyingly good grasp of songwriting. West-coast Indie sensibilities with added sensitivity. I keep coming back to this track and every time it gives a bit more.
Nia Archives - Crowded Roomz
An instant classic - to the extent I was convinced it was an older song. The core lyric warrants the repetition and calls to us all. The drum and bass foundation makes it feel like a comforting 90s remix. Sad dancing. Love it.
LYR - Folk Song
I'll leave you with this one ... a really interesting musical project with laureate Simon Armitage. I appreciate that sounds pretentious, but the music and the words work so well together. Armitage's delivery is accent perfect - "apple, cherry, blackthorn, pear" (means nothing if you don't listen to the song!)
Here's to finding more time in 2025 to being taken away by music.
