Another list thread? Well yes, as it happens. As we approach the summer solstice and the warm and balmy mid point of the year you are invited to share your top 5 albums of the twelvemonth so far. I’ll start by proposing the following in an order that experts are calling alphabetical.
Avett Brothers – Avett Brothers
T Bone Burnett – The Other Side
The Decemberists – As it Ever Was, So it Will Be Again
Mark Knopfler – One Deep River
Phosphorescent – Revelator
5 x faves
Arooj Aftab : Night Reign
https://www.aroojaftab.com/
Bullion : Affection
https://bullion.bandcamp.com/album/affection
Kevin : Laundry
https://motionward.bandcamp.com/album/laundry
Daisy Rickman : Howl
https://daisyrickman.bandcamp.com/album/howl
Anima Mundana : Infinite Light
https://notwavingromance.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-light
nearly alphabetical, so close
I’ll agree the Decemberists is in the top few. Haven’t (yet) heard the others listed. As of today, I’m tempted to add Linda Thompsons’ (or various artists in truth) Proxy Music. It’s better than her ex’s. . John Moreland’s Visitors is in the reckoning too.Two more? I’d go for Halocline, by Malin Lewis, and Outliers by Boo Hewerdine and Jenny Sturgeon.
After a disappointing start to 2024, things are picking up
Beth Gibbons Lives Outgrown is truly impressive, Fergus McCreadie’s Stream is wonderful, and Central Park’s Mosaics of Resevoirs, Lake, Paths & Gardens by Wadado Leo Smith & Amina Claudine Myers is utterly gorgeous. Zara McFarlane’s Sweet Whispers only came out yesterday but is already tickling my fancy and Nduduzo Mathathini has just released another belter, uNomkhubulwane.
However, Classical Music is having a great year. I’m very excited by Klaus Mäkenä’s Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra with Janine Jansen’s thrilling Sibelius Violin Concerto and the power of Simon Rattle’s Mahler’s 6th by his Berlin Phil is awesome. I’m also enjoying Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony “Eroica”.
And, for me, Charli XCX is winning the battle for Popstress Of The Zeitgeist, 2024.
Damn, forgot Beth Gibbons, which makes my five six.
And I forgot also Kleptocracy, by Ferocious Dog, their best and the best bit of Celtic punk folk for a while. Here’s the single:
Ivan Fischer’s Beethoven with the Budapest PO is shaping up to be my favourite “modern” cycle.
Not so sure about Jansen’s Sibelius…a bit soft-edged? The Prokofiev is excellent, tho’…
I think the OPO are as tight as a gnat’s chuff, as though they are a band of four not an orchestra of dozens, giving Jansen the freedom to fly. Marvellous.
Maybe I haven’t listened to it enough…although, as a rule, I prefer a cooler temperature, a more forward-looking approach. Hilary Hahn and Viktoria Mullova come to mind.
Haven’t heard the Jansen yet but the classical record of the year so far for me is the always brilliant Isabelle Faust playing the Britten violin concerto with the Bayerisch Rundfunk Orchestra. Not a piece I know well but God she makes a persuasive case that it’s a masterpiece.
If we’re including this year’s reissues, I’ll mention the two sets of George Lloyd symphonies, conducted by the composer, on Lyrita. Currently top of my reissues list – but who knows, with half a year to go?
It is, indeed, a masterpiece- Mark Lubotsky, with Britten himself conducting the ECO in 1970, is worth a listen (if you haven’t already sought it out).
Actually, Jansen released a recording of the Britten concerto, about 15 years ago? Gets a good review, but I haven’t heard it myself.
Thanks for reminding me about the Wadado Leo Smith & Amina Claudine Myers album, Tigger. I must acquire that soon.
By the way, Tigger – have you heard “3+3”, the new album by the Tomeka Reid Quartet, featuring Mary Halvorson on guitar? Think that might be up your street….
I do love a nice bit of cello.
