In 2007 I picked out my highlights of the punky year and put them in the news section of the site. Now I have decided to put them here - in a section all of their own and hopefully where they can stay as evidence of some darn good releases and performances by bands. So without further ado...

2011

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - Some very good stuff out there yet again but for me East Town Pirates by East Town Pirates is a an album that was given an obvious theme and absolutely nailed. The whole sea-faring essence comes together on an effort dripping with sing-a-long melodies, great rhythms and consistent riffage. Sweetly produced so as to compliment the band and their billowing sails this one is worth anyones bag of gold coins and if you don't like it may you walk the gang plank of justice you scabby tone-deaf scumbags!

SONG OF THE YEAR - I have heard some seriously good noise this year with many a band producing the odd one off classic to be listened to over and over again. Usually these accolades pay tribute to the underdogs but for once a bigger band has nipped in and stolen the limelight and in this instance I really don't fuckin' mind. 'This Chaos' by the UK Subs is a gem I just can't stop playing and it comes from an album where the Subs have found their true form once more. Without Charlies voice at the helm this song just wouldn't work but that shouldn't detract from what a jolly good creation it is - co written by Lars Frederikson of Rancid fame too for all you name droppers out there. Massive!

LIVE SONG OF THE YEAR - A new category brought into the mix due to the fact that the song I heard (in the flesh) prompted me to pay homage to it. Without to much ado let me tell you that after hearing the chosen ditty I gave the creators a gig, attended and had very high expectations. When the song rattled out the hair on my nape (well I don't have much on me head) stood on ends and throughout the cacophonous roar I was enthralled. The band were Total Confusion, the song was 'Chaos 2000AD' - a memorable moment and one I am forever thankful for - up the punk rock racket.

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - As per usual I have been out there and clocking up some good performances but a couple stand out as truly fuckin' rewarding for myself who has a love of all things Underdog. Firstly what The Murderburgers produced back in March whilst supporting The Queers was fuckin' amazing and even though The Queers played a good un' The MB lads shone mightily bright that night and fuckin' nailed an absolute beauty. For me having pushed these dudes early on it was a sincere joy to watch them come good and really put in a masterclass of fast ass pop punk. The second performance/s that left a solid impression was by an outfit called This Is Turin - a strong thrashy metal band that exploded into my radar with a ramming set at Satan's Hollow and then another one a couple of weeks later at the same venue. Both outpourings were on Battle of the Bands nights that were filled with quality galore but these guys slam-dunked it hard into the onlookers listening baskets and how they didn't win the whole affair was beyond me. Excellent! Besides the 2 above there are many more memorable moments and if you read my reviews, listen to my gob when the pen isn't used then you know who you are and, as per, all I can say is carry on and thank you for brightening up my own personal noise laden journey - you make it worthwhile!

2010

BAND OF THE YEAR - I nearly overlooked this section - boo, hiss for busy minds. Well the choice is not easy but now I've made it I am more than satisfied. Nice people, nice music and a band with a frontlass who can sing - result - Leather Zoo get my vote. There are plenty of female fronted bands out there at the mo but this crew get the nod for 2010 and I am sure they can go on to better things in 2011. I hope so but that is more dependant on you!

NEW BAND OF THE YEAR - I thought I'd done this category before but I haven't - hey ho. Anyway I'll keep it brief. This is given to a new band whom I have seen twice to date and enjoyed both times. The frontman stinks of the punk rock spirit and the songs that the crew are knocking out are very much in the traditional mould. I hope 2011 will be kind to them and have many punters pushing them along on a wave of sucess. So, all it leaves for me to say is Crack Shot - go forth and make ears bleed.

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - I have seen some fuckin' good stuff this year with many a band impressing in the 'live' bowl. Looking back over so many outfits the end decision has been difficult but there are two sets which I am going to pick out this time around. The first is by the band Broken Teeth and their outpouring opening up The Mongoloids show in Manchester. Lively, whipping the crowd up and full of hardcore intelligence this was an underdog masterclass and I for one was very much taken. The second effort I am choosing is by China Shop Bull at the Star and Garter where the band created their unique trance/dance/punk and skank reggae mush and whipped it up into such a frenzy as to be just totally awesome. Two good bands, two good sets - there were many more but these are the two standout moments - cheers guys!

