Piccadilly Records End Of Year Review 2017 by Piccadilly Records

Essential party faves from FMD Thanks to Piccadilly Records for stocking these winner's

OCS ‘Memory Of A Cut Off Head’ Castle Face 2LP/CD

PENGUIN CAFE Sea’ ‘The Imperfect Erased Tapes LP/CD

BEN LUKAS BO & SEBASTIAN YSEN PLANO

LT CHASTITY BEd So en ‘I Used To Sp one’ Much Time Al Hardly Art LP/CD

‘Ever ything’ Erased Tapes LP/CD

ELDER A ‘Reflections Of ’ Floating World Stickman 2LP / CD

MOLLY NILSSON ‘Imaginations’ Night School LP/CD

FLAT WORMS ‘Flat Wor ms’ Castle Face LP/CD

HEADLAND ‘True Flowers From This Painted World’ Headland LP/CD

...2017 The Year Of The Orc!!! info@fortedistribution.co.uk

DUDS ‘Of A Nature Or Degree’ Castle Face LP/CD

HERE LIES MAN ‘Here Lies Man’ Riding Easy LP/CD

FERAL O H ‘Feral OhmMS s’ Silver Current LP/CD

INTRODUCTION It’s been a funny old year hasn’t it? Amongst all the political turmoil, questionable world leadership and economic hardship, here we sit as a bastion of calm in a stressful sea. Can’t believe who’s president / prime minister / evil overlord? Buy some records. Having trouble motivating yourself to do things (that need doing)? Don’t worry, records have your back. Running out of room? I think you know what to do. It’s this completely reasonable perspective that’s kept us all so interested for so long, and it’s thanks to all of you that we can keep doing what we love. So what do we love this year? Kelly Lee Owens, that’s what! The Welsh singer / songwriter / techno diva / sonic healer flipped our Piccadilly lid with her perfect blend of shoegaze shimmer, dream pop drama, dancefloor thrust and lyrical poise, topping our chart by unanimous decision. Unexpected and excellent returns from LCD Soundsystem and Slowdive secure silver and bronze while Rolling Blackouts and Tornado Wallace round off the top five with purposeful jangle and fourth world flourish respectively. Looking beyond the top five there’s a ton of talent to be found, whether it be the slacker cool of Mac DeMarco and Ariel Pink, the Mancunian indie of Horsebeach and Charlatans or the jazz-flecked ambience of Penguin Café and Portico Quartet. Elsewhere Tennis, The War On Drugs and Michael Nau flew the red, white and blue of Americana, Oh Sees and Flat Worms brought the noise and Kendrick dropped another instant classic. Luaka Bop ruled the reissue roost for 2017 with an archival set of mind-expanding magic from Alice Coltrane while Balearic hero/villain (delete as appropriate) Moonboots made our hearts sing a song of compilational joy. Of the many box sets we’ve had to somehow house this year, Cherry Red’s ‘Manchester North Of England’ made us laugh, cry and feel our age, as we tried to remember which bands we saw where way back when! And at long last, the dancers and DJs amongst you can rejoice at the first ever Piccadilly singles chart, a feast of A-grade bangers! It’s this time of year that we look back on all the things that have happened in the last 12 months, and as far as shoplife goes, things have been pretty interesting.

Just before you rush past this page to check out the charts here’s a quick shout out to all the distributors and record labels who advertised in the booklet, all the bands and artists that made our favourite records, and not forgetting the forever-patient Mark Brown who’s come up with another cracking booklet design yet again!

Mail-order queen and all-round bon oeuf Sara has left us, swapping the hustle and bustle of musical merchantry (probably a word) for a life of quiet contemplation and afternoon cocktails – lucky cow! Stepping into her extravagant heels (they wouldn’t fit Dave) are Millie and Mine, experts in intercontinental shipping, and curators of our expanding collection of tiny knitted hats. We don’t know what to do with them yet, but perhaps a museum is a good idea. Suggestions on a Morrissey postcard please. Speaking of shop personnel, you’ll find summer signing Javi manning the counter on a Sunday (mostly), offering an exhaustive knowledge of indie / post-punk etc, and a good deal of height. He’s not quite Matt tall, but he is Barry+ tall. Impressive. With all this new recruit chat, it would be remiss to leave out old favourite Michael Riley-Jones, who returned to the fold like a wizened addict baying for one more hit. As ever, we enabled him, and we’d do it again. We’ve hosted a veritable bouquet of musical talent this year, with Brix & The Extricated singing with vigour to an entirely acoustic backing (inc. floor-drumming of the highest calibre) and Mick Middles, Johns Robb and Reed and CP Lee heading a discussion on Mancunian music. Boiler Room brought the cameras to the counter in April with both Natural Sciences and Red Laser stepping up to the decks and doing their thing. Summer brought Charlatans’ Different Day, an Oldham street takeover including our busiest signing session EVER on the hottest day of the year. Elsewhere we’ve had the cameras rolling for TV, adverts and many a tourism video, all trying to soak up our residual cool. 2017 saw Piccadilly Records go Radiohead-ga ga as every available backstage surface was swamped in OKNOTOK stock, while the shop floor was packed with Radiohead fans, and at one point, Radiohead themselves! It will go down as one of our busiest days in recent memory, and was jolly good fun too. Speaking of busy, Record Store Day went exactly as we’d predicted, good-natured and hectic in equal measure, with just the right amount of post-retail relief provided by our very own PiccadillyxCloudwaterxCommon collaborative beer. As I sit here writing this now, I’m fairly sure I could find a good home for a couple more of those. Maybe next year?

Lastly, thanks to Republic Of Music Distribution who’ve made us another great CD sampler, including tracks from Kelly Lee Owens, Alice Coltrane, Tennis, Big Thief, Girl Ray, Horsebeach, Floating Points, Pye Corner Audio, Hüsker Dü, Sinkane, Moon Duo, Lindstrom, Broken Social Scene and more, we hope you’ll agree it’s another corker! It’s FREE (while stocks last) with any LP / CD purchase from our Top 20 Albums, Top 20 Compilations, and Top 10 Reissues / Collections. Darryl.

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PICCADILLY RECORDS ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2017

KELLY LEE OWENS KELLY LEE OWENS

“KELLY MEDITATES ON ANXIETY, SADNESS, IDENTITY AND ECSTASY, POURING PURE EMOTION INTO AN EXPANSIVE ELECTRONIC LANDSCAPE” Patrick: Without wishing to get too Jackanory, I’d like to start this review with a brief anecdote… Way back in April 2015, when I was a little younger and lot lighter, Kelly Lee Owens strolled into our humble establishment and casually inquired if we’d be interested in stocking her self-released debut single. Always a sucker for something new, limited and hand labelled, I took a cursory ten copies off her hands as she left for the train station. Approximately four minutes later, as the dreamlike shimmer of ghost-pop paean “Lucid” echoed through my headphones, I reached for the phone and convinced Kelly to leave the rest of her stock with us. Two years and three Piccadilly ROTWs later and the Welsh wonder has excelled herself, uniting the indie and dance sides of the staff divide and topping our end of year chart by a unanimous verdict.

Harnessing the Cocteaus, MBV and JAMC, as well as the rhythmic thrust of Chicago and Detroit, KLO trades in immersive, psychedelic pop music, as danceable as it is dreamy. Swathes of hazy synthesis eddy and whirl beneath crystalline vocals, lending the music an aquatic depth matched perfectly by the intimate, expressive lyrics. Fusing the outsider musings of Arthur Russell with Bjork’s cryptic poetry, Kelly meditates on anxiety, sadness, identity and ecstasy, pouring pure emotion into an expansive electronic landscape. A dynamic listen from start to finish, the LP ranges from the hypnotic thump of “Evolution”, “CBM” and “Bird” to the medicated daze of “S.O”, “Lucid” and “Keep Walking”, constantly varying tempo and intensity on its way to sprawling closer “8”, a wonderfully blurred end to this nocturnal journey.

An absurdly accomplished debut, this is just about as Piccadilly as it gets, referencing our collective favourites and transforming them into something fresh and exciting.

A skilled songwriter, producer and vocalist, Kelly undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of her, but for now, we’re happy to enjoy this present.

PICCADILLY RECORDS EXCLUSIVE For a limited period only, buy either the vinyl or CD of ‘Kelly Lee Owens’ and get a three track remix CD bonus disc.

Bird (Prins Thomas remix) Lucid (Kelly Lee Owens remix) Uncertain (Ghost Culture remix)

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: ALBUM OF THE YEAR

KELLY LEE OWENS Q &A: First of all, congratulations! Has the success of the LP surprised you or was it all part of the plan? Let me just say thanks to you guys, cause literally if it wasn’t for you taking in copies of my first two self-released EP’s we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Your amazing reviews and support of my music meant Joakim from Smalltown Supersound (my label) got in touch & eventually we ended up releasing this album... so, TA !! – it means a lot having lived in Manchester and respecting Piccadilly from the start. In regards to the general success, I tried to expect nothing, so it’s all been a surprise and a joy to me!! Your music seems to have a nocturnal quality, do you write and record at night? I usually lay down lyrics & ideas at night – night-time is when a lot of creative ideas flow for me and true feelings seem to surface. But I usually record them in the daytime and run with whatever happens in the moment then too. I also recorded down by the water in London, so perhaps that element also makes its way on to the record. There’s a lot of debate about electronic VS organic at the moment, but you seem to fall into both camps. What do you think makes your music connect with people at a human level? I think for me electronic music IS organic – I mean we are humans operating analogue synths for example and that’s the bit that excites me; coaxing out beautiful frequencies and sounds, working WITH the synth. Of course, I also use a lot of my

own weird samples in my music, so maybe that lends itself to the organic sound... there’s everything on there, from pitched-down bird song, side-chained hailstone, to a prawn cracker melting in hot soup (haha!) It’s fun to work with organic samples and it inspires me loads! Musical polymath and record store favourite Arthur Russell inspired one of your earliest tracks. How do you feel his music and story have influenced you? His music was the thing that initially inspired me, because it felt otherworldly (‘World Of Echo’) – then when I discovered he made all kinds of music, from folk to dance tracks it felt like such a liberation, I was like “wow! I don’t have to make just one thing”. I connected to that sentiment so much. Working in record stores for the past 9 years, I always felt frustrated that music would be categorised – and he couldn’t be – he usually has his own section - that lends itself to an artist creating a world for themselves – I aspire to that very much! Where’s the best place to listen to the record? I think because I would constantly be referencing the sound on headphones throughout the mixing process, I would start there – that is the place you hear all the tiny detail. Then go listen on amazing loud speakers to hear all that sub bass!! So, you’re top of our pops this year, but what were your favourite releases of 2017? I actually haven’t had much time to listen to lots of new music this year but I think the Four Tet album and also Sevdaliza – she’s fire.

12 REASONS WHY DEAD CROSS

PHOEBE BRIDGERS

Ipecac

Dead Oceans

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MARY EPWORTH

Soul Jazz

Sunday Best

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DEUTSCHE ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK 3

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1965 Recordings

AROMANTICISM

HOLIDAY DESTINATION

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Infectious

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TINARIWEN

SLOWDIVE

Wedge

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LIVE FOR THE MOMENT

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STRANGER IN THE ALPS

ANTISOCIALITES

SLOWDIVE

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 5

LCD Soundsystem AMERICAN DREAM

David: Nobody likes a comeback, no one wants to see their heroes come out of retirement; fatter, balder, irrelevant, nothing left to say, peddling a second rate version of themselves now the royalty cheques have dwindled away. So, as you can imagine, news of a newly reformed LCD and a fourth album was greeted with trepidation here at Piccadilly. The band had gone out with a BANG in 2011, playing a sold out show at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. What remained for James Murphy to say or do? As it turns out, everything. As Murphy himself, freely admits, the band were already bloated and old when they split, so there was no chance of the fans being disappointed in that respect, which just leaves the music...

“SOME OF YOU MAY HATE IT, BUT I’M VERY PROUD OF IT. IT’S THE BEST I’VE FELT ABOUT AN LCD LP EVER.” James Murphy, LCD Soundsystem

Let’s not mince our words then, ‘American Dream’ is a triumph. It’s a new record whose primary focus is the end of things. Pop icons, (ghosts of pop past litter the album, whether it be Bowie on “Change Yr Mind” or Alan Vega and Suicide on “Oh Baby”), relationships, music, even the American Dream itself. However, amongst all these endings, LCD remain a constant. Murphy is still a musical magpie, still lifting wholesale from Mark E. Smith, still the biggest nerd in the record shop, (the hobbled veteran of the disk shop inquisition), still losing (what’s left) of his edge but at the same time defining 2017 in a way that none of his contemporaries can.

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SLOWDIVE Martin: It’s been 22 years since the release of ‘Pygmalion’. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume then that the world had heard the last of Slowdive, consigned to having left a worthy legacy, a brief moment in the sun followed by a career that ran aground on the old rock of producing the right sound at the wrong time. It wouldn’t have been unreasonable to assume either that after almost a quarter of century their self-titled album would amount to a careless footnote, robbed by the passage of time of energy, inspiration and imagination. It was only out of curiosity and old times sake then the CD ended up on the Piccadilly player, with no expectation of a repeat. Except that it’s utterly beautiful. Right from the majestic opener “Slomo”, a work of iridescent beauty where a bed of Cocteau Twins guitar is underpinned to gorgeous effect by sparse bass

When we first discussed getting back together in 2014 it was always our intention to record new music. We didn’t want to be a “heritage” type band. We ended up doing so many gigs that first year that it took us a while to get started. We hadn’t recorded anything together in over 20 years and didn’t know if we would even be able to create anything we liked. Maybe in those lost years we had lost whatever it was that we previously had. One day Neil brought ‘Star Roving’ in and as we

SLOWDIVE

notes, placed to perfection, the undulating heartbeat of a glistening wall of sound. Neil Halstead’s polished, almost choral delivery initiates vocal duties, before passing the baton to Rachel Goswell, whose exquisite voice soars far overhead into a spine tingling crescendo; the single “Sugar For The Pill”, is elevated into the high atmosphere by bewitching vocal harmonies courtesy of the same duo, while the churning power of “Star Roving” picks up where My Bloody Valentine left off. If “No Longer Taking Time” goes for the tried and tested loud-quiet-loud motif it does so with enough brilliance as to render that completely irrelevant. From beginning to end, ‘Slowdive’ is a joy. It just goes to show, even after all this time, how very far from the mark I can be; but who cares, when there is so much pleasure in being wrong?

started playing it together I had the exact feeling of when we started playing songs that I loved the first time around. At that moment I knew a record would happen. More of these moments followed. We went back to Courtyard studios where we recorded most of our other records. It looked exactly the same, just a bit more fucked up just like us. It felt like coming home. Special mention to Neil’s dog, Elsie for her patience and calming influence during the recording. Christian Savill.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 5

Rolling Blackouts C.F. THE FRENCH PRESS

Laura: Rolling Blackouts C.F. (or Coastal Fever to give them their full name), hail from Melbourne, Australia and this mini album is their first UK release, following their signing to Sub Pop, who seem to be on a bit of a winning streak band wise at the moment. I loved this album from pretty much the first listen, which isn’t something that happens very often. It usually takes me a few listens to make up my mind on a record, but there was just something about this one that grabbed me from the off. Now, I appreciate that The Go-Betweens may be a lazy reference point when it comes to Australian bands, but intentionally or not, their languid strummed acoustics and gorgeous melodies often seem to filter through. And this outing definitely tips its hat to them, even more so than most, with the vocal duties being shared amongst the band members a la McLennan and Forster.

