Albums of 2024

Welcome to my tenth annual blog picking my albums of the year.  We have reached the halfway point of the decade which has seen the release of such great music from the independent scene. There were loads of  great albums from the bigger / more established acts that are worth a mention and a respectful nod - The Cure, Ride, JAMC, Cast, E.M.F., James, The Black Crowes, Beth Gibbons, Bill Ryder Jones, Paul Molloy, Michael Head, The Lemon Twigs, Empire Of The Sun, Liam Bailey, Fontaines D.C. and Shed Seven’s two number one albums.  

But on my tenth annual Album Of The Year blog I will focus on the best albums from the underground scene.  All albums mentioned below are worth investing your time and money in and the ranking order is entirely my own opinion at this point in time.  Read on to find out which albums I've rated as the best of 2024.   And why not put on the embedded spotify or apple playlist whilst you read on featuring one track from each album. 

#30 The Filthy Honey - The Filthy Honey 

The Filthy Honey is something of an enigma wrapped in a mask - his name is Phill Honey from Oxford and this is his debut album. Electro pop/rock with intelligent lyrics and with 10 songs delivered in 29 minutes and it's a half hour well spent. Favourite songs are the opening trio Those Empty Words, Shoots You Sir!, and  The State Of Me.

Social links: None I could find

Bandcamp: THE FILTHY HONEY | Quickfix Recordings (bandcamp.com)

#29 Lossline - Lossline 

The third album from Manchester's Lossline is another collection of brilliant songs that generally start slow and quiet, build up and then get world weary again all within the traditional limits of a  three minute pop song.  Jen Dixon add her vocals to a duet on the bedsit lament of Prepopulated Page.  My favourites are the trio of singles released on bandcamp, Date Night, I Can't See Past Monday, and Again - which has some of the greatest guitar riffs of the year.

Social links Linktree  Bluesky

Bandcamp: Music | Lossline (The album isn't available on bandcamp but can be found on the streams).

#28 The Howlers - What You've Got To Lose To Win It All 

The Howlers' independent debut album made number 15 in the UK official charts and contains an impressive number of hit songs.  Creating a imaginary world of South of the border indie desert rock to play in, The London band sure have some fun with the concept and I love the inclusion of the mariarchi band trumpets.  My favourite songs are El Dorado, Nothing To Lose, and Take It Easy.     

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Bandcamp: What You've Got To Lose To Win It All | The Howlers (bandcamp.com)

#27 The Wesleys - The Wesleys

From Montreal, Quebec come a band known as The Wesleys who appeared on my radar when they released this groovy rock n roll record. The album harks back to the garage rock sound of The Strokes and the sharp guitars cut through the fuzzy feedback.  There are nine great indie pop songs here and the whole album wraps up in 31 minutes leaving you wanting more.  So play it again!  Favourite songs are A Lot To Lose, Make It My Way and Better Believe It.  

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Bandcamp: The Wesleys | The Wesleys (bandcamp.com)

#26 Quivers - Oyster Cuts 

The Australian band Quivers never disappoint.  There's a mix of musical sytles on the Oyster Cuts album. But whether it's jangly guitars, new wave electro, grunge or a piano ballad there are always wonderful harmonies.   My favourites are Never Be Lonely, Apparition and Fake Flowers.

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Bandcamp: Oyster Cuts | Quivers (bandcamp.com)

#25 Specky Cult - A Different Kind Of Difficult 

Second album from North East band is full of wise words and daftness from aging punks with an ear for a catchy chorus.  My favourites are the internet overload of Pull The Plug, A Different Kind Of Difficult, and Big Shop which is fun to play when navigating supermarket aisles with your trolley.         

Social links (if you can't pull the plug): Twitter  Instagram  Facebook  Bluesky

#24 Wilding - Whatever I Am 

As I recall this album was made by a British man who now lives in Melbourne, Australia.  The musical  influences are Blur circa Modern Life is Rubbish and Ian Dury and the Blockheads on opening track I Am.  There are plenty of brilliant songs that will put a smile on your faceas you are transported back to the early Britpop days. My favourite songs here are He's Got Such Nasty Habits, Logical Steve and Here Comes Badger Jones.

Social links Linktree  

Bandcamp: Whatever I Am | Wilding | Half A Cow Records (bandcamp.com)

#23 The Spase - Sleeplessness

The Widnes band are a trio of lifelong friends and they have released a wonderful third album in Sleeplessness.  This is indie rock with half an eye on pop music.  The song Sorry has the heartfelt vibe of a lost 1998 Manic Street Preachers covering R.E.M.  I can also hear influences from The La's, The Beatles, and a healthuy dollop of Britpop.  Favourite songs are Glue, Sorry, and We Are What We Say Yes To.

Social links Linktree  Bluesky

Bandcamp Sleeplessness | The Spase (bandcamp.com)

#22 Super 8 - Retro Metro 

Super 8 tuned in and dropped out to the 1960's and The Beatles for inspiration on this album. Help era jangle, backbeats, harmonica solos, and super furry harmonies are the order of the day. Trip also gave me a rare interview on the DAFT POM SHOW MAY 2024  Favourite songs here include Keep Doing It (covered in Japenese on his latest EP), Take It From Me, and  Every Word Is True. 

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Bandcamp: Retro Metro | SUPER 8 (bandcamp.com)

#21 The Umbrellas - Fairweather Friend

A San Francisco jangle pop band with dual male and female vocals, the occassional distortion pedal and very tight drumming. Fairweather Friend is their second album, ten short songs that leave you with a C86 smile on your face.  Favourite songs Toe The Line, Gone, and P.M.

