December 12, 1983. Who’d have thought anyone when the date of reckoning finally came, would find themselves looking forward to (gulp) 1984?

Well I am, and so too are all the people I know which – humanity’s eternally laudable but increasingly tried belief that ‘better must come’ aside – is sufficient comment on the foul twelve months that are thankfully drawing to a close.

Illuminating the darkness in the world of song and dance were: U2 with the magnificent and necessary ‘War’ album; Aswad and Eddy Grant for electrifying concerts in Dublin and, also for, on vinyl, ‘Live & Direct’ and ‘Electric Avenue’, maligned Malcolm for the rainbow rhythms of ‘Duck Rock’ Roir cassettes for their valuable ‘Television’ and MC5 releases Guy Clarke for the comfort and concern of ‘Better Days’ 9creating in the process the year’s loveliest melody and saddest song in ‘Supply & Demand’); Paul Brady for one from the heart with ‘True For You’ and, finally, Lionel Richie for the single of the decade in ‘All Night Long’.

There are many others woo numerous to mention (he sez, fondling the Oscar and stammering slightly) and a whole bunch more which, for complicated reasons, i should have, but didn’t get to hear. I intend to do some catching up. Roll on 1984!