Thanks Piccadilly! It means a lot coming from one of the best record stores in Manchester, where a lot of our favourite music ever has come from. We spent one day in Manchester on tour in September, playing at the Ritz with Parquet Courts and a heap more. Coming from Australia we didn’t know what to expect, but it was a great experience and one of my favourite shows ever. Will hopefully get to stay a bit longer next time… Anyway, here are a few songs I dug this year: BODY TYPE: SILVER A great Sydney band, they only learned their instruments about a year and a half ago to form this band, and they are total naturals. Also recommend ‘Ludlow’ from last year.

So they were obviously off to a good start in my book. But there’s a lot more to their sound than that, there are other influences at play here too: as well as the jangling guitars and bright melodic vocals there’s a kind of sun-kissed surf-pop thing going on (think a more upbeat Real Estate), as well as the occasional burst of taut punk infused energy. Rather than following a traditional verse-chorus-verse pattern, the songs kind of meander along, changing rhythm and tempo along the way, which suits their story-telling style of songwriting. Basically, ‘The French Press’ ticks pretty much all the “great indie record” boxes for me. I can’t wait for their first ‘proper’ album which is due in 2018.

RVG: A QUALITY OF MERCY A new band from Melbourne, the album of the same name is killer. Fully formed aesthetic and great lyrics. SUNSCREEN: VOICES Another new Sydney band. Probably the most played song in the RBs tour van. A guitar pop gem with relentless hooks. DESPACITO: LUIS FONSI & DADDY YANKEE The version before Bieber jumped on board. Not going to lie, this is a jam. The hooks just do not let up. I love a pop song so strong it unites people. Tom (RBCF)

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Tornado Wallace

LONELY PLANET

Patrick: When it comes to that hazy dance floor fringe where Balearic, house and new age engage in a limb twisting lambada, our colonial cousins certainly know what they’re digeri-doing. Following in the footsteps of fellow Aussies Andras (née Fox) and Len Leise, Melbourne’s Lewie Day pulled together the silkiest strands of fourth world exotica, Balearic calm and rhythmic tribalism to deliver an intoxicating LP which has rarely left our Piccadilly player. A far cry from the acid-tinged disco trips of his early years, this ambitious debut sees a mature producer expressing his esoteric influences through a wide array of live instrumentation and studio techniques. Comprising of seven expansive compositions, ‘Lonely Planet’ transports the listener to a dreamlike landscape alive with excellent birds, dense foliage and breathtaking vistas.

As he glides effortlessly between future primitive visions and otherworldly ambient suites, Wallace marries lush FM synthesis with Knopfleric guitar and organic percussion, grounding us in reality while our eyes dart over the intangible. And there, nestled in the midst of all this utopian beauty is “Today”, the greatest 80s pop record that never was. Boasting a blithely shrugged vocal from No Zu’s Sui Zhen, the track sounds like a springtime meeting between Talk Talk and Gina X at a far flung resort. Yet despite its abundance of detached cool, this cinematic gem lends the LP a human touch, allowing the listener to find their place in the natural rhapsody. Clear your schedule, close your eyes and take the trip of a lifetime.

As a DJ I like to play and hear a lot of different styles in a set or mix. Music from different periods of time and from different parts of the world. So I wanted my album to be the same, for it to sound like it wasn’t all coming from the one producer or studio at a certain time. Having talented collaborators (Sui Zhen, NO ZU & David Hirschfelder) certainly helped, as did the fact that I worked on the album for a number of years, so I was influenced by a lot of music, and personal/ technological changes during that time. By the time it came out at the start of this year I had listened to the music so much and didn’t really know what I thought about it anymore, so I’ve been really happy with the positive response to it, and people seeming to understand what I was going for. Big love to Running Back for putting it out, and to Piccadilly Records for the support :) Tornado Wallace (Lewie Day)

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Tennis Yours Conditionally

Martin: ‘Ritual In Repeat’, Tennis’ previous outing, was the last of three increasingly polished releases; perhaps they felt they had lost something along the way, for, having been an idea initially conceived at sea, the husband and wife duo ditched a drummer, dispensed with slick production, took on studio duties themselves, and decided to return to the source for inspiration. ‘Yours Conditionally’ then was born on the waves, on a journey down the United States East Coast from San Diego to the Sea Of Cortez. The result was a reinjection of humanity and their finest album to date; a balmy,

Penguin Cafe The Imperfect Sea

Barry: Keeping the upbeat and intricate, but decidedly pastoral vibes of Penguin Cafe Orchestra (a different, but both figuratively and literally related band) intact whilst having a different focal point was never going to be an easy task for Arthur Jeffes, but on ‘The Imperfect Sea’ we get the perfect combination. Erased Tapes are, in the most part a modernclassical label (there are a good number of exceptions), and there are definitely nods to that in “Control 1” and “Rescue”, but with it come

sun-drenched jaunt breathing in soft soul, Fleetwood Mac and The Carpenters and exhaling warmth into what had always been gorgeously crafted songs. The lilting delivery and Alaina Moore’s elegant, passionate voice mask stinging satirical lyricals around the stereotyping of women; but when she sings “I really love you; I just can’t help myself” on the delightful “Fields Of Blue”, she does it with such apparent abandon it is hard to believe she doesn’t mean it. Nothing wrong with that, nothing at all. Beautiful, in any case.

brilliant folky outings like opener “Ricercar” and the wildly dreamy staccato-string haze of “Franz Schubert”. With their name being as it is, Penguin Cafe are never going to escape the considerable shadow of PCO, but with a history as rich as theirs, and with Jeffes’ ability to put his own twist on their already established sound, why would you? A stunningly rich, and hugely rewarding journey.

The War On Drugs A Deeper Understanding

Andy: Adam Granduciel and co. exploded into our hearts with the peerless ‘Lost In The Dream’, three years ago. Taking classic 70s rock (particularly of a Dylan vintage) and somehow making it modern, here was a band for right across the ages, a band to truly believe in. They returned, this year (on Record Store Day!) with their magnum opus, and it was immediately apparent that with “Thinking Of A Place”, they had, incredibly upped the ante. Here was 11 massive minutes of bliss and wonder. High

summer and the album dropped: ‘LITD’ part two, or squared, if you like. The songs were huge (in every way) but the production was out of this world. This was sun-roof down, beers in the back, cruise control, heart-rending, shimmering classic rock. But, crucially, with a drum machine! Everything we could have hoped for in a follow-up to a modern classic.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 20

Oh Sees Orc

Darryl: So here we are again, John Dwyer and co. hit the Piccadilly Records End Of Year Top 10 with another staggering album. So what’s changed from last year’s double header winners ‘An Odd Entrances’ and ‘A Weird Exits’? Well, having dropped Thee from their name, Oh Sees have added another drummer to the percussive maelstrom providing an interlocking doubledrum accompaniment to their already impressive psych-rock groove. Of course, ‘Orc’ still provides the usual shards of cliff-face noise guitar moments, but the dual drumming has drawn

FLAT WORMS FLAT WORMS

Laura: Castle Face close out the year in fine style, with this hyper-energetic debut album from Los Angeles post-punk trio Flat Worms. Comprising of the all-star line-up of Will Ivy on guitar/vox (Dream Boys, Wet Illustrated, Bridez), Justin Sullivan on drums (Kevin Morby, The Babies) and Tim Hellman on bass (Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Sic Alps) the Flat Worms have created a classic buzz-saw guitar sound that would happily nestle in your record collection next to the SST back catalogue, The Wipers,

out some of the songs, with extended jamming coming to the fore over the shuffling Can-esque kosmische beat. There’s gentler moments too, with the addition of vocals from Brigid Dawson on a few tracks providing a welcome balance to proceedings before we’re off again lurching between huge bone-rattling riffs and Dwyer’s vocal screeches. ‘Orc’ is Oh Sees at the very top of their game, a magical sprawling classic.

Soft Pack, No Age and more recently, Parquet Courts. Pummelling drums, heaps of guitar fuzz, massive feedback drenched riffs and dead pan vocals are the order of the day here, and once you throw in killer tunes you’re destined to have these noisy earworm nuggets bouncing around your brain for days and days. A winner from start to finish and one of the most exciting debut albums of the year.

Kendrick Lamar Damn

Millie: Kendrick Lamar brings us his fourth studio album. We all told you to watch this space after previous releases and well here he is. ‘Damn’ is bold and fierce, and judging by the tracklist alarmingly shouty, but as Kendrick said himself it represents the loudness of the record. LOYALTY, PRIDE, FEAR; though their titular semantics are simplified to one word, the songs are incredibly layered and submersed in raw emotion. Having said this, the album is very accessible. Fragmented lyrics are drenched in

energy from the heavy bass throughout, the complexity of consciousness and storytelling is absolutely mind blowing. There isn’t much justice I can do to express how essential this album is, but he has done it again by releasing a rap album which is so relevant you need to sit up and listen. ‘Damn’ is a powerful and political statement, and Kendrick is dominating the hip hop world with the most significant albums of modern times.

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Ariel Pink Dedicated To Bobby Jameson

Matt: AP is a Piccadilly legend. Lord of hypnopompic indie-pop brilliance, his nonecategorizable yet ticking-every-genre-box style is as contradictory as is it beguiling as it is idiosyncratic; and is possibly the reason that every one of us here in the shop has a favourite song. ‘Dedicated To Bobby Jameson’ sees complex song-writing and skilled musicianship almost undermined by Ariel’s quirky, nonchalant, fun-loving nature. A celebration rather than a study, I’m positive Ariel cares little if you observe his exceptional hooks, evocative commentary or multi-dimensional musical

Beach Fossils Somersault

Mine: Worried I wouldn’t be able to do it justice with my review, I was trying to come up with an all-encompassing adjective that best describes this jewel of an album and all I could think of was: ‘nice’. Yes. Nice. Sounds boring? Let me elaborate. ‘Somersault’ is the first album Dustin Payseur’s Beach Fossils have recorded in 4 years and while they haven’t exactly reinvented their sound, ‘Somersault’ sees them digress slightly from their lo-fi bedroom jangles to hook-laden and captivating baroque inspired pop. Jazz

vision. He just wants you to shake, rattle and roll! It’s a contradiction that runs through his career, almost constantly shunning professionalism for fun. A feature that makes him all the more intriguing and enjoyable, reminding us that to take life seriously is to not enjoy it at all. Stylishly conjuring up idealistic dreams of playing pinball and driving freeways with your mates; drinking, dancing and smoking underage; youthful exuberance and the American Dream, ‘Dedicated To Bobby Jameson’ is a masterpiece.

flutes, harpsichords and strings make regular appearances and even a sampled hip hop beat is cleverly introduced without distracting from what is essentially a jangly guitar pop album. Melancholy yet uplifting, dreamy yet catchy, nostalgic yet inspiring, the summery ‘Somersault’ will still be on heavy rotation come rain and snow and it might possibly be the nicest thing you will hear this year. Yes, I’m using the word nice again. Because sometimes nice is just what you need.

Horsebeach Beauty & Sadness

Barry: From the saturated digital wavetable weirdness of the opening track, “Theme For Beauty” it would appear that Kennedy has taken a rapid turn from the hazy janglearica of his previous outings, but that only makes the impact of the later tracks all the more profound. Immediately we delve into the longing sorrow of “Alone”, as hummable as it is refined. The staggering majesty of “How Far Must We Go?” rolls and struts confidently into the CR-78-led

“Breeze”, a fitting closer to the ‘Beauty’ Chapter. “Theme For Sadness” once again revisits the synth-heavy mist of the first track before opening the doors for the profoundly memorable closing tetralogy. It is undeniable that we’ll get a measure of stick for this, but if you wrote music this good, you’d be in our end of year list too. A majestic and unrivalled work of thought provoking, but ultimately impeccable rainy summer anthems.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 20

Portico Quartet Art In The Age Of Automation

David: Released on shop favourite, Matthew Halsall’s Gondwana label, Portico Quartet’s fourth album ‘Art In The Age Of Automation’ is a mesmeric, neo classical masterpiece. Sometimes the neo classical tag can be more of an insult than a compliment, bringing to mind Debenhams at dinner time piano, or the soundtrack to a documentary about the retreat from Stalingrad. Portico Quartet however, sidestep these comparisons by looking towards their contemporaries, visionaries like Floating Points and the more electronic moments of

Michael Nau Some Twist

Andy: This gorgeous LP was made in the heat, to be listened to in the heat. Michael Nau is an American singer-songwriter who’s previously been in a couple of bands, but went solo in 2016 with his lovely debut record, ‘Mowing’. It was all good and garnered decent praise, but ‘Some Twist’ is a brilliant progression and something you absolutely need in your life! Conjuring warm, 70s, analogue sounds in a country, folky, gently psychy style, these are supremely melodic songs, beautifully sung.

Radiohead, are as much of an influence as classic ambient artists such as Steve Reich and Brian Eno. ‘Art In The Age Of Automation’ is a genuinely beautiful listening experience. A languid journey through the full spectrum of sound, bookended by the rise and fall of the sun, melodies reflecting in its rays as the world, for these brief moments at least, lets us drift away together in some kind of hard won harmony.

Nau has the sweetest voice which glides between the fruity, deep croon of a more wistful Fred Neil and the light, flutey flightiness of a star-sailing Harry Nilson. Not bad, eh? But it’s the texture of the album with its FX laden guitars, beat box grooves, echoes, horns, fuzz and static, which really entrances. You’ll think you’ve stumbled upon a long-lost West Coast, classic LP. You have. But it’s Nau!

Mac DeMarco This Old Dog

Mine: “Mac DeMarco must be some kind of joke act, right?” Has this thought ever crossed your mind? I came across it in a festival review and I felt for the poor guy who just didn’t seem to get what Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV (I’ll give you a moment to let that settle in...) is all about. If you can relate but somehow feel intrigued, ‘This Old Dog’ is your perfect entryway into the wacky world of Mac DeMarco. It seems like everyone’s favourite sleaze man is trying to show us that he has grown up, without having lost an

inch of his quirkiness. It is okay to be vulnerable sometimes, the songs about his troubled relationship with his father seem to confess, just don’t bury your head in the sand. ‘This Old Dog’ is stripped back, simpler and therefore easier to digest than his previous outings. It’s dreamy and reflective but always light-hearted, and will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling in your chest. Careful, though, you might feel like you’re floating on a cloud.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 20

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Molly Nilsson Imaginations

Silvestre: This is perhaps the poppiest album we have had in the shop this year. Catchy and sweet yet unique and elaborate in its message. Swedish Molly Nilsson transports you back to the 80s with her synth drenched compositions. This is not polished glossy plastic mainstream pop. ‘Imaginations’ has an overall home-made feel to it, reminiscent of the cold wave genre and dark side of post-punk’s 80s aesthetics. The melodies are smart and ingenious in places yet they manage to pull together a great result when

The Moonlandingz Interplanetary Class Classics

Darryl: From being featured on Eccentronic Research Council’s ‘Johnny Rocket, Narcissist & Music Machine... I’m Your Biggest Fan’ 2015 album as a fictional band from the fictional South Yorkshire district of Valhalla Dale, the Moonlandingz have now stepped out into the real world. Comprising of Eccentronic Research Council’s Adrian Flanagan and Dean Honer along with Fat White Family’s Lias Saoudi and Saul Adamczewski, the Moonlandingz have delivered a fantastic piece of wacked-out scuzzy electronic pop.

coupled with the potent lyrics and themes covered in tracks like “Let’s Talk About Privileges”, “Not Today Satan” or “Modern World”. The main characteristic in this great LP is the balance in place between evoking an array of emotions whilst sounding carefully detached from it all. As a whole this is an album where intensely personal music and universally understood pop converge successfully. A future classic indeed.

