open.spotify.com/playlist/3fV...
Here's an accompanying playlist. I didn't include everything as it sounds great as it is, if I do say so myself.
Here's an accompanying playlist. I didn't include everything as it sounds great as it is, if I do say so myself.
December 20, 2025 at 2:56 PM
open.spotify.com/playlist/3fV...
Here's an accompanying playlist. I didn't include everything as it sounds great as it is, if I do say so myself.
Here's an accompanying playlist. I didn't include everything as it sounds great as it is, if I do say so myself.
#new2me25
18. Pharaoh Sanders - Karma (1969)
I've bought a fair amount of jazz albums this year with varying degrees of success, but this one clicked for me immediately. Only two tracks, but the groove instantly feels familiar, possibly a nod to A Love Supreme? Hypnotic, dreamlike & beautiful.
18. Pharaoh Sanders - Karma (1969)
I've bought a fair amount of jazz albums this year with varying degrees of success, but this one clicked for me immediately. Only two tracks, but the groove instantly feels familiar, possibly a nod to A Love Supreme? Hypnotic, dreamlike & beautiful.
November 29, 2025 at 8:23 PM
#new2me25
18. Pharaoh Sanders - Karma (1969)
I've bought a fair amount of jazz albums this year with varying degrees of success, but this one clicked for me immediately. Only two tracks, but the groove instantly feels familiar, possibly a nod to A Love Supreme? Hypnotic, dreamlike & beautiful.
18. Pharaoh Sanders - Karma (1969)
I've bought a fair amount of jazz albums this year with varying degrees of success, but this one clicked for me immediately. Only two tracks, but the groove instantly feels familiar, possibly a nod to A Love Supreme? Hypnotic, dreamlike & beautiful.
Coming up, my annual round-up of old albums that I have discovered this calender year. It gives me a chance to listen to everything I have bought and sort the wheat from the chaff.
#new2me25
#new2me25
October 13, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Coming up, my annual round-up of old albums that I have discovered this calender year. It gives me a chance to listen to everything I have bought and sort the wheat from the chaff.
#new2me25
#new2me25
#NowPlaying It's too late for this to join my #new2me25 list, but this is such a great album. The production is a sparkling thing of wonder. However, the song titled Inside My Love is utter filth. Careful now.
November 27, 2025 at 8:49 PM
#NowPlaying It's too late for this to join my #new2me25 list, but this is such a great album. The production is a sparkling thing of wonder. However, the song titled Inside My Love is utter filth. Careful now.
#new2me25
Thanks for putting up with this self-indulgence over the last couple of months. It is a great reason to listen again to everything I have bought. Here is the full list for those who might be interested. It was supposed to be a top 50, but I must have messed up somehow as there are 52 LPs.
Thanks for putting up with this self-indulgence over the last couple of months. It is a great reason to listen again to everything I have bought. Here is the full list for those who might be interested. It was supposed to be a top 50, but I must have messed up somehow as there are 52 LPs.
December 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
#new2me25
Thanks for putting up with this self-indulgence over the last couple of months. It is a great reason to listen again to everything I have bought. Here is the full list for those who might be interested. It was supposed to be a top 50, but I must have messed up somehow as there are 52 LPs.
Thanks for putting up with this self-indulgence over the last couple of months. It is a great reason to listen again to everything I have bought. Here is the full list for those who might be interested. It was supposed to be a top 50, but I must have messed up somehow as there are 52 LPs.
#new2me25
35. Bert Jansch & John Redbourn - Bert & John (1966)
Growing up, 'guitar interplay' always made me think of Iron Maiden & Slayer. Fast forward to fifty something me and it has a whole new meaning. Gorgeous pre-Pentangle sketches that are perfect for autumn. Maybe more blues than folk?
35. Bert Jansch & John Redbourn - Bert & John (1966)
Growing up, 'guitar interplay' always made me think of Iron Maiden & Slayer. Fast forward to fifty something me and it has a whole new meaning. Gorgeous pre-Pentangle sketches that are perfect for autumn. Maybe more blues than folk?