SONG OF THE YEAR - The ditty I have chosen was first discovered on a Still Dying compilation CD (see they do work) released via those magical musical mitts of Mark Sesin - top bloke tha' knows. Despite the CD and its counterparts being packed with sexy sonica this one stood out due to a classier edge, some haunting undercurrents and a general feeling of sincerity towards the task in hand. Of course it isn't a typical punk rock tirade, if punk at all, but Fungal has never been keen to be predictable. This is just a good, solid song, executed well by a nice bunch of people. The song is 'Fleur Du Lys' by Leather Zoo and has done well to stand out from a year full of classic tracks. As of writing this I have a more favoured track called 'Serial Killer' by the same band but somehow I feel the chosen song is something special and always will be, thus, a change of mind was avoided. Not easy but the right decision in the end for sure!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - This is no mean task and to pick one album out from all the disc's I have spun is almost impossible. Looking back I have to admit it has been another stunning year with numerous outfits producing the goods over the longer stretch and really contributing to a healthy and diverse scene. Other criteria is taken into consideration besides the general quality of the noise but first and foremost one has to consider how much the outpouring effects the Fungal punky spirit. So, after much deliberation, I go for an album that is stunning from first to last, has a thrust to awaken the spiked passion and retains enough of the dirty edge to appeal to my festering desires. With a 'Self-Titled' album I asked The Despondents to take a bow.

MUSICAL STATEMENT OF THE YEAR - Well, many say things but keep their views a little under wraps so as to maintain their meaningless position in the popularity stakes. A few with passionate gobs let loose and wear their hearts on their sleeve with unashamed belief. To actually put something into song that you know darn well will create a downturn in your fan base is quite a bold thing to do and to reflect the opinions of the few rather than the many is fuckin' bang on the mark. Having the tag OMD and never afraid to spout off an opinion or two I can give nothing but utmost respect to Citizen Keyne for their anthemic outburst 'Punk Not Fashion'. The lyrics are simple and to the point and seethe with hatred at the Rebellion circus and many of the glamour punks who attend and seem in hibernation the rest of the year round. The song is a poisonous little piece and frontman John certainly gives the extra spite. So from your friendly neighbourhood bigot who ain't short of passion and spirit and the odd cheeky wind-up of course - Citizen Keyne I salute you.

PUNK PEDDLER OF THE YEAR - What makes a good punk peddler? Well 2 things really - to give the spiky tops what they want but more importantly to be a decent dude and do it your own way for all the right reasons and see what transpires. This year for me there is no contest with Stu Taylor of STP winning by a country mile for giving many an underdog band the chance to strut their stuff and for remaining the most approachable chap on the block. The bloke never gets bogged down by politics, never seems to let the odd hiccup trouble him and just plods on with his big heart beating and his thoughtful eyes smiling and assessing. He has taken a rough delivery this year but hey no-one is immune from that in the punk rock basin but the question is has it fazed him? Not a bit of it and despite having to up sticks and promote elsewhere due to a local lack of interest the guy still goes forth and does his bit in the true spirit of punk. I have attended everyone of his shows this year and have loved the diversity, the belief and the general organisation. The turn-outs may have not been the best but they were fuckin' good gigs nonetheless and I appreciated them - end of. Nice one dude - 2011 lets have some more!

Also, to be fair, I feel I must mention Dean 'Slitboy' Diggle once again who, despite putting on a few bands who aren't particularly favourites of mine, is really doing the odd sub-generic pool a world of good with his frequent Manchester-based gigs. Turn-out wise the business has been done except with the occasional underdog tester that fell a bit short. Some reports have been stunning with The Aggrolites gig raising many an eyebrow as regards attendance. Ok not my style but credit has got be given - the lads pulling them in and long may it continue. I'll dabble here and there and give support when I can but I think the odd ones I do miss won't be really noticed by anyone anyway ha, ha.

