1.wintersleep – drunk on aluminium
I first discovered Wintersleep through the black cab sessions website. Their song "weighty ghost" just got stuck in my head and refused to budge. I starred the track on spotify, but didn't really listen much further until October, when I listened to the album obsessively for a week. And so should you...
2.efterklang - alike
I'd heard of Efterklang, but never heard any of their music until I went to go and see a showing of their film with Vincent Moon, An Island, at the Cube early in the year. To be honest, I mostly went because most of my friends were going, and it was free. I was completely captivated by the film and the music in it and highly recommend checking it out - a lovely mix of beautiful music in significant places. This song is one of my favourite performances from the film.
3.okkervil river - westfall
I missed Okkervil River at End of the Road, but my friend Chris recommended I checked them out as they were playing in Bristol. The first time I heard the first few bars of this song I knew I'd like them. I'm still working my way through their back catalogue, but they were awesome live - great performance, a really long set and generally really lovely music.
4.first aid kit – i met up with a king
Oh First Aid Kit, how I love thee. I can't remember how I discovered them, but I cannot stop listening to them. Two sisters with beautiful interweaving haunting vocals and songs that make me want to go and lie in a forest and look at the stars. And you should definitely check out their version of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by Fleet Foxes (their youtube cover is what made them famous).
5.sweet baboo – how i’d live my life
This discovery was stolen from my friend Jess's facebook. She posted the video to this song (see below) on her facebook wall, and it was so full of summer that I couldn't help but listen to it again and again. And the further away from summer we get, the more I love it...
6.blind pilot – 3 rounds and a sound
I saw these guys supporting the lovely Decemberists earlier this year. Often support acts can be a bit disappointing, but these guys were amazing, and I'd have paid to go and see them alone. I mean, what's not to like about a band that has a vibraphone as an instrument. Lovely album that's been one of my most played this year.
7.she keeps bees – ribbon
I haven't listened to much she keeps bees stuff in general, but I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO THIS SONG. Such a strong and distinctive voice. Lovely. I don't know what else to say, other that I love it.
8.soulsavers - revival
My friend Gavin shared this on facebook. Cue obsessive listening for a week. I love the gospel tones with Mark Lanegan's vocals cutting through... Beautiful.
9.sia – breathe me
I got introduced to this song when my friend Liam used it as the backing track for the video he made of my origami bombing. So for me it is a beautiful reminder of a project and will forever remind me of that. Just those beginning few bars are enough to make me smile...
10.this is the kit – birchwood beaker
Last year a few of my friends made me mix cds in return for the ones I gave out. My friend Paula put this song on hers and I love it. I saw This Is the Kit last year at a gig that my friend Joe put on, but I didn't get round to listening to any of the albums until I heard this song again on Paula's cd. It just reminds me of snow and wintery walks and cold fingers...
11.james vincent mcmorrow – hear the noise that moves so soft and low
I spent a lot of time at Green Man festival sorting out and running the treasure hunt that we put on. On the Friday evening when my friend James arrived, I decided it was time I heard some music, and so we went on a bit of a wander to see what was on. We stopped at the big top and heard this guy play. We were both so taken with the music that we stayed for the rest of the gig.
12.dan mangan - robots
Oh Dan Mangan. *Sigh*. I love Dan Mangan. Yes, it's true. And it's not just that he's Canadian and bearded. He also happens to make rather lovely music too. I managed to see him at Green Man festival this year, and this song was probably my festival highlight. When it got to the "robots need love too" refrain, he jumped into the audience, and walked through, playing unplugged and getting everyone to sing. And everyone did. Awesome. Kudos to Chris H for the intro..
13.curtis eller – taking up serpents again
My friend Dan posted about Curtis Eller earlier in the year, but I couldn't go to the gig as I was telling a story at an event that night. Fortunately he decided to grace Bristol with his presence again, and so I got a second chance. Definitely one of my favourite gigs of the year, featuring high kicks and yodelling. He also performed most of the gig sat on the bar in the middle of the venue as he claimed he couldn't see the audience at the back...
14.josh ritter – girl in the war
I genuinely don't know who recommended Josh Ritter to me. So whoever it was, thankyou - I found a note on my phone last month telling me to listen to him, but I can't remember when Iwrote it. But I listened to him, and liked his music a lot, so here he is.
15.detektivbyran – e18
My friend Patrick was in Bristol for a training course and played me some Detektivbyran, and I was instantly hooked. I have no idea how to describe it to people, but I love it. I was pretty gutted when I found out they're no longer together and that I therefore won't get to see them live. This album also provided much road trip entertainment for a couple of friends on their honeymoon, and so will also always remind me of them...
16.delaney davidson – i slept late
My friend Scruff puts on gigs at the Cube, and she'd arranged for Delaney Davidson to come and play, as she'd seem him in New Zealand and raved about him. I went along, camera in tow, and was blown away. With just a guitar and a loop pedal, he crafted some amazing songs. And he organised the first waltz competition that I've ever seen at a gig....
17.herman dune – my home is nowhere without you
Another one that I discovered through my friend Dan, who posted this video on facebook. I mean, what's not to love about a furry blue thing... I managed to catch them at the Thekla earlier in the year, and then saw part of their set again at End of the Road too...
18.lulu & the lampshades - cups
This is probably my most listened to song this year. It gets stuck in my head and I sing it for weeks. My friend Paula posted it on my facebook wall, and I loved the concept and the video. Watch and love...
19.shout out louds – very loud
Another one where I'm not quite sure how I discovered it. It might have been my friend Chris H, but I'm not sure.. Either way I love it and it makes me want to get up and dance...
20.los campesinos! – you! me! dancing!
Now this definitely was an introduction via Chris H. And it's awesome. The clue is in the title, but it will make you want to dance. With an exclamation mark. And it's an excellent song for a road trip, driving through windy roads in the sunshine...
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