October 30, 2025 at 8:45 PM
#new2me25
35. Bert Jansch & John Redbourn - Bert & John (1966)
Growing up, 'guitar interplay' always made me think of Iron Maiden & Slayer. Fast forward to fifty something me and it has a whole new meaning. Gorgeous pre-Pentangle sketches that are perfect for autumn. Maybe more blues than folk?
35. Bert Jansch & John Redbourn - Bert & John (1966)
Growing up, 'guitar interplay' always made me think of Iron Maiden & Slayer. Fast forward to fifty something me and it has a whole new meaning. Gorgeous pre-Pentangle sketches that are perfect for autumn. Maybe more blues than folk?
#new2me25
28. Miles Davis - On The Corner (1972)
This is fucking nuts. To me, it's the jazz equivalent of King Crimson's Red; totally out of its own time space, quite difficult in places but deeply rewarding. Funk jazz with a complete disregard for commercial appeal. Do not listen while driving.
28. Miles Davis - On The Corner (1972)
This is fucking nuts. To me, it's the jazz equivalent of King Crimson's Red; totally out of its own time space, quite difficult in places but deeply rewarding. Funk jazz with a complete disregard for commercial appeal. Do not listen while driving.
November 10, 2025 at 8:49 PM
#new2me25
28. Miles Davis - On The Corner (1972)
This is fucking nuts. To me, it's the jazz equivalent of King Crimson's Red; totally out of its own time space, quite difficult in places but deeply rewarding. Funk jazz with a complete disregard for commercial appeal. Do not listen while driving.
28. Miles Davis - On The Corner (1972)
This is fucking nuts. To me, it's the jazz equivalent of King Crimson's Red; totally out of its own time space, quite difficult in places but deeply rewarding. Funk jazz with a complete disregard for commercial appeal. Do not listen while driving.
#new2me25
36. Alan Hull - Squire (1975)
It was always going to be difficult to follow an album as good as Pipedream, but I like this a lot. Most of the tracks are really good & he sounds so much like John Lennon at times that it's a bit spooky. Unpretentious & full of fun.
36. Alan Hull - Squire (1975)
It was always going to be difficult to follow an album as good as Pipedream, but I like this a lot. Most of the tracks are really good & he sounds so much like John Lennon at times that it's a bit spooky. Unpretentious & full of fun.
October 29, 2025 at 8:18 PM
#new2me25
36. Alan Hull - Squire (1975)
It was always going to be difficult to follow an album as good as Pipedream, but I like this a lot. Most of the tracks are really good & he sounds so much like John Lennon at times that it's a bit spooky. Unpretentious & full of fun.
36. Alan Hull - Squire (1975)
It was always going to be difficult to follow an album as good as Pipedream, but I like this a lot. Most of the tracks are really good & he sounds so much like John Lennon at times that it's a bit spooky. Unpretentious & full of fun.
#new2me25
17. Veronique Chalot - A L'Entrée Du Temps Clair (1979)
Achingly beautiful Breton folk music that sounds as though it was teleported from 300 years before. Her voice is that of an angel and the combination of medieval instruments is utterly hypnotic.
17. Veronique Chalot - A L'Entrée Du Temps Clair (1979)
Achingly beautiful Breton folk music that sounds as though it was teleported from 300 years before. Her voice is that of an angel and the combination of medieval instruments is utterly hypnotic.
December 1, 2025 at 7:49 PM
#new2me25
17. Veronique Chalot - A L'Entrée Du Temps Clair (1979)
Achingly beautiful Breton folk music that sounds as though it was teleported from 300 years before. Her voice is that of an angel and the combination of medieval instruments is utterly hypnotic.
17. Veronique Chalot - A L'Entrée Du Temps Clair (1979)
Achingly beautiful Breton folk music that sounds as though it was teleported from 300 years before. Her voice is that of an angel and the combination of medieval instruments is utterly hypnotic.
#new2me25
29. Shelagh McDonald - Stargazer (1971)
I'd been after a copy of this for years. Thankfully, it has finally been reissued & it was worth the wait. A Scottish singer with a stunning voice, she was backed by the likes of Richard Thompson & Keith Christmas on this. Folk pop, very good.