MOST OVERLOOKED AND UNDER-RATED OUTFIT - In truth this section is the hardest as there are so many fuckin' good bands out there not being given true reward for their talents and efforts that it really does defy belief. How many tell me that 'such and such are a good band' and yet the band in question fails to pull in a crowd deserved of their status. For me the criteria for this section is based on attitude, desire, ability, entertainment value and, most importantly, my exasperation at them not getting 'out there'. So after much thought, much deliberation and much questioning my choice is The Kingcrows. I love what these dudes do and the show they put on whilst doing it! My self, good lady and equally good daughter have enjoyed their performances quite a few times now and both on and off stage they come across as darn decent dudes. They have a solid diversity of tune and overall deserves this accolade. If this helps them go on to better things, try a little harder and increases their CD sales by 1% then a happy Fungal I'll be.

2009

PUNK PEDDLER OF THE YEAR - Hey lets get straight down to it here and again give it to two riotous retailers. First I give a nod to good old Vincey boy at the Studs and Punks website. The initial embryo that has hit the cyberspace circuit seems destined to just get better and better and really is a nice piece bit of website design. It covers many areas of punk and most importantly peddles the underdog. He's a grand lad with a decent attitude and that will do for me. Hopefully the site can grow and grow and he can really shift some arses into action. Nice one fellar and keep crackin' away. On the promoter front look no further than Punkined the unassuming punker that puts on gigs for all the right reasons. Great nights out, great value, great lad - hows that! By the way that's two years in a row mate - the pressures on for 2010.

BAND OF THE YEAR - To be honest the band I am picking this year are always in my thoughts and really get sold short by this fuckin' scene. Great people with no egos, no pretensions and no attitude and really supportive of each and every gig they attend. Always willing to supply gear, always hanging around watching other bands and always good company. They are not outgoing in yer face twats but a bunch of honest lads just trying to spread some good music and give people a darn good time. The music they write is subtle genius and put together with consideration to both melody and lyrical content. The band is Most Likely To Fail and Joel, Martin, Dave, Sean and Paul I thank you for being great lads, keeping the faith and carrying on despite the odds stacked against. Through thick and thin I hope we can carry on and I hope a few more punk peddlars will showcase these guys and enjoy everything they do. It has been my pleasure and these guys are the ultimate SAS band. Do yourself a favour - check em' out in 2010. I may (most probably will) achieve very little with the SAS Tour but one success for me is meeting this crew - the small things essentially matter - fuck the empty flash trash so many seek - I know the score!

MOST OVERLOOKED AND UNDER-RATED OUTFIT - Fuckin' hell the way punk scene is there are many bands I could give this too. Unfortunately I am only going to pick one and that is to be the mightiliy impressive 3 Black Dwarfs. A very talented crew who have tampered with their line-up but never paused in the progress they are making. All they need now is to just spend 12 months basically playing here, there and everywhere and just getting their name spread even further and than move it up a notch. The bands style may not be orthodox punk rock and that, as well as their excellent musical application, gives them my vote. Don't just take my word for it though check em' out on Myspace and then in the 'live' arena you scumbags.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - Much deliberation has been taken over this years choice (as is the norm) and it really has been a close run thing. Dun2Def, The Murderburgers, Citizen Keyne and Crashed Out amongst many others all had a shout in the final melee but, and perhaps controversially, I am opting for an album that mixes streetwise attitude, skanking reggae accuracy and cheeky chappie nouse and comes out smelling of roses. 'Keep On Keepin' On' is an overlooked classic and really was a pleasure to review. Add to this a nod of agreement from my wife and daughter and it seems the album has scope to transcend many boundaries. I like it and despite the disagreement that may come my way am sticking with it. Seriously - check this one out and listen with an open ear. The band by the way are called DILE and 2010 could be a very bright year indeed for this impressive crew.

