Tom Spooner albums of the year

Best albums of 2024

Another year has passed and, once again, it’s been soundtracked by remarkable works of art from musicians still finding new ways to express themselves and connect with listeners. The albums compiled here, those I’ve...

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Caroline live at Strange Brew, Bristol 2024

Best Gigs of 2024

2024 was another year of incredible live music, spanning intimate performances to crowd-pleasing festival sets to once-in-a-lifetime shows. I got to witness a 17-year-old guitar prodigy at the start of her career and a...

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black and white photo of rail bridge

All records are stories

Second-hand records are stories. Each one contains some trace of its previous owners in its grooves. It could be a first kiss, maybe even ‘their song’, or the time she realised she could lose herself completely in...

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best albums of 2023 artwork collage

Best Albums of 2023

Here are the albums that soundtracked my 2023. They were there through moments of great joy and times of deep sadness, provided places to reflect or forget, seek solace or catharsis. They made me dance, laugh and cry.  They were...

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Moldy Peaches Roundhouse 2023

Best Gigs of 2023

2023 had it all – killer new acts, perennial favourites, stunning innovators, jazz legends, and a hefty dose of nostalgia. This year I got to see Pulp, Moldy Peaches and Kerbdog all perform live – three bands that...

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mould bristol band

Mould – Birdsong

It’s a Friday night and you’re going out. Fuck it, you say, squeezing into skinny jeans, pulling on your best boots. You’re tired, of course you are, but you need to dispel the fug of the working week, shift the...

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brutalism in music camberwell submarine

Brutalism and Music

Deerhunter released their album Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared on a limited edition ‘Brutalist Grey’ vinyl.   Skepta rapped his way around the Barbican Estate in his video for Shutdown.   Damien...

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Darren Hayman Cube Bristol

Best Gigs of 2022

Although not without trepidation, the return to regular gig going in 2022 has been nothing short of amazing. From cavernous arenas to cramped basement stages, boat hulls to backstreet cinemas, it’s been a thrill and a deep...

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albums of the year 2022

Best Albums 2022

2022 has been a good year for music and as always I’m truly thankful for all of those musicians putting themselves out there and finding new and glorious ways to express themselves. In no particular order, here’s my...

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