Piccadilly Records End Of Year Review 2021 by Piccadilly Records

end of year review 2021

Introduction Welcome to our End Of Year Booklet 2021, a celebration of sonic artistry, audio expression and the continuing literacy of the Piccadilly staff. Armed with only our expert ears and amateur penmanship, your favourite vinyl vendors have selected only the finest releases of the year, scientifically sorted them, then somehow translated the listening experience into 300 words or less for your ease and enjoyment. Whatever your mood, mindset, taste or temperament, you’re sure to find your new obsession within the following pages. Though the pandemic continued to throw up numerous challenges, we enjoyed a return to scheduled programming as the year went on, resuming our outstore series as oft-postponed events with Tim Burgess and John Grant finally came to fruition alongside an unhindered evening with Stephen Fretwell. Thanks as ever to Night & Day for their hospitality and to everyone who came down and made each event so special. After the online oddity of 2020 we were delighted to deliver a pair of social distanced Record Store Days this year, inviting

everyone back into the shop for the proper retail experience. Much like our fine city’s football clubs, we took full advantage of the transfer window in 2021. Pasta Paul did his best CR7 impression with an unexpected return to his boyhood club, while hotly tipped youngsters Maisy and Will have been gradually introduced to the first team. The former brings permanent positive vibes and a working knowledge of TikTok (me neither) while the latter becomes our tallest ever employee and the only person to play Carcass on the shop stereo. In accordance with financial fair play, someone had to make way and after nine years behind the counter, this is my final appearance in the orange and black of Piccadilly. I leave your ears in capable hands. As always, a big thank you to Mark Brown for another beautifully designed booklet, to Republic of Music for facilitating the sampler CD and to everyone who continues to share this musical journey with us. Patrick.

Piccadilly Records Sampler Our ever popular sampler CD is back once again for 2021, bursting with 19 top tracks from the last 12 months, including the likes of John, The Charlatans, White Denim, Space Afrika, Teenage Fanclub and many more. It’s free with the Top 20 Albums, Top 20 Compilations and Top 20 Reissues (whilst stocks last!)

The Top 100 Albums: Album Of The Year

Piccadilly Records Album Of The Year 2021

Mogwai

As the Love Continues Barry: “To The Bin My Friend, Tonight We Vacate Earth’’ seems an overwhelmingly prescient phrase to begin an album with, almost as if Benjamin John Powers knew Mogwai would use it for what is certainly their most celestially euphoric and soaringly majestic album to date. It’s taken 25 long years since their first single, but it’s entirely unsurprising that the people have recognised As The Love Continues as a masterpiece worthy of a UK No.1 album spot, and I would absolutely hasten to agree. Turns out the rest of the staff did too, so here we are. Recommended if you like: GY!BE Joy Division Sigur Rós

From the first moments of “To The Bin My Friend..”, it’s clear that Mogwai’s melodic blend of instrumental rock has undertaken a significant shift towards brighter climes in this instance, with gigantic walls of distortion piercing through the flickering percussion and synth swells below, bringing to mind the tectonic heft of Young Team but with the pop sensibilities brought about on Happy Songs... or the unbelievably brilliant Mr. Beast. We’ve described this album as a ‘Best Of’ a few times, but that’s clearly not in the traditional sense, it’s not a compilation by any means and flows like a well sequenced album, but the themes explored are in every way the pinnacle of their sound and encompass everything that Mogwai fans love to hear. The difference here is that EVERYONE is welcome, with the more pop elements like “Ritchie Sacramento” (my song of the decade without a doubt) taking the heavy hitting instrumentals and injecting them with a moody, spine-tingling vocal melody. Later, pieces like “Fuck Off Money” bring things down a little before hitting us with the punky octave athleticism and rolling bass of “Ceiling Granny” or the cinematic orchestration of “Midnight Flit”. It’s an absolute triumph, and in my opinion, the most worthy end of year winner yet.

Piccadilly Records Exclusive All formats will include an exclusive album track that has only been previously available on the Japanese version of the album. It will come via a printed card with individual codes to be able to download the track.

Photo © Antony Crook

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Q&A with Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai Piccadilly: It’s been said that As The Love Continues is on the more melodic end of your discography, how do you feel it sits within your oeuvre? It reminds me of Hardcore Will Never Die or Happy Songs. Probably more like Hardcore because it’s pretty varied. Piccadilly: You’ve written some of the greatest soundtracks of the past decade, how do you feel the writing differs for something like ZeroZeroZero or Zidane for instance, against a studio LP? I think making our own records is more freeing. Soundtracks are great but you’re very much working to a remit rather than doing whatever you want. Piccadilly: The new album and Rave Tapes both spring to mind as influenced quite heavily by electronic music, has your usage of music changed since your early days as a band? Absolutely. Barry joining for Cody made a big difference as well as being able to try different instruments. I’ve always loved electronic music but didn’t know how it was made until we got our hands on the stuff (computers, synths, drum machines etc).

Piccadilly: You’ve got some guests on the new LP, like Atticus Ross and Colin Stetson, and have previously worked with Aiden Moffat, Gruff Rhys and Clint Mansell, do you enjoy the collaborative experience, and do you feel like outside influence changes your process in any way? Collaborating is great fun. For the ones on this record we just let Atticus and Colin do their thing and it turned out really well. I think working with other people definitely helps you work out better ways of making music and what makes other people’s music the way it is. Piccadilly: As The Love Continues was our album of the year, what were your favourite albums of the year? In no particular order Loscil: Lux:Refractions Blanck Mass: In Fernaux Grouper: Shade Low: Hey What Arab Strap: As Days Get Dark Lana Del Rey: Chemtrails Over the Country Club Nick Cave and Warren Ellis: Carnage Clark: Playground in a Lake Koreless: Agor Circuit de Yeux: io

The Top 100 Albums: Top 10

Little Simz Sometimes I Might Be Introvert Millie: After several singles were dropped in the lead up to this album it’s safe to say this was my most anticipated release of the year. Little Simz has really come through with her most raw and personal album to date. The opening track “Introvert” is a theatrical masterpiece which gives you goosebumps within the first ten seconds, from the cinematic brass accompanying the rolling snare drum. It feels like an anthem of a generation, fearless and vulnerable, “Introvert” bares all in its strength, openness and fluidity. Little Simz’ ability to perform and put into words personal pain is so emotive and taps into something powerful to make you feel every word in the track, particularly in “I Love You, I Hate You”. Her immaculate flow paired with orchestral strings and beats highlights her incredible songwriting and fire.

Recommended if you like: Sampa The Great Flohio Loyle Carner

Don’t be under the misconception that this is only a hip hop album. Soulful energy in “I See You”, Nigerian and cultural influences in “Point And Kill’’ and a hint of trap and incredible change of flow in “Rollin Stone” set her apart in this cohesive masterpiece of an album. The intertwining of interludes frame the album to create an otherworldly and cathartic experience. Like in the track “Gems”, the combination of orchestra, children’s choir and the actress Emma Corrin’s spoken word are just magic. The end of the album holds just as many jewels like “How Did You Get Here” and “Miss Understood”; lyrically the most poignant piece which powerfully bookends the album with reconciliation and a self-awareness of how far she’s come.

Little Simz: I’m honoured to have my album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert at number 2 for Piccadilly Records’ End Of Year Chart 2021. Thank you Piccadilly Records and everyone supporting my journey thus far. See you all on tour x

order online at piccadillyrecords.com Photo © Nic Chapman

Jane Weaver Flock Emily: One of the North-West’s finest exponents of otherworldly pop has landed back on earth with an album of shimmering space age bliss. Elements of disco, new wave and krautrock are undoubtedly present in Flock, but Jane never relies on genre tropes to carry her work. Instead, she harnesses familiar rhythmic devices and choices of instrumentation in her own distinctive way. And while comparisons could be drawn between Jane and contemporaries like Vanishing Twin and Gwenno, she has undeniably staked out her own domain within the realm of off-kilter synth pop.

Recommended if you like: Gwenno Cate Le Bon Photo © Rebecca Lupton

Stereolab

Throughout Flock Jane demonstrates her delicate vocal agility over a series of hypnotic loops and clever synthesis. The lazy disco strut of “The Revolution Of Super Visions” sets up a jangling interplay between Jane’s sweetly sung declamations, new wave style guitar interjections and Cowley-esque synth squelch. While “Modern Reputation” is propelled forwards by a Broadcast style motorik rhythm with electronics whirring in the background and mantra-like vocal loops swirling in a strange ecstasy. In the title track Jane’s gauzy vocals reverberate over the ebb and flow of a loose knit groove, while in “Sunset Dreams” ornate guitar riffs weave in amongst a haze of twinkling chimes and fizzing sawtooth synthesis. The album culminates in a moment of escapist pop euphoria with final track “Solarised”, laden with cascading arps and irresistible vocal hooks. Once again Jane has succeeded in creating something playful, fresh and unpretentious which is in equal parts a fun and intelligent listen. All hail the cosmic synth queen!

Jane Weaver: I’m absolutely delighted, and a little bit emotional, that Piccadilly Records have again given me an accolade like this. It really means a lot to me that my music still resonates with people especially when Flock was an album which was both created and released in a time of overwhelming universal uncertainty. Months before lockdown I finally managed to pool all my resources, creatively and logistically to try and make a modern pop album that was free of any theme or concept (different from my previous records) but shortly after most of the live music was recorded the pandemic hit us

and the album was left levitating in a closed studio for what seemed like an eternity. It was like all the particles were thrown in the air and I had to wait for months and remember how they fitted back together. I know millions of people faced similar types of challenges like this in 2020 and from a creative perspective it was really challenging. I am so lucky that thanks to enthusiastic and generous people around me I could eventually manage to create a coherent album in the process, and in a weird way, the album became conceptual in its own unorthodox creation.

The Top 100 Albums: Top 10

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LoneLady Former Things

Recommended if you like: Factory Floor Wire New Order

Matt: Manchester’s LoneLady has been a firm favourite with most of our rotating assembly over the last decade. Her infectious mix of kinetic drum rhythms, thin and funky, picked guitar lines and completely distinctive vocal style has proven a winning formula for lovers of post-punk, (any)wave and electro-indie hybrids alike. Her intrepid DIY approach sees her writing and playing all instrumental and vocal parts herself, furthering her credentials as an all-in-one modern studio songstress. On Former Things the blueprint reaches its natural zenith — seeing her galvanized grooves emanate from a modest arsenal of instruments with a spontaneous magic. Whereas previous outings were inspired by the industrial Victorian warehouses which once populated the Manchester cityscape, this new set sees her move location to a shooting range in Somerset, offering up expansive, shiny, dare-Isay-it, playful territories within her music. There’s a degree of sonic affluency which reflects her journey from urban to rural. A detailed equipment list accompanies the LP, going someway to explain how she creates these twangy, bass-banging, arp-studded mechanics. Each arrangement evolves from a basic beat to an unignorable earworm within a typical 16-bar period; the familiarity of her solid construction meaning every single track on the album gets its hook right underneath your skin. Her nonchalant yet candycovered yearnings remain anthemic across every track; there’s no denying Julie Campbell’s mastery of the chorus! Huge with indie disco heads AND electronic aficionados this LP has remained a constant feature of my record bag throughout 2021 and garnered rightful accolades from the sincerest corners of the creative community.

It’s really special to be recognised in your home city. To see Former Things hanging in the gleaming shop window of Piccadilly Records, and the banner hanging resplendent inside has been a glorious sight every time I wander by or nosey round the shop. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, tears, love and joy that goes into making an album and to see that recognised is a magical thing. I hole myself away when writing albums; it’s a totally immersive thing and when it’s finally done I have no idea how people are going to react or respond. With Former Things there was a definite musical shift as I

decided to set aside my Telecaster and instead write everything on electronic hardware, primarily an analogue sequencer, synths and drum machines, in a celebration of crunchy, punchy electro sounds. I also poured a lot of mourning into this record and lyrically it’s my most direct (and often bleak) to date. It’s a real joy to see people connect with it and respond the way they have. My previous album Hinterland was #5, so for Former Things to be at #4 is amazing — thank you so much Piccadilly Records and everyone who has bought the album / come to gigs / bought a T-shirt etc as you are helping keep the music alive. Julie x

The Top 100 Albums: Top 10

Dry Cleaning New Long Leg Mine: Musically, Dry Cleaning have been compared to the likes of The Fall and Sonic Youth as well as their contemporaries Squid, Shame and Yard Act, who are only some of the bands that have been riding the waves of the recent post punk resurgence. The London band combines repetitive bass lines with moody yet catchy guitar riffs and lecturer and visual artist Florence Shaw’s dry, monotone Sprechgesang.

Recommended if you like: Yard Act Sonic Youth The Fall

Seemingly samey at first listen, it’s a record that keeps revealing more with each play. No matter how often you think you have shelved it, it will always make itself known again. Dry Cleaning’s lyrics are a combination of Shaw’s own writing and snippets of other people’s reflections she has come across — be it via real life conversations or on the internet, e.g. in the Youtube comment wormhole. Like a stream of consciousness they make for an interesting read / listen, with highlights aplenty. “I think of myself as a hardy banana with that waxy surface and the small delicate flowers / A woman in aviators firing a bazooka” reads one line. Complete absurdity or the mundanity of everyday life? Tongue in cheek or absolutely serious? Whichever you think it is, you can’t help but be charmed by her deadpan attitude. One thing I can’t get on board with, however, are her outrageous nutritional opinions. “That seems like a lot of garlic” she muses in ‘Strong Feelings’. There’s never enough garlic.

Dry Cleaning: Thank you Piccadilly, it is a huge honour to be included anywhere near this list! When we started our band we did not anticipate that we would even make an album. That the record turned out the way it did is in no small part down to the brilliant and hard work of its producer John Parish and engineer Joe Jones — our friends to whom we owe many, many thank yous. See you in 2022! Photo © Steve Gullick

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The Top 100 Albums: Top 10

Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra Promises Emily: Promises is the result of three distinct musical worlds colliding. Pharoah Sanders’ jazz improvisation and Flo Po’s twinkling electronics are layered over the string section of the LSO, bound together by a loose symphonic structure. These are textures that rarely sit together in a single composition, yet somehow they seamlessly knit into a cohesive whole. It’s quite a feat, one that could only be pulled off by artists as accomplished as these. Recommended if you like: Bill Laswell Portico Quartet Prefab ‘I Trawl The Megahertz’ Sprout

The entire album revolves around a recurring phrase played by Sam Shepherd on the piano, harpsichord and celesta. This phrase becomes the central pulse around which the other textures float, suspended in the space inbetween. The loose tempo allows for the improvised saxophone passages to flow freely and for Pharaoh to lean into the most tender moments of his performance. At the beginning of the album the string section gradually emerges like a delicate silver thread before building through a series of sweeping chord progressions and moments of bittersweet dissonance. This leads into the third movement where Sam Shephard’s deft synth arrangement becomes the focal point. And later on we hear a hushed vocal performance from Pharoah. It’s one of the most touching moments of the album, with years of lived experience seeping through every crack and bend of his voice in a captivating way. Promises is an album of subtle expression which invokes a feeling of boundlessness. It’s a wide open sonic space where each note is allowed to resonate to its full conclusion. There’s a constant feeling of push and pull, of tension and release, though it never really resolves fully. Something is always left hanging in the air — a question, a prayer, an inexplicable feeling. It’s perhaps one of the most surprising and profound releases of the year.

Photo © Eric Welles Nyström

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W.H. Lung Vanities Patrick: A lot’s happened since W.H. Lung’s debut shot to the top of our hallowed chart in 2019, not least my high definition fade (courtesy of the good people at Rusholme’s New Style Barbers*), and the Mancunian unit wear the changes well on their sophomore album. Brewed under the expansive skies of the Calder Valley and the mind expanding experience of the mighty Wet Play, Vanities marries the confidence of Incidental Music with a new found maturity, dialing back on the tension to deliver a series of optimistic electronic anthems rendered in a high gloss sheen. Recommended if you like: LCD Soundsystem Caribou Depeche Mode

Driving their DeLorean from 70s Düsseldorf to noughties Cologne, motorik rhythms evolve into the sleek beats of micro-house, deftly repurposed into the firm foundations of a festival-sized sound. Gone are the angst-laden yelps of their debut as vocalist Joe explores the full versatility of his range, building from a tender coo to ecstatic outpouring on the gospel flecked “Gyd Time” or taking a brief diversion into Jimmy Sommerville register on accomplished opener “Calm Down”. There’s still a little post punk grit lurking in the glitter though, most notably in towering single “Showstopper”, an astounding new-new wave masterpiece which propels the thrust of Grauzone’s “Eisbar” into the skyscraping grandeur of Depeche Mode’s ’87 vintage. But Vanities is unashamedly ecstatic, and as such is expressed in the language of the hedonist, whether it be Bobby Orlando melodies, Michael Meyer sequences or the unbridled exuberance of highlife guitars, all lovingly referenced and reimagined by the group’s Tom Sharkett. Sinbad from Brookside once said “escapism is the elixir for uncertain times”, and that’s certainly the case here. W.H. Lung may be Manchester’s third best Chinese superstore, but they’re still the city’s best band. *Piccadilly Records does not condone or approve this product placement.

