Why does Englebert Humperdinck always have to come along and spoil everything.
Friday, August 14, 2026
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 140 Land Hekte - Lucky Now
Young love. Exetre's finest. The spirit of Dolly Mixtures meet Billy Bragg sign up to Tapete Records and settle down in the West Country and live happily ever after !
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,335 Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
I arrived late for Sharon Van Etten. But the important thing was getting there. Here's what I wrote at the time: An altogether fabulous gift to arrive in January, which this record did in 2019. She also played a just fabulous gig at the Tyne Theatre which I was fortunate to witness in early Autumn:
New Years generally take a while to kick off music wise. But 2019 really set off in fine form for me on Friday with the release of at least three great records, all surely destined to land up high in my end of year countdown when we finally get round to that. And the best of the three to my ears is Remind Me Tomorrow, the latest album by Sharon Van Etten.
Listening through to the record all the way through on Friday was something of a revelation. I'm not enormously familiar with Van Etten's back catalogue which stretches back to 2005, but this album is evidence enough as to why she's held in such high esteem by so many.
It's a highly immediate record, each song sounding as if you've heard it before somewhere, not to say that it's derivative, merely highly evocative and crafted. By the time I got to fourth track Comeback Kid, the record's initial taster, released towards the end of last year, a lost Eighties hit that never was and one of the best songs of recent years, I was already sold.
If the record is something of a statement about determinedly facing forward and stepping away from abuse and distress, (this is well documented in Van Etten's interviews and work), there is scant self-pity here. The picture on the sleeve of the record, of a child surrounded by childhood detritus, is an illustration of clutter, the clutter we all come into the earth to and continue to accumulate, try to come to terms with and discard all the way through life. It describes as well as anything could, a struggle that's going on within the songs themselves.
In a recent interview with Uncut Magazine Van Etten herself identified Portishead, Nick Cave's Skeleton Tree and Suicide as key stylistic inspirations for Remind Me Tomorrow. I can certainly hear echoes of the latter's doomed, urban romanticism here. Elsewhere, I'll leave a proper set of reference points to a friend of mine, and supporter of this blog and someone who's more familiar with Van Etten's work than I am, who has promised an assessment of his own. When he writes it I'll get back and amend this post.
For the time being I'd say that Remind Me Tomorrow is the best record I've heard thus far this year. If I hear more than a handful of better ones it will be a very good year all round. It's an album with all the bruised honesty, artistic intensity and beauty of a late Seventies Springsteen or Patti Smith record but most importantly it makes its own space and stands alone. It's just fabulous!
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 90 The Coral - The Coral
When The Coral came out in 2002 I was in Poland I wondered whether I was missing anything . I was aware of where they were coming from Forever Changes . Piper At The Gates of Dawn. Kilimanjaro. Crocodiles.Listening to The Coral now I wish I'd spent more time with it. It has the Baroque Charm of youthful misadventure and wideyed wonder. Tales of yore and imagined yesterdays and tomorrows. But it's not a loss that pains me.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,479 Phoebe Bridgers
Waiting for the Encore. It's Friday morning. The sun is rising in the heavens. What better to do than absorb yourself in someone else's melancholia? So to Phoebe Bridgers first solo album for six years; Lost Weekend. Well it's almost the weekend. Why not ?
And what's the first thing you get? Vocoder. And drift. Thirty Something drift. Weightlessness and reference to loss and despair. References to her deceased Dad and relationship severance and sadness. Being killed by being alive.
Wan Indie melodies. Paul Simon for modern times. But with less philospophical weight or direction. This is aural wallpaper for an age where the central condition seems to be a sense of dislocation.
So this is all rather glum but it's relatable glumness. Song titles such as 'Lost Boys', 'The Outside' Kill Me.' It's relentlessly self absorbed but aren't we all . 'Why am I here?' 'Why indeed?'
This is relatable easy listening. It all strikes me as rather akin to the last words of Waiting For Godot. ' Lets go.' 'We can't' Why not' 'We're waiting for Godot.' I quite like it
Thursday, August 13, 2026
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 91 The Walkmen - Bows & Arrows
In 2001 I went to New York City with a good friend with a half baked view to living there. We went to see Walkmen play with Interpol. It was the times. I was very taken with Walkmen. Lees so with Interpol who reminded me of .... Bows + Arrows still sounds like a realised bohemian dream.
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 141 Pye Corner Audio - More Songs About The Sun.
