Saturday felt like a Sunday, Sunday felt like a Saturday. So today is Monday, right? And what does the first Monday in January mean? It means The AfterWord Album of 2021 results are in!
After a long night’s toil, Little Gary is exhausted. But enough of Little Gary and his sordid adventures, let’s get going, shall we?
(Usual disclaimers – mistakes, mishaps and misspellings may well have occurred (92.37% probability) and the “old but new” debate lumbers on. But, hey, we’re friends, right? Right?)
No less than 565 separate albums were nominated (no wonder Little Gary is tired). One album led from the the first week of voting and was only overhauled in the final furlong between Christmas and New Year.
As is the time-honoured (?) tradition (?) let’s starts with those poor wee albums nominated by just one person giving it one measly vote
Alan Vega- Mutator
Brian Setzer – Gotta Have The Rumble
Ches Smith And All We break – Path of Seven Colours
Decemberists – Live Home Library
Drinking Boys And Girls Choir – Marriage License
Elton John – Regimental Sgt Zippo
Gnod – La Mort Du Sens
Isaiah Rashad – The House Is Burning
John Zorn, Bill Frisell, Julian & Gyan -Gnosis: The Inner Light
King Crimson – Music Is Our Friend
Thiago Franca & Espactular Charanga -The Importance of Being Espactular
Willy Mason – Already Dead
Surely The Drinking Boys & Girls Choir deserved better? Magnificent!
I’m off for a stroll round the vineyards. More later.
Stay safe, y’all
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Yay!!!
Tiggerlion says
Yes. Yay!! I’ve always wanted to have a one point wonder. But, Afterworders, what’s wrong with you? Path Of Seven Colors is fantastic. If I could have been bothered to.put together a proper ranking, it would have been top ten in my list.
Baron Harkonnen says
And only one vote for the enormously talented Willy Mason, mine!
fitterstoke says
…and only one vote for the new live King Crimson, mine!
Paul Wad says
I put Lana Del Rey at number 20. Does this mean someone else voted for her too?
Kaisfatdad says
Damn right @Tigger.
The moment I heard a track on my new” Lodestone presents 2021″ playlist, I knew it was a winner.
Here’s the introduction on YTube
“Ches Smith and We All Break present the live premiere of their acclaimed record Path of Seven Colors. The album is a symbiosis of Traditional Haitian Vodou expression and au courant composition and improvisation.
Springing from drummer/composer Ches Smith’s decade-plus long engagement with NYC’s Haitian community, We All Break’s compositions incorporate and transform Vodou lead/chorus song structure, polytonality, drum conversations, and kase (“cah-say,” meaning “break”) within each piece. Traditional rhythms are the foundation of each composition, while that rhythm’s spiritual, political, and visual associations provide meaning and inspiration. Co-composer and master drummer Daniel Brevil contributes Vodou songs–both traditional and original–which marry with Smith’s compositions.”
Here’s the release concert. (There’s a minute or two to wait before they get started.)
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Mr Tiggs :
I refer you to the transcript of our online conversation in the aftermath of your voting.
Lodestone: ” Hi, my friend. You seemed to have listed your albums by genre rather than preference. Is this correct?
You: “How dare you question the Lord of the Jungle, the King of Beasts, the Mighty One? Get back to your cupboard and trouble me no more”
Tiggerlion says
As I said, I couldn’t be bothered to rank them properly. Now that I’ve listened to Nat Birchall, I’d find a place for that in my top twenty as well.
😚
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Suitably refreshed by a brisk walk and now a nice cup of tea I give you the albums that 17 people gave 20 points but nobody else even mentioned
Bevis Frond – Little Eden
Big Hogg – Pageant Of Beasts
Clark – Playground In A Lake
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek – Dost 1
Fred Again – Actual Life
Gilligan Moss – Gilligan Moss
Jim Ghedi – In The Furrows Of common Place
John Dipper & James Patterson – Unearthing
Katherine Priddy – The Eternal Rocks Beneath
Kyley Walker – Course In Fable
Lola In Slacks – Moon Moth
Notwist – Vertigo Days
Pino Palladino & Blake Mills – Notes With Attachments
Shannon Lay – Geist
Sierra Ferrell – Long Time Coming
Tingsek – Home
Tyler The Creator -Call Me If You Get Lost
So , here’s some weird guys doing weird things to goats
Blue Boy says
Good work Lodes – looking forward to seeing the results come in.
Bit of a fall from grace for Ryley Walker since he was the critics (and Afterword) darling with Primrose Green isn’t it? Also surprised Katherine Priddy got just the one vote.
duco01 says
Re: “Bit of a fall from grace for Ryley Walker …”
Yes, and also a fall from grace for Sufjan Stevens. After winning the whole thing six years ago, the Carrie and Lowell hitmaker limped in at no.63 this time. I imagine that lowly position went down pretty well with the Laird of the Languedoc!
rob says
I voted for Katherine as well! It wasn’t my favourite album of the year but I do think its an absolutely terrific debut.
fatima Xberg says
The Notwist were robbed!
robert says
And the only two people who voted for her are called “rob” and “robert”? Oooh! How nice for both of us to know that our doppelgänger is out there and doing the good work.
Hello, @rob!
rob says
Hello @robert! and apologies for the tardy reply. Great to see KP getting some recognition from folk on this site, are you by any chance based in the B’ham area and have you had a chance to see her play live?
robert says
Hi, @rob: yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen Katherine a few times over recent months. She was support for RT on his autumn tour, and I was at a bunch of those dates including the Symphony Hall gig which she handled very charmingly seeing as though it must have been a daunting scale for a hometown show. I also saw her on her December solo jaunt, at Harwell Village Hall where she had George Boomsma adding backing guitar and vocals.
