I thought it might be interesting to have a quick dip back into my thoughts at the end of 2012 and update with some comments and observations about the albums I chose as my top 12 to see how we are all getting along :

 

Big Big Train – English Electric 

Yep – still up there on regular play and as stunning as the first listen.  East Coast Racer has moved up the league though and is currently one of my favourite BBT tracks of all time. This track is simply a masterpiece. Brilliant subject, amazing vocals, outstanding arrangement and superb production.  The Underfall Yard has yet to be beaten though 🙂

Steve Hackett – Genesis Revisted II 

Not played this as much as I thought after the first few listens – it’s there, in the background, but not on the playlist as much as I thought it would have been – still love it though.

Pineapple Thief – All the Wars

A regular feature on my playlist. I just love the crisp sound, the overall feel and urgency of this melancholic record.

 

Nine Stones Close – One Eye on the Sunrise

Still an absolute belter of an album and one which just gets better with each play.  A regular first-teamer this one. Shame no-one seems to know them ….

It Bites – Map of the Past

A marvellous album but one that somehow doesn’t shout out for attention as much as some others for me.  But every time I play it I marvel at the catchiness, melody and arrangements …. should listen to this more !

The Rumour Cubes – The Narrow State 

A quirky favourite of mine and a regular feature. Haunting cellos, violins and a beautiful Mono-esque feel to it. Brilliant.

Anathema – Weather Systems

One of he few albums that needs to be played all the way through, in one sitting, to get the full deal.  A regular on my commute and one that relaxes, enchants and adds spirituality to my day.

Storm Corrosion – Storm Corrosion

Not worked for me this one !  To be frank I find it annoying so it’s been relegated to the naughty corner at the moment.

Headspace – I am Anonymous

This is turning out to be an absolute corker of an album. A brilliantly conceived slice of power metal and a favourite I turn to on a weekly basis. Powerful, engaging, interesting – it’s got the lot !

Twilights Embrace – Traces  (EP) 

These lads from Nottingham have produced two cracking EP’s and they are high on my list as I seem to have expanded my metal taste to incorporate some melodic growls.  Tremendous stuff and being EP’s short enough to blast every week at least.  A further discovery in this genre has been Finnish band Swallow the Sun and their epic ‘Emerald Forest and the Blackbird’ – thanks for the recommendation from Matt Spall (@ManofMuchMetal)

Neal Morse – Momentum

This was a late entrant and is mid-table in plays I reckon.  It’s good, it’s upbeat and fun but some of it I find a bit obvious (nothing wrong with that though !)

Echolyn – Echolyn

I really like this album and it has grown to be firm favourite.  I enjoy it’s simply class and elegance with great musicianship, songs and atmosphere. Lovely.

That’s it folks !