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 waffle from me, here’s  Mick Power from The Violet Roadkills and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Favourite Album of 2012: Air – Le Voyage dans la Lune, Bat for Lashes – Haunted Man

I started writing about Bat For Lashes then looked through some lists to see if I’d forgot anything and saw Air, I can’t choose between them, they’re both just gorgeous albums. Air’s Le Voyage dans la Lune is only a half hour soundtrack but has more ideas going on than anything else this year. Orchestral, electronic, melody upon counter melody, but nothing in the way of anything else, it all syncs beautifully. Each track works into the next, throw yer wan from Beach House on as well its a joy.

Bat for Lashes just getting better with every album and Haunted Man is stunning. That voice of god thing, she’d be up there with Liz Fraser, Aretha Franklin for the soul they put into it. I never go deciphering lyrics or anything but from the feel of this, it is like she poured her heart out on this album, really emotional stuff and it gets you. I can’t come up with any more words for beautiful but that’s what it is. Honourable mentions to Grizzly Bear, Richard Hawley, First Aid Kit, Django Django, Tame Impala, Mark Lanegan, Grimes, Purity Ring, Walkmen, Father John Misty & Santigold.

Favourite song of 2012: Dr John – ‘Revolution’

Favourite song is too hard! I’ll go with this to have something different from the best album stuff. Always loved Dr John, some voices just command attention, Gil Scott Heron, Mark Lanegan, it is like what you imagine Gods voice would be like. Dr John is one of them. Teaming him up with Dan Auerbach worked great, it is polished but leaves some of the dirt on top, the arrangements are fantastic, still keeps his brassy New Orleans thing in but beefs it up with a heavier blues rock style. Funky can be a horrible word, I just imagine hours of slap bass awfulness but this is one of them, old tight but loose chestnuts, and yeah funky, but in the best way possible.

Favourite Irish song (and album) of 2012: Spook of the 13th Lock – ‘The Brutal Here & Now’

‘The Brutal Here & Now’ is the song that got me into the Spook of the 13th Lock‘s great album. It has the Irish trad thing in it but above all else its just a great catchy song, great hooks and melodies over a pulsing rhythm. Its anthemic by the end. Great players. Honourable mentions to Mumblin Deaf Ro, Logikparty, Cast of Cheers, Katie Kim & Ghost Estates.

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