As we hurtle towards the end of the year I’ve been getting returning to listen to things I really loved over the last twelve months. It’s not quite a best of list as I find it hard to narrow things down that far, rather just a rundown of great songs…Merry Christmas Eve!
Scottish & Sublime
Meursault – Dull Spark/Flittin’
These tracks are both from Neil Pennycook’s alternative folk band Meursault’s stunning 2012 album Something For the Weakened. Amongst a number of accolades it’s received it just topped the Scottish BAMS, an award set up by the great Peenko blog and voted for by Scottish bloggers including me, you can read the full list of winners here.
Lament For a Teenage Millionaire
Adam Stafford – Vanishing Tanks/Russian Glass
Both of the these tracks from Falkirk musician Adam Stafford’s spilt single, released on independent label Gerry Loves Records are so well crafted I’ve listened to them many times.
Human Don’t Be Angry – 1985
I bought Malcolm Middleton’s first Human Don’t Be Angry album on CD in Inverness, because it was playing in the shop and even though I had it on download it sounded too good not to own. Stunning instrumental guitar…
Three Blind Wolves – Sound of The Storm
Having first seen Glasgow four piece Three Blind Wolves live in May, I then listened to their joyous, country rooted album ‘Sound of the Storm’ on repeat for many weeks after.
Dream A Little Dream Pop For Me
Tennis – It All Feels The Same
Husband and wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley released ‘Young and Old’ in February, blissful sugar pop to make you happy.
Beach House – Myth
The first track which was released from the band’s album Bloom, it’s a beauty.
New American Idols
Sharon Van Etten – Leonard
An album which is amongst the best releases of the year (and has indeed appeared near the top of many tastemaker album lists) US singer-songwriter Van Etten’s Tramp is sublime. This is the video for ‘Leonard’…get to listening!
Loch Lomond – White Dresses
The most poignant and unusual kind of chamber folk from the Oregon ensemble Loch Lomond, this is the title track from a European EP produced exclusively for Chemikal Underground. It’s a tearjerker.
Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
For ex Fleet Foxes drummer Josh Tilman his 2012 album ‘Fear Fun’ is likely to define the point where people had begun to listen to his solo work. This is the first track I heard from it…
Damien Jurado – Maraqopa
Watch this video and I’d defy you not fall in love with Damien Jurado’s latest record.
Magical Music
The Dirty Three – Towards The Low Sun
Australian prog-instrumental rock trio The Dirty Three just seem to get better and more distinctive, their quivering instruments conjuring a rugged, turbulent landscape.
The Tallest Man on Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
If you like properly old fashioned song writing, this release from Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson is just plain good.
Francois Atlas & The Mountains – Gold Mountain (Slow Club Cover)
Two excellent bands, one reworked song.
Discovered Discoveries
For non regular readers Play a Song For Me is mostly about asking musicians and people involved in music for their suggestions on something which is great, new or rare. Of all the great submissions I’ve had this year there were a couple which really stuck out for me, I hope if you haven’t heard them already please click on the link!
John Knox Sex Club: Submitted by The Last Battle
Six track ‘album’ Raise Ravens came out from the Glasgow folk-rockers in September, check it out….
Tommy Johnson: Submitted by Adam Stafford
Blues legend Tommy Johnson, whose songs are timeless.
Miss Irenie Rose: Submitted by Rachel Sermanni
A young, supremely talented Scottish singer
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