Albums

Recorded live in the mountains of Asturias in Spain, Los Campeones En Vivo demonstrates what a powerful live force Danny and the Champs are, unleashed on stage they’re like a power station on steroids.

Whether painting small vignettes, looking inward at his own emotions or addressing wider issues, Declan O’Rourke’s “Arrivals” is an intimate listen, one that draws you into its musical and emotional orbit with the brushstrokes of a master craftsman.

It seems Sarah-Jane Summers & Juhani Silvola cannot put a foot wrong and The Smoky Smirr o Rain is a stunning addition to an already impressive catalogue of music. Written and played with skill, flair and feeling, this album is vital and quite wonderful.

For week three of the Bob Dylan Appreciation Society, Danny Neill steers our attention towards Dylan’s songs of Society, Protest & Classic Story Songs. Again Danny has pulled together another great playlist to accompany the piece.

Last year Dylan sang, “I contain multitudes” quoting Whitman, a sentiment this sophomore tour de force boldly epitomizes. Equal parts glamorous and grotesque, Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s Superwolves is a sprawling, bewildering frenzy of ideas and emotions, leaving the listener with plenty to unpick.

Musically, vocally and lyrically absorbing, Abigail Dowd’s ‘Beautiful Day’ may chart one woman’s story of rising above the odds, but in troubled times such as these, it offers a universally inspirational voice to ride the flood rather than being drowned by it.

Backed by a very strong cast of musicians, Neilson Hubbard returns with ‘Digging Up The Scars’, a simple, yet affecting and deeply resonant album looking at coming to terms with the past, of finding acceptance and healing.

A terrific traditional folk album and a fascinating insight into Angela Carter’s creative process and her own pretty much unknown involvement in the folk scene, one which will surely further expand Paulusma’s reputation and bring Carter’s writings to a whole new audience.

Lunatraktors ‘The Missing Star’ is a recording that will linger in your thoughts. A powerful comment on the politics of our day, it deserves a wider listen, and I for one, would love to see this performed live. A timely recording. We need this.

Like Toby Hay’s ‘Morning / Evening Raga’ album, Home Recordings Vol 1 is instrumental guitar music at its purest and there is much beauty in its simplicity and control.

For week two of the Bob Dylan Appreciation Society, Danny Neill steers our attention towards a specific side of Bob Dylan’s writing: Love songs and relationship songs which is accompanied by a four-hour playlist for you all to enjoy.

The Brother Brothers return with Calla Lily, a collection of instantly memorable songs about everyday humanity…Blooming wonderful.