END OF YEAR REVIEW
Introduction As you make your way through this booklet, you’ll find sounds both majestic and melancholic, expansive and intimate, but always the music which has meant the most to us over the last twelve months. Whatever your desires or disposition, I’m certain your new favourite record lies somewhere in the pages which follow, and that’s pretty exciting if you ask me. Happy hunting guys! It’s been another hectic year around these parts, with more instores, outstores, signings and shenanigans than you could comfortably shake a rhythm stick at. Our year began in earnest on February 1st when King Monkey himself, the mighty Ian Brown came, signed, saw and signed some more, maintaining his unwavering cool throughout. A month later and he was back in Zoltar form, inverting the Big plot by turning grown men into giddy boys and providing an internet-wrecking selfie-spot next to the ‘Indie Comps’. In between times there was the small matter of RSD, a triumph of caffeine consumption, meticulous planning and vinyl love, capped
off with a grooving set from resurgent Balearic heroes A Man Called Adam. Our remarkably busy March also brought punkrap upstarts Sleaford Mods to the shop for a surprisingly well mannered and predictably well attended signing session. Elsewhere on an instore tip, a wonderfully eccentric performance from Bunny Hoova paved the way for 808 State’s micro rave, a fifteen minute acid house explosion on the release of their killer new LP, while our newly minted outstore series saw Temples, the DMAs and Jesca Hoop take Manchester by storm, keeping Pasta Paul in a continual state of slack-jawed excitement. In case you missed out, you can still catch Field Music at Soup Kitchen in January. As always, a big thank you to Mark Brown for another beautifully designed booklet, to Republic of Music for facilitating the second Piccadilly Records compilation vinyl and sampler CD (back by popular demand) and to everyone who continues to share this musical journey with us.
Piccadilly Records Compilation 2019 After the success of last year’s inaugural Piccadilly vinyl, we’ve worked our magic once again to bring you another compilation LP, jam packed with musical magic from our top 20, as well as the gold medallists in the reissue and compilation categories. All for the bargain price of £9.99! Side A 1. W.H. Lung: Second Death of My Face 2. Lorelle Meets The Obsolete: Líneas En Hojas 3. Vanishing Twin: Magician’s Success 4. Prefab Sprout: Sleeping Rough (Remastered) 5. Shana Cleveland: I’ll Never Know 6. Moon Duo: Stars Are the Light Side B 1. Little Simz: 101FM 2. Cate Le Bon: Daylight Matters 3. Horsebeach: Trust (Apta Modular Mix) 4. Andrew Wasylyk: Journey to Inchcape 5. Portico Quartet: Gradient 6. Ghia: You Won’t Sleep On My Pillow
Piccadilly Records Sampler After taking a year off we’re reintroducing the free sampler CD for 2019. With a blockbusting 20 tracks including the likes of Khruangbin, Girl Ray, Tenesha The Wordsmith, J-Walk, Blanck Mass, DIIV, International Teachers Of Pop, Mort Garson, Rupa, Horsebeach, Moon Duo, Crazy P and more, it’s another cross genre gem. Just the way we like it! It’s free with the Top 50 albums, Top 20 Compilations and Top 20 Reissues (whilst stock last!)
The Top 100 Albums: Album of the Year
ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2019
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WH LUNG Incidental Music
Emily: Around this time last year I found myself in Soup Kitchen’s basement with the rest of the Piccadilly crew, absorbed in what was unfolding onstage. A magnetic frontman was delivering half sung, half spoken vocals over a kaleidoscopic haze of synths and a propulsive motorik beat. It seems fitting that the group we were watching, W.H. Lung, are now sitting at the top of our chart a year later. The homegrown Manchester trio have coalesced a series of hypnotic, synth fuelled krautrock grooves into their first full length release ‘Incidental Music’. In it, they strike a perfect balance between taking reference from the past and keeping their gaze tilted towards the future. Well worth a listen! Mine: Like a joint effort from Talking Heads and Neu! thrown head first into 2019 with an extra portion of shimmery beats and hooks. Play it LOUD!
ded Recommen if you like: ystem LCD Sounds New Order ds Talking Hea
Darryl: One of the most assured and confident Mancunian debuts of the past few decades, ‘Incidental Music’ is a dream of a Piccadilly Records album. With its sparkling synth laden grooves, motorik beats, sweeping electronics, crisp guitar lines and a hazy psychedelic soundscape it’s no surprise that it’s united both the indie and dance staff divide and taken the number one spot this year. Two years in the making, this is a euphoric and fully-formed masterpiece. Barry: It’s clear from the first moments of ‘Incidental Music’ that the title couldn’t be any less true, moving from soaring echoing kosmische into a groove-led psychedelic soup in the blink of an eye. Rich in rhythm but still undeniably melody-led, W.H. Lung are at the top for the important reason that they are something different to everyone, and everything they are is undeniably brilliant.
PICCADILLY EXCLUSIVE BONUS DISC For a limited period buy either the vinyl or CD and get an 8 track CD bonus disc. Simpatico People (Ambient Rework) • Bring It Up (Kayla Painter Remix) • Inspiration! (Kid Machine Manctalo Rework) • An Empty Room (W. H. Lung Remix) • Nothing Is (Ruma Modular Rework) • Want (Boredom Edit) • Second Death Of My Face (Fujiya & Miyagi Remix) • Overnight Phenomenon (Menace Beach & Matt Peel Remix)
Q & A with W.H. Lung’s Joseph E and Tom S. How did the band start? TS: The first time the three of us played music together we spent a weekend locked away at my Mum and Dad’s house in Hyde and had a plan to write and record a song a day: which we did. They were absolutely awful but it was great fun so we decided to carry on writing music together and about a year later when we all lived in Leeds, we formed a band. We didn’t really know what we were doing but kept playing shows and writing probably what you’d call post-punk songs. One of our first gigs was supporting Ought at the Brudenell which we were dead happy about, but after that we started to become disillusioned with what we were doing. We wrote ‘Inspiration!’ and found that we had finally started writing something we were happy with: we moved back to Manchester and put out that track as W. H. Lung at the end of 2016. We met Melodic shortly after that and the band as it is now started from there really. Can you explain the band name for the benefit of people living outside Manchester? JE: It’s a Cash and Carry on Upper Brook Street. Tom and Tom were driving past it one day when a bolt of lightning struck the sign which exploded into a furious, prophetic blaze. What do you think of the current Manchester music scene? TS: I think the most exciting stuff going on is around dance music and nights like Wet Play/Red Laser. Kid Machine has done a remix for us, which we’re excited for people to hear. Those kind of nights and places like the White Hotel have definitely interested me the most as of late. There’s also really good Manchester DJ’s like Sofie K, whose NTS Show is great: and we’re really lucky to have record shops like Piccadilly and Vinyl Exchange as you can find an endless amount of new stuff to listen to. In terms of bands etc.: I’d like to see it work more like the dance music/electronic scene does. There’s still lots of good stuff but it seems more fractured and separate. JE: Yeah, mostly nights. I’ve not been massively aware of one in terms of new bands. I’d love to get more involved in a vibrant scene, collaboration is such a vital energy in any creative field.
I had an idea when we first started to think about playing with W. H. Lung live to put on nights that were multidisciplinary in scope; theatre and performance and music all weaving in and out of each other, attended by an audience wanting a more all encompassing form of entertainment than the live gig. Collaboration on that scale would be really infectious surely, for the spectator and the performer. We’ll see, it still sounds great to me. Do you think revivalism has become more prevalent in new music? TS: I think just because you can access literally everything you want, people are maybe referencing more stuff than previously but I really don’t know to be honest. In the past obviously people had to build their own collections with records that they physically owned: but I think people still do that now for the most part, even if it’s just on their Spotify/Apple Music libraries if not actual record collections. I think there’s always revivalism in music but there’s now the opportunity to explore a wider and deeper musical history than previously possible. JE: Originality is just finding a new way to copy. There’s always been revivalism in music, but of course yes the opening up of access has definitely made a big impact. The high standard of compilation albums that bring together rare music is testament to the modern rally against obscurity. I’m thinking of Kankyo Ongaku, the recent compilation of Japanese ambient music from the 80s that still feels innovative today. For Tom’s birthday, I bought the Front mix that Running Back put out (from Piccadilly, in fact.) That’s now having a bit of an impact on our writing for album two. We have mates who will send over good stuff whenever they come across it and we try to be influenced by as much as possible to keep the juices fresh. What are your Top 5 albums of the year? TS: ‘Designer’ by Aldous Harding, ‘No Geography’ by the Chemical Brothers, ‘U.F.O.F.’ by Big Thief, not really sure if it counts as an album but I’ve kept going back to Peggy Gou’s DJ Kicks: and this also isn’t an album but ‘Tale of Devotion’ by Terr is quite easily my song of the year. Absolute banger. JE: Difficult. I agree with Aldous Harding and Big Thief. Won’t repeat though so I’ll go with: Sandro Perri (perfect incidental music), Fontaines D.C., Cate Le Bon (familiar/strange), Floating Points (for the esoteric dancefloor), Slowthai (for the zeitgeist), Thom Yorke (that’s now 6).
The Top 100 Albums: Top Ten
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HORSEBEACH The Unforgiving Current
Patrick: As a man who’s only made it 14 miles in 33 years, I was suitably awestruck when Manchester’s favourite dreamer swapped the greyscale drizzle of his hometown for the 45° summer of Tokyo. Oppressive heat and impressive toilets weren’t the only cause for culture shock though, and despite an intermediate grasp of the language and a really good haircut, Ryan Kennedy quickly tasted the loneliness of a long distance runner. But it’s better to be Alone Together and the Horsebeach discography has always had a therapeutic angle; sonic salve for psychological bruising – take daily for the rest of your life. So unpacking his mini studio and opening the notebook, the bedroom auteur embarked on his mid-career masterpiece, plunging into lyrical depths on existence, ennui, affection and introspection. His voice, still coloured with the disarming
Manchester has always been my spiritual home and no matter how far away I stray I will usually drift back eventually. I chose to embrace new surroundings to bring this record to fruition but knowing I still have the support of Piccadilly Records helps me stay connected and it means a lot to find myself this high up in the chart. Ryan Kennedy
fragility of old, is more mature and confident Recom men and the music keeps if you li ded getting higher and The Sm ke: Wild N iths higher. Shades of oth Eleven ing teen psychedelia lend a Eston paisley tint to opening volley “‘Net Café Refuge” and “The Unforgiving Current”, while “Dreaming” and “Mourning Thoughts” infuse chiming indie with baggy rhythms and Marvin Gaye grooves. Drum machines and dream pop take the lead at the midpoint, first on the lovestruck “Vanessa” and then in the coastal cool of Balearic combo “Yuuki” and “Trust”, the latter especially indulging in its own brand of louche funk. The final three tracks mark a triumphant return to the pensive jangle and C86 haze of the earliest Horsebeach work, an emphatic reminder that you have to go away before you can come home.
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ANDREW WASYLYK The Paralian Barry: Athens Of The North have always been a big hit in the shop, with their jazzy hazy folk offerings proving particularly popular (Hampshire & Foat come instantly to mind), but nothing has quite hit home like the mind-blowing debut from Andrew Wasylyk (aka Dundee’s Andrew Mitchell). From the outset, the paddling ambience and perfectly weighted piano of “Through The Field Beyond The Trees Lies The Ocean” sets the scene perfectly for the lysergic journey that is ‘The Paralian’. While “Greendrive #2” slowly ambles from plucked harp (I mean really, it could be anything, the last time I spoke to him he was off picking up a vibraphone because it’s yet another sound to shape into the electro-acoustic narrative he so perfectly forms) into a meandering percussive stroll through the Scottish countryside, it’s follower “Journey To Inchcape” that forms the peak of this narrative microclimate.
3 Slowly swelling horns and reverbed CR78 work away beneath the melancholic woodwind and shimmering guitar, hinting at sorrow, but working through it with d a combination of Recommende if you like: otherworldly, soothing fé Penguin Ca ambience and Orchestra Foat momentous stoicism. Hampshire & Later, we explore the Nils Frahm same story arcs, but with each stroke rendering a broader and more colourful palette. The slightly tense “Flight Of The Cormorant” for instance giving way to the anxiolytic majesty of “Mariner’s Hymn” by way of the brittle “Westway Nocturne”, dispelling all tension and making every moment of dispirited majesty all the more necessary. ‘The Paralian’ is a masterwork, and an unbeatable way to spend a winter evening.
“As a four year old on Christmas morning, 1986 I sprung out of bed and waddled downstairs into a chamber of winking tinsel my mother had earnestly hung whilst I slept. I still recall the conflicting brew of excitement and awe — perhaps a twinge of guilt at showing up giftless. Dazzled and overwhelmed by the occasion, I passed out and collapsed, ruining the Yuletide joy and the family’s collective nerves. Dashing any hopes they may have had for me as a level-headed kid in the process. A similar broth of elation and shock froths in my belly with this generous accolade from one of my favourite record shops! I first visited P. R. eighteen years ago during ‘In The City 2001’ as an excitable teenager. ‘The Hour Of Bewilderbeast’ had just won the Mercury and Manchester was a hot potato of creativity, invention and, to a young Dundonian, romanticism. I’m astonished and deeply honoured that this wee ripple from Tayside has drifted up the Irwell and wound up alongside such beautiful albums. From the bottom of my treads, thank you to everyone at Piccadilly Records! x” Andrew Mitchell
The Top 100 Albums: Top Ten
2019 Deerhunter Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? Beirut Gallipoli Ex:Re Ex:Re Methyl Ethel Triage Aldous Harding Designer Big Thief U.F.O.F. Holly Herndon PROTO The National I Am Easy To Find Pixx Small Mercies Velvet Negroni NEON BROWN Efterklang Altid Sammen Big Thief Two Hands Gene Clark No Other Tune-Yards Sorry To Bother You
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VANISHING TWIN: The Age Of Immunology Emily: Vanishing Twin have returned this year with a second album of transcendent psychedelic pop. Drawing on far reaching influences in a similar manner to Stereolab, they incorporate elements of krautrock, tropicália and lounge into their expansive soundworld. The comparisons which can be drawn between the two bands are abundant — you can even hear echoes of Lætitia Sadier in Cathy Lucas’ pure, unaffected lead vocals. But the output of Vanishing Twin is not simply derivative. Its members are unique artists in their own right, and their collective sound already bears its own significance. Listening to ‘The Age Of Immunology’ feels like drifting off to a strange, mythological world somewhere in the unknown depths of space. Each track glides effortlessly into the next and is steeped in dreamlike imagery. In “KRK (At Home In Strange Places)” Lucas’ vocals weave around a loose, polyrhythmic groove and soaring string arrangements.
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The acoustic guitar steadily sets the pulse in “You Are Not An Island”, suspended above ded gently glowing electronics men ecom u like: R and hints of Reichian if yo eolab Ster eaver minimalism. And eW Jan adcast “Planète Sauvage” is an Bro ode to the cult animated sci-fi film of the same name, featuring a French spoken word monologue which gives way to cinematic strings and a curious synth-organ solo. It seems Vanishing Twin are a group intent on creating music that defies borders and dissolves genre into genre. Perhaps they fit into an alternative definition of “World Music”, with their influences which reach as far around the globe as their combined nationalities — Belgian, Japanese, Italian, French and American. Who knows where their psychedelic voyage will take them next? For now, let’s delight in their twinkling, cosmic splendour. “Cryonic Suspension May Save Your Life All of the sounds run circles around me Where am I anchored to here? Sky blends with infinite sea We need a language that both of us can speak Gestures shared in the air between you and me Searching the circle, read the dandelion seeds How many years do I have left to learn? While all the ones behind me find themselves like all the others: Tossed into the scree” Vanishing Twin
The Top 100 Albums: Top Ten
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LORELLE MEETS THE OBSOLETE: De Facto
Martin: Perhaps the best thing anyone can do with a legacy is build on it. A change of scene certainly helps to avoid getting stuck in the ever diminishing returns of routine, churning out the same result every time, but with ever less inspiration. So when Lorelle Meets The Obsolete swapped the sprawling chaos of Mexico City for the wide open Baja peninsula, Mexico’s remaining bit of California, it turned out to be a very smart move. The formal inclusion of members of their live band, drummer Andrea Davi, José Orozco on synthesizer and bassist Fernando Nuti, into the creative process broadened the sonic palette still more, with the net result that their fifth album, often a marker by which time only diehards have maintained any interest, is their most fully realised and beautiful to date.
“Years ago, during our first tour in the UK, we went to Piccadilly Records. We were probably smelly and not well rested. During that first tour we spent a lot of nights in the van and couldn’t shower that much. This is the memory that first came to our mind when we found out that we were on this list along with so many other musicians who accompanied our 2019. This album is a symbol for us, a reconciliation, a reminder of the power of music, an anchor in turbulent times. Awards within the context of neoliberalism are meaningless but nothing beats true passion for music. Thanks a lot Piccadilly staff for your love.” Lorelle Meets The Obsolete
It’s not as if they’ve abandoned their past ended mind. Wigout wildness Recomm ke: li u o if y is still very much to the uo Moon D nilla fore in “Unificado”, for nd Va Death A ic Ills example, but change Psych is apparent after the crawling menace of album opener “Ana”. “Líneas en Hojas” introduces itself with a bassline on the verge of breaking into “Billie Jean”, gritty guitar lines and pretty distorted vocals before a bright, clear chorus sends a shaft of light and warmth through the clouds. Perhaps the album’s highlight however is the mesmerising “La Maga”, where the gentle rolling shimmer of the opening three minutes shifts into a drifting, sunset glide of undulating keyboards and repeating guitars that build softly on...and on...
