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<\/a>In terms of album releases for this year I have really enjoyed the latest albums by familiar names such as Keith Richards, David Gilmour<\/b> and Jeff Lynne\u2019s ELO<\/b>.<\/p>\nBut scratch slightly under the surface and a whole host of other aural delights exist. Album releases by Steven Wilson<\/b> \u2018Hand.Cannot.Erase<\/i>.\u2019, Bruce Soord<\/b> self-titled debut album, Tim Bowness<\/b> \u2018Stupid Things That Mean the World<\/i>\u2019 and Polish band Riverside<\/b> \u2018Love Fear and the Time Machine\u2019<\/i> have all certainly fallen into that category. But one particular album that I have almost worn out is that by Swedish rock band Anekdoten<\/b> titled \u2018Until All the Ghosts Are Gone<\/i>\u2019.<\/p>\n
I have always had a soft spot for what I can only describe as folk rock. For those who are into that kind of sound then you may realise that the original vocalist for Fairport Convention, Judy Dyble<\/b>, has recently made a triumphant return to recording. She also released an \u2018album of stuff\u2019 called \u2018Gathering the Threads’<\/i>. This was a 3 CD set that covers her music from the beginnings in 1964 and through to present date. A couple of tracks also feature a guitarist and songwriter called Sand Snowman<\/i> who is well worth investigating in his own right.<\/p>\n
On the gig front I also got to see several bands from the above list play live, in fact most of them. But the one gig that stood apart was that by King Crimson<\/b> at the Symphony Hall. This had been their first gig in Birmingham since 1973. Not a word was spoken by the performers, which included 3 drummers, during the concert but the music spoke volumes. King Crimson<\/b> was not pushing any new music. Instead, this was a unique celebration of all that had gone before.<\/p>\n
Closer to home and I bought two outstanding albums by local artists. The first was by Stone Foundation<\/b> and titled \u2018A Life Unlimited<\/i>\u2019. The album is crammed full of the bands trademark soul and funk sound. In fact, as I understand it, a single from the album \u2018Beverley<\/i>\u2019 has been highly acclaimed and is up for an award. Next up was Steve Walwyn\u2019s debut album \u2018Instinct to Survive<\/i>\u2019. Steve of course needs little introduction but, for those who are not familiar, Steve has been lead guitarist for a number of years with Dr.Feelgood<\/b> and before that The DT\u2019<\/b>s. And for Steve, this completed a lifelong ambition to release a quality blues album in his name. Neither of these albums releases will disappoint.<\/p>\n
In addition to the albums we had a wonderful EP release by Luna Kiss<\/b> called \u2018Gravity<\/i>\u2019. Luna Kiss<\/b> are a rock band and their own create original music. They have created their own sound by drawing on influences across the spectrum. If good honest guitar riffs combined with a rockabilly sound are your thing then the Skabilly Rebels<\/b> are just for you. Led by the enigmatic Roddy Radiation the Skabilly Rebels <\/b>released a noteworthy EP titled \u2018Fallen Angel<\/i>\u2019 earlier in the year which contained a set of new and more familiar songs.<\/p>\n
The above is far from exhaustive. I do appreciate that there has been other album and EP releases that I have not covered or even heard as yet.<\/p>\n
I think all who attended will agree that this year\u2019s Godiva Festival<\/i> was another triumph. I really enjoyed the parts of it that I got to see. On the main stage I found Coventry bands King Phoenix<\/b> and Callum Pickard and the Third Look<\/b> particularly memorable. Going forward I really hope that this festival continues in some form or other. For Coventry bands like those mentioned it really is an important fixture.<\/p>\n
I am already looking forward to 2016 which, yet again, is shaping up to be an exciting year.<\/p>\n
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The latest from Pete Clemons, from Coventry Telegraph – MANY DELIGHTS OF A GREAT MUSIC YEAR – Pete Clemons 4th jan 2016 2015 highlights My final paragraph in my round up of 2014 contained the line \u20182015 is already shaping … Continue reading