It’s not on Tidal but I’ve listened to Sauntering With Mr Brown on bandcamp and I think you have given me a good steer. 👍
To be honest, Tigger, Sauntering With Mr Brown is the only track I’ve heard, too, as I haven’t bought the album yet. I suppose there’s always the danger that the other two (long) tracks will be stinkers … but I don’t think they will be. As far as I can see, online reviews of “3+3” have been very positive.
Jazz cello? I was curious, f-googed and discovered this review which includes a YT clip of the band playing live in 2014.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/33-tomeka-reid-quartet-cuneiform-records
and here’s Sauntering with Mr Brown:
And I suspect you’ll enjoy this lively set from their UCLA Herb Albert School of Music residency
Gravity Stairs by Crowded House. I love the woozy atmosphere that wafts across the whole thing. It made me revisit the previous one, and appreciate it more. Some Greater Plan (for Claire), with Tim Finn, is beautiful.
Takes a few listens to get into it; once you do, you’ll be whistling the songs.
I have it and heard ‘The Howl’ last night (I have it on my i-pod which is set to ‘shuffle’, hence I tend to hear stuff at random and out of sequence) – very good song and bodes well for the rest of the album.
Totally agree with @Gardener about the Arooj Aftab – really enjoying it and looking forward to seeing her live in Manchester in the Autumn. Haven’t listened closely to much new stuff but others that have impressed me are Hurray for the Riff Raff, Charlie Parr, Cara Dillon. And I’ve just listened to the new one from Blue Rose Code – first impressions are that is utterly superb.
I forgot to add my vote for Aroof Aftab.
Argent – First Album
The Lemon Twigs – A Dream Is All We Know
The Beach Boys – SMiLE (Dae Lims AI recreation)
Ian Thomas – How We Roll
Little Feat – Feats Don’t Fail Me Now (deluxe)
For me so far the Four Tet album Three is standing head and shoulders about everything else. The Yard Act and the Bill Ryder Jones albums are also very rewarding. Others bubbling under I wouldn’t yet definitively have a view on but seem very good are Waxahatchee, Pet Shop Boys and Vampire Weekend.
Everyone got very excited about Bill R-J at the beginning of the year. And it’s OK, with little desire to revisit. So thanks for the then glowing.
I think it’s got lots of replay value, as the melodies are bulletproof. It’s perhaps a little too keen to be lovely and careworn, but there are worse sins.
The more I listen to it the more I like it. Thanks @seanioio for the tip in January. The same goes for Big Big Train.
Also liking the Elbow album and the new Villagers (of course) What I’ve heard of the new TBone Burnett sounds great – the BVs from Lucius really work well.
very kind, thank you 🙂
I wholly agree too, the more I listen the more I like it too. It is wonderful
that Four Tet is in my top 10
I’m very much enjoying The Tangent’s “To Follow Polaris”.
Listening a lot to Where’s My Utopia by Yard Act.
The standout for me is Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band – Loophole.
Seconded!
Thirded
Agreed.
5 contenders:
Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy
Lam Gallagher / John Squire
Paul Weller – 66
Yard Act – Where’s My Utopia
Green Day – Saviors
Will be referencing this thread to check what I have missed (and should’ve been airing in my lugholes)
As it turns out, my Top Five so far, and most of the other contenders, are women.
Top 5? OK, I’d choose these:
5. Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends
4. Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department/Anthology
3. Amanda Bergman – Your Hand Forever Checking On My Fever
2. Hurray For The Riff Raff – The Past Is Still Alive
1. Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
The Amanda Bergman album just arrived on Friday, and I’m already obsessed with it, so could possibly rise to the top. Smooth like a warm summer breeze, but also brittle and raw and serching. Echoes of Yacht Rock meets echoes of Dream Pop and the beauty offset the sadness. Have a listen to one of the best tracks; “Poor Symmetry”:
A list of other brilliant women:
Aziza Brahim – Mawja, Julia Holter – Something In The Room She Moves, Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well, Iiris Viljanen – Själsligt Uppvaknande Vid Slussen, girl in red – I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY, Annika Norlin & Johan Teglund (a man) – En tid att riva sönder, El Perro Del Mar – Big Anonymous, Erika Angell – The Obsession With Her Voice.
