Choice Music Awards - My Thoughts

The one real benefit of my work is that I don't to see anything on the web until about 4pm. By the time I check the emails, tweets and facebook updates I'm usually so late to all the juicy debates it's hardly worth making a comment!


I do think the Choice Music Awards is a worthwhile addition to our music world. Not only is it worthwhile to the bands, record labels and album sales but also for the debates, discussions and degrading remarks which result! See On The Record!

I love the fact that I have heard all of these albums and reviewed a few throughout the year. However none of these made my own personal best of list here! There are also many other really quality albums released this year which made neither the Choice 10 or my own best of 10. Isn't this an indication that in Ireland we really have an excellent music scene!


The judges who came up with this shortlist and will have the final decision on March 3. Here are the nominations;



And So I Watch You From Afar “And So I Watch You From Afar” (Smalltown America)

I have no major thoughts on ASIWYFA. The album is excellent but it doesn't appeal to me much. Outsider for the win!






Bell X1 “Blue Lights On The Runway” (BellyUp)

Looking at 2009 I can't find any logical reason not to agree with Jim Carroll when he stated last year was a great one for BellXWan! Radio friendly singles, three Olympia gigs and Dave Geraghty even managed to release an great album! The album on a whole is a bit hit and miss. There are some good tunes on there but some are never-ending!







Codes “Trees Dream in Algebra” (EMI)

Meh! It's an ok album.




Adrian Crowley “Season of the Sparks” (Chemikal Underground)

I only got the Adrian Crowley album recently and it's been a revalation to me. I'm slowly beginning the hype about the man. My hope for the win!







Dark Room Notes “We Love You Dark Matter” (Gonzo)

I seen DRNs at the HWCHs and another Meh! Not for me at all. The album has some good moments and I can understand that it's rated very highly.





The Duckworth Lewis Method “The Duckworth Lewis Method” (1969/Divine Comedy Records)

The DLM deserve praise for writing good pop songs about cricket but was it album of the year? Delighted people are discovering Pugwash as a result. Thomas Walsh is an amazing songwriter!




Julie Feeney “Pages” (Mittens)

'Pages' is another worthy album on the list. It does suffer from a lack of variety while there are some truely excellent songs like the singles 'Love is a Tricky Thing' and 'Impossibly Beautiful'.






Valerie Francis “Slow Dynamo” (VF)

I don't know. I seen Valerie at HWCHs and while the venue and time slot were unsuitable the songs were really good. I have to revisit the album to develop more of an opinion!





Laura Izibor “Let The Truth Be Told” (Atlantic)

This time last year I wrote that Laura Izibor would be a massive star. I was wrong and I don't know why I'm wrong. I blame Aviva!






The Swell Season “Strict Joy” (Plateau)

On many different levels I hope that The Swell Season don't win. However their nomination is amazing for the band.