29. Shelagh McDonald - Stargazer (1971)
I'd been after a copy of this for years. Thankfully, it has finally been reissued & it was worth the wait. A Scottish singer with a stunning voice, she was backed by the likes of Richard Thompson & Keith Christmas on this. Folk pop, very good.
November 9, 2025 at 7:37 PM
#new2me25
29. Shelagh McDonald - Stargazer (1971)
I'd been after a copy of this for years. Thankfully, it has finally been reissued & it was worth the wait. A Scottish singer with a stunning voice, she was backed by the likes of Richard Thompson & Keith Christmas on this. Folk pop, very good.
29. Shelagh McDonald - Stargazer (1971)
I'd been after a copy of this for years. Thankfully, it has finally been reissued & it was worth the wait. A Scottish singer with a stunning voice, she was backed by the likes of Richard Thompson & Keith Christmas on this. Folk pop, very good.
#new2me25
42. Pearls Before Swine - The Use Of Ashes (1970)
This is a gorgeous album. I've got the other records they did, but this is my favourite. It has that baroque pop sound but stays on the right side of twee. Written in Holland but recorded in Tennessee with all the hottest session dudes.
42. Pearls Before Swine - The Use Of Ashes (1970)
This is a gorgeous album. I've got the other records they did, but this is my favourite. It has that baroque pop sound but stays on the right side of twee. Written in Holland but recorded in Tennessee with all the hottest session dudes.
October 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
#new2me25
42. Pearls Before Swine - The Use Of Ashes (1970)
This is a gorgeous album. I've got the other records they did, but this is my favourite. It has that baroque pop sound but stays on the right side of twee. Written in Holland but recorded in Tennessee with all the hottest session dudes.
42. Pearls Before Swine - The Use Of Ashes (1970)
This is a gorgeous album. I've got the other records they did, but this is my favourite. It has that baroque pop sound but stays on the right side of twee. Written in Holland but recorded in Tennessee with all the hottest session dudes.
#new2me25
22. Roberta Flack - First Take (1969)
This album took me completely by surprise. I knew First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, but wasn't expecting such an eclectic mix of styles on a debut album. The opening track, Compared To What is more Nina Simone than Stax or Motown. An essential LP.
22. Roberta Flack - First Take (1969)
This album took me completely by surprise. I knew First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, but wasn't expecting such an eclectic mix of styles on a debut album. The opening track, Compared To What is more Nina Simone than Stax or Motown. An essential LP.
November 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
#new2me25
22. Roberta Flack - First Take (1969)
This album took me completely by surprise. I knew First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, but wasn't expecting such an eclectic mix of styles on a debut album. The opening track, Compared To What is more Nina Simone than Stax or Motown. An essential LP.
22. Roberta Flack - First Take (1969)
This album took me completely by surprise. I knew First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, but wasn't expecting such an eclectic mix of styles on a debut album. The opening track, Compared To What is more Nina Simone than Stax or Motown. An essential LP.
#new2me25
30. Alice Coltrane - A Monastic Trio (1968)
Her first album as leader is a tribute to her husband John who had recently died. Backed by members of John's final band including Pharoh Sanders, this is a sombre & ominous affair. Hints at her future sound are present yet still just forming.
30. Alice Coltrane - A Monastic Trio (1968)
Her first album as leader is a tribute to her husband John who had recently died. Backed by members of John's final band including Pharoh Sanders, this is a sombre & ominous affair. Hints at her future sound are present yet still just forming.
November 8, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#new2me25
30. Alice Coltrane - A Monastic Trio (1968)
Her first album as leader is a tribute to her husband John who had recently died. Backed by members of John's final band including Pharoh Sanders, this is a sombre & ominous affair. Hints at her future sound are present yet still just forming.
30. Alice Coltrane - A Monastic Trio (1968)
Her first album as leader is a tribute to her husband John who had recently died. Backed by members of John's final band including Pharoh Sanders, this is a sombre & ominous affair. Hints at her future sound are present yet still just forming.
#new2me25
As we enter the top 10, please forgive my overenthusiam. Ten stunning albums that I had never heard before this year.