I was really taken by her as a solo performer: I like the full sound of the band and the lush production on the album (which is especially wonderful on tracks like “Eurydice”), but rather than losing anything when it’s just her voice and an acoustic guitar, the quality of her songwriting becomes much clearer. I suspect her delivery does demand a bit of hush in the room, but fortunately every time I’ve seen her she’s been given that respect. Having served an apprenticeship in the West Midlands clubs, though, she must be used to dealing with more boisterous environments. She’s a terrifically handy guitarist too, and those arrangements of the songs really ring out on stage.
Have you seen her? I work on the weekends ‘up’ in Coventry, and I first heard about her from colleagues who keep an eye on the folk scene in the local area. I’m glad I listened to them and picked up on her “Wolf” EP when it came out in 2018, and I’m more glad that I finally got the chance to see her live in 2021.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Rob & Rob – find a room!
RedLemon says
Pino Palladino & Blake Mills was in my list, but not at number one.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Little Gary is checking….
fitterstoke says
I was the only vote for my 20-pointer; and I was the only vote for my 1-pointer…doesn’t bode well for the other 18…
duco01 says
Me too…
thecheshirecat says
My choice always appears in this list. Mine is the kiss of death.
Mousey says
Bugger – meant to put the Pino album in my list. It’s great
Paul Hewston says
I’m not complaining I promise, but I think I gave Gilligan Moss 20 points and Shannon Lay 19.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Shannon Lay did indeed receive two separate votes. One for 19 and one for 1. Therefore shouldn’t be on the “20 points, only one voted list”.
paulwright says
I think my lone championing of Cathal Coughlan’s Song of Co-Aklan has been missed off this list.
No matter, I’ll just go back to doing it again here.
It’s very good.
But apparently not very popular.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
One other person voted for Cathal – will give it a whirl later today
Sour Crout says
Sierra Ferrell is a great album
Kaisfatdad says
I am always most interested in the One Vote Wonders. Fror example, Thiago Franca sounds very moreish.
These reviews give some excellent background.
FT
https://www.ft.com/content/5476fc39-aef1-4d3b-b3a1-f6b23f89d97c
Songlines
https://www.songlines.co.uk/features/there-are-people-getting-crazy-people-naked-and-enjoying-themselves-but-there-s-respect-thiago-franca
“In 2019, the band gained notoriety for wearing anti-fascist T-shirts following the election of Jair Bolsonaro: “It’s a very important statement to be made, to be wearing [that] T-shirt on the year this crazy fascist guy gets elected. It’s a way of saying that we have other values.” These ‘other values’ extend to the way São Paulo’s Carnaval has changed, its popularity bringing in commercialisation and people that França describes as “playboy gym-built guys that go everywhere without a shirt, like to drink a lot and fight, and grab women by the hair.”
Jair would not be welcome at their gigs!
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Cracking on, let’s start at No. 100 where three albums are tied:
Billy Bragg- The Million Things That Never Happened
Jah Wobble – Metal Box Rebuilt In Dub
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Microtonal Tuning
97=
Esther Rose – How Many Times
Hold Steady – Open Door Policy
Richard Dawson & Circle – Henki
94=
Caravan – It’s None Of Your Business
Chuck Johnson – The Cinder Grove
Parquet Courts – Sympathy For Life
92=
Kings of Convenience – Peace Or Love
Mastadon – Hushed And Grim
88=
Laura Mvula – Pink Noise
Silvertwin – Silvertwin
Taylor Swift – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Tori Amos – Ocean To Ocean
86=
Bo Burnham – Inside
MG Boulter – Clifftown
82=
Brandi Carlile – In These Silent Days
Fergus McCreadie – Cairn
Mdou Moctar – Afrique Victime
Prince – Welcome 2 America
79=
Gary Numan – Intruder
Modest Mouse – Golden Casket
Sleaford Mods – Spare Ribs
And here’s some Fergus as recommended by Michou, His Floating Piano And Girls Ringing Bells – lovely !
fatima Xberg says
»Mastadon« – sounds like a new reggae band.
Shake up yer Masta, Don, an’ ting.
Kaisfatdad says
Very amusing, Fatima!
Part of the charm of this list is trying to guess from the name what sort of music it might be,
I was convinced that Big Hogg were a metal combo.
Wrong! From Glasgow it’s more a case of Big Prog and should be filed under “Canterbury”, a well-known suburb of that fine Scottish city.
Popular in Peru!
https://autopoietican.blogspot.com/2021/08/los-escoceses-big-hogg-y-su-desfile.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR1OpjF2KsIqEeH5I3Gz5oQ9yLNfU4NuI5vNorYZCGy3pu4VEbZSh4UUMc8
A very pleasant surprise!
Here’s a blast from their piggy past.
fitterstoke says
Huzzah! A Canterbury band from Glasgow – no wonder they were Top of my Pops this year!
Vulpes Vulpes says
Great discovery – I’m in with an order. Top stuff.
thecheshirecat says
You’re not wrong are you? That keyboard sound!