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W. H. LUNG
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‘INCIDENTAL MUSIC’ 2LP/CD (Melodic Records)
‘OUTER PEACE’ LP/CD (Carpark Records)
“Modern maximalist psychedelia at its best” 4/5 THE GUARDIAN
“It’s not a stretch to say that Toro is quietly approaching indie icon territory” 8/10 DROWNED IN SOUND
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‘STUNNING LUXURY’ LP/CD (The Leaf Label)
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“A danceable, destabilised stew of The Pop Group, Kraftwerk, Can and Liars” UNCUT “Sounds like Mark E Smith fronting a band of malfunctioning dial-up modems” LONG LIVE VINYL
“Absolutely of the moment: a psychedelic, electronic, jazzy odyssey that deals with issues of racial identity. It’s fabulous” 4/5 THE GUARDIAN “Rare talent” 5/5 MOJO
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‘LA TORRE IBIZA-VOLUMEN TRES’ 2LP/CD (Hostel La Torre Recordings) Compiled by Pete Gooding and Mark Barrot. Includes tracks by: MAC DEMARCO, LAMBCHOP, TEARS FOR FEARS…
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The Top 100 Albums: Top Ten
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SHANA CLEVELAND Night Of The Worm Moon
Javi: ‘Night Of The Worm Moon’ is as ed mend much an album of Recom like: if you z acoustic lullabies as it La Lu oval Sand is of shifting ethereal p o H e r Woods e h t a e nightmares — and it’s H rick Brode this balance between the beautiful and the unnerving which allows Shana Cleveland’s ruminations on sleep, love, and identity to be so beguiling. “Don’t Let Me Sleep” pulls us gently into this nocturnal world full of harps, zithers, vibraphones and lutes before second track and album highlight “Face of the Sun” trembles in, lilting between Latin guitar rhythms and wailing slide guitar. There are such nods to spaghetti western soundtracks throughout the album, in both the instrumentation and the slow, trundling tempo of tracks like “Solar Creep” and the masterful “Invisible When The Sun Leaves”. That’s not to say the album is a wholly analogue affair, though — the synth bass and eerie affected whistles of “The Fireball” are just as poignant as the more stripped back moments. At times the bass sounds like it’s going to swallow the song whole, lending a sense of intense anxiety to the proceedings, sucking the listener in. If La Luz are the sound of bright summer days spent surfing and swimming in the sun, then ‘Night Of The Worm Moon’ — the debut solo offering by frontwoman Shana Cleveland — shows us a parallel world that only appears once the sun has set and the stars have taken its place in the sky. From the first tender plucks to the final twilit twinkles, Cleveland has crafted an album as warm as it is melancholy, and as intimate as it is intoxicating.
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ALTIN GÜN: Gece Mine: Almost exactly one year after taking us by storm with their debut album ‘On’, Altin Gün return with their follow-up ‘Gece’, on which the six piece continue their journey through the vast and wonderful world of Turkish folk, funk and psychedelia — more of the same, but different, so to speak. Similar to ‘On’, ‘Gece’ sees the band reinterpret old Turkish folk songs by the likes of Neset Ertas and the result has not only impressed fans of Turkish music. In fact, a lot of their fans outside Turkey have probably never heard any of the originals before and while Altin Gün pay homage to these artists, their interpretations don’t bear much resemblance to the originals after they’ve been given a new lease of life by the Dutch-based band. Groovy bass lines,
“For me, finding out about this music is crate digging, none of it is widely available in the Netherlands. Of course, since our singers are from Turkey, they know many of these pieces. All this is part of the country’s musical past, their heritage, like “House of The Rising Sun” is in America. I’m listening for something we
7 cosmic synths and wah-wah guitars melt into an addictive concoction of Anatolian rock, funk and psychedelia which has been taken a step further on ‘Gece’ Recommen where the band seem ded if you like : eager to try new things Goat and to develop their Andy Vot el Erkin Kor sound. The record ay sounds bigger and bolder, sometimes fuzzier and rockier, sometimes more electronic and spaced out than its predecessor. Both are absolutely brilliant and I couldn’t pick a favourite, but if you have enjoyed ‘On’ there is no question you will also like ‘Gece’. And if you’ve never heard of Altin Gün before, give ‘Gece’ a spin. It’s an absolute delight.
can change and make into our own. You have to understand that most of these songs have had hundreds of different interpretations over the years. We need something that will make people stop and listen, as if it’s the first time they’ve heard it.” Band founder and bass player Jasper Verhulst
The Top 100 Albums: Top Ten
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CATE LE BON Reward
“These songs were written for company Emily: Cate Le Bon’s fifth album came during a year in the secluded folds together during a period of self imposed of the Lake District where I was solitude in the Lake District. Retreating attending a furniture school daily. from L.A. to a mountainside in d e d n me I bought myself a piano for Recom like: Cumbria, she spent a year building company and accidentally sang if you lter Ho wooden furniture and penning out my heart. Julia o Nıc songs into the night. While writing unyan They revealed themselves to B ti h s Va an album in the woods may sound be troublesome when brought like a bit of an old singer-songwriter into the studio. They require a cliché, Le Bon’s offering is far from the consideration and treatment that was soppy acoustic balladry you might expect. unexpected. Slowly approached from the Instead, she has produced an album of side and no sudden movements. Patience is a virtue and is sometimes a word used to delightfully unhinged art-pop which reveals romanticise the periods when nobody is sure the curiosities of her inner world.
‘Reward’ retains the off-kilter whimsy which is characteristic of Le Bon’s ever expanding back catalogue. She expertly toes the line between heartfelt sincerity and playful absurdity, maintaining an edge to her songwriting which keeps it from sounding twee. Some of her vocal melodies alone would feel at home in a more conventional pop album, but the instrumentation elevates it to outsider status — discordant stings of electric guitar, metallic synths and an anxious ticking always lurking in the background. The slow, stately opener “Miami” builds through a rising dialogue between the vocals, horns and synth which eventually disappears into thin air. Le Bon then takes us on a soft rock jaunt permeated by a sense of distance and longing: “Love you, I love you, but you’re not here”. “Mother’s Mother’s Magazines” spirals into nervy post punk territory, with each instrument locked into a mechanical groove which rolls forwards like a steam train. But it’s the final song “Meet The Man” which shines the brightest lyrically and melodically, ending the album with a heartwarming resolution: “Love is good, love is ancient to me, love is you, love is beautiful to me”.
what to do. “Let the horse come to you.”
The horse, however, was busy being trained to walk around a mock up kitchen that its owner had constructed in an old stable and close each cabinet door with its rear end so it could receive its so called reward. Surely, leaving the hell mouth of human interference and never having to navigate a kitchen cabinet ever again would be due reward? But no, a GM carrot for the monkey. Change, adaptation, reflection, visibility, time’s reckoning, despair and love, love and despair……all the common aches and pains of a year spent in solitude spill across and between. Diolch Piccadilly” Cate Le Bon
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LITTLE SIMZ Grey Area Millie: North London’s Little Simz has turned hip hop on its axis in recent years and excels herself with ‘Grey Area’, an LP exploding with high energy, rapid flow and sharp production. A bold and ingenious lyricist, she peppers her fourth album with twists of dry humour and quick wit; “had to let you mature like some fine wine“ from the hit track “Selfish” gets me every time. These comedic phrases are matched with provocative barbs and personal experiences, lending this flawless listen depth and realness. Her bars are intelligent and fierce, leaving no doubt that this is a powerful black female voice in hip hop whose importance should not be overlooked. “Pressure” juxtaposes melancholic piano chords with fat off-kilter beats, a balance which is mirrored by her emotive and gritty lyrics. Alongside this, “101FM”s’ 8-bit beats are reminiscent of a forgotten game-console soundtrack, the perfect backdrop for a nostalgic narrative focusing on growing up in London and playing Mortal Kombat. However “Venom” has to be the stand out track on the album for me, you can feel her rage as it strikes through each verse, exploring themes of inequality of race, gender and class throughout: “They would never wanna admit I’m the best here, from the mere fact that I’ve got ovaries”. The focus she draws upon surrounding her experience as a woman in hip hop and within wider-society is refreshing and important. Her flow is incredible, I can’t do it justice to just say how good it actually is; this is one amazingly talented woman. If you listen to one song from this entire booklet, make it this.
9 Recomm end if you lik ed Loyle Ca e: rner Jamilia Woods Sampa The Gre at
The Top 100 Albums: Top Ten
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MOON DUO Stars Are The Light
Andy: Formed in 2009 by Wooden Shjips’ main man Ripley Johnson d e mend Recom like: and his wife Sanae u o if y n3 e Yamada, Moon Duo m e c Spa g Lights had been chugging Peakin Shjips n Woode along quite nicely until 2017’s two records in a month opus (‘Occult Architecture’ Volumes 1 and 2) signalled a slight detour, but here we are a further two years hence at a veritable fork in the road. Moon Duo now groove! Not rockin’ grooves like Hawkwind of old (very cool still, obviously), but proper, disco and funk inspired, pitter-pattering grooves like Peaking Lights. Helped in no small part by Spacemen 3’s Sonic Boom, a lot of the sounds here do actually recall the late 90s UK post rave scene in their blissed out, bubbling buoyancy and hippie, repetitive, lose yourself in nature vibes. This record glides! Synths are further to the fore but Ripley’s ever evolving infinite ether guitar flickers and dances around them to maximum effect. Apart from one throbbing song which is a throwback to their previous records (“Eye 2 Eye”) this albums glows with a kind of contained euphoria, languid and laid back, looping and luscious. The beats here are never obtrusive, it still sounds exactly like them, but them that’s swapped pot for ecstasy, a couch for a field! There has been the sneaking suspicion, of late, that Ripley Johnson was squirelling his better songs away to this, his so-called band on the side, and now, finally, with ‘Stars Are The Light’, the proof is in the pudding; he does! It’s a majestic record.
“It’s a great honor to be included in the Piccadilly Top 10 this year! We went in a different direction for this record, so we’re glad people seem to like it. We did it partially as a challenge, but mostly because we were feeling a need for positivity. We wanted to create something that was about love and optimism and inclusion. That’s where the disco influence came in to play, and the inspiration of early disco parties and culture. Shout out to our collaborator Sonic Boom for embracing the concept and creating a brilliant mix!” Ripley Johnson
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The Top 100 Albums: Top Twenty
11 Recommended if you like: GoGo Penguin Nils Frahm Penguin Café
12 Recommended if you like: Insecure Men The Fall The Moonlandingz
PORTICO QUARTET Memory Streams Millie: ‘Memory Streams’ is a sublime neo-classical, and prominently jazz album. “With, Beside, Against” begins the album in minimalist style creating an earnest tone of reflection. As soon as the rest of ensemble joins in, the music becomes joyous, blossoming into percussion driven highs of emotion reminiscent of their earlier work. The album centres on capturing the memories of their past, Portico Quartet wanted to create something “vivid, real and alive” and I think they’ve just done that with this timeless album. I might be the only one here but when a track as beautiful as “Immediately Visible” makes your heart ache a bit, that’s when you know the song is going to stay with you for some time. Similar artists on the Portico’s wavelength are GoGo Penguin, Nils Frahm and Penguin Café. If you are a fan of them, then this is the perfect album for you to end 2019 on a calming and gentle note.
FAT WHITE FAMILY Serfs Up! Martin: Fat White Family’s turbulent and well documented Peckham squat/smack/crack background has found unfiltered expression in their anarchic output, exacting gleeful slaughter on common decency and sacred cows alike. Both artwork and lyrics are used as iconoclastic dirty bombs; butchered Nazi and Communist symbolism, the IRA, dead pigs, big cocks, Harold Shipman and your mum have been deployed with a complete lack of due reverence. Decamping to Sheffield, kicking heroin and recent diversions into more melodic side projects might have led them into calmer and broader sonic waters, taking in glam, corrupted disco and cod reggae, but they are still viciously irreverent. Amongst the carnage, Kim Jong Un’s nuclear potential is saluted in the Balearic balm of “Kim’s Sunsets”, “Tastes Good With The Money” makes bitter reference to wealthy sightseers of Grenfell and the dark disco rampage of “Feet” to the human cost of war in Syria. It ought to have been a shambles, but it actually works just beautifully.
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13 Recommended if you like: Matthew Halsall DJ Shadow Mr. Scruff
14 Recommended if you like: Kurt Vile Bill Callahan Jack Rose
THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA To Believe Matt: This year is the 20th birthday of this prestigious band who, out of the fertile soils of UK jazz, hip hop and electronica, have grown into a much-celebrated household name. What better crown to mark the end of their teens than ‘To Believe’. With another ambrosial list of vocal collaborations, its (notably) reduced number of tracks and a huge injection of neo-classical nuances, it aims its bow directly at the heart; a body of work that seems to exist and transmit out of a heavenly and divine realm. The band employ a beguiling tapestry of organic and electronic instruments, samples and improvisation throughout. There’s a deliberate and considered higher consciousness to the entire album, like it’s whispering into your ear late at night between the pillows. Sometimes like a snow-dusted fairytale with its highly cinematic string arrangements, at others deeply introspective; it’s the message that matters after everything else is removed, and on ‘I Believe’ we receive it with a fragile yet focussed intimacy.
STEVE GUNN The Unseen In Between Laura: Steve Gunn’s talents as a guitarist are well known, whether it be the American primitive finger picking style of his early work, as a member of Kurt Vile’s Violators or from any number of collaborations over the years, but on this album it’s as much about the songs as the guitar. His songwriting conjures vivid images while at the same time leaving space for your imagination to fill the gaps. This is beautifully exemplified on “Vagabond” on which he duets with Espers’ Meg Baird and “Stonehurst Cowboy” a tribute to his father and his generation who grew up in the shadow of Vietnam. And the guitars! Did I mention the guitars? Whether it’s the gentle acoustics of “New Moon” or the hypnotic looping riffs of “New Familiar” and “Morning Is Mended”, they are truly mesmerizing. A wonderfully understated record that’s already worked its way into my all time favourites.
The Top 100 Albums: Top Twenty
15 Recommended if you like: Boards Of Canada Stars Of The Lid Tim Hecker
16 Recommended if you like: Atlas Sound Animal Collective Grizzly Bear
A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN The Undivided Five Barry: ‘The Undivided Five’ is the newest outing from the masters of ambient classical music, A Winged Victory For The Sullen. Their debut album hit us all pretty hard back in 2011, and has continued to be on the player pretty much constantly since then. Though they’ve released a soundtrack and another LP since, this is really only the second full album, and it is every bit the spiritual successor. Soaring, spine-tingling swells of string and synth coalesce together into a perfectly organic, yet otherworldly rush of emotion and heft. Brittle, tentative passages are suddenly engorged with indescribable euphoric joy, evocative but fleeting, bringing to mind their debut, but with every bit rendered in unparalleled definition. ‘The Undivided Five’ deserves every attention you can give it, every precious moment you spend with it revealing more secrets and more colours you didn’t even know existed. An unrivalled beauty.
DEERHUNTER Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? Javi: Is it a guitar? Is it a synth? Is it some old-time harpsichord-y thing plugged through a sh*t-ton of reverb? Your guess is as good as mine. The only thing for sure is that indie darlings Deerhunter have created their most consistent and nuanced album since 2010’s ‘Halcyon Digest’ in their seventh LP, ‘Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?’. With fellow Top 20 maverick Cate Le Bon at the production helm, there’s nothing the band can’t do — whimsical groove-laced indie and atmospheric expansiveness are married perfectly on songs like the opener “Death In Midsummer” and penultimate bop “Plains”, and just as the voice of God bids us good morning on “Detournement”, guitarist Lockett Pundt’s sole offering “Tarnung” is already preparing to tuck us into bed. Every song is a stutter-funk gem, a space-age exploration of pastoral life, a strutting jaunt into the end of days. Every song is a grower, and boy, how big they grow…
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17 Recommended if you like: Neu! Spiritualized Gnoomes
18 Recommended if you like: Karen Dalton Angel Olsen St. Vincent
JOSEFIN ÖHRN + THE LIBERATION: Sacred Dreams Mine: After the experimental krautrock LP ‘Horse Dance’ (2015) and the pulsing psychedelia on shop-favourite ‘Mirage’ (2016), London-based Swedes Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation return with their most diverse album to date, showcasing a variation of sounds, including, but not limited to, 80s synths, trippy, reverbladen guitars and dreamy 60s inspired pop. ‘Sacred Dreams’, which was written during a ”period of heartbreak, loss and dissolution”, is less of a sonic journey than its predecessors and instead seems to show that Josefin and her band don’t want to be confined to a particular genre. After opening with the electronic and motorik dance tracks “Feel The Sun”, “I Can Feel It” and “Desire” the Spiritualized-esque “Hey Little Boy”, the transcendental “Only Lovers” and the blues stomper “Baby Come On” lead the album in a hazier, mellower and more psychedelic direction.
SHARON VAN ETTEN Remind Me Tomorrow Laura: “Sitting in a bar, I told you everything, you said ‘holy shit, you almost died’”. Album opener, “I Told You Everything” is a love song of sorts, and while it hints at her turbulent past, it’s about trust, optimism and moving forward and marks a shift both musically and emotionally. The addition of synths and electronics, give a whole new dimension to her songs, at times providing rhythm and melody, at others a jarring tension and an air of menace. As ever her writing is deeply personal, but whereas previously the past was filled with regret and self doubt, this time around she reflects on it with an air of nostalgia and knowing. There’s still a sense of fragility when she writes about love, but you get the impression that she’s more at ease with her place in the world now and this has given her the confidence to write her most ambitious and assured album yet.
