Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Morning Michael
Husband to Jenny. dad to Ethan, Holly, Micah, Benji & Annie. Man U fan for 40 years but losing interest rapidly. Music/film/coffee fan. Reader of books but a failed novelist. SEN teacher.
983 followers 952 following 2,959 posts
view profile on Bluesky Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Morning Michael
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Gorgeous song and a great album Tarik
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 22. Electrolite Apparently MS didn’t want to include this on the album, and was only convinced by Peter & Mike. Glad they did…it’s a lovely closer.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Definitely Steve…a new album well overdue
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s a great debut Steve…a fully fledged band from the off. I just find this album confrontational, evocative & provocative. Quite different musically from the preceding albums too.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP No One Can Ever Know | The Twilight Sad Took a while to get there, but this is only just behind Nobody Wants To Be Here…as my favourite TTS album. Love the much colder, industrial feel of it. Dead City in particular is glorious. Downside is I need to hide the cover from the kids.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Hey Michael
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 23. Near Wild Heaven Sublime 3rd single from Out Of Time, with Mike Mills on vocal duties. Lovely stuff.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Not yet Marceline…it arrives next month as part of a larger order but I’m not going to stream it before then. Looking forward to it though…the press has been really, really positive.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Really pleased you gave them a go Marceline…such a great band. How have you found the new Suede album?
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Show us the last four albums you listened to #last4albums Throughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon of music edition.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Enjoy every minute!
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Safe travels 👍😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Couldn’t agree more…you said it better than I ever could😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 24. Green Grow the Rushes Apparently this was written as part of a pact made with Natalie Merchant, where they would each write a song about the genocide of Native Americans & the treatment of migrant workers in America.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
No Suede Vincent?😉
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
My copy arrives next month James…looking forward to listening to it then (putting off streaming for now). The early buzz suggests it is really, really good.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Show us the last four albums you listened to #last4albums Saturday evening pre-takeaway/hazy IPA edition.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Think it’s why ultimately I prefer Antisocialites Darren…still a really good album though
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Really surprising Eoin! Especially as it was both a single and so anthemic
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s bonkers Nathan😂
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Flashback Fridays…90s edition😎 #NowPlaying #NP Blue Rev | Alvvays The shoegaze elements to their music are much more to the fore on their 3rd…it’s a fuzzier effort all round. No bad thing, even if it has never grabbed me in the way Antisocialites did/does.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Have you listened to his Orphans compilation yet Nathan?
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
The Lisa seal of approval is an added bonus😁 The best review I ever heard was from a mate who said “that’s just an old man shouting”🥴
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s a great album. Equally as good as the more heralded Swordfishtrombones. Comfortably a top 5 Tom album at a minimum.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Wow…look at those beauties! Very jealous Nathan😁 enjoy on Sunday
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 25. Shaking Through Second from Murmur. I love Bill’s drumming & Peter’s arpeggios on this (slightly deeper cut).
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Fair point👍😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Flashback Fridays…90s edition😎 #NowPlaying #NP Drop Out | East Village Just behind Gene’s Olympian as my favourite album of the 90s. Had it on tape as a student, lost it for years, then couldn’t believe it when it was reissued on record last year. A glorious, glorious thing indeed👌👌👌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Your Community Hub | Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan 1st week back to school with kids & feel like I’ve aged a month. Anyways…nothing like getting lost in the wonderfully varied synths of Gordon Chapman-Fox. Also, @warringtonruncorn.com has a new album out in October👌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
I’ll give a shout out to @plc69.bsky.social. Paul is single handedly responsible for half of music collection, especially over the last 2 years. He has forgotten more about music in the last 5 minutes than I have known in a lifetime
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 26. Maps & Legends First from Fables, their dense and most southern sounding album. Alongside Driver 8, it’s probably the best known on the album & for good reason.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Thanks Nathan, I’ll add a few more in… @meetthewilkinsons.bsky.social @kev-moose.bsky.social @lonesomebluejay.bsky.social @paulwonvinyl.bsky.social @winch72.bsky.social @stevyk73.bsky.social @shapeslikepeople.bsky.social
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Every Inch of Earth Pulsates | WH Lung First time in a while for my second favourite album of 2024. Sounding so good this evening…even manages to improve on Incidental Music, which is some achievement. Bliss Bliss indeed😊👌 Pick: Bloom & Fade song.link/gb/i/1752670...