Two top notch @fitterstoke recommendations in as many months.
fitterstoke says
I’m intrigued – what was the other one?
thecheshirecat says
The Cardiacs on the Progcast thread. Unfortunately, eBay is still only throwing up CDs for silly money.
fitterstoke says
Ah, yes…you could try here:
https://abc-mary.myshopify.com/collections/cds
I don’t know how the prices compare with eBay…but worth a look?
thecheshirecat says
Oh, good shout! Much more sensible. Order is in for Word to God.
fentonsteve says
Ooh, A Little Man and a House… is back in print. Duly ordered. Thanks, Fitter!
fitterstoke says
Je vous en prie, as they say in Pittenweem…
Max the Dog says
.Very nice – have added that to my “must consider buying” list.
bang em in bingham says
Gorgeous…the Fergus McCready
retropath2 says
In the if you like this, you’d like that, try Matt Carmichael. Fergus plays the piano in his band, and vice versa.
Kaisfatdad says
You are doing a fine job of curating thus list, Lodey.
The tracks you chose by Drinking Boýs and Girls Choir and Gilligan Moss were excellent. Those goats got me tapping my hooves at once.
Here’s a video by Clark from St Albans who is on the Deutsche Grammophon label.
Back in the day, the idea of that rather conservative label doing a vid was completely out of the question. Refreshing to see that they are open to some new ideas.
Fitter Stoke recently mentioned the Auld Alliance. If Lola in Slacks is anything to go by, it is alive and well and living in Glasgow.
“Lola in Slacks swing like Serge Gainsbourg on a booze cruise down the Seine.” Gus Ironside – Louder than War.
Bogart says
@kaisfatdad I find the video equally disturbing and enthralling, Midwich Cuckoo’s meet Gulliver. DG have also produced videos for Small and Citrus, equally as arty and/or self indulgent depending on the viewers perspective.
I wonder are the video’s a sign that DG are open to new ideas or was it simply a cynical attempt to influence the ultimate poll of polls that is Lodestone’s
@henpetsgi Afterword poll?
Was the use of moving pictures to accompany Clark’s exquisite music nothing more than a brazen attempt to wow the Afterworder’s to vote for and ultimately propel Playground in the Lake to the very top of the AF end of year chart and reap all the related glory and financial success that comes with such an achievement?
Oh well I guess in the future this campaign will be used as an example of object failure seeing as I was the only bugger who voted for it…
Kaisfatdad says
@Bogart, I think your theory about devious skullduggery being used to influence the Lodeypoll is all too credible. If we dig deeper, I wonder which other examples we will find.
I take it for granted that the Admin are monitoring the local vineyards with vigour and using security drones and other hi tech technology to ensure no monkey business is afoot.
As for DG and their videos, I do hope we’ll see more.
fitterstoke says
My first big find of this year’s results – Lola in Slacks…I’ll be seeking out more.
el hombre malo says
I highly recommend them – the LP is very good, and they are strong live. Lovely people, too. (That was my pick for album of the year, in a close-run thing with the also-excellent Reigning Sound)
fitterstoke says
@el-hombre-malo : thanks for picking them, or they might have passed me by completely!
LP on order – from the interestingly titled lastnightfromglasgow.com
Judging from the YouTube clips I’ve found, they are the kind of band I’d like to JOIN, never mind listen to…
fentonsteve says
LNFG are a great label & shop. Given how many of their releases have me reaching for my wallet, I swear they can read my mind. See also: Needle Mythology.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
And off we hurtle towards the Top 50
77=
Dublonde – Homecoming
Israel Nash -Topaz
74=
The Chills – Scatterbrain
Curse Of Lono – People In Cars
Nat Birchall – Ancient Africa
72=
Danny George Wilson – Another Place
Saint Etienne – I’ve Been Trying To Tell You
70=
Arab Strap – As Days Go Dark
Valerie June – The Moon And The Stars
65=
Aliens – Doorway Amnesia
Anchoress – The Art Of Losing
Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak – An Evening With Silk Sonic
Ian McNabb – Utopian
Kacey Musgraves – Star Crossed
64 Alice Cooper – Detroit Stories
63 Sufjan Stevens & Angelo de Augustine – A Beginner’s Mind
61=
Hamish Hawk – Heavy Elevator
Lindsey Buckingham – Lindsey Buckingham
60 Houeida Hedfi – Fleuves de L’Ame
58=
Matt Berry – The Blue Elephant
Villagers – Fever Dreams
56=
Elbow – Flying Dream 1
Lorde -Solar Power
55 Steve Earle & The Dukes – JT
54 Bicep – Isles
53 Rose City Band -Earth Trip
52 Los Lobos – Native Sons
Three albums tied at 49
Aimee Mann – Queens Of The Summer Hotel
Jason Isbell & 400 Unit – Georgia Blue
Sons Of Kemet – Black To The Future
Laters. But in the meantime here’s Hamish..
Freddy Steady says
Hooray for The Chills!
Kaisfatdad says
There are quite a few familiar faces on this list: Arab Strap, Saint Etienne, Steve Earle, Los Lobos, Valerie June, Tori Amos, Prince…
And even a few real golden oldies like Caravan, Elton John, Alice Cooper, Robert Plant…
Shannon Lay from California is a new name for me. What an exquisitely haunting voice.!
More up-tempo but equally promising is Sierra Ferrell.
A longer session from Paste Magazine
As I have been looking through this list, I started to regret that I no longer have a favourite radio programme or channel.
But now I have! Radio Lodestone.
Any similarity with Radio Ga Ga is completely coincidental!
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Fame is my bedfellow. I remain humble.
Lemonhope says
Good work @kaisfatdad
Kaisfatdad says
Thanks @Lemohope. Enjoy!
