20422

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…yes, the annual review of my favourite new, old and re-discovered tracks of 2022. I kicked off the year with a heavy electronic slant, not a guitar to be heard on the first few tracks by Jessie Marcella, Sofia Kourtesis and the Kendal remix of 1000 Years. A handbrake turn then for this re-discovered gem by Wye Oak before hading back to the delights of Fort Romeau.

I took a long road trip through France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy in early spring accompanied by some excellent podcasts like The Rest is Politics whilst music took a back-seat. A journey to Halifax for a long bike ride reminds me of two particular tracks I was listening to at the time, FNTSY and Body Nature by Paula Tape - a strong 80’s throwback in evidence here. The early summer heralded the start of warm sultry days - the hottest on record. I watched Glasto on TV and this track by Fontaines DC was one of many highlights. I know nothing about Anne Booth but this song stuck with me throughout that long, hot summer.

I finally got to a festival at the end of August, All Points East in Victoria Park. I’d rather lost interest in headliners The National in recent years but their performance here was pitch-perfect and this song was a standout for me. I heard this next track by Pale Blue Eyes on the radio one evening lounging in the garden, It caught my interest enough to seek it out and glad I did so in all its indie shoegaze glory. A perfect Autumn tune came along in the shape of ‘Take a Chance’ and as the nights drew in I discovered this moody, sparse tune by OAKK.

My son left for Australia in October and serendipitously ended up in Bondi, home of the excellent Royal Otis. A new track by Tirzah is always cause for celebration and this short but sweet collaboration didn’t disappoint. Another strong retro influence, this time from early 90’s Manchester Indie-dance crossover, in this track by Placid Angles.

Into the home straight then and a blast from the past in the form of Andy White, it’s been over 30 years since I listened to him as a student, this was a rare pleasure to rediscover. There must be something in the Irish water, I saw the magnificent ‘Banshees of Inishirin’ twice and soon after FontainesDC live and at the top of their game. I make no apologies for including another of their tracks here, my song of the year, the closing coda some of the finest writing for many a year.

Some sad, terrible news to finish the year. I’ve seen Low live more than any other band, always with my great friends Max and Ian. I missed this years assignment and it proved to be their last. Mimi Parker left us and took her gorgeous, unique vocals with her. What a legacy. To end as we started then, Floating Points - old gold, all 12 minutes of it. Thanks for listening, see you in ‘23.