Yet another bumper year for new releases by new artists, classic re-issues and comebacks from some old favourites.
Despite what the salivating broadcasters and media will have you believe, there was so much more to the year than a new album by A****e, the banality of which didn’t even register on the gingerquiff seismograph such was its insignificance in the shadow of so much in the way of superb and exciting music that moved me. (Yes, I know she has a great voice, but oh so dull).
Anyway, no more focussing on negatives, There were so many remarkable albums this year that, once again, I can’t narrow them down to my ten favourites, so before I run down my Top 10 albums of the year, here are those…
In 11th Place (in no particular order)…
It was so hard to leave anyone out this year, I have loved records by so many wonderful and diverse bands and artists. Here are the one’s that are just outside my top ten. I spent enough time deliberating and sweating over the top ten, that I’m just going to give them all equal status…
Artists affiliated with Last Night From Glasgow and its associated offshoots formed a large part of my listening pleasure this year, with the likes of Daniel Wylie’s Cosmic Rough Riders and his stunning Atoms and Energy, Broken Chanter with the inspirational Catastrophe Hits, Annie Booth and her late contender in the soulful Lazybody, The Gracious Losers and the wonderful Six Road Ends and wojtek the bear with their sensitive heaven by the back door all knocking at the door of my ten top choices.
Maybe I’m getting older but in my Top ten this year, I have unintentionally not included any punk bands, that isn’t to say I haven’t enjoyed any punk albums from 2021, Amyl & the Sniffers exceeded expectations following up their debut with the magnificent Comfort to Me, The Muslims released an amazingly catchy collection of pop punk songs brimming with attitude and a barrage of anti racist, anti homophobic, anti transphobic, anti right messages in Fuck These Fuckin’ Fascists while closer to home, The Media Whores were no less politically charged in their messages, or with the venom in which they were delivered on A Light in a Dark Place.
Elsewhere Daniel Wylie pops up again as co-songwriter on Iain M Bailey’s album Songs to Dream Along To, Glasgow post rock legends Mogwai turned heads with their latest long player As the Love Continues, Jeshua released a stunning debut in Unreliable Narrator, Minerva Wakes impressed with a hypnotic collection of gothic trip hop in Mirrored Moon, Jim Bob continues to write hook laden songs with genius lyrics on Who Do We Hate Today?, The Middlenight Men released a ball busting debut, wearing their influences clearly for all to see, but creating an album that is undoubtedly theirs in Issue 1, and La Luz released possibly their finest album to date. And so to the top ten…
Drum roll please…
Or maybe some ToTP music…
Albums of the year
10. Jim McCulloch – When I Mean What I Say
“He has now taken the plunge and pushed himself to the fore. To take some of the well-deserved limelight and plaudits on the release of his first solo album, When I Mean What I Say. The question on your lips is… should he have stayed in the shadows? The answer is a resounding – absolutely not! This album is a bona-fide classic in the making. And I Mean What I Say. It is nigh on impossible to not listen to this album on repeat. One listen at a time is not enough. You are compelled to flip back from Diminished to Augmented and let the needle hit the groove again… and again.”
Full Album review
How would you sum up 2021?
Jim: 2021 was a year of validation for me- the culmination of lots of hard creative work that paid off.
What does 2022 hold in store?
Jim: 2022 will hopefully bring a spanking new Snowgoose album-and I’ve started laying the groundwork for a new solo album … watch this space…
9. Carol Hodge – The Crippling Space Between
Despite the surname, there is no nepotism here, just a truly remarkable album from a truly remarkable artist. I’m hoping 2022 finally see’s meet meeting Ms Hodge and revelling in her music in the live arena.
“The album bursts into life with with the crunching guitar and synth majesty of Moan of a Thousand Years, keeping me rapt lyrically with effective storytelling and rhyming couplets as you’d expect from a songwriter of the calibre of Carol, the potency of her vocal matching the powerhouse sound she has created.”
8. Chris Connelly & Monica Queen – The Birthday Poems
An epic project that had Chris and Monica exploring the world of George MacKay Brown, Stella Cartwright and Stanley Green through a series of sensitively touching and ugly uplifting songs. A triumph indeed.
“The overall atmosphere, and that for each of the 19 perfectly formed vignettes, created by all involved in making this beautiful art work (it doesn’t seem right just to call it an album) absolutely sets the scene for each part of the story. From the upbeat and intoxicating, to the sparse and sombre.”
Full Album review
How would you sum up 2021 and what does 2022 hold in store?