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Morning Michael
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 27. Strange Currencies Pure nostalgia here. Monster was the first REM album I properly loved (15 at the time). This was my favourite track back in ‘94…such memories of that time & this song.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Show us the last four albums you listened to #last4albums Wednesday edition.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
No Chris, you are like my A Level English Lit teacher…best I ever had. Culturally, analytically, morally, emotionally, politically…she was like no one else that ever taught me. You seem to be cut from the same cloth. Keep up the outstanding work. They will speak of you the way I speak about her😊🙌👍
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
I wish I had a teacher like you when I was at school Chris 😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Morning Michael
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 28. Pilgrimage Special mention must go to the phase of the track from the 2nd chorus forward: a stunningly beautiful section of the song. Pilgrimage is a mini masterpiece of dynamics & vocal arrangements.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s a great song Colin…actually have never watched that
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Come aboard Jon…YOLO and all that😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Antidawn | Burial | 2022 This 5 track EP clocks in at a fairly impressive 44 minutes. Unlike Untrue, this is largely drum-free ambient music. It also requires patience…but the glacial pace starts to reveal more with each successive listen. Not for everyone but I really like it.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Definitely would be Geoff.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 29. King of Birds Gorgeous stuff. Would it have worked even better as the closing track on Document? Reckon so personally (although Michael et al might be more qualified than me to make that call).
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s brilliant. Thanks for sharing that
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
That is great TT…she totally Phoebe’d that song. How lovely…didn’t know she had recorded that!
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Yes Lesa…and I was a VERY happy recipient 😊👍🙌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Stranger in the Alps | Phoebe Bridgers This album never sounds less than stunning to my ears. Phoebe is in my favourite artists this century (along with Sufjan & Justin). It is a self-analytical, anguished yet defiant tour-de-force. Picks: Motion Sickness, Funeral, Scott Street
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
I love Ritual Vincent😊👌 Big fan of the whole panic attack on wax genre! Anything Jon Hopkins records is great though 😀🙌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It is the 2022 reissue, remastered Vincent. Is that the version you are referring to?
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Morning Michael
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#MusicChallenge #REMTop30 30. Drive “Smack, crack, bushwhacked Tie another one to your racks, baby” A stunningly moody, snarling, almost menacing way to kick off the monumental AFTP. Also the 1st song Michael wrote on a computer apparently.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
You too Darren
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’ll never be repeated Darren. The Cheeky Girls next Sunday night for me.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Brilliant 😂 that’ll work. The Cure took be into the abyss there. Not sure how to come back from that. Unless the antiques roadshow has gone down the slapstick route, in which case I’ll tune into that😁
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s my favourite on the album, with Figurehead just behind. One Hundred Years seems to be the one that appears on most best of The Cure lists, but those 2 are the ones for me.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
They were fab Carlos. First time seeing both…every bit as good as I hoped. Whitelands in particular were top drawer.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
I can say categorically that is is absolutely NOT a Sunday night album Darren. Not sure what I was thinking
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
An absolute bargain Stevy! 👌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It is extraordinary that they recorded it at such a young age, regardless of how I feel about it.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
I do find it a tough listen Nathan. The Figurehead & A Strange Day I could listen to on loop, but as much it is undeniably powerful, it’s a little overwhelming for my tastes/sensibilities. Disintegration is much more my jam. I get why you and so many others love this though.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
😂 I’m not inclined to go down that particular route 😂
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Outstanding work as always James. Too much to hope Longwave would make an appearance on the list🥴😊 Looks superb Mr Tansley👌🙌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Pornography | The Cure I have long struggled with this album simply because I always need a little respite in the midst of all the bleakness (I include the Manics Holy Bible & Just Mustard’s Heart Under in this).So trying again. My wife is wondering what the heck I’m listening to🥴
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Show us the last four albums you listened to #last4albums Little bit of everything edition👌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Goosebumps Stevy….what a great way to finish with those bands
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Didn’t realise Bear’s Den were back in Belfast this year…there also seems to have been a venue change (maybe due to demand?). One of my favourite live acts…this will be the 4th time seeing them perform. Also the only band my better half is keen to catch, which is a bonus. Very excited already😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Definitely worth a gander Chris👍 if it runs again next year I’ll tag you in!
