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Join us for our take on the best music we played during 2020.

Christmas Music on the show can mean only one thing, it's the end of another season of music celebration and review. We serve up another festive smorgasbord of musical crackers with all the trimmings. Join Tobin, Jamie and Richard to celebrate "Good Riddance" to an Annus Horribilis. It's been a year of unprecedented changes not only in the world of music, but in the world as a whole. Christmas Music with a difference from the 3 boys this week. It also marks the end of Season II of the show so it is with a heavy heart that we bid you farewell as we head into our recess. Alas, the lads will be back, bigger, stronger, more opinionated and combative than ever for Season III on April 10th. So, get involved in the meantime by contacting us here. We'd love to hear from you whether you are a listener or a musician.

Ryo Kawasaki is a jazz fusion guitarist, composer and band leader from Tokyo, Japan. Kawasaki is best known as one of the first musicians to develop and popularise the fusion genre. Secondly he helped to develop the guitar synthesizer in collaboration with Roland Corporation and Korg. His album Ryo Kawasaki & the Golden Dragon Live was one of the first all digital recordings. An extremely warm reception greeted NuNorthern Soul's debut EP of Ryo Kawasaki music. The label's Phat Phil Cooper has decided upon a follow up. Ryo Kawasaki made over 25 albums in his almost five decade long career. There's plenty of Ryo Kawasaki's music to choose from. Once again, Phil Cooper has chosen to concentrate on Kawasaki's mid 1970s to early 1980s period. It is a time which saw the guitarist living in New York. Surrounded at the time by and often playing alongside some of the finest jazz players of the era. Therefore, it was a time of much experiment with jazz music and few things propel Ryo Kawasaki more than experimentation. His mid 1970s period saw him explore what was to become known as jazz fusion music. A sometimes heavy-sounding variation, wild with revolutionary, new electronic sounds and steeped in funk and rock influences. From that period Kawasaki lead several album projects and the band Golden Dragon. On these recordings Ryo Kawasaki's famous, personally modified guitar synthesizer really comes to the fore.

Nick Cave, a strange choice for the show, and one that by merit should never be on here, such is his greatness. But actually, that is why he ends up here, it's a paradox, and we're pretty sure Nick would love a paradox. If you have the patience dear listener, then bear with Richard's monologue about his love and admiration for Nick Cave as he introduces one of Nick Cave's best performances. All recorded and released under extenuating circumstances. Alas, we have more than Nick Cave today as we enjoy a beautiful bookend from Tobin with Sister Sparrow. It shows how Richard's mental hard drive is becoming beyond capacity. We also have one man and a guitar, surprisingly from Tobin this week and some old, old jazz from Richard. "That Jamie" joins us with his would-be-wife Elin Hall (oh God you are so lucky Elin) with moon music. It's actually from Iceland, despite Richard's belligerence.

Heather Trost, with her delightful new album Petrichor, is giving us two brilliant tracks this week as we showcase her talent. Quite coincidentally, it's a double edged sword victory for Heather Trost. We say that in so much that not only is the music quite sublime, but the artwork is to die for. Join us to explore her past as we explain about how speaking language transfers over to music so readily. Stick around for the closing track from Heather Trost. At nine minutes long and you may well get lost in it. It's an all female play from Richard this week as he gets to grip with an up and coming talent from Liverpool. Helen Maw has definitely caught the ear of Richard. An acoustic track from her brilliantly exemplifying her immense talent. And there is money changing hands this week. Rilo Kiley make a welcome return to the show and in doing so remind us of the great vocal talent that is Jenny Lewis. Which reflects really well with Death Valley Girls who fail to hit the spot with Richard. However, going back to money exchanging hands… Tobin's Japanese entry in the show proves infuriating enough to induce Richard to part with cash. Superseded by both Tobin's and Jamie's quite correct predictions of Richard's reaction. Bomb the Bass? Really? Yes. Is it a lead balloon or a transcendental ascension? You'll have to listen and of course make your own decision.

