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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.
Films of the Year – These are my favourites, grouped into rough order of prefereence, for the past 12 months of cinema-going. (more…)
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.
I never met Brigitte Bardot but, like half the boys I knew, I had her picture on my wall when I was at boarding school.
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.