Could possibly end up in my Top Five, once I’ve had time to listen to all of it:
Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free
The men/bands closest to getting on my list:
John Moreland – Visitor, Sinkane – We Belong, The Black Keys – Ohio Players, The Taj Mahal Sextet – Swingin’ Live At The Church In Tulsa, Phosphorescent – Revelator, Iron & Wine – Light Verse, Les Big Byrd – Diamonds, Rhinestones And Hard Rain, Aaron Lee Tasjan – Stellar Evolution.
Sorry, but only mentioning five hurts too much! 🙂
Hi @Locust – I very much like the Amanda Bergman song that you posted.
Is it representative of the rest of the album (I note you said it was one of the best tracks)?
If so, I’ll rush out and buy it immediately (well, when the shops open!)…
It is and it isn’t – but if you like this track and the one posted below, you’ll love this album. “Poor Symmetry” is the only song co-written by Gustav Ejstes (from Dungen and Amason), all of the other songs are co-written with Petter Winberg (Amason). So it has an extra pinch of the Ejstes magic which I personally really love, but the whole album is ace, truly.
First half of it is all 5 stars, the second half is 4 – 4½ stars.
Sold! Many thanks.
Amanda Bergman’s great. Lovely, soft, husky voice. We saw her at Cassels near Ludvika. Very nice venue with big, comfy seats. 600 capacity. Good clear view. Going to see her again in Stjernsund. She did some of the new songs. Wild Love Wild Geese is a good one. She had this natty hat on when we saw her.
five I have enjoyed so far this year, in no particular order
Roots Architects – From Then ‘Til Now instrumental roots reggae performed by a peerless team of JA musicians,
Gatecreeper – Dark Superstition – melodic death metal, feels like it could be a breakthrough album for them
Slate – Deathless – gothy post punk from Cardiff, with the refreshing attribute of a frontman in this genre who sings rather than talks
Klangkollektor – Dub Tapes Volume 1 lovely aquatic stuff, a fusion of dub and ambient techno – think a dubbier Orb and you’re on the way there
Timo Lassy & Jukka Eskola – Nordic Stew – ascetic North European jazz with a bumping New Orleans rhythm section. It’s great!
honourable mentions to DVNE, Fergus McCreadie, Mdou Moctar, Maquina, Rosali and Scott Lavene, as well as a special shout out to H ZETTRIO whose new album dropped this weekend. I haven’t lhad a chance to listen yet but if past form is any guide it’ll be some superb frantic piano led death jazz from Japan.
And this new track from Heartworms is my single of the year so far
Klangkollektor is such a good name for how you describe their clatter. Sounds right down my kaleidoscope!
That Heartworms single is quite extraordinary,@Kid Dynamite. It feels like a lost episode of Dr Who!
Nordic Stew sounds very promising indeed. A real find!
I’m not that that surprised that this here Forum seems to have largely ignored the biggest most important musical happening of this or any other year since Old Bob went electric. You guys .
https://atthebarrier.com/2024/06/16/taylor-swift-anfield-stadium-liverpool-live-review/
I thought this thread was album of the year so far, not gig of the year so far?
Still…I’m sure you know best.
If there was a not album of the year then Tortured Track List would be it. I say this as a medium Swiftie. Absolute damp squib for anyone looking for music instead of more narrative.
Eh? You’ve rather lost me there, I’m afraid…
???
You need to rinse out your ears. Absolutely gorgeous melodies, brilliant production, killer vocals, AND some of the best lyrics she’s ever written.
It’s my no. four, but if the list was “which albums have you listened to the most so far this year” it would be no. one. I can’t get enough of it.
If she didn’t wear a spangly leotard and gogo boots it would be easier to take her more seriously.
Forgot the perfect pop bangers, the stunning wordplay, the simply astonishing stage sets and choreography and, yes, let’s concentrate on her clothes. She’s a young woman and can wear anything she damn well likes …
She’s 34 and no longer a cheerleader, but chacun a son gout….
Your comment, Elvis, implied you can’t take her seriously because of what she wears. That’s just plain silly, not a matter of taste.