Thanks to all Lodestone’s hard work, we have a magnificent and very varied smörgåsbord, to tuck into.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Top Twenty here we come…
48 Low – Hey What
47 Afterlight (Thea Gilmore) – Afterlight
46 Felice Brothers – From Dreams To Dust
45 John Grant – Boy From Michigan
44 Field Music – Flat White Moon
40=
Big Big Train – Common Ground
David Crosby – For Free
Jackson Browne – Downhill From Everywhere
Martha Marlow – Medicine Man
37=
LUMP – Animal
Olivia Rodrigo – Sour
Weather Station – Ignorance
36 Damon Albarn – The Nearer The Fountain
34=
Crowded House – Dreamers Are Waiting
Starry Eyed & Laughing – Bells of Lightning
32=
Hayes Carll – You Get It All
Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)
31 Karine Polwart & Dave Mulligan – Still As Your Sleeping
30 Arlo Parks – Collapsed In Sunbeams
29 Stranglers – Dark Matters
27=
Allison Russell – Outside Child
Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under
25=
Martyn Joseph – 1960
Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi – They’re Calling Me Home
24 Lord Huron – Long Lost
23 War On Drugs – I Don’t Live Here Anymore
21=
Dry Cleaning – New Long Leg
James McMurty – The Horses And The Hounds
Getting exciting, isn’t it? Isn’t it? Calm down with some Lord Huron (which is very pleasing indeed)
Paul Wad says
Number 30 for Arlo Parks. That’s the highest ever placing for my number one. I’m conforming.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
The keyboard is almost too hot to handle…
20 Neil Young – Barn
19 Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend
18 Self Esteem -Prioritise Pleasure
17=
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – Carnage
St Vincent – Daddy’s Home
16 Cassandra Jenkins – An Overview On Phenomenal Nature
14=
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Manic Street Preachers – The Ulta Vivid Lament
13 Paul Weller – Fat Pop
12 Mogwai – As Love Continues
Top Eleven (yes, you’ve guessed it – two albums tied at No10) is a-coming.
In the meantime, what might possibly have been my favourite album of 2021 if I’d heard it sooner
dai says
You are doing a superb job but you can’t have 2 tied at 17 and then also a number 18
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I’ve just gone and given Little Gary a sound thrashing (he loved it)
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I’ll adjust the spreadsheet accordingly…
Arthur Cowslip says
It’s ruined. Start the whole thing again. 🙂
dai says
I am pretty sure I am going to demand a recount anyway …
Moose the Mooche says
Meanwhile, at the Inquirer offices…
dai says
When the official count is ratified at the official Afterword headquarters on Jan 6 we can storm it and try and force a coup *
* if we dont like said count
Moose the Mooche says
I’m already wearing horns, and also have a note from me Mam so you can’t put me in jail or nothing.
duco01 says
Re: “on Jan 6 we can storm it and try and force a coup”.
Please don’t! Jan 6 is my 60th birthday [no, honestly, it is], and I’d like everyone on this board to celebrate the day in a spirit of love, unity and AFTERWORDY TOGETHERNESS!
Mike_H says
Sorry but I’ve laid plans to be in a big ‘ol sulk on Jan 6th. Car in for service (something expensive sure to need doing) and car insurance just paid.
Kid Dynamite says
“what might possibly have been my favourite album of 2021 if I’d heard it sooner”
This gladdens my heart. Thanks once again for all your spreadsheet hijinks.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Nae probs
Freddy Steady says
Mogwai…loved one of the singles, the commercial one, but can’t eat a whole one.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
10=
Lana del Rey – Blue Banisters
Teenage Fan Club – Endless Arcade
9 Del Amitri – Fatal Mistakes
8 Jane Weaver – Flock
7 Steven Wilson – The Future Bites
6 Lana del Rey – Chemtrails Over The Country Club
5 Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, LSO – Promises
4 Public Service Broadcasting – Bright Music
(If only Lana had released a double album called “Chemtrails Over Blue Bannisters”)
Sewer Robot says
I said that in my post and was laughed out of town..
*edit* actually I said she should have kept all the good songs for one album, which, I would accept, is not the same thing..
Dave Ross says
Del Amitri. Top 10. Afterword poll. 2022 has peaked early. ……
Lodestone of Wrongness says
3. Abba – Voyage
2. The Coral – Coral Island
And The Winner
1. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss -Raise The Roof
May I just remind you all what Mr Lion said when he so eloquently reviewed the album: “Ordinarily, Raise The Roof would be shoe-in for The Afterword Album of the Year. Its similarity to its predecessor will probably downgrade it to a top ten. It’s a shame because the fine adjustments here probably make it a better album.”
Robert Plan has just turned 73.
And every member of Abba draws a state pension.
And, to my old ears, Coral Island sounds like The Monkees channeling Forever Changes.
You lot never disappoint.
dai says
I demand a recount!
(Good work Lodestone)
Tiggerlion says
It feels good to be proved both right and wrong.
What happened to The Stranglers?
Excellent countdown, Lodey. It feels like Sunday afternoon radio.
Moose the Mooche says
What, Sing Something Simple?
fitterstoke says
No – The Billy Cotton Band Show
Rigid Digit says
A lowly 29 for The Stranglers – despite their age range being comparable with the Toppermost
(The Coral’s average age is hiked by the inclusion of Ian and James Skelly’s Grandad on the album)
Moose the Mooche says
The Coral are really young, I think some of them are still in their forties
fentonsteve says
I always get The Coral and The Zutons mixed up. I like the young* lady on the sax.
(*) She’s nearly 40, but that’s still young to me.
thecheshirecat says
I bet they still wear tracky tops to their gigs.
