Ryan Borthwick

I can’t quite believe that we’ve reached December already. Santa is on his way and music geeks like me are thinking about which album will be number 1 on their list of the best this year.

Normally I would just be compiling a list of my favourite 10 albums of the year…but nothing is normal this year is it? In a year that Springsteen, Fallon, Rateliff, Bridgers & more released full length LPs – we would be looking at odds of even money when it comes to guessing the Top 5. There’s been far too many albums in the last 12 months that have played a major part in my life this year and it would be criminal not to give them an honourable mention at the end of such a year.

I’d thought about doubling the amount of records – The Best 20 in 2020 – it certainly had a nice ring to it but this year has had far more to offer than that.

So strap in…I think we may be breaking the record for word count on the website today.

30 – Creeper – “Sex, Death & The Infinite Void”

The Southampton rockers returned in July with their 2nd album, which had been pushed back from April to the summer due to the pandemic. I had browsed through the first album when it was released back in 2017 but it didn’t leave much of an impact. This album on the other hand is a big improvement – some great lyrics and the momentum to move forward. It certainly will be a great album live…whenever we get to hear it.

Favourite song – Poisoned Heart

29 – The Cribs – “Night Network”

The Jarman brothers – a band I always love to see bring out new music. The days of dancing around house parties to “Men’s Needs” are over a decade ago now but all things come to an end. The follow up to 24-7 Rock Star Shit, which made my list in 2017, the sound is less heavy on this record compared to its predecessor and I welcome that. It very much reminds me of the bands earlier material – its almost like JM is back in the band.

Favourite song – Under The Bus Station Clock

28 – Taylor Swift – “Folklore”

The album that will clinch top spot in many mainstream “Album of the Year” charts, Swift surprised everyone at the end of July by announcing it a few hours before release. As a radio presenter and music lover , the last couple of albums have bored me to tears, but this is completely different. Great song writing paired with the spontaneity of the record makes it one of her best…if not her best.

Favourite song – exile (feat Bon Iver)

27 – Katie Malco – “Failures”

Sometimes, the best music finds are the ones you stumble across by accident. If I remember it correctly, I’d been on the whisky all night and was having a late night Spotify browse. Katie, originally from Scotland but brought up in Northampton, released her debut back in early June to critical acclaim. I would describe her as the British version to Soccer Mommy – incredible vocals through a variety of dreamy songs. My favourite on the album is undoubtedly “Creatures”. Whenever I get to see Katie live, that driving anthem is the one I will be anticipating the most.

Favourite Song – Creatures

26 – Fleet Foxes – “Shore”

Admittingly, I’ve not followed Fleet Foxes much since the days of “Helplessness Blues” and “White Winter Hymnal” – great songs for playing in music class back in 2010. The great mix of usual folk elements mixed with Robin’s distinctive vocals is apparent on this album. A great record to get lost in during these times.

Favourite Song – Sunblind

25 – Ashley McBryde – “Never Will”

Following up “Girl Going Nowhere” was always going to be a hard ask for the Arkansas songwriter. That album was one of my favourites of 2018 and featured some of the best country song writing I’d heard in a while. “Never Will” is a great LP but doesn’t reach the heights of the previous album for me. “One Night Standards” and “Stone” showcase her incredible talent best on this record.

Favourite Song – One Night Standards

24 – Soccer Mommy – “Color Theory”

That awkward moment when you spell the title of this album “wrong” because you aren’t American **rolled eyes emoji**

The first album on the list so far that was released before the world went into meltdown in March, the 2nd studio album from the Nashville native is a dreamy guitar journey through a troubled world – its like she knew! The guitar tone and her gentle vocals that are quickly developing into her trademark are all over this record.

Favourite Song – Lucy

23 – Gerry Cinnamon – “The Bonny”

Like most people, I’d heard the majority of it before release day. The Castlemilk man brought out his 2nd album during the first weeks of lockdown to critical acclaim. Some might be surprised to see this album this far down the list. There are reasons for that. Although this is a great album , especially the title track and “Ghost”, I fear that the novelty of Gerry is starting to wear off with me. This album just didn’t hit home as much as Erratic Cinematic – don’t get me wrong – I can’t wait to hear it live, but the studio tracks didn’t set the bonny on fire for me personally.

22 – Fish – “Weltschmerz”

From one Scot to another. The man that appeared in nearly every zoom quiz I produced for the people of the Borders during the first lockdown – “The lyrics to which 80s hit are carved into the pavement in Gala Market Square?” Because of that, it wasn’t much of a surprise that “Kayleigh” was in my Spotify 2020 Wrapped.

The follow up to 2018’s “A Party With Angels”, this really is a masterpiece of an album. I’ve never really listened to much of Fish’s solo stuff before but this really has opened my eyes to the rest of his back catalogue. From the slow piano ballad “Garden of Remembrance” to the 12 minute anthem “Waverly Steps” – this album highlights how talented and diverse the 62 year old is.

Favourite Song – Waverly Steps (End of The Line)

21 – Kip Moore – “Wild World”

The next country music entry into this year’s Top 30 comes from another Nashville native. Kip Moore returned with his 4th studio album in May. This one was a long time coming after releasing “She’s Mine” in summer 2019 – which feels like 4 lifetimes ago now. Probably his best album overall to date, his signature gravely voice lends itself to great songs such as the title track, Southpaw and Janie Blu. Whenever we can get back into venues again, the “Wild Ones” singer is definitely one to watch.

Favourite song – Southpaw

20 – DMA’s – “The Glow”

A surprisingly low place on the list for the Aussie trio, the 3rd album was delayed and delayed before finally being released in July. A slight change of sound was apparent on the album, with the dance beats of first single “Life Is A Game Of Changing” ironically noting a change of style right from the off.