🇺🇸 x 3
🇧🇷 x 3
🇬🇧 x 3
🇲🇫 x 1
As we enter the top 10, please forgive my overenthusiam. Ten stunning albums that I had never heard before this year.
🇺🇸 x 3
🇧🇷 x 3
🇬🇧 x 3
🇲🇫 x 1
December 7, 2025 at 9:02 PM
#new2me25
As we enter the top 10, please forgive my overenthusiam. Ten stunning albums that I had never heard before this year.
🇺🇸 x 3
🇧🇷 x 3
🇬🇧 x 3
🇲🇫 x 1
As we enter the top 10, please forgive my overenthusiam. Ten stunning albums that I had never heard before this year.
🇺🇸 x 3
🇧🇷 x 3
🇬🇧 x 3
🇲🇫 x 1
#new2me25
1. Brigitte Fontaine - Est...Folle (1968)
This is a staggering piece of work. A collection of incredibly inventive songs with a Jean-Claude Vannier production that just blew the doors off French popular music. Easily on of the best albums I've ever heard, a true original that 1/2
1. Brigitte Fontaine - Est...Folle (1968)
This is a staggering piece of work. A collection of incredibly inventive songs with a Jean-Claude Vannier production that just blew the doors off French popular music. Easily on of the best albums I've ever heard, a true original that 1/2
December 18, 2025 at 7:56 PM
#new2me25
1. Brigitte Fontaine - Est...Folle (1968)
This is a staggering piece of work. A collection of incredibly inventive songs with a Jean-Claude Vannier production that just blew the doors off French popular music. Easily on of the best albums I've ever heard, a true original that 1/2
1. Brigitte Fontaine - Est...Folle (1968)
This is a staggering piece of work. A collection of incredibly inventive songs with a Jean-Claude Vannier production that just blew the doors off French popular music. Easily on of the best albums I've ever heard, a true original that 1/2
#new2me25
16. Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain (1974)
The first time I played this, I wrongly assumed that it was a greatest hits album, it's that good. I'm guessing most of you know the title track, but there isn't a duff song on the whole album. This is peak mid-70s pre-disco/soul music.
16. Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain (1974)
The first time I played this, I wrongly assumed that it was a greatest hits album, it's that good. I'm guessing most of you know the title track, but there isn't a duff song on the whole album. This is peak mid-70s pre-disco/soul music.
December 2, 2025 at 9:10 PM
#new2me25
16. Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain (1974)
The first time I played this, I wrongly assumed that it was a greatest hits album, it's that good. I'm guessing most of you know the title track, but there isn't a duff song on the whole album. This is peak mid-70s pre-disco/soul music.
16. Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain (1974)
The first time I played this, I wrongly assumed that it was a greatest hits album, it's that good. I'm guessing most of you know the title track, but there isn't a duff song on the whole album. This is peak mid-70s pre-disco/soul music.
#new2me25
27. The Beach Boys - Holland (1973)
I didn't have the 7" single that's part of this album for the first 2 months, so my perception is slightly skewed. Some of these songs are incredible. There are a couple of duff tracks, but for a band in such disarray, this is a strong release.
27. The Beach Boys - Holland (1973)
I didn't have the 7" single that's part of this album for the first 2 months, so my perception is slightly skewed. Some of these songs are incredible. There are a couple of duff tracks, but for a band in such disarray, this is a strong release.
November 11, 2025 at 8:19 PM
#new2me25
27. The Beach Boys - Holland (1973)
I didn't have the 7" single that's part of this album for the first 2 months, so my perception is slightly skewed. Some of these songs are incredible. There are a couple of duff tracks, but for a band in such disarray, this is a strong release.
27. The Beach Boys - Holland (1973)
I didn't have the 7" single that's part of this album for the first 2 months, so my perception is slightly skewed. Some of these songs are incredible. There are a couple of duff tracks, but for a band in such disarray, this is a strong release.
#new2me25
12. Scientist - Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires (1981)
Grade A dub. The production on this album is as crisp as a ginger nut biscuit and the songs are clever and inventive. I have played this album to death over the last couple of months.