Tom of W.H. Lung: We might be a little biased as a Manchester band but Piccadilly Records is our favourite record shop in the UK. I’ve personally spent endless hours over the past 18 months on the shop website looking for recommendations, reading the staff comments on new releases.

It’s ace to be able to go back into the shop properly now things have reopened. We’re so grateful for the support the shop has given to us from the beginning and honoured to be included in the end of year list again, next to a load of top releases. Here’s some of my faves that I’ve bought from the shop in 2021:

Aili X Transistorcake: Dansu EP Plastic Bamboo: Drum Chums Vol. 2 Do you have the Force? Jon Savage’s Alternate History of Electronica 1978–82 Curses Present Next Wave Acid Punx Lou Hayter: My Baby Just Cares For Me (Inc. Rheinzand / Decius Remixes)

The Top 100 Albums: Top 10

Snapped Ankles Forest Of Your Problems Darryl: On the back of 2017’s Come Play The Trees and 2019’s superb Stunning Luxury Snapped Ankles return with the utterly brilliant Forest Of Your Problems. Growing out of the bohemian East London art performance scene the band have previously cited influences as diverse as Fela Kuti, Morris dancing, Old Norse texts, Jean Luc-Godard, and Lightning Bolt. Whilst playing warehouse and squat parties the self-confessed “forest folk” kept their identities secret by taking to the stage in shamanistic costumes, ghillie suits being the attire of choice in the past. A few line-up changes later and this still mysterious band continues to baffle and enthrall in equal measure. Recommended if you like: Can Crack Cloud The Fall

On their third album Snapped Ankles descend from the trees once again but the forest is not what it once was, the ancient woodland of Come Play The Trees is now awash with filthy money and gentrification. With guitars set to stun and synths in tow, the four piece tells the story whilst getting your feet shuffling and your body moving. “Rhythm is our business, and it’s time to get down to business!” is their mantra throughout Forest Of Your Problems and they thoroughly oblige with tribal beats, propulsive kosmische grooves, electronic pulses, and raucous half-spoken / half screamed post-punk vocals. Imagine a paganistic brew of Goat’s woodland psych, Can’s motorik beats, Gang Of Four’s punk-funk and Mark E. Smith’s snarling vox riding over the top of it all. The forest has a new soundtrack, it’s time to get down there and dance to the beat.

Reading list for ‘Forest of your Problems’ … or Snapped Appendices! Our songs are inspired by the collective anxieties we come across on our travels. Here’s a list of books that can be treated as an accompaniment to the album. They deal with history, psychogeography, folklore of the forests and economic conundrums, as well as offering some answers and hope to certain pertinent questions of the day:

‘Strange Labyrinth: Outlaws, Poets, Mystics, Murderers and a Coward in London’s Great Forest’ by Will Ashon. ‘The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity’s Search for Meaning’ by Jeremy Lent. ‘Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist’ by Kate Raworth.

‘Down to Earth: Politics in the New Climatic Regime’ by Bruno Latour. ‘The New Enclosure: The Appropriation of Public Land in Neoliberal Britain’ by Brett Christophers. ‘A Natural History of the Hedgerow: And Ditches, Dykes and Dry Stone Walls’ by John Wright.

Photo © Laura Lewis

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Tony Allen There Is No End Javi: When did Tony Allen’s There Is No End become my album of the year? July 24th, Night & Day cafe, DJing. I had just put needle to groove on “Rich Black”, naively unprepared for the bass to meet the bar’s booming soundsystem — and then it HIT! The dancefloor was probably fearing for its life, but I was in love.

Recommended if you like: Roots Sampa The Great J Dilla

A collaborative hip hop masterpiece, There Is No End has a real exploratory feel to it, which (as Allen’s spoken word introduction points out) is the whole purpose of the album — to push, to innovate, and to move, through music. With various up-and-coming singers, rappers, and poets lending their talents to each song, the tracklist reads like a supergroup of Next Big Things: there’s Lava La Rue’s no-nonsense flow and controlled beauty, The Koreatown Oddity’s comic images and hard-hitting home truths, Ben Okri’s inspired mess of creationist myths, fairytale tropes, and apocalyptic visions, and Sampa the Great’s unnerving, vocoded whisper loops — and that’s just a fraction of the mavericks on mic duty here. All this is to say nothing of the drumming. “Brilliant” would be a gross understatement of just how diverse and original Allen’s beats are — by turns claustrophobic, metronomic, wild, and stuttering, the drums make each song as distinct and… well, brilliant, as the vocals do. Throw swampy bass synths, thickly affected backing vox, and a smorgasbord of tuned percussion into the mix, and what you get is There Is No End: a dizzying swan-song by one of music’s great innovators, and a glimpse into hip hop’s bright, bright future.

“I want to take care of youngsters; they have messages and I want to bring them on my beat.” Tony Allen “Tony’s idea was to give rappers the space to breathe and freely create. He wanted really not to just do Afrobeat, but rather something new and open, with very different sounds for the drums for each song and feels and tempos that were really grounded to the core in hip hop.” There Is No End producer Vincent Taeger aka Tiger Tigre “Tony had the discipline of a Navy seal, but his emphasis was never on the 1, in fact, for Tony the 1 was everywhere: each bass kick, percussive glissando, ghost note, snare and hi-hat hit equally carried the power of the 1 and pushed the music forward.” Questlove

Photo © Navire Argo

The Top 100 Albums: Top 10

JOHN Nocturnal Manoeuvres

Recommended if you like: Fugazi No Age Metz

Laura: In spring 2020, having been forced to postpone any live action due to lockdown, John set to work on the follow up to their Out Here On The Fringes album. It seems that the enforced confinement allowed them time to fine tune both their songwriting and sound and produce their best LP to date. The album opens with “Return To Capital” a brooding, slow-build instrumental that’s escalating nicely until it suddenly plummets head first into “Sibensko Powerhouse”, a ferocious collision of distorted guitars, pounding drums and snarled vocals, which kind of sets the tone for the rest of the album. Being a two piece, they operate with limited tools: drums, guitar and vocals, but that doesn’t in anyway limit their sound. They’re creative with that limited palate, this isn’t all a 100mph dash for the line, it’s a very nuanced sound, there’s plenty of texture. Seeing them live reminded me of seeing No Age play live for the first time and being blown away by how much noise two people could generate. Idles have been an obvious reference point in recent reviews, but to me their sound is rooted in the US hardcore scene of the 80’s: The kind of stuff that was being released by the likes of Touch And Go and Dischord Records. (There are definitely echoes of Mackaye / Picciotto in the dual vocals at times.) That’s not to say their sound is dated, far from it, they’re one of the most vital bands around at the moment.

Photo © Paul Grace

John Newton: It’s an absolute honour to have made it into the Piccadilly Top 10 of 2021 — it was a real pleasure to pop in during release week to meet all the lovely team. The WiFi was also strong enough to hold our chat with the legendary Craig Charles for BBC 6music — so thanks for that! We also can’t thank the shop enough for pushing all our releases including ‘Nocturnal Manoeuvres’. As a mostly DIY outfit through our label Pets Care Records, we really enjoy the direct engagement with all the wonderful stores we work with. Record shops are amazing places of exchange and it’s a pleasure to stop and chat whenever we deliver records personally. Looking forward to being back rummaging the racks of the North soon!

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The Top 100 Albums: Top 20

The Orielles La Vita Olistica

Squid Bright Green Field

Javi: On La Vita Olistica (their secondand-a-half album!?), The Orielles take last year’s stellar Disco Volador and bring it back down to earth, reimagining

Martin: If the album’s title conjures tranquil melodies evoking some misty pastoral idyll, that impression isn’t immediately dispelled by the dark rock ambience of opener “Resolution Square”. That is abruptly followed, however, by a series of dystopian dreams strewn across a bed of staccato post punk-funk with more in common with The Fall, Gang Of Four and punk cacophony than Vivaldi.

it as a soundtrack which draws as much from la nouvelle vague as New York’s new wave music scene. Full of instrumental detours, maverick synth-led twists, and more pop hooks than you can shake a disco stick at, it’s a less “produced” affair than its shimmering predecessor — those virtuosic guitars, drums à la Can school of jazz-punk-groove, dreamladen vocals, and understated bass gymnastics are all still here though, just clearer and tighter than ever before.

There’s something so classic and charismatic about the way they write songs too, calling to mind — but never imitating — the greats of indie songwriting: Edwyn Collins, Laetitia Sadier, Bradford Cox, et al. La Vita Olistica shows the mighty O’s at their most inspired yet — and it’s a beautiful thing to watch. Recommended if you like: Goat Girl, Stereolab, Jane Weaver.

There isn’t necessarily a single coherent centre to the album, either musically or thematically, both subject matter and genre coopted and discarded with abandon, but there is an obvious dig at cold corporate capitalism in “G.S.K.”, inspired by the monolithic slab that is GlaxoSmithKline’s HQ in Brentford and “Global Groove”, a swipe at the detachment of newscast war voyeurism. Alongside these Bright Green Fields presents clipped portraits of modern life’s grinding banality, but it really needs to be experienced as a whole to appreciate its exquisitely crafted and well targeted power. Recommended if you like: Gang Of Four, Public Image Ltd., King Crimson.

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13 Francis Lung Miracle Andy: Remember Wu Lyf? We do! Out of nowhere and straight back, they exploded onto the (Mancunian) scene with magic and mystery, here today / gone tomorrow, as much an “idea” as a band. Bass player, Tom McClung, could not be any more different if he tried. This is a record of exquisitely crafted pop music; gentle, vulnerable, honest, and pure. Recorded in Wales and with every instrument, bar strings, played by himself, this is a deeply personal, introspective yet wonderfully openhearted record. The songs here are of the very highest calibre. Beginning with the Beatles and moving through Elliott Smith, Big Star (broken heart emoji!) and even Teenage Fanclub, Tom wears his influences on his sleeve, but the 18 carat melodies are all his own. He’s clearly one of the best songwriters in the UK at the minute, and I reckon he’ll go on to become a bit of a star. Recommended if you like: Wu Lyf, Gruff Rhys, Big Star.

14 Gemma Cullingford Let Me Speak Patrick: As is my taste for the tardy, I was a couple of weeks late to this particular party, belatedly tipped to “that goth disco LP” through an overheard conversation between Mine and Matt. As a first class graduate of the “indie dance” era, I was naturally intrigued and promptly took the plunge into this monochrome masterpiece. While her Sink Ya Teeth project with Maria Uzor takes a bite out of the Big Apple’s no-wave and post-punk era, Cullingford’s solo-debut splits its time between the steely synth-pop of Sheffield, Chicago’s house heritage and the unapologetic electroclash of Millennial Berlin. This travelogue translates to a sleek set of taut techno pop, topped with zero-fucks speak singing and utterly arch asides. A lesser LP would sink under the stature of single “Wide Boys”, a fleet-footed and flute-led floor burner, but Let Me Speak is made from only the finest ingredients — pass the biscuits please. Recommended if you like: The Knife, LCD Soundsystem, Miss Kittin.

The Top 100 Albums: Top 20

15 Anika Change Mine: A good 10 years after her first solo LP, Annika Henderson of Exploded View fame has created the perfect album. One that is great from start to finish and steeped in the scope of human emotion. Change combines goth disco© (“Critical”, “Rights”) and synth stompers (“Finger Pies”, “Naysayer”) with eerie, haunting songs (“Sand Witches”, “Freedom”) and heartfelt melancholia (“Change”, “Never Coming Back”, “Wait For Something”). The tracks are gloomy yet catchy and with its industrial feel and Anika’s Nicoesque voice the album sounds both moody and empowering. The title track “Change” and my personal favourite “Never Coming Back” in particular have me in awe of her songwriting abilities and pop sensibility. Anika has written an album that contrasts darkness and hope and brilliantly covers a broad range of sentiments. It’s an experimental synth pop masterpiece that deserves to be heard by a much wider audience.. Recommended if you like: Beak>, Nico, LCD Soundsystem.

16 Godspeed You! Black Emperor G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END Barry: It’s almost as if after naysaying for 25 years, GY!BE have proven that the car is indeed on fire, and resolutely driverless, resulting in one of their most unhurried and jubilant offerings yet. There are moments of spinetingling beauty, coated in a lacquer of hazy field recordings and snappy militaristic percussion. As with a lot of their releases (including my “favourite album in the world ever”, Lift Yr Skinny Fists….), the pieces here are crafted from a number of sections and listed in parts, leading to a cohesive and developmental audio narrative, lurching from shadowy glitched shortwave radio noise to crashing waves of orchestral chaos. There are very few moments where you aren’t overcome with emotion, it’s as bold and as beautiful as anything they’ve ever done, and has rare moments of true joy. An unendingly superb outing, and a brilliant return for one of the greatest bands around. Recommended if you like: Dirty Three, Mogwai, Sigur Rós.

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17 Sleaford Mods Spare Ribs Martin: It is frustrating that in a country beset by unfolding social and economic trauma, caused in large measure and plain view by an entitled elite in service of their own ambitions and with a population gaslighted by their friends in the media, that there has been little or no kickback from what has, in the past, been a reliable source, contemporary music. That it’s taken a couple of fortysomethings to pick up punk’s combative baton and run with it is telling, but at least someone is doing it. It’s a testament to their energy and commitment, and the biting wit with which it is delivered, that Spare Ribs, their 11th album, still sounds this sharp. With its broader palette adding funk and hip hop influences to the paired back bleep punk, and the scathing social commentary accompanied by childhood hurt and recovery, it is also, maybe, their finest hour. So far. Recommended if you like: Streets, Billy Nomates, Public Image Limited.

18 The Reds, Pinks And Purples Uncommon Weather Laura: A message from an old friend earlier this year: “I heard an album yesterday and thought: I bet Laura likes this”. It wasn’t a record I knew, but one look at the record’s sleeve and I was pretty sure he’d be right — It looked like an album I’d love! (We’ve all bought an album ‘cos we love the artwork right?) He was talking about this, the third LP in as many years from San Francisco resident Glen Donaldson. Self recorded and self produced, this collection of 13 succinct, super melodic, understated pop songs has a lovely warm, hazy feel to it. With song titles like “A Kick In The Face (That’s Life)” and “I Hope I Never Fall In Love” you can guess there’s a heavy dose of melancholy in the songwriting, but the gorgeous guitar jangles that chime through the low-fi haze lift the spirit, like the sun breaking through the clouds on a summer’s day. Recommended if you like: Television, Go Betweens, East River Pipe.

The Top 100 Albums: Top 20

19 Black Country, New Road For The First Time Darryl: Born from the Brixton Windmill scene that has seen the likes of black midi, Squid, Fat White Family and Shame rise to prominence, Black Country, New Road now take up the mantle and release their debut album. The seven piece kick off proceedings with the aptly titled “Instrumental”, a maelstrom of sounds and influences including the post-rock mastery of Slint, the Klezmer style folk of Beirut and dapples of free-jazz improvisation. Throughout the album’s six tracks those themes continue along with a simmering sense of drama and intensity. The best example of this occurs on the monolithic last track “Opus”, clocking in at just over 8 minutes it locks the listener in with a sprawling sonic soundscape of plateaus and troughs that recalls the mighty Godspeed You! Black Emperor. For The First Time is an ambitious and intelligent album that stands out as one of the best debut releases of 2021. Recommended if you like: black midi, Slint, GY!BE.

20 Goat Girl On All Fours Ryan: Goat Girl’s latest offering lets off the distortion pedal just enough to make room for a more electronic pool of inspiration. It’s delightfully wonky at times and tracks like “Jazz (In The Supermarket)” explore tempo changes and chord progressions that 2018 Goat Girl wouldn’t dare consider. This doesn’t mean they’ve held out on pure melody though, “P.T.S Tea” is satisfyingly poppy and “Sad Cowboy” breaks off into a New Order-esque scifi trip only after first smashing out four and a half minutes of delicious guitar twanging. There is (to my delight) an overarching melancholy present throughout, keeping the pop at bay. Sadly, this might be because the album was put together during uncertain times for guitarist Ellie Rose Davies who was diagnosed with blood cancer. Now in remission, one can’t help but think that facing mortality changes everything and perhaps the band, as a whole, have been left feeling these shockwaves. Recommended if you like: New Order, PJ Harvey, The Orielles.