Saying you don’t like her music because you don’t like her music is an entirely different matter. And in my world at least, 34 is young
Oh I say. I only hope that Bla** Ty** doesn’t see Parsley’s provocative comment. He gave me a real GBHing for simply *mentioning her name*. Parsely says she’s old, fat, and dresses like a dog’s dinner – which, even if true – is hardly the sort of thing we want to platform here.
I thought the same about Bowie.
I thought the same about Lodestone.
I thought the same about Gary.
Has that picture of Gary in his spangly leotard reappeared? Thought he’d taken out an injunction?
It’s not a “spangly leotard”. It’s a Jesus and Mary Chain onesie. With the legs and sleeves torn off (what a fun night that was!) and some glitter added due to an unfortunate occurrence involving a birthday cake, lots of whipped cream and a minor celebrity.
Was the minor celebrity Taylor Swift? I bet it was
Have you got the new Little Feat Special Edition, Lodesworth? It’s perhaps not quite up to the standard of the previous two, but still manna from heaven.
For nearly two weeks now I’ve been struggling to simply make it through each day. Surely by now even in the obscure shantytown you call home, the news of my being attacked by the infamous man-eating spider of the Languedoc has reached you? Without my gritty determination to keep a feeble hand attached to the staff of life, (Oh Moose, wherefore art thou?) I’d have surely shuffled off this mortal coil by now. The “new” Little Feat is on my To Do list. Let’s hope I pull through.
My knee’s been playing up.
Bonny Light Horseman
Camera Obscura
The Decemberists – only a couple of listens so far, but really like it.
The Pearlfishers – Making Tapes for Girls
Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood (my fave so far)
Darn, I forgot Waxahatchee – excellent album.
Pleased someone else has noted the new Pearlfishers album ‘Making Tapes for Giris’ – Davey Scott is undoubtedly one of our finest, albeit pretty much unknown, songwriters. Also Hey Panda by the High Llamas – which successfully walks the difficult line of introducing new and contemporary influences but still being true to their quirky and playful selves. Off the back of that I bought the last Rae Morris album which includes arrangements by Sean OHagen and is excellent. Really like the new Weller who seems to be in a relaxed and reflective mode. Might end up being my favourite album of his.
Hard to pick just 5 as I think it has been a very good year so far.
1) Bill Ryder-Jones – Iechyd Da
I will be very surprised if this is topped, I have listened to it pretty much non stop since release. For my ears it is one of those rare albums where each listen uncovers another hook or chord change that reminds me why i love music.
2) Everything Everything – Mountainhead
Another very strong album & for my money the best EE have done. Lyrically it is intriguing and some songs (Cold Reactor for example) are listened to on repeat with no sign of ever getting sick of it
3) Big Special – Postindustrial Hometown Blues
I liked a couple of singles so was looking forward to this release. I did not expect it to be as good as it is though & it is keeping me hooked. DiG! (the last track) will be one of my tracks of the year for sure.
4) Almost Nothing – Almost Nothing
New project from Roddy Woomble of Idlewild. It is a mix of genres & a great listen.
5) Four Tet – Three
This got some serious listens in the first week after release but then work went a but crazy so I need to go back to it. The highest praise I can give this is that it sounds like Four Tet. You can’t go wrong with that!
A few bubbling under that could easily have made this list. House Of All – Continuum, Dehd – Poetry, James – Yummy, Pillow Queens – Name Your Sorrow.
Also to weigh in on the Taylor Swift chat, I saw her at Anfield on Sat night & it was one of the greatest shows I have seen. She is wonderful
Yep, saw her at Edinburgh N3, and unsurprisingly I concur. She’s undeniable.
She’s undeniably Taylor Swift, ‘tis true…
Hello Afterword Brothers and Sisters,
Am I going to reveal all my favourite albums of the first half of 2024 to you, in order? No, I am not. Because that would take all the excitement out of my annual countdown of the duco01 Top 60 Favourite new albums of 2024 in mid-December. And that would never do.
I can say that I’m enjoying many of the fine records that have already been mentioned above. And perhaps I should one more, to at least make a positive contribution to this thread.
