12/22 - Like The River Styx, I Flow

Since I last posted a list, I have: worked an intense couple of months installing a major exhibition at Borås Art Museum; finally taken a new studio of my own; turned 40 years old; and gathered a great backlog of fantastic tunes. So to get stuck in again, a bunch of long time companions that never miss:

 

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Burning

In the midst of the most stressful work week at the museum I had a moment when this song came on BBC6 in my earphones and suddenly I was bouncing around in the workshop by myself, feeling all my tiredness evaporate. To think it's over twenty years since these guys burst onto the scene with that flawless eponymous EP, and they're sstill making songs as fierce as this. And Karen O's voice is still one of the most exhilerating around - the way she just snarls out that chorus. Art Stars indeed.

 

 

Pulp - A Little Soul

A record that's also been around for over twenty years, and which I've loved through most of those years. This song might not be one of the most obvious hits from the album, but lately I've been struck by what an absolutely gorgeous, heartwrenching character study it is. The song version of being dropped into the middle of a Shane Meadows movie...

 

 

Liars - Houseclouds

I think I first heard Liars on a mixtape in 2001/2002 sent to me by an internet friend on the message board I frequented. It was Mr, Your On Fire Mr and it stuck with me. Last year they released yet another in a long line of ever-brilliant albums. I'll come back to that on a playlist soon, but last week I listened to their 2007 eponymous album and so I have to include this – one of my top 5 ever Liars songs.

 

 

Tehran Vocal Ensemble - Ey Irân

I went to a demonstration in support of the Iranian uprising, and at one point the crowd sang along to this, the alternative national anthem of Iran, and it was very powerful. Solidarity to everyone protesting in the country, and everyone helping to keep the people's plight in the headlines abroad! I dream of one day visiting a free Iran. 

Zan. Zedegi. Azadi.

 

Low - Don't Walk Away

And then Mimi Parker tragically passed away. What a treasure she left behind. A voice tailormade to bring comfort to millions. And like several of the great ones that have gone in recent years, she went out on top. I would go as far as to say that the last Low album is the best one of their long career. I'm positively obsessed with its stunning fractures and distortions.