My musical year isn’t primarily made up of albums – there are so many other ways of enjoying “New Music” – not to mention the classical which I follow too. Bon Iver’s SABLE fABLE, offered delightful acoustic-driven sounds, that trod familiar ground, but the best of a wonderful album demonstrated how open he is to collaborations, in this case with artists such as vocalist Dijon, and producer Jim-E Stack, both of whom discoveries for me, and whose own work led me down so extraordinary sonic rabbit-holes. I have returned to this album a great deal, and the inventiveness and emotional power displayed here has thrilled me over and over, without me ever feeling it’s been enough.
In a time of continually and increasingly horrifying news, I never fail to be moved by the US record label Dust-to-Digital’s regular Instagram posts, where they showcase fabulous music – amateur and professional, from around the world. Music is the language of the heart and there’s plenty of evidence to be found here. Check it out! Similarly, I’m on the mailing list for releases by Canary Records, the devoted and inspired project led by Ian Nagoski, who regularly releases a wide range material that ranges from intriguing and enjoyable music recorded in the 1930s and 40s by Greeks or Armenians in the US, to lost tracks by Egyptian oud virtuosi or Sephardi singers from Constantinople. You don’t have to buy the digital files, you can just listen online – but supporting Ian in this great work is the least I can do.
The other source of inspiration as well as very well-informed tips as to what I might turn to, I find in Richard Williams’s erudite and enthusiastic blog, “The Blue Moment”. It’s often about experimental Jazz, but he also showcases forgotten Sixties soul singers and others, music that this man of outstanding taste, and wide-ranging experience generously selects for his readers.
Three More Essential Albums of 2025
Rosalia – Lux
Mavis Staples – Sad And Beautiful World
Boz Scaggs - Detour
Musical Experiences of the Year
We Out Here Festival, Dorset
Youssou N'Dour, Roundhouse
Lizz Wright, Barbican
Track of the Year
Boz Scaggs - I'll Be Long Gone (2025 version)
- Canary Records. https://canary-records.bandcamp.com/
- The Blue Moment. https://thebluemoment.com
- More New Music reviews on theartsdesk
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