Category: Top 10

The Vinyl Countdown with Kate Robertson

Posted in Top 10, Vinyl Countdown

A new Vinyl Countdown for you as Kate Robertson picks their top 10 tracks. Some great selections from across multiple decades and genres – you may just find a new favourite of your own amidst this list… 

Beyoncé – Formation

I’m not even going to try and do justice to the importance of Formation in a couple of lines. Is it even fair to put it in a line up of songs? Production, anthem, celebration, movie, lament, rallying cry. Whatever you call it – I’m going to say it – best song and video of the 21stC? 

Bloc Party – Positive Tension

The whole Silent Alarm album deserves a mention. It’s Matt Tong’s drumming on Positive Tension that brings the magic for me. 

The Jezabels – Time to Dance

I find it hard to find a band comparable to the sound of The Jezabels. Hayley Mary’s vocals are a lot to do with that. I’ve picked Time to Dance because I think if it were possible to have a ‘favourite song’ ever this would be it. This countdown could have easily been made up of only their songs. 

Florence and the Machine– Hunger

I discovered this song during my lockdown walks. It reminds me of stomping aimlessly around the streets with it on repeat. I find it both sad but completely energising at the same time. 

VLURE – Euphoria

I love VLURE. Their music takes me to walking up a rainy Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. They are the best of what the Glasgow music scene has to offer: honest, ruthless, funny, epic. 

Frightened Rabbit – My Backwards Walk

Another Scottish offering. The music and the lyrics layer up in a way that is almost so perfect it could be formulaic. But it’s not, because it’s Frightened Rabbit. In my opinion they are one of the best bands of all time.

The National – Pink Rabbits

‘I was a white girl in a crowd of white girls in the park’. The National’s lyrics are often why I keep coming back to their songs. And also I didn’t expect Rabbits to emerge as a theme in this list. 

Rilo Kiley – A Better Son/Daughter

I first heard this at the end of Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette. I think it is one of the most honest and relatable depictions of mental health struggles. It reminds me there’s light in the world when my brain forgets it.

Queen – Under Pressure

I was asked recently what band I would pick if I could only listen to one band for the rest of my life. I went for Queen, so they had to go on this list. How can you pick just one Queen song though? I went with Under Pressure but I’ll probably change my mind tomorrow. 

Meatloaf – I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)

It’s the to and fro of the final few minutes with Lorraine Crosby that puts this firmly in my top 10.  It is also my highlight of my favourite club night – Ultimate Power (non stop power ballads!). Wailing along to this song with your mates and hundreds of others is ridiculously happy-inducing.

 

Kate has a long standing love of music, with a wide range of experience in the music industries of both Glasgow and Brighton. They also have a most excellent golden retriever, but no rabbits that we’re aware of.

You can listen to Kate’s playlist here. Get in touch if you’d like us to feature your Vinyl Countdown.

 

Published 16th January 2024

Top 10 Tracks of 2023 (Siobhan)

Posted in New Music, Top 10, Vinyl Countdown

Top 10 tracks: Vinyl Countdown of 2023 – selected by Siobhan, Editor

1. Cut It / VLURE

Restricting myself to one song per artist for the purposes of this feature, otherwise this wouldn’t be the only VLURE track here. A battering ram of a song, if it can be only one it has to be Cut It, kicked me back into touch when I needed it most. Everything they do all the better for being on their own terms, everything they do unfalteringly a step higher.

2. BODYROCKER / Polite Bureaux

Only discovered Polite Bureaux well into 2023 and listened to this on repeat for days afterwards, love Joe’s writing and a great live act.

3. It’s Mad Round Here / City Parking

Sardonic, ironic and breathing new life into the idea of levelled spoken word, City Parking have got my interest peaked for more.

4. Mirrors / Nightbus
With hints of Manchester predecessors Joy Division and an alluring vocal befitting of a smoky club, Nightbus are definitely on my list of bands to see in 2024.

5. This Can’t Go On / Bill Ryder-Jones
Beautiful, troubled songs that stop you in your tracks, Ryder-Jones takes a special place in the current music scene.

