Every month I make a playlist of new music I have discovered. They make for a wonderful time machine of times and places in the year, and the soundtrack that accompanied them.
This year I discovered 357 new tracks from old classics like Dolly Parton to brand new music from Lauren Mayberry, David Gilmour and the Cure. As a reminder you can read up on my definition of ‘new’ music and my process on this blog post.
It’s Going to Take Some Time – January Music Discoveries
The year started with some Dolly. Over the Christmas break we watched 9-5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas – both of which had classic Dolly Parton songs. But it was the song ‘Cowgirl and the Dandy’, from her album Here You Come Again that opened the book for the year. I knew, and loved the title track but ‘cowgirl was new to me.
As we drudged through the dark opening days of the new year, I stumbled upon a wonderful Carole King song. I first heard the Carpenters version of ‘It’s Going to Take Some Time’ on their 1972 album A Song For You many years ago but I never paid attention. But once you get your ear in, it is easy to spot a Carole King track and so it was I dug out the original version from her 1971 Music album. The lyrics on this song are just beautiful and evocative – singing heartbreak like few others can.
“It’s going to take some time this time
No matter what I’ve planned
But like the young trees in the winter time
I’ll learn how to bend
After all the tears we’ve spent
How could we make amends?
So, it’s one more round for experience
And I’m on the road again
And it’s going to take some time this time”
Some wonderful Bill Evans jazz tracks were added to the January discoveries, expanding my knowledge from just knowing and (loving) the Everybody Digs Bill Evans album.
A Dire Straits B-Side got me in the mood for a late January trip to see the Mark Knopfler auction at Christies but it was an incredible song from the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band that really jumped out.
I finally watched The Magical Mystery Tour in which this song was featured. If it was a happy shock for me to see this in the movie, I can’t think what it must have been for the average viewer to see this dark song coming into their homes!
Here is the January playlist
My Saturn Has Returned – February Music Discoveries
February opened listening to The Smile, Thom Yorke’s other band. New artists like Australia’s Sofia Isella brought some truly new music to my playlist. The title track from Kacey Musgraves new album Deeper Well found the multi Grammy award winner healing after the heartbreak of 2021’s Star-Crossed.
There’s quite a bit of ‘folky’ music with new discoveries from Steeleye Span, Roy Harper and Fotheringay. I was dreaming of heading back to California this year and got into Tim Buckley’s album Greetings from LA and Livin’ on a Fault Line from the Doobie Brothers.
I also went back and listened to the Beatles albums from the very start, picking out Ask Me Why for it’s doowop feeling. Quite a bit of classical music caught my ears, including L’Heure Exquise from Encarnacion Vazquez and Jorge Federico Osorio and their wonderful album Chansons Sublimes songs by Debussy, Faure, Chausson and Hahn.
This year I have become a convert to Classic FM which accounts for much of these new classical tracks, but it has also brought with it a new fan for Aled Jones. Famous for his rendition of ‘Walking in the Air’ he is now, amongst other things, a radio presenter and still a talented singer. His two ‘hats’ collided for me with the incredible song, ‘Did You Not Hear My Lady?’ from 2017.
Olivia Rodgrio is not an artist that I would usually stream but her 2023 track Vampire caught my ear for it’s depth of lyrics which she co-wrote. There is definite comparisons to early Lorde which is a good thing in my book.
And how about a wonderful Jazz rendition of Metallica‘s ‘Nothing Else Matters’ by Macy Gray – just sublime. Here is the playlist of new music discoveries from February.
Anything catch your ear, yet? Let me know in the comments or share something you think I should hear. I’ll listen to anything once!
Looking back on the March discoveries, eclectic is the only word I can offer!
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? March Music Discoveries
It wasn’t that long ago that I realised the band Chicago were so much more than a couple of Peter Cetera hits. “Does Anybody…’ is a great track from the Terry Kath lead band, from their album Chicago IX. We’ve got some Americana in March with ‘Tin Man’ from America and ‘Reminiscing’ from the Little River Band.
There is a rogue song in here. It’s one that I heard many years ago but struggled to find it again, so I added it to March so I wouldn’t lose it again. It’s ‘Belles’ by Andrew Bird. A very simple song, just the rhythmic chiming of hand bells. The perfect end of night/end of playlist song.