For me, this album hasn’t hit the heights of the previous two, this may be due to the fact I’ve not heard this record live yet. Their gig in Brixton was one of the last to take place in Britain before the world ended and the live version of “Silver” from that night is probably my most watched YouTube video of the year.

Favourite song – Silver

19 – Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – “Reunions”

In the same vein as Springsteen’s E Street Band, this year saw Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit return to the studio with the frontman. Released in May, this was probably the album that helped me the most through the final few weeks of the first lockdown. A personal album, like most of his work since getting sober in 2013, this record has the power of the 400 Unit behind him and propels the stories to the next level. From the acoustic gems such as “Only Children” to the war cry of “Be Afraid”, this album has played an important part in my life this year.

Favourite Song – Be Afraid

18 – Nothing But Thieves – Moral Panic

If this was a list of my favourite songs of the year, the Essex band probably would’ve had a top 3 spot on the list. The Killers-esque “Real Love Song” is one of my favourites of the year and is one of the reasons the 3rd studio album by the band has made the cut. Also featuring the singles “Impossible” and “Is Everybody Going Crazy” – which was ironically released the week of lockdown! – this record really has pushed the band to the next level and I personally believe it’s a big improvement on “Broken Machiney”

Favourite Song – Real Love Song

17 – The Waterboys – Good Luck, Seeker

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you… the legend that is Mr Mike Scott.

One of my favourite bands of all time returned in the summer with album number 14 and it certainly was an adventurous one. There’s a bit of everything on this album – elements of Jazz, Rock, Folk and even some dance beats. I don’t think this album will have resonated with every Waterboys fan but I think that’s part of the appeal of the album. There’s something for everyone. The 3 minute coda at the end of first single “My Wanderings in The Weary Land” is by far my favourite moment on the album.

Favourite song – “My Wanderings In The Weary Land”

16 – The Wall & I – “Introduction, Presence”

New Wave well and truly returned in the summer with the debut release by New York’s Nation of Language. The 3 piece brought the early 80s back to us with an eclectic mix of synths and sounds. This album was the perfect soundtrack to those few weeks in August when life felt (at least!) a little more normal – sunshine, catch ups and cheap scran thanks to “Eat Out To Help Out”.

Ian Devaney’s vocals are sublime throughout the record. The production of it is phenomenal too **desperately searches Garageband plugins and my own keyboard to see if any of the synths sound similar cause the sound is great**

Favourite Song – The Wall & I

15 – Bad Nerves – “Bad Nerves”

One of the most recent LPs to be released, East London’s Bad Nerves released this power punk shot of energy in late November. As I described it on social media at the time, the energy in this album is probably the equivalent of drinking 8 cans of Red Bull at once.

2 minute anthems that are short but high tempo, this is the sort of album that you just want to blast out the speakers and forget about everything else around you. Whenever we can get back into concert venues, this band are very very high on my list. With the songs being that short…at least I’ll definitely make the last train home!

Favourite song – Terminal Boy

14 – Ray Lamontagne – “Monovision”

One of my favourite vocalists of all time, the New Hampshire songwriter returned with his 8th studio album in June of this year. It was preceded by the first single “Strong Enough” which seemed like a joyful metaphor for what the world was going through at the time. Vocally, I honestly think this is one of his finest works. A flawless album from start to finish, my personal highlights are “I Was Born To Love You” and “Misty Morning Rain”

Favourite song – Misty Morning Rain

13 – AC/DC – PWR UP

The biggest compliment I can give to 2020…the greatest hard rock band of all time, brought out the most unexpected album of all time and took the world by complete surprise by returning with the best line up of the band, with one major player missing, and didn’t even make my top 10! That’s how good a year it’s been for music.

What will surely be their final studio album, but then again I said that 12 years ago when “Black Ice” was brought out, this is classic AC/DC – a recipe that hasn’t changed for 40 years, even if there has been a few changes of personnel. This one was definitely for Mal. “Through The Mists Of Time” is Brian’s favourite on the album and it’s mine also. A great tribute to the leader of the band throughout so many eras.

Favourite song – Through The Mists of Time

12 – Will Butler – “Generations”

We haven’t had an Arcade Fire album in the last 12 months…but a solo album from one of the core members was a welcome gift. The younger brother of frontman Win, Will returned with his 3rd solo attempt in September and it is packed full of the amazing talent of the multi-instrumentalist. From the dance vibes of “Hard Times” to “Surrender” – which has the sound and spirit of his band’s work – this album is exactly what I needed. The 3 year wait for new music from the Kings & Queen of indie rock doesn’t feel as long with this record in my collection.

11 – Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”

His fourth studio album landed in mid November to critical acclaim – the only sort of acclaim the songwriter is used to. Following on from the “From A Room” albums, the title track arrived in August and really is the epitome of what I love about Stapleton’s music. A guitar, his outstanding voice and the harmonies of his wife Morgane. The usual mix of slow country ballads and dirty electric guitar riffs follows after the title track. Finally hearing a studio version of “You Should Probably Leave” was definitely the highlight of the record for me. A Masterpiece of an album…as usual!

Favourite Song – You Should Probably Leave

20 albums down, 10 to go. If anybody is even reading this, thanks for sticking with it! Music really has been more important than ever this year, and these are the albums that have shaped, brightened and moulded my 2020. Some cracking albums left to go through. Let’s get tore right in!

10 – Suburban Living – “How To Be Human”

Probably my favourite new discovery of the year, Virginia Beach’s Suburban Living dropped their 3rd album in late August this year. One of my favourite things to do every week is sit and browse the releases on albumoftheyear.org, and thanks to them, I found them. Sonically, this is one of the best albums I have heard in a very long time. The shoegaze guitars, the melodic synths and the evocative vocals blend together to create something truly special. From the slow “16 Hours” to the bouncing “Glow”, this album has become an important part of my collection this year. The list of bands I need to see live is reaching saturation point now!

