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Here we go again. Kicking of with an old song heard for the first time on Desert Island Discs early in the year - dedicated to Shane MacGowan, RIP. I have the radio to thank too for this lovely track by Ferne Lily discovered at the start of the year. A new album by Overmono is always a treat and this track was a standout. In February I went to see ‘Standing at The Sky’s Edge’ at The National Theatre and it was so good I went back in March, so many great songs in the show but this track stayed with me.

Talking of The National, a new album arrived in April (and another in August) - a welcome return to form with this song. A live music highlight in April - a visit to the legendary Continental Club in Austin, Texas to see the veteran, and equally legendary James McMurty. I know nothing about him before his performance that evening, maybe it was the Margaritas but it was something of a revelation. With a 30-year career there was a lot of catalogue to discover but his most recent album, and this track is a good introduction. As spring turned to Summer I was listing to Harumi and DJ Koze, odd bedfellows I agree.

I didn’t make Glastonbury as I had a bike race that weekend, unfortunately I managed to break my leg but whilst in hospital someone send me a clip of Rick Astley and The Bloosoms playing the Smiths. Utterly Joyous. A long recovery spend mainly watching sport left little room for new music but I did enjoy the new Everything But The Girl album around this time. A new car arrived end of July and once I could drive I put the stereo through it’s paces with this belter from Aphex Twin. Sophia Kourtestis was everywhere this Summer, no bad thing at anytime. I was back on my feet (and bike) by the Autumn, we went to see the Talking Heads film ‘Stop Making Sense’ at the cinema, sublime.

To Australia then in October to visit family and friends. I hired a motorhome to tour north Queensland and the roadtrip was sountracked by Castlebeat and Danit’s ‘Quattro Vientos’ amongst others. I make no apology for also including this classic James McMurty live recording which captured the mood perfectly. The legacy of great American folk-rock continued on my return, I know nothing about the band Brown Horse but this new track is a cracker. As is this one by Chastity Belt. I read about John Francis Flynn and listened to his latest album. An uncompromising take on traditional Irish music, a challenge to the challengers. And so to December, the funeral of Shane MacGowan was a moving and joyous tribute, so many great interpretations on the day to choose from but for me, this one captured the moment best. May your gods go with you.