Playlist: Simon's Top Melodies Of 2012

Words: Simon Opie

So we reach the end of another year and this is my ten-song playlist to close what has been a memorable year for music. Every song is here for a reason, as you will see, so enjoy 50 minutes of simple pleasures from the likes of Trailer Trash Tracys, Craig Finn, Blowgoat and Mogwai.

Album Review: Craig Finn - Clear Heart, Full Eyes

Craig Finn – 'Clear Heart, Full Eyes' (UK Release: 23 Jan '12) // Words: Simon Opie

The Hold Steady are a relentlessly old fashioned band and this horribly titled solo album by front man Craig Finn is a similarly old school effort. Most people use solo albums to expand their horizons, but this is an album of demos, designed to show what The Hold Steady might sound like if they were a country rock band.