Throughout December we at PT:HQ are bringing you end of year lists from bands, labels and promoters. We’ll have a new one for you everyday so keep your eyes peeled for them! See all the lists here.
Angela Hatcher (176 Records)
Top 3 Albums of 2014
Martha – Courting Strong
I think we all knew this would be good but I had no idea that months later I would still be listening to it daily regardless of my mood. I’m sure this album will appear countless times in these end of year lists so won’t say too much on it but this album is incredible and I am in awe every time I see Martha play.
Helen Chambers – Penny Arcade
I first saw Helen play when we hosted a kitchen show, from then on I’ve wanted something recorded to have to listen to on train journeys (this album just fits travelling so well). I love having Helen play my shows, the hesitation when people realise she’s not going to be playing an acoustic punk set followed by that moment when her beautifully honest lyrics captivate the entire room is incredible to see.
Cayetana – Nervous Like Me
I’m always hesitant when someone tell me I will love an album, even more so when everyone I know loves an album. What if it’s awful and I have to find a new group of friends? For this reason I was late to the game with Cayetana and for that I am an idiot as this album is brilliant.
Top 3 Songs
Martha – 1967, I Miss You I’m Lonely
It may be a bit of a cop out to have Martha feature twice on this list but fuck it, this song is incredible.
Great Cynics – Scarier Area
I love the way Great Cynics are developing and I think this song is one of the best examples of that. This song just makes me want to stop what I’m doing and sing along.
Muncie Girls – The Real You
This split EP was very close to being in my top 3 records of the year so instead I have two songs off it on my songs of the year. Muncie Girls are brilliant and I’m really excited to see where they can go with this.
Pick for 2015
Doomtree – All Hands
I’d written hip hop off for a long time as something that just wasn’t for me, I don’t want to listen to a bunch of aggressive dudes being aggressive dudes. Then I saw P.O.S supporting The Bouncing Souls and everything changed, from the on I’ve been a convert to the punk inspired hip hop that Doomtree manage to do so perfectly. If the two songs they’ve put online (‘.38 Airweight’ & ‘Gray Duck’) are anything to go by this album will be incredible. I’m excited, really excited.