I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2018 : 81-90

2018 has been a fantastic year for the type of music that we like. It's been difficult to get these choices down to 100. I'm also not a believer in saying one album is better than another. Most of the time you are comparing Apples To Oranges. I'm not a Top 10 person, I just think what's the point.

However, for the first time last year, I did a Top 50, normally I just say what my favourite album of the year is. I've simply done it again, because those five posts of last year were so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists.

As I said the standard this year is incredibly high, so much so that I've extended the choice to 100 albums. There is no meaning or judgement on an album that is Number 1, Number 100 or not on the list. Anything that I review on here, mention on Social Media or play on the Radio Show is as highly recommended.

For each album, I've posted a song from it and a link to the IDHAS Review if applicable.


No 81 : Cursed Arrows - Rebirth          IDHAS Review here.







No 82 : Crayola Lectern - Happy Endings

No 83 : Emperor Penguin - Walnut Fascia







No 84 : Henry Chadwick - Marlin Fisher          IDHAS Review here.







No 85 : Simon Felton - Topsy Turvy







No 86 : Paul McCann - Here Comes The Rapture







No 87 : Steve Barton - Tall Tales And Alibis 

No 88 : Tommy Lorente - Stupefaction






No 89 : Major Murphy - No. 1         IDHAS Review here.






No 90 : Michael Slawter - Last Call For Breaking Hearts





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Major Murphy - No. 1

Major Murphy's debut album is a double celebration. It underlines what a great label Winspear is becoming, a real mark of quality. More relevantly, the band offer up Pop Rock of the highest order, a hark back to the glory days of the 70's when this album would have sold oddles and oodles.

No 1 is a glorious 37 minutes. The ten songs offer up so many references to what has gone before, but essentially are the Grand Rapids Trio's own and throughout the versatility shines through. For all the influences that you hear, the album never veers into pastische or tribute.





There's a wonderful laid back feel to all of this, nothing seems rushed. Jason Bullard's vocals are suitability fragile, providing a lead for splendid arrangements and Backing Vocals. The type of songs that Major Murphy produce don't lend themselves to noise and speed. That's not what they are about.

However when they do break out, it's when the album excels. The riff led closer, Lisa, Robbi And Me is a joy and the stand out Radi-Yum is pure Glam Rock, a real Bolan reminder. Normally I'd pick out more songs and references, but to be honest the whole album stands up as an entirety.






The band are a really tight trio that enhances the strength of Bullard's songwriting. No 1 is a corker of an album, a testament to band and label. You should buy it now, the Summer is almost here.







You can listen to and buy the album here.