Monica: As with all things 2021 was a bit stop and start. Especially with music events along with travelling abroad getting the green light and then getting cancelled, a very frustrating time for everyone.On a more joyful note The Birthday Poems recording came out in June gathering some wonderful reviews along the way. I think Chris and I did a really good job with bringing our own individual sense of creativeness and making it sound like the one thing, I’m very proud of that. My only regret is that we couldn’t really get together to perform it live that really would have been amazing but who knows what 2022 will bring.
We had a difficult time personally so it was great to have the Stop That Girl project to work on this year. Johnny and Douglas have brought together a fantastic collection of songs with some really great guitar work and like The Birthday Poems it’s another new direction. Quite poptastic in places.
Of course nothing pleases me more than than being with friends performing live music so our return to the stage at the weekend as part of Frets was joyous. The crowd were so generous. Still buzzing from that and looking forward to doing it all again with 2 shows at Celtic Connections.
7. Arab Strap – As Days Get Dark
One of several of a band of returning heroes this year, Arab Strap did not disappoint with their remarkable AsDays Get Dark album. As poetic and as miserably uplifting as ever.
“Fittingly, for a band releasing the first album in 16 years, the album opens with the dark and majestic The Turning of Our Bones. A song about death and resurrection. Rumours of this band’s demise were grossly exaggerated. There is life yet in this duo, and that’s not the worms eating their rotting flesh. Malcolm’s warmly sympathetic playing, and the singing strings see this song soar and fly as they pair rise to rule again.”
Full Album review
6. Cathal Coughlan – Song of Co-Aklan
As one of the best live performers I have ever had the pleasure in witnessing, to have Cathal Coughlan back after a 10 year hiatus was something quite special. He has lost none of his acerbic wit or knack for writing a thoroughly thought provoking lyric.
“I don’t bandy that word about loosely. To liken him to a genius suggests huge expectations to be met. But I sincerely believe in what I write. From the opening bars of the albums title track, you are drawn into the world of Co Aklan, perfectly obtuse lyrics with a deeper meaning, alongside Coughlan’s welcoming dynamic vocal.”
How would you sum up 2021?
Cathal: 2021 was a year of bewilderment for me, in music and elsewhere. The fact that there was pretty constant work to do on Telefís really helped me a lot, as did exciting albums from people like Low, Joan As Police Woman/Tony Allen/Dave Okumu, Moor Mother and many others. I worked up a solo live set and then didn’t play it to anyone but myself, which was useful, in a funny way (such folly might have seemed fatal in earlier life).
What does 2022 hold in store?
Cathal: In 2022, there will hopefully be two album releases from Telefís (#2 nearly complete now), and I’ll be completing another solo album. These things are hopefully fairly shock-proof, if it’s not churlish to suggest such a thing in this decade.
Full Album review
5. Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure
Rebecca Lucy Taylor hasn’t just released an album here, it is like every inspirational self help book rolled into one and condensed into an album full of fuck you attitude and poise.
“Prioritise Pleasure is an absolute triumph from so many perspectives. This album takes girl power and ramps it up to the ‘nth degree. Blistering experimental pop tunes soundtrack lyrics brimming with attitude. There is no hiding a sneering disdain for anyone who disrespects women in any way. Mix that level of rightful contempt with some dark humour and an enviable degree of positivity and an air of self confidence that is perhaps sometimes worn as a mask of protection, and you have a blueprint for vividly sparkling, sharply observed epic pop tunes with a penchant for sticking two fingers up to all the fuckers who’ll try to bring you down.”
Full Album review
4. Deer Leader – We’ve Met Before, Haven’t We?
Every time Deer Leader released a new song my anticipation levels rose, but to fully appreciate the songs, listening to them in context on the full album blew my tiny mind.
“To be honest, this album hasn’t lived up to its promise. It has smashed it. Exceeding my expectations in more ways than I could ever have hoped or imagined. I’m actually apprehensive about reviewing this as I’m not sure I can find the words to do it justice. This isn’t just an album, it’s a voyage of self discovery, a seeking of meaning in this journey we call life, our four score years and ten on this planet.”
Full Album review
How would you sum up 2021?
2021 has felt surreal, for so many reasons, but largely due to the wonderful responses we’ve received towards the record. It has been a long time coming and was a labour of love to complete. I think the highlight was our record launch at the Glad Cafe and the amount of people that came up to us to let us know that the performance had left them very emotional. That was a special moment to know how much the songs had tangibly connected with them.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Well, come Jan 2022, we’ll finally have the vinyl copies of the record to sell; we’ve been victims of the vinyl shortage. Hopefully this will give us another chance to promote the album. Other than that, there are few “still to be confirmed” shows coming up, but the big plan is new music-album number two starts in earnest next year… wish us luck.