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - There has been, as usual, some darn good shit to view in the underdog arena and so I have the same self-inflicted annual struggle when it comes to pinpointing one very special outburst that deserves this accolade. Kings of the Delmar have put in a couple of exquisite bursts and The Murderburgers headlined the SAS Spillage with aplomb. The Stopouts impressed me big time in Bradford and Citizen Keyne gave me a great memory from the SAS 3 dayer. The Kingcrows deserve a mention because they are bloody good as do the consistently pleasing Most Likely To Fail. The Terrors, The Senton Bombs and the Pop Fosters raised my spirits but the one stand out effort has to go to the Madri Gras Bombers and their stunning set at The Retro Bar back in late summer. This embryonic band knocked me for six with my initial viewing but this was a real treat. 2010 looks a big year for these twats as long as they do not over-expose themselves - they get my support whatever they do - quality in abundance!.

SONG OF THE YEAR - Once again I have heard some really impressive stuff this past twelve months with 'Sick Scum and Apathy' by Born To Destruct, 'The Murderers Shoe' by Wonk Unit, 'Stop Staring At Me' by The Murderburgers and 'Come And Get It' by Freedom Faction all worthy of note. There are a whole lot more than this but one song that has stood out from the pack and is nothing short of an anthem and like I have said on many occasions - if this was written by a so called bigger band the adulation and sycophantic nonsense would be pouring the bands way. In case you are curious the band is Citizen Keyne and the song is the quite magnificent 'Stand Proud'.

2008

SONG OF THE YEAR - 'This Town' by Wild Trash, 'Junkfood Generation' by Mispelt 2.0, 'A Country Fit For Heroes' by Gimpfist, 'Bastard' by The Scabs, 'All One Riff' by May Contain Nuts are all pipped at the punky post by a real emotional piece of gifted punkology. The song deals with subject mater rarely touch upon and the heartfelt upset and eventual defiance comes across by the bucketload. 'Time To Go' by One Man Stand is a great song from a band who never get the credit they deserve - well in this instance they do and I am well proud of em'.

BAND OF THE YEAR - 2 Sick Monkeys - why not indeed - hard work, great noise and no fuckin' pretensions - that'll do for me. Just released their best shit to date as well so next year these guys could finally get their just rewards.

PUNK PEDDLER OF THE YEAR - A last minute inclusion this one and it goes to two great promoters and peddlars of the cause. Firstly Dean 'Slit Boy' Diggle of Slit Records. A fuckin' great lad who is reawakening the Manchester scene with some crackin' gigs. He's making slow and steady progress and his 2009 gigs deserve support for the fact that they are quality and done for the right reasons. The other joint winner is a real Spit and Sawdust urchin who does it for the sheer love of it - Bradfords finest Punkined (aka Leon). Loves his punk and has no hidden agenda and is one of the few genuine 'erberts I meet on the scene - can't fault him. He helped The Shay in Halifax put on some stunners and now he has got a new venue on the go and if there is any justice these gigs should be fuckin' rammed. Support these two fine pushers of the punk drug and the future will be healthier by far. I for one am proud to know these guys and will help their cause all I can - respect!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - I have seen a lot of codswallop lately about this album and that album getting pushed for an accolade here and there due to it being released by a big name. Well fuck that - the album of the year for me goes to D' Corner Bois/Barse split 'Everything's A Mess'. This is fuckin' brilliant and combines two bands with very different flavours but both oozing punk spirit. There ain't one bad song on the whole album and that for me is something very special. There is a review here on my site on Page 25 of the CD reviews - check it out. Mention must be made to several other gems who were in the mix namely by One Man Stand, The Scabs, Gimp Fist and The Murderburgers - maybe next time but full marks for some real stunning efforts.

GIG OF THE YEAR - Well I will get stick for this I suppose but I really couldn't give a toss. The SAS afternoon gig at The Thatched House recently really raised my spirits as did the Bradford SAS gig a few weeks before. But, once again, the 3 dayer at The Thatched House in Stockport was a personal high. I put on gigs that I want to enjoy and this I surely did. Lots of personal faves and plenty of variety - it was a pleasure throughout.

