I am currently still in shock after the most right-wing Government in decades just slammed home a majority election win, Many others too now, am sure shattered, feeling powerless afraid of what will come next. because we are going to be stuck with this fucking mob for the next five years now.
Despite the daunting times we face at the present, people are still resisting, standing up and demanding change and a better world, in huge numbers. Yes there will be daunting, years ahead, but there will always be love and dance and song and, music that we can share between ourselves to keep strong and release beauty through the darkness..
In unsteady times, music can be a balm and also a mirror, and a lot of the best music of the year responded in one way or another, to that constant uncertainty. Anyway now is a time to pause and reflect .Here are my musical highlights from 2019.
Seasons greetings. Power to the music and the people that make it. Times ahead going to be hard , but continue to try and support venues where our different tribes gather, am lucky to have one not far from me The Cellar Bar, Cardigan. A truly magnificent place, that caters for all manners of musical tastes , folk , blues, psychedelica, ska, reggae, homegrown hybrids of immense talent, among other magical delights, Appreciate their value In no particular order here are my musical highlights of the year ;-
1: Adwaith - Melyn
2; Lankum - The livelong day
3; The Mekons - Deserted
4; Cate le Bon – Reward
5; Kate Tempest - The Book o Traps and Lessons
6; Tinariwen – Amadjar
7; Leonard Cohen - Thanks For The Dance
8; The Comet is Coming – Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
9; Gruff Rhys - Pang
10; Patrick Jones and John Robb - Renegade Psalms
11; The Last Poets - Transcending Toxic Times
12; The Specials - Encore
12; Sleaford mods - Eton Alive
14; Cosey Fanni Tutti - Tutti
15; Alternative TV - Primitive Emotions
16; Kim Gordon - No Home Record
17; The Art Ensemble of Chicago - We Are On The Edge
18; Steve Ignorant's Slice of Life - Don't Turn Away
20; Penguin Cafe - handfuls of night
21; Men Of Gwent - President Of Wales
22; Gwilym Bowen Rhys – Arenig
23. New Model Army - From Here
