We hope and pray it's the same where you are, but the sun is shining down on HP HQ this morning. Has spring finally sprung? Is the longest, harshest winter in living memory* finally behind us?

Repress those terrifying memories of being forced to consider that mystery tin in the back of the cupboard, as the snow made the Spar on the corner seem like another country. Throw open the curtains in joy! Join with Hot Press as we stick our fingers in our ears and shout "Nah, Nah, can't hear you!" rather than check in with Met Éireann to see if the rain's back tomorrow, or even later today**

Quickly then, HP's resident spring chicken, and noted heliologist, Pat Carty, has put together a mellow-ish playlist, which might prove a suitable accompaniment to that trepidatious alfresco cup o' cha.

Normal service will most likely resume tomorrow.

(*the last six months)

(**it probably is, it may well even be back as you read this. Ah well, sure if it's uphill all the way, you should be used to it by now.)