retiredmartin

Many of you* have asked me what bangers I’ve been listening to as I rack up hour after hour on the UK’s motorways and single track bumpy roads this year. 96 hours in August, says Google.

During the first lockdown my Marvellous Melancholy Melodies post was a huge hit with readers in the Philippines and Kenya, but I’ve resisted boring you with my latest weird music picks prompted by Tidal till now.

Now if this was BRAPA you’d get a selection of punk (‘s not dead) classics like “Oi ! open yer frecking micro NOW !”, “Don’t dribble on my GBG, Twild” and “Time for a third (3rd) ESB, then“.

But stuff that. These are five records I’ve played on repeat this year.

JULIA JACKLIN – PRE-PLEASURE album

Long my favourite, her third record released last week is startlingly diverse. Pleasingly/worryingly, James has also booked a ticket to see Julia in Manchester in November; he may choose not to stand anywhere near me when I start singing “I Was Neon“.

Her Dad is from Northampton, I find out. I must find out if Julia knows the Rifle Drum is closed.

ALIX PAGE – “25” – My discovery, MINE ! Though I expect to have to share her with all the Olivia and Gracie fans who have seen her as support recently. You know, sometimes I almost feel as old as 25.

LIZZY McALPINE – FIVE SECONDS FLAT

More mature beyond their years America teenager love songs about cars, therapy and duff boyfriends.

A touch of Joni, a dash of Phoebe, and something totally unique. I’m seeing Lizzy in Paris (France, not Orkneys) in November (only tickets available); that’s how good she is.

BIG THIEF – DRAGON NEW WARM MOUNTAIN I BELIEVE IN YOU album

Everyone loves Big Thief, don’t they** ? And they seem to have struck gold with their latest jam packed record as played to an adoring Manchester crowd this year. James loves them too, which is worrying.

GARY NUMAN – ARE “FRIENDS” ELECTRIC ?

No idea about this one. Could be a hit.

And finally, my obligatory Spanish language indie classic;

IVAN FERREIRO – TURNEDO

I’m addicted to Turnedo, I really am, particularly the instrumental half from 2:20.

I hope you don’t like it; I want to be the only English speaking Turnedo obsessive.

Sorry, no Skids.

*none of you

** leave the music reviews to Chris Dyson, RM