It's Southampton again, this time Simon's Top Tens of 2021
Albums
1. Kiwi Jr – Cooler Returns
This album came out in January and through the whole of 2021 I simply haven’t heard an album that’s grabbed me like this one. From Canada, Kiwi Jr have produced a record crammed full of banging indie pop tunes. In previous scribings I’ve likened this album to Killers’ Hot Fuss, such is the consistency of quality through the whole 36 minutes. Almost a year on since its release I still enjoy revisiting this album, finding further depths in the melodies and humour in the lyrics.
2. The Goon Sax – Mirror II
3. The Lathums – How Beautiful Life Can Be
4. Black Country, New Road – For the first time
5. John Grant – Boy From Michigan
6. William Doyle – Great Spans Of Muddy Time
7. The Antlers – Green To Gold
8. Lump - Animal
9. Skegss – Rehearsal
10. The Coral – Coral Island
Live Sets
Managed to see 97 live sets this year so plenty to choose from. My favourite 10 as I review the diary (in chronological order):
1. Penelope Isles – Lewes Constitutional Club
2. Self Esteem – Latitude Fest
3. Lump – Shaklewell Arms
4. Hot Chip – EOTR
5. John – EOTR
6. Black Country New Road – EOTR
7. Squid – 1865 Southampton
8. The Lathums, 1865 Club, Southampton
9. Sea Power, Gloucester Guildhall
10. William Doyle, MOTH Club