Social links Linktree

Bandcamp: Fairweather Friend | The Umbrellas (bandcamp.com)

#20 Black Sonic Revolver - For Those In The Know 

Growling and sneering Velvet Underground/BRMC style rock n roll from Manchester.  For Those In The Know was released in August and has been on high rotation ever since in my headphones.  Favourite songs include Thrill Of The Chase, Same As Yesterday, and album closer Another Way

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#19 Solar Eyes - Solar Eyes

A great album of grungy psychadelic glam rock songs from a Birmingham duo. It's like the JAMC wrote a space opera  whilst off their nuts.  Favourite songs include Alcatraz, Deep Trip, and the spacetti western Dreaming Of The Moon.

Social links: Linktree  

Bandcamp: Solar Eyes | Solar Eyes (bandcamp.com)

#18 The Junior League - Our Broadcast Day

Fans of 80's R.E.M. will enjoy this fine collection of mature songs from Louisiana artist The Junior League. My favourite tracks are 1973 Nervous Breakdown, Let’s Hear It For The Dead & The Whisky Talking. Singer songwriter Joe Adragna has been releasing albums as the The Junior League since 2006 and Our Broadcast Day is at least his ninth album so there's plenty more to investigate if this catches your ear.

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Bandcamp: Our Broadcast Day | The Junior League (bandcamp.com)

#17 The Nature Strip - Domesticated Beast

The Sydney band's fourth power pop album is a blast of fresh air in a stuffy world.  The Nature Strip are planning to release this album on vinyl in early 2025 so keep an eye out for that release.  For now it's on the streams and available digitally via Bandcamp.  My favourite songs here are I Cannot Deny You, Wavelength, and Sixth Sense. 

Social links Linktree  

Bandcamp: Domesticated Beast | The Nature Strip

#16 Chime School - The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel 

The second album from California's Chime School evokes memories of late eighties and early nineties janglepop especially Teenage Fanclub.  Whether happy or sad the songs are all warmly recieved and this is a gorgeous record with great songwriting and many a twelve-string guitar.  Favourite songs include Give Your Heart Away, Wandering Song, and Desperate Days. 

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Bandcamp: The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel | Chime School (bandcamp.com)

#15 Laurie Wright - We're Only Warming Up 

Laurie Wright's second album kicks open the doors with a barnstorming folk punk rock anthem in the album's title.  It's a statement of intent from the talented busking rock star and this album has improved on last year's debut Get On The End Of It.  Several lyrics deal with Laurie's past experience of addiction and how he has overcome them with defiant songs.  Favourite songs I'd Rather Be The Passenger, Who's Laughing Now, and It Was All Part Of The Plan.   

Social links Twitter  Instagram  Facebook

Website: Laurie Wright | Welcome

#14  Lyon Tide - Asides

Opening with a crack of thunder and an acoustic guitar - Yesterday's Storm is a wonderful introduction to the third Lyon Tide album.  It's been two years between the albums but many of the songs have been released as singles over the last twelve months and are now reunited on a strong collection of songs about love and losses.  The piano ballad Justify builds to an orchestrtrated finale and then sevaral more robust guitar driven indie pop songs appear.  This album arrived in November and at the time of writing my favourite songs are You Are My Movie, Clinging To Satellites and Life Support Machine.  But each song has its merits and a summer-time vibe - which is timely for those of us in the southern hemisphere.     

Social links: Twitter  Instagram  Bluesky

Bandcamp: Asides | Lyon Tide

#13 Feverjaw - These Times Of Trouble 

Feverjaw's second album arrived three years after their debut All Bets Are Off  and it is introduced by the ominous rock of This Will End In Blood. Singles Out of Havoc and Never More Than Now are both classic catchy Feverjaw grunge pop and contain the influences from the early Manics, Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins.  Elsewhere Feverjaw use acoustic instruments, a cello, and my favourite song is where they explore the sonic boundaries telling a story in a 9 minute, multi-part song called In Ritual Clockwork.  It's their Paranoid Android or Bohemian Rhapsody moment.   

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Bandcamp: These Times Of Trouble | Feverjaw (bandcamp.com)

#12  Joe Adhemar - Two Magpie Day

The 6th album from singer / songwriter & producer Joe Adhemar opens with an brooding orchestral instrumental followed by trademark Adhemar ivory tickling. The Ian Brown-esque 1934 rages against the current state of world politics and the perils of ignoring  the warnings of history.  Other topics covered on the album include mental health, fake streamers (we see you), a cheating Argentinian, and the toxic binfire that Twitter has become in 2024.  This is a heavy album but one that demands your full attention with your best headphones as you can really hear the production snap, crackle and pop.  Favourite songs include 1934, Oxygen Tank, and The Imposter.  Joe Adhemar is the special guest on my December 2024 episode of the Daft Pom Show and talks about this new (and notable) album as selected by Bandcamp.       

Social Links: Bluesky 

Bandcamp: Two Magpie Day | Joe Adhemar

#11 The Stash Collective - The Tonic

Is it funk? jazz? trip hop? acid rock? chillout? reggae? soul?  It's a bit of all and (forgive the cliche) a case where the sum is greater than the parts.  It's pure groovy madness from Al Borg (of Moonlight Parade) and Rowan Chapman on their second album.  My favourite songs here are The Lick, Never Satisfied, and Sunshine (featuring Michelle Luscombe).  But play the whole thing and dig it, Man!  If you want to hear more of the influences then follow Al's Mixcloud podcast called Kaleidoscope.