What more could you want on a Friday morning than More Songs About The Sun. Just on cue here come Pye Corner Audio with just that. Feelgood electro throbbing chugging into clear waters and heading for the distant horizon. It seems clear we have the wind in our sails !
Song(s) of the Day # 4,478 The Hobknobs
Reasons to be cheerful, Part erm..... well four thousand four hundred and seventy eight. And counting.... The Hobknobs and their debut a;bum Helmets Off takes the biscuit frankly !
From the Dutch Lou & Mo school of Indie strum. No lack of ennui and boho poetry. Every one's a monochrome winner baby !
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Song(s) of the Day # 4,477 Grapes Of Grain
'Season of mist and mellow fruitfullness.'
Dutch masters Graps of Grain's fourth A Muted Hey embraces a rustic palette and moves into a field of its own . A beautiful set of songs that hark back to Darryl Anne, Bette Serveert and The Nits.
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,336 Dead Can Dance - Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun
Some quite extraordinary albums came out on 4 AD Records during the Eighties. Not least of them the ones by Dead Can Dance. They were a band who made every effort to live up to the spectral potential of their name. A lot of this seems incredibly ahead of its time.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,477 Ravyn Levae
Blue Island by Ravyn Levae is a slightly Old School Dancefloor /Workout. Reminiscent of Janet Jackson and Janelle Monae. A familiar dream. It's undemanding but wholesome.
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 142 Fake Canadian - Fellow Traveller
Howard Ingerman of Fake Candian asks the question on the lips of all discerning Pop Pickers. Namely was Andy Partridge circa 1978, the most irritating voice in the History of Rock & Roll?
The jury is still out on that one. Fake Canadian's Fellow Traveller spins on in best skinny tie New Wave fashion, if New Wave had happened in the suburbs of San Jose.. Timothy Is In Danger is a Generation Z rewrite of Making Plans For Nigel. This is confused hormonal joy for badege collectors.
The marmite factor kicks in pretty quickly on . Andy Partridge They Might Be Giants, Howard Ingerman. Timothy is in dange
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 92 Simian - Chemistry is What We Are
Protean and slightly worthy. But more-ish ! Feels like being on a Mission to Mars on a shuttle crewed by vegans.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 93 Robert Wyatt - Cuckooland
There's a wan melancholy about Robert Wyatt record's that is very distinctive. And very English.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,476 True Green
True Green's Hail Disaster is that rare thing. A dappled and consistently revealingmodern album that presents fresh territory to explore at every turn without having inhibiting influential sources . Minneapolis novelist and musician Dan Hornsby works melodic guitar, drum bass and keyboard as his basic ingredients, the human condition as his terrain but sets forth from there with ceaseless invention, curiosity and wit.
Hornsby owes something to the likes of David Berman, Neil Young and Jeff Tweedy. But he marks out fresh territory that is fresh and rewarding listening His songs are mournful and world weary occasionally. Most of all he loves language and the sacred lanes that can be plotted through the forest.
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 143 Liam Hayes
'Wearing canvas sneakers in the freezing snow....'
Being happy to remain a cult is never a bad idea. A hidden secret to those in the know. Liam Hayes, the Chicago artist formerly known as Plush seems happy with what he is and what he does. Latest album Dancing Backwards is a good case in the argument that if it ain't broken why change things.Just change gear, Into the smooth lane.
Why indeed. This by turns is soulful, chintzy culty cool Smoochy cruise lounge music for the Indie set. Lush and indeed Plush. Charm personified. 'He's dancing backwards, heading for that iceberg; I'll drink to that !...
Monday, August 10, 2026
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,337 Nico - The Marble Index
Nico is an artist you grow into. Not unlike the embrace of the grave. You're not born with awreness of mortality but it's something you learn to respect given the passing of time. A voice and presence that feels alien and offputting when you're young actually feels like great company with the passing years.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,475 Bellows
Bellows 'Que Bellow!' Brooklyn Twee Pop in the Sufjan Stevens School of doing things is charm and rapture and melody personified. It takes Sufjan's innoavtions to their logical conclusion. To a point where everything, absolutely everything is turning in on itself leading to a riotous eruption of colour, motion and invention wherever you look.
In quick turn. One track after another. Call and response Baroque intriacy. Orchestral ambition and exmination of beauty at every turn.
This is incredibly indulgent stuff but more admirable for each turn, It's so hook laden that it feels like you're gorging on marshmallow but makes you keep coming back for more. A record that stalks continents. Tell your friends. Spread the word !