So here it is. I can’t believe I’m the first person to mention the new Jessica Pratt album, “Here in the Pitch”. It’s only 29 minutes long, but is all quality, quality, quality. What a gorgeous record, what a perfect sound. If you can imagine Petula Clark singing a Bacharach/David song, with arrangements by Van Dyke Parks, as the theme to a classic 60s movie, then that’s the sort of territory that Ms Pratt is working in. The whole album is just one banger after another…
Talking of Van Dyke Parks, Eliza Carthy has let slip, on twitter/x, she is working up a little something with him. Intrigued.
Interesting listen, Duke. I suspect people who didn’t find what they were hoping for in the new Richard Hawley album will find much to appreciate here..
I was a bit unsure about the voice but it’s grown on me. The music is absolutely wonderful and 29 minutes feels perfect.
You should be working for a record company, Duke! Your description had me hooked before I’d hear a note. And she didn’t disappoint!.
If Jessica comes to Stockholm, we are going!!
There’s something very special about her.
Here’s a complete concert from the Union Chapel. Enjoy!
In no order:
Odetta Hartman – Swansongs
Third from New Yorker, as she describes it, “Cowboy Soul Future Folk”
Red Hot & Ra – The Magic City
Sun Ra tribute curated by Meshell Ndegeocello
Rural tapes – Contact
Multi multi instrumentalist Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen, also member of The No Ones
Elitist – A Mirage of Grandeur
Copenhagen deathgrind supergroup, dissonance, noise, and blackened death
Landless – Lúireach
Four female singers fron Dublin, Lankum connection, doomier Clannad
Landless are splendid @Izzy. Great choice!
With the OP on the T Bone Burnett album
Bill Frisell’s “Orchestras (Live)” will be in my EOY Top Twenty
Ed Harcourt – El Magnifico
Michael Head – Loophole
Bill Ryder-Jones – lechyd Da
The Pernice Brothers – Who Will You Believe (The Purple Rain is my song of the year currently)
English Teacher – This Could be Texas
Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free
English Teacher are playing at Roskilde, @Charlie Gordon. You’ve made curious to go and see them.
@kaisfatdad
ET’s bass player, Nick Eden, is the son of an old mate of mine and I’m hoping I might get a free ticket to see them in Manchester in Nov.
FWIW, my albums of the first half of the year are (in no particular order):
Jackie Leven – Live to Die
Phosphorescent – Revelatory
Neil Y – Dume
Richard H – in this City They Call You Love
My favourite five albums at this point in the calendar year look like:
Elbow. Audio Vertigo.
Pet Shop Boys. Nonetheless.
Warrington Runcorn New Town Development Plan. Your Community Hub.
Richard Hawley. In This City They Call You Love.
Aurora. What Happened To The Heart?
So far I don’t think this is a classic year and I would think my most played albums so far this year are still 2023 releases. That said, The new Pernice Brothers album is (seemingly) effortlessly magnificent. I like a lot of the new BODEGA album. I do like the new Emily Nenni album and I expect the Kimmi Bitter album “Old School” is going to be on my end of year lists but its not really been out long enough to know yet.
Most of mine have already been mentioned:
Vampire Weekend
Bonny Light Horseman
Four Tet
Jane Weaver
Warrington Runcorn New Town Development Plan
High Llamas is also growing on me at a pace.
My favourite discovery of the year, Bala Desejo’s Sim Sim Sim was apparently released a couple of years ago. Brilliant though.
And a mention for a wonderful compilation of Balearic loveliness, Down To The Sea And Back Volume 3.
Another vote here for Jane Weaver…
It may interest you to hear @Paul Hewstone, that in October, Dora Morelenbaum (one quarter of Bala Desejo) is playing Fasching in Stockholm.
I intend to be there!
I suspect she might also be doing a show or two in the UK.
I just stumbled across this clip of Dora singing with Bruno Berle. Rather gorgeous.
Another titbit for you @Paul Hewstone, that I just stumbled across. A whole show by Balo Desejo playing in their hometown. Well-filmed and good sound.
