Gruff Rhys - Pang!

[Egyptian Feast]

This was mentioned in the old Gruff thread, but thought it deserved one of its own. I've really liked all of Gruff's solo albums (full disclosure: I have not heard the Tony Da Gatorra collaboration), but I think Pang! might be my favourite now. I find his albums take a few listens before they sink in, but this grabbed me immediately and it hasn't lost any appeal after repeated listens. Babelsberg received a lot more acclaim, but I prefer him in a more stripped-down setting, ideally singing in Welsh.

Album of the year in my gaff, but what do you reckon?

[DrGreggles]

I love it.

He's doing it in its entirety on his current tour and it sounds amazing.
Can't remember (or say) any of the titles yet, but there's a Massive Attack-esque rhythm to a couple of tracks, which is obviously a good thing.

All things considered, Gruff has been one of the most important songwriters/musicians for me over the last 25 years.

[Egyptian Feast]

I love it.

He's doing it in its entirety on his current tour and it sounds amazing.

Arggh, I missed my chance to catch him in London. I would've loved that. I haven't seen him do a solo show since the first round of shows promoting American Interior (heh, I just remembered him stopping and restarting a song because an audience member was clapping along out of time). Hopefully he'll come around again in the new year.

He's definitely one of the most important musicians of the last 25 years for me. While I'm glad SFA are still together and would like to see another album eventually, I can live without it if he keeps bringing out solo work of this quality.