Music

A list of my favourite albums from 2023

It’s been a little while but here’s a lyric; What a brave, brave girl Never lied before Such a plain deceit Everyone would eventually know

If you have a little spare time you could do worse than watch (and listen to) this amazing episode of “Live from Daryl’s House”. http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/currentep.html?ep_id=72 The Daryl in question was once half of Hall and Oates and here he is playing a few tunes with Rumer. If you haven’t got much time just skip forward to their version of “No Can Do”, it is amazing.

2013 is turning into a cracking year for new music from some of my favourite artists. I feel like I am being spoiled. Justin Currie - Lower Reaches - out on the 19th of August Turin Brakes new album, called “We Were Here” is out on the 30th of September As if that wasn’t enough I heard today (via @johnbirch1960 on twitter) that Prefab Sprout are releasing a new album, called “Crimson/Red” on the 7th of October, just in time for my birthday. It is truly an embarrassment of riches.

Inspired by the top people at Word Magazine and their semi-regular ‘Randomizer’ feature I decided to share what is playing on my music player with anyone who stumbles across this page. It’s quite simple really. Set the music player of your choice to random (in my case that’s iTunes) and list the first 5 tracks that are queued up: Francis Dunnery - Still Life in Mobile Homes The Wonder Stuff - Mother and I

I don’t know when it happened but one day in my early 40’s I woke up and discovered that I love XTC. Along with Prefab Sprout they are probably the finest pop artists of the last thirty years. As evidence allow me to present the fantastic Mayor of Simpleton; You should also listen to Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume 2) the best album released in 2000.

Taking a leaf out of the ever smashing Scaryduck’s book please find below a top tune for you to love. It’s from Justin Currie’s first solo album “What is Love For?” and comes in two parts because it is double good; No, Surrender - Part 1 No, Surrender - Part 2 For some unknown reason I only got hold of this album a couple of weeks ago. It’s a bit dark but blimey it’s good. Give it a listen.

In 1995 I bought an album called “Tall Blonde Helicopter” by Francis Dunnery. Last night he played most of it in my living room. Accompanied by stories about the events and people that inspired the songs he was singing Francis managed to engage and entrance an audience largely made up of people unfamiliar with his work. Well, to be honest, apart from Chris and Tom (who came with Francis) I was probably the only one in the room to have listened to more than one or two of his songs. But at one of Francis’ house concerts it doesn’t matter whether you know every chord (and word) of every song or if you’ve never heard a note of his before. With wit, warmth and an infectious enthusiasm he draws everyone into “the jacuzzi” and shares stories, insights, philosophy and a side order of therapy to entertain and inform. For the best part of two hours he had a room full of people firmly in the now and not worrying about their pasts or their futures. What a top bloke. What a top evening.

One of the things that has been keeping me away from writing on this blog is a little bit of rock and roll. I’m pleased to announce that on Thursday the 18th of November, 2009 we will be hosting a Francis Dunnery house concert. I’ve been a fan of his for (more than) a few years; starting with discussing Big Lad in the Windmill with Craig Elston in our Economics class in 1987, watching It Bites at the Birmingham Hummingbird in 1989. The 70’s throwback introduced me to his solo album Fearless in 1994, and I bought every album he has put out since then. Other highlights include the best live concert I’ve ever seen at the Birmingham Mac in 2002 and a great night at the Union Chapel in Islington including an appearance by Chris Difford. Heck, we even played his music at our wedding.

People, good news. Ben Folds has a new record coming out called “Way to Normal”. It’s out in September, remarkably close to my birthday. Hearing this news has made my day. For more information check out the details in an interview in the (previously unknown to me) magazine called Paste.

Following the links on my last post I note that the worlds best over produced West Coast rock duo are on a massive world tour this year. They are even gracing us with their presence down under. Even better they are playing a gig in Sydney. However, I have had a long standing aversion to stadium gigs ever since I saw Prince in a hanger just outside Birmingham. If even he couldn’t get a vibe going in one of those oversized tin sheds what chance has anyone else got? My other reservation is that recent work by the Dan hasn’t been quite up to the standard of their 70’s and early 80’s output (something about dialling down on the nose powder perhaps?) and I’m wondering if it will be worth it. I have a sneaking suspicion though that I will be plonking down my credit card for a couple of tickets really rather soon. Anyone fancy joining me?

For those that care, I just took delivery of the latest Marillion album. Six days early. Its called Somewhere Else and impressions so far are favourable. It has already made it to my iPod and will be accompanying me to work on public transport for the next couple of weeks. I’m not driving because the car has been commandeered by SWMBO to chauffeur our overseas visitors around. Ju-ju, Bee-bee and Mad-mad would like to say hello to all of my readers and have promised that they will stop vomiting any day now.

I’ve just discovered that Chris Difford is recording a new album. As his last solo outing is in my (current) top 5 albums of all time list I’m rather looking forward to his new collection of songs. To make the anticipation all the more delightful it appears that Boo Hewerdine has been co-writing with Mr Difford for this album. For those of you in blissful ignorance Mr Hewerdine is one of the finest songwriters knocking around. If you get a chance take a listen to one or more of his solo albums, or his previous work with The Bible.

As previously mentioned Lloyd Cole is coming to Sydney. He is playing at the basement on Tuesday the 17th of April. I’m going, is anyone with me? Drop me an email or call me up and I’ll get you a ticket as well. Oh, and I should thank Andrew Collins for almost incidentally reminding me that the man himself is still making gorgeous records. And furthermore, I start my new job on the 12th of March. Wish me luck.

Yee, and furthermore, ha. Lloyd Cole is coming down under to perform some gigs in April. I’m there, does anyone fancy coming with me? His latest album (Anti Depressant) is a corker by the way, go out and buy a copy right now.

Here’s one from the “Not Arf” 1980s. Happy Christmas everyone;

People, I am excited. In about an hour and a half I’m going to be sitting down in Sydney’s Opera House listening to Ben Folds and the Sydney Symphony work through a sizeable portion of his back catalogue. This will both rock and roll. More later, hopefully. Update: It was fantastic. As close as I get to a religious experience. The 2nd best gig I’ve been to. It is now officially Ben Folds weekend at our house and only his music will be played.

I’m not saying that we have bad music in our car (courtesy of Mr Housewife (KRed Parent)) but it is looking increasingly like Olly’s first proper word will be Agadoo. Oh dear. I shall be burning the CD as soon as I can get it out of the car. Its the only possible thing to do.

This one’s especially for the 70’s throwback, but you should all click and have a listen to the master. Its the video for Too Much Saturn by Francis Dunnery;

Words reaches my ears (from the producer’s blog nonetheless - he blinded me with science you know) that 1985’s finest album, Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout is being remastered in preparation for a re-release. I can’t wait, and I suspect the 70’s throwback will be just after me in the queue to get a copy in his sweaty palms. Also in music news, this week I received my tickets to see Ben Folds and the Sydney Symphony in concert at the Opera House. That one will both rock and roll.