Top Ten Essential 14 Playlists inc. Linden, Felice, Furman, Spoon, Kravitz, Kelly & Tempest

In no particular order, these are the albums (or rather playlists) that I’ve been listening to all year. Some of these were released in 2014, others, before.

Simone Felice – Strangers
His New Your Times EP is genius.

Turnpike Troubadours – Diamonds & Gasoline
Close harmonies in a country vibe

Spoon – They Want My Soul
Listened to this over and over again

Paul Kelly – Ways & Means
Evergreen appeal of one of Australia’s greats – it’s been said before, the Antipodean Boss [top image]

Lenny Kravitz – Strut
Absolute classic and a complete surprise.

Kate Tempest – Everybody Down
This girl has so much talent its frightening. Seeing her live was HARDCORE

JT And The Clouds – Caledonia
Not at all well known, but should be

Jake Bugg – Shangri La
Both his albums were candidates, and this only because its a fresher listen

Ezra Furman – Day of the Dog
Great for headphoned raucousness.

Linden – Bleached Highlights
Joe’s entirely fabulous, ear-worm keeps slipping back into the list … we’re awaiting a new one and hoping its soon.

Also listened to an awful lot this year:

#onmyplaylist: @KateTempest debut album Everybody Down = greatness

Kate Tempest – Everybody Down

While I was working on spreadsheets I was looking for something that would keep me engaged. Saw this reviewed as 4 star, didn’t read the review, but saw Kate’s photo and thought to myself, well, there’s a face that I kind of recognise (can you guess who I was thinking of?). I’ll listen I thought. This is a hardcore album for those who prefer their music unfluffy, vexed and mostly verbal. Great rap. Acute observation. From South London. Reminds me of my time in North London & the Bush & Goldhawk Rd. “Chicken” especially is genius – makes the link between her beginnings as a performance poet and the music. Standout is ‘The Beigeness’ though.

 

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