Social links: Twitter  Instagram  

Bandcamp: The Tonic | The Stash Collective (bandcamp.com)

#10 Scott Lavene - Disneyland In Dagenham 

The excellent singer songwriter Scott Lavene released his third album this year.  He has a knack of taking about his past and everyday mundane situations and making it funny and set to very Wonky Pop TM.  There 's a mixture of Ian Dury and Jarvis Cocker humour on display on most songs and there's so many little details to soak up that it rewards repeated listening.  My favourites include Sadly I'm Not Steve McQueen, Disneyland in Dagenham and Debbie.

Social links Linktree

Bandcamp: Disneyland In Dagenham | Scott Lavene (bandcamp.com)

#9 October Drift - Blame The Young 

An indie rock band on their third album who I somehow missed until this year.  In fact until writing this blog I thought this was their debut album.  So we've established I'm no authority on the band but they seems to be doing very well without my personal patronage.  Great anthemic rock music.  My favourites are Tyrannosaurus Wreck, Blame The Young, and Wallflower.

Social links Twitter

Website: octoberdrift.os.fan

#8 Arcade State - Life Is Not Linear

Released under the name Arcade State but the Glasgow band are now known as The Painting. In 2024 emotional rock didn't get more emotional (or more rock) than the Life Is Not Linear album.  The lyrics draw you in and the alt rock comes crashing down on you like a tidal wave like a force of nature that sweeps you up in its path and carries you away.  Powerful stuff indeed and I haven't even mentioned the vocals yet. Have now.  Favourite songs include Nothing But War, Thunderstatement and The Barrens. 

Social links Twitter  Bluesky

#7 Bryan's Magic Tears - Smoke and Mirrors

Imagine a French Kasabian covering Dig Your Own Hole and Screamadelica and your in the psychadelic ballpark.  Groovy, hynotic with hints of Jean-Michel Jarre, JAMC, Ride, and The Stone Roses with an acidic house aftertaste. This is the fourth album from Bryan's Magic Tears but it's new to me and the influences mentioned above should excite you to take a chance on this outstanding album. Favourite songs include Stalker, Steam Roller, and Beauty And The Beat.

Social links: Instagram  Facebook

Bandcamp: Smoke and Mirrors | BRYAN'S MAGIC TEARS

#6 Small Black Arrows - The British Museum

A Welsh Mancunian duo signed to 42's Records have released their brilliant debut album which interspaces the songs an electronic museum currator audio tourguide and cut up technology juxtaposing the ancient with the modern.  (I think that's the first time I've written Juxtaposing - Thanks SFA). The songs are often sad downbeat and beautiful with my standout songs being Voices In The Static, Cherophobia & Trojan Horse.    

Social links Twitter  Instagram Facebook 

Website: The British Museum (LP) OUT NOW (lnk.to)

#5 Hightown Pirates - Welcome To Wilderness Hill

The third album from Simon Mason after his move to Margate continues the Hightown Pirates adventures following on from 2017s Dry & High & 2020s All Of The Above.  Welcome To Wilderness Hill is a snapshot of the state of the UK with dry wit, poetic lyrics, and observations on the state of the country set to the Hightown Pirates brand of swinging and swaggering rock n roll.  There are songs about immigration, post Brexit, angry men, religious intolerance, futility and Simon's personal reflections on his past.  It's a brilliant album which deals with some heavy topics and paints a dark picture of England in the 2020s.  The music is wonderful and the biting lyrics usually lighten the mood with a wicked grin.  My favourite songs are A Winter's Tale, Roses and Dust.             

Social links Linktree

Bandcamp: Welcome to Wilderness Hill. (Album 2024) | Hightown Pirates (bandcamp.com)

#4 Amelia Coburn - Between The Moon and The Milkman 

Amelia's Coburn's debut album was produced by Bill Ryder Jones, who has had a preety good year himself.  This album includes re-recordings of some singles that have appeared over the last four years alongside plenty of new material.  The mixture of folk, pop and rock songs show many facits of Amelia's influences and her wonderful vocals are the main attraction here.   It is a very strong album and I'm finding it hard to pick three favourites as I have seven contenders.   Nodding Dog has a real Nick Drake - Bryter Layter feel to it .  See Saw has a spooky 60's hypnotic spell and Sleepy Town, which is livlier than it suggests showcases Amelia's brilliant songwriting, performance and humour.  And don't just take my word for it, Paul Weller has also picked Between The Moon and The Milkman as one of his favourite albums of the year as well! 

Social links Linktree

Bandcamp: Between The Moon and The Milkman | Amelia Coburn (bandcamp.com)

#3 The Heavy North - Fire In The Furnace 

The Heavy North's live album Fire In The Furnace is the best live album of the decade.  It captures the thrilling sound of a great blues rock band at the top of their game performing a setlist that many larger bands would kill for.  A hometown gig with  choral and orchestral augmentation it elevates things to the next level and the audience of fans can be heard lapping it up and singing along. The band have only released two full studio albums and this 21 track live recording is a magnificent slice of concert history with the strut and swagger of The Rolling Stones embodied in a Twenty First Century Merseyside rock band. They even cover Gimmee Shelter - what more could you ask for?  

Social links Twitter   Instagram  Facebook  Bluesky

Website: Home - The Heavy North | Official Website & Online Store

#2 Moonlight Parade - Stranger Times 

Moonlight Parade make what apperas to be effectlessly cool melodic music that sinks into your soul and after a few plays you feel like these songs have been with you all your life.  That's some neat trick, and I'm sure it takes a great deal of effort to create music that sounds effortless.  Every note and sound has it's place and the use of the space in between  gives the songs breathing room and let's the mind wander.  I'm not sure if that makes sense but it's been hard to describe why the experience of playing these songs are so familiar and nostalgic. Stranger Times is the fourth album from the Worthing band and they haven't put a step wrong here.  Get the vinyl from their website link below. Favourite songs include Strange Times, Better Days, and Themes Of The Past. 