With fizzing synths, pummelling free-style percussion, and filthy grooves these anarchic motorik stompers bring to mind a mix of Can, the Cramps’ horror-rock, and Iggy Pop from the year 3000. Recorded with Sean Lennon in upstate New York and featuring a whole hosts of unlikely guests; Randy Jones (the cowboy from the Village People), Phil Oakey and Yoko Ono amongst many others, ‘Interplanetary Class Classics’ is a surreal and wonderful trip to a sinister futuristic kosmische-dancefloor.

The Charlatans Different Days

Laura: Sounding like a natural progression from their triumphant ‘Modern Nature’ album, ‘Different Days’ has a similar uplifting, groove infused vibe but adds in a few more experimental influences along the way with synths and samples scattered in amongst their trademark guitar, bass and keyboards. They’ve recruited a whole host of friends to contribute to the album, with each adding their own stamp,

be it musically from the likes of Johnny Marr, Paul Weller and New Order’s Gillian and Stephen, or as in the case of novelist Ian Rankin and Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner, brilliant spoken word pieces. And on top of all that, Tim’s sweet soulful vocals are better than ever, teetering perfectly between melancholic and resolutely joyful.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 50

Aldous Harding Party Barry: ‘Party’ delivers beautifully produced organic compositions, rich with orchestral accompaniment, emotive vocal outpourings and sensitively tackled emotional heft. The languid gothic morosity of slow-builders like requiem “Horizon” is skilfully and effectively offset with less gloomy but equally brittle numbers, spreading the weight of a cornucopia of unsettling elements into a smooth, and varied ride. Brilliant.

Mogwai Every Country’s Sun Barry: I’ll admit, there was a moment when I wondered if Mogwai could really do it again... it was fleeting and then it was quashed. ‘Every Country’s Sun’ is every bit the refined, gripping journey we’ve come to expect from Mogwai. A perfectly balanced and utterly accomplished juxtaposition of their early, post-rock roots and their more recent forays into stunning melodicism.

Protomartyr Relatives In Descent Barry: Another vicious sneering assault from Protomartyr, melodic but heavy AF. Punky progressions, brilliantly heavy production values, and an innate knowledge of how to keep things interesting make this a bracing and rewarding listen. Thrashing from exotica-tinged hardcore freak-outs, Bad Religion-esque skate-punk bravado and classic melodic progressions, this is a superb marriage of song-writing prowess and kinetic force.

Thundercat Drunk Patrick: Thundercat returns with more mutant funk noodle and concentric boogie hypnotism on this brand new twenty three track album. Boasting a stunning array of guest stars including long time homies Kendrick, Pharell, Wiz Cauliflower, Fly Lo and Kamasi alongside yacht rock heroes Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, this is an arena spectacular of an album. Ambitious and excellent future funk.

Alvvays Antisocialites Andy: Alvvays burst onto the scene with the instant classic “Marry Me, Archie” and a debut record that grew into a word-of-mouth mini hit. It was mid-80s UK indie-pop all over again, but perfectly done. ‘Antisocialites’ is cut from a similar cloth, but seemingly adding The Smiths and the Shop Assistants to their Mary Chain template. It works and it’s brilliant!

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Sampha Process Patrick: Delayed by three busy years spent writing and producing for the entirety of America’s R&B A-list, Sampha finally finds time to release his debut LP, “Process”. Meditating on the loss of his mother to cancer, the London musician packs this ten track set with emotional expression, existential exploration and heartbreaking synth-soul melodies – well worth the wait.

Idles Brutalism Barry: Snarling, pretence-free modern post-punk perfection from Bristol’s very own Idles. From the slamming power-chord mayhem of “Well Done”, laying into Tarquin and his love of reggae and football, to the throbbing hook-laden ‘Rachel Khoo’, this is an unrelenting but perfectly formed juxtaposition of melodic sensibility and brazen, all-out aural warfare. Killer.

Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile Lotta Sea Lice Andy: Originally intended as a one-off 7-inch single but quickly developing into so much more, this album features a handful of originals (all excellent!) a couple of covers (Jen Cloher and the Breeders) and both heroes doing a version of each other’s songs. More Kurt than Courtney, but hey, that’s alright! The slacker king and queen create something kooky’n’cool with some nice tunes to boot!

Mount Kimbie Love What Survives Barry: On Mount Kimbie’s first full-length outing since 2013’s ‘Cold Spring Fault Less Youth’, we get their most raw and uncompromising outing yet. A semblance of the gritty, energetic UKG aesthetic seeps into the fractured beats and subby kick, while electronic glimmers and low-fi punk influences from across the pond are euphorically juxtaposed into audio gold by these talented producers.

Duds Of A Nature Or Degree Laura: Snare drums rattle like automatic gunfire, crashing cymbals are scattered amongst jagged guitar shards and dead pan vocals demand your attention. Duds’ debut delivers fiery sub three minute post-punk gems with a nod to the sounds coming out of both Glasgow and Manchester in the early/ mid 80s, think Josef K, Fire Engines, bIG fLAME....

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 50

Your Old Droog Packs Matt: One of rap music’s most charismatic newcomers, Your Old Droog follows up his Nas-indebted rise to fame with fourteen punchy sagas from the streets. Cloaked in understated demeanour and garb, Droog delivers a flow so fierce, quick-fired and inventive it could have only come from a life in New York. Alongside Ratking’s Wiki, Droog is keeping the OG hip-hop spirit alive in NYC.

Farbror Resande Mac Farbror Resande Mac Patrick: The Swedish outfit’s debut album delivers a stripped back, strung out set of Balearic beauty tinged with that widescreen sound-design particular to Scandinavia. Synths oscillate mildly, drum machines stroll blithely and acoustic guitar slow dances with the breeze, carrying each beautiful track into the next. Dive right in, you need a bit of this in your life!

The National Sleep Well Beast Laura: While in some ways it’s typically National-sounding, they’ve definitely added some new elements to their sound. All the usual elements are there, intricate guitars, delicate piano keys, scatter-shot drums and of course Matt’s mumbling/crooning baritone, but a layer of electronics bubbling away in the mix adds a new dimension to their sound.

Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band Adiós Señor Pussycat Andy: Good things come to those who wait! It’s been 11 long years and here it is; a modern day singer-songwriter, folk pop classic! Sounding closer to his work as The Strands than Shack, this uses his love of The Byrds and late-60s folkies to create a modern masterpiece, timeless and true. Our “Greatest Living Songwriter” (thanks NME!) has delivered. It better not be eleven years ‘til the next one!

Chmmr Auto Barry: Expect brilliantly deep swooning melodies, heavy-hitting progressive percussion and swaying detuned synth stacks. Cosmic atmospheres mix beautifully with serene pads and euphoric yet chilled lead lines. From the hypnotic, perfectly shaped bass throb of “Nine Chains...” to the astral arpeggiated ether of “Vim’s Theme”, and onto Balearic, Rhodes-drenched numbers like “New Slam”, this is easily one of the best electronic records this year.

celebrating 20 years with releases from

Beach House B-Sides & Rarities

Horse Thief Trials & Truths

Mammút Kinder Versions

BNQT Volume 1.

Jambinai Differance

My Sad Captains Sun Bridge

Broen I Love Art

Karl Blau Out Her Space

Philip Selway Let Me Go

Deep Throat Choir Be Okay

Lost Horizons Ojala

Susanne Sundfør Music For People In Trouble

Father John Misty Pure Comedy

Lowly Heba

The Flaming Lips Oczy Mlody

Holly Macve Golden Eagle

Lydia Ainsworth Darling Of The Afterglow

Will Stratton Rosewood Alamanac

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 50

Com Truise Iteration Barry: I always knew I liked Com Truise, there was just something that resonated with me (no pun intended), but never has it had as much of a pull as ‘Iteration’. Stripped back into the constituent parts that made CT’s music so enthralling, but without the distraction of a frenetic background, Seth Haley delivers an unrivalled modern synth classic.

A Tribe Called Quest We Got It From Here... Patrick: Musically, ‘We Got It From Here...’ finds the group flipping their well loved jazz samples into contemporary arrangements alive with collaborative performances from a whole host of A-list guests, while the free flowing lyrics meditate on culture, sociology and the total shit show which is US politics. Simply put, it’s a masterpiece. *DISCLAIMER* We know the CD was released late last year – but the vinyl was out early this year so it’s in the chart!

Do Make Say Think Stubborn Persistent Illusions Barry: Soaring instrumentals, jagged breakdowns, stunning ambience and grooving psychedelic twists. Bright and beautiful but unendingly complex rhythms, forged through melodies played a thousand times but executed like nothing you’ve ever heard. From the chamber-rock clanging of “War On Torpor”, to the euphoric post-rock classicism of “Return, Return Again”, this is perfection.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor Luciferian Towers Barry: Think of the most spine-tingling moments from ‘Slow Riot..’ or ‘Lift Your Skinny fists..’, mix them together, and you get this. A more optimistic (resigned?) affair, ‘Luciferian Towers’ flickers from soaring guitar into earth-shaking orchestration. Just as meaningful, but condensed into a summary rather than a novel. A hugely necessary and vital addition into their already unbelievable catalogue.

Big Thief Capacity Laura: Following on from their aptly titled debut “Masterpiece”, this Brooklyn four piece once again bring us a stunning collection of heartfelt songs. It’s a beautiful album, at times sounding quite stripped back, with gently strummed guitars over crisp drum patterns, but it’s the gentle intensity of Adrianne’s vocals that really sets it apart.

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Girl Ray Earl Grey Andy: It’s crazy that the 3 women in Girl Ray are only 19 years old! The themes may be gloriously youthful but the playing is anything but! You could call it C86 era retro indie but that’s doing them a bit of a disservice, as the unusual arrangements and lovely melodies make this a unique, fresh and totally now record. This is buoyant, charming, charismatic pop music!

Pye Corner Audio The Spiral Barry: Pye Corner Audio continues his foray into the realms of pseudosoundtrackery, but this time opting for a near-beatless representation of the futuristic worlds he is so adept at constructing. Punctuated with ambient interludes, ‘The Spiral’ takes its time to portray the dystopia of a crumbling society. One of the true masters of cinematic synthesis, and still at the top of his game. IT IS REAL.

Floating Points Reflections – Mojave Desert Patrick: Floating Points is in peerless form at the moment, and ‘Reflections’ could well be his most emotive piece to date. A meditation on the Mojave Desert, the disc sees Shepherd sweeping through kosmische synth drones, glistening arps and celestial jazz like only he can.

The Black Angels Death Song Barry: Death Song delivers twisting psychedelic passages, heavy wig-outs and tripped-out percussion. Brilliantly sedate in parts, only to soar into a mindbending sunny haze of reverbed vocals and astral delay. Taking influence from all over the psychedelic spectrum, with throbbing single-note guitar lines meeting rolling, pulsing bass distortion and pitch-shifted screaming guitar.

Forest Swords Compassion Martin: I’ve always had a soft spot for Forest Swords’ paranoid, rhythmic soundscapes. That the emotion that inspires Matthew Barnes’ music is born of his view of the current political situation, the brooding angularity hung on its sparse frame is hardly surprising. An uneasy marriage of analogue and electronic fragments, shot through, reflecting the world situation perhaps, with a germ of hope.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS: TOP 50

This Is The Kit Moonshine Freeze Barry: Propulsive dual vocal melodies and tenderly treated fuzz guitars punctuate subtle acoustic strums and clashing lo-fi percussion, gradually acquiescing into folky flickering strings and softly accentuated angelic vox. The 11 songs on ‘Moonshine Freeze’ perfectly progress from twee minimalism into hefty, but not overwrought instrumentals. It’s a delicate balance to maintain, but it is done flawlessly here.

L.A. Witch L.A. Witch Darryl: Hailing from the streets of Los Angeles this is the magical self-titled debut from L.A. Witch. ‘L.A. Witch’ is a reverb drenched blast of super cool druggy psych-pop complete with a sultry vox and a seedy, burnt-out dreamers vibe that smacks somewhere between the Black Angels and a hazy but grittier Mazzy Star.

Jane Weaver Modern Kosmology Andy: Jane Weaver has fully hit her stride. This record is the perfect companion piece to the incredible ‘Silver Globe’, with just as much invention, depth and attention to detail, but is somehow more streamlined, more concise. Proving that our erstwhile Album Of The Year was no flash in the pan, ‘Modern Kosmology’ is just as magical, just as lovely, and most importantly just as full of top tunes!

THE Horrors V Andy: What a surprise! Just when we thought The Horrors were losing their way, they come up with their best album yet. Firstly, the songs themselves are all superb, every single track, but the sound, the production is absolutely incredible! A deep, dark, moving blend of synths, electronics, guitars and grooves.

Ghostpoet Dark Days & Canapes Barry: Grooving instrumental melodies meet with Obaro Ejimiwe’s trademark rhythmic drawl, darkened funk jams slow through a haze of spectral reverb, while groaning saturated samples morph into hypnotic rock abstractions. Elsewhere urban improv jams break into hazy psychedelic grooves, harnessing eastern-influenced opium-den throbs and guitar trills to achieve a welcome, and outstanding return for Ghostpoet.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS

51. CIGARETTES AFTER SEX: CIGARETTES AFTER SEX Andy: Gorgeous, slow-mo, late night heart-breakers drift by with classic chords, beautiful vocals and not one bad song in sight.

52. DEAN BLUNT & JOANNE ROBERTSON: WAHALLA Patrick: Recorded in 2014, but only released this year, ‘Wahalla’ sees musical outlier Dean Blunt come together with Joanne Robertson for eight tracks of visceral art-rock

53. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN: DAMAGE AND JOY Darryl: Their first album since 1998’s ‘Munki’ sees the JAMC smash the imitators out of the park, their trademark fuzzy scuzzy noise-pop never sounding better.

54. BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE: DON’T GET LOST Barry: Brilliant hypnotic melodies and grooving psychedelia from Newcombe and co. With a host of talented collaborators there is a diverse and stunning array of talent to bolster BJM’s already venerable sonic skills. Superb.

5. OCS: 5 MEMORY OF A CUT OFF HEAD Darryl: Unveiling a mellower side to the Oh Sees output, John Dwyer revisits the OCS moniker. Co-written with Brigid Dawson it’s a beautifully lush and sumptuously hushed affair.

56. HAPPYNESS: WRITE IN Andy: A massive, chugging, classic chord-changing blend of a more hazy, sometimes dream-poppy Teenage Fanclub with the rock’n’roll insouciance and quirky charm of, say, Foxygen in their pomp.

57. HYPE WILLIAMS: RAINBOW EDITION Patrick: Offering emotional sonic missives and spiralling downbeat epics, fractured and skewed pop lullabies and occasional bursts of mesmerizing hypnagogia, this is an excellent and unclassifiable listen.

58. GNOOMES: TSCHAK! Martin: The Russian threesome’s second album brings a fluent collage of influences, easing krautrock, ambient drone and pulsing electronica through a loose psyche blender.

59. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE: HUG OF THUNDER Barry: Hugely orchestral, momentarily tender and perfectly formed, ‘Hug Of Thunder’ is full of delicately introspective moments and bombastic full-force rock-outs. An absolute triumph.

