Continuing on with our retrospective look at the Best Albums of 2013 (read them all here) we revisit some of the many highlights of the past year:
Rick Redbeard – No Selfish Heart
One of the main lyrical preoccupations of Rick Redbeard‘s debut solo album ‘No Selfish Heart‘ was time – its slipperiness, its sadness, the alluvial deposits it leaves behind in its passing.
Review
Jack Day – The First Ten
One that was worth the wait: Jack Day’s album debut The First Ten. Beautifully written and performed by the young singer-songwriter who has been become a ‘must see’ on the thriving London scene.
Review
Ducie – MANCUNIA
A pioneering partnership: Andy Dinan and Ian Fletcher joined forces along with Richard Sliwa and Jon Thorne to work magic on their debut MANCUNIA.
Review
Éamonn Coyne & Kris Drever – Storymap
Éamonn Coyne & Kris Drever’s ‘Storymap’ delighted in an expansive approach to the arrangements, but its strongest asset was the musical tradition of collaboration between like-minded souls.
Review | Interview
Richard Thompson – Electric
Electric’ demonstrated Richard Tompson on top form packing mighty punches in between homely emotive meanderings as he sought challenge and inspiration amongst a brotherly trio.
Review | Interview
The Self Help Group – Not Waving, But Drowning
An album that charmed the listener on every level – the three part harmonies are spine-tingling, the expansive arrangements warm and inviting, and the lyrical content fascinating.
Review
Ólöf Arnalds – Sudden Elevation
Ólöf Arnalds’s third album Sudden Elevation made a big impact on many, not least Anne, who reviewed this album for us and produced this artwork.
Review
Faustus – Broken Down Gentlemen
The second album by trad folk trio Faustus breathed new life into a raft of well known and not so well known songs. Another album that was well worth the wait.
Review | Guest Post
The Willows – Beneath Our Humble Soil
The Willows debut release ‘Beneath Our Humble Soil’ was a hugely enjoyable album; with songs that engaged and enlivened and Jade Ward’s husky tones created bewitching vocal performances.
Review | FRUK Video Session
The Leisure Society – Alone Aboard The Ark
An album that will appear in many lists…this was the sound of a band growing up…where this album succeeds is in the songcraft of Hemming and Christian Hardy.
Review | Interview
Way to Blue – The Songs of Nick Drake
This was one I just couldn’t miss out: curated by the legendary Joe Boyd it featured the likes of Teddy Thompson, Vashti Bunyan, Robyn Hitchcock, Lisa Hannigan, Scott Matthews, Danny Thompson and more.
Review
Jackie Oates – Lullabies
This was a great album from the lovely Jackie who never fails to impress. It featured some of her favourite lullabies and sleep songs…she also did a very special Lullabies themed radio show for us.
Review | Radio Show
Blue Rose Code – North Ten
Ross Wilson’s (aka Blue Rose Code) debut album ‘North Ten’ was staggeringly brilliant…shot through with an overriding sense of calm in which travel and rootlessness are abiding themes whose heart – as Bob Dylan would say – is in the Highlands.
Review | Interview
PART THREE COMING SOON