3. Lola in Slacks – Moon Moth
Like many others, I had been waiting with an almost uncontained excitement for this album to come. I was delighted that it more than lived up to expectations and then some, and managing to get along to see the live launch of the album was the icing on the cake.
“An alluring confidence and beguiling charm positively oozes from all of the songs on this album, suggesting an incredibly tight and harmonious group of musicians totally on the same wavelength. If you haven’t before dipped your toe in the water to sample the delights of Lola in Slacks wait no longer, dive in and immerse yourself in this album, let these siren songs seduce your eardrums.”
Full Album review
How would you sum up 2021?
Lou: 2021 for Lola in Slacks has been better than 2020 (not difficult). Lovely to see album released and a return to live shows!
What does 2022 hold in store?
Lou: 2022 will be magic! New sultry songs coming your way … 😉
2. Sister John – I Am By Day
To be honest on any other day this could have been my number album of the year, this and The Courettes are perhaps my most listened to records of 2021. I look forward to seeing them perform these songs live in the CCA shortly…
“From the opening vibration and crystal-clear arresting initial vocal of I’ll Be Your Life, my spine tingles. The instruments build and layer, and by the way there isn’t a wasted or superfluous note, everything played is sublime and in perfect harmony. Those lyrics and that voice. I haven’t heard such an effective opening song on an album in an age. What an affecting last line – “Maybe today I’ll ignore myself”.”
Full Album review
How would you sum up 2021?
Amanda: 2021 felt like the Griswolds driving all the way to Walley World only to find it closed – but we’ll be getting out the Christmas lights for 2 gigs at the CCA in December.
What does 2022 hold in store?
Amanda: Lots of live music we hope.
1. The Courettes – Back in Mono
At number one, it is the unstoppable The Courettes and the retro sounds of the magnificent Back in Mono. There is nothing not to love about this album.
“What’s not to love about The Courettes? I mean, lets face it everything about this band screams sheer class. The supremely talented duo have not left a stone unturned in considering exactly what they want The Courettes to be. Their divine retro aesthetic, from their image and their instruments, through the design of their cover art and on through to the music and its production, you can be under no illusion of what to expect.”
Full Album review
How would you sum up 2021?
Martin: 2021 started as the worst year ever and ended as the best year for The Courettes so far! So, from hell to heaven, I guess. We started with 5 months with no shows and a long and boring lockdown, released our single “Hop The Twig” in May and then speeded up to 71 concerts in half a year, from June on. It’s been great to be back on the road, we had an amazing UK Tour with many sold out shows and been to France, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. But the highlight was releasing our best album so far, “Back in Mono”. We’re happy and proud.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Martin: Well, hopefully 2022 won’t bring another lockdown, that’ll be a good start. Our 2022 agenda is already very busy and looking good, we’ll keep touring Europe and UK to promote “Back in Mono” and we’ll be back in the studio for more surprises. Lots of health, more radio play and bigger bank accounts would be lovely too!
Thanks to all the bands and artists for the music. And additional special mentions also to amazing albums by: Gold Needles, The Magic Sponge, Jason How, monsterpop, The Hurricanes, Hadda Be and Ace City Racers.
Re-Releases of the Year
This year saw the re-release of several classic albums, remastered and sounding better than ever. My top three were:
Sugababes – One Touch: I’ve always had a soft spot for the band, especially the original line-up, so to have Ine Touch re-released with dozens of additional tracks was special.
Whipping Boy – Heartworm: The late 80’s and early nighties saw a rich vein of quality bands coming out of Ireland. Whipping Boy were one of the best, and Heartworm is one of my favourite albums of all time. Not a bad song open the album, lyrically stunning, musically stirring, they should have been huge. I’ll satisfy myself that I saw them live in their heyday, and in this stunning re-release.
The Trashcan Sinatras- I’ve Seen Everything: I think this may have been the biggest release on LNFG/PNFG to date. The demand for the album was phenomenal. And rightly so. This is the band that I have seen live more than any other. I mentioned stunning lyrics rom Whipping Boy, Trashcan Sinatras lyrics are pure poetry – astonishing imagery and creative rhyming couplets, along with some of the most addictive rhythms and melodies known to man made (and continue to make) I’ve Seen Everything a faultless work of art. LNFG released a companion book to go along with this release. Craig McAllister and Co did an absolutely stellar job with this, and to be allowed to contribute and assist in just a tiny way was fantastic.