Favourite Song – Glow

9 – Brooke Bentham – “Everyday Nothing”

When I was compiling my list for this year, this album very nearly didn’t make the cut. It seems like my mind is programmed to omit anything released before 23rd March. Life was a bit more normal when the South Shields writer dropped her debut on the last week of February. The singles from this album were the soundtrack to last winter – my personal favourite being the incredible “Perform For You”- whose dark guitars and powerful vocals create something truly special. The sleepy indie rock sound of this album makes it sound like its come straight out of 90’s America. If there was ever a soundtrack to a late night drive, it would be this – especially “Keep it Near”

Favourite Song – Perform For You

8. Nathaniel Rateliff – “And It’s Still Alright”

His first solo folk effort since forming The Night Sweats in 2015, Rateliff returned at the start of the year with an album filled with acoustic gems and thoughtful lyrics. I’ve always been someone who seems to get the January blues, and for him to release the first single during the month – much like he did with TNS 2 years ago – it really helps. The title track has been a huge help throughout this year, with it’s positive lyrics and tales of facing adversity.

I’ve never known a more versatile artist. I know him best as the leader of one of the most energetic and powerful live bands and its probably only been this year that I’ve really explored his folk stuff. One of the best songwriters of our times.

Favourite Song – Time Stands

7 – Billy Raffoul – “International Hotel”

A man that has released 2 albums this year (and it wouldn’t surprise me if there was another one before the year is out) it’s the studio album from August that’s made it onto the list. Recorded in his girlfriend’s bedroom in Ontario earlier this year, it’s obviously easy for me to draw comparisons to Springsteen’s “Nebraska” because of the way it was captured, but this record is filled with stories and songs that are a personal reflection of the Canadian’s life.

The amazing title track is an ode to his father Jody (an outstanding musician in his own right) was one of the first signs that this album had a different vibe from some of his previous EPs. The stripped backed, self engineered sound is the best I’ve ever heard him sound, and a big reason why it earns a spot in the top 10.

Favourite Song – Truth Be Told (I Like You)

6 – The Killers – “Imploding The Mirage”

I’ve obviously talked a lot in this colossal article about how certain songs and albums helped me through the chaos that is 2020, Flowers and Co have certainly helped this year. I’ve always kind of drifted in and out with Killers albums. Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town are two important albums to me while others have not been as keen on – the last two haven’t cut the mustard for me.

But when “My Own Soul’s Warning ” was released in June, I remember listening to it on the radio while heading down to see the family for the first time 3 months in the beaming sunshine. That feeling of slight normality again I’ve associated with that song ever since. Other standout songs on the record are “Caution” and the title track. Definitely the best record by the band in over a decade.

Favourite Song- My Soul’s Own Warning

5 – Kelly Jones – “Don’t Let The Devil Take Another Day”

Normally, I would only allow studio albums on this list…but I had to make an exception here. I did write a full review about the album last week and the main thing I talked about was how this record really took me back to normal times.

It was June last year that I saw this show live in Glasgow, a lot has happened and changed since, and listening to those classic Phonics songs played stripped back and without the band again took me right back. The rarities are the highlights of this album, especially “I Stopped To Fill My Car Up” and the ukulele version of “Rewind”

The most open and honest gig that Kelly will ever perform…and it’s a great feeling knowing we can listen to it in full once again.

Favourite Song – I Stopped To Fill My Car Up

4 – Brian Fallon – “Local Honey”

One of my most anticipated records of the year, the man from Red Bank, NJ turned up at just at the right time. Released on the first New Music Friday after lockdown had been announced, this stripped back and toned down album of gems was the lifesaver at the time. Certainly different from “Sleepwalkers”, this record included beautiful songs such as “You Have Stolen My Heart” and “When You’re Ready” which provided a lot of calm in amongst the chaos of the time.

8 songs of pure emotion. It’s actually quite ironic that it sounds like an album that many artists have made during lockdown. Raw without much production…but instead it was the album that got me through lockdown.

Favourite Song – “When You’re Ready”

3 – Phoebe Bridgers – “Punisher”

I’ve always been a fan of Phoebe’s music – whether it be solo or as part of one of the many supergroups she just so happens to be in. Solo album #2 landed in mid June, a day before the expected release date. I think this album is a perfect mix of everything she has done so far – the amazing acoustic songs (Graceland Too) and the anthems that will sound epic live (I Know The End) and this variety is a massive part of her sound. As a guitarist, it’s one of those LPs that as soon as you listen to it, you are grabbing your six strings and trying to work the songs out (and the guitar tones!)

Favourite Song – Graceland Too

2 – Bruce Springsteen – “Letter To You“

It would just be too obvious for him and the band to be at Number 1 wouldn’t it?

The Boss returned with the band for the first time in 6 years. This was an album that had been talked about for nearly 2 years amongst the fans and I was finally glad to get some clarity when it was confirmed in early September. Hearing that E Street sound on an album again was rather emotional, especially the songs that he wrote 50 years ago but only recorded for this album. It’s been nearly 2 months but the entire album is still in my “On Repeat” playlist on Spotify and “Janey Needs A Shooter” is still top of the list. A really special album and probably his best since The Rising in 2002.

Favourite Song – Janey Needs A Shooter

1 – A Blaze Of Feather – “Labyrinth”

So we have finally reached the summit (my fingers are incredibly sore!)

My number 1 album of 2020 comes from the same people that produced my number 1 album of 2018! The Cornish supergroup featuring Mickey Smith, Ben Howard & Nat Wason, A Blaze Of Feather released their 2nd album in August and it has played such a big part of my life ever since. I don’t think there is a more sonically sound group in the world right now, the way they use the synths, sounds and guitars still mesmerises me to this day. From “Fields” to “Magpie”, this album is an absolute sonic masterpiece. They are still criminally underrated and both albums are records that you need in your collection.