Rob_C says
The Stranglers album is very good indeed. I was giving it a spin yesterday. 2022 is going to be the year of Bill Nelson for me. I’ve always liked BBD and what little I know of his solo work, but the vast scope that I’m currently discovering is mind bowing in its sheer quality and scope. The man truly is a musical magus. No doubt about it.
duco01 says
1. Re: “every member of Abba draws a state pension”.
This is correct. I was in the queue at a post office in central Stockholm the other day, and who was the blue-rinse old dear queuing up in front of me to get her pension? why, it was Agnetha Fältskog! *
* It wasn’t really.
2. At the beginning of 2021, what odds could you have got on veteran saxman Pharaoh Sanders having a Top 5 album in the Afterword end-of-year chart?
Very long odds, that’s what.
fitterstoke says
I had that Kathy Kirby in the back of the cab once…
Moose the Mooche says
Keep that to yourself and save her blushes, you unmannerly blackguard.
fitterstoke says
I’m appalled that you would thing such a thing; appalled, I tell you…it’s appalling. I was clearly referencing “A Taxi Driver Writes…” in that esteemed organ Private Eye and I’m appalled that you would imply otherwise…
On another subject, it is seldom mentioned that Kathy Kirby was a fine if idiosyncratic darts player – her unique grasp as she launched the arrows became known as the Kirby Grip…
Moose the Mooche says
Now you’re talking about her grasp. You need to stop digging.
fitterstoke says
Moose the Mooche says
“Once I had a secret, love”
Boneshaker says
Is it too late to nominate Sir Lode for the New Year’s honours list?
robert says
If only Her Maj knew what Lodey does for the community, she’d re-think the Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter thingy she gave to Blair the other day and instead direct it towards the much more deserving Wrongness.
Blue Boy says
Many thanks Lodes. Genuinely didn’t see that coming; thought it was going to be The Coral and hadn’t clocked mounting votes for Plant and Krauss at all.
I managed to not have a single one of my list in the top ten, and my favourite album was placed at a paltry 37. Oh well…
Arthur Cowslip says
I’m so out of touch I assumed the winner was going to be Taylor Swift as that was who I thought you were all raving about this year…
And I genuinely don’t think I’ve every knowingly heard a band called “The Coral”. Sounds like a silly name to me.
Ah well, that was nice. I’ll retire to my reading room with my old vinyl and leave this modern pop business to all you young whipper-snappers for another year. Happy new year to all ye hip gunslingers!
Blue Boy says
I don’t rate the new album as highly as many others here, but The Coral are a terrifc band – great melodic popsters in the classic Liverpool style (yes, I know, they’re actually from the Wirral), and carriers of the torch from The Searchers, early Beatles, et al. The Beatles- now there’s a silly name …
dai says
I have Magic and Medicine and maybe one other. I like it. Saw them live once supporting The Who at The Albert Hall, they were fine, but I wasn’t blown away.
fentonsteve says
First, second and last is all the Coral you need, I think.
Rigid Digit says
Third album – The Invisible Invasion – is worth a listen.
But otherwise, I concur
Baron Harkonnen says
Excellent job Lodey, thank you.
SteveT says
Well done Lodey -assuming you haven’t got much to do you could also count up the points of each nomination by Afterworders to see who has the most points and therefore bragging rights.
Max the Dog says
The most Afterwordingest, so to speak…
Vince Black says
Good work Lodes, well done
dai says
And how close were the results? Any hanging chads?
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Should have added that, as per usual, the spreadsheet is available on request.
In the end No1 won relatively comfortably, 2 was well ahead of 3 as was 3 to 4.
4 very close to 5 and then a long way down to Lana.
As ever, all the rest up to 100 jammed together.
I think it’s safe to say the Top 5 displays an accurate reflection of the AW in 2021 (at least concerning those readers who actually voted).
Lodestone of Wrongness says
And one last point – but one person actually gave the winner 20 points…
Max the Dog says
That seemed to be the case alright – many voters as it was an eagerly awaited release, but most placing it mid-table.
dai says
But in true Trump fashion I am still demanding a recount, in fact keep doing it until Abba win 😉 Thank you
Lemonhope says
Good work, Sir.
retropath2 says
I don’t know whether to be pleased by my cutting edge or disappointed by how mainstream (half) my choices seem to have been.
Good work, the hen’s pet!
fitterstoke says
“I think it’s safe to say the Top 5 displays an accurate reflection of the AW in 2021”.
Not a reflection of me, sadly…but well done, Duke of Lodestone – a marathon effort as always.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Cheers. For what it’s worth I personally don’t like any of the Top 5. I’m just the sap what counts the votes.
fitterstoke says
That reminds me – same instructions as last year to obtain the full sheet? Merci beaucoup.
Junior Wells says
Excellent stuff and a useful guide for all that stuff I never knew existed
Jason Isbell – biggest fall from grace perhaps?
Junior Wells says
Excellent stuff and a useful guide for all that stuff I never knew existed
Jason Isbell – biggest fall from grace perhaps?
Nick and Wazza -pretty modest result
Croz – an Afterword favourite but mid ranking.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
By his Twitter account Jase is one of the really, really good guys but will he ever again reach the heights of Southeastern?
@fitterstoke – same procedure as last year
Lodestone of Wrongness says
And, of course, Georgia Blue however fine (and jolly fine it is) is not a “proper” Jase album. He promised if it turned blue in the Presidential election he would record an album of Georgia-based covers. Which he did. Top, top bloke.
