Sounds Like... is our monthly series of songs and music representing a different theme. We’re all back in a situation that no-one wanted, this month. But one thing we do know is that music is one of the things that’s been some comfort to many of us during the pandemic...

Streaming in 2020 was 20% higher than in 2019. Music streaming has been increasing steadily for the past four or five years, but it seems that lockdown has led us to more music (or maybe we’ve been streaming because we can’t go to gigs).

Plenty of streaming services offer playlists based on mood, or make ‘suggestions’ for listeners. The trouble is, they’re making recommendations based on what you already like and know, and recommend more of the same, or very similar music. That’s understandable from their business point of view, because streaming services make money from people streaming, not from people switching off. But if you just follow the suggestions, you may well miss out.

We'd also like to briefly mention that you can get more information on streaming as a music creator here. We know streaming is far from perfect, but it is rapidly growing and definitely worth learning more about, especially if you make (or want to make) your own music.

Anyway... back to the actual music! Here are few suggestions from us, for variety in lockdown listening. We’ve picked our own theme for lockdown music this month and that’s resilience; the capacity to recover from difficulties, to be able to spring back.

First, a golden oldie: January 6^th was the 45^th Anniversary of ‘Frampton Comes Alive’, Peter Frampton’s double-album, a solo breakthrough album by a guitarist already world famous through membership of The Herd and Humble Pie (a supergroup formed by Steve Marriot).

So we thought ‘Show Me the Way’ from that album (and also a UK hit single), would hit the spot, with its lyrics asking for help from a place of darkness:

The other side of the world? We're glad you asked. The feeling of isolation and separation can be very strong in these times. So here’s Trilok Gurtu, who has spent a lifetime making music in partnership with musicians from all over the globe, borrowing from every tradition, and built on his own Indian classical music training. If you think we might be exaggerating, look at his discography here Trilok Gurtu's Official Website: Discography. And please do listen to 'Transition':

And finally... it’s winter, and cold, and food is a comfort in all times, and now as much as ever, from a good scone to a winter casserole that sticks to your ribs. So here’s what we can only describe as something of a delicious oddity, I Fagiloini’s ‘Ode to Gastronomy’, a beautiful little film in which the members of the group populate both the kitchen and the restaurant table:

So that’s three courses from us this month, and all three are starting points for other explorations, we hope!