Playlist 12.12.11

Best Boy Grip, aka Eoin O'Callaghan was kind enough to send me a tune called 'Fire', his contribution to the Xmas song tradition. Thankfully it's a quality idea - the thoughts of a kid waiting up for Santa, feverish and fully clothed. His thought patterns are disjointed but seem to settle on the reasons why Saint Nick may be diverted or not inclined to visit at all. This appears to be a Best Boy Trait - lovely melody, some plaintive piano chords and alarming surprises inside. That was certainly an aspect of the recent 'Barbara' EP and it's a reason why we're expecting ace developments in 2012.

Derry is certainly invested with so much talent at the moment, notably that Wonder Villains / Future Chaser axis of joy. There's also Our Krypton Son, languorous and blue on 'Catalonian Love Song' plus Rainy Boy Sleep and his freewheeling, fresh-minded skill. We might also set aside a few thrills for the regal techno-swoon of Ryan Vail and the intense return of Conor Mason. Quite the bounty.

BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95 FM

Online: www.bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Blog: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/stuartbailie/

Mondays, ten - midnight

James Brown - Let's Make Christmas Mean Something (Universal)

The Rifles - The Sweetest Thing (Right Hook)

Roy Wood - Profile

The Horrible Crows - Behold The Hurricane (Side One Dummy)

The Jepettos - Goldrush (white)

She And Him - Christmas Day (Double Six)

Heather Nova - Higher Ground (Saltwater)

Dawes - Time Spent In Los Angeles (Loose)

Wild Beasts - Reach A Little Bit Further (Domino)



BB King - Christmas Celebration (Ace)

The Raveonettes - Christmas Song (Warner)

The Gourds - I Want It So Bad (Vanguard)

The Jayhawks - She Walks In So Many Ways (Decca)

Rachel Austin - Babydoll (white)

Josh Rouse - Movin On (Bedroom Classics)

John Edgar Voe - Welded (Ox Bow)

Keith Richards - Run Rudolph Run (Rolling Stones)

Ron Sexsmith - Maybe This Christmas (Warner)

Craig Finn - Balcony (Full Time Hobby)

The Waterboys - Sweet Dancer (Puck)

Best Boy Grip - Fire (white)

Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again (Polydor)

Sean Rowe - Surprise (Anti)

Bibio - Anything New (Warp)