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Website: Moonlight Parade Website

#1 The Shop Window - Daysdream 

It's the third album from The Shop Window and they made it a 16 track double album of Janglepop and Shoegaze which they have dubbed the genre Janglegaze.  With the Shoppies members spread accross the country and Carl and Katt now working on the Shapes Like People album - is this the final release from The Shop Window?  Who can say - either way it's a perfect record and they have dominated my album of the year lists between 2021-2024.  At the time of writing there are deals on the vinyl over on bandcamp.  Favourite songs include Made In Heaven, Miracles, and It's A High.  I've already reviewed the album in detail at the link below if you want a deeper dive, but in summary Daysdream is an amazing record that will stand the test of time.  It's probably the best Janglegaze album in the world...ever.  

Full Review Old Indie Kid: The Shop Window - Daysdream - Album Review

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Bandcamp: Daysdream | The Shop Window (bandcamp.com)

My previous Album Of The Year blogs

Old Indie Kid: Albums of 2023 

Old Indie Kid: Albums of 2022

Old Indie Kid: Albums of 2021

Old Indie Kid: Albums of the Year 2020

Old Indie Kid: Albums of the Year 2019

Old Indie Kid: Albums of the Year 2018

Old Indie Kid: Albums of the Year 2017

Old Indie Kid: Albums of the Year 2016

Old Indie Kid: Albums of the Year 2015 

Mixtape May 21

It's May 2021 - It's time to find out what I've been digging over the last month.  Twelve of these artists were unknown to me at the start of the year and there are only two artists I would have known about at the start of 2020.  I love discovering new music and if your reading this then you probably do too.  I'll get straight into it with another 20 recommendations.  Quick reminder that it is Bandcamp Friday on 7th May 2021 so if you have anything in your wishlist then that's the day for an online shopping spree.

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape May 2021 Spotify Playlist 

1) The Vanishing by Dunkie

This band are new to me but they have been working on their craft for several years in Welsh valleys.  Dunkie create ethereal soundscapes and draw listeners into their world.  This isn’t music for the indie disco but perfect for headphones, dark nights and swooning.  The new EP, called the Vanishing and other Stories, features delicate orchestration, rousing rock and many emotional punches to the gut.  The use of guest vocalists keep this 5 track collection fresh and a great introduction to the band.I urge you to save their EP until you find a quiet moment in your day without interruptions so you can take it all in.  

Dunkie remind me of a mixture of many great musical talents.  Here they fall somewhere between Portishead, the Manics and Moonlight Parade but it feels like Dunkie could spring in any direction.  There is a collaboration with artist Michael Gustavius Payne and it is clear that they consider art as an integral part of the Dunkie experience.  Punters that have purchased their debut album from https://dunkie.bandcamp.com/ have left gushing reviews of the attention to detail of the physical CD, artwork, booklet, poetic lyrics and the magical music on debut album - Working to Design.  It is an album I definitely have on my mental wishlist and hopefully it will get a vinyl release soon.  

The most shocking thing to me is that the band have just over a hundred monthly listeners on Spotify so give them some love and share their talents to like-minded musical friends.  This is perhaps the longest review I have ever written on my monthly blog, which reflects just how impressed I am.  Dunkie is a band that deserves to be elevated to a wider audience.

2) Rewind by Redwood 

A hauntingly beautiful song performed by a uniquely talented singer in Redwood.  The question here is whether you would change your life if you could rewind your life?  It is a song that builds from a sparse piano ballad allowing Redwood’s vocals to shine through over a thunderous ending.

3)  Puzzles by Michael Robert Murphy

Keeping things on an upbeat trippy er... trip, we have Michael Robert Murphy who is part of the Mersey Delta's current plethora of psychedelic-tinged artists.  Puzzles was produced and features James Skelly - who appeared on last month's blog working with Lucy Gaffney.  The Coral have also just released a brilliant album so he's been busy lately.  Happily there is plenty more from Michael Robert Murphy to enjoy if you want to delve further with the Metamorph EP released last year and his previous band The Wicked Whispers.  I expect to hear plenty more from Michael Robert Murphy now he's appeared on my radar.       

4) Hide and Seek by Dictator 

Dictator follow up Moonlight with another song with Michael’s vocals again pushed to the fore supported by minimal instrumental accompaniment.  This unusual ploy seems to be working for them and you can’t mistake Dictator for anyone else at the moment.  If you’ve got the range and the confidence then why not push it.  Hide and Seek is a powerful performance and is available to buy from iTunes raising money for Women’s Aid charity.  The Dictator lads feature and wear their hearts on their sleeves and have released two charity songs in six months. Support your favourite Dictator and an important cause by purchasing their Hide and Seek single from iTunes

5) All My Worries by Super 8

Super 8 brings the early Seventies vibes on All My Worries which is a contender for feelgood song of the year. "All My Worries have Gone" sings Super 8 channeling the ghost of John Lennon as he fronts Gorky's Zygotic Minci playing a free festival to the beautiful people in a sunny meadow.  The influences are proudly on display and fun to pick out.  With four albums recorded and a fifth on the way Super 8 is an artist worth discovering.   https://trip8.bandcamp.com/

6) Ye'll Dae What Yer Telt Or Else by Fire Up The Sun

Taking a sledgehammer to the peace and love vibes are my favourite sweary Scottish act Fire Up The Sun.  I realised that is crowded field but the new comers have snatched the title when they released  Big Computer - their third EP.  The lead track is a critique on the expanding power of the state and the population's willingness to surrender to it to a heavy beat reminiscent of Lust for Life.   Just because you're paranoid don't mean their not after you.  Elsewhere on the EP they explain the class struggle with Disney's A Bug's Life, and take on the rest of the world on Nae One Gives A Fuck (Part One).  Bloody hope this means Part Two is coming 'cause it made me laugh out loud.  Get onto this EP and if you're new to Fire Up The Sun then you're in for a rude awakening.      