12. Scientist - Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires (1981)
Grade A dub. The production on this album is as crisp as a ginger nut biscuit and the songs are clever and inventive. I have played this album to death over the last couple of months.
December 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
#new2me25
12. Scientist - Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires (1981)
Grade A dub. The production on this album is as crisp as a ginger nut biscuit and the songs are clever and inventive. I have played this album to death over the last couple of months.
12. Scientist - Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires (1981)
Grade A dub. The production on this album is as crisp as a ginger nut biscuit and the songs are clever and inventive. I have played this album to death over the last couple of months.
#new2me25
2. Gal Costa - Gal Costa (1969)
The third Brazilian album in my top 10. If this is the kind of quality that a country produces under a dictatorship then I look forward to America's output over the coming years. This album is spellbinding. It has a classic 'tropicália' sound 1/2
2. Gal Costa - Gal Costa (1969)
The third Brazilian album in my top 10. If this is the kind of quality that a country produces under a dictatorship then I look forward to America's output over the coming years. This album is spellbinding. It has a classic 'tropicália' sound 1/2
December 17, 2025 at 7:18 PM
#new2me25
2. Gal Costa - Gal Costa (1969)
The third Brazilian album in my top 10. If this is the kind of quality that a country produces under a dictatorship then I look forward to America's output over the coming years. This album is spellbinding. It has a classic 'tropicália' sound 1/2
2. Gal Costa - Gal Costa (1969)
The third Brazilian album in my top 10. If this is the kind of quality that a country produces under a dictatorship then I look forward to America's output over the coming years. This album is spellbinding. It has a classic 'tropicália' sound 1/2
#new2me25
45. The Modern Jazz Quartet - Music From Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
This is a super chilled album. The music is really delicate and quite mesmerising. It has a beautiful autumnal feel that has suited my mood well over the last few weeks. A jazz album that I imagine jazz haters liking.
45. The Modern Jazz Quartet - Music From Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
This is a super chilled album. The music is really delicate and quite mesmerising. It has a beautiful autumnal feel that has suited my mood well over the last few weeks. A jazz album that I imagine jazz haters liking.
October 18, 2025 at 11:29 AM
#new2me25
45. The Modern Jazz Quartet - Music From Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
This is a super chilled album. The music is really delicate and quite mesmerising. It has a beautiful autumnal feel that has suited my mood well over the last few weeks. A jazz album that I imagine jazz haters liking.
45. The Modern Jazz Quartet - Music From Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
This is a super chilled album. The music is really delicate and quite mesmerising. It has a beautiful autumnal feel that has suited my mood well over the last few weeks. A jazz album that I imagine jazz haters liking.
#new2me25
6. Relatively Clean Rivers - Relatively Clean Rivers (1976)
A privately released album from a band from California, this sounds far more 1969 than 1976. Gently psychedelic country-rock with slightly odd religious overtones. The main man, Phil Pearlman refuses to allow a reissue 1/2
6. Relatively Clean Rivers - Relatively Clean Rivers (1976)
A privately released album from a band from California, this sounds far more 1969 than 1976. Gently psychedelic country-rock with slightly odd religious overtones. The main man, Phil Pearlman refuses to allow a reissue 1/2
December 13, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#new2me25
6. Relatively Clean Rivers - Relatively Clean Rivers (1976)
A privately released album from a band from California, this sounds far more 1969 than 1976. Gently psychedelic country-rock with slightly odd religious overtones. The main man, Phil Pearlman refuses to allow a reissue 1/2
6. Relatively Clean Rivers - Relatively Clean Rivers (1976)
A privately released album from a band from California, this sounds far more 1969 than 1976. Gently psychedelic country-rock with slightly odd religious overtones. The main man, Phil Pearlman refuses to allow a reissue 1/2
#new2me25
39. Herbie Mann - Memphis Underground (1968)
You probably know that I'm quite partial to the sound of a flute. This album is nearly all flute but with some frankly ludicrous fuzz guitar and an absolutely locked in rhythm section thrown in for good measure. An excellent album for driving.