Jennifer Propeller, 3 tracks deep and a further EP in the wings. They are the self-styled dreamy end of indie-alternative melancholia. And they are a unanimous success here. It's the combination of dreamy guitars and Dalena's voice that really make Jennifer Propeller stand out. Luckily for us, we've also managed to have a sneak preview of some of their upcoming work. We can't share that with you, our listeners, just yet, so please be patient. However, the moment that JP are ready to allow release we shall be amongst the first to broadcast this excellent new material. Secondly, we have unreleased music from an unsigned and untitled band. Who'd have thought it? Two chaps in the gestation period of their new band have submitted some tunes. We've listened through the lot and offer our opinion on what we consider to be the best. You'd think that these two alone, nestled in the middle of Tobin's box-ticking bookend, would be more than enough. No. We are heading quickly into the final trimester of Season II and so we are cramming. Jamie excels this week, surpassing even his own high standards. Ida Mae are Jamie's choice which sets the scene for our Listener Recommendation this week. Julian has been in touch and we get him on the line to introduce his choice. Think you can do better? OK, we're all ears - get in touch.

Godcaster, cult-like psych-rockers and firm devotees of Judson Kolk, spill out their nightmarish vision onto the unsuspecting masses. Unsurprisingly pressed to red vinyl (what else) Godcaster's debut LP has landed. Or should that be surfaced? It's likely been spawned in the fires of an underworld populated with dog-girls, doppelgängers and pious iguanas. Spewed forth in a heinous incongruence of terrestrial vomit. If this all sounds a little far fetched then join in on Judson Kolk's cult trip and you'll soon be seeing religious effigies everywhere. Along with Long Haired Locusts. It's a nightmarish journey, spikey, narcotic music from a dimension of fear. Don't let that description put you off. This is essential listening from Philadelphia's most original band. Godcaster have a knack of putting you at ease with their surreal world. In fact, they make you feel like you want to be part of it. If you're as lucky as Richard then you may have scooped up a copy of the booklet. It's artwork by Godcaster's front man and limited to 50 copies. This has all the makings of an enviable object of desirability in years to come. Get on board.

Tapeworms, bedroom shoegaze fused with J-pop and video games bring us a new release on Howlin' Banana Records. Straight out of France. After releasing a couple of home-recorded EPs to a modicum of critical acclaim, Tapeworms are back with debut LP. This new offering certainly extends their range of influences. We play their eponymously titled single on the show today. Typographical errors, mythical drugs and the mastermind behind some of Elvis' best known songs. That's Tobin's contribution this week. TTRRUUCES are not only every spell-checker's worst nightmare, they are also our bookend artiste this week. Plenty of noise to twist your ears around here. Plus the Bob Ross of rock 'n' roll drops in. Along with Tapeworms, Richard brings us new music from Leeds in the North of England. Nope, it's not Silverlode again, instead it's three piece People Soup with their current track Rosemary. And after all that, we've got two back to back anger management tracks. Both heavy contenders for belligerent track of the month award.

Silverlode, a folksome indie rock’n’ roll band from Leeds, Yorkshire, England. There is quite a lot to go at from Silverlode, and a great starting point would be their Bandcamp page. To be fair to their music, not all of it sounds like what we are playing here on the show today. Nonetheless, Silverlode make an excellent listen. Particularly the material they have managed to get recording during lockdown. It's worth noting that a new EP from Silverlode is in the wings - Ullswater. What you get is a 5-track EP with one track of spoken word as a finale. At times an oppressive hark back to the 90's and you can feel its weight as you listen on. Pendulous clouds, biting winds and the grim vision of children lost to heavy weather. Vocals that bear down on you, aggressive probing guitar riffs, it's a wonder the Lake District is so popular. It's released in a week's time, but you can get a pre-listen here. "That Jamie" makes an early appearance today on the show, and with universal acclaim! Ordinary Elephant are Jamie's choice this week as he returns to familiar ground with some contemporary outlaw folk. Or is it Americana? Whatever pigeon hole you wish to stick husband and wife band Ordinary Elephant in, they're excellent. Nothing short of it in fact. Tobin gets a telling off from all the way over in Brazil. Apparently despite his love of South American beats, he's slightly missed the point previously. Well, according to one sharp eared listener anyhow. And so he brings the dark, ominous and downright terrifying Totonho to the show. Forget sun drenched feel good vibes, this track is from a completely different stable. Tobin attempts to repair the damage by bringing for sample-masters The Allergies. And the answer is "No" before you ask. Ritchie Blackmore has nothing to do with it. Rounding off the show Richard has Ramp Local roster-buster Giant Claw back to back with Kellindo's guitar wizardry. So, you're all up to speed, all that remains is to dive right in.

