Some great tracks on this one Ian! I didn't realize that A Certain Ratio had a new album out and look forward to checking that out. I'm intrigued by the new Pearl Jam record - I haven't listened to them in years but what I've heard of this new release sounds interesting. Happy to see a new song from Cassandra Jenkins as her 2021 album was on my AOTY list. Glad you enjoyed the case/lang/veirs track enough to include it here - the album is top notch for me.
Last but not least, as I listened to the playlist on Sunday evening, one of this week's songs affected me deeply. At the beginning of 2023 I lost a close friend from my school days and although we hadn't been in touch as regularly as I would have liked, the loss hit me hard. Hearing the Blue Nile song took me straight back to 1988 and my good friend Fraser's avowed love for this album. He just couldn't stop singing its praises. And I just couldn't "get it". I was a party animal of a 17 year old with musical tastes nowhere near as diverse or refined as they are today and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't connect with the band or the album. On Sunday evening I stepped out of your playlist and listened to the album in its entirety and it brought me to tears. It's breathtakingly beautiful and I can see why Fraser loved it so much. Thanks for helping to bring me closer to my old friend who would have turned 53 this coming Saturday.
When I first heard about The Blue Nile I was seeing such good reviews, everywhere - music press, hifi mags, newspapers - that I bought the album without having heard any of the tracks. And I didn't get it.
When the band attracted attention last week because Taylor Swift wrote a line, I wondered if the more mature me would now be moved by them. To be honest, I was half expecting to still be on the outside looking in. But - no. I can't get enough Blue Nile now. I wonder how many Swifties don't get them - yet - and will later in life?
I guess some people's musical tastes narrow as they age, and become more bland. Or, as both you and I are finding, some people's tastes broaden and music becomes even more emotional and enjoyable. There will always be more to discover.
Thanks Ian, interesting to hear we had a similar experience. I’m grateful you put it back on my radar to give the more mature version of me the opportunity to reevaluate the album.
Another wonderful playlist, Ian. Back in the '90s, I interviewed The Blue Nile in their native Scotland. Love that band and their music.
Some great tracks on this one Ian! I didn't realize that A Certain Ratio had a new album out and look forward to checking that out. I'm intrigued by the new Pearl Jam record - I haven't listened to them in years but what I've heard of this new release sounds interesting. Happy to see a new song from Cassandra Jenkins as her 2021 album was on my AOTY list. Glad you enjoyed the case/lang/veirs track enough to include it here - the album is top notch for me.
Last but not least, as I listened to the playlist on Sunday evening, one of this week's songs affected me deeply. At the beginning of 2023 I lost a close friend from my school days and although we hadn't been in touch as regularly as I would have liked, the loss hit me hard. Hearing the Blue Nile song took me straight back to 1988 and my good friend Fraser's avowed love for this album. He just couldn't stop singing its praises. And I just couldn't "get it". I was a party animal of a 17 year old with musical tastes nowhere near as diverse or refined as they are today and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't connect with the band or the album. On Sunday evening I stepped out of your playlist and listened to the album in its entirety and it brought me to tears. It's breathtakingly beautiful and I can see why Fraser loved it so much. Thanks for helping to bring me closer to my old friend who would have turned 53 this coming Saturday.
Sorry for your loss, Mark.
When I first heard about The Blue Nile I was seeing such good reviews, everywhere - music press, hifi mags, newspapers - that I bought the album without having heard any of the tracks. And I didn't get it.
When the band attracted attention last week because Taylor Swift wrote a line, I wondered if the more mature me would now be moved by them. To be honest, I was half expecting to still be on the outside looking in. But - no. I can't get enough Blue Nile now. I wonder how many Swifties don't get them - yet - and will later in life?
I guess some people's musical tastes narrow as they age, and become more bland. Or, as both you and I are finding, some people's tastes broaden and music becomes even more emotional and enjoyable. There will always be more to discover.
Thanks Ian, interesting to hear we had a similar experience. I’m grateful you put it back on my radar to give the more mature version of me the opportunity to reevaluate the album.