Best of 2008 Picks -- Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson has written about his favourite recorded music of 2008 in his own personal blog, that you can read right here! You could also read Mike's blog about all the live music he took in last year, which you'll find here!

Of all the albums that I reviewed for Green Man Review, my favourite album is an easy choice to make. Irish singer/song-writer, Johnny Duhan has produced a classic album of introspective musings with Just Another Town. Duhan delves deep into the psyche of his hometown and other sights, sounds and happenings that have shaped his life. Each song offers the listener a snapshot of life that manages to be both intensely personal, yet universally applicable.

My annual trip to Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow ensured that live music started with a bang in 2008, taking in eight different acts and three lively nights in the festival club. It was fantastic to see Capercaillie in concert for the first time after having listened to their albums for around fifteen years, but as always, it was great to hear some new sounds and meet new friends. Stalwart fiddler, Angus Grant was one such new sound for me, and I went on to review his latest album, The Hills Of Glengarry, later in the year.

And 2009 is set to start in much the same way, as Glasgow is just where I'll be when this issue is released! Rest assured there'll be a review of my weekend to be found here in a few weeks time!