5 January Recommendations
A long rest draws to an end. Here are five music-related recommendations of works personally enjoyed over the past month or so.
The Night Always Comes by Willy Vlautin
The Christmas break to-do list was written earlier than most years this year. To be honest, for three months it was a very short list with ‘read Willy’s new book’ sitting top of the instructions. The Night Always Comes introduces you to Lynette, a waitress on an escapade to buy her family a home. Trust me, you will never forget Lynette.
Get Back
It’s unlikely you’ve escaped hearing how incredible Peter Jackson’s Beatles documentary is by now. Nevertheless, so moved was I by the footage that I’ve taken a pledge to re-watch Get Back every year, a sort of audio/visual pilgrimage that involves not leaving the couch.
Mdou Moctar
Mdou Moctar‘s Afrique Victime rightly landed in all of the usual end of year lists. The Tuareg musician’s sixth album is a guitar-lovers’ giddy dream and the band never fail to bring it to life in their live performances.
Fire Draw Near
Ian Lynch’s deep-dive into Irish traditional music has been a hit on the podcast spectrum. As a member of Lankum, one of Ireland’s foremost folk groups, our presenter is perfectly placed to provide a contemporary perspective on the genre. There’s also an accompanying compilation available from River Lea Records.
Shared Notes by Martin Hayes
Ireland’s patron saint of the fiddle released a memoir before the turn of the year. Fans will be aware of Hayes’ role as spiritual leader of Irish supergroup The Gloaming, but may not be so familiar with the musician’s musical progression from his time with The Tulla Céili Band in east Clare, to his on-stage implosion on stage in the United States. A sincere and poignant read.
Visit your local music shop, bookshop or library to find the titles above.