What a year it has been. It’s been a tough one but when you have this amount of quality music to drown out the rest of the world in, it makes it easier.

As Springsteen once said, “The Best Music Is Simply There To Give You Something To Face The World With”

Merry Christmas and all that…

Cheers

RB

October 2020 – I’m just out of hospital and recovering from an operation by spending a week home in The Borders.

It’s been the toughest year – as it has for everyone. The things that usually keep me going are in short supply – work, gigs, nights out and regular catch-ups with pals.

Then this little shimmer of “what had been” appeared by surprise…

16 months earlier. It’s summer 2019. There’s not a single person in the world that has heard of COVID 19 and the only people wearing masks in the town are people concerned about pollution and bank robbers.

Life is simple…or at least simpler.

It’s a Sunday night in early June. Royal Concert Hall is the place. Obviously being a big Phonics fan, I’ve got the seats in the front few rows. The Wind + The Wave were the support and there was only a few of us in the room when Kelly appeared from the wings to announce them to the stage.

**Fast forward through a very enjoyable set from The Wind + The Wave and back to focusing on the headliner…**

I remember being very sceptical (I’m not sure if it’s the word I’m looking for) but certainly intrigued at how this was going to go. Kelly is known for being a great storyteller in his songs but isn’t much of a talker on stage. During the majority of the phonics gigs I’ve been to in the past, the most you hear from the frontman is “This song is about San Francisco, bit of a singsong” or “Word Gets Around is so many years old, this is the first song from it”

So it was rather strange when Kelly came on stage and started to tell stories about making melodies for the first time when he was a kid, and it was in the freezing cold bath water he had to share with his brothers on a Sunday night. Maybe this was going to be a new side to Kelly, where he would open up more on his story and the stories behind the songs.

The main aspect of the gig that excited me the most was that this was the chance to hear Stereophonics songs that they don’t play live anymore…and i didn’t have to wait long at all.

“Hurry Up And Wait” will always be one of my favourites. Every time I hear it, I can see Kelly, Richard and Stuart walking on stage at Morfa in 1999 in front of one of the craziest crowds I’ve ever seen. Even though I’ve been to loads of Phonics gigs, I had never heard it live. One ticked off the list!

“You’re My Star” is still one of Kelly’s greatest compositions. Hearing it played completely stripped back isn’t anything new – the deluxe version of Keep The Village Alive helped us out there – but it’s still something special.

“Only The Names Have Been Changed” is the name of Kelly’s only solo album to date and released in 2007 just before “Pull The Pin”. I can’t remember listening to it much at the time but it’s an album that has become a part of the record collection in recent years. My favourites on the album are “Rosie” and “Misty” – the first being the only one to feature that night. Unfortunately it doesn’t make the album. “Suzy” and “Katie” are sadly the only two that make the cut.

“I Wanna Get Lost With You” feat a strings section is something I never thought I would ever hear. Much like “You’re My Star”, it doesn’t matter how it’s played – full band or solo – it’s one of those songs that just incredibly captivating. The beat of the song is still there and you can still find you head starting to move, even if the tone of this version is a tad more somber.

Kelly has talked a little bit about his dad during his musical career. His musical inspiration. A great talent in his own right – Arwyn “Oscar” Jones was acknowledged and praised by a young Tom Jones and he spent time playing in bands in the 60s. Hearing Kelly’s rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night” which his father used to sing for him was absolutely incredible. The crescendo at the song’s finale pinned you back in your seat when hearing it live in the room. One of those performances when you are sitting there thinking – “That Voice, unreal”

Speaking of that voice…

Sitting in that hall 18 months ago, the performance was a good as ever, his voice as powerful as ever and the gig as incredible as ever. Which makes hearing the secret that Kelly was keeping under wraps at the time even more extraordinary.

Only now do we know that this time 2 years ago, Kelly had been diagnosed with a polyp on his vocal chords. Almost a lose-lose situation. Don’t remove it and you face a number of problems with your voice, or take the risk of surgery which could irreversibly ruin your voice and end your career.

Thankfully, even though a lot of risk was taken and he wasn’t allowed to talk for a couple of weeks, surgery was a success and Kelly is back up to full vocal capability. Knowing what we know now, it amazes me that he chose to do a solo tour. Most of the arrangements were stripped back, solo versions of some of the bands biggest hits. No room at all for error – a brave move considering he was recovering from a career threatening problem. This tour is testament to how good a vocalist he is and how smoothly his recovery went.

Some of the classic Sterophonics songs (Traffic, Dakota, Mr Writer) made the set list without much change to the arrangements – very much adding a blend of normality amongst the rare tracks and the classics that had been tweaked slightly for this tour.

“Local Boy In the Photograph” – the story behind the song has been well known for the past 23 years. Although hearing Kelly talking openly about the fate of a friend and former teammate of his, as well as a more somber solo arrangement – guitar and vocals only, gave the song a different feel. Emotional and raw.

Going back to what I said near the start of this ramble, hearing some songs that haven’t made the setlist in years was the main attraction to this tour. Then I heard the piano start…

“I Stopped To Fill My Car Up” – the original showstopper before Dakota came along, the anthemic close of the second album and most of all…my favourite song from the band.

It’s never really seen the light of day for many many years. I listen to the 11 minute long version from Morfa regularly. The never ending progression and Stuart making faces at the cameras from behind his drums. The version on this album may not have the power that the original trio had when they played it live, but hearing it in a room with everyone singing “And then I looked up and looked in the mirror behind me” was special.

The show wasn’t just another Phonics show with a few rarities. This really was Kelly’s “Springsteen on Broadway” where he let the audience into his life and songs. In the words of Rob Brydon, who interviewed Kelly last week, “My first impression of you was of a very very intense young man”

Kelly said in response to that question- “I went from working on a fruit and veg stall to being on the front cover of the papers in a very short space of time, that’s when the guards started to come up and the armour started to come on”

24 years later, I think the guards and armour are history.