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 96 Johnny Cash - American III; Solitary Man
Johnny Cash takes ordinary and extraordinary songs,. Gives his twist on them and they have another dimension.
Sunday, August 9, 2026
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 144 C.O.L.A - Cost Of Living Adjustment
Drinking a Cola, listening to C.O.L.A.'s latest; Cost Of Living Adhustment. Aren't I just the Post Punk, Punk. It's a cool album. Cure meet Wire in Toronto at a Surrealist Exhibition.
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,338 Yes - Relayer
I'm constantly urged to listen to Yes. Then I'm faced immediately by 21 minute tracks which commence with everybody soloing. I feel my will to live ebbing . And then the voacals kick in. Meh!
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 97 Aaliyah - Aaliyah
Aaliyah's an artists I wasn't aware of until ten minutes ago. This album came out a quarter of a century ago and she was gone shortly afterwards. It's a sinuous, wonderful album that hasn't dated an ounce.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,474 Nirosta Steel
This is a cooler than thou Song of the Day. One for the art set. For those who stroke their chins and like to listen to Arthur Russell and Laurie Anderson rarities before doing some coke and going for cocktails in downtown Manhattan. Wish I was there !
Long time Arthur Russell collaborator Nirosta Steel has finally released his debut album My Skyscraper decades down the line and Pitchfork are so delighted about it they've published the kind of review you'd expect focusing on the concept of play as a tagline.
My Skyscraper is certainly a whole new shade of fun. Funky, elusive, full of in jokes and fretless bass. Light as souffle and not an ounce on the waist. Waiter !!!
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,339 XTC - Drum & Wires
At secondary school, XTC were approachable. They were not that much older than us and from all appearances not much more mature, they snapped into the hormonal mindset.
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 98 Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
An early indication from the Arcade Camp that 'messianic' can also equate with 'ludicrously egotistical and narcississtic ' and 'rather humourless'. This has its moments but I prefer to go to Funeral or The Suburbs. They're Arcade Fire albums peeps.
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 145 Alice Costelloe - Move On With The Year
Move on with the year? Well that's certainly the plan. Onto March and Spring and the lengthening days and the Easter season. Today we have precisely that Move On With The Year the debut album from Alice Costelloe and a veritable peach. Thanks once more to Darren Jones for directing me here.
Reading through the accompanying blurb there seems to be a certain heft and marketing expectation behind the release of the record . It struck me as a very 2026 sounding record. Innocence, awe. Wide eyed millennial wonder. It reminded me of Aldous Harding who will be along before long with her new album on May 8th. In the meantime this will more than do.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,473 Wendy Eisenberg
A record I've been listening to on and off for a couple of weeks. Wendy Eisenberg by Wendy Eisenberg on Joyful Noise Recordings. Strangely her eigth album in all. Post Millennial ennui and positivity. Rather Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in tone. Laurel Canyon autumnal vibes swinging lightlly off its axis. and really rather poetic and entrancing.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,340 St Vincent - Actor
Another day, another shot at Actor and St. Vincent. I try with st Vincent, I really do. Perhaps it's uncharitable of me but I never feel that I'll ever try quite as hard as she does herself. Her music is erm.... artful and kitsch in turns. She's rather like a Wes Anderson character. A little cluttered for my tastes.
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 97 Richmond Fontaine - Post To Wire
Richmond Fontaine are the kind of seasoned Americana contenders that Uncut Magazine grinds its bones to make their bred upon. I find it's not generally what i'm looking for first thing but it tends to grow on me as the sun completes its climb in the heavens.
Bands like this and Wilco could easily have been writers or journalists in another age but during the Rock & Roll years have chosen to make their living on the circuit. From one town to the next from one record to the next. Chronicling the life of the midwest journeyman.
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 146 The Sleeves - The Sleeves
The list of Great Rock & Roll band names yet untaken shortens once again. We've had The Shirts. We've had The Shoes and The Sneakers. Now we have The Sleeves . Jack Cooper is behind this and they have a debut album out which is glacial and cool. Made up of sparse minimal Post Rock tunes.
Great start to my Sunday morning. Low, Slint, Wire and Codeine spring to mined. Going back to the third Velvet Underground album. The well of this remarkable Spring.
Song(s) of the Day # 4,473 Fake Canadian
Howard Ingerman of Fake Candian asks the question on the lips of all discerning Pop Pickers. Namely was Andy Partridge circa 1978, the most irritating voice in the History of Rock & Roll?