Junior Wells says
Dont dispute any of that but, as you say, Southeastern is a v high benchmark.
Locust says
Good job, Lodes, it’s not your fault… 😀
First thought was “None of my picks are listed!” (Not true, six of mine are, but no higher than place 37) Second thought: “There are two Swedes here, one in the One Vote list, one in the Top Three – but although I voted for a lot of Swedish artists this year, I didn’t vote for either of them!” 🙂
Third thought…I’ve tried, but I really don’t like the Plant/Krauss effort this time around. Sorry!
But I’m sure I’ll find some albums to enjoy when I find the time to go through some of the other AW recommended ones, so it’s all good.
Junior Wells says
Im not a fan of Percy and Ally either.
TrypF says
Great work. I have to ask – what happened to Novelty Island’s How Are you Coping….? I and at least one other person voted for him quite highly. Or do I need new readers again?
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Cheers
Novelty Island outside the Top 100, around 125th, two voters. One other person and it would have been in the charts.
Kaisfatdad says
Let’s give Novelty Island a listen! Very tuneful!
Any other Also Rans who deserve a moment in the limelight or on my playlist?
I do love these one vote waifs and strays.
Max the Dog says
I think I’m the only one who gave Orla Gartland a vote …
Max the Dog says
And Jack O’Rourke…this is a beautiful song…
Kaisfatdad says
Nice work, Max! Two very fine Irish singer-songwriters. Now firmly on my radar.
It’s for artists like this that I Load up with Lodestone.
I do love Robert Plant and Allison. But while Bob probably drives around in a gold-plated stretch limo, Jack O’Rourke still works as a teacher and probably cycles to work.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30907014.html
Paul Wad says
That video’s brill!
retropath2 says
O’Rourke appeared in my reviews pile in December, making him very late to consider, but it is a fine album indeed.
Paul Wad says
I was actually talking about the Orla Gartland one. The choreography reminded me of Christine and the Queens, who I love. I’d best watch the Jack O’Rourke one now!
Kaisfatdad says
Here’s the background story of Orla’s video @Paul Wad.
https://diymag.com/2021/01/26/watch-orla-gartland-more-like-you-video
The dancer is called Hannah Hornsby and the directors were Orla and Greta Isaac.
http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/orla-gartland-has-dropped-music-video-for-more-like-you/
There’s an amazing intimacy about the movements.
retropath2 says
And the O’Rourke video is, unlike the song, pretty poor.
Paul Wad says
@max-the-dog
4 weeks too late, but I’ve decided that Orla Gartland’s Woman On The Internet is actually my favourite album of 2021 (sorry Arlo Parks!), so thanks for posting the video, cos otherwise she’d have passed me by.
Kaisfatdad says
Good for you @Paul Wad.
I am getting so much delight from listening to my playlist based on the List of Lodestone. A new treasure discovered every day.
Such as this song, Walk above the City by Melbourne indie band The Paper Kites featuring Portuguese singer Maro.
Exquisite!
Paul Wad says
That’s good. A similar feel to Kings of Convenience.
Max the Dog says
You’re welcome, Paul…
fitterstoke says
“Any other Also Rans who deserve a moment in the limelight or on my playlist? I do love these one vote waifs and strays”
OK then, @Kaisfatdad
This is the only YT clip I can find from the Silent Reflux album – I’m reasonably confident that I provided the only vote…the album has a Henry Cow vibe which I enjoy.
Kaisfatdad says
Thanks @fitterstroke.
As you will see, I used it to kick off my new Lodestone Legacy thread.
A perfect choice.
Gatz says
Ed Sheeran must be sobbing into his piles of cash wondering what he has to do to get some love from the Massive. His = was the second best selling album of the year after Adele, according to the Guardian, and this is the first mention of him in either the poll thread or this results one. He’s not for me, but surely someone here must have a soft spot for him?
Arthur Cowslip says
He was excellent in Twin Peaks.
Black Type says
But not so good in GoT.
Max the Dog says
I’ve little time for his recorded output, but his gig in Croke Park in 2015 when I brought my daughters was great. So, for that, I do have a soft spot for him – plus he seems to be a nice chap.
Kaisfatdad says
Up to this moment, Ed has been the ginger elephant in the room. I fear he could now become a bull in the. Lodestone China Shop.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
It’s a mystery to me how come he is so popular. Absolutely nothing bad about him, good chap making mostly decent-enough music. I would have predicted his career to have gone hit single, hit album then slowly fade away.
As usual, I am Wrong
MC Escher says
He’s done half a dozen decent songs but he’s definitely a “wait for the Best Of” artist. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
bigstevie says
565 albums, and not one single vote for John Hiatt’s album, which is Grammy nomimated. I didn’t vote because I probably only bought a dozen or so new cds this year, so I can’t complain. I’m not complaining actually, just a bit stunned. The only time I remember Hiatt’s cd being mentioned, was @SteveT dissing it as the worst he had heard this year. I disagreed and @Blue-Boy agreed that it wasn’t the worst thing he’d heard this year. I know now that at least 3 AW members have heard it.
I played Planty and Krauss again this morning. 3rd time I have heard it and I certainly can’t hear any roofs being raised. Jeez, it’s a covers album, and the only original song is the worst on the album. It’s now at the bottom of my ‘play a few times’ pile of about 40. I feel after the next play it will be filed away.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
One person did indeed vote for John H and gave it 14 points. Which means it sits somewhere around 350th in our chart.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
And most splendid it is! No idea how I missed it.
