Albums of the year 2020

2020 has been – well -we all know what it has been. So, we have a truncated blog this year and just the top 5 albums.

Number 5 – Sian by Sian

An excellent debut album from the Gaelic trio. Beautiful harmonies abound and their stunning rendition of Bha Mo Leannan Ann got me through the early days of lockdown.

Number 4 – The Ledger by Finlay Napier, Gillian Frame and Mike Vass

A lovely collection of old folk songs that are beautifully performed by the trio. Bonnie George Campbell was one of my favourite songs of the year.

Number 3 – Letter To You by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

A new album from Bruce is always something to look forward to and this one is a cracker. They may be advancing in years but the E Streeters can still rock with the best of them and Bruce is in fine voice. Some of the songs are poignant reminders of days gone by with Last Man Standing and I’ll See You In My Dreams being particularly emotional. The outstanding track for me is the 50 year old Song For Orphans. It is Springsteen at his absolute best.

Number 2 – Light My Byre by Peat & Diesel

Before 2020 went on its downward spiral I had the absolute pleasure of being at The Barrowlands the night P&D blew the place apart. It is a night I will never forget and this album was at the heart of it. They may have forgotten to mention Colonsay in My Island but that apart, this is a wee gem of an album and it makes me smile every time I hear it.

Number 1 – The Roke by Ross Miller

Talking of albums that just make me smile, this is another. Ross has been a World champion piper and is steeped in the pipe band tradition but he has managed to make an album that takes piping to another level. The arrangements are perfect with the pipes being far enough back in the mix to allow the other fine instrumentalists to shine too. The fast tracks have you dancing around the room like a mad thing while the slower numbers are just gorgeous. Picking a favourite track is impossible. Aye Right! is superb, Grannie Betty’s is beautiful while the opening slow air on Mum and Dad’s touches the heart like a bolt of lightning. The title track, where it switches from the pipe band style into the rock style is a magic moment and, let’s be honest, any album that has a set called Accidental Belterism has to be something special.

There we have it then, 5 albums that have brought some much needed light to 2020. Roll on 2021, it has to be better!

Hughie

16/12/20