I lost my way

So how's 2008 treating you?

For me it's been quite a quiet start.

Except for Saturday night. Or should that be early Sunday morning? I forget. All I remember is the thumping bass, pounding drums and squelchy noises eminating from the floor as our neighbours did their best to deprive us of sleep. Who knew that generic dance music sounded even shitter when played at ridiculously volumes until half two in the morning. That aside, I've enjoyed a pleasant week or so settling into the new year. The inevitable post holiday slump is just about kicking in. Lethargy and apathy are my new work colleagues. And on the music front, there's little to nothing happening right now.

But there is a lot to get excited about. A whole new year of music infact. After all, a lot can happen in a year. This time last year, we had no idea Radiohead would finish and release an album. 'Sound Of Silver' had yet to wiggle it's way into our ears. Morrissey and the NME were friends. Nu-Rave had yet to start, peak, be derided and disappear. Amy Winehouse was known more for music than drugs. And Pete Doherty was known more for his drugs than music. Oh no, wait, nothing changed there.

So, what do you reckon's gonna happen in 2008? What's making you salivate with anticipation? What's getting your blood pumped at it's impending arrival? What are your predictions and hopes for the next 12 months?

For me, there's the excitement of a new Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds album. A tour from The Breeders. Glastonbury 2008. And that's to name just a few. A mere scratch of the surface. So bring it on 2008. The expectation of all the great unheard music and bands just itching to unleash their sounds on yours and my ears begins now.

In the meantime, while we wait for our ears to be rocked, our hearts to be broken and our money to be spent, I thought I'd rewind a little and give you these two tracks from Albert Hammond Jr. They're both acoustic versions of songs from his debut solo album and sound pretty damn good. The resemblance to The Strokes lessens as the tone becomes a tad more laidback and chilled out than the urgent garage rock that normally makes up his day job.

Albert Hammond Jr - 101 (live acoustic session version)

Albert Hammond Jr - everyone gets a star (live acoustic session version)

mp3 / music / albert hammond jr