John: Surely this deserves 5 stars:
“Three decades into his reign as one of British pop’s most successful and beloved singers and songwriters, Gary Barlow delivers his first Christmas album. Featuring collaborations with swing specialists The Puppini Sisters and classical star Sheku Kanneh-Mason, as well as a gorgeous setting of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales, it’s a diverse and suitably uplifting set. The season begins in traditional style, with a richly orchestrated title track that watches “children’s eyes light up again”, before Barlow serves up his take on “Sleigh Ride” with a warming dollop of swing. He’s not shy of diverting from the classic trimmings though. On “How Christmas Is Supposed To Be”, a two-hander with West End royalty Sheridan Smith, a domestic quarrel plays out against vibrant ’80s pop. And after the duo calls a ceasefire for the big day, “Come On Christmas” melts away the snow so that Barlow’s broken-souled search for salvation can be carried across sprightly island rhythms.”
Matt: Wow. They’ll be making Sky Arts documentaries about this album in years to come. Epic.
Scott: Stuck todays album on out of intrigue, awful. Like an even worse Ramones.
John: It is not as bad as I thought it was going to be but I have heard it done so much better elsewhere. If you want short sharp punk songs then try Wire’s “Pink Flag” which has infinitely more finesse and melody.
Dave: Only know the germs because Pat Smear (occasional guest member of nirvana and now the foo fighters) was in them. Songs are quick at least but very grim.
Scott: I had a late night at the football yesterday and didn’t get in until after 12, so this morning was hard enough without hardcore punk in my ears. 😬
Scott: I’d have been better off with Gary B!
Scott: Almost time for us to start nominating our top artists/albums/tracks of 2021 gents. Any early shouts?
Matt: A Dream Of Christmas by Gary Barlow
Matt: Serious answer (and assuming it’s only stuff that was released in 2021 rather than stuff you discovered): Albums
- Carnage by Cave/Ellis
- Distractions by Tindersticks
- Kid A Mnesia by Radiohead
- Angel’s Flight by Biosphere
Tracks
- White Elephant by Cave/Ellis (if for no other reason than my kids’ reaction when Cave threatens to “shoot you in the fuckin’ face”)
- The Turning Of Our Bones by Arab Strap
- The National Anthem by Radiohead (their best song IMHO)
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- Uisge Dhè by Hausckha, Rob Petit and Robert Macfarlane (niche music alert!)
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- I Imagine You by Tindersticks (a very un ‘sticks track but my favourite from their last album.
Dave: [Mrs Dave] went to Gary’s first solo tour back in the late 90’s when he was piling the pounds on and struggling to get anyone to listen to his songs. She said it was rescheduled 3 times, each one to a smaller venue before it finally went ahead at the armadillo (about a 3,000 capacity venue, John). He started the show by asking ‘good hi had tickets for the first show’ , ‘who had tickets for the second’ etc. She feels like she’s been there from the start and is like a proud parent now when she sees our Gar on the telly or when she has gone to the mega take that shows etc, hasn’t he done well 😂.
Matt: If we allowed tracks you discovered in ‘21, I’d have no choice but award it to McCartney’s Temporary Secretary as unearthed by Scott. Mental.
Matt: She’s a die-hard. Is there a name for Barlow fans? (Polite answers only!)
Dave: There are no polite ones 😂 have never accompanied her thankfully, dropped her off and witnessed the utter carnage of a take that gig though.
John: Tax Inspectors?
Scott: 😄
Scott: I can’t see beyond War on Drugs - I Don’t Live Here Anymore as my album of the year. I would also probably have the title track as my favorite song but I would have Here Comes Comus! by the Strap up there as well. Those two are clear front runners in the album stakes for me.
Scott: The Coral - Coral Island would be my 3rd shout.
Dave: 👍
Dave: Would also throw in the Wolf Alice Blue Weekend album for consideration, thought that was excellent.
Matt: I have an earlier War On Drugs album on vinyl (think it was [Mrs Matt]’s first and last attempt at buying me music). Don’t think I’ve ever even played it.
Dave: As days get dark was great too, that’s probably up there in top 3 for me - definitly helped by seeing them in the flesh this year too.
John: This has been a year of disappointments for me. Lots of albums by favourite artists that are substandard IMO - Sault, Jane Weaver, Sleaford Mods, Parquet Courts, Joan As….
John: So I will just have to nominate Low and John Grant for my albums of the year. Track of the year - “Impossible Weight” by Deep Sea Diver - or was that last year?
Dave: Probably also have Van Weezer by Weezer on my list this year(the coral is excellent but don’t want to duplicate), enjoyed that one.
Scott: I could never really get into them before but their sound shifted quite a bit on this album and I love it (although I suspect it’s alienated some of the ’true’ fans). Its less shoegazing stuff and total unabashed americana rock.
Scott: Will give some of these other shouts that I haven’t heard before a go today.
Dave: This new war on drugs album is really good Scott, missed they had a new one out. Tom petty-ish which is never a bad thing for me.
Matt: (sees Coat of Many Colors is the album of the day).
Dave: 😂 Friday Dolly should be good. Not heard this one.
Matt: Easily this week’s best album. What a tune ‘Early Morning Breeze’ is - in yer face Joni Mitchell!
Matt: You could even say that it’s the best album this week by a country mile! (I’m here all week. Don’t forget to tip your waitress).
John: I really need to say Hello Dolly to Dolly. My musical snobbery has dismissed her until now. In fact when you mentioned you were going to play a Dolly Parton album last year Matt I thought you were taking the p$$$. My bad. My problem is that I struggle with pure country, but I like country-tinged stuff.
Dave: Dolly always reminds me of my (sadly long departed) father in law Andy, not because he liked her music but because his favourite response to any obvious question asked was ‘Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back?!’ Always made me laugh, ‘can I get you a whisky Andy?’ ‘Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back?!’ 😂
Matt: My love for Dolly is totally unironic - I really think she is an awesomely talented singer/songwriter. The key with her stuff - and a lot of country music - is to remember to switch off your natural cynicism and just enjoy the simplicity of the lyrics. Dolly’s songs aren’t Dylan-esque abstracts with convoluted meanings: they’re simple, straightforward songs with an obvious message, sincerely delivered (this last part is the missing ingredient with a lot of country music IMO).
Matt: Also, frankly, Dolly is that rarest of things in music - a Good Person™️. Her charity work is very, very impressive and she’s stayed married to the same guy for >50 years. I know these things should be solely about the music, but with Dolly you get the positive side-effect of knowing that you’re dealing with a decent human being.
Dave: She certainly always seems extremely happy! This has been a nice accompaniment on this mornings pre work walk!
John: I am totally shamed now, I will revisit Dolly in a new light. Maybe she will become my new Stevie Wonder - someone who I had always thought was a bit of a joke due to his naff 80s output but who I then revisited a few years ago and now he is never off my playlist and right up there in my all time greats!
Scott: Quite enjoyed that. Its very easy listening and the melodies are great. I wouldn’t necessarily ‘star’ any of the songs as stand outs but its an enjoyable way to spend a morning.
Scott: Going to work through our definitive best of albums now!
- Nick Cave - Carnage
- Tindersticks - Distractions
- Radiohead - Kid A Mnesia (not conviced a rework should be on this but will go with it!)
- Biosphere - Angels Flight
- War on Drugs - I Don’t Live Here Anymore
- The Coral - Coral Island
- Arab Strap - As Days Get Dark
- Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend
- Low - Hey What
- John Grant - Boy From Michigan
- Weezer - Van Weezer