The Top 100 Albums: Top Twenty
19 Recommended if you like: Yeah Yeah Yeahs Daniele Luppi Bat For Lashes
20 Recommended if you like: Joy Division Idles Sonic Youth
KAREN O & DANGER MOUSE Lux Prima Andy: The voice of the Naughties teams up with the producer to the (cool!) stars and the result is stunning! Karen O has been rather quiet lately. Her lo-fi solo record ‘Crush Songs’ (2014) was preceded by the least interesting Yeah Yeah Yeahs record so far (2013’s ‘Mosquito’) so it’s really refreshing to firstly hear her in a new context, and secondly, singing some flipping good pop songs again. The title of this record loosely translates as “luxury first” and yes, it does what it says on the tin! Danger Mouse mines a similar sonic seam to his cinematic soundscapes with Daniele Luppi (2011’s ‘Rome’) whilst of course staying true to his downtempo template. But with sweeping strings and beautiful blends of funk, pop, soul and disco, all luxuriously spacey and deliciously swoony, you’ll be in for a nice surprise: the mix with Karen’s distinctive voice really does work. She’s never sounded better.
THE MURDER CAPITAL When I Have Fears Darryl: “For Everything” kicks off proceedings and sets the blueprint for much of this amazing debut album; a pummelling bassline, huge stomping drums, soaring guitars, and raw vocals. ‘When I Have Fears’ is a colossal and remarkably self-confident statement by this Dublin quintet, they create a perfect storm of unsettling post-punk grind and bruised reflection. The guitars rage with echoes of prime Sonic Youth and at other times they brood with the expressive chill of Joy Division, in the meantime the bass and drums underpin the sound with blistering assuredness, and over the top of this wonderful cacophony James McGovern’s spoken-word vocal drawl hits somewhere between James Murphy and Mark E. Smith. Written following the suicide of a close friend, ‘When I Have Fears’ displays a pensive raw emotion and a remarkable reflectiveness on their shared grief that totally belies the age of the band. Quite simply, an astonishing debut album.
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The Top 100 Albums: Top Fifty
21. L’ÉPÉE: Diabolique Barry: With some of the greatest and most unique voices (Anton Newcombe, The Limiñanas, & Emmanuelle Seigner) in modern psychedelia coming together to record, the results were never going to be anything short of brilliant. This lysergic collection is all-encompassing and beautifully balanced, with drones and jams met head on by undeniable groove and feel. Recommended if you like: The Velvet Underground, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Limiñanas.
22. SOLANGE: When I Get Home Emily: Solange siphons the essence of jazz, contemporary R&B and psychedelic soul into her latest offering. Abandoning predictable pop structures, each track develops through a series of short lived motifs and dissolves effortlessly into the next. An album of dazzling minimalist soul which is best listened to in its entirety! Recommended if you like: Kelela, Blood Orange, Erykah Badu.
23. FLYING LOTUS: Flamagra Patrick: Blurring genre boundaries as ever, Steven Ellison AKA Flying Lotus fucks with jazz, hip hop, RnB, juke, soul and soft rock on his sixth LP. This time he keeps the interludes short and so so sweet, and invites the likes of Solange, Anderson .Paak, George Clinton and Thundercat to guest on his strongest songs to date. Sublime, beautiful and brilliant. Recommended if you like: Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, Madlib.
24. FÖLLAKZOID: I Matt: While I’ve moderately enjoyed everything this Chilean prog-psyche band have conjured up in the past, it’s this, their Basic Channel-indebted, drone-techno opus that’s really captured my imagination. I swear you could drop a couple of these monstrous workouts in the main hanger at Sonar, while the growling machine whirrs could soundtrack a million next-day apocalypses in poorly lit studio flats as the inhabitants melt into the walls. Recommended if you like: Harmonia, Basic Channel, Fluxion.
25. NÉRIJA: Blume Emily: New London jazz supergroup Nérija have debuted their radiant, horn driven sound in 2019 to great acclaim. ‘Blume’ expands on the foundations they established earlier this year with their self titled EP. Teeming with lush harmonies, syncopated riffs and plenty of afrobeat shuffle, it is sure to impress fans of Kokoroko, Ezra Collective and Maisha. Recommended if you like: Nubya Garcia, John Coltrane, Theon Cross.
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26. EZRA COLLECTIVE: You Can’t Steal My Joy Millie: Contemporary Jazz 5-piece Ezra Collective have encapsulated joy in record form, and you can feel the happiness radiating through the tracks here, especially “Chris And Jane” and “Quest For Coin”. My record of the year by far, Afro-beat meets jazz meets hip hop makes for a glorious combination to put you in an upbeat mood. Recommended if you like: Sons Of Kemet, Kamasi Washington, Kamaal Williams.
27. NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS: Ghosteen Darryl: Spread across two albums, “The songs on the first album are the children. The songs on the second album are their parents. Ghosteen is migrating spirit.” Nick Cave, ‘Ghosteen‘ is a deeply introspective and at times an emotionally devastating listen exploring his personal grief following the death of his son. A melancholic yet beautiful masterpiece. Recommended if you like: Leonard Cohen, Scott Walker, Tom Waits.
28. FONTAINES D.C.: Dogrel Andy: One of the year’s most eagerly awaited albums did not disappoint when it arrived in April. A punk/post punk rock’n’roll band who actually sing about stuff, this record hits with the power of an early Smiths, Arctic Monkeys or even Oasis (more in attitude than anything else). It’s like a poem to Dublin, getting out as much as revelling in, and singer Grian Chatten is the most authentic frontman we’ve heard in a long time. Recommended if you like: Idles, The Pogues, Shame.
29. FLOATING POINTS: Crush Matt: The Chetham’s graduate has been a permanent fixture on our shelves for the last decade. ‘Crush’ embodies everything we love about him across a succinct and direct two sides. Drifting through a highly musical sanctum, we get expressions on modular and synth informed, and indeed elevated, by Sam’s well documented and rich musical education. Recommended if you like: Aphex Twin, Four Tet, Joy Orbison.
30. AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS: Amyl And The Sniffers Mine: Gnarly, energetic garage Aussie punk that demands to be played loud. Like a cross between GØGGS and Be Your Own Pet, this is their debut long player on Rough Trade! Thrashing guitars and an irreverent band name — what more could you ask for? Recommended if you like: King Gizzard, Ramones, Ty Segall.
The Top 100 Albums: Top Fifty
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31. ALLAH LAS: LAHS Barry: The newest Allah Las outing sees the LA quartet absorb and excel at a dizzying range of influences, exploring everything from classic psychedelic rock, hazy Balearic vibes and 12-bar blues to latin percussion, swooning lounge and of course, their trademark indie jangle. It’s a triumph of diversity and thematic consistency, and most of all, bloody good fun. Recommended if you like: Love, Woods, The Grateful Dead.
32. KHRUANGBIN: Hasta El Cielo (Con Todo El Mundo In Dub) Emily: Khruangbin’s deep, meditative grooves enjoy a generous helping of delay and spring reverb, with two bonus tracks mixed by none other than dub legend Scientist. This time the meandering guitar lines shimmer in the background while the bass and drums take centre stage. Sure to expand the corners of your mind and warm the chambers of your heart. Recommended if you like: Scientist, The Budos Band, El Michels Affair.
33. ROSE CITY BAND: Rose City Band Darryl: The debut album from Oregan’s Rose City Band produced and recorded by Moon Duo / Wooden Shjips’ Ripley Johnson. A beautifully timeless country-psych release with languid guitars and a hazy soundscape. Perfectly described by Ripley as a “sort of a back porch jam just as the shrooms are starting to kick in.“ Recommended if you like: Moon Duo, Velvet Underground, Jim Sullivan.
34. FRANCIS LUNG: A Dream Is U Barry: Following his two superb self-released EPs it was clear that Francis Lung was indeed something special, and that has become even more obvious with the sparkling beauty of ’A Dream Is U’. Channelling the spirit of 70s psychedelia through a Mancunian dream-pop filter, this is a stunning and groundbreaking debut solo album. Recommended if you like: Elliott Smith, Wu Lyf, Big Star.
35. GIRL RAY: Girl Andy: We loved last year’s debut album here at Piccadilly, as it reminded the oldies amongst us of those halcyon DIY mid-80s indie pop days, and the youngsters just felt like they could be in the band! For the follow up they’ve swapped guitars for synths and made a sweet pop record that’s way more sophisticated, but still manages to display all the quirks and charm which made us fall in love with them in the first place. Recommended if you like: The Orielles, Stealing Sheep, Boy Azooga.
The Top 100 Albums: Top Fifty
36. TORO Y MOI: Outer Peace Barry: Another great LP from Toro Y Moi, with pulsing beats and smooth synths all wrapping comfortably around the machinated vocal delivery. Working its way between the dancefloor and home listening, there’s enough activity to keep you moving, but the whole thing is imbued with the kind of languid beats and euphoric basses that a more horizontal position can benefit. Perfect. Recommended if you like: Prince, Washed Out, Frank Ocean.
37. LOYLE CARNER: Not Waving, But Drowning Millie: Loyle Carner’s poetic and distinctive rap makes him stand out from the crowd by miles, consistently making innovative music. His ability to weave in touching narratives and heartfelt open letters are captured perfectly on ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’, a truly beautiful and awe inspiring listen from start to finish. Recommended if you like: Common, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei.
38. BIG THIEF: U.F.O.F. Barry: Big Thief are one of our favourites in Piccadilly, and this latest iteration of their sound really shows why. Skilfully toeing the line between mournful acoustic balladry, simmering country and more upbeat melodic indie, Big Thief have once again brought us an eminently listenable and transportative triumph. Recommended if you like: Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, Lucy Dacus.
39. ANDERSON .PAAK: Ventura Matt: An absolutely killer new outing from Señor .Paak here, brilliantly displaying a refracted rainbow of R&B influences, brought together with his forward thinking lyrical content and staggeringly effective rhythmic flow. Recommended if you like: Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, J. Cole.
40. THOM YORKE: Anima Barry: ‘Anima’ is yet more evidence of Yorke’s endless artistic vision and his ability to turn his hand to any musical or audio-visual endeavour with unparalleled success. ‘Amina’ is both an arresting visual feat and a brilliantly realised auditory artifact, as comfortable being listened to in situ (with visuals) or on its own. Recommended if you like: Brian Eno, James Holden, Radiohead.
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FMD
*
Forte Music Distribution OH SEES ‘Face Stabber’
NILS FRAHM ‘All Encores’
Castle Face 2LP/CD
SHANA CLEVELAND ‘Night of the Worm Moon’
Erased Tapes CD / 3x 12”
KANDODO 3 ‘k3’
SHARDS ‘Find Sound’
Rooster 2LP/CD
Erased Tapes LP/CD
PATIENCE ‘Dizzy Spells’
Hardly Art LP/CD
BLACKWATER HOLYLIGHT ‘Veils of Winter’ Riding Easy LP/CD
HEADLAND ‘What Rough Beast ’
Night School LP/CD
NOLAN POTTER’S NIGHTMARE BAND ‘Nightmare Forever’ Castle Face LP/CD
Agitated Records LP/CD
BIG STICK ‘ LP’
CFM ‘Soundtrack To An Empty Room’
SARAH DAVACHI ‘Pale Bloom’
Drag Racing Underground LP/2CD
In The Red LP/CD
2019’s music you can’t refuse
W25th LP/CD
The Top 100 Albums: Top Fifty
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41. ANGEL OLSEN: All Mirrors Barry: Exhilerating synth strokes, huge cavernous percussion and snappy mid-heavy bass form a fittingly retrophilic cushion for Olsen’s always hypnotic voice, in this instance its commanding presence soars above the backdrop, both haunting and uplifting. ’All Mirrors’ is a triumph. Recommended if you like: Big Thief, Sharon Van Etten, Joanna Newsom.
42. SAMPA THE GREAT: The Return Millie: Sampa The Great’s masterful ‘The Return’ is the musical culmination of four years of self discovery, a theme which runs throughout the entire album. Incorporating everything we love about hip hop as well as a celebration of Southern African rhythm, this album is pure and dynamic. Featuring some badass artists like Whosane and Krown, this is the gift that just keeps on giving. Recommended if you like: Sudan Archives, Ibeyi, Little Simz.
43. STEVE MASON: About The Light Laura: Wearing his heart on his sleeve both emotionally and politically, the former Beta Band front man brings us his best and most direct album to date. As ever he dabbles with different genres, be it folky ballads, melodica tinged dub, Stones-ey southern soul or big hook filled pop songs, but this time around, more than ever, he’s managed to meld everything into a cohesive, uplifting whole. Recommended if you like: Gruff Rhys, Beta Band, King Creosote.
44. YOUR OLD DROOG: Transportation Matt: Compiling our end of year chart it was obvious Droog was gonna feature. But choosing between this and ‘It Wasn’t Even Close’ has been tough. For its wider range of styles and more consistent hitrate throughout, this has just clinched it. Full of his downright hilarious skits and poignant commentary, Droog’s still not frontin’, instead concentrating on real life and metaphysical style. If you don't know — get to know! Recommended if you like: Nas, Wiki, MF DOOM.
45. TENESHA THE WORDSMITH: Peacocks & Other Savage Beasts Patrick: After a standout contribution to Khalab’s ‘Black Noise 2084’ LP last year, Tenesha teams up with the producer once again, delivering poetic, polemic and emphatic spoken word over an array of Afro-futurist beats. Sex, love, race and equality are all explored by an artist operating at the cutting edge of music and poetry. Recommended if you like: August Greene, Kate Tempest, Maimouna Youssef.
The Top 100 Albums: Top Fifty
46. SARATHY KORWAR: More Arriving Barry: A highly political record, fitting in perfectly between the colourful sounds of modern India and the UK‘s flourishing appreciation for new jazz and hip hop. Korwar has managed to craft a brilliantly immersive LP, seamlessly segueing between genres while retaining the parts of each that make them great. A true melting pot, and a necessary political statement. Recommended if you like: Sons Of Kemet, Talvin Singh, Ezra Collective.
47. PURPLE MOUNTAINS: Purple Mountains Andy: An incredible record with just the saddest/funniest lyrics. David Berman was a poet as well as a genius songwriter and for me, this is even better than anything he did with Silver Jews. Backed by Woods, one of my favourite bands, who play more Americana than psych here, there is not one weak track on show. David Berman RIP. Recommended if you like: Bill Callahan, Stephen Malkmus, Bonnie “Prince” Billy.
48. SNAPPED ANKLES: Stunning Luxury Darryl: Throbbing pulses, primal motorik melodies and fiery post-punk aggression spew forth from the sophomore Snapped Ankles outing. Continuing on from 2017 triumphant debut ‘Come Play The Trees’, it’s as if they were born to make this sound. A destabilizing stew that moves the body and the mind. Recommended if you like: Warmduscher, The Fall, LCD Soundsystem.
49. CHALI 2NA & KRAFTY KUTS: Adventures Of A Reluctant Superhero Matt: Hip hop continues to be a dominating force as trap, grime and rap vie for the spotlight. Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts bring that old skool boom-bap flavour and keep us noddin‘ till sun down. Ffffressh! Recommended if you like: Jurassic 5, People Under The Stairs, Souls Of Mischief.
50. JENNY LEWIS: On The Line Dave: Jenny‘s fourth solo album is by a long way, her best. The self confessional songwriting that works its magic throughout ‘On The Line‘ is like a gossipy phone call with your favourite (forsaken) ‘bad‘ sister, full of tales of the kind of life you wish you were living and all delivered in THAT voice. Unmissable. Recommended if you like: Emmylou Harris, Ryan Adams, Neko Case.
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WARP ’89—INFINITY 2019 30 YEARS OF WARP RECORDS
Danny Brown
Bibio Ribbons
uknowhatimsayin¿
Stereolab Reissues
Stereolab Reissues
Battles Juice B Crypts
WXAXRXP Sessions
Flying Lotus Flamagra
Plaid Polymer
!!! Wallop
Daniel Lopatin Uncut Gems OST
Kelly Moran Origin EP GAIKA HEATERS 4 THE 2 SEATERS James McVinnie All Night Chroma TNGHT II
The Top 100 Albums: Top Fifty
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51. CIGARETTES AFTER SEX: Cry For their sophomore album CAS treat us to more gorgeous, slow-mo, late night heart-breakers that drift by with classic chords and beautiful vocals.
52. HANIA RANI: Esja Hania Rani‘s debut album is by turns taut and gentle, full of fast-paced piano soundscapes that culminate in the sublime “Now, Run“.
53. SLEAFORD MODS: Eton Alive The Mods bring us their fifth album ‘Eton Alive’, a politically charged slice of snarling vocal fire, post-punk minimalism and wry social commentary.
54. SASAMI: Sasami Wonderfully wonky at points, rhythmically diverse and musically immersive, Sasami‘s debut album is an absolute storm of inventive polyrhythms and lush vocals.
55. INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS OF POP: International Teachers Of Pop Sheffield supergroup! Taking the sweet vocals of Leonore Wheatley (Soundcarriers), Adrian and Dean (Moonlandingz) get synthy, marrying Sheffield pop, indie songwriting and Italo energy.
58. OH SEES: Face Stabber John Dwyer and the gang have done it again. A brilliantly heavy but perfectly nuanced mix of production perfection and instrumental devastation.
59. BAT FOR LASHES: Lost Girls Natasha Khan releases her most synthy outing yet, with the saturated vibe of 80s pop perfectly complimenting her airy, enchanting vocals.
60. BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE: Brian Jonestown Massacre 18 studio albums in and Anton Newcombe’s BJM still sound fresh and relevant, serving top-notch psychedelic rock soaked in a 60s haze.
61. ALDOUS HARDING: Designer Another stunning album from Harding, ‘Designer’ sees her at the top of her game with her own brand of rhythmic, country-tinged melodic indie.
62. THE NATIONAL: I Am Easy To Find Featuring female guest vocals galore, choral arrangements and strings, this is The National mixing things up with fabulous effect.
56. JESCA HOOP: Stonechild
63. FREDDIE GIBBS & MADLIB: Bandana
Gorgeous fingerpicked guitar brings echoes of 60s folk, alt-country and modern brooding indie, all wrapped together with Hoop‘s delicate, prominent vocal talents.
As feisty, potty-mouthed and charismatic as ever, Freddie Kane returns with Madlib on the dials for another xxxplicit account of modern manhood, street politics and the continuing hip hop soap opera.
57. THE QUIET TEMPLE: The Quiet Temple Like a slo-mo distillation of Joe Henderson and Alice Coltrane, the Quiet Temple serve up a trundling jazzy bouquet brimming with languid psychedelic flourishes, slowly growing into a bloom of otherworldly drone.
64. J-WALK: Mediterranean Winds The uber-talented J-Walk returns with this brand new set of sultry magic. Hardcore Balearic with hints of dub, mellow house and slinky funk.
The Top 100 Albums
65. BLANCK MASS: Animated Violence Mild On his fourth solo LP, the former Fuck Button draws a flawless line between game soundtracks, raucous EDM and the slowly building electronics of dancefloor trance or the incremental atmospheric accentuation of 70s prog.
66. LILLIE MAE: Other Girls A brilliantly written mix of classic country chord structures and the slightly gloomy reverb and poignant minor key changes of modern folk, all brought together with deft production and a stunning vocal performance from Lillie Mae.
67. JAY SOM: Anak Ko Jay Som AKA Californian musician Melina Duterte makes lush and shimmering indie-pop influenced by the likes of 80s giants The Cure, Cocteau Twins, and Prefab Sprout.
68. WARMDUSCHER: Tainted Lunch The third album from the supergroup featuring members of Fat White Family and Childhood. An irrepressible hit of Bontempi exotica, hip hop, sanctified rock’n’roll and screaming garage rock.
69. THE UTOPIA STRONG: The Utopia Strong Steve Davis of snooker fame is joined by some of the most legendary names in psych music history to create a wonderful LP, rife with growling modular, flickering arps and Kosmische glory.
70. MICHAEL KIWANUKA: Kiwanuka
Having secured a whole new audience with the theme tune of HBO’s Big Little Lies, Kiwanuka returns with his third album of stylish top quality bluesy R&B/soul.
71. DIIV: Deceiver DIIV expertly lay down swathes of distortion and echoing guitars before hypnotic rhythms make their mark, coalescing into a lysergic, shoegazing maelstrom. Superb stuff.
72. EX:RE: EX:RE Daughter were one of the most refreshing bands to come out a good few years ago, and this solo album from haunting voiced singer, Elena Tonra is a beautiful and comfortingly different outlet for her undeniable vocal and songwriting talents.
73. THE SPECIALS: Encore Their first album of new material in 37 years, and it’s like they’ve never been away. Pitch perfect politically informed ska from one of the country’s most influential bands.
74. JAMILA WOODS: LEGACY! LEGACY! Jamila Woods returns with her soul-filled lyrics and powerhouse vocals. ‘LEGACY! LEGACY!’ is truly beautiful and holds the same strength and passion as her debut, ‘Heavn’.
75. CRAZY P: Age Of The Ego Album number eight from Crazy P, and remarkably this tour-de-force blend of disco, soul, and house is probably their freshest release so far. Immaculately crafted soundscapes.
76. MATTHEW HALSALL: Oneness This precious jazz has been stored in the vaults for over a decade, deemed too subtle and sensitive to be released till now. A beautiful and stunningly delicate addition to Halsall’s catalogue.
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ON TOUR IN 2020
14 FEBRUARY - MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2 “AN OUTSTANDING DEBUT” THE GUARDIAN | 5/5
“A DEBUT ALBUM OF RARE POTENCY” Q | 4/5
The Top 100 Albums
77. WEYES BLOOD: Titanic Rising
83. BLACK MIDI: Schlagenheim
A classy drift from psych-tinged folk to warm, honeyed West Coast soft rock; gorgeous early 70s singer-songwriter territory with the occasional whiff of Karen Carpenter, and all the melancholic sweep and drama you might expect.
An indefinable and thrilling collection of angular post-punk, avant math-rock and percussive glitch. Black Midi are singular in artistic scope and as forward thinking as they come.
78. BON IVER: I,I
84. TYCHO: Weather
The prodigiously talented Justin Vernon presents us with a modern take on the progressive chord structures and vocal layering of 70s rock and the percussive immediacy of 80s synthpop, somehow wrapped in the high gloss of contemporary R’n’B.
Staying true to their euphoric hazy electronica, but adding in a sizeable amount of nearwhispered vocal parts and classic downtempo make this the most varied and rewarding Tycho album to date.
79. DANIEL O'SULLIVAN: Folly The second album from the Mancunian, ‘Folly’ is a wonderfully rich and ornately textured album, bringing to mind Scott Walker, Brian Eno and Field Music.
80. FLAMINGODS: Levitation Flamingods return, bringing with them a brilliantly psychedelic mix of eastern-influenced groove, dreamy anthemic pop and acid-tinged folk. Killer stuff.
81. MAPS: Colours. Reflect. Time. Loss. Swinging from soaring anthemic rock to brittle shoegazing ambience, but bolstered throughout by driven percussion and shimmering synths this is an absolute career high.
82. PIP BLOM: Boat Pip has the knack of writing such immediate, hook filled pop songs that they seem immediately familiar. If you're a fan of classic three minute indie pop then this is an absolute peach.
85. KINDNESS: Something Like A War Adam Bainbridge continues to hone their sensitive, sensual and subtle blend of synth, soul, house and disco-not-disco on this ace third album.
86. GRACE LIGHTMAN: Silver Eater For people who like crisp, rich synths or the optimistic throb of 80‘s pop, ‘Silver Eater‘ is for you. Brilliantly immersive synth-pop anthems, perfectly produced and beautifully written.
87. B BOYS: Dudu Of course they‘re from New York. That fuzzy post-punk sound, that whispered but somehow screaming vocal affectation and their hugely listenable but ferocious execution of a uniquely East Coast snarl.
88. TY SEGALL: First Taste Incendiary, raucous, ingenious and not unexpected in the slightest. One of the most confounding and reliable psyche-rock bands out there at the moment. Brilliant.
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The Clash Go behind the scenes of the cutting-edge album. An exclusive FREE exhibit at the Museum of London.
#TheClashLondonCalling
© Pennie Smith
Opens 15/11/19
London Calling ‘2019 Editions’ AVAILABLE NOW: Scrapbook + CD, 2CD, 2LP & Cassette.
The Top 100 Albums
89. FROTH: Duress Trading in head-nodding eyes-closed psychedelic fuzz, Froth are immediately satisfying but brilliantly deep, and perfectly measured throughout, ‘Duress‘ is an exciting and exhilarating ride.
90. DEATH AND VANILLA: Are You A Dreamer? Eschewing their classic sound slightly for a more open and airy offering channelling the vibes of 70s soundtracks, dewy psychedelia and tie-dyed synth-play.
91. HERE LIES MAN: No Ground To Walk Upon It‘s pretty impossible not to nod your head along to Here Lies Man; fiery distorted guitar, rhythmic syncopation and chunky riffage. The perfect combination.
92. BUNNY HOOVA: LONGING A series of meditations on love, insecurity and technology, occurring within an ever-shifting, fragmented reality. Acidic yet soulful, splintered yet cohesive as a whole, and utterly enthralling.
93. MODERN NATURE: How To Live Having penned a succession of hazy, indie-rock affairs, Jack Cooper breaks out a beautiful folky wanderer, heavy on reverb and drifting guitar ambience, but maintaining his amazing melodic leanings.
95. TROPICAL FUCK STORM: Braindrops Fragmented melodies and post-punk spirit encompass psychedelic freeform, spoken word vitriol and arty noise into a confounding but strangely addictive listen.
96. METRONOMY: Metronomy Forever From tender, lightly accentuated ballads and brittle melodic synth lines to huge, bombastic pop heft within the space of a couple minutes, and without batting an eyelid.
97. 808 STATE: Transmission Suite A perfect mix of old-world electronics and timbres and crisp modern production techniques make this one of their most direct and propulsive outings yet. Unmissable.
98. WHITNEY: Forever Turned Around The highly anticipated follow-up to 2016’s ‘Light Upon The Lake’ sparkles with stunning upbeat jangles, soulful progressions and smooth-as-silk percussion throughout.
99. TINARIWEN: Amadjar ‘Amadjar’ is the closest the Tuareg troop have come to capturing their live sound in the studio, largely because it was conceived, composed and recorded across a trail of temporary studios during a North African road trip.
100. GRUFF RHYS: Pang! 94. WILCO: Ode To Joy On ‘Ode To Joy’ Jeff Tweedy‘s vocals have matured slightly, lending a mild gruffness to his perfectly pitched vocal range, and ideally suited to the band’s fabulous low-key folk rock.
There is no more distinctive a voice in modern indie than Gruff, with his impeccable grasp of melody and seamless integration of Welsh vocals, dynamic percussion and classic songwriting.
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Basso Proper Sunburn
islandman Kaybola
Be Svendsen Between a Smile and a Tear
Copenema Deixa a MĂşsica tocar
soFa Elsewhere Junior I
Jacob Gurevitsch In Search of Lost Time
CARGO RECORDS
JANE WEAVER
LOOPS IN THE SECRET SOCIETY FIRE RECORDS LP / CD
TOY
HAPPY IN THE HOLLOW TOUGH LOVE LP / CD
THE UTOPIA STRONG
THURSTON MOORE
ROCKET RECORDINGS LP / CD
DAYDREAM LIBRARY SERIES CD BOX
THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE
LORELLE MEETS THE OBSOLETE
THE UTOPIA STRONG
THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE ‘A’ RECORDINGS LP / CD
THE STROPPIES WHOOSH!
TOUGH LOVE LP / CD
PETER DOHERTY & THE PUTA MADRES PETER DOHERTY & THE PUTA MADRES STRAP ORIGINALS LP / CD
JOSEFIN OHRN + THE LIBERATION
SPIRIT COUNSEL
DE FACTO
SONIC CATHEDRAL LP / CD
CARTER TUTTI VOID TRIUMVIRATE
SACRED DREAMS
ROCKET RECORDINGS LP / CD
CONSPIRACY INTERNATIONAL LP / CD
TROPICAL FUCK STORM
JOAN SHELLEY
JOYFUL NOISE RECORDINGS LP / CD
NO QUARTER LP / CD
BRAINDROPS
WWW.CARGORECORDS.CO.UK
LIKE THE RIVER LOVES THE SEA
BEST OF 2019
SLEAFORD MODS ETON ALIVE
L’ÉPÉE
VANISHING TWIN
EXTREME EATING LP / CD
DIABOLIQUE
THE AGE OF IMMUNOLOGY
‘A’ RECORDINGS LP / CD
FIRE RECORDS LP / CD
LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS
HEATHER WOODS BRODERICK
SUNSHINE ROCK
INVITATION
MERGE RECORDS LP / CD
BIG CROWN RECORDS LP / CD
WESTERN VINYL LP / CD
KELLY FINNIGAN
HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER
MIKAL CRONIN
IT RAINS LOVE
THE TALES PEOPLE TELL
COLEMINE RECORDS LP / CD
BOB MOULD
SEEKER
TERMS OF SURRENDER
MERGE LP / CD
JIM JONES AND THE RIGHTEOUS MIND
DEATH AND VANILLA
MERGE RECORDS LP / CD
MICHAEL CHAPMAN TRUE NORTH
PARADISE OF BACHELORS LP / CD
COLLECTIV
MASONIC RECORDS LP / CD
ARE YOU A DREAMER? FIRE RECORDS LP / CD
The Top 20 Compilations: Compilation of the Year
COMPILATION OF THE YEAR 2019
1
PROPER SUNBURN
Forgotten Sunscreen Applied By Basso Patrick: On active digging duty since his pre-teen trips to the flohmarkt, Basso knows a thing or two about records. From mixing ‘The House Sound Of Chicago’ compilation for classmates at his 11th birthday party, through encyclopaedic retention of vintage rap verses and German jazz sessionists, to cross continental road-trips with contemporaries Tako and Chee, the Hamburg man has dedicated his life to discs. And while some vinyl obsessives share a passion for stinginess and exclusion, Basso has always enjoyed music best with friends. If you pay a visit to his blog or online boutique, you’ll discover a wealth of information on Black Forest jazz, organic wonders and killer European pop songs, saved from the pound bin and served by the pool. So race to the sun lounger, lay down a towel and leave your worries behind, this is Balearic with a twist, served with emotion, humour and honesty in classic Growing Bin style.
Take the opener for instance, Austrian AOR in Ambre Solaire which eventually develops into full sunstroke silliness. Ninja Tuner DJ Food jumps out of our faded post-rave memory and injects a little dusty downbeat into the audio experience before Basso surprises us all with a sublime slow number from the usually corrosive RVDS. Next he traverses new age and new wave in a trio of esoteric treats from Horizont, Xiame and Miko, while Massimo Stella brings the acceptable fusion on ‘C’e Una Donna Sola’. Trimolo and Diedel offer organic and electronic delights respectively, softening us up before the pulse raising straßen-soul of Mikey D, and Basso’s brilliant extension of Wolfsmond’s Balea-rock groove. There’s still time to enjoy a masterclass in melancholy pop from teendreamers Ghia, before Jean Phillipe Rykiel takes us home on his soaring synths. Landing in our lap on a promo CDr, this thirteen track selection soundtracked the summer in Piccadilly, and it sounds every bit as brilliant now the leaves are falling.
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...this is Balearic with a twist, served with emotion, humour and honesty in classic Growing Bin style Basso says... Do you remember those tapes we used to do for friends in the 90s? When Kenny asked me if was up for doing a Music For Dreams comp I knew I wouldn’t be able to pull out my obscure private German electronica. But I knew I wanted to make it a compilation like those tapes from way back. For an imaginary friend who’d better have a similar taste to me (I hope you don’t mind as a listener that I treated you like a friend). In the process of putting together the tracklist, I didn’t focus on a specific style or topic and instead gathered some songs that fit together well and that deserve a bit more attention. I could have done it RARE or filled it with tracks nobody has ever heard before, but that wouldn’t have been me. Getting bored very quickly I always try to have a variety of styles, whether in a mix, on a dance floor or — in this case — on record. I hope the disparity is not too disturbing to your ears. It sounded okay to mine… Cheers, Basso PS. I thought I was done but this is a bit like the discogs comment section — add at least 100 more words. HA, no problem! Before I send you to the wonderful place where I share the fruit of my excavations (www. growingbinrecords.com) with the world of like-minded weird and wonderful people I might talk about my love for record stores; especially those who don’t just offer standard stuff. These amazing places that enable us to discover the beauties and the beasts. Ahh beauties, btw, did I mention that the Growing Bin is a label too? Not to mention the Glowing Pin! Keep your eyes peeled for new music in 2020. Basso
File U nd Balea er: r New A ic ge Euro pean Pop
The Top 20 Compilations
2. S oul Jazz Records Presents ‘Keith Haring: The World Of Keith Haring’ Patrick: Where a lot of Soul Jazz compilations focus on a genre, or a precursor of that genre, Haring‘s affiliated acts read like the toilet walls of CBGB, Paradise Garage and the Mudd Club. It‘s a brilliantly varied but cohesive snapshot of the 80s in music and art incorporating art-rock, electro and the burgeoning hip hop scene. Absolutely essential. File Under: Disco, Punk Funk, Hip Hop.
3. Pacific Breeze — Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1976-1986 Patrick: If you, like me, Ryan Horsebeach and Piccadilly supply teacher Michael, have had your head turned by the sounds of Japan, you‘ll be giddy at the arrival of this LITA compiled collection of city pop gems. Featuring a who‘s who of 80s Japan, and their best moments no less, this is sunkissed tropical synth pop with a heavy helping of Japanese soul. Sophisticated music from the future past, presented in typically lavish fashion from the mighty Light In The Attic. File Under: Japanese Boogie, Synth Pop, 80s Funk.
4. DJ Kicks — Peggy Gou Patrick: DJ superstar, powerhouse producer and general woman of the moment, Peggy Gou has been smashing up the Piccadilly sales totals of late, and this compilation makes it clear where her influence stems from. Seamlessly moving through electro, bass, house and synthpop, the Korean producer leads us on a journey through the best bits of club music from the last 30 years. All in all a brilliantly immersive and hugely flexible collection from the superstar DJ. File Under: Techno, House, Electro.
5. Back To Mine — Jungle Millie: Jungle’s compilation is a close replica of what I’d include on my own selection of favourite songs featuring BadBadNotGood, Kaytranada, Sly5thAve and Mansur Brown. A fantastic mixture of contemporary jazz spins into broad horizons from house, soul and Afro-beat, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to genre inclusivity. Jungle include their very own exclusive track “Come Back A Different Day” which is drenched in electronic beats with their signature sleek vocals. File Under: New Jazz, House, Soul.