Kaisfatdad says
Well done @bigstevie and Lodey. On the basis of one song, I’m rather glad this album didn’t escape our notice.
bigstevie says
That particular song is a remake of the same song on his ‘Tikki Bar Is Open’ album. They did it because Jerry Douglas comes from Ohio.
I generally don’t read the list thread(too many lists) but I like the results page.
Thanks for all your hard work Mr. Wrongness!
MC Escher says
Yep. History will not be kind to P&K, dreary polite stuff .
Unlike Promises, which will stay timeless.
SteveT says
@bigstevie I was probably being a bit reactionary. I love John Hiatt and have most of his albums. I should have investigated further before jumping in. It is bluegrass based and I have a problem with bluegrass – his songs need drums and there are no drums.
I look forward to him getting back on track with his next release.
Blue Boy says
The old favourites like Plant and Krauss, or, last year, Bruce and Bob, do tend to rise to the the top of these lists just because they’re the records that a larger number of people here will have heard. But, God almighty, 565 albums that range across just about every genre imaginable. It’s nothing if not eclectic and credit to the open mindedness and curiosity in new music that there is amongst this band of brothers and sisters. It’s also an indication of just how much good music is out there, and, I hope, finding an audience. Like a few others here, I found little this year that I thought was truly great – but plenty that was very good. Clearly there is a lot more I’ll never get round to hearing.
Kaisfatdad says
Completely agree, Blue Boy. The diversity is wonderful.
And if I discover a handful of artists and albums that become permanent favourites, I will be very happy.
Birmingham’s Katherine Priddy will be one of them.
Exquisite!
fitterstoke says
That’s gorgeous…
fitterstoke says
Given the number of jazzbo’s in the Afterword Cafe, sitting at the back, shades and beret in place, “Snat!!” in a cartoon bubble above their snapping fingers, stripey beatnik t-shirts
(GET TO THE POINT -Ed.)
…I’m surprised that Dave Holland’s album ‘Another Land’ didn’t do better than 367th…I’m slightly less surprised at Chloe Herington’s poor showing…
Martin Horsfield says
I’ve only skimmed this list, and was gratified to see more of my favourites (Arab Strap, Valerie June, Lana, Jane Weaver, Neil, Sam Fender, Self Esteem, Teenage Fanclub) appear than in any of the magazines’ end-of-year polls. But unless I’m mistaken, were there no votes among the 565 for Strand of Oaks, Shungudzo, WH Lung or Pearl Charles? I should have voted, shouldn’t I? But trust me: if you like Abba (or Carole King or the Carpenters), you’ll wonder where Pearl Charles has been all your life.
fentonsteve says
The WH Lung album was in my list but in the makeweights. It was this (last) year’s Working Men’s Club – a fine album, but spot-the-influence (New Order, mainly).
Kaisfatdad says
Ms Charles was a new name for me.
Here she is bringing a little glamour and sensuality to this rather serious and sombre thread.
After all that hard work, Lodey could do with a bit of a knees up!
Pearl is very moreish. And I’m not talking about the Alhambra!
Martin Horsfield says
Two of the best from Pearl, there. I love that album, even if its influences are somewhat transparent. She plays Hoxton Hall in early Feb, by the way.
Kaisfatdad says
Thanks for mentioning live shows. I just checked and Pearl is playing Stockholm on 13 Feb at O Bar. And it is FREE!! How ridiculous!
I will be there!
She has a lot of panache and was an instant hit with me.
Black Type says
ThankyouthankyouTHANKYOU for the Pearl heads-up. Listening now, and it’s magnificent! Is her earlier stuff of a similar ilk/standard?
Kaisfatdad says
Well done, @Martin Horsfield! Making some great waves here among the Also Rans!
Looks like a good day to fight the system!
Lando Cakes says
I’m delighted that young Fergus McCreadie has generated some interest. However, I’m dismayed that no-one else picked Daniel Herskedal’s brilliant Harbour album. Admittedly the tuba is not an obvious jazz instrument but the effect is, well, judge for yourselves:
Kaisfatdad says
Nice one, Lando! That is excellent
The Wiki comment amused me.
“He is regarded as one of the most talented jazz tubists in Norway.” Tough competition i suspect!
Let’s have some more of Daniel!
Lando Cakes says
Yes, I was amused by that line too!
Max the Dog says
Lovely stuff, Lando. Another one for the list.
Kaisfatdad says
The Guardian has a very decent list of their favourite songs from 2021 along with a Spotify. Several artists appear on the Lodestone List:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/nov/29/the-20-best-songs-of-2021
First I listened to the new ABBA song. It was quite nice. .
And then along came this gigantic, throbbing, monster of primal pop perfection. A TKO which left me sitting on the kitchen floor wondering what had hit me.
Compared to Wolf Alice, Agneta and Frida sound like two genteel ladies from Valhallavägen, sitting in their hats having afternoon tea in Ostermalmsaluhall.
Wolf Alice are an untamed, broken-hearted beast, lurking the dark alleys of Gamla Stan, in a quest for revenge against the politicians who gave the demolition order for the Debaser Rock Club..
There will be blood….
Black Type says
Well, 1. Let’s assess the Wolf Alice vocalist at 76/71, eh? And 2. TKO? I give you the full, heavyweight knockout blow of The Winner Takes It All.
Kaisfatdad says
Completely agree @Black Type. Abba in their glory days were world champions. And of course they are still a classy band who write top notch songs. They are just a little sedate these days. I have a weakness for young and hungry pop princesses, I guess.
