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Singles Round Up 2024 – Part 1 – January

February 28, 2024 By neilho27@sky.com

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.… Read the rest

Singles of the Year 2023

December 28, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

I have no idea how John Peel narrowed songs down to a Festive 50 every year, he must have received 1000 times the number of songs I receive on a yearly basis. Maybe if I did a Singles of the Year 2023 blog again tomorrow or the next day, things would change slightly as I think of another song that needs to be included, as in the singles round-ups (links to all the round ups of the year at the foot of the blog) I must have listed between 400 and 500 songs this year, another bumper year for new music.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2023 – Part 8 – September & October

November 15, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

The months are fairly flying by, into the Winter months already, September and October were responsible for another batch of top quality tunes from across a variety of genres as per usual. Maybe you’ll find your new favourite band in amongst this Singles Round Up! I’ve had to admit defeat, due to broken laptops, tech issues, work, gigs, life…. you know…. realistically I am never in a million years going to be able to do an individual write up for each song, so… its just the songs, and some links to the bands socials or otherwise. Apologies, these songs deserve a write up, but just listen and find your new favourite bands….… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2023 – Pt 7 – July & August

September 6, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

Doubling up for this massive round-up, the last couple of months have disappeared in a flash… Loads of great new music from these summer months. As usual, where available, I’ve added the songs to an evil Spotify playlist for you to sample before you buy… support the artists by buying their music, and merchandise, if you like what you hear.

In no particular order, but kicking off here with the new single from the duo who have given me one of my most unique and unusual gig memories of the year, well, to be fair, probably my life…

The Courettes – Tough Like That

Returning to these shores for the second time this year, The Courettes are currently taking a break from recording their new album with a tour of England, and released a video for their Back in Mono B-Sides and Outtakes track, Tough Like That.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2023 – Part 5 – May

July 1, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

It’s taken me much longer than it should have to get May’s Singles Round Up done. I blame fatigue from the onset of unseasonably hot weather in Glasgow… as well as a general inability to fit everything I need to do into a seven day week.

Apologies to all the featured bands and artists this month for not getting an individual write up, suffice to say, every single song has been listened to and loved. Much kudos to the vast number of great new songs in May from Glasgow/Scottish based bands and artists here. I hate to choose favourites but special mention to “Singles of the Month” from Sacred Noise, Kohla, Pedalo, Parliamo, Quad 90 and Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something….you… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2023 – Pt 2 – February 2023

March 19, 2023 By neilho27@sky.com

It may be nearly March and all, but shit happens, so here it is better late than never….Another bumper singles round up for February with plenty of top quality tuneage to suit every taste…I’ve used my words sparingly, I’m so far behind and have still to start thinking about the March roundup. Just give them all a listen…they’re all deserving of your ears…

If they’re on Spotify, I’ve added a handy playlist so you can try before you buy via the band links…

Millie Manders and the Shut Up – Rebound

One of the best live acts around celebrated Valentine’s month with this boundlessly energetic anthem to relationship’s destined to fail.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up Part 12 – December 2022

December 20, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

The final singles round up of 2022, featuring various singles, demos and tracks that have been caught in my radar in December…

Water Machine – Hot Real Estate

This band are shortly going to get a post of their own (and all being well an interview with the band after the silly season) as they have already had a big impact on me just through my seeing clips of live songs posted on Insta, specifically several clips of this song, Hot Real Estate. They now have music available through their Bandcamp page. I’ve missed all their live dates so far. I will be rectifying that at the earliest opportunity

Bandcamp

Pinkfiz – 318

Having first come across Pinkfiz with her powerful single Did I Ask?,… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2022 – Part 4 – April (yes, I know its June now…)

June 23, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

I know, I know, I know….its June. And I started this blog post in April, and I’ve still got May and June to go… but seeing as I started – I’ll finish… singles round up for April is another bumper collection featuring everything from a band releasing its parting shot to new releases from one of Glasgow’s musical royalty…

The Bikini Bottoms – The Game

When Jack moved to London and Evan announced his departure from The Bikini Bottoms thought it was all over. Then Jack announced a new line-up and a new single in Monster Love and all was well with the world again.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2022 – Part 1 – January

February 10, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

I’ve been in absentia for the entire month of January, like many out there, I’ve been struggling with my Mental Health, to the extent that even things that normally give me pleasure felt like a chore or just utterly pointless.

I normally revel in receiving emails and messages sharing new music and releases, but in the last few weeks I just found it overwhelming. However, I have finally started to dig myself out of the mire and in doing so, have trawled through seemingly unending emails unearthing the best of new songs, singles, demos and so on from January (in my humble opinion)

In no particular order:

Simon Love – I Love Everybody in the Whole Wide World (Except You)

This seems to be a good place to start, lyrically and musically exceptional, there is no mixed message to be picked up from this, Mr Love making his feelings perfectly clear.… Read the rest