Another year has zoomed by and I wish I could say that it’s the music that has made this a memorable year. While this list is one of our most diverse ever and arguably one of the best in recent years, it’s the state of the world and man’s inhumanity to man that has so dominated 2015. And at the heart of most of this turmoil is one Mr Putin who seems to be able to break all legal covenants with impunity - only Turkey has dared to act decisively and effectively! I also fear that the UK and the rest of the world has failed to find long-term solutions to the 2008 financial crisis - printing money and nothing interest rates only store up problems for the future. The UK has artificially improved the picture with phony job creation and a Bank of England terrified to act on the truth. With the chaos and fear that reigns music has provided has provided respite, but not the mediocrity that dominates the airwaves. Here’s my pick of 2015 and if you haven’t tasted some of it, give it a try - you might be surprised by the beauty and quality that does truly exist outside of the BBC…

Glen Hansard DIDN’T HE RAMBLE. Epitaph. Alternative Folk Rock

“With his latest he has progressed to what I feel is the summit of his craft.”
“Hansard should be in your music library next to Springsteen, Dylan and Van Morrison… “

Ludovico Einaudi TARANTA PROJECT. Ponderosa. Traditional/Folk/Classical

“This is a great ‘Real World’- type album - bringing together excellent musicians from different musical cultures to create something new and original.”
“Einaudi - A talented genius with the midas touch!”

Slow Show WHITE WATER. Haldern Pop. Alternative Rock

“Brilliant - one of the best albums I have got in a long time.”
“Beautiful string/brass sections and piano parts, nothing too overpowering but the songs still very powerful.”

Julia Holter HAVE YOU IN MY WILDERNESS. Domino. Indie Rock/Folk

“…we’re seeing/hearing a rare musical genius here. Absolute perfection. Breath-taking in conception and execution.”
“Reminds me of first time listening in similar surroundings to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon - and Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks! Julia Holter’s music demands serious attention - it transports listeners to places of real beauty and serenity.”

Kendrick Lamar TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY. Polydor. Rap

“The most lyrically excellent album of any genre in years, Kendrick Lamar raps fluently on the subjects of social injustice, inequality, greed, religious philosophy, personal anxiety and a lot more.”
“This album seamlessly fuses hip hop, funk and jazz into and fluid, chronological, narrative.”

Meg Baird DON’T WEIGH DOWN THE LIGHT. Wichita. Folk

“…The spirit of early Joni Mitchell seems quite close at hand at times.”
“This is easily one of the very finest recordings it has been my privilege to encounter this year.”

Killing Joke PYLON. Spinefarm Records. New Wave/Post-Punk/Rock

“This is another slice of pure sonic delight../ An assault and battery on the ears like the aural equivalent of getting in the ring with Tyson in his heyday.”
“There aren’t many albums where every track is top notch but this is one of those.”

Dar Williams EMERALD. Bread And Butter Music. Folk

“If you have never heard this lady do yourself a huge musical favour - buy this album.”
“The songs are instant, yet subtle and powerful.”

Editors IN DREAM. Play It Again Sam. Indie Rock

“…the boys return in fine style, returning to a more electronic feel whilst keeping their signature sombre tones.”
“This is a fantastic album.”

Sufjan Stevens CARRIE & LOWELL. Asthmatic Kitty Records. Folk

“…with his seventh “official” album “Carrie and Lowell” one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters returns to peak form.”
“shows a special ability to create truly heart-warming and emotive missives from the clever counterpoint and pay-off of a series of simple but memorable and folksy melodies.”