7) Get What You Deserve by The Kynd

The Kynd where a UK band from the late Nineties who have presumably reformed during lockdown.  Get What You Deserve has got all the Britpop era traits, an anthem built with guitars and strings, a Hurricane#1 vibe with pure vitriol in the lyrics.  I don't remember the band from the 90's so after a quick google I can confirm that they formed in 1991 and Andy Bell (Ah!) produced their debut single Egotripper in 1996.  They released their only album Shakedown in 1999 and broke up the following year.  It seems they have unfinished business and this is a strong comeback single.       

8) Losing My Mind by Louis and the Shakes

This track opens with pounding drums and a great big dirty riff.  It's a familiar tale of boy meets girl, boy loses his mind set to storming indie blues rock.  It's over before its begun so play it a few times.  A taster of things to come when the album arrives later this year.   

9) (You’ve Gotta) Shout It Out by DDE’s

Another song about losing your mind, this time caused by months of lockdown.  Manchester’s DDE’s first release since the excellent Calm Before The Storm EP from July 2020. There are samples of politicians lying about Covid and Brexit, blistering drums, squalling guitars and a pop punk rock tune that wouldn’t be out of place on Green Day’s Dookie.  DDE's call for the end of physical isolation and a return to normality, lots of shouting and running it out of town.  What 'it' is isn’t clear - the Virus? the Tories? the Madness? All of them?  Whatever, it’s rock and roll and calling for a noisy uprising. 

10) Through The Storm by Paul Nixon

The Warrington singer songwriter’s latest single is an acoustic take of his world weary Noel-esque song.  Ultimately it’s a song about offering protection and support during tough times which strikes a chord with so many of us.  It’s just a man, three chords and the truth strumming his guitar.  But it affects you. https://paulnixon.bandcamp.com/

11) Touching Distance by GreenCircles 

The new 4 track EP came out in Mid April and it’s a strong collection of tracks. I was honoured to have the lead track Touching Distance as an exclusive on my radio show and pleased to see the positive response to it upon release. It starts with some strumming guitar and Paul's voice then builds up adding more and more to the mix.  Another string laden ending perfect for swaying crowds lighters held aloft with a tear in the corner of their eyes.  The EP also includes the songs Wrecking Ball, Turn It Up plus the instrumental Gallowgate Ends which I understand is named after a stand at Newcastle’s FC stadium. Anyway this cracking EP isn't on Bandcamp so stream it.  Older singles can be purchased here... https://greencircles1.bandcamp.com/

12) Clusterfuck by Byron Smith

Byron is a singer songwriter from Melbourne with a dry wit and his song Clusterfuck is about how close he is to achieving the beautiful life.  There's only a few hurdles to overcome but unfortunately those hurdles are multiplying faster than they can be tackled.  Some amazing lyrics here and I always hear something new that makes me chuckle on each play.  https://byronsmith.bandcamp.com/

13) One Shot Remix by The Shed Project & MC Tunes

Once upon a time in Bolton there was a band that lived in a magic shed.  When Roy said MC Tunes 3 times into a mirror he summoned the legendary Moss Side rapper.  The lads decided to re-record their One Shot single in the magic shed - believing if they could recreate the baggy spirit of the 1990 Summer of Love, then why the fuck not?  With an original Madchester MC on board, jazzy saxophones, phat beats, squelchy acid and Screamadelica era horns they crafted an groove so addictive that all the Shedheads who heard it lived happily ever after (in rehab). 

14) Frontier Psychiatrist (Mario Caldato Jr's 85% Remix) by The Avalanches 

To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the release of their acclaimed sampledelic debut album, Australia’s The Avalanches are about to release a deluxe edition with some bonus remixes.  I’ve loved this track for two decades and it's refreshed on this new remix.  I was meant to see them at a festival last weekend. Sadly, like so many gigs it was impacted by lockdown restrictions and has been rescheduled for later in the year.  Then again fans of the Avalanches are used to waiting. Remember when The Roses took five years to release their second album?  The Avalanches took fifteen years!

15) Fall For You (Chill UNE Remix) by Crimson Bloom

Fall For You is the jangly hit from Crimson Bloom's excellent debut album.  It has got a chilled out Ibiza treatment at the skilled hands of UNE (Paul Langley and Mark Radcliff).  It takes Fall On You into Together In Electric Dreams territory and bathes it is lush swathes of synths.  Andy's voice and an acoustic guitar are still there but this version would be epic to hear whilst watching the sun rising over the sea.  The EP is called At The Airport (Remix EP) and includes five remixes if you purchase it from https://crimsonbloom.bandcamp.com/ 

16) Sink or Swim by Mark Sharp & the Bicycle Thieves

A jangle indie rock pop tune in the best traditions of the genre.  I like Mark Sharp but I'm not keen on bicycle thieves in general.  Another awesome West Lothian band preparing for some gigs in the UK. https://marksharpmusic.bandcamp.com/music

17) Hold Me In Your Arms by Shark Star

A tear-stained personal lament dealing with his feelings related to the death of his father.  This is wonderful and moving song.  