Here’s March:
This Ain’t Texas – April Music Discoveries
Two big albums in April – Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and the full release of Kacey Musgraves’ Deeper Well.
But before that we had some Rod Stewart. Often parodied but he’s a singer songwriter that shouldn’t be underestimated. Three tracks from his Blondes Have More Fun made it to this month’s list. Stewart’s foray into disco yielded the massive hit ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’ which helped proper the album to triple platinum sales (3 million) in the USA.
More Americana with Jackson Brown with the wonderful Late for the Sky. I am still digging into his back catalogue but as an early collaborator with the Eagles, and writer for Tom Rush he’s got incredible pedigree. I also love the album cover!
But it was Beyoncé and Kacey that stood out this month. I thought Cowboy Carter was brilliant a great mix of styles and songs that just worked. Like her previous album ‘Lemonade’ this is more than a collection of songs it is a statement piece of work. It riffs on Country, Rap and Rock to deliver something truly unique.
With Deeper Well Kacey Musgrave delivered a gentle album of [her own] healing. “You can wear the gold watch on your wrist, but it won’t give you back the moments you missed.”
Here’s April’s discoveries:
Don’t Fence Me In – May Music Discoveries
I enjoyed the first few epispides of Fallout, on Amazon Prime. The use of this song for an interesting contrast between ‘old’ Bing Crosby and a modern post apocalyptic world. The series fell away for me, but the song remains.
This was the month my daughter was sharing songs from Chappel Roan. Released in 2023, the album ‘The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess’ properly blew up. This was the highlight track from the album. We tried to get tickets for her Brixton Academy show but couldn’t get close. Maybe she’ll tour bigger venues next year. The lyrics to Red Wine Supernova are a little spicy, but good fun!
Oh, and Taylor Swift released ‘The Tortured Poets Department’. I still haven’t got into that yet, but The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived was the standout track for me.
I also rewatched the Cure’s 2019 Glastonbury Set which included Burn from the [original] ‘Crow Motion Picture Soundtrack’. I think I saw that film in the cinema, but don’t remember the song. It’s now firmly on rotation. That’s another band I’d love to see live in ’25.
Here’s May:
With mi diamond, socks an’ ting – June Music Discoveries
I was chatting to a steel pan drummer performing in Shakespeare’s birthpace of Stratford upon Avon. He was playing a song that sounded a lot like ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ by Althea and Donna so I asked him and he told me it was actually ‘Three Piece Suit’ by Trinity on which ‘Uptown’ is based. The original lyrics may be different but the overall bass and tune are the same.
The end song from Top Gun Maverick is called ‘Hold my Hand‘ by Lady Gaga.I love that film and it works as a wonderful uplifting end to this Cruise classic.
I remember hearing someone cover ‘You’re No Good’ by Linda Ronstadt and sought out the original. This is a brilliant, blistering take down of someone who has clearly left the American legend unimpressed. As the catalyst for the Eagles formation and a bona fide rock star in her own right, this is another example of her versatility and talent.
One of the most famous songs from Country legend Bonnie Raitt had passed me by, until now. Originally written by John Prine, ‘Angel from Montgomery’ is about a middle-aged woman who feels older than she is.
” Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go”
I returned to Jeff Lynne’s solo album Armchair Theatre during June. The ELO co-founder, Beatle Producer and Travelling Wilbury released a rare solo album back in 1990. As a massive ELO fan, I was excited for this album when it was released. But, for me the album failed to match the brilliance of the opening single, ‘Every Little Thing.’ I felt it was time to go back and give it a second opinion. My feelings haven’t changed too much but ‘Blown Away’ made the playlist.
Digging back through my concert videos I found a snippet from seeing Coldplay at Wembley Stadium. I wasn’t too familiar with the song but dug around to find it was ‘Midnight’ from Coldplay‘s 2014 album Ghost Songs.
Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini released a new album this year called’ Miss Flower.’ I love her voice and her 2005 album ‘Fisherman’s Woman’ remains a firm favourite. Love Poem mixes birdsong, bright synths with her dreamy voice to great effect.
