White Christmas

As I write this, Snow Patrol’s When It’s All Over… is in the CD player. And that’s more or less where it’s been for the past year. 12 months ago it felt like 2001 could belong only to one Irish band. New albums were due from Ash, The Divine Comedy and The Frames – all up to scratch, return to form and damn fine offerings in their own right. Yet it was the sneak previews of the Patrol that inspired the most awe-struck whisperings. And when Lightbody & Co’s baby finally arrived – months overdue – boy, was it worth the wait!

If you don’t already own When It’s All Over… then there’s a major cavity in your record collection. Not just one of the most sumptuous, complete and tender collection of songs of the past year but well up there in the all time essential stakes. Yet one year on, the band are labeless and the album looks likely to suffer the ignominious fate of the bin marked ‘Lost Classics’. And so one highlight of 2001 is tainted by an all too bitter aftertaste.

On the other hand, David Kitt is showing just how you can make simple yet luscious music in your bedroom and then sell it to the masses. The Big Romance took the charm and warmth of Small Moments – another absolute gem of an album – to the next level, without losing any of the subtleties that made Kitt special in the first place. And what’s more there’s no shortage of outstanding songwriters ready to follow up Kitt’s success. In Belfast alone Kidd Dynamo and Cashier No.9 have of late released an impressive single and demo respectively – well worth keeping tabs on both of these guys.

Another troubadour finally getting some sales – to add to the critical acclaim that unfortunately doesn’t pay the rent – is Ryan Adams. Gold, the follow up to the stunning Heartbreaker, has seen him move ever closer to mass crossover appeal. But what’s most fascinating about Adams is his non-stop raving about Oasis, Elton John’s patronage and the hit and miss nature of his live shows. When he’s good he’s very, very good. But when he’s bad, horrid doesn’t even come close. Can he ride out the tidal wave of success and go on to become one of the legends he so obviously models himself on? Or will he start to believe his own publicity? I’m feeling the need for a genuine new star so fingers crossed for the former.