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“BRILLIANT… A DEBUT ALBUM THAT JUSTIFIES THE HYPE” - THE SUNDAY TIMES -

THE OBSERVER

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The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

Recommended if you like: Nicolas Jaar, Floating Points, A Mountain Of One.

Recommended if you like: Richard Norris, Polypores, Listening Center.

Recommended if you like: Bodega, Pavement, Sonic Youth.

Recommended if you like: Erykah Badu, Cleo Sol, Sudan Archives.

Recommended if you like: Portishead, Unkle, James Blake.

Darkside: Spiral Barry: Jaar & Harrington’s Darkside project has never quite gone with convention, and their latest outing Spiral walks the line between drone music and gothic, eastern-influenced folk with ease, via all manner of geographical pit stops. In some places otherworldly vocals seamlessly ride atop grooving percussion and in others are eschewed entirely for a focus on shifting drone and tectonic modulation. As baffling and brilliant as ever.

Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) Matt: Fetishizing over technicoloured 16-bit soundscapes while your favourite C64 video game characters appear like entities thru a rose-tinted lucid dream? Look no further! Our in-house modular technician and computer game soundtrack composer extraordinaire, Barry is here under his APTA alias to whisk you away on a Tamagotchi canoe. All aboard the Atari-ST express!

Parquet Courts: Sympathy For Life Laura: While album opener “Walking At A Downtown Pace” is about as Parquet Courts sounding as you can get, Sympathy For Life sees them taking a broader more experimental approach to their sound. It’s still unmistakeably them, the chugging post punk grooves and catchy hooks are still there, but it’s a more expanded, adventurous sound that works brilliantly.

Arlo Parks: Collapsed In Sunbeams Martin: As a debut album, Collapsed In Sunbeams is about as perfect as you’re going to get. Honest and relatable, the LP deals with love, loss and existentialism, over the finest contemporary soul grooves. Listening to this album makes me feel like a teenager again.

Lost Horizons: In Quiet Moments Barry: There are a frankly dazzling array of guests on this beautiful collection of slow-motion psychedelic drifts from Raymonde & Thomas, and each one seems to effortlessly glide into the instrumental core of ambient swells and subtle strings. A perfect tonic to the strains of a day.

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Recommended if you like: Roisin Murphy, Jane Weaver, Self Esteem.

Recommended if you like: A Tribe Called Quest, D’Angelo, De La Soul.

Recommended if you like: Leonard Cohen, Dirty Three, Barry Adamson.

Recommended if you like: Kraftwerk, Fujiya & Miyagi, John Grant.

Recommended if you like: Sleaford Mods, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, AC/DC.

Lou Hayter: Private Sunshine Patrick: After a mind blowing moment on Be With a couple of year’s back, Lou Hayter lands at her debut solo album, delivering the sassiest boogie-tinged synth pop you’re ever likely to hear. With production as sleek as it comes and hooks everywhere you look, this has had us grooving for months.

Children Of Zeus: Balance Millie: Super smooth soulful grooves and pristine production isn’t beyond what we’ve come to expect from the great Children Of Zeus, but Balance sees them refining their already lauded sound to a whole new level. Languid grooves and woozy beats perfectly coalesce into a wonderfully satisfying and genredefining whole.

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis: Carnage Barry: Ellis and Cave go together like chips and gravy, there’s no doubting that, but until now, they’ve not done a full album together that isn’t a soundtrack. Now here we get the unmatched songwriting capability of both parties fully focused on an album in which they’re allowed free reign and it’s beautiful. Cinematic in parts, but imbued with the melodic sensibilities that are generally missing from soundtrack work.

Public Service Broadcasting: Bright Magic Barry: It’s been a long wait since their last full-length in 2017, but Bright Magic has every one of the standard PSB tricks we love them for plus a few more. Filmic electronic groove, kosmische library-tinged synthplay and instantly addictive melodies.

Amyl And The Sniffers: Comfort To Me Laura: An expectedly hefty new album from Amyl And The Sniffers sees the Melbourne four-piece continue their brutal domination of the modern punk scene with this wonderfully acerbic, incendiary slice of slashing modern punk rock.

A year in albums from Memphis Industries

www.memphis-industries.com

2021:

The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

Available at Piccadilly Records

The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

Recommended if you like: Boards Of Canada, Stars Of The Lid, Ólafur Arnalds.

A Winged Victory For The Sullen: Invisible Cities Barry: There are few experiences I treasure more than popping some slow moving ambient business on the stereo and sitting down, and there are few bands that do that exact business better than AWVFTS. One of my all-time favourites returns for another gorgeous suite of swelling pads and tentative piano.

Madlib: Sound Ancestors (Arranged By Kieran Hebden) Matt: Now that Dilla and Doom are no longer with us, Madlib is unarguably the finest beat scholar in hip hop, and his production chops, sampling skills and unfathomable crates are on full show here. Ably assisted on arrangement by fellow production titan Kieran Hebden AKA Four Tet, this is as good as anything Madlib’s done.

Recommended if you like: J Dilla, MF Doom, DJ Shadow.

Recommended if you like: Horsebeach, Goon Sax, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.

Recommended if you like: The Avalanches, Little Simz, Confidence Man.

Recommended if you like: Robert Glasper, Jordan Rakei, Surprise Chef.

Ducks Ltd.: Modern Fiction Laura: Ducks Ltd, the duo of Tom Mcgreevy and Evan Lewis formed in Toronto, Canada and are now based between there and Geelong, Australia. Channelling 80s UK indie pop and weaving in some antipodean charm, this is perfect sun-kissed jangle pop with a heavy dose of melancholy. An absolute delight.

The Go! Team: Get Up Sequences Part One Barry: Bright and bold and chaotic and absolutely on-brand! Slotting summery steel drums amid syncopated percussion, while playful melodies are topped with jubilant vocal swathes, this is as Go! Team as it gets.

Hiatus Kaiyote: Mood Valiant Matt: Staples of the modern funk and soul scene, HK return with their third album to date. A hard touring schedule combined with impeccable quality control has restrained (read: distilled) this act into only releasing their best quality of jams. For this we must thank them — presenting their sound as high quality, easy to digest dishes of soul food.

The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

Recommended if you like: Courtney Barnett, Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief.

Recommended if you like: Wings, MGMT, Steely Dan.

Recommended if you like: Leon Vynehall, Burial, Daniel Avery.

Recommended if you like: A Winged Victory For The Sullen, Stars Of The Lid, Ólafur Arnalds.

Recommended if you like: Kelly Lee Owens, James Holden, Suzanne Cianni.

Lucy Dacus: Home Video Barry: While No Burden and to a lesser extent Historian dealt with undoubtedly serious events with a certain levity, Home Video hits as hard as is possible while still retaining Dacus’ melodicism and wit. “Thumbs” gives me genuine shivers every time I hear it, and the rest of the album isn’t far behind.

White Denim: Crystal Bullets / King Tears Andy: Incredible new album disguised as a 12 inch single. The rogues! Funky, lush, intricate and mellow, a masterstroke by this most unique of bands. Mildly psychedelic and sunbaked sounds with a twist of AOR.

Joy Orbison: Still Slipping Vol. 1 Matt: Can you believe this is Joy-O’s first album?! His tracks seem to have influenced and soundtracked the better dancefloors of the last decade on a near-permanent basis. Over a transient, constantly-morphing album we get the skitty, advanced kinetics, emotive washes and his shadowy, blurred vox all showcased at their most intimate and astonishing.

Lucinda Chua: Antidotes Barry: Having played with ambient luminaires Stars Of The Lid as a cellist, it’s no surprise that Chua’s work is very much in the slow-moving ambient vein, but on Antidotes we see her wonderful ear for production and singularly unique ambient talent come shining through. It’s beguiling and emotive avantclassical with subtle elements of glacial synth, and is a sound all of her own.

Hannah Peel: Fir Wave Barry: While I’m a big fan of archival synth business, it’s often hard to really listen to it in any other situation other than chinscratching synth-nerdery. I know, I’m a fan of that and while the more esoteric synth explorations are great fun, they have nowhere near the amount of sheer depth and replayability that you get with Fir Wave. A dynamic and cohesive set of rhythmic electronic pieces, moulded with the legendary influence from KPM.

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The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

BLACK MIDI

SLEAFORD MODS

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

ALABAMA SHAKES

GRUFF RHYS

PARQUET COURTS

“CAVALCADE”

“COMFORT TO ME”

“SEEKING NEW GODS”

DEAN BLUNT

“BLACK METAL 2”

“SPARE RIBS”

“SOUND & COLOR”

“SYMPATHY FOR LIFE”

GOAT GIRL

“ON ALL FOURS”

2 0 2 1

The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

Jungle: Loving In Stereo Millie: Jungle treat us to a stunning new album Loving In Stereo — this needs to jump to the top of your listening pile. “All Of The Time” and “Bonnie Hill” are permanent favourites of mine, this album was my go-to mood booster this summer!

Recommended if you like: Little Simz, Children Of Zeus, Gabriels.

White Flowers: Day By Day Darryl: A gorgeously plaintive mix of post-rock quiet/loud instrumentation, shimmering walls of sound and tender, delicate vocal accompaniment. A rich and sumptuous swell of talented songwriting and emotional delivery.

Recommended if you like: Cocteau Twins, Doves, Joy Division.

Recommended if you like: JME, Loyle Carner, Danny Brown.

Slowthai: TYRON Patrick: Slowthai returns with a redemptive sophomore album centred on his emotional journey through regret, shame and judgement. A conceptual game of two halves, the album offers middle-finger waving bravado on an unapologetic first disc, before taking a deep dive into the feels on the second disc. A mature and vital release which surpasses the political aggression of his debut.

TV Priest: Uppers Laura: The latest in a long run of bands riding the new punk revival, TV Priest mix the breathy off-kilter vocal musings of Idles with the machinated percussion of the Sleaford Mods and add a healthy dash of grungy dissonance. A heady concoction indeed.

Recommended if you like: Sleaford Mods, The Fall, Idles.

Recommended if you like: Joy Division, GY!BE, Mogwai.

Low: Hey What Barry: Hey What follows on nicely from Double Negative, continuing the dedication to avant-noise drone tempered with the majestic vocal accompaniment of Parker and Sparhawk. This time they move the sound forwards with a clever and unique mixture of that shadowy drone and the more pop-focused melodies of their early work.

The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

Jon Coley: If All I Ever Wanted Was All I Ever Needed Matt: Whispering sweet nothings like warm treacle across a rich tapestry of English Americana; the only drinking partner you need this Autumn! Manchester’s Jon Coley is an absolute joy on the ears. Debut album from this star destined for supernova status.

Recommended if you like: John Martyn, Nick Drake, Ryan Adams.

Recommended if you like: Yazmin Lacey, Cleo Sol, IAMDDB.

Recommended if you like: Fleet Foxes, Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear.

Greentea Peng: Man Made Barry: Greentea Peng has a sound all of her own, happily sitting between the super-smooth soul of the 70s and modern hip hop, stopping at every stop along the way. An eminently listenable and hugely enjoyable journey, enriched with crystal clear production and perfectly penned songs.

Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine: A Beginner’s Mind Darryl: Beautifully combining the distinct voices and instrumental styles of both performers into an intoxicating juxtaposition of folk and tenderly plucked indie balladry. It’s haunting in parts, and elsewhere wonderfully melodic, a perfect outing for both performers.

Du Blonde: Homecoming Darryl: Third album from Du Blonde (AKA Beth Jeans Houghton). Homecoming is a perfect slice of glam-grunge, including the brilliant poptastic track “I’m Glad That We Broke Up” as hammered on 6 Music all year.

Recommended if you like: Garbage, Nirvana, Shangri-Las.

Recommended if you like: Gruff Rhys, BC Camplight, Dutch Uncles.

Field Music: Flat White Moon Laura: I’m a bit late to the Field Music party, I have to admit. Always quite liked them when I heard them, but never really got into them properly. But I thought their previous album was amazing and this one is equally as good. Flat White Moon is full of intricate, multi-layered songs. They’re arty and clever, and they know how to write a pop song too!

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Partisan Records |

| 2021

Femi Kuti & Made Kuti: Legacy +

Aerial East: Try Harder

Hildegard: Hildegard

Fontaines D.C.: Live from Kilmainham Gaol

Fela Kuti: Open & Close (50th Anniversary reissue)

Maple Glider: To Enjoy Is The Only Thing

Box Set #5 co-curated by Chris Martin and Femi Kuti

Body Meat: Year of the Orc

LUMP: Animal

Chubby and the Gang: The Mutt’s Nuts

Geese: Projector

IDLES: CRAWLER

The Top 100 Albums: Top 50

A.A. WILLIAMS DEEP THROAT CHOIR JOHN GRANT LOST HORIZONS MARISSA NADLER MODERN NATURE PENELOPE ISLES PIROSHKA POM POKO BEACH HOUSE SPIRITUALIZED Arco

In Order To Know You

Boy From Michigan

In Quiet Places

The Path of the Clouds

Island of Noise

Which Way to Happy

Love Drips & Gathers

Cheater

Once Twice Melody Everything Was Beautiful

2021’s Inventory Courtesy of

BELLA UNION shop all this years releases | www.bellaunion.com

18 FEBRUARY 2022

25 FEBRUARY 2022

The Top 100 Albums

51. Bent: Up In The Air

Back with their first album in over a decade, Bent craft a dreamy downtempo trip with bubbling bass, hazy library samples and laidback percussion.

52. Viagra Boys: Welfare Jazz There’s a little Iggy Pop spit and seethe, a David Yow drunken stumble, and a bite of Nick Cave’s haunted bark atop this modern melange of motorik, post punk and no wave.

53. Trees Speak: PostHuman Echoes of Neu and Harmonia, but with a more languid, dusty folk influence. A heady and intoxicating combination.

54. Natalie Bergman: Mercy Bergman’s music clearly leans heavily on the vocal-dominant acoustic guitar ballads of the 60s and 70s, joined with a gorgeous harmonised girl-group soul aesthetic.

55. Jim Noir: Deep Blue View Deep Blue View plunges into smooth jazz waters, with swimming melodies and progressions perfectly befitting his hazy dreamlike vocal lines.

56. DJ Format: Devil’s Workshop Everything you hear is painstakingly pieced together from 100% samples, giving the illusion you’re listening to a forgotten band assembled by David Axelrod.

57. Space Afrika: Honest Labour An absolute masterclass in electronic atmospheres and melodic restraint, treading a fine line between ambient stillness and rich, textural sonics. A brilliantly immersive listen.

58. The Bug: Fire

‘Fire’ lurches from cavernous bunker techno to shadowy triphop via dark hip hop, perfectly performed by a superb line-up of guest collaborators, and brought together in The Bug’s inimitable no-holds-barred production style.

59. Eddie Chacon: Pleasure, Joy And Happiness Eddie (of Charles & Eddie fame) offers celestial soul as a break from chaos. As timeless as they are contemporary, these quietly challenging songs come together to form a future classic.

60. Arab Strap: As Days Get Dark An astonishing 16 years on from their last album, this album provides the superb, ironic and cleverly written melodies and singable hooks that only Arab Strap can bring.

61. Sons Of Kemet: Black To The Future Sons of Kemet deliver the goods with Black To The Future. This album has featured vocalists and more of an emphasis on fuller compositions and arrangements.

62. The Coral: Coral Island From the perfectly manicured harmonies and wonderfully resplendent guitar tones, this shimmers with everything that made us love them in the first place.

63. Jorja Smith: Be Right Back Over string-heavy production, Jorja unveils a collection of songs that are diverse in their range but still extremely cohesive as a body of work.

64. Altin Gün: Yol

Yol widens their critically acclaimed exploration of Anatolian rock and Turkish psychedelic stylings to include dreamy 80s synth-pop and dancefloor excursions.

The Top 100 Albums

65. The Black Keys: Delta Kream Celebrating the band’s roots, Delta Kream features eleven Mississippi hill country blues standards that they have loved since they were teenagers, and before they were a band.

71. The Person: Tide Life Mapping its own Bermuda Triangle between dub-pop, sugary synthwave and Balearic boogie, Tide Life transports Compass Point to Soggy Bottom, providing maximum fun, sun and bitmap escapism.

66. Cassandra Jenkins: An Overview On Phenomenal Nature Jenkins’ voice floats amid sensuous chamber pop arrangements and raw-edged drums, ferrying us through impressionistic portraits of friends and strangers.

72. Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods Gruff returns for yet another faultless slab of widescreen cinematic pop, full of his warmingly familiar but endlessly inventive chord progressions and swoon-inducing vocal drawl.

