Consequence’s Annual Report continues with this special edition of Crate Digging, a recurring feature where artists and performers like comedian James Acaster highlight the music they think every fan should own. As the year winds down, we’ve got tons of awards, lists, and interviews about the best music, film, and TV 2024 had to offer, including our list of the 200 Best Songs of the Year.
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When Consequence interviewed James Acaster about his new comedy special in November, the British comedian was prepared to talk about more than just the development process of Hecklers Welcome (now streaming on Max). As a self-described “proper vinyl nerd,” he was also quite excited to dive into the music of 2024 — specifically, his 10 favorite songs of the past 12 months.
It’s important to note that this interview didn’t happen on any ordinary day in November, as one song featured on his list had just been released that morning. “I’m really glad that that came out today so that that can go on the list,” he said. “Because to be honest, I basically had nine songs and I was gonna include a tenth one which I wasn’t so behind. So I’m glad now that I’ve got 10 that I love.”
Check out the full list of Acaster’s favorite songs below (complete with a playlist at the very end). It’s a list that includes a few big names — and a few eclectic choices that might become your new favorite.
Kankawa Nagarra (with Archer) — “Wirlmarni”
[After spelling out loud both the name of the artist and the song] So I think that’s the most spelling I’ll have to do in this interview. [Kankawa Nagarra] has promoted the album as an aboriginal Australian blues, country, and gospel album, and I think she’s sitting outside her house in Australia, because it sounds like it’s very much in the countryside. You’ve got night bugs and birds in the background.
It’s her and a guitar for most of the album, very informally playing these songs and then talking to the person who’s documenting it all, and this song — it’s just so beautiful. Her feel is really loose. She slows up and speeds down when she wants, and she’s got someone doing these really beautiful harmonies… I don’t know what the lyrics are about, and yet it feels really emotionally impactful. It’s got all the markings of one of those songs that people will continue to dig up and share for years to come. One of those ones where proper vinyl nerds like myself will be telling people to seek it out.
Listen to “Wirlmarni” via Amazon Music