For the last few years, singer song writers have featured heavily but this year they have taken a back seat. This probably reflects who I’ve saw this year. It is also the first time a Jazz record has been on my list, with Jamie Branch. And for probably the only time, the list features a snooker player!

As usual, deciding on the order has been difficult. I’ve spent the last week re-listening to all my favourite albums to work out my top 20. The top three were especially difficult as they all were my favourite album at some point of the year.

Top 20 Albums of 2019

1. Fontaines D.C. – Dogrel
2. The Murder Capital – When I Have Fears
3. Black Midi – Schalagenheim
4. Dry Cleaning – Sweet Princess EP
5. LIFE – A Picture of Good Health
6. Drahla – Useless Coordinates
7. Richard Dawson – 2020
8. Erland Cooper – Sule Skerry
9. Warmduscher – Tainted Lunch
10. Avalanche Party – 24 Carat Diamond Trephine
11. Girl Band – The Talkies
12. Aldous Harding – Designer
13. RAKTA – Falha Comum
14. Jamie Branch – FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise
15. Lewsberg – Lewsberg
16. Automatic – Signal
17. Ezra Furman – Twelve Nudes
18. Snapped Ankles – Stunning Luxury
19. The Utopia Strong – The Utopia Strong
20. French Vanilla – How Am I Not Myself

Support was from Prom. Sadly, the vocals were a bit too low for my taste which undermined their performance on night when they couldn’t afford not to be at 100%.

It looks like the band are picking up some momentum with a packed Lexington. Hopefully their soon to be launched debut album continues the trend. They’re a really interesting band to watch.

Support was from Jet Setter

I have to admit, I bought tickets under false pretences. I’d confused Girl Band with Girls Names. I’ve actually seen both before. But I prefer Girls Names. I didn’t realise my error until it was too late, but as I had a ticket I thought I’d go anyway.

The evening started with a band from Brighton, Object Object. An interesting young band

The lead singer had a voice I liked on some songs and disliked on others. Not sure I can put my finger on why. I think it’s probably a range thing. She sang in either high range or low range, but she didn’t appear to have any midrange. What she had though, was a stage presence. Musically, I was also a bit indifferent. Pleasant without really engaging me.

Next up was Hooton Tennis Club playing decent lo-fi scuzzy indie.They put in a pretty decent performance and I think I’ll give them another listen.

Another Brighton band were up next, The Magic Gang. They appeared to have brought some dedictated fans them. It’s easy to see why, putting in an engaging performance, of catchy indie music. They clearly were enjoying themselves as much as the crowd were. I’m not sure I’d ever put any of their music on the record player, but I be happy to catch them live again.

Finally, Girl Band. Having been at the front for all the gig, I suddenly started to feel a bit ill. Probably a combination of heat, lack of sleep and lack of food. I’d been walking during the afternoon and hadn’t really eatten much (dieting). So I’d headed off to get some water. By the time I got back, the Roundhouse studio was packed. So I headed to the back. It’s probably the furthest back I’ve been at a gig for months. Which is a pity. Girl Band put in a great perfomance and I really wanted to be closer, especially watching the guitarist who mixes feedback samples(?) with guitars for a great sound.

I’d seen them before. They supported Metz. But when you leave a Metz gig, you’re unlikely to remember much else. So although I remembered that I didn’t mind them, I don’t remember enjoying them. Well tonight, I definetly did. Though there doesn’t appear to be much to their songs from a lyrical perspective, I loved the ‘coversational singing (and shouting)’.

Unfortunately, I didn’t want to push my luck, so headed off before the end of their set. Pity, because I was enjoying what I heard.