Well it’s that time of year again when we make up lists. Some get songs written about them (Santa’s naughty or nice one), some guide us around the supermarket, ensuring we don’t forget that all important stuffing. Blogs. Well, blogs do their “best of the year” lists so here’s Blabber’n’Smoke’s list of our favourite albums of the year. They’re not in any order (other than alphabetical) so there’s no number one and no losers, just some great music. 2015 was a bumper year for country music with young artists wresting the spotlight away from the ‘bros; back home there were some excellent releases that have received international recognition on websites, blogs and radio stations scattered across the globe. I’ve separated local releases simply because I think it’s important to highlight Scottish made music, had it been a straightforward top ten several of these would be in there. I’ve provided links to reviews where possible.
My thanks to all the artists, PR Agents and labels who have been kind enough to submit their efforts for Blabber’n’Smoke scrutiny, we love you. To them and to all readers have a happy festive season however you care to celebrate it.
Anna & Elizabeth. Anna & Elizabeth. Free Dirt records
Brent Best. Your Dog, Champ. At The Helm Records/Last Chance Records
David Corley, Available Light, Continental Song City
Danny and The Champions Of The World, What Kind Of Love, Loose Music
Justin Townes Earle. Single Mothers/Absent Fathers. Loose Music
Barna Howard, Quite A Feelin’, Loose Music
Sam Lewis Waiting On You. Brash Music
review
Jeremy Pinnell OH/KY Sofaburn Records, 2015
review
Michael Rank & Stag. Horsehair. Louds Hymn Music
review
Daniel Romano, If I’ve Only one Time Askin’, New West Records
review
Pharis and Jason Romero, A Wanderer I’ll Stay, Lula Records
review
Sacri Cuori, Delone, Glitterbeat
review
Cale Tyson, Introducing Cale Tyson, Clubhouse Records
Homegrown
Stevie Agnew & Hurricane Road. Bad Blood & Whiskey. Skimmin’ Stone Records
Dark Green Tree, Secret Lives, Haven Records
James Edwyn & the Borrowed Band – The Tower
Daniel Meade Keep Right Away. From The Top Records
Iain Morrison. Eas. Peatfiredog Records.
review
Findlay Napier. VIP Very Important Persons Cheerygroove Records.
Dean Owens. Into The Sea. Drumfire Records
The Wynntown Marshals, The End Of The Golden Age, Blue Rose Records
Honourable mentions
Lewis and Leigh Hidden Truths EP.
review
Blue Rose Code Grateful
And that’s about it. Lots to look forward to in the New Year, not least albums from Norrie McCulloch and Blue Rose Code in the next few weeks and of course, Celtic Connections. See ya.
