Music: the gift that keeps giving

I can't stop listening to 'Penguin Eggs' by Nic Jones. The whole album flew over my head over the years. About a year ago, in the space of a few weeks, a load of Artists just clicked with me. Townes Van Zandt, Jon Prine, Gordon Bok, Blaze Foley, Chris Wood, Show of Hands and the absolutely incredible Nic Jones have made the past year an enjoyable one as a music lover.

On long walks with the girls (see photo to the left) I get completely immersed in this beautiful music. The delicate cuts of vocal timing, tone and tempo all skimming their way over everything I have ever heard. When you hear "that" album you never know when something great comes again. And then it comes. And all the zest is back. And all this music has already been made! What a time to be alive. All of this material available at a touch. 

New music has come too. Yaron Pe’er, Lankum, Kris Drever, Xyloris White, Zohar Fresco, A lazarus soul, David Keenan, Matt McGinn, Daibhidh Stiubhard and even Declan O’Rourkes latest album have all haunted my brain. 

And local music has busted through as well. Kern have continued to create hand warming music. Paddy Goodwin had a fantastic single called ‘Harvey’. Jim McHugh is making foot stomping rock music that I really like. The Mary Wallopers are cleverly placing themselves for success with a big soul and a small care for people who ask them if they are still at the music. Jinx Lennon is still deflecting his reflection as the cool Uncle of Urban Folk by creating even better music every time he puts something out. 

Everything is fantastic, kids. It’s a great time to be alive!

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