By Jan 
“Touching From A Distance Too Far” (#1) is the third comeback single from The Inspiral Carpets this year, and this time they’ve hit the bullseye! It brings back strong memories of their work from the late eighties and early nineties. Their comeback album, “Burn Like The Sun”, is due for release in early 2027. Hopefully, we’ll get to hear the same infectious neo-psychedelic Britpop from the band as in the old days!
Over the course of The Waterboys’ 44-year career, Mike Scott has seen 88 musicians come and go. That’s an average of two musicians per year! These days, he is once again digging into the additional material recorded during the “Fisherman’s Blues” period (1987–89). A few months ago, an extensive triple album, “Atlantic Rain – The Lost Fisherman’s Blues Recordings”, was released, featuring outtakes, previously unreleased cover versions and much more. “The Man With The Wind At His Heels” (#2) had already been released as the closing track of “Book Of Lightning” (2006), but gets a worthy, extended treatment here.
Rounding off the top three: Guido Belcanto, the only singer who can sell tearjerkers to every layer of society! Apparently, his newly released album (“Het Paviljoen Der Menselijke Driften”) is a tribute to his appreciation of De Zangeres Zonder Naam. “Pearly Spencer” (#3) was already released on Spotify a few months ago, but somehow this timeless song in his version had passed me by, hence its belated appearance here.
September also brings a trio of genuine comeback artists. Passenger unleashes his unique voice on us once again with “Boomerang” (#4). The War On Drugs easily make the top 10 with “Who’s That” (#8). The accompanying album is already in the pipeline, although no exact release date is available yet. It’s been since 2022 that The War On Drugs last recorded new material.
Finally, let’s welcome back one of the pioneers of British folk: Richard Thompson. Although, to be fair, he has never really been away. “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (#20) opens yet another new chapter in his more than five-decade-long solo career.
Our region also made quite an impression this month: five genuine Belgians and one Nederbelg* can claim a spot in September’s list. The aforementioned Guido opens the proceedings at #3, followed by “Goddess” (#6) by Girls In Hawaii. Just outside the top 10, Floris Francis Arthur lands at #11 with “De Opdracht” (known from The Van Jets, Team William and Intergalactic Lovers).
Also something of a comeback artist, Jonas Winterland appears at #13, with Jente Pironet (of Portland) lending a helping hand on “Goud In De Rivier”. Meltheads, who had been off the radar for a while — at least as far as I’m concerned — make their return with “Oorlog In Mij” (#21).
We finish with Frans Kalf (#24 with “Jij en Ik”), who swapped Amsterdam for Ghent some time ago and has by now become something of a local musical celebrity.
* A Dutch person living in Belgium.
(Jan VH)
Playlist
1 – Inspiral Carpets – Touching From A Distance Too Far
2 – Waterboys – The Man With The Wind At His Heels
3 – Guido Belcanto – Pearly Spencer
4 – Passenger – Boomerang
5 – Midge Ure – Fade To Grey
6 – Girls In Hawaii – Goddess
7 – Dexys Midnight Runners – Once A Man, Twice A Child
8 – War On Drugs – Who’s That
9 – Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts – Casting Me Away From You
10 – Jayhawks – Mr. Lincoln
11 – Floris Francis Arthur – De Opdracht
12 – DMA’s – Concrete
13 – Jonas Winterland ft Jente Pironet – Goud In De Rivier
14 – Echo & The Bunnymen – Take Me By The Hand
15 – Rolling Stones – Mr. Charm
16 – Cage The Elephant – Dying In Reverse
17 – Boy & Bear – Star Sign
18 – Johnny Marr – It’s Time
19 – Cypress Hill ft Poe Leos – Run
20 – Richard Thompson – Sorcerer’s Apprentice
21 – Meltheads – Oorlog In Mij
22 – Kasabian – Silver Apple Eyes
23 – Dinosaur Jr. – Take Me With You
24 – Frans Kalf – Jij En Ik
25 – Beck – Run Away
26 – Neiked ft Portugal The Man – Some Kind Of High
27 – Kings Of Leon – My Whole World
28 – Simple Minds – Beginner Boys
29 – Greta Van Fleet – Tear It Down
30 – Queens Of The Stone Age – Where The Goth Girls At?
31 – Django Django ft Max Pope – Feel Alright
32 – Teenage Fanclub – Be With You Tonight
33 – Everlast – Never Coming Home
34 – Brandon Flowers – Miss America
35 – Editors – Seriously
36 – Johnny & Lillie Flynn – The Music Of The Spheres
37 – Westside Cowboy – Worried Age
38 – Brian Fallon – Pearls
39 – Jake Bugg – Never Can Tell
40 – Bryan Adams – 51st State