Today FM DJ and disco queen Kelly-Anne Byrne on the tracks that made her year.
See all the guest selections of 2018 so far.
1.
Sophie Lloyd feat. Dame Brown – Calling Out
I really think this record is perfect, the melody, the vocal, the way it builds. I’m not a religious person as such but if there is a heaven out there, I hope this is the kind of music blasting from it. It holds a special place in my heart and will forever remind me of Keith Disconaut.
2.
Doug Willis – Risky Biznizz
Of all the tracks I’ve played this year, this has gotten the biggest response during my DJ sets. I’m mad about the original, ‘Risky Changes’ by Bionic Boogie but as always, Joey Negro manages to remix a classic powerfully while still remaining true to the original song.
3.
Maribou State (feat. Holly Walker) – Nervous Tics
Kingdoms In Colour blew my mind on first listen and still does to this day. I feel like each time I go back, I find something new in this track. At first, I was captivated by her voice and then by the words which I think could be about how stressful our lives have become and the panic that can take a hold of us at times.
4.
Paul Weller – Gravity
I honestly cry every time I hear this track; the words are so beautiful. In many ways its elegance reminds me of Nick Drake. Paul Weller has produced one of his finest albums with True Meanings.
5.
Carrie Cleveland – Love Will Set You Free
I discovered this on The Complete Works of Carrie Cleveland which came out in September, the song is originally from 1980 and I get a shiver up my spine when I listen to it. I believe she recorded it in a small studio in her garden with her husband. I love the simplicity of the track and the idea that when all is said is done, love will get us through things, we just have to believe in it.
6.
Brame & Hamo – Roy Keane
The joy I see on people’s faces when I play this track always makes me smile. I remember playing it at The Absolut Stage at Body & Soul last summer and the crowd went crazy. I love everything Brame & Hamo produce and it’s great to see two of our own doing so well worldwide.
7.
The Fontaines D.C. – Boys In The Better Land
The Fontaines are one of the most exciting bands to come out of Ireland, I love everything about them; the look, the attitude, but mostly their music. This is definitely my favourite track by them and is one of the most requested tunes on my radio show on Sundays.
8.
Roisin Murphy – The Rumble
Roisin Murphy has been on fire (yet again) this year releasing a series of brilliant tracks with one of my favourite producers and DJs, Maurice Fulton. With these two mavericks working together, it was obvious to me something magical would happen and this track personifies that; absolute belter!
9.
Leon Bridges – Bad Bad News
This tune is slick, as is Leon Bridges. For me he’s the real deal, like a young Marvin Gaye meets D’Angelo. I’ve followed him since the beginning and he just gets better and better. I recently saw him in Glasgow and the gig blew my mind, great voice, moves and presence.
10.
Cat Power – Stay
I could listen to Cat Power all day, every day and this record is magical. The piano and vulnerability in her voice give me lump in my throat each time I listen, it’s been on repeat at my house since it was first released.
See all the guest selections of 2018 so far.
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Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the cohost of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, event curator and producer of gigs, parties & events.