18) I Said That You Looked Fine by Alex James

Alex James (not the cheese munching bass player from Blur - I did check) created this band whilst  studying Music degree at Newcastle University and they are currently big in Helsinki at the moment.  The music is influenced by dirty riffs and blues rock bands especially Royal Blood, The Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys.  Alex is wheelchair bound and one of his aims is to raise awareness push for more inclusion of disabilities in the music industry.  This is his second single and Alex James are another to join the North East's roster of new bands.     

19) Anything You Want by The Utopiates

A funky Indie rock band from London with stacks of tracks, grooves and fun attitude.  Look no further than The Utopiates with their blend of synths and guitars which is finding a growing audience.  This is their fourth release of the year for this new band and all have been top choons.   https://theutopiates.bandcamp.com/

20) No Way Of Knowing by Moonlight Parade

Purveyors of cool indie melodies, Moonlight Parade have released a new single Wake Me Up and b-side No Way Of Knowing.  I've picked the b-side to end this month's playlist cos it makes me smile.  The Worthing Trio have unleashed around 40 songs over the last three years making picking my #MoonLightParadeTop10 another tricky twitter challenge.  The countdown fun starts on Friday 7th May so get listening, put your thinking caps on and get involved.  If you've not heard them then you're in for a real treat.as you discover all their marvelous tunes. https://moonlightparade1.bandcamp.com/

  

That's it for another month.  Keep an eye on MobyTanner's Rebirth of Cool TV YouTube Channel for the next episode of the #Indie100Cup  and I should be on InYourEarsMusic.com with the DAFT POM Radio Show on Saturday 16th and 30th of May.  If you want to listen to my previous shows then they are collected here...

The #DAFTPOM Show Podcasts  

Laters Innovators 

xxx 

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Oct 2020

The Prologue ... 

There are plenty of indie rock n roll recommendations in my monthly round up that I have discovered over on the Bandcamp site.  I have included links below so you can support the emerging bands during these troubled times.  Last week I was gutted when another talented young musician Joe Astley put his music career on hold given he couldn't secure gigs under the lockdown restrictions.  Joe says he plans to come back with a vengeance when the pandemic is over but it is another reminder that bands need music fans support more than ever before.  If you've got some spare cash then you can help them with some physical sales.  Crank up this Spotify playlist and then read on...    

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Oct 2020 Spotify Playlist 

1) Fracture by Flip Fantazia

Douglas & Tim from Flip Fantazia presumably lifted their name from the lyrics of the Canterloop single by 90's acid jazz hip hop group Us3.  In May 2020 Flip Fantazia released their top notch electronic psychedelic debut album which is a real pleasure to listen to in full and each track wanders in a different direction without disintegrating.  Go and buy yourself a digital or limited edition vinyl copy from their Bandcamp page. flipfantazia.bandcamp.com  The downbeat disco track I've selected to open this month's playlist would fit neatly on Air's Moon Safari.  

2) Low Sun (Space_Kid Remix) by Moonlight Parade

Moonlight Parade's mate - the mysterious Space_Kid strikes again with his fourth remix of the band.  The first three were brilliant so my hopes were high for this remix and it doesn't disappoint.  Some of Space_Kid's previous remixes can be found here... moonlightparade1.bandcamp.com

3) Classic Weekender by Sterling

Debut single from Manchester's Sterling celebrating the joys of getting wasted all weekend.  Personally I'm at the getting up early to drive to kid's sport stage of my life so classic weekenders are few and far between for me but I have fond hazy recollections. Still classic weekenders are still popular and available (subject to local lockdown restrictions).

4) Valleys by Working Men's Club 

I only discovered Working Men's Club last week on Bandcamp but I am fascinated with their sound.  They have released a handful of singles over the last two years and their debut album is out on 1st October.  Imagine Joy Division fronted by Mark E. Smith mixing post-punk with dance music. If you imagined New Order I don't blame you but listen to their songs as my words don't do them justice.   workingmensclub.bandcamp.com

5) Glyn by Polyhymns

Polyhyms describe themselves as a mix of folk pop and electronica.  This organ based instrumental track reminds me of the type of cut we used to get from The Charlatans during the Rob Collins era. polyhymns.bandcamp.com

6) The Game of Love by Crimson Bloom

Crimson Bloom have just released the shimmering Chasing Gold song as a new single, but as I'm so cutting edge I included it on last month's blog.  Instead I want to draw your attention to The Game of Love from their second album Finer Times In Other Worlds.  It features menacing hushed vocals delivered over a chilled funky baggy jam.   Do yourself a favour and pick up both Crimson Bloom albums from Bandcamp.  crimsonbloom.bandcamp.com  

 7) One of These Days by Thrillhouse 

Brighton's Thrillhouse like to protect their identity by blurring their faces on promotional photos.  Then they admitted it allows them to pretend to be younger and more handsome.  A strategy I may adopt myself.  Thrillhouse are a fantastic band with five singles under their belt.  One of These Days was their debut. 

