It’s that time of year when every music website, publication and blog (including this one) are busy compiling end of year lists. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to the bands and artist’s who’ve played a ‘BarryGruff Presents’ show this year and ask them for their ‘favourite album of 2012’, ‘favourite song of 2012’ & ‘favourite Irish song of the year’.
Without further ado, here’s Robbie Coffey and his picks from the year that was 2012.
Favourite album of 2012: Killer Mike – ‘R.A.P Music’
Since Barry asked me to do this I’ve been revisiting a lot of great music from the likes of Grimes, Scuba, Kendrick Lemar & El-P but when it came down to it the album that impressed me most this year was R.A.P. Music by Killer Mike. Prior to hearing the album my only experience of Killer Mike had been his guest slot on Outkast’s 2001 hit ‘The Whole World’. When I read that he was releasing an album with El-P on production duties I was intrigued. When I heard the first snippets of the album I was excited. The thing that hit me most on my first few listens to that album was the beats. El-P has had a great year. After a few more listens I realized that, as well as having a great flow, Killer Mike had a lot to say. He demonstrates storytelling ability that even Slick Rick would be proud of on the track ‘JoJo’s Chilllin’. However, for me the standout track is ‘Reagan’ where he breaks down the effects that Reaganomics had and still has on his community. Powerful stuff from start to finish!
Favourite song of 2012: Danny Brown – ‘Grown Up’
My favourite song of 2012 is the rags to riches tale ‘Grown Up’ by Danny Brown. Great story, great lyrics, great beat, great video, free download. Sure it’s only great, get it!
Favourite Irish song of 2012: Damien Dempsey – ‘Born Without Hate’
The standout Irish song of 2012 for me is ‘Born Without Hate’ from Damien Dempsey’s Almighty Love album. Probably not Damo’s strongest album but it has a few gems like this! Features Kate Tempest.
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