Martin Horsfield says
I like the Wolf Alice album in that it reminds me of No Doubt and Martika (a sentence I never thought I’d write). Meanwhile, a good list of songs from 2021, you say? …
davebigpicture says
I got about halfway through this and intend to finish. Very good so far.
Dave Ross says
When ABBA Voyage (number 3) was released I saw a couple of reviews that barely mentioned the music. It was more about the feeling of familiarity and memories of a different, happier time that the harmonies and tunes invoked. I wrote about the feelings that Fatal Mistakes had stirred in me. New music from Del Amitri (number 9) was about so much more than a bunch of songs. Then Coral Island at number 2. A collection of songs and narration that are so evocative. An aural reminder of trips to the seaside or funfair enhanced by hammond organ and music from another era. Interspersed by narration in a voice strangely familiar that ties the songs together in a wonderful story. This is one of my favourite pieces of narration…
The Great Lafayette, all 20 stone of him
Sits under the huge wall clock
That hasn’t ticked or tocked in many a year
He sits gurgling through his gums
Lost in a dream of the old days
There’s a room of carеtakes with nothing to care for
Ride opеrators with no one to buckle in, it’s all fallen away
The werewolf has been unmasked
It’s a wonderful thing and for me deserving of it’s ranking.
Three albums of my top five making the overall top 10. Three albums that lean heavily on nostalgia while backing it up with great tunes and clever lyrics and ideas. Could new nostalgia be a thing or has it always been there?
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be
fitterstoke says
Boom-tish!
Moose the Mooche says
…and retro is coming back
thecheshirecat says
He was never away.
retropath2 says
I had a note in 2009-2012 (but still lurked)
Kaisfatdad says
Time to forage around in the darker corners of our list again.
Fred again.. did not sound so very interesting on paper, But when I heard and saw this i was spellbound.
GNOD however, sounded very promising. I expected lots of soothing, Medieval French noodlings. Not quite! They are stroppy, Salford noiseniks on skateboards.
Circle are, I believe, the only Finnish artists on the Lodelist. Here they are with the magnificently eccentric Richard Dawson from Tyneside.
Kaisfatdad says
While Lodey is out inspecting his vineyards, I intend to add a track to my Spotify playlist. It’s from Toumani Diabate’s album with the London Symphony Orchestra.
DuCool has it and says it is excellent. He also mentioned it was recorded 14 years ago. Odd they should wait so long to release it.
It topped the Guardian’s Best of Global list.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/dec/21/the-10-best-global-albums-of-2021
London’s Balimaya Project are also on the list. Very invigorating!
SteveT says
@kaisfatdad I also have it and concur that it is excellent. It is indeed strange that is was released this year but was recorded 14 yeas ago. Same thing with a Sigur Ros album that my son alerted me to (he lives in Iceland) which I thought was new but was released several years ago.
dai says
This thread is taking forever to load now. All these youtube links. Don’t get it myself, but carry on.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
We shall. More YouTube, please.
dai says
Are they carefully selected or just hit search on YouTube or Spotify? I am able to do this if I have interest in any of the albums listed here e.g. The Coral
MC Escher says
I can also do without the egging on. If I want to explore entries in the list I can manage quite well on my own, thanks, grumble moan etc
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Oh, bums and willies, you couple of misery guts!
I live in the middle of nowhere and my WiFi copes very happily with “all” these YouTube links. Maybe it’s different in Canada?
As for “I can do it on my own, thank you very much” – I , for one, am very happy that, for instance, Kai’s Fat Father does the research for me.
Kaisfatdad says
You are quite right, @Dai. I will henceforth cease to overload Lodestone’s masterwork.
Far point, @MC Escher. I will egg on no more.
But Lodestone’s List (thanks to all his hard work and the many contributions) has been a revelation and an inspiration.
The Afterword at its finest.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Listen not to these couple of misery guts. More power to your, admittedly flabby, elbows !
Kaisfatdad says
Flabby elbows? Moi??
You cheeky rascal!
You have certainly done a great job of hosting this rather raucous party..
dai says
I feel bad now, I love your enthusiasm @Kaisfatdad. Maybe we should have 2 threads, one with the results for easy perusal and the other with YouTube recommendations? Next year maybe.
Main issue @henpetsgi is on my phone which is what I use most of the time to come here. Canada’s internet is pretty fast (in cities), but amongst the most expensive in the world I believe.
Kaisfatdad says
Please don’t feel bad, @Dai. That is exactly what I am planning
Tomorrow I will launch my tribute to the Legacy of Lodestone. We have not finished with the delights of 2021 by a long chalk.
I really enjoy interacting with all of you shiny , happy people here on the AW. Your point about a link-heavy thread is extremely valid.
MC Escher says
*hugs and kisses*
Lodestone of Wrongness says
fair dos @dai.
Sewer Robot says
Ooh, this rom-com has taken a turn! I was convinced that chiz and KFD would end up together, but could dai be “the one” instead..?
Kaisfatdad says
Never attempt to predict the plot, @Sewer Robot.
There are plot twists and surprises in the pipeline that will leave you gobsmacked.
Paul Wad says
@henpetsgi
Lodey,, is there any chance you could message me a copy of the big spreadsheet? I like to trawl through everybody else’s lists and have a listen to everything I haven’t heard, and in previous years, doing it by going down the thread with all the lists on, I constantly lose my place and forget where I’ve got up to. Thanks
Lodestone of Wrongness says
DM me your “proper” email And i’ll send it straightaway
Lodestone of Wrongness says
@paul-wad