Danny Neill

Itasca’s Imitation of War is a record that sounds both rooted in history yet alive and breathing as it responds and feels a way through the present-day traumas that engulf us. It is an album overflowing in wonderous moments.

Snow from Yesterday is a shimmering album from the acclaimed Austrian composer Manu Delago featuring Mad About Lemon vocal ensemble. Mesmeric and fresh, it holds a hopeful candle to the human spirit.

Katherine Priddy’s ‘The Pendulum Swing’, is an incredibly cohesive album. With the central theme being the notion of home, it hits the heart and mind with pinpoint accuracy.

“Historic Classic Concert – Live In Nottingham 1986” proves what a fascinating maze the Richard Thompson live concert archive promises to be, oh for the chance to explore the whole treasure trove in depth.

Danny Neill shares his Top 10 Albums of 2023, including Kassi Valazza, Shana Cleveland, Lisa O’Neill, Mick Flannery, Brigid Mae Power, The Circling Sun, Lankum, Ron Sexsmith and more.

On ‘Cat Power Sings Dylan’, the audience’s reaction is an outpouring of love and gratitude deservedly raining down on a timeless set of music and an artist with the depth of understanding, integrity and feeling to pull it off. What a night this must have been.  

Honey & the Bear’s “Away Beyond the Fret” is a remarkable album, especially for capturing profound personal moments alongside folklore, history, nature, superstition, and awe-inspiring tales. They live it like they sing it, with open minds, ears and hearts.

Arriving drenched at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, The Waterboys’ music cast its magic over me, so I was warmed and lifted. They really are one of the most incredibly pure and wonderous bands you could wish to see on the live circuit today.

Withered Hand’s ‘How To Love’ is a remarkable album of human endurance that finds its thrills in the simple pleasures of life and living it as best you can. Dan Willson’s comeback is a thing of triumph and feel-good wonder.

A shake-up in circumstances in tandem with a fresh wave of focus and inspiration has resulted in the strongest Nick Waterhouse album of his career so far; take my advice and go get yourself lost in the magical world of ‘The Fooler.’

On Onliness, Josienne Clarke re-explores material from her own back pages – those that were overlooked, or simply songs she felt were abandoned. As a result, her music in 2023 is alive and simmering.

One thing that keeps Dom Flemons engaged and inspired is his indelible belief in the magic and wonder of music. It is that spirit which rises to the fore so definitively on ‘Traveling Wildfire’, a deep and indispensable album.