Music
Mule Skinner Blues was written and first recorded by Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music, back in 1930 – and a hit for The Fendermen in 1960.
Julie Durocher is a new name to me, and was only a child when she recorded this slice of classic country back in 1966.
Lavinia Blackwall dives deep into the folk-rock past with the title track of her second solo album since leaving Trembling Bells.
My last playlist of the year spans more than half a century, starting in the early 1960s with Sandra Barry and taking in tributes to those we lost in December, including Brigitte Bardot, Joe Ely, Steve Cropper and Chris Rea. In between there is folk, blues, soul, country, Eurodisco – and even a little Schumann.
Gabriella Cilmi had an instant hit at the age of 17 with Sweet About Me after moving from Melbourne to London.
Labi Siffre was a West London boy but paid tribute to a beauty spot in Staffordshire on his song Cannock Chase.
Shoegaze pioneers Ride were falling apart by the time they recorded their fourth album Tarantula. But the opening tune, Black Nite Crash, was a fitting finale.
The solemnity and sadness of Lisa O’Neill’s song is matched to a mournful melody that reminds me of a hymn – or a Christmas carol.
There was much more to Chris Rea than the hit singles – a multi-talented artist whose first loves were the blues, racing cars, cinema and journalism.
Massive Attack teamed up with Young Fathers for this creepy tune, with an even creepier video, from their Ritual Spirit EP.