I’ve flipped between both over the years, but currently using Spotify as I got a free six-month subscription when I bought a Sonos sound bar before Christmas. That’s about to expire, and it’s time to stump up £9.99 a month.

The question is, should I go back to Tidal or stick where I am?

I listen to music on my MacBook, iPad, my phone and a couple of Sonos speakers located throughout the house. We also have a Naim streamer in the lounge, which means that I can make the best use of a high-quality source as provided by Tidal’s HiFi tier.

Spotify uses its Connect technology to send music to the Naim, whereas Tidal integrates with the Naim app, making for a more involved experience.

The only way to solve the puzzle is to have a sound off, play the same track on Spotify and Tidal and check whether I can hear a difference between the two to justify paying £20 a month for Tidal.

I’ve signed up for a 30-day Tidal trial. Let the games begin!

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This week's new album is This is Really Going to Hurt from Flyte

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This week's new album is New Long Leg from Dry Cleaning

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Here's my Best of 2021 (So Far) Spotify playlist. Please check back from time to time as I'll be adding to it throughout the year.

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It’s been a tough year for us all, but many artists released some great new music during 2020. I’ve listened to dozens of new albums, and this playlist includes some of what I thought was the best tracks.

My Album of the Year had to be Letter to You from Bruce Springsteen.

I hope you enjoy some of the tracks I’ve chosen. Leave a comment with your suggestions.

 See you in 2021!

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Here’s a list of music and artists that I discovered for the first time in 2020. The list will grow throughout the year, so please come back to see what’s new.

Leave a comment with your suggestions.

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One of my ITfM Radio colleagues challenged his Facebook buddies to list their top 12 go-to albums recently. The aim was not to overthink the list, but to put down whatever came to mind.

That was never going to happen and it took me about a week to come up with this list.

My top 12 Go-To Albums

1. Yes - Relayer
2. Bruce Springsteen - The River
3. Elbow - The Takeoff and Landing of Everything
4. Frazey Ford - Indian Ocean
5. Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
6. Anathema - Distant Satellites
7. Darius Rucker - True Believers
8. Dwight Yoakam - Blame the Vain
9. Bob Harris Presents Vol 2
10. Muse - Absolution
11. Ryan Adams - Gold
12. Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

I've included links to the album on Spotify where available so that you can listen to my top 12 go-to albums. I'm sure that you wont agree with my choices, but try to pick your top 12 .... its harder than you think it will be.

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