8) Get Ready by The Skints

I've loved The Skints for several years now and after hearing Get Ready, the latest single from this  London reggae band, I discovered it was a cover.  The original was released in 96 by the Californian band Sublime.  I wasn't aware of Sublime's existence until now but they made some interesting music mixing reggae, ska, hip hop, punk and surf rock.  Sublime and The Skints are both worth further investigation if you enjoy your reggae.  the-skints.bandcamp.com

9) Evacuate by The Shop Window  

Based in Maidstone, the Shop Window sing a song about setting down roots after many years living in different cities.  Their advice is to "Evacuate this anxious state and keep calm".  My advice is listen to their four singles on  theshopwindow.bandcamp.com  

     

10) Loving Only Gets You Down by Little Strange

Little Strange are yet another Manchester band and this track has a pleasing glam rock stomp to it.  I have been playing this regularly for about three months and it still sounds fresh to my ears.  

11) Weight of the World by GreenCircles

GreenCircles are another of my favourite acts discovered this year.  Weight of the World is taken from the Start Again EP.  Start Again and all previous singles (including some exclusives) can be found here   greencircles1.bandcamp.com  This haunting arrangement of a tender song is reminiscent of an early Smiths records.

12) Get Rid by Liam Hillyer

Speaking of The Smiths, Widnes songwriter Liam Hillyer does an excellent cover version of Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want which he says is his favourite song of all time.  Liam has just released the more rocky Get Rid as the follow up to Marquee. 

13) Bring Me Love by The Heavy North

Soulful blues rockers The Heavy North are, as the name implies, both Heavy and Northern.  What more do you need to know?  Play it, dig it and buy it here...  theheavynorth.bandcamp.com

   

14) Shivers by Thom Southern

Irish rocker Thom Southern's debut single is a catchy anthem and drenched in layered guitars.  I heard a snippet of an acoustic version of Shivers and  hope he releases the full acoustic version sometime.  Apparently Thom is the brother of Lucy Gaffney who has featured several times on my monthly playlists this year.  I'm looking forward to hearing more from this talented family.  

15) Everything Is An Attempt To Be Human by Afflecks Palace

The fourth, final and title track from their second EP.  They formed as a Stone Roses tribute band, but have emerged as a quality band penning their own original tunes.  Afflecks Palace have released 8 songs so far and all are brilliant.            

16) Love Comes In Waves by Andy Bell  

Hypnotic chiming guitars and a wonderful song taken from the forthcoming debut solo album from the Ride founder who has been very productive during his lockdown.  Former Oasis bandmate Gem Archer plays on several tracks on Andy's new album. andybell.bandcamp.com   

17) Through The Valley by Tash Sultana

Australian artist Tash Sultana with a wonderfully chilling cover.  Tash has been a big deal in Australia for the last four years and she is currently working on her second album.  If you like this check out her early singles. tashsultanaaus.bandcamp.com

18) Cathedrals of the Mind by Doves

It's so good to have new music from Doves after a gap of eleven years.  This is one of the standout tracks from the new album The Universal Want.  When I saw Doves had a song called Cathedrals of the Mind I thought "That's gonna be absolutely brilliant".  I love being right sometimes.

19) Can Love Be This Thing I Found by The Explosions

The debut single from Glasgow band The Explosions.  Sounds like the Jesus and Mary Chain to me but they describe their sound as a mix of Madchester and 60s rock so eagerly awaiting further Explosions. 

20) Coming To Get You Nowhere by This Is The Kit

Kate Stables is an English folk rocker who has spent the last few years touring as a part of US band The National.  Coming to Get You Nowhere is taken from her new album due in late October.  I am a huge fan of her previous album 2017's Moonshine Freeze so looking forward to this.  thisisthekit.bandcamp.com

The Epilogue ...

I hope you've got this far down the page given all the distracting links.    

For anyone new to Bandcamp - just head there, create an account and follow the artists you enjoy. You can buy digital downloads or physical products and the artists get 85-90% of the takings.  The first Friday of each month in 2020 Bandcamp will waive their fees so the artists get it all.  So if you plan to buy some stuff on this site do it on Friday 2nd October 2020 to maximise the profits for the artists.  

Two bands featured this month (The Shop Windows and Polyhymns) were tip-offs from my Twitter mate @MobyTanner and my final recommendation is to follow  The Rebirth Of Cool his excellent music blog where he introduces loads of new indie bands with a greater frequency than my monthly schedule.   

            Cheers Danny / @oldindiekid1

 

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape September 2020

Welcome to my first Monthly Blog of 2020.   Each month I pick my top twenty new songs (released or discovered) and put them in my monthly Spotify playlist which will be linked below and write some blurb on why I love these records.  I had been writing these regularly since November 2015 but I've been slack  haven't updated my blog since December.  

I spent much of January listening to the Britpop Banter Podcast @britpopbanter and created a Twitter account to get involved with the musical debates on old beloved albums.  However, once on Twitter I discovered so many fantastic bands coming out of the UK, mostly unsigned and a large community of like-minded (often mature/immature) nutters who love the old bands (Oasis, Roses, Charlatans, Ride etc) but were also open to hearing something new.  So hopefully if you're reading this you will stick the playlist on and enjoy some amazing new songs whilst reading my whitterings below.

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Sept 2020 Spotify Playlist

1) Days Gone By by Dictator  @Dictator_Band
This Scottish's band's third single is an immense track that creeps towards your ears with menacing intent and contains dark hypnotic rhythms reminiscent of Dandy Warhols Come Down era.  Be warned, this music is infectious and will demand repeated plays as it worms it's way deeper into your mind.      

2) Brightstar by Social Room  @SocialRoomband

Starts with horns, the drums kick in, a powerful gravely voice and guitars begin to build to a killer chorus.  Social Room hail from Sunderland and this track is the lead song from a 5-track EP released twelve months ago.  They have a new single about to come out so give them a follow. 