Thanks a million @Kaisfatdad. I watched this last night and my love for the band has reached a new level. I will keep my eyes peeled for a visit to the UK by Dora. Meanwhile, have you heard anything by Ana Frango Eletrico? Cut from similar cloth I think.
No I haven’t!! Thanks for the tip @Paul Hewstone. Very glad you enjoyed that Bala clip. It’s superb.
Just three contenders from me, so far:
“3” by veteran South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is an absolute pearl of an album. Just piano, flute and bass, mostly recorded live. It’s yummy.
A very promising one, that only three tracks of are available until it’s official release later this month, is “Outer Spaceways Incorporated: Kronos Quartet & Friends Meet Sun Ra” by Red Hot Org and Kronos Quartet. A thoroughly modern and very melodic take on that ‘ol cosmic hooey.
Another vote for “Central Park’s Mosaics Of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens” by Wadada Leo Smith & Amina Claudine Myers.
I don’t think anyone mentioned the Gruff Rhys album, so I’ll mention the Gruff Rhys album. The Gruff Rhys album ‘sadness sets me free’ is a really good LP. I suspect that as it was realised in January it won’t trouble the scorers come the end of year poll, but I really rate it. Mind you, the Beth Gibbons album is clearly the best thing out so far this year.
If anyone you know asks you what sort of music the denizens of the Afterword enjoy, you can suggest that they give this playlist a listen. Created from your comments on this thread, it’s a mouth-watering musical smörgåsbord.
“If anyone you know asks you what sort of music the denizens of the Afterword enjoy …”
Well, H.P., I don’t know how well-known the Afterword is in Thailand…
Here in Stockholm, it is talked about in hushed whispers by the cognoscenti.
It is not an uncommon experience for me to be approached on the Metro or in the Pet Sounds Record Shop by a polite, shy, young person who wants to find out more about what is “hot” on the legendary, mysterious AW web-site.
Tiggerlion, the Cheshire Cat, Gary, DuCo01, Lodestone of Wrongness, Locust, Kid Dynamite, fatima Xberg, Junior Wells, mikethep, Retropath2, Didley Farquar, Hubert Rawlinson…
..the names of these titanic gurus, global arbiters of musical taste, are known to Södermalm hipsters and are name dropped in conversation in the Vegan eateries on Bondegatan or in the queue to the Fasching Jazz Club.
Actually, such is our fame that I’m impressed that IKEA have not as yet named one of their products after one of our contributors. I wouldn’t be at all surprised, if the next time I visit their flagship store at Kungens Kurva, that along with favourites such as Billy, Fyrkantig, Järvfället and Stupparb, they have a launched a new product a “Saucecraft” . A luxurious sunlounger!
(I know my place…omitted again…)
I see however that my stock is rising. I hope it doesn’t show. 😧
Oops! Sorry @fitterstoke! Actually no sooner had I pressed the Post Comment button and gone off to the laundry than I realised I had forgotten to mention you.
My apologies! You are up there with the Sultans of Style and the Dukes of Discernment.
Brilliant as ever, Hubert! But it looks a bit risky.
Then again, it has been scorchissimo in Siam.
Not even ten bucks? I am insult.
Very kind, KFD, but I’m pretty sure that even my Afterword best friend wouldn’t describe me as an arbiter of musical taste.
Well @mikethep, you’ve certainly introduced me to all sorts of stuff that I otherwise would not have discovered. Pomplamoose is a perfect example.
You’ve also made some very useful comments about Australian movies, books, birdlife and bands. And given us some very useful background on the culture and languages of indigenous Australians.
You may not arbitrate (neither do I) but you certainly inform!
Hats off to @Tigerlion for mentioning Wadada Leo Smith and Amina Claudine Myers and their album, Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens, which is a portrait of and tribute to one of the world’s great parks.
In this clip they talk abut how the album was created.
Spell-bindingly gorgeous music. Just piano and trumpet.
Evocative, cinematic chamber jazz which reminds me of Miles Davis, Anouar Brahem and the Mare Nostrum Trio: Jan Lundgren, Paolo Fresu and Richard Galliano.
Here’s a sample.
