A new year for music and (eventually) the first round up of 2024, and what a bumper crop already for January. A massive 62 songs (OK, so some might be from the end of 2023 as I posted end of year posts early…). Anyway, we’re certainly out of the traps and off running at speed, with this list containing some well-kent names, some new kids on the block, as well as the return of some legends. All told providing a wheen of top quality tunes which succeeded in lifting the January blues. If that was January, this is set to be another cracking year for music…
The hazard of deciding to do a monthly singles round up means also trying to find the time to write up the blog… I seem to be caught in a vicious circle of promising myself I’ll spend more time on writing, then disappearing in a world of work, or spending hours overthinking things and getting fuck all done…
I’ve therefore had to make an executive decision. While I love all the songs listed here… that’s kind of the point in this round up.., I’ve split them into into my top 12 favourite singles of the month, in no particular order, and then the rest of my other…, well…. favourite singles of the month.
Sample the delights of them all on the evil Spotify playlist link at the foot of this post, before purchasing music and merch direct from the bands, if you haven’t already done so…
Single(s) of the Month
Tina Sandwich – Joni
Having been blown away the first time I heard this song performed live by Tilly and Co. on the St Lukes stage during Tenement Trail, this single appear as one of the first new songs of 2024 was an absolute treat. Could I be as bold as to say a song that is so beautifully affecting with its touchingly heartfelt lyrics and sensitive arrangement that it is already a contender for end of year best of lists? Truly magical.
James King and the Lonewolves – My Queen Has Lost Her Crown
From new contenders to the throne, to the return of legends of the Glasgow music scene, James King and the Lonewolves. As My Queen Has Lost Her Crown kicks in, King’s familiar brogue is a warmly welcoming sound and within seconds it’s like the last ten years have slipped away in seconds. To be fair 10 years is a flash in the pan compared to the 35 year wait for their debut album Lost Songs of the Confederacy. My Queen Has Lost Her crown bodes well for the rest of the second album.
Pizza Crunch – Advertised Enlightenment
Back to some of the young contenders in the current vibrant alternative music scene in Glasgow and the new single from Pizza Crunch, Advertised Enlightenment has a laid back groove with plenty of chiming guitars building to a quiet crescendo underlining vocalist Ewan’s deeply mellow vocal.
Michael Timmons, Yoker Moon – Practice
If, like me, you are still in absolute awe of the Deer Leader album, and still hear new sounds every time you listen, you’ll surely love Practice. Michael Timmons and Yoker Moon have created an heartbreakingly beautiful piece of music, utterly mesmerising in it’s somehow minimalistic but complex arrangement matched by the few carefully chosen lyrics. Entrancing.
pedalo – Mystery
Single number three from another of the Glasgow music scene’s current crop of talented bands, pedalo, and Mystery is possibly their most enchanting single to date, it’s combination of dreamy vocals and spoken word combining effectively create a charming hypnotic and soothing record.
Autumn 1904 – The City
James King and the Lonewolves may be making a comeback with a single from their first album in 10 years, but Autumn 1904 are making a different sort of comeback. The band formed in Edinburgh in 1982 and, after recording a popular Peel Session, split before they released an album. Car horns abound on the chaotic post-punk indie dance sound of The City makes a most welcome re-surfacing ahead of an album of Peel Sessions and lost tracks on Last Night From Glasgow.
Soapbox – Private Public Transport Sucks
The transport theme continues along with the chaos on the latest haywire single from anarchic punks Soapbox, Private Public Transport Sucks (I bet you’ve seen a sticker in a venue toilet wall or similar) is a suitably riotous affair, a turbulent maelstrom packed with a liberal dose of exasperation. I think they’re still waiting….
Walt Disco – Pearl
Walt Disco have been going from strength to strength since they unleashed heir phenomenal debut album, Unlearning. Having previously supported Duran Duran, they are currently riding a wave of popularity supporting OMD, and were recently confirmed as part of their US tour dates also. Pearl is a glorious slow-burner, the understated chimes of the musical arrangement showcasing Jocelyn’s unique and mellifluous vocal perfectly.
The Hedrons – Only When it Rains
There are a lot of “returning” bands in this round up. Add The Hedrons to that list, having released their second album to great acclaim after a gap of, och, too many years. By the time I’ve published this the band have played a triumphant album launch gig in Glasgow’s Room 2 with support from F.O. Machete. Read more here.
My Life Story – Running Out of Heartbeats
After Sparkling as part of the Britpop scene in the 90’s Jake Shillingford and Co. are still impressing with singles such as this lyrically thought provoking high energy romp.
Dancer – Passionate Sunday
With an album 10 Songs I Hate About You coming on the 15th of March, Dancer welcomed in 2024 with this single Passionate Sunday. As I type this I’ve already added their follow-up single to my February list with a third single about to drop too.
His Lordship – Joyboy
After two EPs – one of covers and one of their own material, His Lordship released their debut long player in January from whence this raucous rock n roller comes. The band visit Scotland again in May for what is sure to be another couple of not to be missed gigs (which I am going to miss…) having impressed on every occasion previously. Just because I can’t go, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t…
And the Rest of the Best…
Kim Logan and the Silhouettes – Evil
Diesel Park West – Garden
pMad – Opinion
Bob Vylan – Hunger Games
Specky Cult – Seriously
Starless – Together
Ceramics – Teeth
Dez Dare – Got a Fire in My Socket
The Incurables – Someday
Novelistme – Just Do it
Shy Boy Tra – elbe
Shy Boy Tra