2021 - The Albums
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:42 am
2021 looks to be going out with more of a whimper than a bang, again. Another year of lockdown(s) and brief glimpses of post-pandemic freedom from masks and vaccinations. The world has changed, lunatics have taken over the asylum and a Dutchman is the new Formula 1 champion!
But - music is still being made, creativity thrives under pressure, and new delights have emerged to keep us sane whilst surrounded by madness and despondency.
My first discovery of the year was Eefje de Visser's 'Bitterzoet' (Bittersweet), a hypnotic, surreal voyage that entrances and delights (don't mind the Dutch lyrics - it's the mood and atmosphere that matter).
2021 should have been her year, a hit album and major European tour were in the planning; things didn't quite work out that way - so she went and had a baby instead.
Another dose of eclectic weirdness - and this time from windswept Denmark - Efterklang 'Windflowers' is an optimistic ray of light for a sombre world. Uplifting and thought-provoking. Proof that Corona can produce good things.
After lying in a cupboard for decades, the tapes of a concert from 1965 were found and issued as John Coltrane 'A Love Supreme Live in Seattle', a sprawling blast of megawatt-intensity as Coltrane and co blaze through what must be his finest work. A rare opportunity to hear the master in action for those of us born too late for the Jazz Age.
Looking for something quieter - try Max Richter, the Corona-period has had him in the studio and the result is 'Voices 2' a follow-up to last years 'Voices' which was a cry for human respect and the right to exist. 'Voices 2' is an ambient work of calm beauty that must have Brian Eno going green with envy. Tranquility encapsulated.
From the same generation of contemporary classical/electronic crossover artists is Olafur Arnalds 'Some Kind of Peace`
At the moment, this is my contender for 'Album of the Year' as it has just about everything you could want: delicate songs, gorgeous atmospherics and stunning production. Arnalds best work to date and rivals 'All Melody' from his sparring partner Nils Frahm. This record is truly worth a listen (be warned - it will find a place in your heart).
If having your heartstrings pulled is your thing - get hold of Elbow 'Flying Dream 1' which has them in quiet introspection on the stage of a deserted theatre. The lockdown has given this wonderful band the chance to show what they are capable of with a sensitive, melancholy warmth.
"Poor old Fret - he's gone all soft!". Stop sniggering at the back there and crawl in submission at the feet of Samantha Fish 'Faster' - then tell me who's soft!
To round up this look back at 2021; a taster for 2022 Tangerine Dream 'Probe 6-8 (EP)' points the way to a new album from TD with a new lineup that is still following the path laid down by the late, great Edgar Froese. Something to look forward to.
These were the new releases I did hear this year - in-between manically rebuilding my former vinyl collection and obsessively pursuing the likes of The Durutti Column and Nektar.
So what other excellent music have I missed out on, anyone?
But - music is still being made, creativity thrives under pressure, and new delights have emerged to keep us sane whilst surrounded by madness and despondency.
My first discovery of the year was Eefje de Visser's 'Bitterzoet' (Bittersweet), a hypnotic, surreal voyage that entrances and delights (don't mind the Dutch lyrics - it's the mood and atmosphere that matter).
2021 should have been her year, a hit album and major European tour were in the planning; things didn't quite work out that way - so she went and had a baby instead.
Another dose of eclectic weirdness - and this time from windswept Denmark - Efterklang 'Windflowers' is an optimistic ray of light for a sombre world. Uplifting and thought-provoking. Proof that Corona can produce good things.
After lying in a cupboard for decades, the tapes of a concert from 1965 were found and issued as John Coltrane 'A Love Supreme Live in Seattle', a sprawling blast of megawatt-intensity as Coltrane and co blaze through what must be his finest work. A rare opportunity to hear the master in action for those of us born too late for the Jazz Age.
Looking for something quieter - try Max Richter, the Corona-period has had him in the studio and the result is 'Voices 2' a follow-up to last years 'Voices' which was a cry for human respect and the right to exist. 'Voices 2' is an ambient work of calm beauty that must have Brian Eno going green with envy. Tranquility encapsulated.
From the same generation of contemporary classical/electronic crossover artists is Olafur Arnalds 'Some Kind of Peace`
At the moment, this is my contender for 'Album of the Year' as it has just about everything you could want: delicate songs, gorgeous atmospherics and stunning production. Arnalds best work to date and rivals 'All Melody' from his sparring partner Nils Frahm. This record is truly worth a listen (be warned - it will find a place in your heart).
If having your heartstrings pulled is your thing - get hold of Elbow 'Flying Dream 1' which has them in quiet introspection on the stage of a deserted theatre. The lockdown has given this wonderful band the chance to show what they are capable of with a sensitive, melancholy warmth.
"Poor old Fret - he's gone all soft!". Stop sniggering at the back there and crawl in submission at the feet of Samantha Fish 'Faster' - then tell me who's soft!
To round up this look back at 2021; a taster for 2022 Tangerine Dream 'Probe 6-8 (EP)' points the way to a new album from TD with a new lineup that is still following the path laid down by the late, great Edgar Froese. Something to look forward to.
These were the new releases I did hear this year - in-between manically rebuilding my former vinyl collection and obsessively pursuing the likes of The Durutti Column and Nektar.
So what other excellent music have I missed out on, anyone?