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6. La Torre Ibiza — Volumen Tres Matt: Keeping selection as the key point, focus and motive throughout, Mark Barrott & Pete Gooding have compiled a truly Balearic release — spontaneous yet relaxed, familiar but constantly surprising us with new sounds, treading new ground whilst paying tribute to the vast history of the island. A classic! File Under: Balearic, Ambient, Cosmic.
7. Sunny Side Up Millie: Brownswood shifts its focus to creative collectives from Melbourne in ‘Sunny Side Up’, filled to the brim with Afro-beat, jazzy goodness and samba. From Allysha Joy to SilentJay, this compilation provides the relaxing chilled tones which make you want to sail away along an idyllic coastline. File Under: New Jazz, Afro-beat, R&B.
8. Beautiful Swimmers Present — The Sound Of Love International 002 Matt: The first compilation from emergent festival / brand / record label Love International and it‘s a pretty cutting edge selection, highlighting the maverick and hedonistic spirit that epitomizes much of the brand‘s ethos. Takes me back to those raucous nights with the Swimmers at Wet Play. File Under: House, UK Garage, Adriatic.
9. Late Night Tales — Floating Points Barry: Classically trained musical genius, production whizz and record obsessive Floating Points helms this edition of the long running series, and it‘s just as good as you‘d hope! Electronic lullabies, rare soul, Brazilian funk and modern classical, all brought together into a truly nocturnal journey. It nearly had Matt Ward in tears on release date — it‘s that good. File Under: Jazz, Neo-classical, Electronica.
10. DJ Harvey Is The Sound Of Mercury Rising Vol II Patrick: Balearic badboy, surf idol and all round pin up DJ Harvey hits us with a second selection of Mercury Rising bangers, assembled in loving memory of the late great Tony Pikes. Finding an equal balance between recent winners and all time classics, Harvey does disco, house, street soul and jazz-funk in his distinctive Balearic style. File Under: Balearic, House, Soul.
The Top 20 Compilations: Compilation of the Year CO M P I L AT I O N S O F T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 9
A G R E AT C O M P I L AT I O N TA k E S YO u O N A j O u R N E Y
V/A - PROPER SUNBURN FORGOTTEN SUNSCREEN APPLIED BY BASSO Chart #1
V/A - DJ KICKS: PEGGY GOU Chart #4
V/A - BACK TO MINE: JUNGLE Chart #5
V/A - SUNNY SIDE UP Chart #7
(Music for Dreams)
(!K7)
(Back to Mine)
(Brownswood )
V/A - BEAUTIFUL SWIMMERS PRESENT THE SOUND OF LOVE INTERNATIONAL 002 Chart #8
V/A - FLOATING POINTS: LATE NIGHT TALES Chart #9
V/A - DJ HARVEY IS THE SOUND OF MERCURY RISING VOL II Chart #10
V/A - BACK TO MINE: NIGHTMARES ON WAX Chart #15
(Pikes Records)
(Back to Mine)
V/A - BEAUTIFUL FREAKS: MUSIC FROM THE ORIGINAL COUNTER CULTURE Chart #17
V/A - UNDER THE INFLUENCE VOL 7: WINSTON Chart #18
V/A - THE TIME FOR PEACE IS NOW Chart #19
MORT GARSON (MOTHER EARTH’S) PLANTASIA Re-issues Chart #2
(Late Night Tales)
(Love International Recordings)
(Tad)
(Z Records)
(Luaka Bop)
(Sacred Bones)
THANKS TO PICCADILLY RECORDS FOR ALL THEIR SUPPORT IN 2019 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDIE RECORD SHOP WWW.REPUBLICOFMUSIC.NET
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11. Kankyō Ongaku — Japanese Ambient, Environmental & New Age Music 1980-1990 Patrick: Wonderfully packaged, presented and curated by the ever dependable Light In The Attic, ‘Kankyo Ongaku‘ is a fitting companion to ‘I Am The Center‘ and the ‘Microcosm‘, exploring the new age and ambient sounds of 80s Japan. It’s minimal, relaxing and utterly beautiful. File Under: Japanese Ambient, Minimalist, New Age.
12. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood — OST Darryl: Curated by Quentin Tarantino himself, this soundtrack is a perfect accompaniment to the late 60s Hollywood as visited in the film. Featuring 31 tracks including vintage radio adverts as well as stand out cuts from Paul Revere & The Raiders, Deep Purple and Simon & Garfunkel, this is an essential time capsule of a long gone golden era. File Under: Folk, Rock, Summer Of Love.
13. Martin Freeman & Eddie Piller Present — Soul On The Corner Patrick: After hitting us with a choice selection of jazz cuts last year, deep digger, class actor and snappy dresser Martin Freeman and Acid Jazz head honcho Eddie Piller return with a collection of sweet modern soul sounds. File Under: Modern Soul, Rare Groove, Gospel.
14. Fabric Presents — Bonobo Barry: Featuring a diverse range of artists and genres, it becomes clear where the mix of instrumental hip-hop, traditional electronica and house meet in the euphoric middle-ground Bonobo treads. A superb compilation and a fascinating timeline of Bonobo‘s considerable influences with the dance floor as the focus. File Under: Electronica, House, Glitch.
15. Back To Mine — Nightmares On Wax Barry: The iconic album series Back to Mine returns in 2019, to mark its 20th anniversary, inviting the indomitable Nightmares On Wax to share his personal collection of music for after hours grooving. Dig in for Piccadilly faves Children Of Zeus and Steve Cobby along many other jamz! File Under: New Jazz, House, Soul.
The Top 20 Compilations
16. Ann Arbor Blues Festival 1969 Darryl: Released on Jack White’s Third Man label, this is a 50th anniversary documentation of the historic and legendary blues festival. Sprawling across a double CD and two volumes of vinyl this epic compilation features previously unheard material from the likes of Muddy Waters, Son House, Howlin’ Wolf, Lightnin’ Hopkins and many many more. File Under: Blues, Rhythm & Blues. Chicago Blues.
17. Beautiful Freaks — Waving Our Flag High, Wave On, Wave On: Music From The Original Counter Culture Darryl: Curated by the team that brought us 2018’s ‘Running The Voodoo Down’, this compilation charts the original counter-culture. A journey through the acid laced and cosmically mashed-up world of the Heads and the Freaks, from Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg to Hawkwind, Grateful Dead and Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. File Under: Psychedelia, Garage Rock, Acid Folk.
18. Under The Influence Vol.7 — Compiled By Winston Matt: If boogie, disco and soul are your bio-fuel, then this should have you up and running in no time at all. Impeccable selection of hits, all legit and licensed — if you were to attempt to seek these tracks out individually it‘d take thousands of pounds and hours! Winston does the leg work... File Under: Disco, Modern Soul, Jazz-Funk.
19. The Time For Peace Is Now Patrick: Luaka Bop‘s latest compilation lifts the lid on the peculiar 70s fusion of funk, soul and gospel, with a singular focus on the songs about us — not Him. If you‘re hankering for some humanist grooves, look no further. File Under: 70s Funk, Soul, Gospel.
20. J-Jazz Vol.2 — Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1969-1983 Patrick: After scoring a sell out success with the first volume, BBE revisit the treasure trove of Japanese jazz for another killer compilation of wild cuts and diverse rarities. This is a set so deep that the listener is a cat, whiskey and coffee away from turning into a Murakami protagonist... File Under: Japanese Jazz, Fusion, Post-Bop.
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The Amazons Future Dust
Kate Tempest The Book Of Traps And Lessons
Palace Life After
Self Esteem Compliments Please
Mini Mansions Guy Walks Into A Bar‌
Pumarosa Devastation
Best of 2019
underworld drift series 1
metronomy metronomy forever
mac demarco here comes the cowboy
bear’s den so that you might hear me
iggy pop free
lucy rose no words left
sleater-kinney the centre won’t hold
clairo immunity
local natives violet street
best of 2019
The Top 20 Reissues / Collections: Reissue / Collection of the Year
REISSUE / COLLECTION OF THE YEAR 2019
1
PREFAB SPROUT
I Trawl The Megahertz
Dave: The year is 1999 and Prefab Sprout main man, Paddy McAloon, finds himself nearly blind after surgery to reattach his retinas. Unable to either write songs or read, he spends his time listening to short-wave radio, recording snippets from the phoneins and documentaries that will engender ‘I Trawl The Megahertz’. When it came out in 2003 Paddy, now fully recovered, had decided it was too personal a piece of work to be released under the Prefab Sprout moniker. Worried that an audience expecting a follow up to ‘Cars And Girls’ might be a little nonplussed by his new
direction, it appeared as a solo album. Like cotton in a blizzard the record scattered into the ether and was, for the most part, largely forgotten. Not only is ‘I Trawl The Megahertz’ entirely unlike anything recorded by Prefab Sprout, it’s unlike anything recorded in pop. The record’s otherworldly mixture of samples and soaring, Debussy inspired classical interludes has more in common with one of those epic, old Hollywood films that you’d watch for hours on a rainy Sunday afternoon than anything you might hear on the radio, either then or now.
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Paddy McAloon says... As a child of the sixties — the nineteen sixties, not the eighteen sixties; don‘t be fooled by recent photographs of this white bearded grandpa — I took for granted the seemingly unstoppable wave of wonderful, adventurous music that swamped us on a regular basis. This period extended well into the seventies, into what we now think of as the golden age of the album. Take a look at the shelves of your local bookstore and you‘ll notice the growing volume of books devoted to aspects of this era (Hello David Hepworth!). And if we disagree on the merits of individual records, I think we‘re probably still in broad agreement that this was an extraordinary time. When Prefab Sprout started — in nineteen seventy one — long before we were in a position to make records, I would fill cassettes with my weird and not so wonderful songs. And by manipulating a loudspeaker and the cassette input, I‘d make weird atonal sounds that were inspired by the music that surrounded me. Crucially, this not only included the stuff I‘d heard on the radio but things I‘d only read about. (Karlheinz Stockhausen may have appeared on the cover of Sgt. Pepper, but he wasn‘t on Top Of The Pops. . . . or if he was, it must have been on a lost edition, or one of those episodes redacted for non-musical reasons.) My point being that anyone of a certain age in the early seventies who harboured vague musical ambitions was perfectly positioned to benefit from this blizzard of music. And if, in the pre-Internet era, we couldn‘t always easily find, or afford, a lot of the music we read about, we had plenty of time for imagining how it might sound. Strangely, in this way it is possible to become inspired by music you have not actually heard. This is a thought that still pleases me. What has any of this to do with Piccadilly Records‘ decision to make ‘I Trawl The Megahertz‘ their reissue of the year? Everything! I wrote the album buoyed up on the adventurous spirit I had absorbed during my childhood when music seemed mysterious, and new, and full of possibilities. I might have revered Bolan and Bowie but I had noticed the strange, often vocal-less, sounds coming from the radio‘s late night schedules. I like to think I‘ve always had broad musical tastes, so it wasn‘t a matter of trying to be hip for its own sake. I was just immensely curious and happily nonjudgemental about whatever it was I was hearing. What was that? You might ask.
Records by Tangerine Dream or Pink Floyd or Faust, and wayward characters such as Syd Barrett or Kevin Ayers, who rarely found an outlet on daytime radio, but who fed the imaginations of thousands of listeners, and aspiring songwriters, via John Peel and his colleagues. Am I getting around to saying that Megahertz is in some way a progressive rock record? Well, not exactly. But it does owe something to the spirit of those times. Back in the day, progressive music was largely a response to developments pioneered by — among others — the Beatles. The spirit of adventure contained in a “Strawberry Fields“, or a “Good Vibrations“, is a wonderful thing to behold if you are interested in making records. You can tell yourself that you too might, one day, “extend the form“. And, circa nineteen seventy, I reckon a lot of people in bands had absorbed “A Day In The Life“, and the medley on side two of ‘Abbey Road‘, and “extending the form“ was — for better, and very often worse — all the rage. The progressive tendency! How often would we hear it said of a keyboard player, “He‘s classically trained“? (Translation: The chorus may never arrive, will this solo do?) If you harbour any ambitions in pop music today, you might just keep them to yourself. You don‘t want to end up being laughed at on a future BBC 4 documentary. And it‘s true: pop music might not take a lot of extending, before it buckles under its own weight. But — against doctor‘s advice — I still tend to think fondly of those young musicians who tried to do something different when I was a teenager and looking to find my own songwriting voice. They inspired me. Foxes‘ heads and wardrobes were just part of the deal. I wrote ‘Megahertz‘ in nineteen ninety nine. I was forty two. Old enough to be cautious about “extending the form“ or appearing pretentious. But deep down I‘m still on the side of impetuous youth and its mad ambitions because I grew up in a time when bands really imagined they might make musical worlds the listener could get lost in. It‘s a gloriously naive idea. (It‘s a very Prog Rock idea!) But, occasionally, some artists achieve it. ‘Megahertz‘ was a conscious attempt to make one of those records. I thought I might be on to something. The audio equivalent of a movie, perhaps. I‘m not entirely sure that I managed it but I‘m greatly touched that anyone should think it‘s an album worth revisiting twenty years later. If you haven‘t heard it, it‘s not ‘Swoon‘. It‘s not ‘Steve McQueen‘. It‘s not ‘Jordan: The Comeback‘. I trust it has much in common with these albums, but I‘m quietly proud that it‘s different. Vive la difference! Paddy McAloon, October 2019.
The Top 20 Reissues / Collections
2. MORT GARSON: Mother Earth's Plantasia Patrick: Perfect for playing to plants, pasta and unborn children (Barry reckons you can play it to your cat too), this early electronic masterpiece is amongst the finest Moog records ever recorded. Shut your eyes and you’ll find yourself brushing through the verdant flora of a distant planet, glittering arps and delicate melodies accompanying your every move. Originally given away with any houseplant purchase at LA’s Mother Earth, this unique LP has since become a holy grail for open-minded audiophiles, and we’re eternally indebted to Sacred Bones for such a gorgeous reissue.
3. BRIAN ENO: Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks — Extended Edition Barry: There aren’t many things in this world that can compete with me for “The Best Things To Have Come Out On The 30th Of June 1983”, but ’Apollo...’ is one of them. In classic Eno fashion, this is a well balanced juxtaposition of plaintive piano, expertly crafted walls of tectonic synth (both monolithic and near-weightless) and Eno’s legendary skill at balancing the two. This extended edition is without a doubt, an essential item for fans or ambient explorers alike. Stunning.
4. HAPPY MONDAYS: The Early EP's Andy: Happy Mondays lit up the late 80s with their barely contained, shambolic but groovey take on punk-funk and god knows what else! They were, in short, totally original. In frontman Shaun Ryder they had a complete one-off who label boss Tony Wilson famously compared to W.B.Yeats! These early twelves (85-88) are presented here as four different coloured vinyl, remastered from the original analogue tapes and housed in a 300 gram carton slipcase.
5. THE CLASH: London Calling: Special Sleeve Martin: After the so-so ’Give ’Em Enough Rope’, the Clash came back the following year with a double album bursting with fresh ideas (punk, reggae, jazz, rockabilly, ska!) underpinned by amazing songwriting... there’s not a duff track on here. Not just a post-punk classic, a classic full stop. Mind-blowing at the time, this is now simply seen as one of the greatest records ever made. Both LP and CD come in special clear slip case printed with Ray Lowry’s artwork, which can be removed to reveal the Pennie Smith photo below.
order online at piccadillyrecords.com
6. RUPA: Disco Jazz Patrick: Numero rock our world with a much needed reissue of the Indian disco holy grail, Rupa’s magnificent ‘Disco Jazz’. An East meets West affair, the LP combines Rupa’s echoing vocals with slick disco grooves, spacey synths and all kinds of strung out psychedelia resulting in a cosmic bomb for the most enlightened of listeners. It’s a must have!
7. GENE CLARK: No Other Darryl: Recently remastered at Abbey Road and 45 years on from its original release 4AD are giving Gene Clark’s 1974 masterpiece its long overdue reissue. Available on black vinyl, standard CD, a limited deluxe CD edition in a hardbound book cover, and a sumptuous silver box set containing vinyl, three SACD’s, Blu-Ray and an 80 page hardbound book.
8. STEREOLAB: Transient RandomNoise Bursts With Announcements (Expanded Edition) Martin: While this is possibly Stereolab’s breakthrough release, it is also one of the most sonically diverse and challenging, switching between extended krautrock jams, edgy and distorted instrumentals, hard driving noise and dreamy pop. Features the utterly enchanting “Pack Yr Romantic Mind“ and “Jenny Ondioline“.
9. THE FALL: Bend Sinister / The 'Domesday' Pay-Off Triad-Plus! Darryl: Originally released in 1986, one year after the highly celebrated ‘This Nations Saving Grace’, ‘Bend Sinister’ was a darker brooding album, but still had the Brix pop sensibility to counteract Mark E. Smith’s caustic vocals. Still highly regarded by Fall fans to this day, this was MES and his band hitting their creative peak. Reissued as a double disc edition with a plethora of bonus material.
10. BUZZCOCKS: Singles Going Steady Dave: Quite simply it’s hands down the best ‘best of’ in the history of pop. Originally released in 1979 this edition has been brought back to life by the good folk at Domino Records. “Orgasm Addict”, “What Do I Get?”, “Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve?)”, “Harmony In My Head”, “Autonomy”.... The list goes on, what more could you possibly want?!
The Top 20 Reissues
APPARAT LP5
YANN TIERSEN Portrait
SWANS leaving meaning.