67. Iceage: Seek Shelter Seek Shelter harks back to the heyday of 90s indie, full of energy and power-chord groove, but with a much more nuanced lilt. It’s clever and confounding and endlessly replayable. 68. Cleo Sol: Mother Inspired by her recent journey in motherhood, Mother is another triumph. Mellower than 2020’s Rose In The Dark but still infused with the rolling grooves of 70s soul and jazz. 69. John Grant: Boy From Michigan Absolutely classic modern day John Grant, filled with the wry self-deprecation and endlessly witty lyricism of his early work but swimming with the shimmering disco synths and snapping electronic groove of the more recent albums. 70. Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas: III The housey styling of Lindstrøm perfectly invigorated with the beachside Balearic groove and airy ambient bliss of the Prins. Exactly as gorgeous as you would expect.

73. black midi: Cavalcade black midi have always revelled in forging the most cacophonous and confounding noise. Jazzy, noisy, heavy and in parts eerie, this is peak black midi. 74. Claud: Super Monster Beautifully melodic bedroom pop, thumping percussion and shimmering hooks bring the stories of Claud to life. 75. Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever The queen of pop is back with her second album, and it’s another tour-de-force of genre warping sounds, assured songwriting and on trend production. 76. Bobby Gillespie & Jehnny Beth: Utopian Ashes This album flits between upbeat balladry and meditative orchestration but always moves towards a brilliantly inventive conclusion. 77. Ryley Walker: Course In Fable Touches upon the more avantjazz leanings of his more recent output but lies firmly within the progressive full-bodied folkrock ethos that made Primrose Green and Golden Sings... such essential listening experiences.

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E TLYSTO RE.COM AT

The Top 100 Albums

78. Czarface & MF Doom: Super What? In cahoots with fellow masked man Czarface, the sadly departed hip hop legend serves up some high grade golden age psychedelia with bars for days. 79. La Luz: La Luz A beautiful new album from Shana Cleveland’s La Luz, swimming in nostalgic 70s psychedelia, with wandering percussion and soaring vocal melodies. 80. Emma-Jean Thackray: Yellow Draws glowing lines between 70s jazz fusion and P-Funk, the cosmic invocations of Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane, and the gorgeous orchestration of the Beach Boys. 81. Mild High Club: Going Going Gone Mixes the hazy indie guitars and swooning progressions of yesteryear but with a more crystalline, loungy production aesthetic. 82. The Specials: Protest Songs 1924 – 2012 The Specials are one of the most enduring British bands, and this excellent collection sees them revisit a number of protest songs in their own inimitable style. 83. Common: A Beautiful Revolution Common provides the funk/hip hop vibes from all angles with this slick new album. If you’re into Kaytranada, Madlib or Pan Amsterdam then this is right up your street. 84. J Cole: The Off Season Hydraulic subs, rapid-fire trap beats, that infectious North Carolina drawl; the busiest rapper in the business returns with masterpiece no. 6.

85. Courtney Barnett: Things Take Time, Take Time This is Barnett at her most relaxed, creative and joyful. An exquisite look at the intimate, private world created by Barnett and her producer Stella Mozgawa. 86. The Zenmenn: Enter The Zenmenn A gorgeous combination of Japanese flavours, indie jangle and jazzy moments which sounds simultaneously like Arthur Russell, Fieldwork era Sakamoto and our own Horsebeach. 87. Hania Rani: Music For Film And Theatre We get the paddling piano of her earlier work, but this time there are more dramatic interludes, owing to focus on soundtrack pieces. A gorgeous and evocative album. 88. Bicep: Isles Their second album blends their love of jacking house, proper techno and pumping italo with fragments of UK club history. 89. Vanishing Twin: Ookii Gekkou Ookii Gekkou further diversifies the psychedelic wooze of their previous albums into loungy jazz, avant pop and bright proggy synth. 90. Richard Norris: Hypnotic Response His latest collection of snappy cosmic beats and spine-tingling arpeggios to wrap the ears around. Hypnotic Response is a triumph in every way. 91. Loveshadow: Loveshadow Shades of Sade, touches of Talk Talk and echoes of Antenna on a gorgeous 80s inspired Balearic album.

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The Top 100 Albums

92. Gnod: La Mort Du Sens One of the most unstoppable forces in music is back with the incendiary genius of La Mort.. Unsurprisingly, utterly essential.

93. Villagers: Fever Dreams Wistful melodies, perfectly balanced orchestration and brittle, soaring vocals coalesce into a wonderfully written and evocative whole. 94. Black Honey: Written & Directed By Black Honey return, bringing more of their scathing guitars, pummeling rhythms, pitch-perfect vocals and psychedelic grooves. 95. Stephen Fretwell: Busy Guy The gorgeous intimacy of the pieces and the unhurried stagger on show gives it the languid, swooning feel of a folk record with the melodic appeal of classic rock. 96. Jordan Rakei: What We Call Life His fourth album explores themes worn close to Rakei’s sleeve. Personal, moving, beautiful and soulful.

97. The Limiñanas / Laurent Garnier: De Pelicula The Limiñanas’ psychedelic groove works perfectly here with Garnier’s propulsive electronics, with the end result being both wildly psychedelic and wonderfully focused. 98. Wild Billy Childish & CTMF: Where The Wild Purple Iris Grows Screaming guitars segue into jangling rhythmic sections, brilliantly epitomising the melodic duality of this hugely influential character. 99. Big Red Machine: How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last? A collaboration between Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon, their second album is brimming with beautiful folk charm and uncompromising melodic direction. 100. St. Vincent: Daddy’s Home Daddy’s Home mixes Clark’s rawkus production aesthetic with an undeniable nod to 70s rock, and displays an ongoing mastery of her craft.

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KEITH HUDSON

MARCONI UNION

JAPANESE TELEVISION

VP Records

Just Music

Tip Top Recordings

THE ANCHORESS

TRASHCAN SINATRAS

MANDY, INDIANA

Kscope

Last Night From Glasgow

Fire Talk Records

LITTLE SIMZ

ANDY SCHAUF

FLEET FOXES

ALFA MIST

AGE101

ANTI

Flesh Of My Skin

The Art Of Losing

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

Signals

I've Seen Everything

Wilds

ARCHITECTS

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

EPITAPH

KTBA Records

For Those That Wish To Exist

The Blues Album

III Remixed

ALEX CHILTON

Like Flies On Sherbert Sundazed

DEAN WAREHAM

I Have Nothing To Say To The Mayor Of L.A. Double Feature

Shore

Bring Backs

DION

BESS ATWELL

KTBA Records

Real Kind Records

Stomping Ground

Already, Always

CarGO reCOrDS

Jane Weaver FLOCK

FIre reCOrDS LP / CD

DaWn rICHarD SeCOnD LIne

MerGe reCOrDS LP / CD

LOU BarLOW reaSOn TO LIve

JOYFUL nOISe reCOrDInGS LP / CD

GOaT

HeaDSOUP

MaDLIB SOUnD anCeSTOrS

rOCKeT reCOrDInGS LP / CD

(arranGeD BY KIeran HeBDen)

anDY BeLL

WHITe FLOWerS

SOnIC CaTHeDraL CD

TOUGH LOve LP / CD

anOTHer vIeW

nanOCLUSTer

MaDLIB InvaZIOn LP / CD

DaY BY DaY

COMe

vOL 1 IMMerSIOn WITH TarWaTer, LaeTITIa SaDIer, ULrICH SCHnaUSS, SCanner

DOn’T aSK DOn’T TeLL exPanDeD eDITIOn

THe nIGHTInGaLeS

ParT CHIMP

CaLL OF THe vOID LP / CD

WrOnG SPeeD reCOrDS LP / CD

FIre reCOrDS LP / CD

SWIM LP / CD

CZarFaCe & MF DOOM CZarFaCe MeeTS MeTaL FaCe

PIGS On PUrPOSe

SILver aGe LP / CD

WWW.CarGOreCOrDS.CO.UK

DrOOL

BeST OF 2021

HannaH PeeL

MarIna aLLen

vanISHInG TWIn

MY OWn PLeaSUre LP / CD

FIre reCOrDS LP / CD

JULIa SHaPIrO

THe reDS, PInKS anD PUrPLeS

CInDY

FIr Wave

ZOrKeD

SUICIDe SQUeeZe LP / CD

CanDLePOWer

OOKII GeKKOU

1:2

UnCOMMOn WeaTHer

TOUGH LOve LP / CD

MILDreD MaUDe

DU BLOnDe

HYPerDUB LP / CD

SOnIC CaTHeDraL LP / CD

SInGInG LIGHT MUSIC LP / CD

WILD BILLY CHILDISH & CTMF

MarTa DeL GranDI

TOUGH LOve LP / CD

LOraIne JaMeS reFLeCTIOn

WHere THe WILD PUrPLe IrIS GrOWS DaMaGeD GOODS LP / CD

SLeePOver

UnTIL We FOSSILIZe FIre reCOrDS LP / CD

HOMeCOMInG

GnOD

La MOrT DU SenS

rOCKeT reCOrDInGS LP / CD

The Top 20 Compilations: Compilation Of The Year

Piccadilly Records Compilation Of The Year 2021

Pop Psychédélique

(The Best Of French Psychedelic Pop 1964–2019)

File Under: Psych Pop Yé-Yé Big Beat

Patrick: Hallo my British chums and welcome to another edition of the Piccadilly Records Compilation Of The Year. 2021’s top of the pops takes us on a cheeky trip through the Chunnel to the land of du pain, du vin, du Boursin for a sprawling set of yé-yé, 60s psych pop and contemporary grooves from a who’s who of France’s chic elite. Compiled with affection and expertise by Mark McQuillan for Brighton’s Two Piers, Pop Psychédélique fully embodies the sultry, sexy and surreal sound of French music. Born out of a love affair with jazz and an infatuation with the British Invasion, French pop music quickly cut its own niche in the musical landscape of the sixties. Typified by hip-shaking rhythms, fuzzbox guitars and spoke-sung vocals, yé-yé was referential but never reverential, a point proven when Jacqueline Taieb shreds pop culture on “7 AM”. Elsewhere lost love and lost toothbrushes are given equal weight as the profound and profane are dispatched with the shrugging indifference of a Pastis-soaked Gainsbourg (who’s predictably all over this collection, both as artist or songwriter). This signature style has come to define French music, and echoes through the ages thanks to L’Epee, the Limiñanas, Air and Stereolab, four globe-conquering acts who are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Gallic sound. Indeed a handful of older cuts here have also found streaming fame with a new generation via soundtrack appearances on the likes of Killing Eve and Queen’s Gambit, with producers eager to exploit these shorthands for cool. The set sails into the sunset via Fatboy Slim’s remix of Pierre Henry and Michel Colombier’s “Psyche Rock” and the final jigsaw piece falls into place. Not only does this collection pay homage to France, but also McQuillan’s native Brighton, where the Big Beat pioneers championed records like Jean-Jacques Perrey’s “E.V.A.” while reshaping Britain’s club culture. C’est magnifique!

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Wow! Number 1 Compilation Of The Year at my favourite Record Store in the World — Piccadilly Records! What can I say, it is a complete honour. When I compiled the Pop Psychédélique compilation for Two-Piers Records it was mainly to satisfy my lengthy obsession with French Pop and Psychedelia. No big plan, just to stick all the tracks on two lush pieces of vinyl, and hopefully give friends and colleagues an introduction and pathway into discovering this amazing music. I mean — French Psychedelic Pop — music so effortlessly cool and hip you can’t help but fall in love. Music to put a smile on your face. For the release I didn’t want it to be too Spotter-y or go Cratedigger obscurity, I wanted it to be accessible and fun and not just limited to the Psychedelic French sounds of the swinging 60s. I wanted to bring together the early pioneers and superstars of the French Pop sound — Serge Gainsbourg, Brigitte Bardot, with the darlings of the 60s scene — Frances

Gall, Gillian Hills, Jacqueline Taieb, throw in some Freakbeat Psych Rock with Les 5 Gentlemen, but also add in the more recent French Psych sounds of L’Epee and The Limiñanas, with other current acts like Stereolab and Fabienne DelSol so clearly influenced by the French pop sound. Finish off with Air, one of the most influential electronic bands of the 2000s, the pioneering Moog pop brilliance of ‘E.V.A’ by Jean Jacques Perrey and even throw in Pierre Henry’s epic Big-Beat Anthem ‘Psyche Rock’ and I hope you can lose yourself for a little over an hour and get taken on a musical journey into the sounds of French Pop Psychédélique — Très Cool. Anyway, I hope you enjoy listening to the album and thanks so much to Piccadilly Records for supporting the release and helping get the music to you lovely people. Big Love Mark McQuillan Two-Piers Records.

The Top 20 Compilations

Patrick: Not content with knocking our Piccadilly socks off with the angular energy of their contemporary post punk round up, Soul Jazz now take a tour through the modern age of Cold Wave, picking out former Piccadilly records of the week from Krikor, Wang Inc., De Ambassade, Celine Gillain and Moisture. As a result, this collection comes with the highest recommendation from the whole Piccadilly family.

File Under: Cold Wave, Techno Pop, Machine Funk.

Late Night Tales Presents Version Excursion Selected By Don Letts Barry: Don Letts, widely credited for turning the punk scene onto reggae, pulls together a great compilation of dubby versions of soul and rock standards. Alongside the hits, there are some unheard gems and a few exclusive tracks as is standard for the series. In a pretty crowded field of “great Late Night Tales compilations”, this is truly one of the greatest.

File Under: Reggae, Dub, Chillout.

The Problem Of Leisure: A Celebration Of Andy Gill And Gang Of Four Martin: A wonderful collection of some of the world’s most respected artists covering the beloved tunes of Gang Of Four. From genres spanning electronic, indie and avant and from a huge variety of eras, it’s clear how many people Andy Gill influenced, and how important these compositions are to today’s musical landscape.

File Under: Post-Punk, Indie, Rock.

File Under: Manctalo, Boogie, Disco.

Soul Jazz Records Presents Cold Wave #1

Full Beam! For Gees Only Vol. 3 Matt: Manchester’s No. 1 boogie cru return with Volume 3 of their eagerly collected cult series. Featuring all the hits from the infamous NTS Sunday show, ‘longside nuff sizzlers aired by Brunson and co. at nights like Wet Play, Social Service and Red Laser Disco etc. BOOOGIIIEEE!!!

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File Under: Yacht Rock, Blue Eyed Soul, AOR Disco.

File Under: New Beat, EBM, Industrial.

Too Slow To Disco Presents Yacht Soul — The Cover Versions Patrick: Though my yachting ambitions have been greatly hindered by profound seasickness, I’ve found that chilling on the calm side of the sea break is more than enough excitement for me, especially when accompanied by cocktails, soft rock and blue eyed soul. The latest instalment of the TSTD series goes down smoother than ever thanks to a tracklist of yacht rock covers by a who’s who of the soul world. Apricot scarves not included…

Curses Present Next Wave Acid Punx Patrick: If you’re a fan of the darker side of disco you’re probably well aware of the fine work of Curses. Here the producer, DJ and musician turns curator, selecting a double helping of new beat, EBM and industrial treats, from both the originators of the sound and their modern successors.

Somewhere Between: Mutant Pop, Electronic Minimalism & Shadow Sounds Of Japan 1980–1988 Patrick: Blurring the boundaries between avant garde, ambient and outsider pop, Somewhere Between does for Japan what Uneven Paths did for Europe a few years back. Feast your ears on spacious and spectral compositions from the likes of Dip In The Pool, Mkwaju Ensemble and Mishio Ogawa.

File Under: Synthwave, Japanese Ambient, Outsider Pop.

Soul Jazz Records Presents Cuba: Music And Revolution — Culture Clash In Havana — Experiments In Latin Music 1975–85 Vol. 1 Barry: Following on from *that* gorgeous book filled cover to cover with all of the beauty, came the musical collection of the same name. Compiled by some of the greatest selectors around on the scene, this is a fascinating and superb collection of groovers, shakers and under-appreciated heavy hitters.

File Under: Latin, Afro-Cuban, Jazz.

File Under: 60s Psych, Acid Rock, Pzyk.

May The Circle Remain Unbroken: A Tribute To Roky Erickson Darryl: An immense tribute to the legendary leader of the 60s psychedelic pioneers 13th Floor Elevators. Featuring modern day luminaries such as The Black Angels, Jeff Tweedy, Ty Segall and Margo Price, the songs cover a range of his solo material as well as Elevators classics.

The Top 20 Compilations

JOY ORBISON - still slipping vol. 1 ARCA - Kick ii BADBADNOTGOOD - Talk Memory RADIOHEAD - Kid A Mnesia SMERZ - Believer KING KRULE - You Heat Me Up, You Cool Me Down

The Top 20 Compilations

Höga Nord 100 — The Effect Will Last Forever Patrick: Sweden’s foremost psychedelic research centre hit us with another lavish box set this year, compiling every one of their HNRUK series in one handy place and adding a brand new 12” by London techno priestess Birds. Alongside all the musical magic you get an iron-on patch and full colour poster.