60. SPOON: HOT THOUGHTS Barry: As addictive, funked up rhythms give way to distorted bursts and effervescent vocal melodies, this sonically fascinating but brilliantly accessible LP twists and turns into pulsing synth pop and grooving head-nodders.

61. BJORN TORSKE & PRINS THOMAS: SQUARE ONE Patrick: The perfect alchemy of the Norwegian dreambeam’s diverse styles, ‘Square One’ offers dubby basslines, motorik rhythms, tribal vibes and trippy sound design. Far out!

62. SINKANE: LIFE & LIVIN’ IT Patrick: Sinkane delivers a spectacular third album here fusing the slinky funk and smooth soul stylings of his earlier work with infectious Afrobeat rhythms and Onyeabor’s big-hearted electro-funk.

63. MOON DUO: OCCULT ARCHITECTURE VOL.1 Barry: Pulsing, synth-driven electronica meets hypnotic psych. From the dark-wave gloom-step of “Cold Fear” to the rocking swagger of “White Rose”, Moon Duo consistently smash the boundaries.

64. KAITLYN AURELIA SMITH: THE KID Barry: Absolutely stunning work once again from Aurelia Smith. Beautifully emotive, ridiculously clever and wholly immersive, this is mindblowing.

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65. HEADLAND: TRUE FLOWERS FROM THIS PAINTED WORLD. Darryl: Following on from 2014’s delicate, dreamy and sun-dappled debut is this equally immersive album of beautifully cinematic and languid gems.

66. RUN THE JEWELS: RUN THE JEWELS 3 Patrick: El-P & Killer Mike are back in the house with their finest release to date. Spitting pure gangsta shit over heavyweight bass and neck snapping beats, the duo keep the vibe feisty throughout.

67. FOUR TET: NEW ENERGY Barry: Combing the brilliant off-kilter jazztronic excursions of early years with both downbeat and the dancefloororientated outings of late has worked a treat. Properly beautiful.

68. LOYLE CARNER: YESTERDAY’S GONE Patrick: Bucking the trend for distorto-bass and medicated mumblings, Loyle Carner keeps it conscious on his debut album, topping jazzy beats with free flowing bars of real talk.

9. KING GIZZARD & THE 6 LIZARD WIZARD WITH MILD HIGH CLUB: SKETCHES OF BRUNSWICK EAST Barry: Oh Gizz’, you may write 1.8 albums per hour but we love you so. This time out it’s a tad jazzier but as ever, impeccable.

70. ANDREW WEATHERALL: QUALIA Barry: A refined and perfectly measured suite of electronic excursions into the cosmos, infused with the melodicism and songwriting prowess of a classic indie anthem.

71. ULRIKA SPACEK: MODERN ENGLISH DECORATION Laura: A fabulous second album, channelling 90s American indie rock with occasional shoegazey shimmer and a smattering of melodic psych.

72. KELELA: TAKE ME APART Barry: Boasting heartfelt synth soul, modern beatplay and smooth-as-silk vocal melodies, this is modern R&B at its very finest. Intricate, evolving and brilliantly written odes.

73. MARGO PRICE: ALL AMERICAN MADE Darryl: Released on Third Man Records, this is the sophomore release from Nashville based Margo Price. An infectious and contemporary take on the classic country sound.

74. JLIN: BLACK ORGAMI Matt: Hailing from the same town as Freddie Gibbs, Jlin's atypical brand of tribal-fused rhythmic workouts, leftfield sound design and amalgamation of footwerk energy couldn't be further from the gangsta rapper's remit; thankfully it’s every bit as good.

75. CHASTITY BELT: I USED TO SPEND SO MUCH TIME ALONE Millie: Chastity Belt deliver their third album with an effortlessly edgy set. The melodies feel raw and are perfectly matched with the jangly guitars which underline the entire album.

76. TY SEGALL: TY SEGALL Barry: Ty’s latest LP is more punky than sludgy, with more in common with early Pixies than his recent output. Driven, rocking and absolutely essential.

77. IBEYI: ASH Martin: The French-Cuban twins return with their sophomore release ‘Ash’, fusing a unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, modern electronic pop and the traditional sounds of Yorùbá.

78. A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN: IRIS Barry: ‘Iris’ builds on their already stunning canon with a smattering of pulsing synthesis joining their trademark modern-classical soundscapes.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS

79. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE: VILLAINS

86. NICK MULVEY: WAKE UP NOW

Darryl: ‘Villains’ finds the QOTSA boys in fine rockin’ form. Heavy sonic riffage with an added groove appeal too, no doubt courtesy of Mark Ronson in the producer’s chair.

Martin: Wonderful follow up to the exquisite ‘First Mind’. Darker and more world weary, but still as beautifully crafted and endlessly compassionate as his debut.

80. SNAPPED ANKLES: COME PLAY THE TREES

87. DAMAGED BUG: BUNKER FUNK

Barry: Throbbing pulses, primal melodies and fiery aggression spew forth from the newest Snapped Ankles outing. It’s as if they were born to make this sound.

Barry: John Dwyer steps into his Damaged Bug moniker once again for a synthy freak-out of psychedelic loops and twisted melodic interludes.

81. LINDSTRØM: IT'S ALRIGHT BETWEEN US AS IT IS

88. BING & RUTH: NO HOME OF THE MIND

Patrick: Eschewing the proggy flavours of recent work in favour of the twinkling arps, crisp percussion and gliding basslines of his early years, Lindstrøm returns with a blast of pure disco euphoria.

82. BECK: COLORS Andy: Brimming with throbbing bass hooks, gated reverbs and FM synth slaps, this is a brilliantly effervescent suite of satisfying melodies, impeccable production and undeniable lyrical genius.

83. GNOD: JUST SAY NO... Barry: Brilliance as ever from Manchester noise-rock-dronepsych stalwarts Gnod. Startlingly musical, stunningly direct and absolutely unmissable.

84. SUSANNE SUNDFØR: MUSIC FOR PEOPLE IN TROUBLE Darryl: Her fifth album, and a career definer on the Bella Union label. Unsettling and emotional at times but always full of her unique spine-chilling vocal beauty.

85. ARCADE FIRE: EVERYTHING NOW Barry: Ranging from silky sunshine pop anthems to grimy dancefloors and the shimmering glitz of a 70s ballroom, this is every bit as conceptually grand, and as impeccably accomplished as you'd imagine.

Barry: A beautiful suite of brittle modern-classical drones and twinkling piano, crafted together with subtlety and grace. A startling and riveting journey, filled with moments of tentative meditation and glimmers of pure joy.

89. FATHER JOHN MISTY: PURE COMEDY Andy: One of the most anticipated records of recent times does not disappoint as Josh Tillman turns in his most personal and political songs under his Father John moniker.

90. HANNAH PEEL: MARY CASIO: JOURNEY TO CASSIOPEIA Barry: Beautiful, cosmic synths, pulsing rhythms and that good old-fashioned digital synthesis sparkle throughout this great LP.

91. REAL ESTATE: IN MIND

Andy: Our favourite janglers return with another swooningly resigned ache-a-thon offering longing sunny anthems to soothe the soul.

92. GRIZZLY BEAR: PAINTED RUINS Barry: A fascinating progression of the languid wistful acoustic guitars of yesteryear, furthering their explorations into angular progressive chord sequences and jagged stylistic morphs.

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93. JULIE BYRNE: NOT EVEN HAPPINESS Barry: Lightly strummed and impeccably arranged folk guitars meet with swaying and mournful vocals all purposefully and beautifully delivered as a shining example of minimal affectations with maximum results.

94. PEAKING LIGHTS: THE FIFTH STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS Matt: Tropical cyperpunk Aaron Coyles returns with more of his idiosyncratic, hypnagogic-dubpop. And boy is it a belter.

95. ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA: DILLA Millie: If I could think up a perfect record it would be this exact one. Dilla originals switched up by Abstract Orchestra brings us a huge influx of jazzy hip hop beats. So good!

96. FROTH: OUTSIDE (BRIEFLY) Mine: LA psych-pop-krautgazers Froth are back with their third LP, a fuzzy but melodic shoegaze pop outing that features some of their most experimental yet accessible work to date.

THE TOP 100 ALBUMS

97. AFGHAN WHIGS: IN SPADES Barry: Heavy but highly melodic, ‘In Spades’ is full of anthemic highs and measured restraint. A brilliantly formed tornado of rock and/or roll.

98. DUTCH UNCLES: BIG BALLOON Barry: Bracing, inventive, catchy electronic-tinged indie at it's very finest. Never afraid to stray from conventions but managing to keep the hooks flowing, DU deliver both a benchmark and a triumph.

99. VISIBLE CLOAKS: REASSEMBLAGE Martin: Visible Cloaks second LP sows seeds from the angular, exotic world of Japanese electronic pop, and reaps a beguiling and at times unsettled East-West hybrid of textures, rhythms and moods.

100. PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING: EVERY VALLEY Barry: An epic trek through space-rock, bombastic choral harmonies and weighty orchestral beauty, this conceptual affair sees PSB finding the human touch.

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS FEED THE RATS

JULIE’S HAIRCUT / INVOCATION AND RITUAL DANCE OF MY DEMON TWIN

GNOOMES TSCHAK!

GNOD JUST SAY NO.....

HILLS ALIVE AT ROADBURN

FLOWERS MUST DIE KOMPOST

TEMPLE OV BBV (GNOD & RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON)

HEY COLOSSUS THE GUILLOTINE

HOUSEWIVES FF061116

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PICCADILLY RECORDS COMPILATION OF THE YEAR 2017

Moments In Time

COMPILED BY MOONBOOTS Patrick: Now for one of life’s great unanswered questions, how does a man so notoriously grumpy trade in music so utterly beautiful? Loved for his exceptional selections at Aficionado and feared for his terrifying antics in his time at Eastern Bloc, Moonboots has achieved nigh on mythical status amongst those in the know, and this stunning compilation should do his legend no harm. Invited by Kenneth Bager to do his thing for Music For Dreams, Moon ignored the zeitgeist, took to his record collection and created a truly blissful listening experience. Perfectly capturing the serenity of a long summer afternoon, ‘Moments In Time’ stole our collective heart, soothing our cares and rightfully securing 2017’s number one compilation spot.

VINYL TRACKLISTING 1. Rishi: Simple Trust 2. David Darling: Cello Blue 3. July Skies: The Softest Kiss (7” Version) 4. Begin: Names In The Sand 5. Farbror Resande Mac: Janne 6. Blank & Jones: My Island 7. Ben Morris: Gissning Skelen 8. Gryningen: Fran Andra Hand Till Strandena I Nice (Salta Edit) 9. Colorama: Anytime 10. Natureboy: Love Song 11. Bombay Hotel: Between Leaves 12. Paul Hardcastle: Moments In Time 13. Matt Deighton: Tannis Root 14. The Swan And The Lake: Waiting For Spring (Remix Feat. Jonas Krag)

THE TOP 20 COMPILATIONS: COMPILATION OF THE YEAR

MOONBOOTS Q &A Congratulations Richard! How does it feel to be number one? Amazing… especially as I’m above Phil Mison, my Balearic nemesis. You’ve done your fair share of compiling over the past few years, most notably your excellent contribution to Claremont’s ‘Originals’ series. How does ‘Moments In Time’ differ from those comps? I’d say it’s more reflective of me as a person. When I did Originals with (Balearic) Mike, we split the tracks 50/50, and on the Is It Balearic? and Javier Bergia compilations I could only pick tracks from the label or artist so there were a lot of constraints. I was allowed complete freedom for ‘Moments In Time’ and picked tracks which totally represent my taste. What approach did you take to selecting the songs? Rather than pick fifteen of this year’s best Balearic tracks or a load of totally obscure records, I decided to start with things that had never been on vinyl before. Whether that be CD only tracks, unreleased songs or music from tapes. All things which should always have been on vinyl but weren’t. There’s a serenity to the tracks you’ve chosen, was that a conscious decision? It’s music for ironing! I think if you’re going to put together a compilation there should be a flow to it, like a DJ mix. Though it sounds a bit cheesy, it should be a journey. I chose tracks at the start and at the end to bookend the selection and the songs in between undulate without ever getting too busy.

He put me in touch with his brother and soon enough I had a private press CD and another track for the collection. It was the perfect choice for ‘Moments In Time’. How did you start collecting records? I’d always bought indie bits like the Smiths and the Bunnymen, but when acid house happened in ’88 I caught that bug of trying to find things other people didn’t have, and that’s never gone away. For years I just bought records without being a collector, but gradually got specific regarding labels, artists or cover versions. When you step back, look at a room full of records and see a Minnie Driver album with a version of ‘Love Song’, you quickly realise you’ve got a problem. Is that your worst version of ‘Love Song’? Sadly not. There’s a very rare Japanese album by Shun Sakai & HP Riot which Basso (Growing Bin) told me about. It has an amazing cover, looks like an amazing record, but is totally shit. I hate that Alan Lee version I bought from Piccadilly as well. What’s your favourite work of art? Probably a Rothko, but I can never remember the names of any of them. There are three big purple-y red things in the Tate, the kind of things your mum would say were shit, but I can stare at them for hours. On a side note, my missus likes to touch famous works of art. Is there a name for that? By putting her hand where the artist has been it means she’s been there too and had a connection. She touched a Rothko in MoMA and we were trailed by gallery security for the next hour.

The compilation features one of your many versions of ‘Love Song’, can you tell me a little about that particular obsession?

Do you have any other compilations in the pipeline?

It started when I read Lesley Duncan’s obituary in the Guardian and it said that there were over 150 cover versions of ‘Love Song’. At that point I owned five or six versions and made it a mission to reach a hundred. I don’t believe there are 150, it’s been tough getting to 95. I know of another five versions but I’m struggling to find copies. I want to find them all. It will happen!

You’re our number one, but what was your favourite record this year?

What about this particular version?

As a Christmas treat, could you tell us three names from your infamous ‘list’?

I was DJing in Spiritland in London and played a Canadian version by a Christian band called Prophecy. Paul Noble, who owns the venue, came over and asked if it was ‘Love Song’, then said that his brother did the best version of it.

Hopefully another volume of this – ‘Another Moment In Time’ maybe.

Well, I went on record to say that the Nordsø & Theill was the best record I’ve heard in the last ten years, so that’s my number one. Aside from that I’m a big fan of the Penguin Café LP and the San Junipero soundtrack by Clint Mansell.

No comment [smiles wryly].

THE TOP 20 COMPILATIONS

Out Of The Blue Compiled By Phil Mison

Patrick: Narrowly pipped to the post by his Balearic buddy Moonboots, Phil Mison secures our number two spot with this gorgeous compilation of rare gems which sparkled in his legendary Cafe Del Mar sets. After a wonderfully obscure opener possibly inspired by ‘Long Train Running’ we breeze through groovy new age,

Late Night Tales Badbadnotgood

Patrick: Given their ardent love of the hip and the hop, I was half expecting a baked set of golden age head nodders here, but instead the peerless modern jazz ensemble take us on a gorgeous stroll through cinematic soul, soft focus pop and a whole host of globetrotting

gems. There’s magic from start to finish on this fine addition to the Late Night Tales catalogue, but just watch out for Steve Kuhn’s ‘The Meaning Of Love’ – a sublime vocal jazz cut primed to bring a tear to a glass eye!

Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs... Present English Weather

Barry: A hugely diverse and transformative collection of classic rock, unheard jazzy gems and pastoral folk-tinged rarities. Dreamy in places, somewhat meditative and gloomy in others, but thoroughly brilliant throughout. Superbly curated and a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

French boogie, Mediterranean house and dreamy ambient on a blissful journey. Not only is this an all killer, no filler affair, but it’s around £1798 cheaper than picking up the originals so there’s plenty of bang for your Balearic buck...

Andy: Beautifully evocative snapshot (both aural and visual: check the cover photo!) of a bygone era: British head-rock, late 60s/early 70s.There are some biggish names (Camel, Caravan, John Cale) but mostly this is under the radar stuff and all the better for it. Easy on the ear prog, folk and rock with a hint of jazziness, you really are transported to another time and place.

La Torre Ibiza Volumen Dos

Patrick: Though the White Isle may be overrun by knuckle dragging morons in shutter shades and shit vests, Hostel La Torre continues to fly the flag for Alfredo’s Ibiza, keeping the Balearic spirit intact one soothing set at a time. From their secluded setting on the West Coast of the

island, Pete Gooding and International Feel boss Mark Barrott couple old gold from Vangelis, John Barry and The Durutti Column with a healthy serving of this year’s Piccadilly records of the week. Eclectic, eccentric and easy going – now that’s what I call Balearic!

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BEHIND THE COUNTER MAX RICHTER

Barry: This is by all measures, an astonishing collection. Not only does it have the seminal classical works that you’d expect from Richter, but includes a great number of those ‘What CD is this on?!’ counter moments that we enjoy so

Joey Negro And Sean P Present The Best Of Disco Spectrum

Patrick: Legendary UK selectors Joey Negro and Sean P groove through two decades of ‘Disco Spectrum’ compilations, cherry picking their favourite moments to create the ultimate disco

of esoteric, exotic and tribal jazz. Perfectly evocative of an imagined paradise, this rhythmic set is essential listening for fans of Jan, Marco and Basso.

TOO SLOW TO DISCO VOLUME 3

Patrick: Too Slow To Disco – Volume 3 – this is bottled sunshine! A bunch of beautiful songs that might have missed the charts, but can still break your heart! Volume 3 features Balearic

setlist. An all killer, no filler affair, this triple LP hosts classics from Rare Pleasure, Omni, Idris Muhammad and Chantal Curtis. See you on the dance floor…

TROPICAL DRUMS OF DEUTSCHLAND COMPILED BY JAN SCHULTE

Patrick: Clad head to toe in the finest safari attire, percussion wizard and dance floor mystic, Jan Schulte takes us into the fictitious jungles of Europe’s heartland with this sublime collection

much. Delivering classic post-rock staples, beautiful electronics, heartfelt full-band odes and an education in classical music, this is a masterclass in curation.

unclassic “Stars And Bars”, Lee Ritenour’s “Is It You” and Grateful Dead’s frazzled disco winner “Shakedown Street”.

Warfaring Strangers Acid Nightmares

Matt: This fearsome Numero collection is made up of sonic remnants excavated following the collapse of Haight-Ashbury and the ‘Summer Of Love’. Bathed in bad vibes, strong amphetamines and cheap LSD, “Acid

Nightmares” chronicles the musical movements of biker bands, social drop-outs and narcocasualties struggling to make their voice heard against the backdrop of civil unrest and encroaching mortality.

THE TOP 20 COMPILATIONS

THE MEN IN THE GLASS BOOTH

Patrick: BBE answer the prayers of all the non-millionaire disco fans, taking us on a journey through the alternative 12” history via this exhaustive collection of acetates and DJ edits. Boasting unreleased versions of the likes

Bill Brewster Tribal Rites

Patrick: DJ Historian, dance music encyclopaedia and all round legend, Bill Brewster takes the helm for Eskimo’s latest compilation, serving up the loosest of musical autobiographies for our listening pleasure.

chugging house. Pairing a few long lost classics with the recent and decent, Harvey leaves his chin unstroked and puts the emphasis on enjoyment. Party on!

ERASED TAPES COLLECTION VIII

Barry: Erased tapes have had another great year, constantly pushing the boundaries of ‘Modern Classical’ or ‘Ambient’ music. What we have here is a wide-ranging and immersive look into their varied and fascinating output. Mournful

At a mammoth 41 tracks, and covering everything from post punk obscurities to tops off house, via the beardiest Balearic of course, this extensive collection is audio nirvana for all the trainspotters out there.

VOLUME 1: THE SOUND OF MERCURY RISING. COMPILED WITH LOVE BY DJ HARVEY

Patrick: For those of us too skint/scared to make the pilgrimage to the White Isle, DJ Harvey brings the Pikes experience to the stereo, selecting a cracking tracklist of Balearic pop, gypsy disco, Mediterranean grooves and

of Double Exposure, The Salsoul Orchestra and Gladys Knight by DJ royalty Walter Gibbons, Tee Scott and François Kevorkian, this is pure mirror ball magic folks.

modern-classical, skittering electronica, jangly neo-folk and spoken word make for a fascinating and varied overview of one of the greatest labels around today.

Running Back Mastermix By Tony Humphries

Matt: New Jersey don, Zanzibar luminary and Kiss FM’s most celebrated dance jock, Tony Humphries takes time to explore the vast Running Back catalogue and delivers a highly

enjoyable master-mix that perfectly encapsulates both the impressive depth of the label as well as Tony’s unique and coveted DJ style. Perfect for getting your party started and pulse racing.

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BROWNSWOOD BUBBLERS TWELVE PT 1 & 2

Millie: Gilles Peterson has gone and made the most perfect dreamiest compilation that I could ever have wished for. Brownswood Bubblers Twelve plays host to a huge wave of talented

turn up a twenty track selection of smooth 70s grooves. Pour yourself a glass of red, push aside that beaded curtain and watch the world go by...

PERMANENT VACATION X (10 YEARS LABEL ANNIVERSARY)

Matt: Tom Bioly and Benjamin Fröhlich’s iconic German record label Permanent Vacation celebrates 10 years at the top. A decade that’s seen John Talabot become a household name,

stomp and pogo throughout, resulting in a brilliantly curated, fantastically varied outing with a twist around every corner. Essential.

SEAFARING STRANGERS PRIVATE YACHT

Patrick: Those exceptional diggers and audio archivists at Numero do it yet again, raiding the pound bins, warehouses and thrift markets to

artists, offering us a right mixture of jazzy notes, smooth R’n’B and world beats. I’ve found new artists I wouldn’t have heard otherwise, so thanks Gilles; this is ace!

Typical Girls Volume 2

Barry: As with the last ground-breaking outing from Emotional Response, ‘Typical Girls Volume 2’ is properly stunning. Punky snarlers, thumping rock and/or roll and jangly lo-fi tackle

THE TOP 20 COMPILATIONS

Kathy Diamond a soul staple and Tensnake’s “Coma Cat” achieve modern classic status (!!!). Trend-setting and innovative in equal measure, PermVac show no signs of slowing down.

Beach Diggin’ Volume 5 Hand Picked By Guts & Mambo

Patrick: Guts & Mambo dodge the novelty beer coolers and errant Frisbees to deliver a fifth volume of the globe-trotting groove fest, ‘Beach Diggin’. Amongst other summery gems, we’re

treated to Japanese jazz-funk, a Caribbean Sade cover and an African street soul flip on a Bob Marley love song. Fine by me!

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PICCADILLY RECORDS REISSUE/COLLECTION OF THE YEAR 2017

Alice Coltrane WORLD SPIRITUALITY CLASSICS 1: THE ECSTATIC MUSIC OF ALICE COLTRANE TURIYASANGITANANDA Patrick: You know you’re onto a good thing with a Luaka Bop reissue (check William Onyeabor for further proof…), and this Technicolor retrospective of the sublime Alice Coltrane shows the multi-instrumentalist at her most spiritual. Originally available (barely) on self released cassettes dating from the mid 80s to mid 90s, the tracks on this double LP find Alice fusing gospel harmonies, Hindu mantras, hypnotic percussion and soaring, searing Carl Craig style keyboards. Perfect as an introduction or celebration of Alice’s inspirational energy, this mind-blowing, life affirming set should have us all vibrating as one.

INTRODUCING ALICE & THE ASHRAM: In the short period of time we have been involved with this aspect of Alice Coltrane’s life we have come to understand what an incredibly unique place The Sai Anantam Ashram is. Founded and created by Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda in 1983, the Ashram developed into a most welcoming, spiritually rich and ethnically diverse group of people. It was a true sanctuary, a peaceful, lush oasis, tucked away in the California hills. Families moved from across the country to raise their children here, who would play by the creek catching crawfish and frogs, or skip rocks. Today, those kids, speak of it as the greatest place on earth.

Unbeknownst to many, the Ashram became the center space for some of Alice Coltrane’s greatest, but least known music – it was also a place where, on a weekly basis you could see her perform and even perform with her. For many years, it was in fact the only way you could hear her music, music she created for that space only. At the Ashram, Alice transformed her “generosity of spirit” and “universal consciousness” into practical implements and palpable goals through the evidence of her music and the abiding example of her devotion. And although it became a singular and generally underappreciated journey, there is some wonderful symmetry in her taking what had been a shared vision with John Coltrane further than anybody would have imagined. Eric Welles Nyström (Luaka Bop)

THE TOP 10 REISSUE/COLLECTIONS OF THE YEAR: REISSUE/COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

To get to the Sai Anantam Ashram, one must drive through the entire length of the San Fernando Valley, toward the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, before turning down a road that winds through Agourra Hills, the land brown and red with tufts of white and green brush. Past a vineyard and an equestrian center, there is a dirt road to the ashram’s gate, which was open to the public for only four hours each Sunday. The grounds are almost silent. On a bright Sunday afternoon, there are only eight people at the Vedantic Center’s service. Plastic patio chairs line the walls of the unadorned room and marigold throw pillows are scattered throughout atop plush royal-blue carpet. The devotees, clad all in white, sit still yet sing with great fervor. Music fills the room; led by an organist situated between garlanded portraits of Sai Baba and Swamini Turiyasangitananda, the gathered sing more than a dozen hymns, accompanied by organ and the hand drums, bells, and rattles that the devotees play themselves.

The bhajans segue into one another, and, curiously, these Indian hymns have a Pentecostal gospel feel to them, the blues coursing through each mesmerizing movement to suggest a place where Southeast Asia and the Deep South of America meet. After the two-hour service is concluded, the small congregation gathers for fellowship. Since the Swamini’s passing on January 12, 2007, only seven people live at the ashram. Over carrot-raisin bread and a paper cup of strawberry lemonade from Trader Joe’s, the remaining devotees of Turiyasangitananda discuss the upcoming anniversary of their Swamini’s passing. The word death is not used. One member says that they should no longer call it a “memorial,” as that word lingers on the past. Another offers up a suggestion: The anniversary should be called an ascension, as a way to keep the blessed Swamini Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda forever in the present. Andy Beta (Pitchfork, January 12, 2017)

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CAN The Singles

Patrick: Once described by my colleague Mandy (names have been changed for confidentiality) as a bunch of German druggies each playing a different song, Can have a reputation for the eccentric (or eclectic, or insane). It may surprise some then that the Kosmische legends were more than capable of knocking up killer pop

Acetone 1992-2001

Darryl: Throughout their career Acetone were firm Piccadilly favourites (staff and customers) right up to the heart-breaking and untimely suicide of Richie Lee. Unfortunately, this love didn’t seem to extend to the wider record buying community, and Acetone were largely ignored for most of their career. Completely out of step with the grunge and indie sounds that dominated the scene at the time, the Los Angeles’ trio were

famed for their languid country-psych rock, creating beautiful sunburnt soundscapes that perfectly captured the vastness of their surroundings. So, imagine our glee when reissue experts Light In The Attic released this fabulous anthology featuring nine previously unreleased tracks. Maybe now they’ll achieve the acclaim that they always deserved!

The Congos Heart Of The Congos TRIPLE DISC EDITION

Martin: Lee Perry’s output, like so many talented but differently wired individuals, oscillates between occasional shambles and pure genius. In this case, thankfully, it is very much the latter; the marriage of Cedric Myton’s falsetto and Roy ‘Ashanti’ Johnson’s rich tenor would be

tunes, 23 of which feature here. Alongside big tracks like the b-boy classic ‘Vitamin C’ and wavy Krautfunk great ‘I Want More’, we also get to sample some lesser known sounds like the bluesy blinder ‘She Brings The Rain’ and the infectious idiocy of ‘Turtles Have Short Legs’.

Radiohead OK Computer

gorgeous if they were reading a PPI advert, but here they are the perfect instrument to deliver possibly the most exquisite vocal harmonies in the history of roots rock. Unbelievable that Island Records knocked it back at the time!

OKNOTOK 1997-2017

Barry: I can’t think of anyone that wasn’t floored by Radiohead’s transformation from grungy gloom mongers to the indie/electronic greats they have become today, and this was the turning point. Liberally spread with their trademark morosity but with an unheard technical ability, ‘OK Computer’ was a stinging criticism of modernity delivered via a new sonic

language. Now, twenty years after its landmark release, the band revisits this masterpiece with the definitive version. Alongside the original twelve track LP we’re treated to eight B-sides and a trio of previously unreleased tracks from the same era. This isn’t just an LP, it’s a historical document.

THE TOP 10 REISSUES/COLLECTIONS OF THE YEAR

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Lovely Creatures THE BEST OF (1984–2014)

Laura: Nick Cave has been one of the most influential and distinctive songwriter / performers of the last 30 odd years. With such a brilliant and varied catalogue spanning 15 LPs, I’d find it virtually impossible to select a mere 21 ‘best

Zazou / Bikaye / CY 1 Noir Et Blanc

Patrick: Boasting the oft-bootlegged, but always exceptional ‘Lamuka’ alongside eight more mind-bending body-movers, ‘Noir Et Blanc’ pits Bony Biyake’s traditional Congolese vocals

techno heads, Balearic beards and psych collectors were all united in rapturous counter chatter, all raving about this Japanese ambient classic. It’s time to join the conversation…

Throbbing Gristle: 20 Jazz Funk Greats 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Patrick: Although it clocks in at eleven tracks, none of which are even vaguely jazz-funk, this LP really is great. Better than great actually – it’s a sleazy, queasy, properly perverted masterpiece. In a move which laid the blueprint for the

against Hector Zazou’s avant-jazz arrangements and CY 1’s deranged synth grooves. The result is nothing short of breath taking and still stands up as the finest Afro-cosmic record ever released.

Midori Takada Through The Looking Glass (2017 RE-EDITION)

Ryan: Every now and again we stock something which has the whole spectrum of our customers in palpitations. This WRWTFWW reissue was the perfect case in point. Suddenly indie kids,

of’ tracks, but Nick and ex Bad Seed Mick Harvey have managed it, and that’s what you get here on the vinyl and standard CD editions of this release. The deluxe expands further and is spread across 3CDs and a live/interview DVD.

industrial and EBM movements which followed, Hull’s finest married post punk grit with corrosive synthesis to create a truly unsettling listen.

Haruomi Hosono, Shigeru Suzuki & Tatsuro Yamashita Pacific

Patrick: Collectors rejoiced this year as another Japanese gem got the necessary reissue treatment. After hanging around the top of mine and Ryan’s wishlist for the past few years, this

jazzy, synth-heavy slice of sunkissed exotica landed just in time for the summer season. So forget the frost, don your swimwear and dive right into the Pacific!