6. xenomorph queen  / deep tan
Very much making their own pathway to success, deep tan consistently bring something new to the table. 2023 has seen some big shows for them, which hopefully bring the exposure to a wider audience they deserve.

7. Doolally / Hak Baker
Rap and dance beats meet the streets of London, a proper feelgood track with extra points for the inclusion of ‘lovely jubbly’ in the lyrics.

8. The Snitching Hour / DEADLETTER
While the deluge of spiky indie bands threatens to drown itself in similitude, DEADLETTER offer hope that there’s some originality left in the genre. Also, love a good saxophone.

9.  SHITHOUSE / Big Special
An in your face effrontery of pure punk angst and soulful reflection, Big Special could just be on the brink of something big and special. Great videos too.

10.  Padam Padam / Kylie Minogue
Kylie doing what she does best, pure unadulterated pop and more Eurovision than any Eurovision entry. You can’t knock it.

Siobhan edits Breaking Glass, and is a music photographer and sometimes writer. Top 10 Tracks of 2023 Vinyl Countdown playlist here…

 

Words © Siobhan: Instagram | Twitter

Published 28th December 2023

Top 10 Gigs of 2023 (Adam)

Posted in Live Music, Photography, Top 10

Top 10 gigs of 2023 – selected by Adam Hampton Matthews, Photographer

1. Pulp – Hammersmith Apollo
Now, that’s what I call an encore! Pulp culminated their reunion UK tour off in style at the Hammersmith Apollo. Nothing came close to this show for me. An epic set of hits with not a single dull moment. The moment Jarvis appeared at the rear of the stage silhouetted against a giant moon will stay with me for some time. Only slight frustration was having to shoot from the back of the crowd, though this made for some interesting shots in the end!

 

2. Arctic Monkeys / The Hives – Emirates Stadium
Full of swagger and a setlist full of old and new. Photos from 1 of 3 nights at the Emirates Stadium in London this summer. One of the stand out shows from 2023 for sure and a Glasto ’23 headliner!

Little shoutout to The Hives for one of the best support slots I’ve seen ever. They also played a show at The Garage earlier the same week.

3. Gary Numan – Electric Ballroom
Gary Numan played his 998/999/1000th ever show at Electric Ballroom in Camden this year. I was fortunate enough to shoot the 999th show and he was on top form. Dark, broody and as iconic as ever!

4. The Streets – Alexandra Palace
This has to be the most chaotic and energetic first three songs I’ve ever experienced and I had to climb the barrier to try and keep up! Mike Skinner welcomed the crowd with opener Turn the Page by jumping into the crowd whilst drones above filmed and captured the moment. Wasn’t sure whether I had managed to capture the energy until I got home later that night. But I was pretty pleased with the shots in the end.

5. Razorlight – Hammersmith Apollo

A favourite of mine from my days at school as one of the indie kids. Razorlight didn’t disappoint and was surprising how many of the songs lyrics I could remember on the night. It’s like their music is engraved into my youth. An epic set and a performance to suit! Proving they still have that Golden Touch. Was super chuffed to capture this moment.

6. Rick Astley – Electric Ballroom
Ahead of two nights at the Royal Albert Hall, Rick Astley played a wonderful and intimate warm up show at the Electric Ballroom in Camden. The crowd were treated to new tracks off his recent album and the obvious hits, including the one you’re probably thinking of. Such a polished performer and a really enjoyable night out.

7. Self Esteem – Hammersmith Apollo
Was lucky to catch Self Esteem’s final London show this year at Hammersmith Apollo. One of my favourite shows and performances of the year and an absolute pleasure to shoot. Self Esteem has since been on London’s West End performing in Cabaret opposite Scissor Sister’s Jake Shears!

8. The National – Alexandra Palace
My most listened to artist of 2023 and probably one of my favourite bands of all time. So they had to make the top 10! The National played two consecutive nights at Ally Pally this autumn. For those who went to both nights, two completely different setlists were performed in full across a 2+ hour show! No mean feat! It’s been a busy year for The National who also released two albums in 2023 – First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track. A tricky show to shoot with challenging lighting but a fascinating front man in Matt Berninger made this one a belter!

