There is snow on the ground around the Monsters cave so this is the time of year we like to pull out our Top 10 Live Sessions, partly because it’s awesome to look back and see, especially this year, just how much talent passes through the doors here at Soundart Radio. But mainly because it fills the Christmas gap in web hits. So, thank you. You’re cheering me up just by being here. Let me now spread some happiness in your direction…
Best of Devon 2011 Live Radio Sessions.
There’s 10 of them (in no particular order)
Hugh Nankivelle – Kidney Card
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This man could earn a fortune in the corporate sector. He once offered to be composer-in-residence at Paignton Zoo, they declined and missed out on Baby Black Rhino. More Hugh (including Basic Rock Song) here
Quails – The Fever and Argentina
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The Quails are, alas, no more. This session was the last time the guys were seen together, live. Well, second-to-last time anyway. And the ‘last time’ was maybe a week later on BBC Radio Devon on Shep and Jo’s show. But only two out of the four of them turned up. The first sign of a split perhaps?. More Quails live session here
Bare bones Trio – Clementine
Sure, this one sounds good but have you seen what they do with their fingers?! More Bare bones here
If you are one of those weird people who likes to watch… You may like to be distracted from this ‘Best Of’ list by looking at live sessions on our youtube channel – You can pretened the band are in a Ford Mondeo, if you like, and that you’re looking in from outside. Weirdo.
Beacons – Too Busy
These guys played a fantastic set at the South West Music Awards. At the beginning they gave the Angry Man in the audience a bit of a ribbing. To put this in perspective Angry Man had already heckled three performances. Twice on the stage itself whilst clasping the microphone. Mind you, he does have years of experience. Angry Man was in 80′s band Wang Chung, where, in the early days he would wrap or hide himself in anything, even in a microphone lead. In the decades between now and then he has overcome his shyness and can be seen in 2012 at Skeggness and Minehead Butlins and many holiday camps besides, I dare say it’s his bread and butter. More Beacons here (The Beacons will be providing their own butter).
Dan Crisp – Find Yourself
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More from Dan here

Hugh and Graham – I Can Tell
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I’ve cried to this song a number of times, it’s about death by the way. More from Hugh and Graham, including the Basic Rock Song, here

David Harbottle – Fathers Advice*
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* I don’t know the name of this track, except to say it’s about the guys’ dad trying to disuade him from doing music as a direction in life. David now teaches music, in fact he teaches my daughter and she finds it uncomfortable when we call him David, teachers are called sir! Now, go to the back of your comfort zone and think about what you’ve done! More from Mr Harbottle then here

Albert Jones – Promise
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I once wanted to have hair like Jason Donovan, I bet Albert has never wanted that. Look at that rugged beard. I’m in awe! And he sounds good singing and playing here with his mates, Max Evans and Chris Jones. More of this superb session with Albert, Max and Chris here set for big things – we’ll keep you posted.

The Wishbones – The Good intent
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I love it when a bunch of young blokes can do harmonies. Mostly because it sounds ace, but partly because when I was in school this kind of singing would get you beaten up (even SINGING was frowned upon). More Wishbones here

The Rising – Dry
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More from The Rising here
Ah, I see there is an order! It’s chronological (ish). 2011 has been an amazing year for Totnes music, thanks for taking an interest and please do consider nominating a track for Disctruction! – Where bad music goes to die. And all the best for 2012 by the way. James, a listener from Bridport, has suggested we do an End of the World special. We’ll see.
To everyone who skipped dinner, climbed a big hill, braved late trains and paid for their own diesel. To you all, thank you. Specifically for the hours and hours of work you put in so we can hear a tiny segment.
Thank you, Chris and Shannon
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