You will recognise some big newish names like James Arthur, Chappell Roan and Lola Young, other new artists you've never heard of like Twin Atlantic and Ian Yates (many don't get the views of the big name acts but whose music I think outweighs the generic blandness of 'artists' like Bille Ellish). And some old school artists are also back with great new music such as Bananarama, Pearl Jam, Kim Wilde and Shed Seven.
Give it a listen. There's so many great tracks to enjoy. Awesome for playing around the house while you're doing other things or just relaxing. There's no hurry either so take months if need be but give it a go and you'll discover some real gems.
Sea Girls
Throughout the year I listen to thousands of new songs.
The ones I like I will download and listen to them several times before making a decision whether to 'keep' them or not. I do these in monthly folders. The ones that make the cut per se, will be burnt to a CD to listen to in my car. Some months I will make only one CD, others two or three. At the end of the year I go through and select the Best out of those in the folders. In other words, from 378 songs that I selected this year (for every one, I would have listened to 20), I selected 68 for this Playlist.
2024 was the worst fkng year of my life. (Mental health). I pray it gets better but know it could yet be worse. So trying to practice gratitude for those good moments.
The song, State Hospital by 'retired' Scottish band, Frightened Rabbit is an anthem for some women (seemingly with a domestic violence aspect), firstly as victims, then as survivors and ultimately those with hope. All within one very poignant, multi-layered track.
"Brought home to breathe smoke in arms of her mother with a blunt kitchen knife
Who just lays in a submissive position
Beneath the national weight and the slow arc of a fist."
AND
"Her blood is thicker than concrete,
forced to be brave she was, born into a grave."
"If blood is thicker than concrete
All is not lost."
That last line is so powerful, considering how Scott's own mental state declined.
To analyse further for yourself, watch and listen HERE; (and please listen to the whole song, an absolute classic) - the official film clip makes it quite clear as to its content. A very powerful song. Arguably more powerful now (and perhaps timeless), than upon it's initial release. A song beyond its time.
It's about suffering and resilience. It can be aimed at anyone but it's obvious that this is a song for females. Ironically, written by the late and extremely talented man, Scott Hutchison, lead singer and creator of the band Frightened Rabbit, whose existence ceased to be the moment he took his own life on the 9th May, 2018, aged just 36.
From the rock/pop sensibilities of the 1960's to 90's grunge, the old skool rockers just won't die. And we're better off for it. They're still making great music.
Here's a few. Bound to be plenty more. If you know of others, let me know.
The period in which you came of age, ie a teenager into young adulthood is the one you most relate to in terms of music and it's the same for me. Every decade has something to offer but I would argue that the 60's through to 80's was when everything was created. Since then there's been a lot of going over the same territory.
Yet, I have always listened to new music and will continue to do so.
What period do you relate to? Who are your favourite artists? Love to hear your thoughts.
I love new music. It's been a passion my whole life. Over 50 years. In 2023, I've put together 21 CD's worth of new songs, approximately 440 songs. I would have listened to easily ten times that amount. Probably 15 or 20. It's a daily hobby.
So here are the Top Ten Songs of 2023, in no particular order.
All are simple YouTube links. I especially loved the ballads this year. Some new artists and some you'll know. Give them a go!
The Irishman's 2023 Unreal Unearth album is easily one of the best of the year. All class.
Hozier
Actually, I have to confess, these aren't exactly the Top 10. There are so many good ones I couldn't decide so there are plenty of other gems. I've put them all in a YouTube Playlist. There's 66 so you can listen to your heart's content. Great for parties or on public transport or home by yourself.
This was written at the time, literally on the day she died.
If easily offended, don't read on.
Chrissie Amphlett died today
When you can take no more
Lay down to die
And there’s plenty who
Would love to sink the boot in
Just once
To feel what it’s like
No matter the impact to you
Without the promise of punishment.
Though you’ve done the rounds
With the same commitment
Again and again
Through sweat and creative candle burning flames
It’s only when you flash your pussy
Do they stop to stare
And take notice of what you’ve always had
To offer.
Such a pity
You had to be the schoolgirl first
With skirt raised
And cunt as prospect
For the songs to burn.
April, 2013
Not your usual dedication but that's what was written. The point being that she was far more than her sexualised persona.
Superb band. I loved them. The Good Die Young indeed. Aged 53, Chrissie died from breast cancer on the 21st April 2013 in Manhattan. She had battled it for years. She also had MS which limited the type of treatment she could have.
She formed the Divinyls with Mark McEntee in 1980. Their often volatile relationship lead to many changes in the line-up but they did produce six albums. They were also in a relationship for eleven years. They split in '93 and the band in 1996. She was also an actress, playing Russell Crowe's mum in the musical Blood Brothers.
For free downloads, short films, videos, books and more please visit;
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