File Under: Acid, Electronica, Techno.

Bills & Aches & Blues (40 Years Of 4AD) Darryl: Back in 2020 4AD turned 40, one year late to it’s own party this compilation serves as a fabulous showcase to the output of this truly exceptional label. The concept is 18 of its current artists covering a song of their choosing from 4AD’s past, and it works wonderfully.

File Under: Indie, Avant-Garde, Ethereal.

File Under: Americana, AOR Disco, Barnyard Funk.

Country Funk Volume III — 1975–1982 Darryl: The third volume of Light In The Attic’s Country Funk takes the series strutting into a new direction. In keeping with the time period, this volume has expanded on the template to include disco grooves and swathes of Moog synths. So saddle up and ride that country-synth beat.

Profondo Nero Patrick: All manner of dope cuts on this Dekmantel comp, digging deeper into the sounds of the Italian clubs than your usual Italo comp. There’s lots to love here, but it’s worth the entry fee for the Galvanica, I.M.S. and Silvia Dheve alone.

File Under: Italo Disco, Euro Boogie, Synthwave.

File Under: Space Disco, Italo Disco, Synthpop.

Do You Have The Force? — Jon Savage’s Alternate History Of Electronica 1978–82 Patrick: Serial curator Jon Savage makes his yearly entry in our compilations chart with a faultless collection of electronic rarities, space disco bombs and intergalactic synth jams, ideal for both dancing and dreaming. Pivotal in Mine’s transition from full time goth to Piccadilly disco queen, this is powerful stuff.

The Top 20 Compilations

File Under: Downbeat, Loungecore, New Jazz.

Late Night Tales: Jordan Rakei Barry: Flitting between downbeat jazz business and more ambient pieces, this collection is perfect for popping on and zoning out to. Brilliantly paced and superbly selected, this is a fascinating insight into Rakei’s influences, and most of all, a great listen.

The Craig Charles Trunk Of Funk Vol. 2 Barry: The northwest’s favourite groove maverick lifts the lid on his trunk o’ funk once again, wowing us with forgotten classics, arcane rarities and modern anthems which are guaranteed to raise any given roof.

File Under: Funk, Soul, Jazz-Funk.

DJ Kicks: Disclosure Matt: Disclosure joins the ranks of the DJ Kicks series with an utterly rambunctious set in classic UK style. Highly swung drums, maximum sub response and the minimum messing about here as the duo split the difference between house and garage perfectly.

File Under: House, Garage, Bass.

Deewee — Deewee Foundations Patrick: Over the past five years, Soulwax’s Dewaele brothers have overseen a new generation of electro-pop eccentrics from their DEEWEE studio in Ghent. To celebrate their 50th release they mine 23 gems from their 49 sold out releases, and add a trio of exclusive cuts for good measure. Top marks!

File Under: Electro, Cosmic, Indie-Dance.

File Under: House, Techno, Bass.

DJ Kicks: Jayda G Matt: K7 presents the eclectic electronics of one Jayda G. Unmixed for the purists, mixtape style for the party heads, this set spans jazz-funk, disco, house, techno and bass. What’s not to love?

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“A deeply moving, melancholic – but never self-pitying – record about shame, defiance, childhood, adulthood, mistakes and, ultimately, forgiving yourself. On ‘TYRON’, slowthai roars.” NME

The Top 20 Reissues / Collections: Reissue / Collection Of The Year

Piccadilly Records Reissue / Collection Of The Year 2021

The Charlatans A Head Full Of Ideas

Andy: What can you say about this amazing band that hasn’t already been said? Also rans who out ran, under dogs who became winners, it’s been a long and winding road of heartache and seemingly unpassable obstacles that were always met with an unerring drive and positivity. This is a band who always believed in themselves and, just as importantly, the power of music. I think it’s about 13 studio albums which this wonderful compilation covers. They’ve been going since 1989, but the thing is, their last two records are probably in their top three. 2015’s Modern Nature is second only to their Britpop era high, Tellin’ Stories. And its follow up, Different Days, not far behind. They constantly reinvent themselves, always sound fresh, always produce timeless classics which defy pigeon holing. From “The Only One I Know” through “Can’t Get Out of Bed”, “Tellin’ Stories”, “North Country Boy’’ and right up to “Come Home Baby” and “Plastic Machinery”, the high quality never seems to drop and, as I said earlier, is possibly even getting better. It’s well documented how this group has been beset by awful tragedy, so, I see the majesty of this incredible compilation as a testimony to the belief, dedication, and power of positive thinking that the original members clearly possess. In front man Tim Burgess the Charlatans have a modern-day folk hero. A man-child dreamer, believer, and cosmic schemer who spreads nothing but joy and love. He’s just a conductor for all good music, not just his own, and when his online listening parties took flight over lockdown, he united a nation of music fans and even drew praise from Paul McCartney. The guy’s a hero and his band are too. This career defining best of is faultless: every home should have one.

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So, thirty years clicked over into thirty one but what’s a bit of time between friends? I’ve always loved a retrospective box set and often looked longingly at them behind the counter in my favourite record shops. We had a lot of ground to cover — oddly enough, pretty much the first time I felt like a rock star was at a signing session for “Indian Rope” in Piccadilly Records. A collection that looks back over a band’s career is a distillation of the relationship that the fans have with the music — and we involved some of the people who have been coming to gigs and buying our records since the very start. We scoured the studio and our personal collections for recordings of live sets, long

forgotten demos and anything of interest from the previous three decades. Thoughts came flooding back of those who hadn’t made it — of incredible times spent touring and recording around the world. And it’s kind of come full circle — our box set spanning the life of The Charlatans so far, sitting proudly and pretty at the top of the chart of the shop where I’ve spent so much of my time, discovering so much of the music that has informed our songs. We’d love to take this chance to thank everyone who has helped us along the way — anyone who bought a record or a gig ticket and has helped write our story of the last 31 years. This one’s for you x x Tim Burgess.

The Top 20 Reissues / Collections

My Bloody Valentine: Loveless — 2021 Reissue Andy: 30 years on from its original release and the world is still reverberating from this stone cold classic. It was culled from endless, deliberately disorientating late night sessions, its author Kevin Shields using sleep deprivation as a tool for inspiration. Swathes of noise wash over you, smother you, and pretty melodies constantly bubble to the surface. Whilst up in the heavens vocalist Bilinda Butcher coos like an ethereal, blissed out siren, just out of reach. It’s the perfect marriage of noise and melody. A true, one-off, masterpiece.

The Avalanches: Since I Left You — 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Patrick: I can still remember exactly where I was the first time I heard The Avalanches (backyard wrasslin’ outside Shuttie’s house), and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now in recognition of the 20th anniversary of that album and my first DDT concussion, the group deliver this deluxe reissue complete with remixes from the likes of MF Doom, Carl Craig, Sun Araw and Stereolab. Twenty years on and it still sounds like the past, present and future all rolled into one.

Radiohead: KID A MNESIA Darryl: After the more traditional rock structures of OK Computer, 2000 saw a massive turning point for Radiohead with the release of two albums awash with inventive and brooding electronica. This stunning triple album package collects together the 21st anniversary editions of Kid A and Amnesiac and adds a third disc of previously unreleased sessions from both albums along with a never-heard-before track.

Nirvana: Nevermind — 30th Anniversary Edition Darryl: What can you say about this seminal album? Ground zero for grunge and all rock music that followed it. 30 years on and we get this extensive anniversary reissue. Formats range from a 5CD + Blu-Ray super deluxe edition, to a sumptuous 8LP box set and in between there’s a single vinyl version in a premium tip-on gatefold jacket plus bonus 7” and a deluxe 2CD set. Whichever you choose the album still sounds like a gift from the rock gods!

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DJ Shadow: Endtroducing.....25 (Half Speed Master)

Buena Vista Social Club: Buena Vista Social Club — 25th Anniversary Edition

Patrick: Just when my copy had finally given in to chronic needle burn, this top of the range, high definition half speed anniversary reissue of Endtroducing arrives to celebrate its 25th birthday. In case you’re somehow unaware of one of the most influential LPs in electronic music history, Shadow assembled this masterpiece entirely from samples of other people’s music. Now it’s back in press and sounds better than ever.

Patrick: I don’t think there was a single house in South Manchester un-cheered by this sun-kissed album in the late nineties. Produced by Ry Cooder and recorded in just seven days this album surpassed the ‘classic’ bracket and shot straight into sensation. This anniversary edition features remasters of the original tracks alongside a wealth of bonus material.

Telex: This Is Telex Barry: There is an absolute treasure trove of wonderful Telex tracks out there, but this is by far the best way to get clued up on their own particular brand of off-piste playful synth business. Including a couple unreleased tracks and new mixes of some classics, this is a must-have.

Nancy Sinatra: Start Walkin’ 1965–1976 Darryl: Leave it to the ever reliable Light In The Attic to provide a definitive Nancy Sinatra collection. Deluxe packaging comes as standard at LITA and it perfectly matches the sumptuous songs within the collection. Covering a rich time period including her acclaimed collaborations with Lee Hazlewood, Start Walkin’ features hit after hit after hit. Bang Bang!!

Jackie Leven: Straight Outta Caledonia Barry: A brilliant mix of deep Scottish folk music, imbued with the spirit of stadium rock and 70s psychedelia. Gigantic instrumentation comes out of nowhere, following on from the most downplayed slice of acoustic reverie. A ‘best of’ that almost certainly could have been twice as long.

Top M 20 Reissues / Collections CTheO PIL ATIONS

THE

YEAR

A G R E AT C O M P I L AT I O N I S N ’ T J U S T F O R C H R I S T M A S

THE CHARLATANS

V/A - POP PSYCHÉDÉLIQUE

‘A HEAD FULL OF IDEAS’ (BOX SET)

(THE BEST OF FRENCH PSYCHEDELIC POP 1964-2019) (Two-Piers)

(Then Records) Reissue Chart: #1

Compilation Chart: #1

V/A - LATE NIGHT TALES PRESENTS

V/A - TOO SLOW TO DISCO

V/A JORDAN RAKEI

V/A CRAIG CHARLES

‘VERSION EXCURSION SELECTED BY DON LETTS’

‘YACHT SOUL THE COVER VERSIONS’

‘LATE NIGHT TALES’

‘TRUNK OF FUNK VOL 2’

V/A DISCLOSURE

V/A JAYDA G

TURIN BRAKES

PATRICE RUSHEN

‘DJ KiCKS’

‘THE OPTIMIST LP’ (20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

‘STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART’

Compilation Chart: #18

Compilation Chart: #19

(Late Night Tales) Compilation Chart: #3

(!K7)

(How Do You Are?) Compilation Chart: #6

(!K7)

(Late Night Tales) Compilation Chart: #16

(Two-Piers) Reissue Chart: #20

(Soul Bank Music) Compilation Chart: #16

(Strut Records) Reissue Chart: #18

HUGE THANKS TO PICCADILLY RECORDS FOR SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT MUSIC AND LABELS IN 2021 AND ALWAYS. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDIE! WWW.REPUBLICOFMUSIC.NET

The Top 20 Reissues / Collections

The Sisters Of Mercy: BBC Sessions 1982–1984 Darryl: Collecting together all the BBC sessions from the prime Sisters line-ups. Features classics like “Alice”, “Walk Away”, “Heartland” and the astonishing cover of Hot Chocolate’s “Emma”. Originally issued as an ultra limited RSD vinyl release, and now available as a bargain priced CD edition.

Japan: Quiet Life — 2021 Remaster Patrick: Leaving the glam sound of their first two LPs behind, Japan jumped into the future on Quiet Life, embracing thrusting synth sequences and moody atmospheres as they pre-empted the New Romantic sound of their successors. Elegant art-house pop, this classic now has a fresh remaster.

Garbage: Garbage — Remastered Reissue Barry: Here’s where it all started. “Queer”, “Only Happy When It Rains”, “Stupid Girl” all sounding exactly as fresh as the first time around, this was the startling genesis of a band that never quite sounded like anyone else. A truly essential document of the late 90s grunge / indie scene.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: B-Sides & Rarities: Part II Darryl: Cave and Ellis, what a winning combo! Nick Cave remains one of the greatest talents working in music today, and this offers a fascinating insight into the killer tunes they decided not to release along with some fantastic tracks that were only deemed worthy of B-Side status. Mind blowing!

Primal Scream: Demodelica Barry: As one of the most well known albums of all time, it’s no surprise that Primal Scream’s Screamadelica garners significant interest from those who want to know every detail about the albums’ creation. Enter Demodelica, cataloguing the recording process with a wonderful selection of alternate mixes and unheard rarities and filling in the lore of this piece of musical history.

The Top 20 Reissues / Collections

Super Furry Animals: Rings Around The World (20th Anniversary Edition) Darryl: Their fifth album was prime SFA incorporating 60s psych, off-kilter pop and electronica. A fabulous tour-de-force that’s now reissued across all formats including a deluxe 3CD set boasting 33 previously unreleased tracks.

Andy Bell: Another View Barry: In a brilliant twist, Pye Corner Audio reworked a bunch of Andy Bell’s tunes for a series of 12’s recently, and the results were stellar. This CD compilation sees all of those singles and B-sides come together for a superb meeting of minds and a wonderfully rewarding listen.

Patrice Rushen: Straight From The Heart — 2021 Reissue Patrick: Home to “Forget Me Nots”, “Number One” and “Breakout!”, 1982’s Straight From The Heart is widely considered Patrice Rushen’s finest hour. Applying sophisticated songwriting to disco and boogie styles, as well as incorporating synthesisers for the first time, Rushen delivered a faultless LP, expanded here in this welcome reissue.

Sharon Van Etten: Epic Ten Darryl: To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the appropriately titled Epic album, Sharon Van Etten has enlisted the help of fellow artists that she admires to each cover a track from the album to present as the second disc for this double album reissue. Big Red Machine, Idles, Courtney Barnett, Fiona Apple, Shamir, Lucinda Williams, and St. Panther all contribute.

Turin Brakes: The Optimist — 20th Anniversary Edition Darryl: The classic debut album from 2001, awash with gorgeous well crafted pop songs. Warm, melancholic, truly epic, and now reissued with a bonus disc of demos from the original sessions.

order online at piccadillyrecords.com

DOMINO 2021 JAMES YORKSTON & THE SECOND HAND ORCHESTRA THE WIDE, WIDE RIVER FRÀNÇOIS & THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS BANANE BLEUE OWEN PALLETT ISLAND MATT SWEENEY & BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLY SUPERWOLVES VILLAGERS FEVER DREAMS MATTHEW E. WHITE K BAY TIRZAH COLOURGRADE PORCHES ALL DAY GENTLE HOLD ! HAYDEN THORPE MOONDUST FOR MY DIAMOND CLINIC FANTASY ISLAND HARD FEELINGS HARD FEELINGS JON HOPKINS MUSIC FOR PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY RICHARD DAWSON & CIRCLE HENKI www.dominomusic.com

Genre Charts: Jazz / Soul

Jazz / Soul Chart Emily / Millie: Sons of Kemet whisk us off our feet and secure the number one spot with an album that will get your mind and body moving. The brass band has an unwavering ability to activate and inspire change through spoken word and their impeccable sense of rhythm. Their genre bending take on Jazz, Dancehall and Afrobeat had staff throwing off their headphones and dancing over to the shop player to proclaim their delight! In second place is Cleo Sol’s Mother, a beautiful soulful album that bares all. A pared down softness to her music makes space for her stunning vocals. It offers a healing energy, full of emotion and elevated optimism which hits just the right spot. Erika De Casier takes third place with her sophomore album Sensational. It’s a slight stylistic departure from her first offering, with UK dance flavours twostepping their way around her sweetly sung vocals. It’s a record peppered with moments of gorgeous melancholia, droll one-liners and the bold sensuality of a woman who hasn’t got time for his bullsh*t. Our list is heavily populated by homegrown talent but we’ve managed to sneak in a truly worthy US export...it’s the comeback king, Mr Eddie Chacon! After a brief moment in the spotlight as one half of Charles & Eddie he has returned with an album of sublime new age soul. And in fifth place is an unlikely collaboration between two luminaries, Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders. It’s an astounding piece of work with a strange elasticity to it that pulls on your perception of space, time and emotion. There’s much to devour here folks — get listening!