9. Muse – MK Dons Bowl
Muse definitely delivered the heat on probably the hottest day of the summer in 2023 with a blisteringly good set. The show delivered everything you would expect from Muse – pyro, epic backdrops, a runway and anthemic choruses! Only slight frustration was photographers were penned into one side of the stage and not allowed to shoot down the runway. An opportunity missed for sure! Support came from Royal Blood and The Warning.

10. Shame – Troxy
A band that have really catapulted into the limelight this year including a memorable Glasto performance which involved lead singer, Charlie Steen, performing in golden spandex. Each to their own! Earlier this year in April, Shame played a headline show at Troxy in London. It was energetic, sweaty, and everything a post-punk band should be! A band I’ll definitely be following more closely going forward.

You can see all the amazing shots Adam has captured for us this year here, and do check out more of his work on his website and Insta below.

Photos and words © Adam Hampton-Matthews – Website | Instagram

Published 18th December 2023

Top 10 Tracks of 2023 (Derek)

Posted in New Music, Top 10, Vinyl Countdown

Top 10 tracks: Vinyl Countdown of 2023 – selected by Derek Rickman, Writer

1. Geisha / Egyptian Blue
Even COVID couldn’t derail Egyptian Blue’s inevitable rise in 2023. Subsequently their much delayed debut album arrived fully formed and fleshed out. Geisha is perhaps the standout track, a frenetic ball of nervous energy with its taut mix of insistent guitars and syncopated drums.

2. Dead Horse / Yard Act
James Smith and cohorts take a few well aimed shots at right wing tabloid culture and emrerge triumphant. Refreshing belligerence from Leed’s hottest prospects.

3. Loveher / Romy
A deeply personal song from Romy yet its lo-fi beats and impassioned vocals mesmerise. The mantra like refrain ‘Lover, I love her, Lover, I love her’ feels alluringly confessional.

4. It’s Coming Round Again / Andrew Cushin
Accomplished songwriting from an artist mature beyond his years. It’s Coming Round Again positively glows after repeated listens. With the likes of Noel Gallagher and Peter Doherty as patrons, Mr Cushin has a bright future.

5. The Weeks / Art School Girlfriend
Transient moments of euphoria course through Art School Girlfriend’s second album Soft Landing, none more so than  The Weeks. A sly deceptive opening eventually bursts into a cinematic rush of grungy guitar and ethereal harmonies.

6. Hard Day’s Night 2023 Mix  / The Beatles
The wonders of AI provide a fascinating insight into the Fab Four’s studio ethic in this 2023 mix from newly released Red Album. The clarity is remarkable, you can hear Lennon and Harrison’s guitars ring brightly and Ringo Starr’s snare drum seems to have added bite.

7.  Fairy Tale of New York / The Pogues, Kirsty MacColl
There is added poignancy to this perrenial favourite with the sad news of Shane MacGowan’s passing fresh in our minds. It’s still timeless in its appeal and clearly head and shoulders above all the other festive mire. It will forever stand as a testament to his creative genius.

8.  Woman / Barry Can’t Swim
One of those feel-good tunes that sleepwalked its way on to my playlist this year! Lovely stilted piano and a memorable chorus all underpinned by Lapsley’s emotive vocal.

9.  Cold Reactor / Everything Everything
First taster from their Mountainhead album due next March. The boys are still delving into conceptual art pop. Cold Reactor is mellow but punches brightly with Jonathan Higgs’ jaunty vocals riding bubbling waves of electronica.

10.  Heaven Sent / VLURE
I’ve yet to see VLURE but I’m guessing this new track has harnessed the intensity of their live sound. As thrilling an anthem as I’ve heard all year. World domination surely awaits.

Derek is a writer, poet, painter and hiker who often captures his journeys on camera – see more of what he’s been up to this year on his Instagram link below, and listen to his top 10 tracks of 2023 here…

 

Words © Derek Rickman – Instagram

Published 13th December 2023