2024 closed out with me pretty much mainlining McCartney. One show in Manchester, two in London, and a soundcheck thrown in. The year ended on about as much of a musical high as you could get. It was a year where I decided to step back from streaming as much (my Spotify wrapped was ‘sparse’). Instead, my shelves creaked even more from vinyl purchases. And, what a year. Starting with my number one for the year…
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – ‘Wild God’
If it’s emotional heft you’re after, you should pretty much have Nick Cave on speed redial. In a career almost defined by an ability to capture Big Feelings, the last few years have seen this pushed even further. ‘Skeleton Tree’ and ‘Ghosteen’, both albums full of reflection and lyrical catharsis were astonishing. With ‘Wild God’ there’s a full carnival. The Big Feelings are joined by Big Sounds. It’s like walking into technicolour grief… where beauty is celebrated as a final release. An incredible piece of work.
And, as ever, the rest in no particular order…
St. Vincent – ‘All Born Screaming’
There are tracks on here that would pass for being from Prince’s purple (peach?) period; lodged directly between ‘Sign ‘O’ The Times’ and ‘Lovesexy’. OK, we know that was technically ‘The Black Album’ – so, a black period – but heaps of this album would sit perfectly on there. ‘All Born Screaming’ is immense.
Ed Harcourt – ‘El Magnifico’
An album of straight up, proper songs. Rich, layered and just a complete joy… because not everything is meant to be challenging, is it? Just dive in and have a splash around – the water is warm and there’s even a swim-up bar.
A Certain Ratio – ‘It All Comes Down to This’
On release, hailed as a career highlight by many, this is vintage ACR. Stripped back, with the industrial funk dialled all the way up, ACR continue to prove that The Mute Years are up there with The Factory Years. More, please.
Sean Khan – ‘Sean Khan Presents the Modern Jazz and Folk Ensemble’
What, you don’t want an album that consists mainly of folk/jazz covers of the work of Nick Drake? I’m not sure we can be friends.
English Teacher – ‘This Could Be Texas’
It’s satisfying to see a band so exciting to get the recognition that they so richly deserve. In a few short years, with singles and EPs they have stood out as a band deserving of close attention. ‘This Could Be Texas’ captures a more mature version of English Teacher. Slight and introspective, with a heart as big as a whale. I love them.
Galliano – ‘Halfway Somewhere’
No new music for 25 years, and then this is what you release? ‘Circles Going Round the Sun’ nods to the changes in the musical landscape over the past quarter century, while holding fast to the idea that Galliano have something to contribute. They even throw in a cover from Eddie Chacon, him off of Charles and Eddie, that almost serves as a manifesto for the entire album: ‘Pleasure, Joy and Happiness’. The accompanying live shows were just bursting with all three. It’s a welcome return…
Idles – ‘Tangk’
I finally get Idles. This is post-punk of the highest order. Angular riffs, funky undertones, and a bag of fun. Ace.
Lucy Rose – ‘This Ain’t The Way You Go Out’
Accessible, intelligent pop music. With all the breezy swagger of Natalie Prass and Eleanor Friedberger, and tunes that are infectious enough to warrant a vaccine. Any album that contains the triple-whammy of ‘Over When It’s Over’, ‘No More’ and ‘The Racket’ demands your time and attention. Step in.
NightjaR – ‘Mala Leche’
In which Jimi Goodwin cuts loose and crafts, along with a raft of collaborators, the most bonkers hip-hop album you’ve ever heard. Come for Jason Williamson’s ‘Blood Red Dead’, stay for the ‘Fuck it Boogaloo’ and then luxuriate in ‘Glove Department’, one of my absolute tunes of the year.