“A masterclass in electronic music” 8/10 The Line Of Best Fit
A collection of new analogue recreations of songs from throughout Yann Tiersen’s career
“Deep orchestration, post-rock echoes and techno-informed pop” Under The Radar
Guests include John Grant, Stephen O’Malley, Gruff Rhys and Blonde Redhead
New LP from Michael Gira’s SWANS Guests: The Necks, Baby Dee, Anna and Maria von Hausswolff, Ben Frost, and more...
MAPS Colours. Reflect. Time. Loss.
ALESSANDRO CORTINI Volume Massimo
KÁRYYN The Quanta Series
“Epic… an instrumental masterpiece” 9/10 Exclaim!
“An essential album” Electronic Sound
“Gorgeous” NNNNN Buzz
“A masterclass in songwriting and performance” Treblezine
THE POP GROUP Y - THE DEFINITIVE EDITION
CABARET VOLTAIRE Chance Vs Causality
The essential & classic album Remastered at Abbey Road with half speed mastering
“Engrossing experimentation and genuinely haunting music” The Wire
“To call ‘Colours. Reflect. Time. Loss.’ an epic album would be stating the obvious” Clash Magazine
Finely wrought, expansive soulscapes, forever forming, forever dissolving.
order online at piccadillyrecords.com
11. PRINCE: 1999 Patrick: While you were preoccupied with 1981’s royal wedding, the only royal I care about was locked away in his studio, cooking up a staggering amount of music from which the masterful ‘1999’ was taken. These deluxe editions contain a truckload of unreleased tracks, all blessed with the usual Prince genius.
12. A CERTAIN RATIO: ACR:BOX Barry: A lovely looking box-set here, brimming with unreleased gems, alternative versions and lost rarities, all collected under one roof. An essential purchase if ever there was one. Released as vinyl and CD box set editions.
13. PATRICE RUSHEN: Remind Me — The Classic Elektra Recordings 1976–1984 Patrick: Strut have put together an essential collection of Patrice Rushen’s finest moments on CD and a triple vinyl. Cool boogie, mellow soul, classy jazz-funk and killer disco, all topped with her gorgeous voice.
14. SUICIDE: Suicide — Art Of The Album Edition Darryl: Still sounding as fresh as the day it was released back in 1977, this New York proto punk / industrial / avant-noise album finally gets the reissue it really deserves. “Remastered and presented in its original form and packaging, with in-depth liner notes covering the context, craft, impact and legacy of the album.”
15. JOANNA BROUK: The Space Between Barry: It’s been a wonderful year for ambient reissues, and Joanna Brouk’s stunning ’The Space Between’ is one of the greatest. Weightless, floating synth pads and subtle tremolo, brittle chimes and hazy reverb coming together into a blanket of spine-tingling beauty.
The Top 20 Reissues / Collections
16. NEW ORDER: ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So It Goes.. Barry: Mute present this essential landmark in New Order’s lineage with a live 2CD / 3LP set from MIF 2017. The catalogue is given a renewed and invigorated twist, showing another side to an already venerable set of classic songs.
17. THE BEATLES: Abbey Road — 50th Anniversary Edition Andy: Their final album, and it’s a beauty! This is a gorgeous, opulent, warm rock record that set the tone for FM seventies music. And for its 50th Anniversary, ’Abbey Road’ gets remixed and presented with additional session recordings and demos across six different formats.
18. THE POP GROUP: Y Laura: “She Is Beyond Good And Evil“ was my first introduction to the Pop Group in the late 80s at indie night The Wilde Club. On the strength of that track I bought this LP and played it to death, and it remains one of my favourite albums. Now remastered it also includes a 12” of the track that made me fall for them in the first place. Totally uncompromising post-punk genius!
19. STEVE HIETT: Down On The Road By The Beach Patrick: An underground favourite amongst Balearic and Ambient collectors, original copies of this cool and contemplative LP from Steve Hiett dried up recently, making this reissue a must have. Hiett’s soundscapes and reflective guitars are every bit as beautiful as his cover photo.
20. KONK: The Magic Force Of Konk 1981–1988 Patrick: When New York’s musical underground was enjoying its most fertile period of cross-genre creativity, mutant funk troupe Konk were holding it down for the Latin Quarter. This triple vinyl set includes their finest moments alongside rare live recordings and extended DJ mixes.
order online at piccadillyrecords.com
THE TIMES """"" MOJO """"" UNCUT 8/10 THE SUN “DESERVING OF ITS LAVISH PRAISE AND CULT STATUS” REMASTERED BRAND NEW ARTWORK LINER NOTES WRITTEN BY PADDY MCALOON CD / 2LP / STREAM / DOWNLOAD
OUT NOW
SKEPTA IGNORANCE IS BLISS
IDLEWILD INTERVIEW MUSIC
JAWS THE CEILING
EZRA COLLECTIVE YOU CAN'T STEAL MY JOY
PARANOID LONDON PL
DRY CLEANING
(PARANOID LONDON)
SWEET PRINCESS / BOUNDARY ROAD SNACKS & DRINKS (IT'S OK)
BORIS LOVE EVOL
ROY AYERS SILVER VIBRATIONS
AMERICAN FOOTBALL AMERICAN FOOTBALL
(BOY BETTER KNOW)
(ENTER THE JUNGLE)
(THIRD MAN)
(EMPTY WORDS)
(BBE)
(JAWS)
(BIG SCARY MONSTERS)
UNKLE THE ROAD PART II / LOST HIGHW
THE FUTUREHEADS POWERS
(SONGS FOR THE DEF)
BILLY BRAGG BEST OF BILLY BRAGG AT THE BBC 1983 - 2019
ROYAL TRUX WHITE STUFF
NICK WATERHOUSE NICK WATERHOUSE
CHINATOWN SLALOM WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?
(FAT POSSUM)
PRESS CLUB WASTED ENERY (HASSLE)
(NUL)
(COOKING VINYL)
(INNOVATIVE LEISURE)
THE RAILS CANCEL THE SUN (THIRTY TIGERS)
(SEPTEMBER )
PLASTIC MERMAIDS SUDDENLY EVERYONE EXPLODES (SUNDAY BEST)
2019
The Top 20 Reissues
Genre Charts
Jazz chart Millie: Jazz continues to thrive this year as new and inspiring artists broaden their stylistic horizons, expanding and experimenting with the essence of the genre. Incorporating elements of Afrobeat, spoken word, spiritual, bass-heavy dub, electronic, hip hop — this chart celebrates jazz in all its varying forms; a diverse and contemporary genre where artists can be expressive and free of restrictions. Nérija was a natural choice for our jazz number one this year, dominating the shop turntable since the day it was released. Warm and soulful, the sevenpiece ensemble won our hearts with both their vibrancy and swooning downtempo compositions. Ezra Collective fly high again after last years’ ‘Juan Pablo: The Philosopher’, remaining a shop favourite with the vivacious ‘You Can’t Steal My Joy’. Once again the crew excel with a perfect fusion of danceable jazz and Afro-beat energy, filling the air with an optimistic flurry. Newcomer, Tenesha The Wordsmith graces us with ingenious and awakening narratives, addressing cultural appropriation and identity with a self-assured sashay which has taken us all under its spell. If that wasn’t enough to have you beaming, Mancunian jazz aficionado Matthew Halsall has uncovered beautiful and sentimental recordings which have finally seen the light of days after over ten years. This is a new era of jazz, breaking all preconceptions of tooting horns and untameable saxophone solos (I’m looking at you Barry). Jazz-head or not, it’s hard not to be hooked on these exciting and innovative artists!
1. NERIJA: Blume
2. EZRA COLLECTIVE: You Can't Steal My Joy 3. TENESHA THE WORDSMITH: Peacock & Other Savage Beasts 4. MATHEW HALSALL: Oneness 5. JOE ARMONJONES: Turn To A Clear View 6. RONIN ARKESTRA: Sonkei 7. NUBIYAN TWIST: Jungle Run
8. DAYMÉ AROCENA: Sonocardiogram
9. SEED ENSEMBLE: Driftglass
10. NAT BIRCHALL QUARTET: The Storyteller: A Musical Tribute To Yusef Lateef
BEST OF THE YEAR 2019 The Top 20 Reissues
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS Ghosteen Ghosteen
FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES End Of Suffering
ZERO 7
JADE BIRD
New State Entertainment
Glassnote
When It Falls (Special Edition)
Jade Bird
International Death Cult
808 STATE
GERRY CINNAMON
808 State
Little Runaway Records
LITTLE SIMZ
M83
PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Age 101
Naïve
Marathon
MARCONI UNION
HONEYBLOOD
BAT FOR LASHES
Just Music
Marathon
Bat For Lashes
MOOR MOTHER
ERLAND COOPER
Don Giovanni
Phases
Analog Fluids Of Sonic Black Holes
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Mogadisco - Dancing Mogadishu (Somalia 1972 - 1991)
Sule Skerry
Transmission Suite
Grey Area
DSVI
Erratic Cinematic
And Now For The Whatchamacallit
Analog Africa
Dead Air
In Plain Sight
Lost Girls
CONNECTING CREATORS WITH CONSUMERS
WWW.PROPERMUSICGROUP.COM
POND
Tasmania Marathon
Genre Charts
Hip Hop chart Millie: Introducing the first ever hip hop chart to grace the Piccadilly Records booklet, including jazz-coated R&B, politically motivated grime and a load of lyrical rap thrown in for good measure (it’s a diverse lot). Sampa The Great takes the crown with her sublime album ‘The Return’, a fouryear long masterpiece of self-discovery and reflection. The album is a perfect balance of rapid rap and brass-ridden hooks while celebrating the exuberance of Southern African rhythm. Flavours range from upbeat cuts like “Diamond In The Ruff“ to meaningful, resonating tracks pinpointing issues surrounding personal, racial and ancestral identity, for instance, the titular “The Return“. Also scoring high is Tyler, the Creator, whose characteristically loud and energised ‘IGOR’ has been on heavy rotation in the shop. I may have overplayed “EARFQUAKE“ and “I THINK“ if that was even possible (if definitely isn’t). If you missed it in the main chart Little Simz waltzed into our top ten this year with her fierce and striking flow, a testament to her undeniable talent and flair. Matt’s been reppin’ Freddie Gibbs & Madlib’s collaboration ‘Bandana’ for its razor-sharp wit, piercing observations and distinctive production, and the chart couldn’t be complete in my eyes without the warm soulful vocals of Solange. Saturday shoppers may have caught Emily playing the album in its entirety to get the full effect of the empowering interludes and flowing narrative. If you want head-nodding beats, hilarious one liners and incisive wordplay, this chart has your back.
1. SAMPA THE GREAT: The Return 2. TYLER, THE CREATOR: IGOR
3. LITTLE SIMZ: Grey Area
4. F REDDIE GIBBS & MADLIB: Bandana 5. SOLANGE: When I Get Home
6. LOYLE CARNER: Not Waving, But Drowning 7. YOUR OLD DROOG: Transportation 8. ANDERSON .PAAK: Ventura 9. J .LAMOTTA: Suzume
10. DAVE: Psychodrama
The Top 20 Reissues
Genre Charts
Balearic chart Patrick: Though our Mancunian summer only came in fits and starts this year, there was still an abundance of sunset sonics on offer from both usual and unusual suspects. This embarrassment of riches makes for an extensive long list, so to swerve some chart-making difficulty, and support the creators and innovators of the contemporary scene, we’ve omitted reissues, singles and compilations, in order to present the ten best Balearic LPs of the year. Hell Yeah nab a second Balearic #1, following up a chart topping LP from Calm last year with a similarly superb, but stylistically different outing from Neapolitan producer Quiroga. Japanese precision gives way to a soothing Mediterranean sway, but the quality and melody remains peerless. Another strong year for Growing Bin sees the Hamburg label net a brace, the tender beauty of Cass. & Gianni Brezzo’s last minute entry coming a close second, while a second LP of pastoral magic from Bartosz Krucynski enjoys a respectable 7th. Elsewhere, Copenema kept us swinging all summer long with their irresistible take on the Brazilian sound, while frequent flyers J-Walk, Penguin Café, Lexx and Wilson Tanner all lived up to their own impeccable standards. The fourth world ambience and new age shimmer of New World Science’s ‘Osmos’ might just be the sleeper hit of the year, and finally a massive shout out goes to A Man Called Adam, who broke a two decade silence to treat us to both a glorious LP and joyous instore set on RSD.
1. QUIROGA: Passages
2. CASS. & GIANNI BREZZO: Masala Kiss
3. COPENEMA: Deixa A Musica Toca 4. L EXX: Cosmic Shift
5. J-WALK: Mediterranean Winds 6. NEW WORLD SCIENCE: Osmos (Movements) 7. BARTOSZ KRUCZYNSKI: Baltic Beat II 8. A MAN CALLED ADAM: FARMARAMA 9. P ENGUIN CAFÉ: Handfuls Of Night
10. WILSON TANNER: II
The Top 20 Reissues
NEW ALBUM—OUT NOW
Genre Charts
Weird Shit chart Patrick: What’s this like mate?” asks a friendly shop regular. “Well, it’s house, but maybe a bit slow. And it’s got those weird ketty noises like minimal techno, but half the speed and pressed on glue. It’s kinda cosmic, but more Event Horizon than peace and love. I’d call it psychedelic, but definitely not psych. You know those super cool minimal wave cassettes? Yeah it isn’t quite like that. You know what, just give it a listen.” This is a round-up of the unconventional records which hang out right at the fringe of club music, hoovering up narcotics and chatting to the old punk who still goes clubbing. Unsurprisingly, the Germans excel at this business, and they dominate the podium here via the NNDW (Neu-Neu Deutsche Wave) and weird machine funk of Neuzeitliche Bodenbeläge and LSW (both affiliated with Dusseldorf’s freaky scene) and the strange and unpredictable electronics of Gerry Franke. There’s often a tribal vibe to these tracks, but in an entirely dark and mechanical fashion, and Chinese duo Zaliva D and Frenchman Gil.Barte excel in this area, delivering two of the most dark and deviant club-not-club records I’ve ever heard. Elsewhere, Davy Kehoe sends psych through the shredder, and the ‘DIY Compilation’ and Montell Palmer’s brilliant ‘Qua?’ represent for hypnotic hardware experiments. Rounding out the list we have Italian industrialists Twoonky and American favourite Juan Ramos, whose debut LP sounds like the most diverse records in your collection, played at the same time while you fall into a fever dream.
1. NEUZEITLICHE BODENBELÄGE: Leben EP 2. LSW: Life Style West
3. GERRY FRANKE: Ulam Spiral
4. DAVY KEHOE: The Pilot
5. GIL.BARTE: L.i.G EP
6. V.A.G. (VARIOUS ARTISTS GENEVA): DIY Compilation 7. MONTELL PALMER: Qua? 8. ZALIVA D: Forsaken
9. JUAN RAMOS: Changing Hands
10. TWOONKY: Dezzo
One Little Indian Records
Test Dept Disturbance
SHHE SHHE
Henrik Lindstrand Nattresan
AVA Waves
Gabríel Ólafs Absent Minded
Tusks Avalanche
Bad Breeding Exiled
Manu Delago Circadian
Crass Penis Envy
Staff Charts
Darryl When I first popped up behind the counter at Piccadilly Records back in 1989 (a couple of weeks before the Stone Roses debut album was released) the super young Darryl’s long time favourite album was ‘Unknown Pleasures’, and upon that album’s 40th anniversary year we find a couple of albums nestling at the top of my chart that are both influenced by the Joy Division / New Order axis soundscape. But without merely copying that blueprint both W.H. Lung and The Murder Capital have produced stunning debut albums that hint at that influence but push forward and beyond to create something new and fresh for 2019. For 2020 I’m looking forward to a well earned January holiday in the sun with the wife, getting a new kitchen installed, being mentally busy prior to, during and after Record Store Day, new material from top tips Squid (an album hopefully), an onslaught of those beautiful Dinked Editions and plenty more outstores. Here’s to lots of great new music in the new decade!
1. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music 2
The Murder Capital: When I Have Fears
3. A Winged Victory For The Sullen: The Undivided Five 4. Lorelle Meets The Obsolete: De Facto 5. Moon Duo: Stars Are The Light 6. J osefin Öhrn + The Liberation: Sacred Dreams 7. Cate Le Bon: Reward 8. Vanishing Twin: The Age Of Immunology 9. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl The Megahertz 10. Allah Las: LAHS 11. Shana Cleveland: Night Of The Worm Moon 12. L'épée: Diabolique 13. Snapped Ankles: Stunning Luxury 14. Föllakzoid: I 15. Rose City Band: Rose City Band 16. Missy Elliott: Iconology 17. Aldous Harding: Designer 18. Karen O & Danger Mouse: Lux Prima 19. The Fall: Bend Sinister / The 'Domesday' Pay-Off Triad-Plus! 20. Brian Eno: Atmospheres & Soundtracks: Extended Edition
Patrick I think I first found my way into Piccadilly sometime around 2003 as an awkward 17 year old with GCSE level hip hop, IDM and Madchester. In the following decade I obsessed over post-punk, electroclash, Italo, disco, house, Balearic and beyond, all informed in part by the selections and suggestions of the Piccadilly staff. Somehow I managed to make my way to the other side of the counter and I’ve been continuing my musical journey ever since, always on the lookout for something new to enjoy and share. This year was a quiet one in terms of Talking Drums, (though there’s a new 12” coming very soon) but an undoubted highlight was our first birthday party with the brilliant Jan Schulte, whose LP as Bufiman sits in second place on my chart. I had a wonderful time celebrating the release of Basso’s ‘Proper Sunburn’ at a record party in Hamburg, and my summer peaked with a wonderful party in Paris with Plastic Bamboo. Music never stops, and I can’t wait to hear what next year has in store for us, be it slow and skewed, smooth and serene or buck wild and banging.
