Iraina Mancini - Deep End

A salute to the heroine's of 1960s yé yé, this exuberant slice of pop from British singer/songwriter Iraina Mancini stands out as a highlight of what we might now refer to as "the lockdown three period" of 2021. We might not have been able to dance on dance floors, but we could definitely give the kitchen lino a good work out. 

The Anchoress - Unravel

The second single from the critically acclaimed The Art of Losing album, which was released earlier this year, 'Unravel' showcases the intricacy and sophistication of craft displayed by Catherine Anne Davies. There is so much going on in this song and it fits seamlessly into an album that really feels as though it was crafted and constructed to be listened to as an album, rather than a series of unconnected songs. It feels more like a symphony than an album, with bridging tracks between songs and a forbidding, brooding atmosphere that showcases the dark beauty forged from grief. Expect to see it featured prominently in the 2021 end of year lists. 

Das Beat - "Ariadne" (Official Video)

Featuring what is possibly a strong lyrical nod to the crucial role played by Ariadne in the story of Theseus, 'Ariadne' has a wistful, yearning quality that suits the maligned Minoan heroine. Das Beat are comprised of Agor from Blue Hawaii and theatre actress Eddie Rabenberger, they were born during Berlin's 2020 lockdown and have released an EP and a number of other tracks since. While nodding heavily to electro pop,  and Rabenberger's vocals oft compared to Nico, they have proved surprisingly versatile so far. It will be interesting to see what they do next. 

Sabiyha - Lullaby (Lyric Video)

A salute to Sabiyha's grandmother, and her role in bringing up Sabiyha, her siblings and cousins, this is a moving take on family tributes and female solidarity. The most recent track from an artist who has been making continuous strides over the past year, and who definitely bears watching. 

Lauran Hibberd - How Am I Still Alive? (with Lydia Night)

There's an air of lockdown cabin fever in the overall vibe of this collaboration between Lauran Hibberd and The Regrette's Lydia Night. It provides an element of humour to what could be read as quite a bleak song considering how upbeat it sounds, sonically. In this dissection of annoying/toxic relationships the line 'How am I still alive?' feels oddly chilling at times. 

Molly Burman - Fool Me With Flattery (Official Video)

Molly Burman is a comparatively new artist but her songwriting is so assured that it feels like she's been around for years. This might, in part, be down to her having grown up in a musical family (mum has worked with Shane McGowan, amongst others, dad was in a supergroup with former members of Bow Wow Wow and the Sex Pistols), but I'd guess that her sanguine world weariness is all her own. 'Fool Me With Flattery' was her debut calling card, but there have been two more singles since and an album is eagerly anticipated. 

Ibeyi - Away Away (Official Video)

The Diaz sisters at their harmonic best, 'Away Away' features on Ibeyi's 2017 album, Ash. I really love the way that this video captures the energy of their live peformances. 

Emmy The Great - Swimming Pool

The languid, shimmering majesty of 'Swimming Pool' feels perfect for a summer heatwave, doesn't it? This is Emmy The Great at her best, and it's always worth a revisit. 

Celina Sharma - We Are One (Official Bharat Army Cricket Anthem) ft. Bha...

Given that the Olympics starts today and we're not that far away from the joy followed by horrific racist fallout that was Euro 2020, it seems weirdly apt to introduce you to Celina Sharma's cricket anthem from 2019. Yes, you heard me: Cricket anthem. Not since Ini Kamoze decided to pen a song to spur on the Jamaican football team (which google, alas, appears to have no record of) have I been so enamoured of a song about a sport, and team, that I would generally have little to no interest in. But if sport songs do anything well it's to inspire a sense of oneness and community, to which end Celina Sharma and 'We Are One' succeed beautifully. I think I first encountered it on the Asian Network, no doubt at the height of the international cricket season in 2019, but it has transcended that moment and works just as well two years on as it did then. 

Regina Spektor - "Us" [OFFICIAL Video]

From the Soviet Kitsch album, 'Us' has retained its charm and sharp wit amidst what has been a very different debate of late concerning statues. Contested legacies seem to have been Spektor's concern here too, albeit in a different way. If statues could talk, what would they say?

ROSÉ - 'On The Ground' M/V

The debut solo release by BLACKPINK singer Rosé, 'On The Ground' has proved itself to be a solid, understated pop classic of the life hangover variety. Regrets, you suspect, she's had a few but if so it's led to the creation of this self lacerating/self determination masterpiece. 

Half Waif - Party's Over

Released earlier this year ahead of the release of Nandi Rose's latest album, Mythopoetics, 'Party's Over' reflects the growing confidence and complexity of her songwriting. It's both poignant and exuberant, conflicted and confident. There's an incredible sense of relief and emotional release invoked by this song that suggests good things are coming for Rose, if not this year, then soon. 

Eartha Kitt - If I Love Ya, Then I Need Ya; If I Need Ya, Then I Want Ya Around

In a slight nod to what the BBC is calling "So-called Freedom Day" (I love the passive aggressive disapproval implied in that use of 'So-called'...) I thought I would include this fabulous slice of swing flavoured public health advice wrapped up in romance. Not one of Kitt's more well known pieces, it has a classy quality to it that is timeless and, in a world of hand sanitisers, masks and social distancing, feels very timely.