2017

LIARS • TFCF Limited Deluxe Edition / Vinyl / CD includes Cred Woes & Staring At Zero

CAN • The Singles New compilation on Triple Vinyl / CD original single versions, including Spoon, Vitamin C, Halleluwah and Future Days

ERASURE • World Be Gone Limited Edition Orange Vinyl / CD Includes Love You To The Sky, World Be Gone and Just A Little Love

THROBBING GRISTLE • All albums reissued Deluxe vinyl / CD Entire catalogue re-issued. Box sets of unreleased material in 2018

LEE RANALDO • Electric Trim Double Vinyl includes lyric book / CD Debut Mute release from Sonic Youth co-founder

BEN FROST • The Centre Cannot Hold Limited Edition Blue Vinyl / CD Recorded with Steve Albini Includes Threshold Of Faith & Ionia

GOLDFRAPP • Silver Eye Deluxe Vinyl / CD Includes Anymore, Systemagic and Everything Is Never Enough

A CERTAIN RATIO • All albums reissued Deluxe vinyl / CD Entire catalogue re-issued. Box sets of unreleased material in 2018

Available from Piccadilly Records or visit mute.com for more information

BOX SETS OF THE YEAR: TOP 3

PICCADILLY RECORDS BOX SET OF THE YEAR 2017 From Buzzcocks to Britpop, Manchester North Of England is the ultimate tribute to the independent output of that most important and iconic of musical cities, with 146 tracks across seven CDs in a deluxe box set.

Manchester North Of England Manchester North Of England was inspired by a cassette which Jon Ronson did with Sarah Champion back in 1988. I’d moved to Manchester in 2011 and was working with the Inspirals on their last album in 2013, when we got chatting about that cassette. From those conversations, the 7-CD box set evolved, though it took maybe three years, off and on. What was amazing was how much music came out of (Greater) Manchester

A STORY OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC GREATER MANCHESTER 1977-1993

during that period – much more than most other cities. Although the backbone of the compilation is indie, we tried to broaden it to include other styles (punk, pop, dance, reggae, hip hop). Due acknowledgements to sleeve-note writer Mick Middles, designer Keith Davey and Manchester Digital Music Archive for their help. John Reed (Box Set Compiler).

3. DAVID BOWIE : A NEW CAREER IN A NEW TOWN (1977–1982) 2. THE SMITHS THE QUEEN IS DEAD DELUXE Darryl: This landmark album from 1986 is reissued in deluxe CD and vinyl box set editions. Both featuring additional recordings including demos, B-Sides and alternative versions, along with a ‘Live in Boston’ album. The CD box set also includes a DVD.

Darryl: A mouth-watering box featuring all of the material released by Bowie between 1977 and 1982 including the acclaimed “Berlin Trilogy” of albums. Both the CD and vinyl box sets have the same content including a 84 page hardback book and the albums; ‘Low’, ‘Heroes’, ‘Stage’ (Original and 2017 editions), ‘Lodger’ (original and 2017 editions), ‘Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)’, ‘Re:Call 3’ (non-albums singles, single versions, and B-sides) along with the ‘Heroes’ EP.

BONOBO MIGRATION

THUNDERCAT PRESENTS DRUNK (BRAINFEEDER)

BICEP BICEP

ACTRESS AZD

FOREST SWORDS COMPASSION

JORDAN RAKEI WALLFLOWER

BOX SETS OF THE YEAR: TOP 10

4. HÜSKER DÜ: SAVAGE YOUNG DÜ Darryl: Capturing Husker Du at an early point in their career, reissue kings Numero have come up trumps again with a superb CD and vinyl box collection of 69 tracks (47 previously unissued) spread across four LPs or three CDs.

5. KRAFTWERK: 3-D THE CATALOGUE Darryl: Available on both CD and vinyl box-set editions, the ‘3-D Catalogue’ features new live recordings of Kraftwerk’s eight classic albums recorded at various locations around the world between 2012-2016.

6. LIFT TO EXPERIENCE: THE TEXAS JERUSALEM CROSSROADS Darryl: The definitive edition of this incredible 2001 album from the Texas based trio fronted by Josh T. Pearson. The vinyl box set edition includes the original LP plus a previously unreleased peel session and a hard to find EP.

7. VARIOUS ARTISTS: NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM: FORMATIVE EUROPEAN ELECTRONICA 1974-1984 Darryl: Cherry Red do it again! The sequel to the ‘Close To The Noise Floor’ from last year. This four CD box set tracks the journey into the origins of European electronica.

8. BLACK SABBATH: THE TEN YEARS WAR DELUXE VINYL BOX SET Darryl: A stunning vinyl box set including their first eight classic albums plus two 7”s all remastered and reproduced. Also includes a crucifix shaped USB stick with MQA high definition audio of the eight albums.

9. THE VERVE: URBAN HYMNS (20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) Andy: Incredible album which has mega melodies alongside deeper, darker cuts, gets remastered for its 20th anniversary. Energized melancholia, passion distilled, this is quite simply a beautiful record. There’s a super deluxe CD box set edition and a six LP vinyl version (including a download code for extra audio featured on the CD edition.

10. VARIOUS ARTISTS: MILK OF THE TREE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF FEMALE VOCAL FOLK AND SINGER-SONGWRITERS 1966-73 Darryl: A three CD box set with a 44-page booklet providing a perfect snapshot of a time and a place with some reflective and beautiful tracks as its soundtrack.

ALBUMS OF 2017

MAXIMO PARK RISK TO EXIST TCOOKING VINYLL

THE CRIBS 24/7 ROCK STAR SHIT TSONIC BLEWW

DINOSAUR TOGETHER, AS ONE EEDITIONN

NOSAJ THING PARALLELS SINNOVATIVE LEISUREE

SOCCER MOMMY COLLECTION NFAT POSSUMM

THE DISTRICTS POPULAR MANIPULATIONS SFAT POSSUMM

JOHNNY FLYNN SILLION NTRANSGRESSIVEE

TALL SHIPS IMPRESSIONS SFAT CATT

SPLASHH WAITING A LIFETIME ECINEMATICC

UNKLE THE ROAD: PART 1 1SONGS FOR THE DEFF

FIONN REGAN THE MEETINGS OF THE WATERS SABBEY RECORDSS

PALE SEAS STARGAZING FOR BEGINNERS SABBEY RECORDSS

SINGLES OF THE YEAR

PICCADILLY RECORDS SINGLE OF THE YEAR 2017

Bitter End ECHO LOVES NARCISSUS / GET THE LOVE

Matt: Here it is folks! Our first official 12” chart in booklet history is unveiled! ‘Single of the year Vol. 1’ or SOTY001 - comes from Sheffield’s favourite party technician - Crooked Man, working as Bitter End in this instance. This double header’s remained a solid entry to

our record bags across the year, from Kickin’ Pigeon to big D.W, with even an excitable Coastin’ Patch conceding the BPMs to get down on this throbber. The kinda slow burning double A-side that creeps up on the masses with little hype or fanfare before soon enough it’s quietly nestled in much of the city’s ‘secret weapon’ section. A perfectly historic dance music addition to kick off this, ‘Singles of the Year’ guide....

2. CITIZEN OF PEACE: HUMANATURE / HEART DANCE REMIXES Patrick: Narrowly pipped at the post by the brilliant Bitter End, this glorious bit of Japanese cosmic packs life-changing power within its well pressed grooves. On the A-side, Kuniyuki transforms CoP’s OG into a stunning spiritual house bomb (at 45) / ambient groover (at 33), while the flip sees Calm finding the middle ground between cosmic disco and Kanye to create my favourite musical moment of the year. 3. CHILDREN OF ZEUS: I CAN’T WAIT Millie: Local duo Children of Zeus entered the Piccadilly consciousness in April with a contender for the grooviest seven inch of all time! Seamlessly smooth and overflowing with charm it’s one that I’ve been playing non-stop. Soul infused hip hop with an effortless vibe, yes please! 4. KAMASI WASHINGTON: HARMONY OF DIFFERENCE Sil: If you enjoyed “The Epic”, then you’re in for a treat with this EP. Washington’s music is in touch with the social issues that surround our world. Watch the video for ‘Truth’ and you will have a taster of the message. His multilayered approach and execution of jazz and his sometimes cinematic optic hint to even greater things yet to come. 5. LES YEUX ORANGE: 1979 Dave: The best re-edit of the year you say?! You’ll hear nothing but a rowdy chorus of approval here at Piccadilly HQ. Coming across somewhere between a raucous Rio samba party and that night out in an underground Parisian disco circa 1980 that you dreamt about one time, ‘Pacifico’ pretty much saved the very idea of edits in 2017. 6. IL BOSCO: MORE HITZ FROM THE MANCTALO DISKOTEK Patrick: Manchester’s number one gee blasted past the bulbs this year with a slew of killer Red Laser releases, not least this beast. Teaming up with mysterious local The Bat*, Il Bosco blew us all away with his digging prowess and editing excellence. Buzzing! 7. DJ NORMAL 4 & BUFIMAN: THE 5 ELEMENTS EP PT. 1 Matt: Definitely responsible for one of my favourite moments at Wet Play this year; head-turning, entheogenic-breakbeats from two producers accountable for seriously changing the trajectory of dance music in 2017. 8. RANDOMER: SMOKIN Matt: Randomer (and much of the LIES staple) have been guilty of flipping and reinventing the techno blueprint on a number of occasions. It’s a slow, deliberate, wrecking ball of technoid grit, this bad boi.

ALBUMS OF 2017

THE THE RADIO CINEOLA: TRILOGY YCINEOLAA

ARIEL PINK DEDICATED TO BOBBY JAMESON NMEXICAN SUMMERR

MT. WOLF AETHERLIGHT TCRCC

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT THE NASHVILLE SOUND DTHIRTY TIGERSS

THE DUKE SPIRIT SKY IS MINE EEX VOTOO

COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS HONEST LIFE ELOOSEE

BINKER & MOSES

MICAH P HINSON PRESENTS THE HOLY STRANGERS SFULL TIME HOBBYY

DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD

GABRIEL GARZON MONTANO JARDIN NSTONES THROWW

TUXEDO TUXEDO II ISTONES THROWW

JOURNEY TO THE MOUNTAIN OF FOREVER

RGEARBOXX

RUN THE JEWELS RUN THE JEWELS 3 3RUN THE JEWELS INCC

BRILLIANT LIGHT TLOOSEE

SINGLES OF THE YEAR

9. ANDI HANLEY: RK #13 Patrick: Hanners makes his second appearance* in our inaugural singles’ chart with a mega double pack for Ruf Kutz, digging deeper to deliver four intoxicating and untraceable edits. 10. BARTELLOW & DJ GROUND: SHIROI UMA Patrick: Munich’s Bartellow has been an ever present in my record box this year, and his collaboration with Japan’s DJ Ground flips lids wherever it goes. Kosmische, kraut and psychedelia concentrated into mind-bending club tackle. 11. POWDER: H Patrick: Two years on from her essential debut and Powder is poised for world domination. Armed with uniquely trippy sound design and a total mastery of FX, this Japanese sensation is changing the game one release at a time. 12. JOAO DONATO E DONATINHO: LEI DO AMOR Dave: If a more perfect slice of Brazillian boogie exists I’ve yet to hear it. This is the aural equivalent of sipping a Caipirinha whilst watching the sunset over Ipanema beach. 13. DJ WINDOWS XP: SOMETIMES I FEEL HAPPY, SOMETIMES I FEEL SAD Sil: Not only a damn good operating system but also a great DJ name. This irreverent and cheeky Dutch duo know how to make you shake it with their calm sentimentalism and thumping beats. 14. ALEXX A-GAME: BRAVER (SWING TING EDITS) Matt: Out of all these choice selections, this has a special place in my heart. Lovingly conceived at one of our city’s best club nights, Swing Ting and Alexx-A-Game’s all conquering JA-dancehall-Balearic crossover unites any gathering. 15. BRENDA BEACHBALL RAY: DIGI DRIFTS EP Patrick: Another vintage year for Aficionado came to a close with this dubby dream from the genius mind of Brenda Ray. Intoxicating and evocative music in a world of its own. #WellBalearic 16. APTA: BBS011EP Patrick: Mailout king and electronica expert Barry dropped his first ever vinyl this year, joining the talented Black Beacon crew with a pair of soft focus soothers packed with modular optimism. 17. LOST PROPERTY: LOST PROPERTY Matt: The keen eared amongst you will recognize this from an infamous DJ Dogwalker / HS2-CRU mix earlier in the year. Warehouse dwelling acid greatness, so good they started AND ended the mix with it! 18. BURNT FRIEDMAN: DEAD SAINTS CHRONICLES Matt: Ali’s Marionette label has been one of this year’s new treasures. They’ve all been great but I think it’s Friedman’s midnight mushroom ritual that clinches top spot. Unfathomably captivating and esoteric. 19. E DAVD: STAR SIGN Matt: Another year another Natural Sciences’ underground BOMB. Alex’s A&R knows no bounds as he signs E Davd for the firm. KPs 2nd fave release on the label after the D. Futers Dolphin Trax. 20. THE POSSE: SEASONS GREETINGS Matt: How could we compile this chart without mentioning Melbourne’s magical ascension, especially in house, techno and boogie. Too many acts and labels to mention but Ken Oath (and this record) are one of the leading lights.

STAFF CHARTS

DARRYL Keen readers of the Piccadilly staff charts intros will have noted that last year I got engaged! The story continued in 2017 as Lety and I had an amazing time getting married in the Victorian neo-gothic splendour of Manchester Town Hall, it was a truly wonderful and memorable day! Many thanks to all guests that came to the wedding and the reception, particularly friends and relatives who made the long trips from America and Mexico. As if arranging a wedding didn’t make our lives hectic enough we also moved house, albeit only around the corner, but it proved to be very stressful none the less! It was a good job we had some amazing relaxing holidays in Croatia and an extremely hot Macedonia. I’m looking forward to a quieter and more settled 2018! As for my musical choices, the Oh Sees ‘Orc’ album completely stood out for me this year particularly on the back of an awe-inspiring gig at Academy. Elsewhere Protomartyr appealed to my early Sonic Youth senses, the Moonlandingz were wonderfully odd, Mogwai returned better than ever, and Broken Social Scene provided some excellent indie-rock…

PATRICK Regular customers of our yearly booklet may have picked up on my penchant for renovation, and 2017 began with a bang, whirr, saw and sand as we ripped it up to start again. Though our Rusholme manor may have a hint of Trigger’s broom about it these days, it looks and feels better than ever, and we’re delighted to call it home. Moving seamlessly from rebirth to birth, August saw my sister bring a gorgeous little girl into the world, giving me the perfect excuse to spend an extra few minutes perusing the toy aisle in Hulme ASDA (other supermarkets are available). At the other end of the age range, my Grandma took another step towards her century this year, celebrating a remarkable 99th birthday with all her family and friends. When I see her holding my new-born niece, it becomes easy to gain a little perspective on things. Musically speaking, our regular road-trips to Cosmic Slop were augmented with a little techno tourism as we flew to Milan for Baldelli and Paris for Les Yeux Orange. Though I’d heartily recommend any of these activities, my clubbing highlight has to be Wet Play’s summer party at White Hotel.