2020 has seen lockdowns, separation and desperation in equal measure as we try to swim through these troublesome times. Every now and again you hope to find an escape, a release from the reality we find ourselves in. Music is a good place to start.

I don’t think there has been a time in my life that I’ve needed music more. Crazily shit times…and to think that Bruce got the band back together and recorded an album in 4 days last autumn before the world even heard of Covid 19 seems scarily ironic. It’s like they knew what was coming.

This is probably going to be a long and perhaps tedious write up to read as you witness a fan pour his thoughts out- you might feel the same way we all feel when there’s at least a 6 year gap between the band playing on a Springsteen album.

This record is a story of death and loss but also one of acceptance and retrospect. The thing that may surprise a lot of people is the fact that Donald Trump has been in office for 4 years and there is not a single political bone in this album. Releasing an album that completely bashes Trump and releasing it in the UK 2 hours before the final presidential debate would have been rather poetic but oh well! The themes of this album are not too dissimilar from Western Stars from 18 months ago. I still do think album number 21 may be the political and angry Wrecking Ball of the 2020’s…if we should ever receive it.

“One Minute You’re Here” is an opener that almost seamlessly blends last years record with the new material. A gentle acoustic guitar with words reflecting on loss and growing old. Some would say that this song almost seems like a parody of a Springsteen song – the river, trains and The Edge of Town are all mentioned at some point in this song. I personally think that it’s deliberate. This album really is a retrospective piece. This song almost seems like a metaphor for the scary world we live in this year. Life is fragile.

The title track was the first thing we heard from the four day session last autumn. That E Street Sound. The power of Mighty Max, the feel of the guitars, the melody of the professor. Hearing that sound on new material for the first time in many years was a special moment. “Dug Deep in my soul and signed my name true” is another hint that this album is looking inwards and not outwards. I don’t think Springsteen is focusing on characters as much in this record – I think there is a lot of internal soul searching and struggle which is of course something he has explored in his other work over the past couple of years.

The 3 songs from the vault that he has pulled out and dusted down for this album are absolutely sublime. 3 songs that he wrote before he even put out his debut album and 3 songs that he’s decided to rework 48 years later for his 20th. Fascinating.

“Janey Needs a Shooter” – a song that was written in 1972, recorded in 2019, but yet sounds like it has come straight out of 1978. This song would not have sounded out of place on Darkness. I know that he did play about with the song during sessions for that album and that there’s a very fuzzy version from ‘78 on YouTube. It’s probably my favourite on the album – the power, the projection in his voice, the never ending coda. You would never think that it was a 70 year old man singing that song. Proof that he hasn’t lost any of his legendary performance skills.

My most anticipated song from the album was “If I Was The Priest”. I’ve been listening to the 1972 demo for most of my life. The way I felt just before midnight tonight was the exact same way I felt whilst waiting for the new studio version of Land of Hope and Dreams in 2012 – “Is this going to ruin a song I’ve loved for years or make it 1000% better?”

I’d been wondering if it would keep the piano “Racing in the Street” feel that the demo had all those years ago. It’s almost like a “Racing In The Street ‘78” version of this song. It’s the same song with the same themes and feeling, but the band bring it a different dimension. A beautiful recording. He always said that he would never perform this song live, I certainly hope he reconsiders that before we get a tour.

“Songs For Orphans” is another outtake from a golden age of Springsteen’s writing – and yes I’m talking about a period before he even released an album. He makes a reference in the accompanying film about his lyrics around that time and every song sounded like it used a rhyming dictionary. You get a wee taste of that in this emotional recording – “Cheerleader tramps and kids with big amps sounding in the void
High society vamps, ex-heavyweight champs mistaking soot for soil” – sounds like similar phrasing to Blinded By The Light. The simple use of the harmonica too – bliss!

One of my favourite songs on the album is “Rainmaker”. That moment when the band kicks in at the chorus is just what you want from the E Street Band. Sister Soozie’s biggest appearance on this album – love the violin hook in the chorus. The gravel in Bruce’s voice in this song is almost his 80s singing style. It’s one song that I can’t wait to hear live,

“Burin’ Train” has all the heart and soul of this band in 3 and a half minutes. Mighty Max is 69 years old but can still play the f**k out of those drums without missing a single beat. That continuous beat is amazing – and of course he is doing this without taking a single eye off his boss. It’s amazing in the film that his focus on Springsteen is the exact same in the studio as it is on stage, waiting for a cryptic movement that would signal an instruction to change his playing style or the warning of an impending musical breakdown. Bruce’s vocal in this song in unreal. Hitting notes that many people don’t hit when you get to the stage of his career.

“The Power of Prayer” and “House of A Thousand Guitars” seem very similar to me. I think they both touch on the similar themes. Bruce has often mentioned that performing live is his “meditation” and calls “rock and roll” this in the accompanying film. I think these songs (along with references in Ghosts) are him reflecting on this meditation.

I think the pain of losing Danny in 2008, George from The Castiles in 2018 and of course The Big Man in 2011 is really apparent on this album. He has of course talked about Danny and Clarence at length, especially during the Broadway run, over the years since but the story about George’s passing and therefore becoming the last living member of his first band has had a profound effect on him and this record. You can hear this in “Ghosts” – “I hear the sound of your guitar
Comin’ from the mystic far” and “It’s just your ghost moving through the night, Your spirit filled with light”

Although, I think it’s more clear in the closing song of the album. “I See You in My Dreams”

“The road is long and seeming without end
The days go on, I remember you my friend
And though you’re gone and my heart’s been empty it seems
I’ll see you in my dreams”

“I got your guitar here by the bed
All your favourite records and all the books that you read
And though my soul feels like it’s been split in the seams
I’ll see you in my dreams”

Loss is a big theme on this album and these songs are probably some of the most personal he’s ever released. The reflection on his life is continuing after Western Stars and will probably continue after this record too. Despite his ability to still bring the power and the fact his concerts will probably still tip the 3 and a half hour mark, he’s making his way into his twilight years and I think there is an acceptance on this album that life is short.