Here’s June:
Comme un été à Paris – July New Music Discoveries
July was a slim month for new music discoveries. I enjoyed a few weeks in the South of France so the soundtrack was classic albums recorded in the South of France, or playing Exile on repeat as I made a pilgrimage to Villa Nellcǒte.
I found a chilled playlist that we played a lot in the villa with some Nina Simone & some Charlie Watts jazz which added to the list.
Not to miss out on the Brat summer I did enjoy the new Charlie xcx album with ‘Von Dutch’, and ‘I Might Say Something…’ the standout tracks for me.
Here’s July:
My life too a pleasant change at the start of August as I retired from the day job which meant no more ten hour days at my desk and far more time outside. That also meant the amount of new music I could seek out dropped quite considerably. But with travel and weekends there was still time to find some absolute classics.
I need a Lemon Squeezer – August New Music Discoveries
This was the month that I truly discovered the brilliance of Let it Bleed, the Rolling Stones album from 1969. The album opener, and closer remain two of their most popular songs but I was drawn to the penultimate track ‘Monkey Man.’ This is such a raw, dirty and brilliant song that it became one of my most played tracks of the year. Ideal for plugging your airpods and swaggering around London!
With such a prolific output, there is always another Brian Eno track that is new to me. The track ‘We Let It In’ from his 2024 album Eno: Soft Edges mixes almost choral vocals over ambient transitions that echo previous works like the Apollo works from 1983.
The bonkers Opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics opened me up to a few tracks from French band Phoenix, whilst I discovered new tracks from Thin Lizzy and George Benson to deliver one of the most eclectic of my new music playlists this year. Here it is:
Here Comes the Brownswood Rockers – September New Music Discoveries
September brought news of a new album from a great British band that have been quiet for a while. No, not the Cure but Galliano. The acid jazz forefathers from the mid Nineties have returned with a new groove. The new album was released in May but only caught my attention at the end of the Summer. ‘Brownswood Rockers’ opens the new album with the laid back groove I’ve always loved from them.
From an even earlier time comes the return of Haircut 100. The Eighties popsters are back for another Fantastic Day with the single ‘The Unloving Plum’. Forty years from their great album Pelican West, let’s hope it’s not the last we hear of their return.
Murray Head, most famous for ‘One Night in Bangkok’ gets a look in with ‘Never Even Thought’ from 1975. This track makes three songs I know from Mr Head and they are all brilliant so I really don’t have an excuse but to go and listen to him so more.
I’m not yet convinced by The Cure‘s latest album Alone. It definitely has a similar feeling and sound to their classic Disintegration but I don’t think it’s an instant classic. I reserve the right to changing my mind after more listening.
A surprising omission from this month’s list is the new album from David Gilmour. I think Luck and Strange is brilliant, with The Pipers Call my favourite track of the year. I got to see it live, twice this year which was a real treat!
Some classical music, a Pink Floyd cover and the very definition of background music round out another month of discoveries. Have a listen below:
And just like that the end of summer became the start of Autumn and a new release from another Rock God.
Pay No Mind to the Pompous Fool – October New Music Discoveries
New albums from Eric Clapton seem to arrive without notice and little ceremony. Like many of his recent albums the album bumbles along nicely with an easy going guitar and vocals. Not many huge guitar solos which is fine as I saw plenty of those live when he played in Newcastle this year. . The opening tracks ‘Pompous Fool’ and ‘The Call’ make it on this month’s playlist. The album is worth a listen as it has some great collaborations with his late friend Jeff Beck and some unexpected harmonies with Van Morrison.
A few tracks feel like they must have come from a Night Tracks BBC playlist as I am not sure how else I would have stumbled across the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I am glad I did though this one ‘You Know Like I Know’ wouldn’t be out of place on a Byrds record. The Waifs started out covering Bob Dylan numbers before recording their own music. This is relaxed country from their 2003 album Up All Night.
And then we have Rivals and a massive burst of Eighties tracks. Whilst month of them are well worn in this household, I wasn’t aware of ‘Dog Eat Dog’ from Adam Ant‘s Kings of the Wild Frontier album but it’s a cracker. The opening credits theme is also great and very much in the bonkers style that worked so well for White Lotus.