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Oh Yeah Music Centre Chris. Organised by Michael from Virgins…the third year it has been held. Bargain price of £20 for the day.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s a great album for that Mark.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Show us the last four albums you listened to #last4albums Last Sunday before school officially starts back edition.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Iechyd Da | Bill Ryder-Jones Sunday morning with coffee and Bill. No finer way to start a day. Pick: If Tomorrow Starts Without Me song.link/gb/i/1702898...
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#shoegaze #Gazefest Great day at Gazefest in Belfast yesterday. Such a good event with top bands the whole way through. Standouts included Death Is by Sunstinger, a new track called Reveries by Virgins & the mighty Prophet & I by Whitelands. Great to catch up with @stevyk73.bsky.social as always.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
😂
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
A 3-2 win at home against one of the favourites for the drop. I’m waiting for a Ruben resignation after the match though. Not sure he’ll be in charge when we resume after the international break. @manutdfc.bsky.social
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s a very wet one in NI TT! Normal service resumed unfortunately 🥴 Hope the good weather keeps up for you!
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
For a sunny day, this is hard to beat😊 album.link/us/i/1762422...
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Sounds bliss TT!
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Ooh East Village. What an album…in my 10 favourite albums of all time TT
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Absolutely Chris. Definitely Maybe was the same at the time, although I can’t listen to Oasis at all anymore. Those two albums more than any others turned me into a music obsessive as a 15 year old.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
I have to confess I don’t know them at all Paul…I’ll be watching your 15 closely😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Name 5 albums that had the biggest impact on your life: S/T | Bon Iver Illinois | Sufjan Stevens Black Sheep Boy | Okkervil River The Bends | Radiohead Definitely Maybe | Oasis
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
It certainly does Paul. Not to mention Nation of Language, Suede, The Chameleons, Josh Ritter…😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
The Ghouls gets better with every listen Paul. Back on Bethel Woods again to get myself ready for their new album.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Flicker | Andy Bell You get a lot of bang for your buck with 18 songs on AB’s (to my ears) best solo album. Never derivative, never predictable, there are so many great tracks on this. Special shout out to Something Like Love, No Getting Out Alive & Holiday In The Sun.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Thanks @tansleyjames.bsky.social for hosting. Have a good weekend folks.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#00sTop30 1. So Come Back, I Am Waiting | Okkervil River | 2005 Lyrically this 7min epic is among the best songs I’ve heard. Musically it has a melody the astonishing writing by Will Sheff deserves. Not for everyone, but it is among my favourite songs by anyone ever. song.link/gb/i/712309089
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Just superb Eoin. Brilliantly bluesy way to open the album.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Show us the last four albums you listened to. #last4albums
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
100% Eoin😊👌
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
Flashback Fridays…90s edition😎 #NowPlaying #NP Between 10th & 11th | The Charlatans Unfairly criticised on release, it is infinitely better than initial reviews made out. One of my favourite Charlatans releases, and any album with Tremelo Song & Can’t Even Be Bothered alone is worth a gander.
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#00sTop30 2. All the Wine | The National | 2005 My favourite track on my 2nd favourite National album. A cocky, swaggering anthem of the highest quality. song.link/gb/i/1028833...
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Brilliant…where did you see them?
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Really pleased you enjoyed it😊
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social)
#NowPlaying #NP Worthless | Sunstinger Can’t wait to see the finest unsigned band in Scotland at Belfast’s Gazefest on Saturday. This was my favourite EP of 2024…a glorious racket. Pick: Death Is song.link/gb/i/1755757...
Ricky McAllister (@rickymca.bsky.social) reply parent
Are you a big fan of Laugh Track Kev?