Today, Thursday 20th June, is the summer solstice. A perfect cue for this lovely song by Outliers (Jenny Sturgeon and Boo Hewerdine).
And tomorrow we celebrate Midsummer here in Sweden. Another cue for a song. Take it away, Benny!
Grab your partner and do si do!
Benny has been playing this kind of music far longer than he played in that other band of his.
KFD, it’s not that I don’t really enjoy the happy sounds of Benny Andersson’s Orkester – who couldn’t? – but I do wonder if we have not strayed somewhat from the well-trod path of Album Of The Year Thus Far. Could I – as a well-wisher! – suggest that you take a step back before you delight us all anew with the Skanör med Falsterbo Orphanorkester giving us their stirring ocarina version of Final Countdown and we all go FUCKING MAD?
Thank you, and happy midsömmerfest!
The ones I’ve played most are Outliers, Beth G, and the A Certain Ratio, which was recorded entirely live in the studio with no special guests. For years they’ve been best experienced live, the wonder is what took them so long to get round to it.
I have 3 albums from 2024. Neil Young’s Fuckin up, Wilco’s RSD Whole Love reissue and Rolling Stones RSD live album on vinyl. Also Manics Lifeblood anniversary edition on CD. So not sure I am allowed to be on this thread. I am sure Beth Gibbons will be my favourite real new 2024 album so far, but the vinyl hasn’t arrived yet. My first order was cancelled 🙁
“We’re leaving together, but still, it’s farewell.
And maybe, we’ll come back to Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame.
We’re leaving ground (leaving ground).
Will things ever be the same again?
It’s the final countdown.
The final countdown.”
But of course, that is not true. The countdown is truly over as that was comment no 100.
Great work, Boneshaker! One large portion of intergalactic Corsair chicken coming your way
The Final Countdown … with a kazoo
Splendid Rigid. A real show-stopper!
KFD takeover starts with HP – it’s you next. Run, run, run!
Wow! I was so overwhelmed by this remarkable Cornucopia of Countdowns that I mailed them over to Joey Tempest. The poor man was in tears to see that he has such a loyal fan in Siam.
Forgotten in the rest of the world, here in Sweden he is still a star.
Does anyone know if there are alternate versions of Europe’s “Final Countdown” – it seems like a song that suits being covered.
Forgive me, Afterword. For I have sinned!
We’ve all seen one of those movies that unexpectedly morph halfway through into a completely different genre. You think it’s a piece of social realism in the spirit of Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Suddenly the splatterfest kicks off. It’s actually Saturday Fright and Sunday Goring.
Much the same thing has happened here. For 98 comments we had a series of knowledgeable, insightful comments about the best releases of 2024.
But then in a nano-second…Kaaaaaazooooooom! The thread was hurtling off into an unpredictable, intergalactic wig out. From High Fidelity we’ve suddenly morphed into Alien the Comeback directed by Ingmar Bergman.
I don’t know, but as far as I can tell you posted three, possibly four, videos non-related to the year in music so far. HP posted sixteen, to make a point that could have been made in one post.
And what’s so wrong about changing the subject anyway? This forum is supposed to be a conversation, just let it take you where it wants to go, I say. Last time I checked, scrolling past posts that didn’t interest me was just as easy as it always was, so live and let live, and just scroll away.
Wise words as always @Locust. I too love it when a thread meanders off an unexpected direction.
And I completely agree about ignoring threads that don’t interest me.
I did enjoy that Outliers track and it got me interested in the singer, Jenny Sturgeon from Scotland. I am very curious to hear more from her.
It takes no time at all to scroll past YouTube videos without clicking on them, as I’m sure I’m not alone in knowing. Posting sixteen, Locust, was entirely the point, and it could not have been made by posting one. You say you’re all for changing the subject – an admirably live and let live philosophy! – yet this doesn’t, apparently, extend to me posting versions of Europe’s greatest hit under a piece devoted to album of the year. Aim for consistency, at least. I’ve been having a pop at KFD for many, many years now (his Trampoline Farm was a very early example) and shall continue to do so. As I’ve said in a piece devoted to him he’s (along with Tigger and a couple of others) a cornerstone of the Afterword and I enjoy hurrying past his attacks of YouTuberrhea as much as anyone.