1. Various Artists: Proper Sunburn — Forgotten Sunscreen Applied By Basso 2. Bufiman: Albumsi 3. Stiletti Ana: Ab Ovo 4. Montell Palmer: Qua? 5. Bartosz Kruczynski: Baltic Beat II 6. O.T.T.O.: Over The Top Orchestra 7. LSW: Life Style West 8. Solange: When I Get Home 9. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 10. Ruf Dug: Ruf Dug Presents The Committee 11. J.Lamotta: Suzume 12. New World Science: Osmos (Movements) 13. Eirwud Mudwasser: Snaker 010 14. Insanlar: Demedim Mi 15. Neuzeitliche Bodenbelage: Leben EP 16. Zaliva D: Forsaken 17. Moon B: Udaya 18. Carla Dal Forno: Look Up Sharp 19. Ashinoa: Sinie Sinie 20. Automatic: Signal
18
12
01
04
Partisan Records Tender Fear of Falling Asleep
26
2 18
06
19
09
11
07
Fela Kuti & Roy Ayers Music of Many Colours
05
20
10
09
25
10
Cigarettes After Sex Cry
12
IDLES A Beautiful Thing: IDLES Live at le Bataclan
9
05
Pottery No. 1
0
Molly Sarlé Karaoke Angel
1 06
03
Body Type EP 2
Goon Heaven is Humming
Emel Mathlouthi Everywhere We Looked Was Burning
29
04
Craig Finn I Need a New War
Spike Fuck The Smackwave EP
27
Fontaines D.C. Dogrel
22
Ultraísta Ultraísta
11
Staff Charts
Laura I was thinking the other day about what would’ve been my favourite album, the year I started working at Piccadilly. As I have an awful memory, I turned to good old Google. Phew, ‘87 was a good year! The Smiths — ‘Strangeways‘, Public Enemy — ‘Yo! Bum Rush The Show‘ and Husker Du — ‘Warehouse Songs & Stories‘ would’ve been my top 3, though not necessarily in that order. My favourite album this year landed only two weeks in, and despite some serious competition, held the top spot to the end. A stunning live show at Deaf Institute helped cement its position. Working Men’s Club have been another live highlight: supporting W.H. Lung at BOTW, with The Orielles at MIF, followed by a handful of headline Manchester shows. They’ve gone from strength to strength and I’m looking forward to more from them in the new year. Who knows what other musical delights 2020 will bring? Nothing, I’m sure, will be as surreal as the Ian Brown Zoltar Machine which delighted and freaked out customers in equal measure during its residency in the shop this Spring.
Dave I don’t remember the first time I walked through Piccadilly’s door but I do remember being in the shop on Brown Street sometime in the early nineties, hearing a limp lettuce of an indie seven playing and thinking “this is RUBBISH surely no one likes this?!” The record ended and while I stood enjoying the silence a young man called Andy Mcqueen piped up. “I know I shouldn’t like it, my head says no but my heart says, YES!” Here we both are, too many years later to count, my favourite album then might have been ‘The Queen Is Dead’ my favourite album of all time now? It changes from one day to the next. At the moment it’s Prefab Sprout’s ‘I Trawl The Megahertz’, next week? Who knows? If you’d told me at the start of the year that 2019’s musical highlight was going to take place on a miserable, Mancunian Sunday (SUNDAY!) night I’d have laughed in your face but Jenny Diane Lewis’s gig at the RNCM on was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen and as a result ‘On The Line’ has been the soundtrack to my year.
1. Steve Gunn: The Unseen In Between 2. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 3. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music 4. Ezra Collective: You Can’t Steal My Joy 5. Daniel O’Sullivan: Folly 6. Sharon Van Etten: Remind Me Tomorrow 7. The Specials: Encore 8. Matthew Halsall: Sending My Love 9. The Pop Group: Y 10. Rose City Band: Rose City Band 11. Girl Ray: Girl 12. Nérija: Blume 13. Moon Duo: Stars Are The Light 14. Happy Mondays: Early EPs 15. Little Simz: Grey Area 16. Steve Mason: About The Light 17. Eleventeen Eston: Delta Horizon 18. Big Thief: Two Hands 19. Loyle Carner: Not Waving, But Driving 20. Dry Cleaning: Sweet Princess / Boundary Road Snacks And Drinks
1. Jenny Lewis: On The Line 2. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl The Megahertz 3. A Winged Victory For The Sullen: The Undivided Five 4. Lucy Rose: No Words Left 5. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 6. Angela: I Gotta Little Love 7. Marcia Griffiths: Sweet And Nice 8. Hania Rani: Esja 9. Sault: 5 10. Valery Allington: Stop 11. Karen O & Danger Mouse: Lux Prima 12. Big Thief: U.F.O.F. 13. Various Artists: Running Back Master Mix ‘Front’ By Klaus Stockhausen And Boris Dlugosch 14. Cinematic Orchestra: To Believe 15. Lizzo: Cuz I Love You 16. The National: I Am Easy To Find 17. Flying Lotus: Flamagra 18. Erland Cooper: Sule Skerry 19. Solange: When I Get Home 20. Hannah Cohen: Welcome Home
You Tell Me You Tell Me
A record of countless pleasures”
Stats Other People’s Lives
A wonderful thing”
★★★★
★★★★
Rozi Plain
Malihini
The Guardian
NME
What A Boost
Hopefully, Again
Classy, abstract-pop"
Your new favourite double act”
★★★★ Uncut
School Of Langauge 45
A funk filled bundle of fun”
★★★★
Wonderland
Francis Lung A Dream Is U
A delightful curio of an album”
★★★★ The Times
Mojo
Sir Was
Rachael Dadd
Holding On To A Dream
FLUX
A dreamy, groovy and lustrous treat of a record”
Proggy-folk virtuosity”
Notion
★★★★ Mojo
COMING IN 2020... Field Music
Making A New World
Poliça
When We Stay Alive
WWW.MEMPHIS-INDUSTRIES.COM
Staff Charts
Barry It’s been a great year for music both live and recorded, with a huge number of highlights for me to go through. My number one this year goes to Andrew Wasylyk, single handedly responsible for reintroducing me to Idlewild, who he played with at the Ritz in late April, and with Raz Ullah at Yes as ’Art Of The Memory Palace’. Both gigs were pretty special, but my true top evening was spent at Band On The Wall watching The Album Leaf play ’In A Safe Place’ in its entirety in early October. It’s one of my favourite albums of all time, and seeing it in this intimate environment really was something special (shout-out to Chris @ Hey! Manchester for the amazing booking). It’s been a pretty special year on the personal front too, with my first 10" getting released on the excellent Black Beacon Sound, and featuring a pixelated version of our reasonably ridiculous cat was really the icing on the cake. My tip for next year is, if you want me (or Mine) to pay attention to something, pop a cat on the cover. Job done.
1. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 2. A Winged Victory For The Sullen: The Undivided Five 3. Penguin Cafe: Handfuls Of Night 4. Sunn O))): Life Metal 5. Dominik Eulberg: Mannigfaltig 6. Listening Center: Retrieving 7. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 8. Siskiyou: Not Somewhere 9. Haiku Salut: The General 10. Sigur Ros: Ágætis Byrjun: A Good Beginning (20th Anniversary Edition) 11. C ory Kilduff: When It All Gets To Be Too Much 12. Bobby Krlic: Midsommar: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 13. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl The Megahertz 14. Loscil: Equivalents 15. Vic Mars: Inner Roads & Outer Paths 16. The Pirate Ship Quintet: Emitter 17. El Ten Eleven: El Ten Eleven 18. Marika Hackman: Any Human Friend 19. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music 20. Mort Garson: Mother Earth's Plantasia —Reissue
Mine I first set foot in Piccadilly Records on my first visit to Manchester 10 years ago. I was staying in a hostel on Hilton Street and couldn’t believe my luck when I realised I was in spitting distance of not just one but THREE record shops. Many more visits followed and Piccadilly Records was always top on my list of things to do, although I didn’t come quite as often as I would have wanted, thanks to a lack of money and self-discipline. While I just wasn’t able to leave the shop empty-handed back then (the earliest purchase I remember making here was a White Manna record, which Discogs tells me must have been in 2012), I am now able to come and go five times a week without driving myself into financial ruin. Speaking of which, my non-musical highlight of the year was definitely buying a house [wide eyed emoji]... Other than that, 2019 has flown by almost unnoticed for me but it’s been a good year for music with Altin Gün topping both my album and gig of the year charts. See you all very soon! X
1. Altin Gün: Gece 2. DIIV: Deceiver 3. Lorelle Meets The Obsolete: De Facto 4. Froth: Duress 5. Sasami: Sasami 6. Vanishing Twin: The Age Of Immunology 7. Kit Sebastian: Mantra Moderne 8. L'épée: Diabolique 9. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music 10. Allah Las: LAHS 11. Death And Vanilla: Are You A Dreamer? 12. The Brian Jonestown Massacre: The Brian Jonestown Massacre 13. Steve Gunn: The Unseen In Between 14. Deerhunter: Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? 15. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 16. Gnoomes: MU! 17. Crows: Silver Tongues 18. Younghusband: Swimmers 19. The Proper Ornaments: Six Lenins 20. Automatic: Signal
Staff Charts
Martin 34 years ago a pink haired punk shambled into Piccadilly Records and asked whether there were any jobs going. I didn’t actually want a job. There’d been some ‘persuasion’, but anyway, if, instead of asking if I’d had any trouble with the police, I’d been asked what my favourite album was, the answer would have been Stiff Little Fingers’ ’Inflammable Material’, an undiluted reflection on life in Belfast that still has the power to reduce me to tears. As for now, I honestly don’t know. It depends. Two trips to Portugal ended up bringing another heart back; it was beautiful Lisbon’s Fado houses (unamplified singer, Portuguese guitars, sat in the corner of a café) that also provided the most moving live music. A long way from my punk roots? Raw emotion, no audience/performer barrier of any kind... Outstanding customer award has to go to the hilariously drunk Estonian gentleman who regaled me earnestly (in Estonian) about — ? — before holding a random hip hop sleeve triumphantly aloft, treating us to some mesmerising disco moves and an alarming Bruce Lee routine. So! Loads of love (to everyone, but especially) to our European brothers and sisters, from whom we might be temporarily separated.
Andy I got off the train from Lime Street, September 1985, walked up Oxford Rd, turned right onto Portland Street and left into Piccadilly Gardens. I was 19 and these were my first actions on moving to Manchester; looking for a record shop to buy the brand-new Smiths single, “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side”, released that day. I found one and was almost certainly served by Martin; 34 years later... Music was BIG, but it went on to become EVERYTHING. All those incredible Manchester bands, all those amazing indie releases on 7 inch and 12 inch singles. The burgeoning shambling/ C86/anorak/60s retro scene would explode over the next few years and Manchester was THE place to be. I first saw The Stone Roses in January 1987. If you felt the same as me then this band was our Beatles. To be stood behind the counter, all these years later, watching Ian Brown pose for pictures next to his Zoltar look-a-like fortune telling machine, and have people come from all over the world to visit it, was another example of the power of music and the joy it can bring.
1. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 2. Lorelle Meets The Obsolete: De Facto 3. Alexander Tucker: Guild Of The Asbestos Weaver 4. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl The Megahertz 5. Vanishing Twin: The Age Of Immunology 6. A Winged Victory For The Sullen: The Undivided Five 7. Joanna Brouk: The Space Between 8. Tenesha The Wordsmith: Peacocks & Other Savage Beasts 9. Gnoomes: Mu! 10. Penguin Cafe: Handfuls Of Night 11. Jenny Hval: The Practice Of Love 12. S tiff Little Fingers: Inflammable Material 13. Angel Olsen: All Mirrors 14. Loscil: Equivalents 15. Fat White Family: Serfs Up! 16. J.Lamotta: Suzume 17. Jerkcurb: Air Con Eden 18. Little Simz: Grey Area 19. A myl And The Sniffers: Amyl And The Sniffers 20. Francis Lung: A Dream Is U
1. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 2. Ian Brown: Ripples 3. Purple Mountains: Purple Mountains 4. Hannah Cohen: Welcome Home 5. International Teachers Of Pop: International Teachers Of Pop 6. Hatchie: Keepsake 7. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 8. Jenny Lewis: On The Line 9. Vanishing Twin: The Age Of Immunology 10. Cigarettes After Sex: Cry 11. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl the Megahertz 12. Ex Hex: It’s Real 13. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music 14. J osefin Öhrn + The Liberation: Sacred Dreams 15. Moon Duo: Stars Are The Light 16. White Denim: Side Effects 17. Francis Lung: A Dream Is You 18. Shana Cleveland: Night Of The Worm Moon 19. Fat White Family Band: Serfs Up 20. Mort Garson: Mother Earth's Plantasia —Reissue
2019 RELEASES
JULIA JACKLIN CRUSHING
KOKOKO! FONGOLA
FOALS EVERYTHING NOT SAVED WILL BE LOST PART 1
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB FALSE ALARM
SONGHOY BLUES MEET ME IN THE CITY
FOALS EVERYTHING NOT SAVED WILL BE LOST PART 2
JULIEN CHANG JULES
MARIKA HACKMAN ANY HUMAN FRIEND
JOHNNY FLYYN BEEN LISTENING REISSUEE
BLAENAVON EVERYTHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
FLUME HI THIS IS FLUME MIXTAPEE
JOHNNY FLYNN A LARUM REISSUEE
RECORDS, PUBLISHING & MANAGEMENT
Staff Charts
Emily Now that I’ve been in Manchester for a while, I can safely say my favourite thing about living here is being part of a fantastic DIY music and arts scene. I encourage anyone reading this to keep Manchester music alive by supporting local musicians, DJs and independent venues! There are too many to mention, but among my favourite local acts I’ve seen this year are Humint, Rosey PM, Bingo Harry and Spengler. The rave at Pomona was one of my highlights this summer (hats off to Matt Ward for playing cheeky UKG bangers that made me dance my socks off). Playing Bluedot Festival with my band Mama Racho and seeing Kraftwerk live that same day is pretty high up there too. We also had a blast supporting Mildlife and an incredible all female Colombian band called La Perla. Big thanks to the shop for letting me organise an instore for Bunny Hoova, another local favourite of mine. If you’re into off kilter lo-fi pop her record is available in store now ;) And thanks again to Piccadilly for giving me the opportunity to discover great new music each week in my workplace. We are living in weird, uncertain times but music always helps me through.
Millie There’s been no shortage of jazz and hip hop this year, and my personal soundtrack was ‘You Can’t Steal My Joy’ by Ezra Collective, who continue to have the BEST sound for miles and provide endless positivity. If you get a chance to see them live – do! Tenesha The Wordsmith also blew me away with her spoken-word poetry, a genre I didn’t initially think I’d be on board with but it’s so utterly awe inspiring you just have to sit up and take note. My classic staples Solange and Blood Orange are naturally high up in my chart, continuing to make sensational music which cleanses the soul. Love! The highlight gig of the year for me was seeing Lucy Dacus in June, at one point the entire crowd was somewhat harmoniously reciting all the words to “Nightshift“ — sometimes you just need to belt out your favourite song in public yanno? I’ve spent many a night at YES DJing most of the following top 20 and it’s fab being able to play all my favourite songs + Lauryn Hill to a room full of people. Even if I am a bit weary the next day, it’s all worth it. Hope you’ve all had a great year!
1. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 2. Solange: When I Get Home 3. Vanishing Twin: The Age Of Immunology 4. Tenderlonious: Hard Rain 5. Bunny Hoova: LONGING 6. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 7. Kokoroko: Kokoroko 8. Interplanetary Criminal: Confused EP 9. Air Space Ark: All Rivers Lead 10. Cate Le Bon: Reward 11. Simone De Kunovich: Mondo Nuovo 12. Alma Negra: Alma Negra Remixed 13. Complete Walkthru: Scrolls 14. Altin Gün: Gece 15. Various Artists: Esa Presents Amandla — Music To The People 16. Nérija: Blume 17. Little Simz: Grey Area 18. Tinariwen: Amadjar 19. The Mauskovic Dance Band: The Mauskovic Dance Band 20. Prins Thomas: Ambitions
1. Ezra Collective: You Can't Steal My Joy 2. Sampa The Great: The Return 3. Nérija: Blume 4. Solange: When I Get Home 5. Blood Orange: Angel’s Pulse 6. Little Simz: Grey Area 7. J.Lamotta: Suzume 8. Tyler the Creator: IGOR 9. Loyle Carner: Not Waving, But Drowning 10. Joe Armon-Jones: Turn To Clear View 11. Tenesha The Wordsmith: Peacocks & Other Savage Beasts 12. Nubiyan Twist: Jungle Run 13. Anderson Paak: Oxnard 14. Various Artists: Future Bubblers 3.0 15. Jamila Woods: LEGACY! LEGACY! 16. Terri Walker: Breakout 17. Sudan Archives: Athena 18. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 19. Flying Lotus: Flamagra 20. Dave: Psychodrama
Staff Charts
Matt I often get asked “what is your favourite album of all time?“ And it continues to trouble me to this day. Before I worked here, when Philippa and Danny Webb would provide a younger me with the latest club sounds, it was something by Jamal Moss; currently it flits between ’Everything In Between’ by Ugly Heroes & Earl Sweatshirt’s ’Some Rap Songs’ — so addictive if I don’t listen to it daily I get nauseous! I guess the point I’m trying to make is that everything’s transient and sticking around in one place too long harbours boredom. Luckily living here keeps you on your toes — with its constantly evolving and cutting-edge nightlife, you don’t have to look far for inspiration. I mention Willow @ TWH and See Thru Hands @ Yes later in the booklet in the Dancefloor Round-up page, but outside the city centre things are also popping off — with Social Service & Psychedelic Discotheque delivering top drawer musica to the ’burbs plus plenty more (semi)illicit happenings in the face of Tory cuts! I’m biased, but my favourite thing about MCR is the crowd and energy we get at Wet Play. If you’re reading this before December 7th then do come down and check out our vibe; otherwise have a great festive period!