1. Sons of Kemet: Black to the Future

2. Cleo Sol: Mother

3. Erika de Casier: Sensational

4 . Eddie Chacon: Pleasure, Joy And Happiness 5. Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra: Promises 6. Alfa Mist: Bring Backs

7. Emma-Jean Thackray: Yellow 8. Greentea Peng: Man Made

9. Jorja Smith: Be Right Back

10. Nubiyan Twist: Freedom Fables

Genre Charts: Hip Hop

Hip Hop Chart Patrick: Crowdsourced from the whole Piccadilly crew, this list represents the combined tastes of three generations and a couple of genders, though we did limit our selections to physical releases only. This means no placing for the divisive but inspired Ye and his everchanging Donda or Lil Nas X’s paradigm shifting pop delight Montero, though I’d heartily recommend everyone spends some time in their company. Tony Allen might not be the name you expect to see atop a hip hop chart, but the Afrobeat hero signed off with a posthumous project that was unrivalled this year. Built on a dizzying array of percussive moods and innovative rhythms, There Is No End provides the perfect platform for Koreatown Oddity, Danny Brown and Lava La Rue to show off their flow. MC Rene and J Cole share a photo finish, with the German hip hop veteran pipping his North Carolina based countryman (Fun fact: J Cole was born in Frankfurt) to the post. The U.K. scene is well represented with mature and masterful releases from Little Simz and local favourites Children Of Zeus, while our Irish neighbours hold it down via a second volume of Gangster Music on Dublin’s All City. A stoned surprise from Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin has soundtracked my kitchen for much of the year, and I’ve enjoyed testing plenty of systems with the weightier moments on Dawn Richard’s Second Line since lockdown was lifted. Millie’s mad for a bit of Tyler and he turned it out once again this year and of course we couldn’t miss a chance to shout out the dearly departed Doom, heard here with Czarface.

1. Tony Allen: There Is No End

2. MC Rene: Irgendwas Stimmt

3. J Cole: The Off Season

4. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 5. Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin: $mokebreak EP 6. Dawn Richard: Second Line

7. Children Of Zeus: Balance

8. Tyler, The Creator: Call Me If You Get Lost 9. Czarface & MF Doom: Super What? 10. Various Artists: Gangster Music Vol. 2

Mute 2021

Desire Marea Desire

Phew New Decade

CD/Ltd edition white vinyl

CD/Ltd edition clear vinyl

Liars The Apple Drop

Yann Tiersen Kerber

CD/Recycled coloured vinyl

CD/Ltd edition white vinyl

Chris Liebing Another Day

Chris Carter One + Three

CD/Double vinyl

CD/Ltd double purple vinyl

Hackedepicciotto The Silver Theshold

Louis Carnell (Visionist) A Call To Arms

CD/Double vinyl

CD/Ltd edition white vinyl

Apparat Soundtracks

Martin Gore The Third Chimpanzee

4 vinyl box set

CD/Ltd edition Azure vinyl

Daniel Blumberg The World To Come (OST) CD/Ltd edition dbl clear vinyl

A Certain Ratio Loco Remezclada CD/Ltd triple sparkle vinyl

Erasure The Neon Remixed CD/Ltd orange/yellow vinyl

Telex This is Telex CD/Ltd edition pink/green vinyl

The Pop Group Y in Dub CD/Double heavyweight vinyl

Can Live in Stuttgart 1975 CD/Ltd triple orange vinyl

Lee Ranaldo In Virus Times CD/Ltd etched turquoise vinyl

Alessandro Cortini SCURO CHIARO CD/Ltd clear vinyl

Sunroof (Daniel Miller & Gareth Jones) Electronic Music Improvisations CD/Ltd edition clear vinyl

Anita Lane Sex O’clock First time on vinyl

Genre Charts: Balearic / Ambient

Balearic / Ambient Chart Patrick: Turn on, tune in and drop out with the best ambient and Balearic records of 2021. Cass. finishes top of the class with a glorious Growing Bin LP, destined for greatness from the moment Javi nabbed the test pressing off the Piccadilly player. Between us we’ve christened new houses, soothed new-borns and tackled the busiest Saturdays with this ambient snowdrift and we hope it brings comfort and calm to you too. For those in a Mediterranean mood, the Neapolitans have what you need as Nu Genea and Modula take second and third with their local blend of toasty boogie, cod reggae and frisky fusion. The Amsterdam outpost of the Balearic federation have been busy as ever this year, and Music From Memory smashed the piñata thanks to the superb soft pop of Loveshadow and The Zenmenn. I have to give a nepotistic shout to Neil Diablo for two of the top Balearic edits of the year on “Drum Chums Vol. 3” (High Emotion and Sex N Drugz) while the mysterious Harvey Couture also made Manchester proud with his archival “Scellé En Cristal”, an unreleased assemblage of early 90s new beat and French funk which would have packed the KU in ‘92. The jazzier side of the sunshine spectrum is represented by John Carroll Kirby, whose “Septet” wows with instrumental interplay and lush Library funk, while a triumphant return from Toko Records mainstay Si Brad brings balmy BBQ soul via the original and accompanying Psychemagik remix. Closing out the top ten, Australian synth-popper The Person charmed us all with the playful brilliance of “Tide Life”, an inventive and life affirming effort which guarantees a smile.

1. Cass.: Ambient Music For A Young Girl 2 . Nu Genea: Marechià

3. Modula Ft Pamina Chauveau: Bacolearica 4. Loveshadow: Loveshadow

5. The Zenmenn: Enter The Zenmenn

6. Neil Diablo: Drum Chums Vol. 3

7. Harvey Couture: Scellé En Cristal

8. John Carroll Kirby: Septet

9. Si Brad Feat Azeem: Falling Down: Inc. Psychemagik Remix 10. The Person: Tide Life

Genre Charts: Dancefloor Round-Up

Dancefloor Round-Up Matt: July saw the clubs reopen and with it, the predictable flood of energy and excitement. Is it just me or is everyone just that bit more gracious and grateful than before? The old adage “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” hitting home more than ever. It’s been a pleasure to be out dancing again! The dance music world’s been marred with increasing manufacturing costs and HUGE delays (some labels famously having to wait 12 months to get stuff to press) which has certainly been a tricky landscape to navigate if you own an independent label. Let’s make sure we don’t forget these small but pivotal cogs that drive the bigger movement, and not let the algorithm and beatport house beigewash our scene! The chart below should amply show that with a bit of determination, you can still release top notch underground music that challenges and inspires. 1. Eden Burns: Big Beat Manifesto Vol II 2. Bunzinelli: Godspeed 3. Neil Diablo: Drum Chums Vol. 3 4. DJ Absolutely Shit: Pomona Island EP 5. EEE: 011 6. Shuttle: BH004 7. Plush Managements: Magic Plush 8. Ruf Dug x Lovescene: Make This Right 9. Strangers For Love: Alone With My Fear 10. Scott Hallam: Reflections Of Yesterday 1 & 2 11. Sophie: Bipp (Autechre Mix) 12. Jesse Futerman: Luckey 13. Various Artists: Red Laser EP 11 14. Mr. Tophat: Ketamine Boogie 15. Steevio: Acatalepsy 16. Psychederek: Space Arcade 17. ANZ: All Hours 18. Omar S: Good For The Goose 19. Hornsy Hardcore: Five Times Dope 20. Model500: Starlight Remixes

Spotlight on Red Laser Records Red Laser began in 2012 and was founded by Il Bosco and Matt Triggs as an outlet for the then Manchester-centric movement known as Manctalo; bedroombased hardware jammers making music inspired by, but not stylistically limited to, Italo disco. Featuring a close-knit but prolific roster of artists, most of whom perform frequently at the label’s iconic Red Laser Disco parties here in Manchester, the label’s earnest and authentic execution have garnered them a devoted, cult-like following. After being joined by Geefax coordinator Pharoah Brunson at the helm, they’ve singlehandedly kick started the whole hardcore revival through a cataclysmic release from DJ Absolutely Shit (new release due in the New Year too). With the most eye-catching artwork in the underground, their #inabiteveryonelse motto puts two fingers up, tongue-in-cheek to the rest of the imitators. Key releases • DJ Absolutely Shit: Pomona Island EP • V arious Artists: Full Beam! For Gees Only Vol. 3 • Various Artists: EP11

Genre Charts: Dancefloor Round-Up

Spotlight on Höga Nord Rekords

Spotlight on Sprechen

Another label that has fervently stuck to their guns, despite early releases taking a while to gather momentum. Höga Nord Rekords amply demonstrate the power and credibility of whole heartedly believing in what you release. Characterized by dark dub, shamanic electronics, horror-wave and goth dance; the Gothenburg-based hub cut a unique silhouette, smeared with black eyeliner and lurking in the darkest recesses of the club. Again, their artwork and aesthetic is immediately captivating and goes someway to inform the rituals and beliefs held by this Nu Pagan collective as they continue to deliver some of the most out-there and iconoclastic music to grace our shelves.

2021 has seen the Manchester based label run by Chris Massey achieve some pretty key milestones, focussing more of their energies on physical releases. Celebrating rich musical diversity amongst the North West with a passion for melody, groove, soul & energy. Beautifully illustrated 12”’s by Psychederek, PBR Streetgang, Justin Unabomber and See Thru Hands have kept new disco, Stretford soul and drug chug aficionados dancing till daylight whilst Massey himself, along with label-mate Muddy Feet have forged a very productive relationship with A Certain Ratio – the fruits of which can be heard on their recent remix LP “Loco Remezclada”.

Key releases

• Psychederek: Space Arcade

• H öga Nord 100: The Effect Will Last Forever (Box Set) • The Idealist: Cosmic Music For Higher & Lower Awareness • Timothy J. Fairplay: Pathfinder Theme

Key releases • PBR Streetgang: Transpennine Express • See Thru Hands: Connectivity • J ustin Unabomer: Cutz From The Electric Chair

Spotlight on Toko Toko distribution has been a long term partner of ours here, and it’s astonishing just how many top drawer record labels Alec and Chris have parented or birthed into the independent dance music community. Whilst the label is almost 30 years old, 2021 is a special year as it’s the first original music Toko Records have put out for ages. Two exquisite Si Brad 12”’s with dance royals Psychemagik and Crooked Man drafted in for remixes. Sounding slightly out of place during a Mancunian Winter, these were also victims of the Great Pressing Scandal

of 2021, an indicator of how severe the ‘pressing crisis’ is when the cats at the top of the chain are even struggling to manufacture! Nonetheless, they should offer warmth and a glimpse of optimism as we look towards 2022 — there’s more due in the pipeline from this backbone of the UK scene and we can’t wait to hear what’s next in store. Meanwhile, make sure these Balearic and house gold nuggets end up in your Christmas stocking come December 25th...

Genre Charts: Books

Books Javi: Between local indie legends, punkcharged tracts on r’n’b, and a variety of wild and baggy memoirs, our bookshelves (and your tote bags!) have been bursting at the seams all year. BOOK001, though, has got to be journalistto-the-stars Paul Morley’s biography of Factory icon Tony Wilson, From Manchester With Love. The life story of a man who famously said “between truth and legend, print the legend” is inevitably going to hold some unbelievable stories, but it’s exactly these — filtered through Morley’s razorsharp pen — that make this book so brilliant. Us 50,000 Fall fans have long known that beneath the curses and clamour was something genius, and now, thanks to Tessa Norton and Bob Stanley’s lovingly compiled Excavate, the rest of the world can know too! Chock full of artyfacts, essays and factoids, it’s possibly the defining book about The Fall. Stephanie Phillips — of Big Joanie fame — brought us Why Solange Matters in March, a fantastic exploration of why the altr’n’b superstar is more important than ever

in these increasingly polarised times, while Warren Ellis’ Nina Simone’s Gum, Baxter Dury’s Chaise Longue, Barry Adamson’s Up Above The City, Down Beneath The Stars, and Will Sergeant’s Bunnyman prompted many an afternoon’s discussion between me, Andy and Laura — I smell an Indiekids Book Club, coming to Piccadilly in 2022… On the pictorial front, Kevin Cummins’ beautiful Joy Division: Juvenes has finally been reissued (and none too soon, considering original copies are going for upwards of £400 on eBay!!!!), and Soul Jazz have compiled over 300 photos taken by photographer Sophie Bramly across New York and France in Yo! The Early Years of Hip Hop 1982–84, featuring a whole host of familiar faces. Local heroes Waiting Room Press and DR.ME dropped off a load of Not Dead or Famous Enough Yet back in January, which not only name checks our Patrick on page 557, but features a mirrorboard cover, various zine-style inserts, and hundreds of DR.ME’s posters, album art, and other commissions — it’s pretty special! Piccadilly Records Book Of The Year 2021

1. Paul Morley From Manchester With Love: The Life And Opinions Of Tony Wilson

Genre Charts: Books

2. Tessa Norton & Bob Stanley: Excavate: The Wonderful and Frightening World of the Fall

3. Stephanie Phillips: Why Solange Matters

11. Tim Burgess: The Listening Party

12. Bobby Gillespie: Tenement Kid

4. Warren Ellis Nina Simone’s Gum

13. Jennifer Otter Bickerdike: You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone: The Biography of Nico

5. Baxter Dury Chaise Longue

14. Carl Cox: Oh Yes, Oh Yes

6. Barry Adamson: Up Above The City, Down Beneath The Stars

15. Pete Shelley Ever Fallen In Love: The Lost Buzzcocks Tapes

7. Will Sergeant: Bunnyman

16. Mark Andrews: Paint My Name in Black and Gold: The Rise of The Sisters of Mercy

8. Kevin Cummins: Joy Division: Juvenes

17. Iman Kakai-Lazell: Mark Burgess: Confessions, Lyrics & Nostalgia

9. Sophie Bramly & Soul Jazz Books: Yo! The Early Days of Hip Hop 1982–84 10. DR.ME: Not Dead or Famous Enough Yet

18. Iman Kakai-Lazell: John Robb: Confessions Vol. 1 19. Robby Krieger: Set The Night on Fire: Living, Dying, and Playing Guitar with The Doors

20. Tracey Thorn My Rock ‘n’ Roll Friend

BEST OF 2021

Best of 2021

Billie Marten Flora Fauna

Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure

Art School Girlfriend Is It Light Where You Are

Fryars God Melodies

Drug Store Romeos The world within our bedrooms

The Horrors Against The Blade 7”

The Mysterines Reeling (Released 11.03.22)

Palace Shoals (Released 21.01.22)

Tame Impala The Slow Rush Deluxe Boxset (Released 18.02.22)

Staff Charts

Darryl Having started the year with National lockdown Part 3 on January 6th (definitely the worst of the trilogy!) things could only get better for 2021! And so it proved with the vaccination rollout, a beacon of light at the end of the murky COVID tunnel. The easing of restrictions that followed allowed the much beleaguered venues, bars and clubs to return to some form of “normality”, yay to drinking in pubs again! And we were even allowed to travel abroad again, a week in Croatia with the wife gave me a much needed break from the stresses of work. My album of the year came from Mogwai, their tenth album since their inception in 1995 and their best yet; a perfect mix of post-rock, distortion, beauty, and melody. Shoutouts to Patrick, leaving us after nine amazing years behind the counter for writing pastures anew, Mark Brown for another fabulous booklet design, and to Lety for being the greatest wife, listener and drinking partner! Finally, RIP to my feline soulmate Kai (AKA Professor Kai, AKA Best Cat Ever).

Laura As is often the case with my end of year chart, this is an ever shifting list of my favourites. Ask me again next week and it’ll most likely be the same 20 but not necessarily in the same order. As another weird 12 months draws to a close, it has at least felt like things have been (for the time being anyway) slightly more ‘normal’ with the return of live music. Manchester Psych Fest was where I first ventured back into the night, and although I didn’t manage to get to see everyone I wanted to see, Folly Group, Silverbacks and The Goa Express all stood out. And since then, shows from Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, John, Elbow, W.H. Lung, Snapped Ankles, Horsebeach, Blanketman and The Charlatans have all reminded me just how much I’d missed both live music and spending time with friends over the previous 18 months and just how important both of those things are to me. Here’s to more of the same in 2022. And finally, goodbye and good luck to Patrick. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Mogwai: As The Love Continues Snapped Ankles: Forest Of Your Problems Black Country, New Road: For The First Time Parquet Courts: Sympathy For Life Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert LoneLady: Former Things Squid: Bright Green Field My Bloody Valentine: Loveless – 2021 Reissue 9. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END 10. Jane Weaver: Flock 11. Pop Psychédélique (The Best Of French Psychedelic Pop 1964–2019) 12. Amyl & The Sniffers: Comfort To Me 13. Nancy Sinatra: Start Walkin’ 1965–1976 14. Angel Olsen: Aisles 15. Various Artists: May The Circle Remain Unbroken: A Tribute To Roky Erickson 16. The Sisters Of Mercy: BBC Sessions 1982–1984 17. Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra: Promises 18. Ducks Ltd.: Modern Fiction 19. Mush: Lines Redacted 20. Sleaford Mods: Spare Ribs

1. 2. 3. 4.

