My Top Ten

Thursday, 5 August 2021

2021 Contenders: It's That Man Again

The arrival of a new John Grant album is always a cause for excitement around these parts, since he's nabbed my Album of The Year badge on numerous occasions over the past decade.

Despite ever-high expectations, The Boy From Michigan doesn't disappoint, making it a strong contender for this year's crown. You may have read elsewhere that this is his "most autobiographical record to date", which considering some of his past, brutally soul-bearing efforts is quite a statement... but I think what those reviewers are talking about is the fact that John's delving into his past more than usual here, specifically his teenage years. And while his love of 80s electronica mixed with Billy Joel balladeering is still in evidence (complete with those witty, heartfelt, and at times scathing lyrics that set him apart), he also shows off a great love of 70s Beach Boys on this nostalgia-fest too...

We'll ride the Zipper and the Tilt-A-Whirl

We'll watch the cotton candy twist and swirl

We'll ride the Matterhorn and the double Ferris-Wheel

We love to listen to the screams and the squeals

And it's hard to believe that the things we are seeing are real

There's a heartbreaking twist to this tune, as young John gets taken to The County Fair by the older kids... but then he's too young to go on any of the rides.

Cindy takes my hand as I start to cry

They say I'm too small and they won't let me ride

I looked up at the Zipper as it twisted and writhed

I saw all the lights reflected in their eyes

I will never forget the things I saw that night

I felt so much love and everything was alright

And she said, "C'mon, we're goin' to the county fair

You can ride with us or we can meet you there"

Wednesday, 4 August 2021

2021 Contenders: Counting Crows!? Are You Having A Laugh?

How do I follow Wet Leg and Hamish Hawk?

Well, clearly I don't. And certainly not with Counting Crows, who haven't made a decent record in (insert a big number, the bigger = the more you dislike Counting Crows) years, and then when they do it's only four tracks long and has one of the worst album covers in living memory. I mean, seriously, are you having a laugh, Rol?

(There I go, talking to myself again. The loneliness is getting to me.)

But... hold your horses there, doubting Thomases. Because these four tracks are actually very, very good... I'd go so far to say they may well be the best songs Counting Crows have ever released. (With the obvious exception of Accidentally In Love from the Shrek 2 soundtrack, because that's just amazing.)

Lead "single" Elevator Boots sounds like vintage Elton John for a start.

Then there's Tall Grass, which takes Americana into psychedelic concept album territory, with a time travel narrative to boot. Only it's much better than that description makes it sound. Plus it contains the word "ossifies", so extra scrabble points for that.

Angel of 14th Street is the most Counting Crows song on there, but don't let that put you off...

Because then comes Bobby & The Rat Kings, which goes full on Springsteen and The E Street Band, circa Born To Run or earlier. Wow.

Turns out there's another 4 tracks to come in volume 2 of the Butter Miracle Suite later this year... if they're half as good as these, then we're in for a treat.

Tuesday, 3 August 2021

2021 Contenders: Another Belter!

If Wet Leg (see previous post) are the best new band of 2021, then Hamish Hawk is surely in the running for best new solo artist?

My attention was first captured by his single Calls To Tiree, and my immediate reaction was, "Is this new? No, it can't be. It must be an oldie. Nobody writes stuff like this anymore. But if it's an oldie, how have I never heard it before? I mean, it's brilliant, like a slightly less morose Nick Cave if he hailed from Scotland rather than Australia. And listen to those lyrics!"

(Look, I have nobody to talk to about music, apart from Ben and you guys... and Sam, who I'm doing my best to indoctrinate... but the point is, I regularly have conversations with just myself like the one above.)

Anyway, on Sunday evening, as I sat down to write this post and tell you how much I loved the above song, I noticed Hamish had released another belter. I knew I was going to love this one based on its title alone: "The Mauritian Badminton Doubles Champion, 1973". And then I heard the opening lines...

To write a cathedral

I'll need a ballpoint pen

It'll sound like Common People

Sung by Christopher Wren

Blimey. I haven't been this excited by a new artist since... well, Wet Let, obviously. But before them... it seems like a looooong time! Damn it if we don't have to wait till September for Hamish's debut album though!

(Oh, and just for Martin, here he is covering Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want. Like I needed any more convincing.)

Monday, 2 August 2021

2021 Contenders: Extreme Earworm Alert!

If you're looking for the best new band of 2021, it's time to call off the search.

I first heard this on Thursday evening. I've listened to nothing else all weekend.

They're from the Isle of Wight.

Sunday, 1 August 2021

Snapshots #200: A Top Twenty Songs Bands Were Named After

Don't worry if you Drew a blank yesterday, here are the answers to our special 200th Anniversary edition of Saturday Snapshots. All the song titles were taken (or adapted) as band names by other artists...

20. Best not to drink.