“One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain”
This area is designed to showcase some music which you may not have come across, which has been a major part of my emotional life over the years. I make an effort every year to listen to as much new music and albums from a range of genres. You may also notice that I am reviewing albums – a rather quaint old fashioned idea nowadays in the modern world of playlists and mixtapes! I have purposely chosen albums which you can put on and listen to all the way through without feeling the need to skip, switch or mute!
I find that the more I listen to and appreciate, the more I hanker for more excellent music. one of my great pleasures is sharing quality music which others find and appreciate. So that’s why I have created this area to share what i have listened to and loved over the years. Please enjoy. If there’s anything here which particularly touches you feel free to leave a comment.
- case/lang/veirs . This is a superb album from 2016 from 3 artists who came together to produce one fantastic sonic experience. Their harmonies blend beautifully and overall the production and songs are touching and grow in beauty with every listen. If you like K D Lang or either of these two other artists solo work, I’m sure you would not be disappointed with this joint collaboration between three excellent singer songwriters.
- Songs of our Native Daughters. Again this album features a collaboration between a few female artists to produce an exquisite piece of art which also articulates and laments experiences of black women in historic America. Although that might sound ‘worthy’, the actual artistry and songs are musically stunning. Even a version of Bob Marley’s ‘Slave Driver’ is really good and differentiated from the original enough to make it as good as the original.
- Sevara Nazarkhan – Yor Bolsin. Heard a lot of music from Uzbekistan?! Thought not. This 2003 album has a timeless quality which sounds like nothing else – but hints at ancient fusions of cultures and influences. There are at least 3 tracks on this album that I still listen to 15 years later, which still have the power to move and emote like few others tracks do. An outstanding sound of Eastern and Western influences.
- Lily Allen – No Shame. A quite uniquely outstanding record from an artist who has seen quite a bit of fame for her earlier records. This album, however sees Lily really emote and articulate what she has been experiencing, channeling her pain and anguish into a catchy and mature album. She’s certainly not afraid to tell us how she feels, however it is all wrapped in such lush production and sterling guests that it is an original work of beautiful art. Her choice of guests artists also enhance the album and never detract from the songs. An original, thoughtful and feist album which was played to death by me for a good year!
- Burna Boy – Outside I discovered Burna Boy from hearing and loving his tune with Lily in the above album. From there, I have fallen in love with his African inspired rhythms and modern infusions of rap, grime and other up to date sounds. I have to admit though that I had to delete one song from this album which annoyed me before I could really settle downa nd listen to the album repeatedly. So go ahead and delete “Streets of Africa” to save yourself an annoying ear worm! Other than that one song the rest is a joyful sensation of immersion in unusual and evocative African and modern sounds.
- Chronixx – Chronology A superb slice of modern reggae that harks back to the origins of lovers rock and roots rock reggae. Although a modern album (2018) it really delivers a sense of following on from the old reggae greats. The songs are tuneful and uplifting and , like the rest of the albums recommended here, it grows on you with every listen. It harks back to a time when reggae was conscious and generous rather than egotistical and self aggrandizing. It was rightly lauded when in landed, if you’ve not come across it before, it’s a conscious and sonic throwback to the reggae of old. Enjoy!
- Dub Selector (Various Artists) Another old album that doesn’t diminish with age. A classic dubby experience with great samples scattered throughout the tracks. This is an excellent album to play of you like listening to heavy teeth rattling bass! Each track is excellent providing a modern twist on dub reggae sounds. One tune on here “How to Find Royal Jelly” by The Lost Skrolls of Hamaric, really reminds me of being underwater! It’s an amazing album to listen to in a car – especially if your car can handle oodles of bass. You’ll soon find out if your car can’t!
- The Puppini Sisters – Betcha Bottom Dollar. Another harmonies group (see choice no1 &2). This one is cover versions of recent classics done in a 1940’s harmony style. It might sound strange bit the effect is to produce a classic album which is original and catchy and offers a very different take on the originals. Their cover of Kate Bushes’s Wuthering Heights is one of my favourites. Anyone hearing this for the first time will be intrigued by the creative re-interpretations of songs which are well known. It really works well even though the songs are well recognised.
- The XX – The XX
- Cymande – The Message
- First Aid Kit – Silver Lining
- Michael Kiwanuka –
- Lorde – Melodrama
- Giles Peterson – Worldwide
- Khalid – American Dream
- James Blake – James Blake
- Arabesque – 1-2-3
- Ambient Dub Volume 2
- Dub Syndicate – Classic Selection Vol 1
- Gregory Porter – Be Good