As 2019 closed I often wondered what songs I’d listened to most as I have sat at my desk “chugging away” on my PhD. Spotify dutifully obliges each December with a listing of what I have listened to the most on that platform. I haven’t only listened on Spotify as I like the Stingray platform that comes with our PayTV subscription, particularly they 70s Chanel. I also listen to some vinyl, so it’s not a complete picture but it will be pretty close.

My year’s listening was dominated by 70s music and Springsteen’s Western Stars.

It wasn’t a surprise that the songs from Western Star dominated. I have blogged previously on how much I like this album, so I won’t spend a lot of time writing about it again, except to say that it is definitely my album of the year with Tuscon Train my current favourite from the album.

From there it was largely 1970s music. While not a recent hit, a song I rarely go a week without listening too is Carly Simon’s You’re so Vain. It is the only song of Carly Simon’s in my “most listened too” this year which is a little surprising, as I always enjoy the sound of Carly’s voice. She has been a favourite for a long time.

There was also a Byrds classic, Turn, Turn, Turn, a 60s release I know, as well as classics from Gordon Lightfoot, If You Could Read My Mind, America’s Ventura Highway and 10cc’s, I’m Not in Love.

I tend to hit repeat when Lindefarne’s Lady Elanor comes up on a playlist so there was no surprise that it was on the list. Another song I often play over and over is Mike Oldfield’s To France (yes from 1984) with lead vocals by Maggie Reilly. Mike Oldfield has an eclectic discography and I find myself often selecting something from it while at my desk.

On a similar theme to Mike Oldfield I have often found myself listening to Rick Wakeman and Catherine Howard found its way onto the list.

However, my most listened too was not just old staples and included a song I discovered while driving my daughter’s car which was tuned to Triple J. A local band came on called the Moaning Lisa’s and from there I discovered another local band called Eliza and the Delusionals and their song Pull Apart Heart – it’s a ripper!

There was also Annie Lennox’s, Walking on Broken Glass and from early in the year when I had a spell of Elton John was Rocket Man and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It’s amazing but every time I hear Goodbye Yellow Brick Road I find myself transported back to a Saturday night as a teenager watching an Aussie Soapie called Certain Women – I have no idea why!

Some other highlights were Judy Collins, Both Sides Now, which although good isn’t quite up to Joni’s version. Joni’s only contribution was California which was surprising, but on reflection I don’t think 2019 was a year where I listened to as many female vocalists as I have in the past. Perhaps that’s a place to go in 2020.

Late in the year I found myself listening to the soundtrack of Yesterday. With Hamish Patel’s versions of Yesterday and In My Life finding there way onto the list. The movie came out while we were travelling and so I didn’t get to see the movie until a few months later. I loved the premise and enjoyed the movie.

For the first time in a few years there was not as much Country on the list. Miranda Lambert’s My Father’s Gun is on the list. I can’t hide the fact I am a big fan of hers along with Carrie Underwood whose End up with You was on the list and , Babe by Sugarland was the only other Country song on my most listened too.

So that’s my year in music.

So to 2020 and finishing my PhD (I hope!).