39. Herbie Mann - Memphis Underground (1968)
You probably know that I'm quite partial to the sound of a flute. This album is nearly all flute but with some frankly ludicrous fuzz guitar and an absolutely locked in rhythm section thrown in for good measure. An excellent album for driving.
October 25, 2025 at 6:09 PM
#new2me25
39. Herbie Mann - Memphis Underground (1968)
You probably know that I'm quite partial to the sound of a flute. This album is nearly all flute but with some frankly ludicrous fuzz guitar and an absolutely locked in rhythm section thrown in for good measure. An excellent album for driving.
39. Herbie Mann - Memphis Underground (1968)
You probably know that I'm quite partial to the sound of a flute. This album is nearly all flute but with some frankly ludicrous fuzz guitar and an absolutely locked in rhythm section thrown in for good measure. An excellent album for driving.
#new2me25
40. Sandie Shaw - The Sandie Shaw Supplement (1968)
A collection of songs from the TV show of the same name, this is basically a bunch of covers but is really good. Her version of Scarborough Fair is particularly lovely. Not as good as 69's Reviewing The Situation but worth buying.
40. Sandie Shaw - The Sandie Shaw Supplement (1968)
A collection of songs from the TV show of the same name, this is basically a bunch of covers but is really good. Her version of Scarborough Fair is particularly lovely. Not as good as 69's Reviewing The Situation but worth buying.
October 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
#new2me25
40. Sandie Shaw - The Sandie Shaw Supplement (1968)
A collection of songs from the TV show of the same name, this is basically a bunch of covers but is really good. Her version of Scarborough Fair is particularly lovely. Not as good as 69's Reviewing The Situation but worth buying.
40. Sandie Shaw - The Sandie Shaw Supplement (1968)
A collection of songs from the TV show of the same name, this is basically a bunch of covers but is really good. Her version of Scarborough Fair is particularly lovely. Not as good as 69's Reviewing The Situation but worth buying.
#new2me25
9. Barry Booth - Diversions! (1968)
Imagine Paul McCartney going full music hall in 68 & hiring Alan Bennett as his singer & lyricist & you'd still only halfway there. Booth was an accomplished pianist who was once smuggled into the US in the boot of a car driven by Roy Orbison. 1/2
9. Barry Booth - Diversions! (1968)
Imagine Paul McCartney going full music hall in 68 & hiring Alan Bennett as his singer & lyricist & you'd still only halfway there. Booth was an accomplished pianist who was once smuggled into the US in the boot of a car driven by Roy Orbison. 1/2
December 9, 2025 at 7:43 PM
#new2me25
9. Barry Booth - Diversions! (1968)
Imagine Paul McCartney going full music hall in 68 & hiring Alan Bennett as his singer & lyricist & you'd still only halfway there. Booth was an accomplished pianist who was once smuggled into the US in the boot of a car driven by Roy Orbison. 1/2
9. Barry Booth - Diversions! (1968)
Imagine Paul McCartney going full music hall in 68 & hiring Alan Bennett as his singer & lyricist & you'd still only halfway there. Booth was an accomplished pianist who was once smuggled into the US in the boot of a car driven by Roy Orbison. 1/2
#new2me25
37. The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Keynsham (1969)
I had avoided this album as I mistakenly believed it to be their 'difficult contractual obligation' album which was actually the next LP. Anyway, this is fantastic with Neil Innes obviously taking the lead from an erratic Viv Stanshall.
37. The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Keynsham (1969)
I had avoided this album as I mistakenly believed it to be their 'difficult contractual obligation' album which was actually the next LP. Anyway, this is fantastic with Neil Innes obviously taking the lead from an erratic Viv Stanshall.
October 27, 2025 at 8:34 PM
#new2me25
37. The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Keynsham (1969)
I had avoided this album as I mistakenly believed it to be their 'difficult contractual obligation' album which was actually the next LP. Anyway, this is fantastic with Neil Innes obviously taking the lead from an erratic Viv Stanshall.
37. The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Keynsham (1969)
I had avoided this album as I mistakenly believed it to be their 'difficult contractual obligation' album which was actually the next LP. Anyway, this is fantastic with Neil Innes obviously taking the lead from an erratic Viv Stanshall.