2016 Albums of the Year

One of the rituals I have in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is putting away all the records and books I’ve accumulated over the preceding 12 months. As is often the case, much of what I’ve read and listened to has been part of the on-going work to plug gaps in my cultural knowledge. However, there were still enough new albums purchased to enable me to compile a Top 10 of 2016 -:

1.     The Wedding Present – Going, Going: A sumptuous, kaleidoscopic journey in sound through the by-roads, backwaters and roads less travelled of David Gedge’s life and loves. Truly genre hopping and always inspired, this album is the reformed Wedding Present’s magnum opus.

2.     Teenage Fanclub – Here:  Rather like the Wedding Present, Teenage Fanclub have produced a tantalisingly ambiguously titled work of beauty, joy and power. While Gerry Love still has the copyright on wistful, sentimental pop balladry and Norman Blake owns every aspect of inspirational rock numbers, it is Raymond McGinley  whose star shines most brightly, with 4 fuzzy, proggy slices of utter genius.

3.     Trembling Bells – The Wide Majestic Aire: Effectively the final act of the Sovereign Self project, this release sees the Bells stretching and extending their trademark blend of prog wigouts that still have a hint of their earlier folk roots. As a band they mature, evolve and create at an alarming pace; the next album is already in the can. I can’t wait.

4.     Pete Astor – Spilt Milk:  Ex Loft and Weather Prophets frontman turned occasional visiting professor of C86 studies comes out of a decade and a half’s hiatus with a storming set of post jingly jangly unpolished pop diamonds. The Getting There was my song of the year not by the first 3 bands named.

5.      Wire – Nocturnal Koreans: Closer in spirit to 2011’s introspective Red Barked Tree than the visceral ache of 2015’s self-titled volley of indignation, this release combines the usual bafflingly opaque lyrics with an impeccable low-fi backing. They’ve got a lot to say still.

6.      Christy Moore – Lily:  After a few years of retreads and overhauls of the back catalogue, the Bank Clerk from Newbridge is back with an album dedicated to his home County of Kildare, whereby he interprets songs especially written for him. The voice is rich and warm as ever.

7.      Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker: So much has been said about his passing that any review of his album appears superfluous. Suffice to say, the title track and Treaty stand out, but it may take a while before a proper appraisal of Cohen’s farewell in song is possible.

8.      Various – It Was Great Altogether: Topic Records 3 CD set of Irish music sessions in London pubs in the 40s, 50s & 60s is scratchy, muffled and as authentic as the porter stiffened sleeve of a fella from Letterfrack with his head on the bar at closing time. Beautiful nostalgia.

9.      Various – It Was Mighty: Another 3 CD set from Topic, again curated by Reg Hall, but this time studio recordings of London Irish musicians in the studio. Technology takes the shine of it, but it is easier to listen to.

10. The Fall – Wise Ol’ Man: Mediocre sub-Killing Joke electronica with the inaudible droning of a geriatric drunk on top. I really don’t know why I waste my money and time on them.