There’s a not so fine line between having an oh so humorous pop at someone (for many years) and bullying, and I happen to think that your brand of humour too often is less funny than aggressive (which is a shame, since you can be genuinely funny without being mean spirited when you want to).
Apparently you don’t appreciate someone else having a pop at you either – although if you re-read my comment I wasn’t having a go at you so much as encouraging KFD to keep doing what he’s doing.
And you’ll get encouraged by the peanut gallery and keep doing what you’re doing as well, no doubt.
I’ll keep doing what I do best: mostly lurking and occasionally mentioning some Swedish stuff to the deafening sound of crickets… 😉
(The consistency I aim for today: doughy.)
Peanut gallery? Is this anything to do with my cohorts or clique or whatever?
I dislike HP as much as anyone but personally I thought his pisstake of KFD’s lovable propensity to overload a thread with YT clips was very funny
It IS bullying though. KFD shows high levels of enthusiasm without always reading the room, and HP assumes the voice of the forum, which he is not. I love both of them, because they are people. However…
This bollocks is a large reason for why I went away for a long period.
Never thought HP considered himself “voice of the forum” – he’s more of a highly annoying fu**er who just happens to be very entertaining. Can’t see the ‘bullying’ either just a playful, if painful,poke in KFDs ribs
I agree, if this had been the only instance of it, but it’s been going on too much and far too long.
KFD is incredibly graceful about it, always, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth most times.
Pisstakes are fine, but when 80% of them are aimed at the same person it becomes a problem for me as a spectator. Since I’m not very interested in having internet feuds with anyone, and also feel that HP brings good things as well as bad to this forum, I chose initially to only give KFD a nudge of encouragement and not bash HP too much. But when he replied with a description that I didn’t agree with I felt a need to say what I see, so I called it bullying, and I stand by that.
KFD may be able to look at it with a sense of humour and grace, but personally I feel that it’s reached its sell by date.
And that’s the end of me discussing this subject.
I think you’re confusing bullying with teasing but, yes, time to move on
A fine line. Still though one should have a sense that keeping going with some running joke at someone else’s expense might be hurtful.
“The Deafening Sound of Crickets” – for a minute there I thought there was a lost Buddy Holly Doom Metal album.
I think you’ll find there is an ‘o’ in youtuborhoea, at least in the civilised world. It may be silent, but represents the shape of the mouth as the detritus exits.
(2 in fact, the first being simple spelling etiquette)
And, reading the new posts above, I guess that’s HPS away for a further 6/12. But, he’ll be back; we all return, whether we like it or not, the sense of belonging akin a favourite pair of pants, past their best, but still in, just, one piece. Even Moosey will be back. On past performance. Hopefully.
Just for the record, I was very amused by your Cornucopia of Countdowns, @H.P. Saucecraft, and enjoyed listening to them.
Thanks for your moral support to Locust, Leffe, Lodestone, Diddley. and Retro
“Locust, Leffe, Lodestone, Diddley. and Retro.”
That sounds like the kind of excellent, avant-garde, ambient, atonal, jazz combo that the Duke drags me off to see at Fasching-
There’s a name that would get a lot bums of seats. I think you five should give the idea of forming a band some serious thought!
It’s no Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich though.
“3LDR, as their followers call them, offer a frenetic evening of fusion fantasy, where no genre is left untouched, no riff untangled, a potpourri of pop, post-jazz and prog. Whilst the vocals, in Swedish, can be sometimes impenetrable, it is once the front line of bagpipes, banjo and bassoon kick off that caution, like shoes, gets thrown to the wind.”
Highlight is their banging cover of Shake it Off featuring Ms Swift on ukele
The ukele, an attenuated version of the ukulele , somewhere between the uk and the ukelelelele, or contra-uke, as it is sometimes known.
Delighted to read that you share my enthusiasm for 3LDR, Retro. I have great hopes for their future.
A ukulele would greatly add to their possibilities. Just look at UOGB.