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Is it too early for an Album Of The Year contender??

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We are not even 2 weeks in yet, but from a day of solid listening I predict that Bill Ryder-Jones’ new offering ‘lechyd Da’ will feature prominently on end of year lists.
There will likely be much bigger fans of his work than I on this blog, but I have always enjoyed his output though would not be able to class myself as an avid follower. I popped his album on whilst working this morning & am very very impressed. It is full of gorgeous songs with lush orchestration & flows perfectly. I think a trip into town to purchase the vinyl will be on the cards this weekend

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  2. I like your good self wouldn’t consider myself an avid fan but I’ve taken an interest in his music for some time initially sparked by my close proximity to the Wirral (see also The Coral). I’ve listened to this a couple of times today and I concur, it’s a most enjoyable album and I heartily second your recommendation.

  4. I got mine this am and was thinking the very same thing. Beautiful music with a lovely vibe – very impressed and if it is not in any year end lists it means this will be a very good year indeed.

  7. Been listening to it today. It’s a lovely album with some vague similarities to more recent Michael Head stuff. Maybe not so surprising as he produced Dear Scott, Head’s last album.

  8. Thanks a bunch, @seanioio. I’d just made a quiet resolution with myself that maybe this year I’d cut back on the music purchases, especially new (to me), unfamiliar artists. Maybe stick to the artists I already like and fill in some gaps in my collection. But no, here we are first full week of the new year and you’ve got me adding this album to my basket. Here we go again…

  9. Great tip. It sounds very promising, @seanioio.

    I was very surprised by that first track. He’s sampling the late, great Gal Costa’s song Baby.

    Not the first thing I expect to hear on an album with a Welsh name. It certainly got me interested.

  10. I’m looking forward to this one. My copy arrived from the ever-reliable Piccadilly Records today. Haven’t given it a listen yet but will do so asap.

    I would also like to recommend Jon Savage’s new compilation of 90s ambient techno – I think it’s just called Ambient. It’s a belter if you like that kind of thing.

  12. He’s never registered as more than a name before. But first thing this morning I was stuck for something to listen to over a cup of tea, while feeling open minded. Now two listens in and liking it very much. Thanks for the tip!

  15. Had a listen on the way to work. It’s fair to say that this is my sort of thing- late 90’s production like the sort of thing David Fridmann did with Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips. There’s also quite a vibe of Gene about the record (hope that doesn’t put anyone off) and a bit of Radiator era Super Furries. The only downside was the use of the children’s choir on about half of the tracks. I get that you might want to throw the kitchen sink at something (strings, horns, glockenspiel) but that may have been a step too far.

  16. Wikipedia’s List of 2023 Albums page has 966 “notable” albums with readable references at the foot of the page. There are about half as many again listed but without any references.
    I would say it’s a bit premature to name one’s 2024 Album of the Year only 12 days in, but I suppose it could be your yardstick, until something equal or better comes along.

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