The jury is still out on that one. Fake Canadian's Fellow Traveller spins on in best skinny tie New Wave fashion, if New Wave had happened in the suburbs of San Jose.. Timothy Is In Danger is a Generation Z rewrite of Making Plans For Nigel. This is confused hormonal joy for badege collectors.
The marmite factor kicks in pretty quickly on . Andy Partridge They Might Be Giants, Howard Ingerman. Timothy is in danger.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,341 White Stripes - Icky Thump
I confess I sometimes struggle with Jack White and wonder whether I should be listening to a record he likes instead.
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 98 Radiohead - Amnesiac
I try not to be a music snob though in some ways I realise I am. Music has been my major experience over the course of life really. There are other strands but music strikes me as the most important channel and source.
I'm not a competist as far as Radiohead go. I don't know all their records intimately. But frankly I'd say they dwarf most other bands in terms of their scope and ingenuity
Song(s) of the Day # 4,472 Gentle Brontosaurus
I love music that seems to come at you from another time and that seems to be a characteristic of music of these times. Gentle Brontosaurus hail from Madison Wisconsin and their vibe parks its tent midway between Alvvays and Belle & Sebastian.
But Three Hares their latest album takes me back further still. To the early to mid Eighties and the set of the more wholesome and tuneful bands of the American Alternative Invasion; the sweeter side of R.E.M., True West 10,000 Maniacs, Let's Active et al. Three Hares is at once and act of reclamation and rediscovery. It's sweet as American Ppie
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 147 CS Cleaners
'Start spreading the news....' Where shall we start with CS Cleaners. Art Punk New York ingenues and their debut album What's This? . So What's This? Is This It? I wonder . It may as well be . I've been driven back 25 years already today as my sister has been posting wonderful pictures of her Wedding Day on her 25th Wedding Anniversary and dragging me back to that day. Sometimes you need to be dragged back in order to be dragged into a new space . Life is funny like that.
What's This? may not be Is This It? . But it exists in a not disimilar, unapolagetic space. It's uncomfortable in its own skin and that's contagious. It has quite the worst / best album cover you'll see this year. A mangey, mishappen but deeply loveable panther that's highly artistically improbable but deeply desirable at one and the same time. The record makes you feel like you're back in CBGB's or the Knitting Factory having one of the best nights of your life. Apple Art ! Cor !!!!
1967 Top 40 8th June # 8 Jimi Hendrix Experience
;The traffic lights they turn blue tomorrow.'
To live in a moment when a song like this was im the Top Ten.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,342 Led Zeppelin - Presence
Led Zep weree winding down but you wouldn't really have known it.
1967 Top 40 8th June # 9 Arthur Conley
120 seconds. A roll call. Some dances you might like to matser. No chorus to talk of but no real need for one.
It Starts With a Birthstone - 200 Albums for 2026 # 148 Drained Aeroplanes - Childish
The kind of record I'm immediately drawn to. An Australian band called Drained Aeroplanes. A name to conjur with. Childish. The title distils the essence of the record. Dreaming Sydney Indie. Short and sweet. Awkward and imprecise. Feels like as good a way to spend your youth as any.
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 99 Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
Song(s) of the Day # 4,471 Fazed On A Pony
There are times on It Starts when it feels like I'm on a hitting streak. Like a midwest hitter rounding the bases with the ball long gone. I've got a few more up my sleeve for the coming days. Today Fazed On A Pony's swan. Out of Auckland and in the best Flying Nun traditions.
This one skims across the lake like a perfectly judged pebble.VBut it's a verstile pebble. arying its delivery and intent with each suceeding track. It's a record that makes you glad to be alive which is all you can really ask of any album. Wire meet The Chills.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Best Ever Albums - 2,000 - 1,001 - 1,343 Pearl Jam - Yield
I had my moments with Pearl Jam. An important friendship. Earnestness was the band's essential quality, but hey. I can be earnest myself. They also cannot resist drawing a metaphorical line in the metaphorical sand. Wuth them a song on every album comes along and my reaction is 'Yes'. There were actual several such moments on Yield.
500 Greatest Albums of the 2000's # 100 Jim O'Rourke - Insignificance
You feel like you are in safe hands here. A verteran of Wilco and Sonic Youth.. A craftsman. This draws on Harry Nilsson and is all the more weathered and inscrutable for that.
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