I honestly don’t see him slowing down though.

He is the boss after all

A couple of years ago, when I was attempting to write about music during my short lived “Fresh Strings” project, I always tried to write a review about an album within the time it takes to listen to the album in full…

It’s Friday morning and one of my most anticipated albums of the year was released at midnight. Sounds like the perfect time to bring back the “hope you are bloody quick at typing cause you only have 10 songs” format.

It’s been 3 years since Mickey Smith and co brought out the self titled debut album and it would probably make the Top 5 in the list of my favourite albums of the past decade. I remember discovering it in the early hours of a Friday morning in the summer of 2017 and was absolutely mesmerised by the sound and the visuals of the album. They were captivating.

The wait has been long but LP2 finally dropped this morning…and I’ve got 44 mins to get this done!

3…2…1…GO!

Our first taste of the album as soon as the needle hits the vinyl is “Killing the Reverie”. The intro sounds like an old F1 car at full revs. I love it. This song is a perfect introduction, especially to someone who perhaps hasn’t heard the first album. It feels like it picks up where LP1 finished. It’s a nice reminder of what made the first album so special

The title track is one of my favourite songs on the album. The opening riff played loudly through headphones this morning nearly made me deaf…but what an introduction. The layering of the vocals is one of the best attributes of the band and it’s on full show here.

“Magpie” is next. The second single which has been out for a couple of weeks now. It’s a gorgeous song with an acoustic guitar and Mickey’s vocal range put to the test. It’s rare that you are wishing that a 6 minute song was longer. The ambient outro with guitar improv over the top is outstanding! “Don’t let the fog thieve the last of your laments alive’

Witching Hour is probably the most intriguing song on the record. 6 mins of pure music. Columbo would struggle to find the lyrics in this song. A great mix of ambient sounds and drums. The same can be said for the short “Kanndir” which almost sounds like an instrumental you would find on an album by The 1975.

As a broadcaster, is it weird that one of my favourite moments on this album is the segue from Kanndir into Fields? Probably!

For me, this song brings to this album what “Requiem” brought to the first – especially in the opening minute or two. Mickey’s voice during this song is the best I’ve ever heard it. Those vocal runs are outstanding. Definitely a favourite of mine.

Following the 34 seconds of “Serpentine”, we move into the most familiar song on the album. Clock Hands was the first single taken from LP2.

“There are times I wish that I could turn back the clock hands – I watch the pictures run through my head again and again”

The entire feel of this song is the essence of this project. The ambient sounds, the incredible melody and the visuals it creates – especially when you watch it with the music video. They’ve honestly released this album at the right time, considering Spotify now have the option to view clips from the music video instead of the album art – which is also stunning.

“A Time of Low Frequency” makes me think of two words – SAW BASS!

I don’t know if it is “Saw Bass” before anyone hates on me here but it just reminds me of messing about on GarageBand! The last 2 minutes of this song is nothing like we’ve heard from A Blaze of a Feather before. It hints towards the electronic influences you can hear throughout the album.

I’ve got 3 mins left! We are let out the exit door of this album with the aptly named “Gentle Man”

This is the band at its best. Very much the “Behold” of this album – vocals, some gentle synth sounds and a beat. It’s really all you need, especially when you are as talented as everyone in this band.

….annnnnnnd we are done. I’ve got no time left to check my grammar. Corrections on a postcard please! I’m away to listen to this masterpiece again.

Stay safe

RB x

For anyone that knows me, the headline will confuse you massively. Surely you would be upset by the news?

One by one, festivals across the country are reluctantly racing to social media to announce that their beloved annual gatherings are not going ahead this year because of the times we are living in. It’s obviously not a thing we wanted to see but it’s something that can’t surprise any of us given the current situation.

All of our diaries are suddenly empty and our only live music fix for the foreseeable will be rewatching old footage or viewing social media gigs which have been a welcome addition to our lives.

This morning, TRNSMT announced that they are postponing until next year “due to the comments made by the First Minister yesterday”.

This press release highlights that DF probably were holding off postponing this years event as long as they possibly could. Social media had been rife with comments over the last few days questioning why it hadn’t been cancelled yet considering Glasto and the majority of gigs and events had went down that road a few weeks ago.

Very much like Glastonbury, ticket holders will have the chance to keep their tickets for next years event and have promised to bring back as much of the bill as they possibly can for the biggest party at Glasgow Green yet.

2020 was going to be a unique TRNSMT for me…

2020 was going to be the first TRNSMT festival I wasn’t going to attend. This is for a number of reasons that I’ll come to but the main one…the line up offered nothing different from what I’ve already seen at the festival before.

Understandably, in order to keep as much of the revenue they can, they will try and bring back as many artists that should have been at the green this year as they possibly can to bring back the people who have bought tickets. I don’t think anybody can argue with that at all. The issue I have is…it’s been something they’ve been doing over the past few years anyway!

2020 Headliners – Courteeners, Liam G, Capaldi. Capaldi has played every year (yes I know last year was a last minute replacement) and I saw the other headliners back to back during the 2018 festival.

This isn’t something new. Last year’s headliners, Stormzy, Catfish and Ezra, all played on the same day in 2017. There’s a lot of repetition going on for a festival that would only be experiencing its 4th event this year. Some of these acts are my favourites but I want a bit of variety at a festival…especially Scotland’s main one!