1. OH SEES: ORC 2. PROTOMARTYR: RELATIVES IN DESCENT 3. THE MOONLANDINGZ: INTERPLANETARY CLASS CLASSICS 4. MOGWAI: EVERY COUNTRY’S SUN 5. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE: HUG OF THUNDER 6. ALDOUS HARDING: PARTY 7. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 8. BIG THIEF: CAPACITY 9. L.A. WITCH: L.A. WITCH 10. FLAT WORMS: FLAT WORMS 11. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 12. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN: DAMAGE AND JOY 13. MOON DUO: OCCULT ARCHITECTURE VOL.1 14. THE BLACK ANGELS: DEATH SONG 15. ACETONE: 1992-2001 16. IDLES: BRUTALISM 17. DAMAGED BUG: BUNKER FUNK 18. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: THE FRENCH PRESS 19. THIS IS THE KIT: MOONSHINE FREEZE 20. ALICE COLTRANE: WORLD SPIRITUALITY CLASSICS 1

1. V/A: MOMENTS IN TIME COMPILED BY MOONBOOTS 2. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 3. NORDSØ & THEILL: NORDSØ & THEILL 4. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 5. TORNADO WALLACE: LONELY PLANET 6. KENDRICK LAMAR: DAMN 7. DUTCH UNCLES: BIG BALLOON 8. V/A: OUT OF THE BLUE COMPILED BY PHIL MISON 9. BARTELLOW: PANOKORAMA 10. MOLLY NILSSON: IMAGINATIONS 11. THUNDERCAT: DRUNK 12. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 13. CHILDISH GAMBINO: AWAKEN MY LOVE 14. ALICE COLTRANE: WORLD SPIRITUALITY CLASSICS 1 15. TRANCE: TAPES 16. HAPPY MEALS: FULL ASHRAM DEVOTIONAL CEREMONY VOLUMES IV-VI 17. JLIN: BLACK ORIGAMI 18. HAMPSHIRE & FOAT: GALAXIES LIKE GRAINS OF SAND 19. HORSEBEACH: BEAUTY & SADNESS 20. VISIBLE CLOAKS: REASSEMBLAGE

STAFF CHARTS

Laura Rolling Blackouts have ruled my turntable this year, easily my most listened to album. The politically charged blast of The Idles has been a firm favourite and Flat Worms arrived late in the day but catapulted themselves straight into my top three. Protomartyr, Oh Sees and Afghan Whigs also provided some good noisy diversions this year. The Charlatans LP follows on from where Modern Nature left off and always lifts my spirits the second the needle hits the groove. Horsebeach, Girl Ray and Big Thief serve up indie guitar gems, while Moon Duo, The Moonlandingz, Black Angels and Duds all deliver more wayward sounds, and LCD Soundsystem and A Tribe Called Quest both returned in fine style. The Acetone retrospective is fantastic, as is the Manchester North Of England box set – an amazingly comprehensive collection that transported me back to my teens and early days at the shop. And finally, I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz this year. (My teenage self is rolling her eyes and muttering something about being an old fart) It’s been mostly old stuff, but Portico Quartet and Alice Coltrane (not strictly jazz!) are two newies that have hit the spot.

Barry Well, well. Another year flies by and here I am still, happily plugging away at writing intros / being allowed to relate to you strange poems and tales via the medium of the weekly mailout. It’s been a big year for me, with a wedding to sort out, solo live show(s) being performed, and my first 7” being released! A good year all round! There’s been a lot of great releases on the Barryometer, with Constellation records once again wooing me to within an inch of my life with new releases from GYBE and Do Make Say Think being given a spot on the list the moment I heard them. I’ve also been gifted a musical revelation regarding my previously held genre ideals with both Moon ‘The Egg’ Boots and Phil Mison smashing out stunning Balearic compilations making me rethink my whole vibe, though I’m sure it would fit better on a sandy beach than on a foisty ‘85. Here’s to finding out.

1. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: THE FRENCH PRESS 2. FLAT WORMS: FLAT WORMS 3. IDLES: BRUTALISM 4. THE CHARLATANS: DIFFERENT DAYS 5. PROTOMARTYR: RELATIVES IN DESCENT 6. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 7. A TRIBE CALLED QUEST: WE GOT IT FROM HERE... THANK YOU 4 YOUR SERVICE 8. OH SEES: ORC 9. THE MOONLANDINGZ: INTERPLANETARY CLASS CLASSICS 10. HORSEBEACH: BEAUTY & SADNESS 11. A LICE COLTRANE: WORLD SPIRITUALITY CLASSICS 1 12. GIRL RAY: EARL GREY 13. DUDS: OF A NATURE OR DEGREE 14. BIG THIEF: CAPACITY 15. PORTICO QUARTET: ART IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION 16. ACETONE: 1992-2001 17. AFGHAN WHIGS: IN SPADES 18. THE BLACK ANGELS: DEATH SONG 19. VARIOUS ARTISTS: MANCHESTER NORTH OF ENGLAND... 20. MOON DUO: OCCULT ARCHITECTURE VOL.2

1. DO MAKE SAY THINK: STUBBORN PERSISTENT ILLUSIONS 2. GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR: LUCIFERIAN TOWERS 3. CHMMR: AUTO 4. COM TRUISE: ITERATION 5. MOGWAI: EVERY COUNTRY’S SUN 6. LUSINE: SENSORIMOTOR 7. JON BROOKS: AUTRES DIRECTIONS 8. BALMORHEA: CLEAR LANGUAGE 9. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: THE FRENCH PRESS 10. MORPHOEX: SOVIET SYSTEM 11. PYE CORNER AUDIO: THE SPIRAL 12. A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN: IRIS 13. SALTLAND: A COMMON TRUTH 14. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 15. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 16. LALI PUNA: TWO WINDOWS 17. WARM DIGITS: WIRELESS WORLD 18. BEN FROST: THE CENTRE CANNOT HOLD 19. ROBERT AIKI AUBREY LOWE: TOW ORB REEL 20. FARBROR RESANDE MAC: FARBROR RESANDE MAC

HIPPO CAMPUS - LANDMARK HHHH All Music HHHH Spill Magazine

PETER SILBERMAN - IMPERMANENCE HHHHH The 405 HHHH The Guardian HHHH Uncut

THE MOONLANDINGZ INTERPLANETARY CLASS CLASSICS HHHH NME HHHH The Guardian HHHH Q Magazine

BLAENAVON - THAT’S YOUR LOT HHHHH DIY HHHH Q HHHH The Line of Best Fit

SONGHOY BLUES - RÉSISTANCE HHHH The Guardian HHHH Q HHHH Mojo

ALVVAYS - ANTISOCIALITES HHHHH DIY HHHH Pitchfork HHHH Uncut

RELEASED IN 2017

STAFF CHARTS

DAVE This year was a biggie for me. I turned fifty. I spent an amazing week in New York watching Tornado Wallace on a Brooklyn roof top bar, The War On Drugs at Terminal Five and THEN, my best friends getting secretly married at City Hall, followed by more drinks on a different rooftop bar capped off by what turned out to be the world’s best (unintentionally free) steak in Brooklyn. After that Lou and I had to spend a week relaxing on the beach in Mexico, sometimes life can be so good you forget all about rainy Monday mornings. I got a new hobby, more befitting of a man of my advanced years. No longer do I spend most of my weekends frowning as I match my bpms, no! Now I spend them building sheds and digging over my raised beds. Getting an allotment has been good for my soul, at least it is now I’ve blocked out everyone telling me to ‘get some potatoes in...’ Musically, the aforementioned Tornado Wallace and War on Drugs plus the much dreaded but actually pretty triumphant, return of LCD Soundsystem provided the highlights of what, all in all, has been a pretty good year.

Millie Well 2017 has been a busy ol’ year for me! I’ve hit some of the key milestones in life by turning twenty one and graduating from my university degree. Now that’s all done and dusted I’ve been devoting my time to more important things, records! At the end of this year, when Sara left the shop (miss you Sara!) I started working backstage with my fellow mail order pals Dave and Mine, answering emails, taking phone calls, organising records – all that sort of jazz. I’ve also recorded a handful of radio shows spinning my records over the airwaves on Reform Radio and playing records in a couple of bars. It’s all very new to me but a brilliant way to listen to all my favourite records and share them. You’ll see from my chart what I’ve been loving but I need to mention them again. Sampha stole my heart with Process for my number one this year but Kendrick Lamar, Sudan Archives, Kelly Lee Owens & Abstract Orchestra all need to be mentioned again here because they’re that good. I hope you all have a lovely year, see you next time!

1. TORNADO WALLACE: LONELY PLANET 2. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 3. THE WAR ON DRUGS: A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING 4. PORTICO QUARTET: ART IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION 5. YUSSEF KAMAAL: BLACK FOCUS 6. FARBROR RESANDE MAC: FARBROR RESANDE MAC 7. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 8. SLOWDIVE: SLOWDIVE 9. TENNIS: YOURS CONDITIONALLY 10. FLOATING POINTS: REFLECTIONS 11. BECK: COLORS 12. DON LEISURE: SHABOO 13. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 14. MOLLY NILSSON: IMAGINATIONS 15. HAMPSHIRE & FOAT: GALAXIES LIKE GRAINS OF SAND 16. THE NATIONAL: SLEEP WELL BEAST 17. RUN THE JEWELS: RUN THE JEWELS 3 18. KENDRICK LAMAR: DAMN 19. GHOSTPOET: SHEDDING SKIN 20. NADINE SHAH: HOLIDAY DESTINATION

1. SAMPHA: PROCESS 2. ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA: DILLA 3. ALVVAYS: NTISOCIALITES 4. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 5. KENDRICK LAMAR: DAMN 6. SUDAN ARCHIVES: SUDAN ARCHIVES 7. JAMILA WOODS: HEAVN 8. HORSEBEACH: BEAUTY & SADNESS 9. THUNDERCAT: DRUNK 10. RUN THE JEWELS: RUN THE JEWELS 3 11. MAHATMA X: A MOBTOWN SUITE VOL. 1 12. MOONCHILD: VOYAGER 13. DEEP THROAT CHOIR: BE OK 14. MOUNT KIMBE: LOVE WHAT SURVIVES 15. A LICE COLTRANE: WORLD SPIRITUALITY CLASSICS 1 16. TENNIS: YOURS CONDITIONALLY 17. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 18. GHOSTPOET: DARK DAYS & CANAPÉS 19. BEACH HOUSE: B SIDES AND RARITIES 20. FLOATING POINTS: REFLECTIONS

proper

STAFF CHARTS

Matt 2017 is my tenth year in the shop! From boy to man some might say; or not, as others surely will. It’s a testament to you lot out there and the music that’s been released, not to mention the charismatic and unwavering charms of my fellow vinyl merchants (yes Dave that’s you!) that’s kept me here. During that time, the ephemeral world of dance music has gone through many mutations – we’ve seen the all-conquering rise of UK bass culture, from dubstep to funky; we’ve had skwee from Sweden, (and electro-swing from London – ha!); footwork, although existing earlier in Chicago, is now a household term and shamanic house (a style I’m pretty sure I coined) is now a fully recognized genre. Online ‘discussion’ (a-hem) has revolved around validity of edits to bootlegs and now to official, licensed reissues; there’s been revived interest in street soul, boogie and proto-house; with industrial, minimal wave and even 1990s deep house the current subject of interest. Even my sonic hero Jamal Moss is finally getting the recognition he deserves! Terrence McKenna once said that half of experience is novelty. Here’s to another ten years in the trenches!

Andy You probably wouldn’t remember, but in times gone by I’d often go on about my kids. Then I realised that nobody really cares about other people’s children, even ones as “amazing” as mine and Joanne’s! Well guess what, after 20 years of the 4 of us, there’s now only 2! Both kids away: let the Fun begin! Possibly. One of my all-time song-writing heroes has returned this year with easily my favourite record. Patrick recently joked that anybody applying for a job here needed to be conversant in, or at least sufficiently ready for, my Michael Head ramblings. An impromptu Saturday club of Mick Musings had drawn much Mick-ey taking from my colleagues and now the maestro has actually released something, well they better all run for cover! ASP is a glorious blend of folk, 60s/80s/ jangle and romantic, poetic story telling. Each song is like an enchanted snow globe where Mick sets the scene, introduces the characters, floats some plot then leaves the rest up to us. These are mini vignettes, classic tunes embellished with horns, strings and trademark acoustic, worlds to get lost in, where the mundane meets the mystical. He’s the last troubadour.

1. RADIOACTIVE MAN: LUXURY SKY GARDEN 2. YOUR OLD DROOG: PACKS 3. KRIKOR: KOUCHIAN: PACIFIC ALLEY 4. ARIEL PINK: DEDICATED TO BOBBY JAMESON 5. TORNADO WALLACE: LONELY PLANET 6. BJORN TORSKE & PRINS THOMAS: SQUARE ONE 7. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 8. KING JAMMY: WATERHOUSE DUB 9. LINDSTROM: IT’S ALRIGHT BETWEEN US AS IT IS 10. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: THE FRENCH PRESS 11. DBH: MASS 12. CHMMR: AUTO 13. DJ SPORTS: MODERN SPECIES 14. COM TRUISE: ITERATION 15. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 16. FOREST SWORDS: COMPASSION 17. BRAINWALTZERA: POLY-ANA 18. GARRETT: PRIVATE LIFE 19. HYPE WILLIAMS: RAINBOW EDITIONS 20. LARAAJI: BRING ON THE SUN

1. MICHAEL HEAD & THE RED ELASTIC BAND: ADIÓS SEÑOR PUSSYCAT 2. THE WAR ON DRUGS: A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING 3. THE HORRORS: V 4. MICHAEL NAU: SOME TWIST 5. CLIENTELE: MUSIC FOR THE AGE OF MIRACLES 6. HAPPYNESS: WRITE IN 7. SPOON: HOT THOUGHTS 8. CIGARETTES AFTER SEX: CIGARETTES AFTER SEX 9. ALVVAYS: ANTISOCIALITES 10. ARIEL PINK: DEDICATED TO BOBBY JAMESON 11. HORSEBEACH: BEAUTY & SADNESS 12. PHOENIX: TI AMO 13. MOLLY NILSSON: IMAGINATIONS 14. SLOWDIVE: SLOWDIVE 15. BNQT: VOLUME 1 16. THE MOONLANDINGZ: INTERPLANETARY CLASS CLASSICS 17. THE CHARLATANS: DIFFERENT DAYS 18. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: THE FRENCH PRESS 19. BEACH FOSSILS: SOMERSAULT 20. CHILDHOOD: UNIVERSAL HIGH

STAFF CHARTS

Silvestre Acetone ‘1992–2001’, which to me epitomizes the imagery of LA is my top choice this year. A collection of songs filled with moods and feelings that are very evocative of the West Coast sound. The liner notes could not describe Los Angeles any better; ‘… a place composed of infinite intersections full of nothing remarkable’. And I cannot disagree, with the exception of the freshly cooked Mexican food you can get at the Whole Foods in Venice. I also have Los Angeles much to thank for being the setting of the classics Blade Runner and the mind-blowing Blade Runner 2049. One of the highlights this 2017 was my honeymoon road trip along the US 101. One of the most scenic and gorgeous places in the world packed with dramatic landscapes, gorgeous spots and people. Highly recommended. Let’s hope 2018 keep bringing us excellent music and unique moments.

