Songs of 2021

What the hell was that?!  It was 2021!  Our crazy world got a little crazier.  I guess we shouldn't have expected anything else.

Fortunately, music remained my mindful companion on the journey and so am compelled to document my favourite tracks of the year.  This is the tenth instalment, which I find a depressing confirmation of how quickly life flashes by.  That said, as I write this, I'm having fun re-living the old lists. 

The creation of this list is a relatively simple process.  Over the year, I add tracks that I've liked to a playlist that lives on my phone.  It's pretty much the only playlist I listen to when running.  This has the unintended consequence of getting bored of tracks released earlier in the year.  So any January/February releases (the best months for new music anyway) that make it here have stood the test of time.  

A further disclaimer, this list is about best songs, rather than albums.  Increasingly I find myself hungry to consume the broader audio picture presented in an album.  But that is woefully pretentious, so here are my personal bangers!

Playlists on YouTube, Deezer and Spotify.

Hamish Hawk - The Mauritian Badminton Doubles Champion, 1973

Undoubtedly the best song title of the year, and my joint favourite song of the year.  The lyrics are brilliant -  amusing and touching - with great underlying musicality.  I smile every time I hear this song.

The Weather Station - Parking Lot

Sharing the trophy for my favourite song of the year, this just brings me in and captivates me.  The use of two drummers creates a depth that fascinates me.  The video helps paint the mysticism.  Love it.

Parcels - Somethinggreater

Take this as a preview of the album.  Funky, nuanced and sonically perfect.  This album has been on repeat in our kitchen in the evening since I stumbled upon it.

Sault - Wildfires

Just wow.  Such a sweet, soulful tune but with such space and layers.  So many new things to hear on each listen.  This is the most "single" song of the album, which is well worth absorbing yourself in.  You can't help but be relaxed by it.   

The Bug Club - We Don't Need Room For Lovin'

A real change of gear, but this is garage band perfection.  Amazing energy and seeming simplicity.  Reciting the alphabet is hilarious and genius (and really hard to mimic). 2 minutes of the best pop punk!

Mogwai - Ritchie Sacramento

Great to see Mogwai back and this track just powers along brilliantly.  Listen for the fuzz bass alone!

The Avalanches - The Divine Chord

Such a tasty little song, it has flavours of the first Avalanches album.  Also featuring MGMT and Johnny Marr.  Amazing how they build great melodies from so many samples.

Hen Ogledd - Space Golf

Anything with Richard Dawson will get me to listen.  This is such a weird but intoxicating song.  Absolutely love it.

Self Esteem - I Do This All The Time

The "Sunscreen" for the younger generation!  Rebecca Lucy Taylor's second solo album is full of positive messages with power pop. Remember that episode of Friends where Rachel lends Chandler a hypnosis tape?  This is how I feel after this ... "I am a strong confident woman".  Much needed!

Parquet Courts - Walking At A Downtown Pace

Every time I listen to Parquet Courts, I want to quit my job and become a professional bass guitarist.  They're just so good.  This song announces their album perfectly.

Public Service Broadcasting - Blue Heaven

PSB are definitely an album band.  They create incredible soundscapes linked around a theme.  The new album is a tribute to Berlin.  This song is a highlight.  Haunting and uplifting.  A fitting end to the playlist I think.

There we go.  Enjoy!

(Prior year playlists here 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012)