John: Nocturnal Manoeuvres Parquet Courts: Sympathy For Life Snapped Ankles: Forest Of Your Problems The Reds, Pinks And Purples: Uncommon Weather 5. Aaron Frazer: Introducing… 6. Elbow: Flying Dream 1 7. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 8. TV Priest: Uppers 9. Ducks Ltd.: Get Bleak 10. Curtis Harding: If Words Were Flowers 11. Sweeping Promises: Hunger For A Way Out 12. W.H. Lung: Vanities 13. The Coral: Coral Island 14. Squid: Bright Green Field 15. Lost Horizons: In Quiet Moments 16. LoneLady: Former Things 17. Dry Cleaning: New Long Leg 18. Nick Cave & Warren Ellis: Carnage 19. Steve Gunn: Other You 20. Mogwai: As The Love Continues

Staff Charts

Barry Well, it’s been an interesting year hasn’t it? I won’t bore you with the details but there have been a good deal of *events* going on. Included in the *events* are a couple well received things I recorded (one of them is on one of my all-time favourite labels, Polytechnic Youth), and due to delays in pressing etc. potentially one to come before the end of the year! A great support slot at YES and a good number of bleeps and bloops emanating from what can only be described as the Cat’s Bedroom, all of which have been received well (so thanks for that!) As for the music this year, it’s almost like I’m back at college again, listening to all these post-rock bands I’ve loved for so many years crafting the best music of their careers, not to mention the almighty Mogwai not only hitting Number 1 in the UK album charts, but the real prize slot of our shop number one too! Heady days people, heady days. Here’s to 2022!

Mine Five years and five end of year booklets later I still don’t seem to be able to smash out (as Barry would say) an intro that a) doesn’t take me ages to write and b) doesn’t make me cringe to death. My chart this year might seem full of compilations but trust me, I restrained myself from including even more than those listed here. I love a good comp (who doesn’t?) and, in my very humble opinion, 2021 has been a great year for it! Apart from that, this year has somehow felt even stranger and flown by even quicker than 2020 but the return of socialising, gigs and nightlife has made it more than bearable. My favourite nights were soundtracked by tastemaker DJ Harvey in September and local heroes Talking Drums throughout the year. Speaking of the latter, I’m deeply saddened to have to wave goodbye to my dear friend Patrick who will have left the shop by the time this booklet is out. (No, he’s not moving to the Balearics but sadly he won’t be around every day anymore). Will miss you and your encyclopedic brain! Hopefully see everyone else in the shop next year…x

1. Mogwai: As The Love Continues 2. Explosions In The Sky: Big Bend 3. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END 4. Claud: Super Monster 5. Lucy Dacus: Home Video 6. Alessandro Cortini: Scuro Chiaro 7. Andrew Wasylyk: Balgay Hill: Morning In Magnolia 8. Low: Hey What 9. Balmorhea: The Wind 10. Francis Lung: Miracle 11. North Americans: Going Steady (Reissue) 12. Cass.: Ambient Music For A Young Girl 13. Den Osynliga Manteln: Insektsfolk 14. Dirty Three: Cinder (Reissue) 15. Everyday Dust: The Vale 16. Isis: Oceanic (Reissue) 17. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 18. J-Walk: Mellotronique 19. Ryley Walker: Course In Fable 20. Various Artists: Soul Jazz Records Presents Cold Wave #2

1. Anika: Change 2. Gemma Cullingford: Let Me Speak 3. Aili x Transistorcake: Dansu EP 4. Alex Kassian: Leave Your Life 5. Various Artists: Profondo Nero 6. Harvey Couture: Scellé En Cristal 7. Various Artists: Do You Have The Force? 8. W.H. Lung: Vanities 9. Talking Drums: Vol. 4 10. Unknown: Strange World / Purple Desire 11. Various Artists: The Very Holiday 80 Sampler 12. Goat Girl: On All Fours 13. Various Artists: Curses Present Next Wave Acid Punx — Part 1: Origins 14. Deux Control: Sex Miami 15. T-Woc: Pantangle 16. Various Artists: Naya Beat Volume 1: South Asian Dance And Electronic Music 1983–1992 17. Perel: Star EP 18. Loveshadow: Loveshadow 19. Lou Hayter: Private Sunshine 20. Altin Gun: Yol

2021

BILLS & ACHES & BLUES DRY CLEANING ERIKA DE CASIER HELADO NEGRO LUCINDA CHUA PIXIES SPENCER. TKAY MAIDZA TUNE -YARDS

VARIOUS ARTISTS

NEW LONG LEG

SENSATIONAL

FAR IN

ANTIDOTES

TROMPE LE MONDE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ARE U DOWN?

LASTYEAR WAS WEIRD VOL 3

SKETCHY.

Staff Charts

Patrick By the time you read this, I’ll be gone… After nine years, six thousand brews, sixty thousand new releases, three festival stalls, two customer complaints and one falafel too many, I’ll have made my last appearance behind the hallowed counter. I’m taking a leap of faith and trusting my talents will take care of me. Look out for my name in Bureau B liner notes and Growing Bin press releases, on DJ line ups and internet radio schedules, YouTube vids of arcane digs and behind all things Talking Drums. The whole world has changed since I started here, let alone the record industry, but you guys have remained caring, curious and passionate throughout, and it’s been a pleasure to pull out records for all of you. During my time here I’ve met most of my closest friends, made connections with like minded people all across the globe and of course, had the pleasure of sharing my working life with some truly amazing colleagues. And then there’s the music, an almost endless supply of new sounds and styles. I might not be behind the counter anymore, but I’ve got loads of fun projects in the pipeline, so watch this space.

Javi Hello booklet, my old friend... Idiosyncratic, claustrophobic music takes the cake this year, with Tony Allen and Snapped Ankles locked in a battle for the crown. Elsewhere, power-bottom Lil Nas X continues to dominate the top of the poppersphere, and the EP market has been overrun by the post-punkish stylings of Meat Wave, Pozi, and Yves Tumor. This year’s honourable mention goes to the well-booted Nancy Sinatra, who not only had a stellar compilation out in the spring, but also, according to her instagram, invented winged eyeliner back in the Sixties. Who knew? Not me! Go Nancy! Shop-wise, 2021 saw us consume more biscuits and other assorted bakes than ever before (great work team!) It was also lovely meeting one half of JOHN in the shop — I’m not sure if it was JO or HN, though. Other events of note include setting up a new music site / chaotic web space called Sleeve Damage (thanks Ryan for being my go-to tech guy), seeing The Lovely Eggs live with my brother, and watching both Legally Blonde films with my sister. Party! (PS Bye Patrick — don’t let the door hit ya fat ass on your way out!)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Gemma Cullingford: Let Me Speak Anika: Change Cass.: Ambient Music For A Young Girl Loveshadow: Loveshadow T-Woc: Pantangle Emmanuelle Parrenin / Detlef Weinrich: Jours De Grève 7. Eddie Chacon: Pleasure, Joy And Happiness 8. Alex Kassian: Leave Your Life 9. Conny Frischauf: Die Drift 10. The Zenmenn: Enter The Zenmenn 11. Francis Lung: Miracle 12. The Person: Tide Life 13. Various Artists: Profondo Nero 14. W.H. Lung: Vanities 15. Tony Allen: There Is No End 16. Jane Inc: Number One 17. Various Artists: Full Beam! For Gees Only Vol. 3 18. Harvey Couture: Scellé En Cristal 19. Various Artists: Naya Beat Volume 1: South Asian Dance And Electronic Music 1983–1992 20. Deux Control: Sex Miami

1. Tony Allen: There Is No End 2. Snapped Ankles: Forest of Your Problems 3. Lucinda Chua: Antidotes 4. Viagra Boys: Welfare Jazz 5. Trees Speak: PostHuman 6. The Orielles: La Vita Olistica 7. John: Nocturnal Manoeuvres 8. The Go! Team: Get Up Sequences Part One 9. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 10. Jane Weaver: Flock 11. Black Marble: Fast Idol 12. Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever 13. Anika: Change 14. Eccentronic Research Council: The Dreamcatcher Tapes Volumes 1 and 2 15. Gravegonzo: Their Fantasy Mirrors 16. Goat Girl: On All Fours 17. Apta: Rainbow Islands NG+ 18. Crocodiles: The Best of Shitty Times 19. Cass.: Ambient Music For A Young Girl 20. TV Priest: Uppers

↗

OUT NOW

NATION OF LANGUAGE A Way Forward “They've delivered a true modern-day classic of the synth-pop genre” – NME ★★★★★

PUBLIC SERVICE JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN TONY ALLEN & DAVE OKUMU BROADCASTING Bright Magic The Solution Is Restless “Preposterously great”

– Record Collector ★★★★★ Available on CD, LP and Digital

Available on CD and Digital LP expected early 2022

“A vital act right at the top of their game” – Clash 9/10 Available on CD, LP, Deluxe LP and Digital

↗

COMING SOON

GEESE Projector

BALTHAZAR Sand

ORLANDO WEEKS Hop Up

“One of the year’s most thrilling rock debuts”

“Confident and exhilarating” – Pop Matters 9/10

To be released 14/01/22 on CD, LP and Digital

– NME ★★★★ Available on CD, LP and Digital

Available on CD, LP and Digital

Staff Charts

Matt We were joking the other night about how the history books will reflect on the 20s. (‘Yes so during the Pandemic, the UK government opted to clap for its NHS staff instead of paying them a decent wage and much of the demographic decided to become living advertisement boards called “influencers”.) It sometimes feels like we’re living in an extension of 1984. Acclimatizing to Normal 2.0 has been easier than I thought actually. I managed to get out and play plenty of records this year, shouts to the dancers at Green Island, AudioFarm, Rhythm Section and of course Wet Play & Red Laser. I also ventured to Whitby for the first time, acquired some treasure and fell for its rugged, northern, maritime majesty. If the usual order of play has been adhered to, you’ll have read by now that we say farewell to comrade Patrick Ryder this Winter. Big love to you, you mega gee! & huge props for a sterling tenure which has guided our shop through some strange, rare and exotic sounds (#neverforget the ‘weird shit’ section!); our Balearic and cosmic disco racks are already missing your encyclopedic knowledge and expertise — keep banging that Talking Drum sir!

Andy I didn’t like it when Radiohead and (even our beloved) Charlatans released download only new LP’s. And, when we awoke one morning to find a new U2 album deposited in our iTunes, we all felt vaguely violated! This year, White Denim have done the exact opposite. When they surprise released their new 9 track LP disguised as a vinyl only 12 inch single, it was a lovely present for all us fans, a show of faith to all good record shops and a timely two fingers up to Spotify, Tidal and all the other rip-off streaming platforms. They simply don’t pay the artists enough money for their art. If it doesn’t change, there will be no pop music. Sermon over. Amen! Now, Patrick Ryder is leaving Piccadilly Records and we are all absolutely devo’d. He is one of the brainiest, funniest, talented, and caring people that you’re ever likely to meet. The vibe he helped to create in the shop has been the topper most of the popper most. He will be much missed. Good luck Patrick and Happy Christmas everyone!

1. J on Coley: If All I Ever Wanted Was All I Ever Needed 2. Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) 3. The Orielles: La Vita Olistica 4. Various Artists: Full Beam! For Gees Only Vol. 3 5. Space Afrika: Honest Labour 6. Francis Lung: Miracle 7. Sleaford Mods: Spare Ribs 8. LoneLady: Former Things 9. Jungle: Loving In Stereo 10. Endemic: Terminal Illness 11. Emma-Jean Thackray: Yellow 12. Wagon Christ: Reception 13. Various Artists: DJ ATHOME presents Spaced Out 14. Friod Dub: An Iceberg Cruising The Jamaican Coastline 15. Lou Hayter: Private Sunshine 16. Jackie Levan: Straight Outta Caledonia 17. Model 500: Startlight Remixes 18. Derrick Carr: Arrival 19. Sons Of Kemet: Black To The Future 20. Various Artists: For The Love Of You Vol. 2

1. Villagers: Fever Dreams 2. White Denim: Crystal Bullets/King Tears 3. Bobby Gillespie and Jehnny Beth: Utopian Ashes 4. Lost Horizons: In Quiet Moments 5. Du Blonde: Homecoming 6. Natalie Bergman: Mercy 7. John Grant: Boy From Michigan 8. Jim Noir: Deep Blue View 9. Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) 10. Francis Lung: Miracle 11. The Orielles: La Vista Olistica 12. Jane Weaver: Flock 13. Mogwai: As the Love Continues 14. Cassandra Jenkins: An Overview on Phenomenal Nature 15. Trees Speak: Posthuman 16. Dry Cleaning: New Long Leg 17. Snapped Ankles: Forest of Your Problems 18. LoneLady: Forever Things 19. Lou Hayter: Private Sunshine 20. Blanketman: National Trust

MELVINS FIVE LEGGED DOG Ipecac

DANIEL AVERY TOGETHER IN STATIC Phantasy Sound

DIVIDE & DISSOLVE GAS LIT Invada Records

HOUEIDA HEDFI FLEUVES DE L’ÂME Phantasy Sound

MATT BERRY GATHER UP Acid Jazz

THE DROPKICK MURPHYS TURN UP THAT DIAL [PIAS] Cooperative

MR BUNGLE THE NIGHT THEY CAME HOME Ipecac

STEPHEN FRETWELL BUSY GUY Speedy Wunderground

PUMA BLUE IN PRAISE OF FLOWERS Blue Flowers Music

JOHN HIATT WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND LEFTOVER FEELINGS New West Records

THE MURLOCS BITTERSWEET DEMONS ATO

MAXÏMO PARK NATURE ALWAYS WINS Prolifica Inc.

www.integralmusic.com

Staff Charts

Millie My year could be pretty much summarised by the classic garage track “I’ll Bring You Flowers” by Sweet Female Attitude, growing flowers has been a huge passion of mine and I took the plunge of selling them this year which was WILD. I’m pretty sure that talking / singing to your plants is scientifically proven to help them grow, right? Something like that anyway, they hear enough of my jazz and hip hop when being potted on and tended to so they must love Little Simz as much as I do. A bit of a contrast to flower growing is my newly found love of UKG, that song was definitely a gateway into that world but the Sugababes re-issue of remixes just sent things spiralling. I’ve been testing the water and played some out when DJing and it’s gone down a treat. Or maybe I’ve watched too many People Just Do Nothing. Quick shoutout to Patrick who’s leaving — I’m not sure what I’ll do without him pointing me in the direction of absolute tunes and Kanye chat, you’ll be sorely missed Pat!

1. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might be Introvert 2. Children of Zeus: Balance 3. Sons of Kemet: Black to the Future 4. Sugababes: One Touch 5. Greentea Peng: Man Made 6. Cleo Sol: Mother 7. Hiatus Kaiyote: Mood Valiant 8. Jorja Smith: Be Right Back 9. Tyler, The Creator: Call Me If You Get Lost 10. Tony Allen: There Is No End 11. Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) 12. Jungle: Loving In Stereo 13. Nubiyan Twist: Freedom Fables 14. Alfa Mist: Bring Backs 15. Emma-Jean Thackray: Yellow 16. Kiefer: When There’s Love Around 17. Flying Lotus: Yasuke 18. Dave Okumu: Knopperz 19. BADBADNOTGOOD: Talk Memory 20. Anz: All Hours

Overall 2021 was filled up nicely with flowers, city breaks, wine and fun times. More of where that came from please, have a good one everyone! X

Ryan As I attempt to think of an opening sentence for my intro, I’m distracted by two cats. They snuggle in at either side of my lap, it’s very distracting but I’m determined to stay focused. I must be careful to avoid clichés such as ‘2021, eh?’ and ‘struggled to narrow it down to 20’ and I certainly can’t fall back on mentioning the whole covid situation partially returning to normal (for now). The cat to my left is so comfy that it has capsized, exposing its fluffy underbelly. The distraction intensifies… Perhaps, I should talk about how lovely it was having all the staff and regular customers return to the shop again. It has felt like I’ve been part of a winter crew looking after the shop until the summer brings more favourable conditions. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the two-year-late Horsebeach shows which turned out to be quite a Piccadilly affair. We had the very talented Emily backing up harmonies and padding everything out with keys and tambo. Also, Patrick, who provided driving expertise and exquisite vibes. Overall a relatively uneventful year compared to others, but I think it turned out alright in the end. 2021, eh? See you next time x

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Dean Blunt: Black Metal 2 BADBADNOTGOOD: Talk Memory Natalie Bergman: Mercy Ada Lea: One Hand On The Steering Wheel The Other Sewing A Garden 5. Crocodiles: Best of Shitty Times 6. Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) 7. Francis Lung: Miracle 8. Mild High Club: Going Going Gone 9. Helado Negro: Far In 10. Bachelor (Jay Som + Palehound): Doomin’ Sun 11. The Go! Team: Get Up Sequences Part One 12. Various Artists: For The Love Of You, Vol. 2 13. Black Marble: Fast Idol 14. Children Of Zeus: Balance 15. Goat Girl: On All Fours 16. The Orielles: La Vita Olistica 17. Acid Dad: Take It From The Dead 18. Altin Gun: Yol 19. White Flowers: Day By Day 20. Vanishing Twin: Ookii Gekkou

MINSKY ROCK

THE ORIELLES

DOUGIE STU

Megamix

La Vita Olistica

Familiar Future

SAINT ETIENNE

AUDIOBOOKS

FIONN REGAN

I’ve Been Trying To Tell You

Astro Tough

100 Acres Of Sycamore

CAIXA CUBO

PIP BLOM

THE PARROTS

Angela

Welcome Break

Dos

RAF RUNDELL

VARIOUS ARTISTS

BAXTER DURY

O.M. Days

Remixes Vol.1 & 2

Mr Maserati

Staff Charts

Martin

So, here we are, still in orbit around a medium sized star, most of this planet’s human population having designated this particular segment 2021. Here’s what one of them has to say about it. Musical highlight? The gorgeous purging noise of Bleach Boy at The Castle. It’s been eight years since I was last in Berlin. Those five days turned my life upside down, switching my heart’s focus from Germany to Brazil, where it remained for 4 and a half years. It was good to escape Brexitland’s narrowed horizons. I was hosted in elegant Charlottenburg by a lovely, cultured couple; let’s put it this way, my knowledge of the Prussian royal line is considerably greater now than before I arrived. It’s ok, I’m a geek, I love that kind of thing. Other high points were Bauhaus (not the band), anarchist squats, the berg (hill) and Kreuz (cross) of Kreuzberg, a slightly stoned Dali exhibition and the eerily amazing public transport system. There was something else too. It seems Germany and Brazil haven’t finished with me yet. Back in Berlin and everything has changed, again. God knows where I’m headed now; but that’s fine, nobody knows that. If love is there, it doesn’t matter anyway.