Old friends Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran sit together with ‘All Too Well’ and ‘Punchline’ offering a little sense of melancholy for the autumn. Ever since I realised Taylor writes her own music I have been a fan, and this is a wonderful song that was originally on her Red (Taylor’s version) album. Apparently it is a song about her ex Jake Gyllenhall.
It may be a little early for the Christmas playlist but Iggy Pop singing ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ was unexpected! Here’s the playlist:
November included trips to Birmingham, Bruges, Bury St. Edmunds and London! The music highlights definitely go to London Grammar so let’s take a listen…
People Don’t Change, they just stay the same – October New Music Discoveries
I remember watching Gabriels‘ Glastobury set a few years back and still think it is was one of the most incredible performances. I must have missed the track ‘Blame’ from their album Bloodline. “Can’t be a slave if I’m already free..” just incredible lyrics, delivery and music.
An early pioneer of Americana, Steve Forbert appears on my November list with his track ‘Romeo’s Tune’. This piano lead track from 1979 remains by far his most popular song, and with good reason. Like previous tracks in this roundup, it wouldn’t be out of place on a Jackson Browne album, or for that matter an upbeat Elvis Costello song.
Nick Cave‘s Wild God album and subsequent tour has been a major event for many fans this year. I’m still sitting on the side with his music, not ready to dive into the deep end of his catalogue but I took the new album for a spin with ‘Conversion’ being the standout track for me.
‘Nothing Breaks Like a Promise’ deserves a place on the playlist for the title alone. This track from James BonTempo & Truth Tables delivers a dark title in a jangly upbeat style. As a small band they have a growing following over on Bandcamp and would be worth your attention.
‘This is Who I Am’ from the opening credits of The Day of the Jackal has to be one of the most iconic openings in quite some time. This track from Celeste would not be out of place on a James Bond credit sequence, underpinning a great soundtrack including tracks from The Smile, Laura Marling and Gabriels, which all feature on this month’s selection.
But this month’s standouts go to Lauren Mayberry ‘Are You Awake‘, from her new album Vicious Creature, and ‘Fakest Bitch’ from the latest London Grammar album. I was lucky to join my daughter in seeing them in concert this month. Lauren was new to me and London Grammar has been a fixture in the house for some time, but I dug into London Grammar ahead of the concert. This track was the lead song from their new album The Greatest Love. I am glad to have seen both tracks live!
The month ended with a wonderful piece of classic guitar from the late 1800s. ‘Tarrega Recuerdos de la Alhambra’ is a meditative piece played on this recording by Thibaut Garcia.
Grab the Spotify playlist below:
And just like that we’re into December. Not much new Christmas music but still some interesting tracks and still time to add a few more.
You are a Light Bearer – December New Music Discoveries
‘Solstice’, from Bjork’s 2011 Biophilia album is a fitting start to this dark month.Since her brilliant Debut back in 31 years go, Bjork has always remained different if not always easy to listen to. This track fits that description perfectly!
‘Nobody’s Deal’ from Aussie Rockers Large Mirage bring a mix of classic Led Zep, mixed with Fleetwood Mac and their own style of performance that makes them one to watch. This track doesn’t have a video, yet but do check out their version of Helplessy Hoping over on their YouTube channel.
From the sunshine of Down Under, I took a trip back to rediscover some Shoe Gazing British bands on the Eighties including The Wedding Present, Cocteau Twins and the Durruti Column. I’ve had ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ on repeat so I branched out for more tracks and fell in love with ‘Sea Swallow Me’, whilst ‘Sketch for Summer’ is better enjoyed on warmer days.
I picked up a copy of Dire Straits Communiqué on vinyl recently and I am really digging ‘Follow Me Home’ – a track that shares part of a feeling with Mark Knopfler’s wonderful Local Hero score.
Norah Jones adds some festive feeling with her take on ‘Run Rudolph Run’ as we head to the end of the year with an overlooked collaboration between Paul Simon and Edie Brickell (What I am, with the New Bohemians was her big hit.)
As we’ve still got a week left there may be more to add. But for now that’s what I discovered in 2024. Has anything caught your ear, yet? I’ll be starting next year’s playlist soon and always open to ideas! Let me know your suggestions in the comments.
Thanks for getting this far!
Featured Photo by Paul Seling
Anything catch your ear, yet? Let me know in the comments or share something you think I should hear. I’ll listen to anything once!