Noughties but nice

It almost seems inappropriate to look back on the first year of the so-called ‘noughties’ purely in terms of albums, concerts and trends in music in the harrowing light of the events of the last three months. The very luxury of listening to music, let alone making it, getting involved and writing about it, can appear insignificant in such anxious and tragic times. But now, more than ever, we should celebrate being alive, defiantly face the music and dance, laugh louder and laugh often and never, ever let go of our dreams. Romantic codswallop? Yeah, so what? Got any better ideas?

As for the year’s soundtrack, 2001 was fine if not quite vintage. Low, Radiohead, Super Furry Animals, Mogwai, Daft Punk, Aphex Twin and New Order all reminded us of the awesome extent of their greatness. The Strokes, Moldy Peaches and White Stripes concocted new (and old) thrills and frills for guitar pop. The Frames and David Kitt led an extraordinary and unexpected two-prong assault on the top ten album chart.

A multitude of other acts released excellent albums: The Jimmy Cake, The Redneck Manifesto, Jeff Martin, Paul O’Reilly, Joan of Arse, Steve Fanagan, Adrian Crowley and The Dudley Corporation to name just a handful of beautiful dreamers.

Two sorts of homecomings provided two of the years best live engagements, U2’s astonishing Slane concerts and Radiohead’s mesmerising outdoor magic at South Park, Oxford. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Sun Ra Arkestra, Mogwai and Low also provided memorable adventures in live wonderland.

Surreal highlights included bingo calling and deejaying with Super Furry Animals, getting anointed by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, feeling like a lightweight in the company of Shane MacGowan and trying to make ‘conversation’ with Thom Yorke in a lift.

There was good times, bad times, lots of skit, inspiring music and plenty of dreadful unlistenable muck. In a poignant coincidence, as I file this copy it’s exactly twelve months to the day when Uaneen Fitzsimmons died in a car crash in

Borris-In-Ossory. After a year of uncertainty, tragedy and fear, keeping her kind and loving spirit alive is probably the best thing we can do. Season’s salutations and may the force be with you. Always.