Gigs of the Year
For a large part of this year gigs were not an option. As such, when they returned, you can be sure I made the most of them. It is difficult to pick favourites as they all made a difference to me in different ways the music, the atmosphere, the meeting of friends old and new… all added up to each night being special I in its own way. I have reviewed every gig I attended this year on my blog, but special mention must go to…
The Jesus and Mary Chain/Gaye Bakers on Acid
For the simple fact that they are one of my favourite bands, and although I couldn’t get to the Barrowland gigs, seeing them in Stereo was amazing. the reason I couldn’t go to Barrowland was a clash with Gaye Bykers on Acid. Stoked that I saw both bands on the same weekend
Deer Leader/Life Model
My mind was blown by the Deer Leader album when I first heard it, so hearing and seeing them perform the songs live was equally life-affirming. This was my first weekend of gigs back after COVID, which also included The Primitives and Arab Strap – not a bad return to gigging.
Lola in Slacks/St Dukes
After waiting so long for the band’s debut album, to hear it in all its glory in the surroundings of the CCA was pretty special.
Broken Chanter/Wojtek the Bear
The Broken Chanter album has been on heavy rotation chez Hodge, and I still have songs like Allow Yourself and Dancing Skeletons rattling around my head from that night.
The Courettes
Hardly surprising that the band who have provided me with my favourite album of the year also tops my list of favourite gigs of the year. The energy in the performance and the sheer joy I felt watching the duo perform had me grinning like the Cheshire Cat for days…
EPs of the Year
I was just going to include some of these tracks below, buy a special mention to EPs/mini albums from…
Thirteen – Ego Trap – with some re-recorded versions of older songs, Scottish Punk Rock and Rollers Thirteen are sounding fresher and more vibrant than ever – Review
Leisure Sport – Title Card – Leisure Sport’s debut 5 track EP is an dazzling blend of 90’s indie guitar bands and power pop. A perfect summer soundtrack for sitting in the sun with a glass of wine or a cold beer and contemplating the beauty around you.– Review
Middle Class Guilt – Perform the songs of Middle Glass Guilt – The four songs that make up the the EP are an eclectic and somewhat eccentric mix – a bit like The Fall meets Fat White Family meets The Amazing Snakeheads, all thrown into a magimix, with the resultant new flavour delighting the taste buds while fucking a bit with your head as you wonder just what you have experienced, but desperate for some more… Review
Vardy – Pandemonium 555 – Pandemonium is an appropriate title for these seven steroid injected frantically energetic, vitriolic, indie guitar anthems tinged with a visceral punk attitude, his East Midlands accent demonstrating elements of both anger and desperation throughout the songs.- Review
And my favourite EP(s) of the year…
Keeley – Brave Warrior & Echo Everywhere – seven songs about the unsolved murderof Inga Maria Hauser, all of which are utterly enthralling and deal with the death of Inga in a sensitive and empathetic manner. Review/Review
Tracks of My Year
“So take a good look at my face”, for a change my smile doesn’t look out of place as these are songs that brought a smile to this old fizzog…
I’ve published 14 singles round-ups this year. So many good songs released…
Some of the best that weren’t on any of the albums or EPs above were:
Dumb Poets – Paint & Feathers, Pizza Crunch – Coma Inducing Gibberish, Trashcan Sinatras – Ways, Pinkfiz – Did I Ask?, Bandicoot – Fuzzy, Marianne Dissard – Come On, Let’s Go, Tom McGuire and the Brassholes – Super Solid Soul Vehicle, Earl of Hell – Blood Disco, UV-TV – Back to Nowhere, Dead Pony – 23, Never Me, Nicol & Elliot – Fade Away, Callum Easter – System, Jodie Rae – Glance, In The Forest – Light That Shines, Cocker Spaniels – Racism Priest, Brat Coven – Not Ur Girl, Bob Vylan – Pretty Songs, Poster Paints – Never Saw it Coming, Sarah May – It Fades Away, Run Into the Night – Colour in the Shade, Katherine Aly – Pariah, Collars – Over You, Tangerinecat – House of Shards, Big Girls Blouse – Rock & Roll Hit of September, Freya Beer – Beast, The Great Leap Forward – Its a Wonderful Lie, St Dukes – Animal Glue, Sacred Noise – Taste in Men, Arrest! Charlie Tipper – Trust Me….
I’ve probably missed loads here, but (where available) they are all in handily compiled playlists on the evil Spotify – try then buy!
Round Up 14
Ones to Watch?
In 2022, from a Scottish bands perspective, I’m looking forward to seeing where things go with (among others) Brontes, Run Into the Night and the new line up, Pizza Crunch, Sacred Noise, Earl of Hell and the release of the debut album from St Dukes.
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