Ryder-Jones, Bill: Lechyd Da (Vinyl LP)

Beautifully produced and rich in scope – Lechyd Da is Bill Ryder-Jones’ most ambitious record to date. At times joyous and grand, at others intimate and heartbreaking, the past few years spent producing other artists have provided that gentle nudge to expand into new territory, from kids choirs and tender strings to dramatically re-contextualised disco samples.

Making this album has been a process that has been endlessly rewarding for Ryder-Jones, both creatively and personally, as he finally accepts that he’s made an album that has bettered one he’s been trying to top for a decade.

“It's been incredible making this,” he says. “Despite all the life stuff that's happened, it has brought me immense happiness. I've always railed against it when people ask if making a record is cathartic but I’d have to admit that this one really was. Over the years my music has lost a bit of its hope I reckon. It were important for me to make a record that had more hope in it. Even by my standards the last few years have been rocky, but I’ve chosen to soundtrack it with more positive music, you know? I love this album. I haven't been this proud of a record since A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart"

Black vinyl version.

1. I Know That It’s Like This (Baby)
   
2. A Bad Wind Blows In My Heart pt. 3
   
3. If Tomorrow Starts Without Me
   
4. We Don’t Need Them
   
5. I Hold Something In My Hand
   
6. This Can’t Go On
   
7. …And The Sea…
   
8. Nothing To Be Done
   
9. It’s Today Again
   
10. Christinha
    
11. How Beautiful I Am
    
12. Thankfully for Anthony
    
13. Nos Da