My Favourite Albums Of 2016

Some of the greatest albums this year were some of the saddest and certainly inspired by death: David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, all very different but heartbreaking records. I didn't include Cave on my list because I actually found his album Skeleton Tree, recorded in the aftermath of his son's death, the most difficult to listen to, proving I suppose that death is hardest for those left behind. A lot of my favourite albums this year were definitely dark, because I guess that was my mood in 2016, but I think some were hopeful too. These days I'm finding less solace in music but I am hoping that 2017 will be different.

Best Gigs Of 2016

I didn't go to as many gigs this year but there were still plenty of highlights for me from some old favourites, a few legends and some acts, new and old, who I had never seen before. Probably the most unusual was film director/composer John Carpenter at Troxy, whose mix of electronic soundtracks and visuals was pretty incredible. Meanwhile, Bat For Lashes' themed show showcasing her concept album The Bride was theatrical, warm and brilliant; Margo Price made me fall in love with her thanks to her no-frills traditional country and Low brought their Christmas record to life for me in ways I didn't expect. On top of that I got to meet Greg Dulli, one of my heroes, and to see Neil Young play with his new band, Promise Of The Real,  featuring Willie Nelson's sons. Not bad at all. I hope 2017 has lots of good things in store too.

10. Lush at the Roundhouse

9. Cyndi Lauper at Hammersmith Apollo

8. Greg Dulli at the Union Chapel

7. Neil Young & Laura Marling at the O2 Arena

6. Angel Olsen at Koko

5. Warpaint at the Roundhouse

4. John Carpenter at Troxy

3. Bat For Lashes at the Union Chapel

2. Low: A Christmas Performance at Union Chapel

1. Margo Price at The Scala

Warpaint at the Roundhouse

Warpaint
Shock Machine
Roundhouse, 27 October 2016

I didn't realise it at the time but tonight's support act, Shock Machine, is one third of the recently disbanded and once hugely popular London band the Klaxons. Not that I ever listened or took much notice of the Klaxons while they were still around, so when James Righton of the band ran on stage making his big entrance after his new band had already started playing I just figured it was a newcomer acting the big rock star. Turns out not only is he already something of a rock star he's also married to none other than Keira Knightley.

My Favourite Albums Of 2014

As the years go by I do seem to be more and more drawn to female artists but I do think that the girls of late have been releasing records way more innovative and musically interesting than the boys. Not that there hasn't been amazing records from male artists too.