   

3) Start Again by GreenCircles @greencircles74
The lead track from the new E.P. from Newcastle's GreenCircles. Amazing vocals here accompanied by some lush strings.  I've been following this band for about six months now and bought all their singles over on Bandcamp.  GreenCircles singles are fairly varied in style and you can hear influences from Primal Scream, The Stone Roses, Teenage Fanclub and especially the Liverpool music scene.  They haven't put a foot wrong in my book and are one of my top finds of the year.    

   

4) Chasing Gold by Crimson Bloom @CrimsonBloomUK

Crimson Bloom are my favourite new band discovered in 2020.  They were formed by Andrew Johnson (aka #MrBloom) a prolific singer songwriter with a plan to create an album in a similar style to The Stone Roses debut.  The Crimson Bloom band recreate the jangly guitar pop, indie rockers and spaced out baggy grooves from the late 80s/early 90s that first turned me on to great music. Crimson Bloom have two excellent albums and a selection of great T-shirts which can be found in my wardrobe and over on Bandcamp.  

5) Please Don't (In Isolation)  by Bloosoms & Courteeners  @BlossomsBand & @thecourteeners

Blossoms have been recording a series of isolation covers during their lockdown and remotely recording with other bands.  I don't know a lot about the Courteeners - I hear they are big in Manchester and Please Don't was probably a big hit back in the day but the song was new to me.  Listen out and name the snippet of another classic song they segue into on this version.     

6) Marmalade Dreams by Alligator Moon  @alligator__moon
Strange things are afoot in West Yorkshire and it involves the Alligator Moon, a time portal to 1967 and a field of magic mushrooms.  Whether these are linked or co-incidental needs further investigation.  Marmalade Dreams is taken from The Erractic Explosion of Colour & Compassion album released in April.     

7) Has It All Gone Wrong by The Jack Fletcher Band @jackfband
Good question?  In general - yes it has but the advice from this talented Wolverhampton band is to keep keeping on.  What else can we do?   

8) Reasons To Be (Spacekid Remix) by Moonlight Parade @band_parade
Another of my favourite new bands come from the South Coast and have two LPs, some EPs and a handful of remixes by the mysterious Spacekid.  This tune was released in February and is my pick of the trippy dance remixes.       

9) Lucy by DDE's @wearetheddes

The DDE's are a great Manchester band and their latest EP Calm Before The Storm is a sonic blast - four tracks all killer no filler.  

10) Behind The Sun by Eskobar 
This beast of a track comes from a Stockholm band that have been playing together since the mid 90's. 

11) Youth by Pioneers @UK_Pioneers
Southampton's Pioneers with a tale of hedonism - they play unglamorous indie rock n roll and sound like a laddish version of The Libertines.  Plenty to love here.     

12) Fake ID by Spyres @spyr3s
Two female singers in this this excellent Scottish indie rock band Singing about blagging their way into venues with fake ID.  Absolutely brilliant - only two songs on Spotify so far but they are gaining a huge following. 

13) Affliction by Pink Tide Great Three piece band from Teeside who unfortunately split up during the lockdown when one third quit the band.  Two thirds plan to continue working together and hope to re-emerge with a new band.  These are the times we are living in so if you can afford to, please support the artists you love.  Like my dentist once told me, "Only brush the ones you want to keep".    

14) Something's Gotta Give by Jamie Webster @JamieWebster94

Jamie just released his debut album We Get By in August and he's another massive talent emerging from Liverpool.  This is a savage take on the crooked clowns of the Boris Johnson government failing the country and "the dreamers left out to rot".  Heartbreaking but an amazing protest song.

  

15) Tangled Up by The Royston Club @TheRoystonClub
Welsh band from Wrexham who have just signed a management deal this week. They have clocked up over half a million streams on Spotify and sold out three gigs at the end of the year.  Great band - give their latest EP This State I'm In a spin.  

16) Nobody Else by Dylan John Thomas @DylanJohnThoma5
Young Scottish singer songwriter with some lovely songs and a big following.  This song was released in March 2019 and is close to a million streams now.  Not bad for a recording he made in his shed. 

17) On The Back Burner by The Reytons @TheReytons
The Reytons have been going for a few years now telling the tales of the Kids off the Estate. The Reytons sound like the early Arctic Monkeys and the lyrics are just as good which obviously very high praise from me.  Perhaps they stole Alex Turner's notepad and gave him a wedgie for good measure?   

18) Ripley Jean by Afflecks Palace @afflecks_palace
Back to Madchester for the latest baggy revivalists.  Afflecks Palace will release their 2nd EP Everything Is An Attempt To Be Human in Mid September which will include Ripley Jean, It All Comes Around and Pink Skies. They are touring the UK later this year.    

19) Can't Get Out Of Bed by The Mariners @TheMarinersBand

This is the closing track on 60's inspired debut album The Tides of Time.  They are releasing this fantastic album on vinyl via their Bandcamp site from 4th September.  I have the CD and it is wonderful to play and look at. #GetOnTheBoat    

20) Marquee by Liam Hillier  @liamhillyermus1

 Playing out with another Scouser crooning his heart out.  Liam is a great songwriter - follow him, listen to his songs and share them widely.      

If you heard something you like, please follow the bands on Twitter, Spotify, Bandcamp or just start to follow them around if you see them in the street.  As I mentioned above, if you love 'em and can afford to support them, then buy a ticket, t-shirt, vinyl, CD or download.  Streaming pays almost nothing to the artists and they've had a tough year with no gigs.  

See you in October 

Cheers Danny x @oldindiekid1