This year’s festival would also see a first for me at TRNSMT…

I’ve been incredibly lucky. Working for some of Scotland’s biggest radio stations meant for many years, I could attend the biggest festival of the year for free. As a music geek, this was an absolute dream – and meant I had more money to spend on pints at £5.50 a piece.

The free option wasn’t going to be on the table for me this year, meaning for the first time in a while, I would have to part with my hard earned cash just to get access to the green. Hundreds of pounds spent before I’ve even got the train into town.

This ain’t me being miserable! I would rather splash out on a festival than a holiday! I love festivals! Especially in my city! **looks up lineup** – oh!

It just looked so uninspired to me (and dare I say it, not worth the money) The same artists. The same vibe. After 4 years, is it too much to ask for something slightly different for next year? Would they be able to land a huge band or an act that you would never expect to play the green? Or at least hasn’t yet?

For someone like me who’s been to every TRNSMT, paying out for tickets this year would be a bit like spending hundreds on a DVD or a stream of a film you’ve seen at the cinema with a few unseen bits added in (any new music) and that’s it. It’s the same thing! That’s why I decided not to go this year.

Remember the days of TITP when somebody or a band would come on stage and you couldn’t believe they had travelled all the way to a big field in the middle of nowhere which is 99% mud to perform some of their biggest hits. You could never really predict a TITP line up…TRNSMT is somewhat different. Very different.

If the 2020 line up moves to next year then that’s understandable. All I ask is that we get a little surprise of some sort in 2022.

Cheers

RB x

It’s the week which involves eating chocolate, lying on the couch and trying to prepare the inevitable “Top 10 Album List” of the year.

2019 has been some year. From the return of the actual boss, to the debut release from the Geordie equivalent and from some of the finest new Scottish talent to the emergence of American supergroups.

Let’s delve right in…

10. Band of Skulls – “Love is All You Love”

The Southampton rockers returned in fine style earlier this year.

Now only a duo after the departure of Matt Hayward in 2017, Russell and Emma have moved on from that amicable split to produce one of the best albums of the past 12 months. With riffs and vocals that pack a punch along with some of the best songwriting of their career, this driving album is more than worthy of a place on this list. Pop rock perfection.

9. Declan Welsh and The Decadent West – “Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold”

This Glasgow lad and his band that have been making things happen this year. Perhaps not as well known as some of their other new Scottish counterparts, the album release in October firmly put them on the map as one of the best upcoming acts in the country.

It’s such a diverse album when it comes to sound. From fast indie rock, to songs that sound like they should belong on “Tranquility Bass Hotel and Casino” – if there is one thing that has been highlighted by this release, it’s how good his songwriting is.

Big future ahead 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

8. The Night Cafe – 0151

Any landline telephone geeks viewing this will be able tell straight away that these lads are from Merseyside.

The Night Cafe are one of those bands I discovered in a live setup. I didn’t have a clue who they were before I saw them open the King Tuts stage on TRNSMT Saturday in 2018…I was immediately hooked.

Another band that have went for a variety of sounds on their debut release, there’s a bit of everything on this album…and it all sounds even better live.

7. The Head and The Heart – “Living Mirage”

The Americana, country-rock, country-pop, Beatles are back with their 5th effort and they are sounding as strong as ever. The standard mixture of vocals melt together beautifully amongst poptastic arrangements and a vast selection of instruments and sounds.

It’s a very warm album, which is extremely ironic considering it was recorded in the middle of a desert.

6. Bill Ryder Jones – “Yawny Yawn”

This is a strange scenario. My favourite album of 2018 makes it onto the list of my favourites in 2019…well sort of.

Earlier this year, Bill brought out a piano version of his album “Yawn” and it’s the most haunting piece of music you will ever hear. The songs are transformed without losing the impact of the original recordings and arrangements whilst only using one out of the original several instruments.

I was extremely lucky to hear the album live back in October and it’s quietist I’ve ever heard a Glasgow crowd and probably ever will. Everybody’s goosebumps were there to see.

Thank you for your music Bill. It means a hell of a lot.

5. Better Oblivion Community Center – “Better Oblivion Community Center”

Bill has made it 2 years in a row but I think Phoebe Bridgers will be the only person to make it on the list 3 years in a row. 2017 with “Stranger in the Alps”, 2018 with “Boygenius” and now her new supergroup with Conor Obrest was always certian to make the lineup this year.

An album that was on the shelves before it was even announced, it was a sudden shock to have a new album from one of my favourite songwriters so soon after her last supergroup. The quality certainly did not drop.

BOCC unfortunately were the reason behind one of my biggest mistakes this year (and I’ve made a few this year) Always make sure you know the date of the gig, especially if you are travelling down to Manchester for it. Yep I missed it.

4. Stereophonics – “Kind”

The only album on this list to get a full write up from me this year (shows you how much I keep the website up to date!) this was the album I didn’t want but now can’t live without.

I thought the Phonics needed a rest, I didn’t want them to stick to the traditional bi-annual album release. According to interviews, Kelly felt the same but ended up coming up with this gem of an album.

Some fans have even went on to say it’s their best in over a decade. I probably agree with that statement. It has the same storytelling feel of the first few albums, Kelly’s voice is better than ever and the songwriting is top notch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

3. Johnny Lloyd – “Next Episode Starts In 15 Seconds”

Not many people put their pregnant actress girlfriend on the cover of their debut solo release but Johnny Lloyd has done just that (yes that’s Billie Piper)

The former Tribes frontman has been reborn since the liquidation of his old band as a fantastic writer of beautiful songs. Acoustic guitars, harmonicas and spine tingling vocals are the order of the day. Songs that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Dylan record or on Springsteen’s Nebraska.

He is an incredible talent and the lyrical content of this album is something to behold. It’s powerful, raw and above all…magnificent.

2. Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars

“When have you ever put Springsteen in 2nd place?” I hear you scream from the rooftops. The boss returned in June with his first studio album in 5 years. It was the longest 5 years of my life.

An album without the E Street Band, an element of country music and orchestral arrangements. This isn’t your standard Bruce album by any stretch of the imagination…but he always makes it work.

Many have said this is his best album of the century so far. That’s a debate I don’t want to enter as it’s impossible to say but I can understand why some are saying it.

This record is bliss from start to finish. Nobody paints a picture and tells a story like Springsteen. We also got the most amazing concert film in October that I’ve watched constantly since it digital release.

I can’t wait to include an album with the heart-stopping, pants-dropping, house-rocking, earth-quaking, booty-shaking, Viagra-taking, love-making, legendary E STREET BAND in next years list…hopefully!

1. Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missiles

No 1 was an easy decision. My most loved and most listened to album of the year by a long way.

The Geordie Springsteen brought out his debut effort in September after what felt like a lifetime of a build up…and it was well worth the wait.

I remember that day well. I was driving up to Dundee at 4am to do a breakfast show and i must have listened to it in full at least twice on my way up the road.

The lyrical content, the message in the songs, the feel of the songs. There’s nothing quite like it out there at the moment. Songs that make you think, ask questions, challenge reality. He does it all.

It’s so easy to see why he won Critic’s Choice at the Brits earlier this year, even beating Capaldi who has had one hell of a good year. Many are calling Sam “the artist that British music needs right now” I think I agree with that.

It’s been some year. It’s been some decade.

Cheers

RB

I don’t do this writing malarkey anymore…but after the busiest working day ever and with not having enough time in the day to head back up the road for the SAMA’s tonight 😭 – a quiet Friday night here we are.

The reason why I’ve put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard ) for the first time in a while can be predicted with relative ease – What albums came out today? Erm I wonder?

This year has actually been the first time in forever I didn’t want Stereophonics to stick to their traditional biennial album release. That trend has only been broken once in 22 years (the 4 years between Keep Calm and Carry On and Graffiti on the Train if you were wondering) Yeah a lot of people won’t be able to believe that those words just came out my mouth.

Maybe it’s the fact that I’ve seen the band 3 times in the last 2 years, not including Kelly’s joyous solo show in Glasgow back at the start of June or the fact that Scream Above the Sounds didn’t set the world alight for me. They just seemed a little bit tired and in need of a break.

I was wrong – very wrong.

The build up to this album was actually pretty tame in comparison to others. No songs released during the festival period (the fact they barely played any festivals this year is probably the reason) and only 2 singles out before the week prior to release.

This is actually the most sceptical I’ve ever been about a Phonics release. As well as the reasons I mentioned earlier, I got really mixed signals from the opening 2 singles. I’ve got so much love for “Fly Like an Eagle” One of the most beautiful songs Kelly has ever written.

“Bust This Town” on the other hand left me feeling really underwhelmed. Kelly has sometimes been criticised over the past decade for “simple songwriting” and for producing songs that were under par. I had never agreed with this statement in the slightest – well maybe apart from “All In One Night” – until the release of this song. I just didn’t feel it at all, the chorus didn’t seem to go anywhere. Consider me worried.

Could one of my favourite bands of all time be about to bring out a dud album? Nah of course not.

4 days before the release of the full album and I’m sitting in the CFM Studio in Carlisle when I notice that “Don’t Let The Devil Take Another Day” – the title of Kelly’s solo tour earlier this summer – had been given its first play. Sounding like it’s been taken straight off “You Gotta Go There To Come Back”, this is one of Kelly’s best vocal performances of recent times. A song that nods to the fact that this is the most personal Phonics album ever. Mature, inspirational and moving.

Kelly has said that this album very nearly didn’t come out because it was almost “too personal” In fact it was recorded very quickly this summer, 11 days is all it took. 11 days to record an album is the music equivalent of cooking your tea in the microwave. Dead fast.

The first thing you notice is how stripped back the record is – “Restless Mind” sounds like it belongs on Springsteen’s Nebraska. That harmonica came out of fucking nowhere. “Stitches” and “Street of Orange Light” follow in the same vein. I’ve never really seen anything like this before on a Stereophonics record.

I was sceptical leading up to it – I’ve said it 100 times, but there was a glimmer of hope.

29th June 2018, Glasgow Green. The warm Glasgow evening sunshine. Opening day of TRNSMT. “Hungover for You” – the song that will forever be known as the song he wrote in a Glasgow hotel room and then decide to premier during a headline set just hours later. I remember standing in the crowd that night. “You don’t love me, You don’t love me, You don’t love me no more” That hook, so simple but yet so effective. This was the song I was waiting to hear from this record. Probably my favourite.

There’s everything on this album – a stripped back, pouring out of the soul…But then it opens with “I Just Wanted the Goods” Despite how good it is, It almost doesn’t fit the album. It’s a blues-filled jam session of a song. Catchy drums and hook. The foot stomping song of the record, which is why it stands out a bit.

Then there’s “This Life Ain’t Easy” – I honestly thought it was “Traffic” when it started playing. That slow, solo rhythm guitar. It’s also reminiscent of “Before Anyone Knew our Name” from the last record in places. An emotional outpouring. And a song that is incredibly relatable

“This Life Ain’t Easy….but it’s the one we’ve all got”

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this record. I feel ashamed for even doubting it. WGAPAC’s (Word Gets Around Performance And Cocktails folk) That isn’t a term widely used – literally just something that I’ve made up right now – I urge you to listen to this. There’s many people that believe that they sold out when they brought out JEEP and never returned to their “honest” songwriting from the first two albums. This is mature songwriting and has themes from the first two albums.

If I was now to list my favourite albums from the lads, Kind wound probably make the top 5.

5/11 is good going.

Cheers

RB x