Emily

Returning to the physical realm this year has made me realise how important live music is for musicians and music fans alike. I’m convinced that no streaming statistic or follower count could match the satisfaction of playing to a live crowd and no Spotify playlist could match the energy of a live performance! I know I’m probably preaching to the converted but please continue to show your support for independent music — go to gigs (if you can) and make your fav artists feel the lurrrv! Now I’ll clamber down off my soap box and actually talk about what I’ve been listening to. My fellow mail order babe and long play purist Javi Fedrick will be pleased to see that I’ve been (mostly) faithful to the sacred format this year. Eddie Chacon takes home the gold with the classiest return anyone has ever made to the industry after a multi decade hiatus. Music From Memory clean up with a hat-trick after releasing nothing but pure fire this year. John Carroll Kirby bags the overachiever award for not only producing my number 1 but also releasing some tasteful jazz-funk. And finally my local hunnies Apta, Julia Bardo and W.H. Lung each deserve a medal for not just making beautiful music but also for being beautiful people. Peace out y’all xx

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Lost Horizons: In Quiet Moments Xique Xique: Na Lagos Lachiños: America Lachina Bent: Up In The Air Beautify Junkyards: Cosmorama Hollie Kenniff: The Quiet Drift Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra: Promises 8. Jesu: Never 9. Max Richter: Exiles 10. The Orielles: La Vita Olistica 11. Amyl And The Sniffers: Comfort To Me 12. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 13. Cass.: Ambient Music For A Young Girl 14. John: Nocturnal Manoeuvres 15. Rats On Rafts: Excerpts From Chapter 3: The Mind Runs A Net Of Rabbit Paths 16. Jorja Smith: Be Right Back 17. Trees Speak: Posthuman 18. Lucinda Chua: Antidotes 19. Yann Tiersen: Kerberos 20. Car Culture: Dead Rock

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Eddie Chacon: Pleasure Joy & Happiness The Zenmenn: Enter The Zenmenn Erika De Casier: Sensational Carlos Niño & Friends: More Energy, Fields, Current 5. Loveshadow: Loveshadow 6. Yu Su: Yellow River Blue 7. Andrew Wasylyk: Morning In Magnolia 8. Julia Bardo: Bauhaus, L’Appartamento 9. John Caroll Kirby: Septet 10. Other Lands: Sounds For Isolated Souls 11. Tara Clerkin Trio: In Spring 12. Vanishing Twin: Ookii Gekkou 13. Michal Turtle: Michal Turtle Reinterpreted 14. Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) 15. Jane Weaver: Flock 16. W.H. Lung: Vanities 17. Sleaford Mods: Spare Ribs 18. Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra: Promises 19. Cassandra Jenkins: An Overview on Phenomenal Nature 20. Darkside: Spiral

MAMMOTH WVH

MORCHEEBA

LIZ LAWRENCE

MAMMOTH WVH

BLACKEST BLUE

THE AVALANCHE

EX1 RECORDS

FLY AGARIC

SECOND BREAKFAST

SEA FEVER

AUF TOGO

FAT FREDDY’S DROP

FOLDING LINES

MOVEMENTS

WAIRUNGA

SEA FEVER

SAS RECORDINGS

THE DROP

JOEL CULPEPPER

KIT SEBASTIAN

THE BRKN RECORD

SGT CULPEPPER

MELODI

MR BONGO

THE ARCHITECTURE OF OPPRESSION PART 1 MR BONGO

RELEASED IN 2021 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM

KARTELMUSICGROUP.COM

Staff Charts

Pasta Paul

Despite everything going on in the world, the second half of 2021 has been great for me. Live music is back! Playing records in bars is back! Flying abroad is back (I spent a few days in Paris — très bien!) Obviously, the first part of my year was awful: losing my dog and our shop mascot Tommy Tinribs III was tough — in our seven years together he rarely left my side. Miss you dude! I was lucky to get an intimate restart to gig going with a Stephen Fretwell show at Night & Day Cafe — a Piccadilly Records out-store to celebrate his first album in 10 years. Among the other highlights for me were Jane Weaver at Yes, Jarvis Cocker at Albert Hall, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis at Bridgewater Hall, Tim Burgess in conversation with John Grant also at Night & Day, Manchester Psych Fest, and an out of town trip to see Eddie Chacon at the Rio Cinema, in Dalston, London. The return of Electric Chair featuring DJ Harvey was ace too. And I’m delighted to end the year ‘officially’ back in the fold in mail order here at Pic Recs.

Maisy

2021 has probably been one of the biggest years of my life, I finished school, got back into live music, and most importantly started my first job here at Piccadilly (what a first job!) My first shift was on a Record Store Day — talk about being thrown in at the deep end! But even after that crazy busy day, I came home ready to listen to all this new music I’d been recommended. I don’t think I could’ve actually predicted how much of an impact working here has actually had; it’s like I’ve had some sort of musical awakening, constantly being introduced to new music I may have never been exposed to before. I went to my first festival this year — Leeds fest 2021 (classic Manchester teenager’s first experience). And yes, it wasn’t as glamorous as I thought it could’ve been, being humbled on the first night by our tent being “ketchuped”, but it was worth it for the really surreal moment of a bunch of northerners in a massive tent, no music, all singing along to “Sweet Caroline” — reaching out, touching hands, after not being able to for so long. A real sense of togetherness brought by- super cheesy- music <3

1. John Carroll Kirby: Septet 2. DJ Format: Devil’s Workshop 3. Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra: Promises 4. Lou Hayter: Private Sunshine 5. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 6. BADBADNOTGOOD: Talk Memory 7. Jim Noir: Deep Blue View 8. J-Walk: Mellotronique 9. Andres Y Xavi: Sounds From The Secret Bar 10. Sven Wunder: Natura Morta 11. Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18: Yn Rio (Feat. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales) 12. Str4ta: Aspects 13. Nightmares On Wax: Shout Out! To Freedom 14. Emma-Jean Thackray: Yellow 15. Roger Webb: Bartleby 16. Jorge López Ruiz’s: El Grito (Suite Para Orquesta De Jazz) Reissue 17. Various Artists: Pop Psychédélique (The Best Of French Psychedelic Pop 1964–2019) 18. Various Artists: Late Night Tales presents At The Movies 19. Various Artists: WAMONO A To Z Vol. III — Japanese Light Mellow Funk, Disco & Boogie 1978–1988 20. Various Artists: Country Funk Volume III — 1975–1982 1. The Go! Team: Get Up Sequences Part One 2. Joy Crookes: Skin 3. Little Simz: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert 4. Jungle: Loving In Stereo 5. Madvillain: Madvillainy Repress 6. Samia: Scout 7. Jorja Smith: Be Right Back 8. Black Marble: Fast Idol 9. Japanese Breakfast: Jubilee 10. Lou Hayter: Private Sunshine 11. Oscar Lang: Chew The Scenery 12. Greentea Peng: MAN MADE 13. Czarface And MF Doom: Super What? 14. Tony Allen: There Is No End 15. The Weather Station: Ignorance 16. Arlo Parks: Collapsed In Sunbeams 17. Faye Webster: I Know I’m Funny Haha 18. The Orielles: La Vita Olistica 19. Various Artists: Pop Psychédélique 20. Khruangbin: Mordechai Remixes

Staff Charts

Will 2021 has been a year of beginnings for me. It has seen my transition to arbitrary adulthood, the start of my university career, the acquisition of an absolute dream job, and the first release of many to come of my own music under the Humongous Fungus moniker. While Iron Maiden’s greatest ever record is to be found in the top spot of my chart (and rightly so), I will remember 2021 as the year of Dinosaur Jr. in general and Lou Barlow in particular. Not only did Sweep It Into Space and Reason To Live perfectly capture how 2021 felt, but the band had, for me, the musical event of the year with a live stream concert that was recently released as the live album Emptiness at the Sinclair, which takes the number one spot in a parallel universe where I can bring myself to include live albums in end-of-year round-ups. Music continues and will continue to be the most significant aspect of my life and I couldn’t be ending the year more excited to see where every element of the artform will take me next.

Mark (Piccadilly’s designer) My chart has a distinctly local flavour with North West favourites Space Afrika (like hopping aboard a slo-mo spaceship to Manchester 2050 via Bristol 1994), Apta (ace dreamy synth wooziness) and Jane Weaver (her best album of cosmic-psych-pop yet) all riding high. My favourite of the year though, is the neurotic, Slint-with-a-sense-of-humour twitchiness of Black Country, New Road. On a personal note, February 2021 saw me and my other half Sara reach 20 years together, but as we were locked indoors we just celebrated by getting drunk in our pyjamas and listening to 80’s goth records...which is probably what we’d have done under normal circumstances anyway. This is my 13th year of designing this booklet, and 2022 will be my 15th year as a one-man design practice, so a big thanks to everyone who’s sent work my way during that time. Speaking of which, I’d be missing a trick if I didn’t take this opportunity to flog my wares, so if anyone out there is interested in the other work I do please have a look at @markbrownstudio on Instagram or my website markbrownstudio.co.uk Cheers!

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Iron Maiden: Senjutsu Dinosaur Jr.: Sweep It Into Space Cradle of Filth: Existence is Futile Eyehategod: A History of Nomadic Behaviour 5. Lou Barlow: Reason to Live 6. St. Vincent: Daddy’s Home 7. Nick Cave & Warren Ellis: CARNAGE 8. My Morning Jacket: My Morning Jacket 9. John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies: Halloween Kills: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 10. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: L.W. 11. Monolord: Your Time to Shine 12. Matt Berry: The Blue Elephant 13. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END 14. Pond: 9 15. BADBADNOTGOOD: Talk Memory 16. Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy: Superwolves 17. The Specials: Protest Songs 1924–2012 18. Arab Strap: As Days Get Dark 19. The Oscillation: Untold Futures 20. Carcass: Torn Arteries

1. Black Country, New Road: For The First Time 2. Space Afrika: Honest Labour 3. Apta: Rainbow Islands (NG+) 4. Jane Weaver: Flock 5. Anika: Change 6. Dry Cleaning: New Long Leg 7. John: Nocturnal Manoeuvres 8. Bicep: Isles 9. Mogwai: As The Love Continues 10. Trees Speak: PostHuman 11. Snapped Ankles: Forest Of Your Problems 12. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END 13. Nick Cave & Warren Ellis: Carnage 14. Lonelady: Former Things 15. John Carpenter: Lost Themes III Some reissues/collections I also enjoyed: 1. N ick Cave & The Bad Seeds: B-Sides & Rarities 1&2 Box Set 2. The Charlatans: A Head Full of Ideas 3. My Bloody Valentine: Loveless 4. Japan: Quiet Life 5. Revolutionary Corps of Teenage Jesus: Righteous Lite

Some late arrivals

In order to get this booklet back from the printers in time for the launch date in early December we compile the chart at the end of October. Inevitably this means that some fantastic albums miss out on our various charts because we haven’t had a chance to digest them by the time our booklet goes to press. So, here’s ten albums listed in alphabetical order that also require your attention! Julia Bardo: Bauhaus, L’Appartamento Debut album from Manchester-via-Italy singer, songwriter and guitarist Julia Bardo. The cool ex-member of Working’s Men Club who has now spread her wings as a solo artist. Baxter Dury: Mr Maserati — Best Of Baxter Dury 2001–2021 Showcasing two decades of Baxter Dury’s idiosyncratically louche music, a universe of late-night London meet-ups, shuffling basslines and comedown disco tunes, all run through with a wry bleakness and sweet love of humanity. Elbow: Flying Dream 1 A wonderfully understated album that feels somehow fitting for these strange times. 40 odd minutes of calm, amidst the turmoil and anxiety of the world. Beautiful. Geese: Projector Straight out of Brooklyn this teenage five piece are definitely ones to watch! Their debut album on Partisan recalls classic NY post-punk; Talking Heads, Strokes and LCD Soundsystem. Curtis Harding: If Words Were Flowers Absolutely beautiful soul from Curtis Harding, every song is a masterpiece. It’s like Michael Kiwanuka meets James Brown meets Charles Bradley, gorgeous stuff! Portico Quartet: Monument There’s something about this time of year which is hibernate-inducing and this is the soundtrack to the cold Winter months. Beautiful ambient-electronic jazz. Pye Corner Audio: Entangled Routes Third part of a trilogy that began with Stasis in 2016. Majestic, cinematic electronica that evokes sci-fi soundtracks, dystopian futures and the sound of haunted dance floors. Various Artists: DJ Harvey Is The Sound Of Mercury Rising Volumen Tres Representing what could’ve been and what shall be in the hallowed hall which is Freddys nightclub at Pikes Ibiza in the future. Put it on, turn it up, feel the magic till we meet again. Various Artists: Home Vol. 1 A soundtrack for when we pause, take a breath, and use our senses to explore the magic of the world on our doorsteps. Morning to evening, dawn to dusk, our lives continue moving but sometimes the need to step back and reset is essential to create a balance in our lives. Various Artists: Tom Moulton — Spring Event Killer compilation of Tom Moulton mixes of some classic, under-the-radar and smoking hot disco, funk and boogie hits; all beautifully mastered, sequenced and curated across a dancefloor friendly double vinyl and a CD! Booklet design: markbrownstudio.co.uk

BEST

ALBUMS

2021

E V E RY H O M E S H O U L D H AV E O N E FLOATING POINTS & PHARAOH SANDERS

‘PROMISES ft. The LSO’ (Luaka Bop) Album Chart: #6

JOHN

A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN

WHITE DENIM

‘NOCTURNAL MANOEUVRES’

‘INVISIBLE CITIES’

‘CRYSTAL BULLETS /

(Brace Yourself Records) Album Chart: #10

SPACE AFRIKA

THE CORAL

‘HONEST LABOUR’

‘CORAL ISLAND’

(Artificial Pinearch Manufacturing) Album Chart: #31

KING TEARS’

(English Mallard) Album Chart: #37

LINDSTRØM & PRINS THOMAS

GLOK

‘III’

‘PATTERN RECOGNITION’

(Run On Records) Album Chart: #62

(Smalltown Supersound) Album Chart: #70

ISLANDMAN

THE SURFING MAGAZINES

TEENAGE FANCLUB

ANNA MEREDITH

‘GODLESS CEREMONY’

‘BADGERS OF WYMESWOLD’

‘ENDLESS ARCADE’

‘BUMPS PER MINUTE (18 STUDIES FOR DODGEMS)’

(Dais) Album Chart: #57

(Music For Dreams) Album released Dec 21

(Moshi Moshi) Album released Dec 21

(PeMa)

(Ransom Note) Album released Dec 21

(Moshi Moshi) Album released Dec 21

HUGE THANKS TO PICCADILLY RECORDS FOR SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT MUSIC AND LABELS IN 2021 AND ALWAYS. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDIE! WWW.REPUBLICOFMUSIC.NET