Ali's Top tens are here ....

 1. Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

Opening with drums and orchestration which might forebode the arrival of Darth Vader, the number of different musical styles and moods on this album is almost overwhelming, so that three months after its release repeat listens still reveals more depth. 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert' musical dexterity is underpinned by Little Simz word play, successfully builds upon her previous album 'Grey Area' and shows Little Simz to be an important musical artist.

2.   David Olney & Anana Kaye, Whispers and Sighs

3.   Wolf Alice, Blue Weekend

4.   Jim Ghedi, In the Furrows Of Common Place

5.   Black Honey, Written and Directed

6.   Mdou Moctar, Afrique Victime

7.   Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, They're Calling Me Home

8.   Katherine Priddy, The Eternal Rocks Beneath

9.   Manic Street Preachers, The Ultra Vivid Lament

10.  Lake Street Dive, Obviously

 

Favourite Re-issues

Buena Vista Social Club, 25th Anniversary Edition

John Coltrane, A Love Supreme, Live in Seattle

 

Top Ten Live Shows 2021

1. Manic Street Preachers - Show for the NHS, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Originally planned for December 2020 and twice rescheduled the Manics were determined that two shows in support of the NHS would happen. This emotional evening raised £85,000 for 3 NHS charities in Wales. As Nicky Wire said on the evening “thanks to the NHS for always being there for all of us.”

2.   Little Simz - End of the Road Festival

3.   Jerry Joseph - Running Horse, Nottingham

4 .  Phil Robson Organ Trio - Derby Arena , Derby

5.   Suede - Rock City, Nottingham

6.   Shirey Collins – End of the Road Festival

7.   Stan Tracey Sextet – Derby Library, Derby

8.   Stereolab – End of the Road Festival

9.   Snapped Ankles – Wide Eyed, Leicester

10 . Hamish Hawk – Live @ Leeds, Leeds