Add to playlist: the long-lost lo-fi pop of Australian nun Sister Irene O'Connor and the week's best tracks

Australian nun Sister Irene O'Connor's long-lost lo-fi pop masterpiece is finally seeing a reissue next month by Freedom to Spend. The 1973 album 'Fire of God's Love' is an unexpected gem in the world of analogue pop music, featuring simple and airy folk songs that are both spiritually aligned with cult singer-songwriters and refreshingly secular.

The story behind O'Connor's music is as fascinating as her output. Having started making music in the 1950s while living in a convent in Singapore, she initially released music under the pseudonym Myriam Frances to avoid any potential controversy. Her collaboration with fellow nun Sister Marimil Lobregat, who had experience working in audio technology, led to the creation of these unique and deeply personal songs.

'Fire of God's Love' is not only a quintessential winter record but also embodies the spirit of its time – a perfect blend of devotional music and contemporary pop. Tracks like 'Teenager's Chorus' evoke feelings reminiscent of pastoral British folk music, while others, such as 'Fire', incorporate elements of dub.

The reissue of 'Fire of God's Love' is a testament to the power of music in revealing unlikely sources of talent. Sister Irene O'Connor's sweet and compelling pop record is a true miracle – a reminder that sometimes, it takes an open mind to discover something truly special.

I'm so down for this lo-fi pop reissue - been digging into analogue music lately and I feel like 'Fire of God's Love' is gonna be a game changer I mean, can you imagine listening to Sister Irene O'Connor's soothing vocals and introspective songwriting back in the 70s? It's mind-blowing that her music was hiding in plain sight all this time The fact that she released it under a pseudonym is even more intriguing - like, what would her actual lyrics have been if she'd just shared them freely?

I'm so stoked to hear about the reissue of Sister Irene O'Connor's 'Fire of God's Love'! I mean, can you even believe this album has been hiding in plain sight all these years? The story behind it is just wild – a nun making lo-fi pop records in the 70s? It's like something out of a movie. And the fact that she released it under a pseudonym to avoid controversy? Genius move, right?

I've been digging into this album and I have to say, it's really beautiful. The songs are so simple yet so full of emotion – it's like she's speaking directly to your soul. And the production is so ahead of its time – that dub influence in 'Fire' is insane! It's like she took all these different influences and merged them into something totally unique.

The reissue is a great reminder that there's still so much amazing music out there waiting to be discovered. You know, I think people get stuck on the same old thing and forget about all the hidden gems that are just dying to be heard. But with this album, it's like we're being given a chance to experience something truly special.

I'm definitely going to give 'Fire of God's Love' another spin – can't wait to dive back in and explore its depths!

I'm so stoked to hear that Sister Irene O'Connor's 'Fire of God's Love' is getting reissued ! I mean, who wouldn't want to hear more of this lo-fi pop masterpiece? But, you know, I've got some reservations about the whole thing... like, how did it take this long for people to catch on? And what's up with Sister O'Connor releasing music under a pseudonym? It's like, why hide her talents? Still, I'm all for rediscovering underrated artists and sounds. The idea that music can reveal hidden gems is just so cool . I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this reissue and giving it a listen!

I'm intrigued by this reissue of 'Fire of God's Love'. But where's the proof? How do we know this album isn't just some fabricated myth? I mean, a nun releasing lo-fi pop in the 70s? That sounds like a pretty wild claim. What evidence does Freedom to Spend have to back up their statement? And what makes Sister Irene O'Connor an 'unexpected gem'? Has anyone actually listened to her other work? I'd love to see some sources on this one...

OMG I'm so stoked about this reissue! I was browsing through discogs the other day and saw that 'Fire of God's Love' was still super rare and pricey . Can you believe Sister Irene O'Connor started making music in the 50s? That's like, ancient history for us lo-fi pop heads . The fact that it's finally getting a reissue is like a dream come true – I need to get my hands on this ASAP . I love how Freedom to Spend is putting out these hidden gems... they're doing the world a solid !

I'm not sure why we need to reissue some old album. I mean, I've heard the music and it's alright, but isn't this just a bunch of old stuff they found in storage? Can't we just leave it be? And what's with the pseudonym thing? Just use her real name and be done with it

And don't even get me started on the music itself. I'm not really feeling the lo-fi vibe, can't we have some decent production quality or something? It just sounds like a bunch of random folk songs strung together to you me. And what's up with all the spiritual stuff? Can't people just write about love and relationships without having to mention God?

I swear, every time I see an old album getting reissued, it's just some nostalgic cash grab. When are we going to move on from this old music craze?

can you believe this album has been hidden away for so long ? i mean, it's crazy that sister irene o'connor was making lo-fi pop in the 50s and nobody knew about it till now! what's even crazier is how she blended spirituality with secular vibes - it's like she was ahead of her time . and to think 'fire of god's love' has been a winter staple for years, and people have just been missing out on this gem all along . i'm hyped that freedom to spend is reissuing it next month!