Critics Roundup 1979

In a relatively lean year it was an Irish album that led the field for me. Kevin Burke and Michael O Domhnaill’s ‘Promenade’ displayed consummate artistry on every level, rivalled only by Planxty and Van Morrison, the latter snug again after the uneven flash of ‘Wavelength’. My no. four choice was ‘A Glint At The Kindling’ by ex-Incredible String Band leader Robin Williamson, whom, with luck, we may see in Ireland this Spring.

While not as complete a masterpiece as ’78s ‘Stick To Me’, G.P. and The Rumour’s ‘Squeezing Out Sparks’ uncovered new mature strengths which promise much for the future. Reggae continued to show even richer blossoms, Ry Cooder and the Kinks (‘Low Budget’) again hit top form and, back on the Irish scene the crop was a lush one with fine debuts by Hill & Linnane, Glackin & Keenan, Scullion and Freddie White. Country and jazz are well represented by Charlie McCoy (‘Appalachian Fever’ on Monument) and Stephane Grappelli (‘Uptown Dance’ on CBS) while Gil Evans scored with his ‘Live At The Royal Festival Hall’ (RCA) which includes some of his big-band settings of Hendrix’s work.

Finally, ’79 was the year in which Dylan, first scoring with the Budokan retrospective, in the end bit the dust. It’s a relief to really dislike him for a change.