A short piece on my top 10 tracks of the year. Some you may know through my past blogs, some you may not. Either way, here it is...
#10) Eva Petersen - "Don't Be Shy"
It's not the album version, this more stripped back version of the beautiful ballad "Don't Be Shy" is perfect, with Eva's voice in perfect showcase. The album was produced by members of Echo & The Bunnymen and the album is picking up more praise as it's gone on.
#9) The Big House - "Canyon Home In The Sun"
Local Liverpool legends guitarist/vocalist Paul Molloy (Zutons/Stands/Skylarks) and 60s styled Candie Payne released this West Coast groover at a successful launch gig in Liverpool's Kazimier gig with B-Side 'Caught Up' via Bearcub Records, well worth a purchase.
#8) Ian Skelly - "Time"
Best known as the stickman for The Coral, but with the band now on a hiatus and many of them working away on their own solo projects and producing other local acts, drummer Ian Skelly comes up with the goods with this psychedelic acoustic inspired brilliance. Other highlights from the record include 'D.N.A' and 'Firebird'
*Note the video is not available, so the single 'Cut From A Star' is the song playing, which is equally brilliant.
#7) The Sundowners - "Hummingbird"
Of late, it appears The Wirral are making a lot more noise than Liverpool. Produced by The Skelly brothers of The Coral have released this classic sounding beauty piece, fantastic harmonies from co-singers Niamh Rowe and Fiona Skelly, as well as a blistering Alfie Skelly guitar solo. They look great and sound even better. Highly recommend heading over to their soundcloud and check out 'Gone Into The Sun' which is equally as brilliant.
#6) Ren Harvieu - "Do Right By Me"
Salfordian Ren Harvieu has had songs written for her by Liverpool heavyweights Dave McCabe of The Zutons and has sang with Tom Jones and covered Bond songs, but this soundtrack esque sweeping orchestra led song written by Stands frontman Howie Payne, is a stand out, as well as other Payne ballads on her record such as 'Holding On' and 'Walking In The Rain'.
#5) Jake Bugg - "Seen It All"
Jake Bugg burst onto the scene with 'Lightning Bolt' and secured his place in 2012 with 'Trouble Town', 'Country Song' and 'Two Fingers', but this Friday night rocker is a particular highlight with a chord flowing emotional rocker. Besides 'Country Song' this was a stand out live highlight.
#4 The Rolling Stones - "Doom & Gloom"
This year marks The Stones' 50th anniversary and who'd have thought they'd have lasted this long and that Keef would still be alive..? still, this loud rocker of Ronnie Wood's and Keef's weaving guitars and grooving Charlie drums was recently released on compilation album "Grrr!" and they are still rockin' harder than most...and Jagger *still* has it.
#3) Findlay - "You Gave Me Grace"
Manchester born Natalie Findlay released her 7" 'Your Sister' which rocked my socks firmly off, but it's this B-Side gives a delicate look into her very soul and count the oncoming chills and goosebumps. A powerful voice but with no fear or restraint. Her stage presence is phenomenal, her attitude rocking and flawless. She recently upstaged Jake Bugg at a gig I attended. Expect big things.
#2) Edgar Summertyme - "What's A Boy To Do?"
He's been doing it long enough to know how to get everyone going. This one blind sided me a little. After falling ill last year, and in conversation with me, Edgar had claimed he had grown up. This record is evidence of it, though a hard choice between this and the magnificent 'I Would Do Anything' and 'What Are We Gonna Do?', Edgar's emotions pour out of him in this confessional piece, via The Joneses and Free Peace, he's come a long way from getting stoned on the 147...
#1) The Wicked Whispers - "Dandelion Eyes"
I think I may of heard this over a 1000 times in the past few months, the groove on the 7" limited vinyl wearing in. The song still hasn't lost it's appeal. Whether it's the sneaky bass intro, the jangly organ riff or the blistering guitar interludes from this 60s inspired psychedelic pop single or the Rabbit Zackor haunting the band throughout the video. Get your copy while you can or catch them on their January/February 2013 French tour..
Thanks for reading..!
@rocknrollparksy
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