Later this week Liverpool's probably best songwriter Michael Head will release his new album. The songs I heard so far from this album shows another time the ability of him in writing and arranging timeless songs. Until the release of this album I listen to his last album Dear Scott from 2022 for several times during the last weekend. And I have to admit that it is one of those albums showing his class in songwriting once again. Hope his new album will fulfill my high expectations.
A few weeks ago Liverpool based musician and singer/songwriter Michael Head released his latest album Dear Scott after a break of five years. Adios Senior Pussycat the album before was during the last years one of those that was played at my home regular. He was a favorite of mine from his early days with Pale Fountains and Shack and I am sure he never can make a record that fits well to me. For me he is one of those artists today that is able to write the most beautiful songs with hooks and great arrangements. And so it is his latest release - a bundle of songs a lot of musicians would die for and for me always a record that will satisfy my soul.
Kismet is a synonym for a lot assigned to man by God, which he cannot escape but it is also the title of a new song by Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band. The first one he released from his forthcoming album Dear Scott that will be released end of May this year. Michael Head is one of those artists I follow during the last decades whatever he do or with the bands he was playing. From the start with The Pale Fountains over to legendary Shack and The Strand it seems he found his aim with The Red Elastic Band. With every band he was able to release great and timeless songs, well arranged and ones that never go out of fashion. I expect nothing groundbreaking by him - just another album of a couple of songs that I enjoy coming back from time to time.
Since the long gone by days of The Pale Fountains I follow the releases of Michael Head because of his abilities of writing fantastic songs. If it was with Shack or with The Red Elastic Band he always wrote timeless songs. Sadly he didn't got the recognition he should have and he is still another artist for insiders. Maybe because he had a lot to work to get rid of using drugs he wasn't featured but every couple of years he releases an album that was far over the average of many others. The last one he released was Adios Senor Pussycat four years ago and it is full of personal life-affirming songs and it one of those albums I can listen to from the start to the end. For me a perfect start into a wet autumn Sunday.
The original plan of this list was to look back to albums that inspired me or were on heavy rotation at my place this year. Therefore I planned a series with six episodes showing this music in different categories. I also planned writing the post during my holidays until Christmas. As you know things happen and nothing is the same any more. So I finish this series with a little overview of some kind that was on my mind and most of lists are written by you mates.
Have a great start into 2018.
One of the best albums in 2017 were presented by veterans that appeared suddenly and unexpected. These albums found their way to my turntable and stayed there for long times. Best example was Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band. With Adios Senor Pussycat he appeared with a monument of an album filled with superb songs.
You can add Nick Heyward and Mark Lanegan to this category and there are many songs to feature at this place (what happened during the year). But I have to name Peter Perret and Marc Almond right now.
Another category was reserved for guitar based bands. Mogwai, Spoon and The Horrors released great albums but I decided now to give Slowdive the place to appear once again. Not only for the return after almost 20 years in absence.
In retrospect these artists should be referred because they also released great and unique music this year:
Jane Weaver / The Afghan Wigs / The Charlatans / Algiers / Thurston Moore / A Tribe Called Quest / Jesus and Mary Jane / Richard Thompson / ...
