2.

The Strands – The Magical World of The Strands

The Strands were in fact Michael Head and various other members of Shack, and this is their sole release under that name. I agree that Michael Head is one of our greatest living songwriters, so it seems strange that I fell head over heels in love with what was possibly nothing more than a side project for him. I can’t explain why – like with many albums, but when you discover them it’s important to whatever lays within its grooves – so I can only say that this record summed up much of my 1997. The understated production and considered arrangements allow each song to shine through beautifully. If I were to pick a standout moment it would be ‘Someone Like You’ or ‘X Marks The Spot’. This is an album I continually recommend to any music fan I meet.