When I look back at 2020, I realised that I spent most of the year going back to the past, the 90's in fact.
It began with the release of a "greatest hits" compilation by Therapy? I say greatest hits loosely, because these versions were rerecorded. Fresh takes but still capture the essence of the originals. Also amazing to have James Dean Bradfield (Manic Street Preachers) guesting on "Die Laughing."
But this did lead me to dig my old Therapy? albums and also some great EPs.
Talking of EPs, I also had an Oasis throwback. My favourite way to play Oasis is to listen to their 4-track single releases. Many of the b-sides were better than their a-sides. 'Acquiesce' and 'The Masterplan' are now deemed to be classics.
However, my favourite band of the 90s, Manic Street Preachers, reissued their 2nd album 'Gold Against The Soul.' An album which drew plenty of criticism, not least by the band themselves. However, there is obvious love for the album by their fans.
It was great to give it attention again and also hear some of the b-sides.
Bandcamp Friday is a thing. A place to buy digital music. On the first Friday of every month, fees by the website are waivered and all music goes to the artist.
https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/bandcamp-fridays-2021
I couldn't resist spending a tenner on Ginger Wildheart's GASS project, again. 35 songs, brilliant remastered by Dave Draper. GASS was originally an Internet subscription service, starting in 2014, which gained you 3 new songs a month (for a year) with a couple of demos.
I think this is Ginger's best work.
(I must point out that Ash did something similar in 2009, A-Z Series, which I also consider to be their best work).
Moving on
Talking of James Dean Bradfield, he did release a superb solo album, Even In Exile
The lyrics were provided by Patrick Jones, (brother of Manics bassist Nicky Wire). The album was about the Chilean political activist, Victor Jara.
Also, some bands from Devon, UK.
Moriaty are an amazing 2 piece band who are always exciting to see live. Their second album, 'The Die Is Cast,' was released at the end of last year.
Of course, I must mention Pylon Poets, great EP, 'Lucid Illuminations.' They seem to be mixing new styles with each record
Now, it is 2021. I've already had an amazing new album from The Pretty Reckless, 'Death By Rock N Roll.'
New music is on its way from Wolf Alice, Royal Blood, The Wildhearts, Manic Street Preachers and I'm sure, many more. I wonder if the events of last year will affect how each of these albums sound.
Also, I'm looking forward to the new album from Chris Catalyst, 'Kaleidoscopes,' on 2nd April (hopefully Bandcamp Friday). He is the lead singer of the criminally overlooked Eureka Machines (video made by 
So there we are. The first time I've made a music related blog for a while.
I'm going to enjoy this year.
I'm sure though, that the minute I post this, another one of my favourite bands will announce a new album. Von Hertzen Brothers (another criminally overlooked band); what you doing this year?