Silvestre When it comes to choosing your favourite album of all time, the choice is not easy as depending on the mood and the occasion different LPs come to mind. I will settle for ’Blue Lines’ by Massive Attack. When it was either repressed or reissued in 2016 for its 25th anniversary it was a nice surprise to get it at the shop. Being able to listen to it in all its splendor on the wonderful soundsystem we have gave it a new dimension. One of the best things about this LP is that it does not age — at least for me — it sounds as fresh as it did back in 1991. Every song is just perfect, they are all killers with amazing lyrics, beats and harmonies. It was thanks to this wonderful LP that I discovered Horace Andy, Neneh Cherry and later on Mad Professor.
1. Logic1000: Please Forgive Me / Derrière 2. Interplanetary Criminal: Intergalactic Jack 3. Drugface: In The Clouds 4. Earl Sweatshirt: Some Rap Songs 5. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 6. Fumu : Sinuate 7. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl The Megahertz 8. Nathan Micay: Blue Spring 9. Anthony Naples: Fog FM 10. RX-101: Dopamine 11. Your Old Droog: Transportation 12. Apta: Tabula Rasa 13. Ruf Dug: Presents The Committee 14. Steve Gunn: The Unseen Between Us 15. Connection Machine: The Dream Tec Album 16. John Shima: The Lonely Machine 17. Crazy P: Age Of The Ego 18. Space Dimension Controller: Redemption Of The Cryonauts 19. Moodymann: Sinner 20. Amyl And The Sniffers: Amyl And The Sniffers
1. Altin Gün: Gece 2. Horsebeach: The Unforgiving Current 3. Various Artists: Proper Sunburn — Forgotten Sunscreen Applied By Basso 4. Joanna Brouk: The Space Between 5. Eleventeen Eston: Delta Horizon 6. Various Artists: Outro Tempo II — Electronic And Contemporary Music From Brazil 1984-1996 7. Vanishing Twin: The Age of Immunology 8. Nils Frahm: All Encores 9. Matthew Halsall: Oneness 10. Various Artists: Back To Mine: Jungle 11. Floating Points: Crush 12. Shorelights: Bioluminescence 13. Solange: When I Get Home 14. Thom Yorke: Anima 15. J.Lamotta: Suzume 16. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 17. Anthony Naples: Fog FM 18. Various Artists: Alefa Madagascar: Salegy, Soukous & Soul 1974: 1984 19. Massive Attack: Massive Attack Vs Mad Professor Part II (Mezzanine Remix Tapes ’98) 20. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music
NICOLA CRUZ
THE LEISURE SOCIETY
JOHNNY LLOYD
SIKU
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
ZZK RECORDS
EGO DRAIN RECORDS
NEXT EPISODE STARTS IN 15 SECONDS
CHALI 2NA & KRAFTY KUTS
LIZ LAWRENCE
SUNSET SONS
ADVENTURES OF A RELUCTANT SUPERHERO
PITY PARTY
BLOOD RUSH DÉJÀ VU
SECOND BREAKFAST
BAD INFLUENCE
THE SKINTS
KIT SEBASTIAN
BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH
SWIMMING LESSONS
MATRA MODERNE
MASS
MR BONGO
MR BONGO
MR BONGO
MANPHIBIAN MUSIC
XTRA MILE RECORDINGS
RELEASED IN 2019 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM
KARTELMUSICGROUP.COM
Staff Charts
Javi In possibly the finest year for music since I first graced a record shop counter back in 2014, Andrew Wasylyk’s ‘The Paralian’ has emerged victorious — nothing else has quite matched its blend of ambient, post-rock and folk, and nothing else has been played quite so much by me both in the shop and at home. I’ve also turned twenty, had my first piece of writing published in the Buzzcocks-inspired ‘Love Bites’ anthology, and done the impossible by finding love on Tinder (“reader, I swiped right on him”, etc.) I’ve been to some great gigs — with the dance-inducing Mama Racho at YES and gorgeously gloomy Second Still at the Peer Hat taking joint first — and had some unforgettable Piccadilly moments, such as meeting John Grant, fielding noise complaints during the Bunny Hoova instore, and founding IGGY POP FIGHT SQUAD — a semi-fictional gothfunk band — with fellow counter gremlin Emily. It’s been a great end to the decade. But what comes next? What’s going to happen on Season 3 of the 20th Century? The 2010s gave us Fifty Shades, #fakenews, and Protomartyr’s ‘Relatives in Descent’, and I can’t wait to see how the 2020s top it.
Ryan You may or may not have noted my absence from the shop last year due to me relocating East for a while. If you didn’t then it seems I did successfully manage to return and sneak back behind the counter before anyone noticed. To bring out an old cliché; it’s taken me being away from home to truly appreciate Manchester quite like I did back when I was a wide-eyed student looking for some house bangers to play at my halls of residence and wandering into Piccadilly Records for the first time only to leave with no house and a 7 inch of “Odd Situation” by Semi Finalists. 10 years later and I still can’t recommend any good dance records. Back then when I first started working in the shop (Saturday Boy) I was falling into genre rabbit holes each month, filling in missing parts of my music knowledge. This still happens today and I’m constantly falling in love with weird sub genres, collectives and the stories of how they came to be. This year I got into digital dancehall/roots thanks to a series of King Jammy selections on the subject. Looking forward to what 2020 will bring me.
1. Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian 2. Lizzo: Cuz I Love You 3. Sasami: Sasami 4. Jesca Hoop: Stonechild 5. Hania Rani: Esja 6. Unloved: Heartbreak 7. Shana Cleveland: Night of The Worm Moon 8. Sleaford Mods: Eton Alive 9. Deerhunter: Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? 10. Angel Olsen: All Mirrors 11. Kit Sebastian: Mantra Moderne 12. Fews: Into Red 13. Aldous Harding: Designer 14. Billie Eilish: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? 15. Jamila Woods: LEGACY! LEGACY! 16. Penguin Cafe: Handfuls of Night 17. L'épée: Diabolique 18. Fujiya & Miyagi: Flashback 19. Cate Le Bon: Reward 20. Trash Kit: Horizon
1. Lana Del Rey: Norman Fucking Rockwell! 2. Francis Lung: A Dream Is U 3. Eleventeen Eston: Delta Horizon 4. W.H. Lung: Incidental Music 5. Carla Dal Forno: Look Up Sharp 6. Deerhunter: Why Hasn’t Everything AlreadyDisappeared? 7. DIIV: Deceiver 8. Prefab Sprout: Steve Mcqueen — Half Speed Master Edition 9. V arious Artists — Pacific Breeze: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1976-1986 10. Rupa: Disco Jazz 11. Cate Le Bon: Reward 12. Stella Donnelly: Beware Of the Dogs 13. Drugdealer: Raw Honey 14. Hannah Cohen: Welcome Home 15. Metronomy: Metronomy Forever 16. Altin Gün: Gece 17. Froth: Duress 18. Vanishing Twin: The Age Of Immunology 19. Your Old Droog: Transportation 20. Chastity Belt: Chastity Belt
Staff Charts
Pasta Paul
1. Anderson .Paak: Ventura
Being involved with Piccadilly Records on a daily basis is as exciting as the first time I walked into the shop around the turn of the century. I was probably searching for my favourite album of all time: Bugge Wesseltoft — ‘Change’. Moving to Manchester in 2001, the best thing about it then, as now, is how many great things are going on all the time. Plus, it reminds me of New York, which I’ve visited twice this year and I was lucky enough to see The Raconteurs in the incredibly decadent Kings Theatre, Brooklyn on my last visit — my best gig of 2019. Ian Brown came in for a signing and I was tasked with hanging out and taking photos of him for customers, which was a real highlight for me. Another highlight for me was seeing my GF’s vintage motor having extensive repair work done and now looks better than ever. Which means we can drive around following the band Sault when they go on tour knowing they are going to be massive in 2020. Recently I’ve found myself listening to BBC Radio 3, which has rekindled my love of classical. Onwards and upwards for 2020.
2. Marcos Valle: Sempre 3. Sault: 5 4. Teebs: Anicca 5. Quantic: Atlantic Oscillations 6. Ezra Collective: You Can't Steal My Joy 7. Toro Y Moi: Outer Peace 8. Guts: Philantropiques 9. The Mauskovic Dance Band: The Mauskovic Dance Band 10. J-Walk: Mediterranean Winds 11. Rupa: Disco Jazz 12. Prefab Sprout: I Trawl The Megahertz 13. Harry Mosco: Peace & Harmony 14. Mort Garson: Mother Earth's Plantasia: Reissue 15. Various Artists: Late Night Tales: Floating Points 16. Various Artists: Mr Bongo Record Club Vol. 3 17. Various Artists: Sunny Side Up 18. Various Artists: Proper Sunburn: Forgotten Sunscreen Applied By Basso 19. Various Artists: Soul Jazz Records Presents ‘Keith Haring: The World Of Keith Haring’ 20. Various Artists: La Torre Ibiza: Volumen Tres
Dinked was founded in 2018 by four independent record shops (Piccadilly Records, Resident, Drift & Transmission). It has now grown to a collective of 24 like-minded shops working in collaboration to bring you bespoke, unique and collectable new editions. This year has seen over 30 releases and there’s plenty more in the pipeline, so keep your eyes peeled for future announcements because they tend to sell out quickly. Here’s what we’ve released so far… #34 Algiers ‘There Is No Year’ #33 Squirrel Flower ‘I Was Born Swimming’ #32 Smoke Fairies ‘Darkness Brings The Wonders Home’ #31 Jeffrey Lewis & Voltage ‘Bad Wiring’ #30 Dry Cleaning ‘Sweet Princess / Boundary Road Snakes And Drinks’ #29 Fenella ‘Fenella’ #28 Mikal Cronin ‘Seeker’ #27 Portico Quartet ‘Memory Streams’ #26 Warmduscher ‘Tainted Lunch’ #25 Allah Las ‘LAHS’ #24 Comet Gain ‘Fireraisers, Forever!’ #23 Moon Duo ‘Stars Are The Light’ #22 Tropical Fuck Storm ‘Braindrops’ #21 Here Lies Man ‘No Ground To Walk Upon’ #20 Kindness ‘Something Like A War’ #19 Blanck Mass ‘ Animated Violence Mild’ #18 B Boys ‘Dudu’ #17 Tycho ‘Weather’ #16 BABii ‘HiiDE’ #15 Jesca Hoop ‘Stonechild’ #14 Cate Le Bon ‘Reward’ #13 Black Peaches ‘Fire In The Hole’ #12 Black Mountain ‘Destroyer’ #11 Sebadoh ‘Act Surprised’ #10 Kevin Morby ‘Oh My God’ #9 W.H. Lung ‘Incidental Music’ #8 Flamingods ‘Levitation’ #7 Rozi Plain ‘What A Boost’ #6 Snapped Ankles ‘Stunning Luxury’ #5 Homeshake ‘Helium’ #4 Toy ‘Happy In The Hollow’ #3 You Tell Me ‘You Tell Me’ #2 John Carpenter ‘Halloween OST’ #1 Kurt Vile ‘Bottle It In’
The Best of 2019
Mansun
Iamthemorning
Daniel Tompkins
Klone
LP, Coloured LP & CD
LP & CD
Castles
LP & CD
Six
The Bell
(TESSERACT)
Le Grand Voyage
LP & CD
North Atlantic Oscillation
Bruce Soord
Ed Wynne
Gong
LP
LP & CD
LP & CD
LP & CD
Grind Show
The Universe All This Will Be Yours Shimmer Into Nature Also Collapses (THE PINEAPPLE THIEF)
kscopemusic.com
The Pretty Things Mott the Hoople (Featuring Van Morrison & Dave Gilmour)
The Final Bow LP
(OZRIC TENTACLES)
@kscopemusic
Wishbone Ash
Live in Hammersmith Live in Glasgow LP & CD 1973 LP
Peter Green Splinter Group The Best Of LP & CD
madfishmusic.com
@madfishmusic
Dancefloor round-up Matt: Dance music is in a good place right now — eclecticism, or rather, hybridization runs rife. With genre and indeed social boundaries blurred, it seems the modern underground, much like 60’s counterculture, is attempting to bridge the gaps of hatred and separation. With a healthy moral & inclusive focus, it seems the perfect place to escape the forces that try to divide us. Producer of our coveted no.1 spot Logic1000 is an exciting prospect to watch moving forward. Whilst rising local celebrity, Interplanetary Criminal (who incidentally works around the corner from us!) has had a hell of a year plying his spectacular garage & bassline sounds. Nathan Micay sprung out of nowhere and pleased everyone. As usual, too many MCR firms to mention but ones that might have escaped the popular limelight include Bakk Heia, Mas O Menos, Dansu Discs (personal big ups!) and newly minted All Night Flight. Outside our locale, Whities, X-Kalay and Banoffee Pies can be relied upon pushing things forward (the latter has an album due from Sarah Bates in the new year — TIP!); Candomblé kept the inspired Dusseldorf scene firmly on our radars whilst the mysterious COD 3QR label (come again?) beguiled us all with its strange, QR-code concept yet kept dark dancefloors alight with its futuristic vibrations. Harder and faster dance styles have begun to compete at year’s end: producers VTSS, Schacke & Karenn and labels such has Ternesc, Voam & Intrepid Skin, amongst others, delivering wrecking ball techno to fuel rebellion in these testing times. DJ set of the year for me came from Willow @ The White Hotel: a burgeoning star of house and techno who cut her teeth perusing our dance section many moons ago. Tommy Walker (Red Laser) and See Thru Hands (Ruf Kutz) both put on sterling live performances at Peer Hat & YES respectively whilst That Amazing! Castle party & the infamous Pomona Il-Eagle-Rave both reached their life affirming conclusion. See u at the front massiv! Booklet design: www.markbrownstudio.co.uk
1. L ogic1000: Please Forgive Me / Derrière 2. Interplanetary Criminal: Intergalactic Jack 3. Drugface: In The CLouds 4. Bawrut: 'Pronto Arpeggio' w/ KiNK & Ruf Dug remixes 5. Noema: Twilight 6. Apta: Tabula Rasa 7. Tommy Walker III: Leatherwork 8. Shelved: Volumes 1 & 2 9. See Thru Hands: Hot City EP 10. Afrodeutch: RR001 11. John Shima: The Lonely Machine 12. Nathan Micay: Butterfly Arcane / Blue Spring 13. JS Zeiter: JS-06 14. Various Artists: Sky Miles Volume 1 15. Talaboman: Discodrums / Flash forward 16. Pilotwings: Psytube 17. Epsilove: Psychic Venom 18. Blawan: Many Many Pings 19. Bufiman: Albumsi 20. O’ Flynn: Aletheia
THE GLOAMING THE GLOAMING 3 Real World
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES GUY New West
MIKE PATTON & JEAN-CLAUDE VANNIER CORPSE FLOWER Ipecac
KYLE DIXON & MICHAEL STEIN STRANGER THINGS 3 Invada
SUDAN ARCHIVES ATHENA Stones Throw
BONOBO FABRIC PRESENTS BONOBO Fabric
THOMAS WILLIAM HILL GRAINS OF SPACE Village Green
EMPTYSET BLOSSOMS Thrill Jockey
THE DIVINE COMEDY OFFICE POLITICS Divine Comedy
SPECIAL REQUEST OFF WORLD Houndstooth
THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES TBNH Acid Jazz
RACONTEURS HELP US STRANGER Third Man
www.pias.com/uk
A L B U M S
O F
t h e
y e A r
2 0 1 9
A G r e At A L B U M i S n ’ t j U St F O r C h r i St M A S HORSEBEACH
MOON DUO
FOLLAKZOID
KHRUANGBIN
‘The Unforgiving Current’ Chart #2
‘Stars are the Light’ Chart #10
Chart #24
‘I’
‘Hasta El Cielo’ Chart #32
(Alone Together)
(Sacred Bones)
(Sacred Bones)
(Night Time Stories)
GIRL RAY
TENESHA THE WORDSMITH
BLANCK MASS
JAY SOM
‘Girl’ Chart #35
‘Peacocks & Other Savage Beasts’ Chart #45
‘Animated Violence Mild’ Chart #65
‘Anak Ko’ Chart #67
(Sacred Bones)
(Lucky Number)
DIIV
DANIEL O’SULLIVAN
FLAMINGODS
B BOYS
‘Deceiver’ Chart #71
‘Folly’ Chart #79
‘Levitation’ Chart #80
‘Dudu’ Chart #87
(Captured Tracks)
(O Genesis)
(Moshi Moshi)
(Captured Tracks)
.
(Moshi Moshi)
(On the Corner)
.
THANKS TO PICCADILLY RECORDS FOR ALL THEIR SUPPORT IN 2019 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDIE RECORD SHOP WWW.REPUBLICOFMUSIC.NET