Huw's Top 10 Releases Of 2024

And here comes Huw, who's been with us for some time now, serving delicious hot drinks and snacks as well as imparting great music recommendations in the Swansea shop. His enthusiasm and knowledge across genres is hard-matched and we appreciate everything he's done this year (I'm sure you all do too!)

And here are shout outs to the releases that only just missed out being in the ten, and are worth your time: Jon Hopkins Ritual [Electronica]; English Teacher This Could Be Texas [Indie]; Kelly Finnigan A Lover Was Born [Soul]; Common Suits Cinema 3000 [Soul/Funk/Electronic]; Jessica Pratt Here In The Pitch [Pop/Acoustic]; Adrianne Lenker Bright Future [Folk/Americana] and Amyl And The Sniffers Cartoon Darkness [Punk].

10. IDLES - TANGK

Idles are such a great band, especially live. This record production-wise is a step up for the band. It still has those punchy songs that they are renowned for, but also contains a more laidback approach, with songs like A Gospel, Roy and Monolith.

Favourite track: Gift Horse.

9. LEX AMOR - FORWARD EVER

The North London rapper / singer / DJ's "Forward Ever" record is a combination of hip-hop, jazz, soul and R&B songs that take you on an urban journey around the streets of London. It both contains songs that uplift you and is also a record that can be listened to while sipping a cup of warm tea on a cold winter night.

Favourite track: Beg.

8. THE SMILE - CUTOUTS

The second record released this year from the band. The first, "Wall of Eyes", is equally as good, it was just a fifty-fifty decision that this record made the top ten. As with the first record, "Cutouts" is full of orchestral magic, with an experimental edge, that takes you away of a journey between the light and dark elements of The Smile's writing and production world.

Favourite track: Eyes & Mouth.

7. AROOJ AFTAB - NIGHT REIGN

Arooj Aftab is a Pakistani-American singer, composer and producer. "Night Reign" is a beautiful record that takes you through different musical influences such as jazz, electronica, folk, neo-classical and Hindustani sounds. It’s a record that I seem to play very often and sounds different every time I put it on the deck.

Favourite track: Na Gul.

6. OL’ BURGER BEATS - 74: OUT OF TIME

The Norwegian hip-hop producer and beatmaker’s "74: Out Of Time" is a slab of pure 60s/70s jazzy, funky, hip-hop sample delight. All the tracks have been produced at 74 beats per minute and features the likes of billy woods, Vic Spencer and lojii, to name a few on vocal duties.

If you like your beats laidback and jazzy, then this is the record for you.

Favourite track: Black Sabbath (feat. billy woods & Tha God Fahim).

5. AMANDA WHITING - THE LIMINALITY OF HER

The Welsh harpist delivers a record that shares similarities and roots with the likes of Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane. It takes the listener on a jazzy and funky journey with the harp taking centre stage.

Favourite track: Facing The Sun.

4. SHABAKA - PERCEIVE ITS BEAUTY, ACKNOWLEDGE ITS GRACE

Moving away from the saxophone and continuing with the flute, Shabaka has produced another masterpiece of jazz, ambient and African vibes that will get you returning again and again. With collaborations from the likes of Moses Sumney, Floating Points and Lianne La Havas to name a few, this record is just breathtaking.

Favourite track: I’ll Do Whatever You Want (feat. Floating Points & Laraaji).

3. FONTAINES D.C. - ROMANCE

Another great record from the Dublin band. Showing a softer and more ambitious side of their writing and production, it's a well balanced records that should please both new and old fans.

Favourite track: Starburster.

2. JAMIE XX - IN WAVES

This is a record for the dance floor. It takes you on an emotional journey that is both, uplifting and exciting. With collaboration from the likes of Romy, Honey Dijon, Robyn and Panda Bear, this record just keeps on giving and should keep you wanting more, both on and off the dancefloor.

Favourite track: Waited All Night.

1. MICHAEL KIWANUKA - SMALL CHANGES

Genre: Acoustic / Soul
WE HAVE IT!

The fourth record from the very talented artist Kiwanuka, this time teaming up with Danger Mouse producing his latest record, "Small Changes". Influences of 60s and 70s soul can be heard throughout this record, giving it a laidback downtempo feel. His songwriting and vocals are second-to-none and on point, resulting in a record that keeps on giving with every listen.

Favourite track: Rebel Soul.