While 1987 will of course be recognised as the year U2 conquered the world, spare a thought for those whose careers begin beneath the shadow of ‘The Joshua Tree’. Yes indeed, it was quite a year on the local front with Aslan, Something Happens!, Hot House Flowers, and A House all signing to major labels. Cry Before Dawn released a fine debut album, while The Stars Of Heaven have their album recorded and ready for an early 1988 release. Elsewhere The Slowest Clock went some of the way towards releasing the promise that was recognised last year while, sadly, Belfast’s finest Carpenter Joe decided to call it a day.

On the live front, U2’s superb brace of summer shows were run close by acoustic sets from both guy Clark and Roger McGuinn. However it was a trip to London for R.E.M.’s Hammersmith Odeon Gig that provided me with this year’s concert highlight. Mention also but Blue in Heaven whose Baggot dates during the summer consistently supplied the wildest nights in town.

With Elvis Costello remaining remarkably quiet during the year, the album honours went to R.E.M.’s ‘Document’. Country Girls Rosanne Cash and Nanci Griffith also fared well, with country music providing most listening pleasures. Steve Earle and the re-issued Country Gentlemen compilations still sound as good at year’s end. Aidan Walsh gets my vote for Man Of The People, while Robbie Robertson’s return was an unexpected delight. Other notable debuts were released by Danny wilson and The Proclaimers while Prince and Bruce Springsteen eclipsed their best with powerful new offerings.

Singles didn’t shine as prominently as previous years but nonetheless The Stars of Heaven’s ‘Holyhead’, That Petrol Emotion’s ‘Big Decision’ and Wendy & Lisa’s ‘Waterfall’ easily grabbed my top spots. In the cinema ‘Angel Heart’ and ‘Stand By Me’ will, for different reasons, remain long in the memory.

With a glut of Irish releases ready for the first half of the year, I don’t expect 1988 to be any less interesting.