Thank you for your support and interest in my various projects throughout 2024. I’ve been ‘creating’ for years now (or is it decades?), projects have come and gone, many of you have been along with me for that ride.
This year saw the long talked about ‘Collect Us All!’ finally materialise in written article form over on Substack. This was originally conceived in summer 2021, I then procrastinated for three years because it was the idea I cared most about getting right. I’m really pleased with the start I’ve made on it in 2024. What’s out there so far is only tip of the iceberg for this concept and I’ll be focusing on realising the vision more in 2025.
In the Autumn I reached 20 editions of my monthly mixtape. I’ve tried (and failed) multiple times in the past to compile a regular playlist. I’m not sure what’s different this time, perhaps just how my love of music has been reborn post pandemic. I’m listening to more new artists, racking up record gig numbers each year. The love never went away, but looking back over the late 2010s it wasn’t half as vibrant as recent years have been for me.
For those who enjoy the mixtape, I’ve put together an annual edition with some of my favourites from 2024 and a few extras. If the monthly playlist is Top of the Pops, this is a Now That’s What I Call Music! compilation.
Tracklisting – (Stream on Spotify)
01. Charli XCX – 360
02. Everything Everything – The End of the Contender
03. Brothertiger – Stained Glass
04. Lauren Mayberry – Crocodile Tears
05. JUNG, Dagny – Something Beautiful
06. Lauran Hibberd – 2nd prettiest girl (in the world)
07. Kids In Glass Houses – Theme from Pink Flamingo
08. The Lottery Winners, Reverend and the Makers – You Again
09. Frank Turner – Show People
10. Feeder – Scream
11. The Beaches – Takes One To Know One
12. Sløtface – Tired Old Dog
13. Soccer Mommy – Abigail
14. Softcult – Spiralling Out
15. Pale Waves – Thinking About You
16. Augustana – Always A Way Out
17. Charly Bliss – Nineteen
18. Abby Holliday – Steve Martin
19. standards – Smashfruit
20. Motion City Soundtrack – Stop Talking
21. Less Than Jake – Shake Loose The Truth
Most of the artists featured I’ve been fortunate to see live this year, some more than once. My Gigography is now up to date with all shows attended in 2024.
In 21 and a half years of gigs I’ve only been to two on my birthday, once in 2006 (Skylar at The Joiners) and 18 years later this past weekend thanks to The Lottery Winners and their Burning House Party at Manchester Academy. Sam and I travelled up for two of the three nights. It was a brilliant way to close out another big year of gigs.
All the best for 2025, I look forward to catching up with you in the new year.
Liam Toms 