MINE Another year has flown by and I’m probably repeating myself but... WHERE HAS TIME GONE? It seems like the older I get the quicker time passes and now that I’m approaching the big 30 (send mid-life crisis hacks my way) time becomes more and more precious to me. My last year in my twenties has seen me enter my third year in university as well as dive into mail order territory and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. I haven’t made a decision on how this year compares to 2016 in terms of music yet, but I think 2017 might have taken the lead. I still haven’t developed a passion for disco, jazz or techno, though, so genre wise my top 20 albums are not a million miles away from last year’s. I don’t, however, seem to shy away as much from mellower and even poppier tunes - of which there are plenty on some of my favourite records this year - anymore. (Definitely getting old...) Have a cracking new year everyone!

1. ACETONE: 1992-2001 2. TORNADO WALLACE: LONELY PLANET 3. THEE OH SEES: ORC 4. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 5. PYE CORNER AUDIO: STASIS 6. HEADLAND: TRUE FLOWERS FROM THIS PAINTED WORLD 7. FLOATING POINTS: REFLECTIONS — MOJAVE DESERT 8. FOREST SWORDS: COMPASSION 9. CHMMR: AUTO 10. THE WAR ON DRUGS: A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING 11. FARBROR RESANDE MAC: FARBROR RESANDE MAC 12. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 13. COM TRUISE: ITERATION 14. SLOWDIVE: SLOWDIVE 15. VARIOUS ARTISTS: OUTRO TEMPO 16. HANNAH PEEL: MARY CASSIO: JOURNEY TO CASSIOPEIA 17. MOON DUO: OCCULT ARCHITECTURE VOL. 2 18. MARC DEMARCO: THIS OLD DOG 19. PORTICO QUARTET: ART IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION 20. YOUR OLD DROOG: PACKS

1. BEACH FOSSILS: SOMERSAULT 2. FROTH: OUTSIDE (BRIEFLY) 3. THE HORRORS: V 4. BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE: DON’T GET LOST 5. MAC DEMARCO: THIS OLD DOG 6. TY SEGALL: TY SEGALL 7. THE BLACK ANGELS: DEATH SONG 8. PROPER ORNAMENTS: FOXHOLE 9. SACCADES: SACCADES 10. NOVELLA: CHANGE OF STATE 11. HORSEBEACH: BEAUTY & SADNESS 12. BABY IN VAIN: MORE NOTHING 13. ULRIKA SPACEK: MODERN ENGLISH DECORATION 14. BEACHES: SECOND OF SPRING 15. SLOWDIVE: SLOWDIVE 16. L.A. WITCH: L.A. WITCH 17. METZ: MESS OF WIRES 18. HERE LIES MAN: HERE LIES MAN 19. COURTNEY BARNETT & KURT VILE: LOTTA SEA LICE 20. THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN: DAMAGE AND JOY

t U R n U p t h e j o L LY !

Ride Weather diaries Ride returned with a highly acclaimed fifth album, their first release in 20 years UncUt: 8/10

“Weather diaries introduces us to Ride 2.0: a discreet upgrade of the original” diY: 4/5

cLoUd nothinGs Life Without sound Los caMpesinos! sick scenes doRk: 5/5

“sick scenes feels like an important record” the GUaRdian: 4/5

“scene stealing stuff”

conseQUence oF soUnd:

“Life Without sound, is a remarkable expansion… cloud nothings continue to hone their mastery” the Line oF best Fit:

“Life Without sound is a triumph” – album of the Week.

“Masters of their craft”

FRoth outside (briefly) the GUaRdian: 4/5

“this is an adventurous work that finds new area to explore in shoegaze’s well-trodden territory” LoUd and QUiet:

“dreamy, unhurried pop”

siMian MobiLe disco attack decay sustain Release Remastered and cut as doublevinyl for the first time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this dance music classic. a b-sides & rarities collection and a 10 year career-spanning digital anthology are also available now.

WWW.Wichita-RecoRdinGs.coM

scent kiM ep the Line oF best Fit:

“bewitching... it’s immensely dislocated but somehow effortlessly smooth.”

STAFF CHARTS

Martin 2017? Not as barking mad as 2016, as at least sections of the human population reflected on what it had done the previous year, decided it must have been drunk, and began to apply the brakes. Happily, as long as there have been people to listen, music has been consolation or inspiration in troublesome times. It’s maybe partly for that reason that I loved Nick Mulvey’s ‘Wake Up Now’ so much, as an act of gentle defiance to a zeitgeist seeking to split us apart; a voice for common humanity to join others still struggling to be heard above recently opened big mouths. That the gorgeous ‘Slowdive’ pipped it to the post is arbitrary, it could easily be (and sometimes is) the other way around. Whatever my own musical preferences were, the appearance of my white ass on Brazilian territory for a family visit was the highlight of the year for the country’s mosquitos. Every last one of them turned up to give me the customary enthusiastic Brazilian welcome. Mind you, they were easily outnumbered by cousins. Families tend to be large and sociable in Brazil, but at least they usually leave your legs in peace. Much love to everyone!

Ryan This year I managed to make a deal with myself to cleanse my collection monthly, taking time to prune the dead leaves from the living. Selling any unwanted and unlistened records to buy new ones. Meaning the space my records take up hasn’t really changed this year and instead is becoming more and more concentrated with things I actually want. Because of this I’ve changed the way I buy records, making sure I know the song names at the very least until it can qualify for a spot in the collection. It’s been hard though, there have been too many things fighting for a place but I’ve eventually managed to take a cross section of my favourite things this year. This will unfortunately be the last time I get to do this though as I’m off to live in Japan this coming March, at least until I can’t find a job and I run out of money anyway. Or the government sends me back home because they find out I’m mostly useless. Either way it’s worth a shot. See you on the other side x

1. SLOWDIVE: SLOWDIVE 2. NICK MULVEY: WAKE UP NOW 3. PORTICO QUARTET: ART IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION 4. TENNIS: YOURS CONDITIONALLY 5. THE HORRORS: V 6. GNOOMES: TSCHAK 7. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 8. KENDRICK LAMAR: DAMN 9. A MOMENT IN TIME: MOONBOOTS 10. THIS IS THE KIT: MOONSHINE FREEZE 11. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 12. PENGUIN CAFÉ: THE IMPERFECT SEA 13. MOUNT KIMBIE: LOVE WHAT SURVIVES 14. A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN: IRIS 15. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: THE FRENCH PRESS 16. FLAT WORMS: FLAT WORMS 17. GAUSSIAN CURVE: THE DISTANCE 18. HAMMOCK: MYSTERIUM 19. GNOD: JUST SAY NO TO THE PSYCHO RIGHT-WING CAPITALIST FASCIST INDUSTRIAL DEATH MACHINE 20. VISIBLE CLOAKS: REASSEMBLAGE

1. BEACH FOSSILS: SOMERSAULT 2. MICHAEL NAU: SOME TWIST 3. MOUNT KIMBIE: LOVE WHAT SURVIVES 4. TENNIS: YOURS CONDITIONALLY 5. ARIEL PINK: DEDICATED TO BOBBY JAMESON 6. ROLLING BLACKOUTS C.F.: FRENCH PRESS 7. FROTH: OUTSIDE (BRIEFLY) 8. KENDRICK LAMAR: DAMN 9. HOOPS: ROUTINES 10. MAC DEMARCO: THIS OLD DOG 11. JESCA HOOP: MEMORIES ARE NOW 12. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 13. DUDS: OF A NATURE OR DEGREE 14. THUNDERCAT: DRUNK 15. THIS IS THE KIT: MOONSHINE FREEZE 16. GIRL RAY: EARL GREY 17. DEERHOOF: MOUNTAIN MOVES 18. FAKE LAUGH: FAKE LAUGH 19. PORTICO QUARTET: ART IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION 20. LUCY DACUS: NO BURDEN

STAFF CHARTS

Javi Moving from cold and windy Brighton (hi Resident Records!) to cold and rainy Manchester this year has been made pretty fun and easy by a lot of things, including: receiving my student loan

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spending my student loan

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the 10% SPAR discount on alcohol (helping to save some of my student loan)

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and my new cushy job at Piccadilly Records (helping top up my scarily depleted student loan…when’s pay day again Patrick!?)

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Other than that, my year has mainly consisted of great gigs (including Kate Tempest, LCD Soundsystem, Sleaford Mods, Jane Weaver, and the one and only Julian Cope), museum-ing my way around Europe with friends, and the release of my band grasshopper’s debut 7” (FFO The Fall, Joy Division, Manchester etc...)

Michael Hello again…after a year and a bit away I was lucky enough to be allowed back behind the counter and its good to be back. In my time away Gwen and I welcomed baby Riley into the world, moved house to Stockport and pondered that great question that all new parents ask…what if our child likes crap music? Aside from worrying about my daughter’s music taste, we only managed one gig this year in the form of Seun Kuti and luckily he was incredible. Album wise my album of the year had to be Kendrick Lamar although Palm and Dean Blunt & Joanne Robertson both came very close. However for me the introspection and honesty of ‘FEAR’ and his exploration of blackness in ‘DNA’ took Kendrick Lamar and the album DAMN to another level. Its been a pleasure being back in the shop and seeing lots of familiar faces and its been especially nice to have been so warmly welcomed back by customers and the staff alike. Honourable mentions go to: Ulrika Spacek, LCD Soundsystem, Thundercat, Hoops, Metz, Omni, Jamila Woods, Chastity Belt and Alice Coltrane.

1. PROTOMARTYR: RELATIVES IN DESCENT 2. IDLES: BRUTALISM 3. JANE WEAVER: MODERN KOSMOLOGY 4. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: AMERICAN DREAM 5. BRIX & THE EXTRICATED: PART 2 6. SLEAFORD MODS: ENGLISH TAPAS 7. BING & RUTH: NO HOME OF THE MIND 8. MOGWAI: EVERY COUNTRY’S SUN 9. CARMEN VILLAIN: INFINITE AVENUE 10. WIRE: SILVER/LEAD 11. GHOSTPOET: DARK DAYS AND CANAPES 12. FUJIYA & MIYAGI: FUJIYA & MIYAGI 13. THE MOONLANDINGZ: INTERPLANETARY CLASS CLASSICS 14. MAMMÚT: KINDER VERSIONS 15. MOUNT KIMBIE: LOVE WHAT SURVIVES 16. VENN: RUNES 17. PRIESTS: NOTHING FEELS NATURAL 18. POPPY ACKROYD: SKETCHES 19. THE FALL: NEW FACTS EMERGE 20. JESCA HOOP: MEMORIES ARE NOW

1. KENDRICK LAMAR: DAMN 2. PALM: SHADOW EXPERT 3. DEAN BLUNT & JOANNE ROBERTSON: WALHALLA 4. KELLY LEE OWENS: KELLY LEE OWENS 5. MOUNT KIMBIE: LOVE WHAT SURVIVES 6. JONNY NASH & SUZANNE KRAFT: PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE 7. SUDAN ARCHIVES: SUDAN ARCHIVES 8. MAC DEMARCO: THIS OLD DOG 9. YOUR OLD DROOG: PACKS 10. DJ SPORTS: MODERN SPECIES 11. KAITLYN AURELIA SMITH: THE KID 12. DUDS: OF A NATURE OR DEGREE 13. BING & RUTH: NO HOME OF THE MIND 14. MICHAEL NAU: SOME TWIST 15. AWA POULO: POULO WARALI 16. HORSEBEACH: BEAUTY & SADNESS 17. CHAD VANGAALEN: LIGHT INFORMATION 18. NICK HAKIM: GREEN TWINS 19. JAY Z: 4.44 20. KARRIEM RIGGINS: HEADNOD SUITE

SOME LATE ARRIVALS In order to get this booklet back from the printers and into our shop by the end of November we compile the chart in early October. Inevitably this means that some fantastic albums miss out on our chart because they haven’t been released by the time our booklet goes to press. Here are 10 albums, listed in alphabetical order, that would have featured prominently in our top 100 or other charts if they had been released earlier in the year. THE BELBURY CIRCLE: OUTWARD JOURNEYS A collaborative project between Jon Brooks (The Advisory Circle) and Jim Jupp (Belbury Poly), ‘Outward Journeys’ is a joyfully re-imagined soundworld that draws heavily on late 70s and early 80s synth pop and library music. BAXTER DURY: PRINCE OF TEARS A return to form, ‘Prince Of Tears’ features Baxter’s swooning semi-drawl again, but with a more refined and melancholic air, brilliantly balanced by a host of well-curated guests. Lovely. J-WALK: LIMELIGHT NIGHTS Incapable of anything but brilliance, J-Walk effortlessly entwines French pop, hip hop, dub and downbeat into a Balearic blend you’ll savour again and again. PRINS THOMAS: 5 After the expressive ambience of ‘Principe Del Norte’ and the motorik voodoo of Bjørn Torske collab ‘Square One’, Thomas returns with eleven disparate tracks inspired by three decades of musical obsession. Expect acid, alt-rock, electronica and jazz fusion on this audio exploration. YASUAKI SHIMIZU: KAKASHI A high-water mark in the 80s Japanese underground, ‘Kakashi’ transports the listener into Yasuaki's colourful dreamscape with a fusion of outre jazz, new wave, ambient, and dub practices. SPINNING COIN: PERMO The highly anticipated debut album from Glasgow’s Spinning Coin, ‘Permo’ contains beautifully rough-hewn guitar pop that takes in frustration and escapism, but also gracefulness and splendour. SUDAN ARCHIVES: SUDAN ARCHIVES Violinist and singer Sudan Archives’ fusion of orchestrated strings and digital production is layered with breathtakingly poetical lyrics. Truly beautiful. HANS ZIMMER & BENJAMIN WALLFISCH: BLADE RUNNER 2049 OST Awash with jazzy saw waves, discordant piano and an inhuman coldness, Zimmer & Wallfisch deliver the audio accompaniment to 2017s biggest screen event. VARIOUS ARTISTS: DEUTSCHE ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK 3: EXPERIMENTAL GERMAN ROCK AND ELECTRONIC MUSIC 1971-81 Volume 3 includes tracks by Neu!, Cluster, Popol Vuh, La Düsseldorf, Agitation Free, alongside a host of rare tracks by lesser known artists; Michael Bundt, Bröselmaschine, Dronsz, Achim Reichel and others. VARIOUS ARTISTS: DJ ANDY SMITH PRESENTS REACH UP – DISCO WONDERLAND Containing a raft of undeniable dance-floor fillers and slept-on anthems ‘Reach Up’ showcases 80s boogie, disco and proto house; the foundations upon which dance music culture was built. Booklet design: www.markbrownstudio.co.uk

PICCADILLY ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2017 ULRIKA SPACEK MODERN ENGLISH DECORATION TOUGH LOVE LP / CD

LAUREL HALO

OMNI

MULTI-TASK

TROUBLE IN MIND LP / CD

JLIN

DUST

BLACK ORIGAMI

JANE WEAVER

THE WEATHER STATION

HYPERDUB LP / CD

MODERN KOSMOLOGY FIRE RECORDS LP / CD

GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR

PLANET MU LP / CD

THE WEATHER STATION

PARADISE OF BACHELORS LP / CD

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER

LUCIFERIAN TOWERS

HALLELUJAH ANYHOW

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

BEACH FOSSILS

CONSTELLATION LP / CD

GOTHS

MERGE RECORDS LP / CD

IDLES

BRUTALISM

BALLEY LP / CD

MERGE RECORDS LP / CD

SOMERSAULT

BAYONET LP / CD

KAITLYN AURELIA SMITH THE KID

WESTERN VINYL LP / CD

DO MAKE SAY THINK

IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE

CONSTELLATION 2LP / CD

MERGE RECORDS LP / CD

STUBBORN PERSISTENT ILLUSIONS

UYAY