Albums

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.

Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi’s new album is unlike anything else you will experience this year. They’re Calling Me Home is a metaphor for our times. We all need to find our way home. Let this album serve as your guide.

Curated by Peter Knight and spanning 2009 – 2017, From Poets to Wives is an alluring compilation. Peter Knight’s Gigspanner is a national treasure and this is the best of the very best.

Darkly romantic, hauntingly melodic and flecked with effective experimental embellishments, Amigo the Devil’s ‘Born Against’ stakes an early birthright for the year’s best-of lists, reinforcing the adage that the devil truly does have all the best songs.

Liz Simmons’s new solo album is soft and soothing, though not without a hint of anxiety. Like the wordsmiths of its title, it captures the rhythms, rhymes and cadences of life in its universal being.

Joined by eight female vocalists, Olav Larsen’s “Stream of Consciousness” is an album rich in low-key ambience, its honest sound pervades deep to the soul. It’s a heartbreakingly raw, considered and thoroughly enticing album.