Savannah Pope - Freeway, it's her new single release and could it signal a new LP from her in the making. After Atlantis it would make sense. This single release is a further nod to her past, and a glimmer of hope that new work is coming. It follows fairly standard Savannah Pope conventions by now, there's the high octane guitars, booming percussion and of course the inter-stellar vocals of the rock goddess herself. However, it's slightly more introspective than her previous titles, almost lending a certain authenticity to it. Whichever way you look at it it's certainly just another stopgap on Savannah's obvious rise to stardom. Richard heads back to his beloved France and dishes up a Howlin' Banana sandwich. Or should that be a baguette? He brings in two French bangers by Fontanarosa and Volage respectively. In fact, Tobin is a fan. True to form Tobin dons his socialist donkey jacket with DEADLETTER and their grim social commentary. Bookending with Courtney Marie Andrews, Tobin lends a personal and intimate theme to today's show. And that's it! Oh no it's not, sorry, "That Jamie" drags Brandt Brauer Frick in.

Test Card Girl was a teenager in the 90's in Manchester and what a time that was to be alive. She soaked up a lot of the sounds of the time and you can hear that in her eclectic and brave music. From subtle folk sounding acoustic noodling to some comedy Casio synth musings, all accompanied by Catherine's beautiful voice, it's a confident start to her musical career. Already on cassette and published widely on streaming platforms there is an exciting possibility that we may see Test Card Girl on vinyl before too long. But before then, we've got two tracks from her, one of which is her current single. Tobin brings quality rather than quantity today with two unusually musical tracks from him. Gone is the electronica and breathy vocals and in come the guitars and other real instruments. A refreshing change! "That Jamie" returns with quite possibly his best recommendation to date and Richard drops the needle on Lake Street Dive's new single release. And speaking as we did earlier of cassettes, we have the dreamy vocals of The Suncharms with their latest release. A split tape with The Mirrorlakes, order it here if you've got deep pockets.

Web bring Intimidation and Shame to the studio this week, along with a truckload of division. Richard is a fan, Tobin is still trying to work out whether he is or not. Read on, and indeed listen on, for more about Web and their dark and oppressive masterpiece that is Intimidation and Shame. It actually transpires that this is in fact Part I, as Part II to Intimidation and Shame from Web is already now released. Along with Web, this week Tobin brings the quaintly title Tugboat Captain to the show and the kitchen sink drama that is Day To Day. That Jamie joins us and actually sticks around a little longer than usual. It comes with a caveat however. Jamie rambles on about the dullest subject on earth - video games. Yawn. We also bring Wesley Bennett back to the show, introduce Abigail Ory and Late of the Pier are our backend artiste. But, forget all that, the highlight of the show is Tobin attempting to perfect a Mancunian accent. Something which would undoubtedly get him into trouble in Salford. Big trouble. Sounds like a film title - "Big Trouble in Little Manchester"!

Hello there! Jack Hubbel makes a return to form and a return to the show with his latest Telyscopes release. Well, we say latest, it's not even released yet so you are getting an exclusive pre-release listen. No charge. It's what we do. Also, on a general note, it's great to be back. After a 12 week hiatus we are poised to deliver music that begs to be listened to. And, as a sage friend of the show said to us only today, "the best music ever produced you'll never hear". Sage indeed. So let's kick off the season with Jack Hubbel, Glaswegian punk, Brazilian electronica and Jamie with his crazy Japanese post punk surf rock. Yep, buckle up, we're on it this season.

Welcome to the finale of Season I of From the Bottom of the Record Box - The Music Discovery Podcast, with over 100 minutes of music and conversation. We've lined up an impressive triple bookend this week featuring Wolf City, Tenci and The Comet is Coming. Later on "That Jamie" joins us for the party as we sign off Season I in style. We also say a few "hellos" and "thank you's" to a host of musical glitterati. We'll be playing our favourite listener suggestion of Season I and once again Tobin utters his favourite two words … Harmony Byrne. Season II begins on October 10th where we'll have new features, more excellent music, more collaborations and a multitude of other exciting "stuff". It's what makes FTBOTRB your favourite go-to Music Discovery Podcast. So, we're all ears. Why not get in touch if you are a budding musician and you want to reach a global audience?