MOST OVERLOOKED AND UNDER-RATED OUTFIT - Well this is a tough one but I am going to opt for a real classy outfit who go by the name of The Senton Bombs. When I first saw these I was of the opinion that they were just OK. Don't ever be fooled by first impressions - these guys fuckin' rock and have really blew me off my feet with their cultured songs that are blasted out with both barrels blazing. Unorthodox and emanating a classy edge that really has pleased me no end this year. Check em' out as soon as you can - you won't be disappointed and if you are see them a few more times to really get to grips with their heavy duty artillery.

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - 3 performances stand out that really made an impression for me. 2 Sick Monkeys rattled off a blasting set despite only 2 punters being present at The Dog and Partridge in Bolton and that for me highlights belief to the cause. In fact this was the best I'd seen 2SM (and that is saying something) so there really isn't much to add. Flat Back Four have just produced a fuckin' gem at The Thatched House in Stockport with the most organised and well delivered outpouring I have seen them do. I knew they were capable of attaining new highs and the work I have done with these guys has been plentiful and when you see performances of this stature it makes one real proud. The pick of the year though goes to Mispelt 2.0 for their soul raising effort at The Mannville Arms in Bradford where they lifted my lowly spirits with the scene no end by dishing out a set with faultless energy and accuracy. Add to this the fact that every song I deemed a pleasure and with the new lead vocalist Gen being a delight to watch you will know why I have opted for this lot. The fact also that all the other bands on the bill played a solid set made the finishing shine that little bit brighter. Oh and my young daughter thought they were ace too.

OVERSEAS ALBUM OF THE YEAR - 'Vaporised My Brain' by The Mome Raths - because the blend of the simplistic innocence, pop punky edge and darn fine melodies all verge on a garage-esque sound which adds a subtle rawness and beauty to each and every track. This is indeed a disc to savour over and over again and with only a hundred copies in distribution I do consider myself extremely fortunate. A hidden diamond for punkers of all leanings and ages.

2007

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - 'Persecute The Weak, Control The Strong' by Riot Squad - This really made my hair (what's left of it) stand on end. If you are going to be full-on and raucous then this is the way to do it. A full album of balls-out, throat shredding violence that is a classic of its kind. Utterly faultless and one of the highs of punk history.

SONG OF THE YEAR - 'More War Stories' by Gimpfist - a simply superb offering that captures both old and new influences in one quality track. If The Clash would have wrote this number then it would have been deemed a classic by the entire punk community - for me it still is. Now go check it out somewhere or buy the latest Slit and Sawdust compilation where this track features. Really proud to have this song as part of the CD! Couldn't believe my luck when they agreed to it but there you go - a nice early Christmas present for me!

BAND OF THE YEAR - Well after much debating and consideration I have come to a conclusion about who deserves to be be given the fungalpunk title. It goes, most deservedly to The Shadowcops. The reasons are many but for four young 'erberts to stay so level headed and approachable and produce such a sonic blast of rampaging riffage as this has truly left my jaw on the ground at every performance. They really are a stunning outfit and time and again they amaze me with the energy and power soaked performance.

GIG OF THE YEAR - well without being biased it has to be the 3 Day SAS Fest at The Thatched House in Stockport. The reason is simply because all bands contributed some excellent performances, the gig ran as smooth as butter and the beer was abundant.

MOST OVERLOOKED AND UNDER-RATED OUTFIT - must surely go to Most Likely To Fail. I love this outfit and the song writing and composure is second to none. Great guys too which is always a bonus and surely things can only get better for this fantastic band in 2008. In fact add these lot to myspace friends now by going to http://www.myspace.com/mostlikelytofail.  

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - its gotta be The Objex for two crackerjack shows at Manchester and especially Bradford. The music was a tight and efficient show with enough on-stage passion to match. A cracking band and definitely ones to go and see again when they are over this way.