Lists, lists, lists. There are too many lists - more than ever these days (isn’t there more of everything?). We live in abundant times, digitally speaking. But what about the quality? Well, what a year 2019 was for quality music. A good thing for the Song Sommelier, in our inaugural year! Since we’re about quality over quantity, we’ll keep this brief. Lists and picks are subjective and there’s no point just ranking stuff by numbers - those are called year-end charts. So, we’ve picked things in threes. Things are generally good in threes. Three categories, from three of us, myself, Mick and our man among the music artists, Eric Karsenty. I’ve taken the liberty of treating you with a smattering (well, three to be precise) of Mick’s rough sketches - which are just as good at capturing the spirit of the Song Sommelier as his sublime playlist covers. Almost. One of the highlights of 2019 for me, has been to receive Mick’s sketches and the final masterly painted or drawn covers that complete the posts so perfectly. Cheers to Mick, and thanks to you discerning listeners. We’re onward and upward in 2020, with a growing team of collaborators, some new series to reveal, and some pretty good ideas. Now, as ever then, all in the execution. A very happy new decade…with love & music, Keith.

THE DARK & STORMY AWARD - for best alt. R&B, neo-soul, urban pop track

We took the liberty of mixing up the R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop and urban pop into something that signified a mood, a sentiment, and a rum cocktail. The music being made across these scenes stands out better than just about anything else in popular music right now. We got to Volume 6! Listen back to the very first edition.

Keith’s Picks:

• Favourite:        Celeste, Fatherson

• Commended:  BANKS, BEA1991, Biig Piig, Raphael Saadiq, Michael Kiwanuka, Kelsey Lu

Mick’s Picks:

• Favourite:        SOAK, Everybody Loves You

• Commended:  SAULT, Lizzo, Jorja Smith, Steve Lacy, Sudan Archives, Little Simz

Eric’s Picks:

• Favourite:        30/70, Tempted

• Commended:  Eliza, Jamila Woods, Jordan Rakei, Bobby Oroza

THE RIFF RAFF AWARD - for bringing back guitar music

Missing assumed deceased, or at least very ill, ‘rock’ music went out of fashion some time ago, usurped by a mix of indie-pop, post-punk and, in one case at least, classic pop-rock with a portent, and for that matter, potent - injection of YOUTH. Rock, dead? Fuck off no it isn’t! Listen back to Volume 1 now.

Keith’s picks:

• Favourite:        Sam Fender

• Commended:  Riscas, Marsicans, Burning Alms, VIALETTERS, Alex Lahey, Life

Mick’s Picks:

• Favourite:        FONTAINES D.C.

• Commended:  Boy Azooga, She Drew The Gun, Stella Donnelly, Jade Bird

Eric’s picks:

• Favourite:        IDLES

• Commended:  Ex Hex, Mannequin Pussy, Foals

THE NEW AMERICANA AWARD - for keeping the album alive

As if driving a stake through Rock’s heart wasn’t enough, the music industry has been gradually losing touch with its very life force since streaming took a hold. The album is dead, long live Americana. Because Americana needs the album and so do we. Look up these favourites on your platform of choice, preferably a turntable dudes! Meanwhile, volume 2 of New Americana is er, somewhat overdue…sorry about that!

Keith’s Picks:

• Favourite:        Joseph, Good Luck Kid

• Commended:  The Lumineers, Cass McCombs, The Delines , Angel Olsen

Mick’s Picks:

• Favourite:        Jenny Lewis, On The Line

• Commended:  Sharon Van Etten, Lissie, Deerhunter

 Eric’s picks:

• Favourite:        Charlie Parr, Charlie Parr

• Commended:  Purple Mountains, Vetiver, Andrew Bird 

SEE YOU AGAIN SOON AND REMEMBER: SIP, DON’T SKIP!

Thanks for listening.