Sammy Brue has managed to pen another belter with Crash Test Kid and we've got a track on the show. Turn it up, it's no acoustic meander. The red/yellow splatter vinyl signed by the man himself is on the way to Record Box HQ. They're all gone now but you've still got time to grab the black vinyl release. Also coming from the US this week is Reigning Sounds' classic LP Home For Orphans. Again, we think you've missed the gorgeous blue vinyl release but you can still grab a black vinyl copy from Goner Records in Memphis. "That Jamie" returns this week with his now hotly anticipated Track Of The Month - he's plundering the wealth of French Pop tracks this month. Richard runs this track by a real life proper Frenchman! What then transpires leaves Jamie with his tail between his legs. Poor Jamie. However, Jamie returns next week as we close off Season I in style. And there is a Spoiler Alert - next week Jamie delivers two absolute bangers. Romero bring us this week's bookend slot in fine post-punk style. It's Tobin's bookend and the suggestion that there is a possible point-scoring scenario sends him into something of a spin. The ever-competitive Tobin showing that he constantly lives by his own catchphrase "if there's a chance to win, I'm in!"

Dullards bring a healthy amount of self-written, self-produced glam power pop to Richard's final solo bookend of Season I. George and Roger deliver funny, toe-tapping vibes with their insightful and inspiring Dullards. We play the double A-side single today and discuss the wider merits of this fantastic musical collaboration. What a way to kick off the show as we rapidly approach the end of Season I of From the Bottom of the Record Box. And Dullards are a perfect example of why we champion here at Record Box HQ as we help spread the word to the world. And talking of aspiring artists, we welcome Wesley Bennett to the show as we play a track off of his new 4-track EP - Middle Man. Wesley was kind enough to tell us a few words about himself so read on to find out a little more about this talent young man. Alternatively, you can find him on Bandcamp where you can purchase this essential new EP. Tobin brings back W.H. Lung and their latest single release. Does it show as much promise as their debut LP Incidental Music did last year? The lads certainly think so. And Caamp are back and Björk is back, proving that Tobin has indeed practically run out of steam. Does he listen to anyone else these days? Well, yes, he does, because he's also playing Water Liars in today's show. They prove to be a big hit with Richard. Join us next week as "That Jamie" returns for a 2 show run as we head rapidly toward the close of Season I - great listens coming very soon indeed.

Welcome to the show where we say "Hello" to Booty and The Beard and their latest release Strange Little Rocks. It's a cautionary tale of festival life. A tale of boy meets girl. Moreover a brilliant song, brilliantly crafted, from two brilliant musicians. Yeah, we think it's brilliant! And what's more, we want to share it with you, our listeners around the world. And it comes at a fitting moment as we rapidly approach the end of Season I of From the Bottom of the Record Box. With that said, we have so much more to pack in before the season ends. Next week Richard bookends with rising new talent which answers the question we've all been asking. What happened to all the experimental melodic glam rock power pop bands? Tobin brings us One Man and a Guitar and proves he's still wrapped up with CAAMP. But more about this week… Firstly, Tobin's bookend does little to inspire further trophy grabbing where bookend artistes are concerned. He brings Nathaniel Rateliff's new solo release to the fore and sparks furore in the camp. New Music, always a treat from Tobin yields the sexy, serious and delightfully produced tones of Sharada Shashidar. Losing himself for a moment, he wonders whether Richard's contemporary Japanese track is one of his own. Secondly, this Japanese artist spurns a bit of infighting as both Tobin and Richard scrap it out to obtain the rarest vinyl pressing of said record. Let's dive straight in and give these two idiots a listen.

