DECANTED - THE SONG SOMMELIER TOP ALBUM PICKS OF 2022
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DECANTED - THE SONG SOMMELIER TOP ALBUM PICKS OF 2022 〰️
Well, Spotify has ‘Wrapped’, but this here is ‘Decanted’; the Song Sommelier album picks of 2022. This is not a ‘best albums’ list. We wouldn’t be so presumptuous or ‘gatekeepy’, none of that nonsense. In this day & age, those lists are a bit listless. They always miss something, and no doubt I’ve missed a bunch of great albums this year I would love to love, but never gave the time. Besides this isn’t some ‘stamp of approval’ but simply a shout out. I would implore discerning listeners to try these albums, many of which have been overlooked entirely by the usual lists. These are the albums I have played the most, usually on vinyl. I don’t keep a manual count or anything, but I expect to keep playing all these records for many years to come. That’s the difference really. The albums on this list are built to last in my mind, so give them a try and see if you agree. I’ve used the Spotify embed because it’s so effective and beautiful. But I recommend you buy the records if you get to like them. Eventually. Happy musical 2023!
gaye su aykol
Anadolu Ejderi
A space-aged psych-rock wig out that could be the soundtrack to a Turkish Flash Gordon. Real gumption and not a word of Turkish language is required to appreciate it.
Sophie Ellis Bexter’s kitchen disco just got blasted into the universe.
Nerina Pallot
I Don’t Know What I’m Doing
The title is ironic. If grown-up pop is your thing, this post-genre masterclass in un-self conscious songwriting will make your year yet.
Kate Bush is Nerina’s muse, but it could be the other way around.
The Delines
The Sea Drift
Real deal songs and stories delivered with class. The Delines blue collar soap opera presents an engrossing world that is bigger and deeper than just making records. This is slow music without a second wasted. Sublime.
Surely they will become so much bigger than a small time band.
Suede
autofiction
Not so much defying longevity as redefining it, Brett Andersen and co make a career-best album in their 40s & 50s.
If U2 could do the same, what would that be like?
Everything Everything
raw data feel
Inventive, jam-packed but somehow lean and focused, this album is a gift that keeps giving with each and every listen. All killer no filler pop that comes with an added bonus of making you feel smarter.
A.I. was allegedly ‘involved’, but really, I doubt it.
Paulo Nutini
Last Night In The Bittersweet
Back after an age, Paulo opted for a return to ageless, classic 70s style album making, with fine results. You could say they don’t make records like this any more.
He has though.
Aqualung
Dead Letters
A rare outing for a singer songwriter who knows how to make good records, but is particularly inspired here to make a batch of personal songs that tell of homecoming, family and relationships and perhaps, knowing it will be okay despite occasional nightmares.
Very rewarding indeed.
Spoon
Lucifer On The Sofa
Ever consistent despite subtlety shifting style and sound from album to album, Spoon turn in a well-drilled, tightly wound record full of punchy indie tracks that hit.
And then…that closer.
Turin Brakes
Wide-Eyed Nowhere
Here we go again, back to the sun-drenched 70s, this time complete with Datsun. Having made a string of decent records for decades, Olly Knights and team find the form to take things up a notch.
A delightful road trip from start to finish.
Phoenix
Alpha Zulu
Recorded in the Louvre, this has everything thrown into it, but sounds cohesive. I don’t know their catalogue that well, but if it’s as good as this well that’s even less time to listen to new music in 2023.
C'est la Vie.
Pre-order the gold vinyl
Alela Diane
Looking Glass
Crafted over four years between raising children, house renovations and making reluctant home videos to promote the songs. Let’s be honest with ourselves. When was the last time you stopped everything and listened to an album all the way through?
Put everything aside for 40 minutes and give this a try.
Ozzy Osbourne
Patient Number 9
No holds barred melodic metal with everything turned up to 11. Especially the tunage. Urgent, vital and funny as well. What a remarkable achievement at this stage of his career, this is Ozzy Osbourne putting music first.
Guess what kids, he’s is brilliant at it.
Devil horns salute.