Welcome to this week's show where Richard brings us The Midnight Pine and their keys heavy intro masterpiece Enough. Tobin thinks he's heard this before, alas, only a dream. We uncover some unlikely connections with other San Diego favourites Creature and the Woods. We play and listen to the sonorous vocal delivery of Shelbi Bennett. However, Enough of The Midnight Pine! Richard has the bookend this week and brings us the sadly now disbanded Broken Dog. Playing to Tobin's naturally critical streak, Broken Dog's ethereal and slightly breathy vocals prompt him to take Richard to task. It's a brilliant two-song set from Martine Roberts and Clive Painter in their previous guise of Broken Dog. More sabre-rattling to come as Richard is perplexed by Moscow Apartment's outdated website gallery. No up to date photos? Only photos of the duet as teens? The clouds thereon parted and Richard's epiphany unfurled before his very eyes. Not one to steal Tobin's thunder he gallantly steps aside so that Tobin can reveal all. It's New Music and it's straight out of Canada this week. Unexpectedly popular Blithe Field also make a deep impression on Richard much to Tobin's surprise. He tries to score a hat-trick with Audiodope and Absence of Gravity - does he pull it off? As always, it's all about the music on From the Bottom of the Record Box. However, Tobin delivers some important news this week about the future of the show. And exciting news it is indeed. It seems that Tobin, Richard and Jamie are only just beginning the rise of FTBOTRB. There are bigger, better things coming signalling a very bright future ahead. And as we stated it's always about the music here, but perhaps the biggest news on today's show is that Harmony Byrne's debut LP has finally dropped. We spin yet another track from off of it. Destined to become a riotous success, we get to know Harmony before she is untouchable. So, that's it, listen on for the usual combative conversation and great music.

Any Sunday Morning, Paris-based musician Sébastien, brings his simple, well-travelled music to today's show. Richard has been listening with glee to the LP White Rainbow and picks his favourite tune off of it as we explore Any Sunday Morning. More on this French musician later. Tobin has the bookend this week and brings back I Am Kloot with two excellent tracks. Sandwiched in amongst the show as well this week is "That Jamie" and his track of the month. Jamie describes the track as "divisive" - listen the boys arguing it out. Two out of three ain't bad Jamie! As I Am Kloot return to the show, so does the latest from Huw Costin aka Torn Sail. Following on the heels of his latest NuNorthern Soul release this reworking of A Beautiful Life is esoteric, subtle and dripping with the gloriously fluid vibes we've come to expect. Torn Sail are rapidly becoming a favourite here at Record Box HQ. They are an official FTBOTRB Recommendation and are essential listening. And staying in Nottinghamshire, UK, we bring Lawrence County to the show. Americana from deep in the UK. Who'd have thought it? Finishing off the show this week we have Tobin's New Music Shot and his field recordings masterpiece from Eluvium. Quite why Tobin likens Dead Pony – his New Music candidate – to Eurovision failures is anyone's guess, but he apologises, before he gets lynched by the band. His temptation from Eluvium, and the promise of a seven disc set sends Richard into interstellar overdrive. Bats? Who would have thought they make such good music???

The Last Waltz, arguably the most iconic performance in the history of Rock 'n' Roll, recreated in all its glory by Mrs Henry. Forty one years later and Mrs Henry took to the stage at the Belly Up, Solana Beach, San Diego. Not alone, a plethora of friends were just about to join them. What happened next is likely an as epic and defining moment as the original. A task of immeasurable complexity, Mrs Henry pull it off with panache, soul and above all – passion. We play two tracks of the beautifully presented vinyl presentation in today's show, which will no doubt leave you craving more. We've played Mrs Henry on the show previously and Dan Cervantes himself spoke with us about The Last Waltz. You can hear what he had to say here. We also have another live performance on the show this week as coincidence. The expertly performed Coffee from Tobin's favourites Sylvan Esso. Speaking of Tobin, he also jostles for position for the "ridiculous band name" crown with Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Waxing lyrical as he does, this is his latest instalment of his never-ending love affair with Australia and her music scene. Cue endless playing of Harmony Byrne's new LP. Tobin's New Music Shot this week expands on Richard's idea of new music that really is old music. He shines a light a new/re-release from the king of Sudanese Jazz, Sharhabil Ahmed. It is a riot of noise and a great introduction to Habibi Funk. Sticking with jazz in this week's show, Tobin also brings in a track from Chip Wickham. It's an odd and somewhat inappropriate title. Finishing off today's show is another live track pulled from The Last Waltz LP. This time featuring the quite beautiful and jealousy enduringly talented Tina White and Brittany Wallace.