The Notwist: Vertigo Days

Weilheim in Oberbayern's own The Notwist are quite an interesting and long lived outfit. They somehow manage to combine folk, Krautrock, and indie bliss into one giant gift to the world. Vertigo Days is their latest and it is wonderful. 

Hayley Williams: Flowers For Vases/Descansos

What a beautiful kiss Hayley Williams has bestowed (yet again) on the world with her latest offering, Flowers For Vases/Descansos. The first track sets the tone magnificently and, from there, it's an amazing journey filled with wonder.

The Moons: Pocket Melodies (Album of the Week)

Northhampton's own The Moons are back after a long hiatus with their fourth long-player called Pocket Melodies. The album title is truly indicative of its sound. Simple, fun, catchy pop tracks rooted in decades of music history. 

This is truly Brit Rock at its finest and it's great to see the lads back in fine form on this one. 

Foo Fighters: Medicine at Midnight

Slinky would not be a word that I would associate with the band Foo Fighters. But that's just what their latest record is and I love it! Medicine at Midnight finds Dave Grohl and Co. blazing new trails of sonic love. Some parts are quite funky and others are classic Foo Fighters. 

"Shame Shame" is my Track of the Week this week. Play it loud!!

Arlo Parks: Collapsed In Sunbeams

A stunning debut record for London's own Arlo Parks. Collapse Into Sunbeams has been a giant breath of warm air that has been much needed in these frigid north woods. The music reminds me a lot of summers and the lyrics are steeped in social commentary that strikes quite deeply in hearts and souls.

This is a must-have record for 2021.

Baio: Dead Hand Control (Album of the Week)

Baio, bass player extraordinaire of Vampire Weekend), has a fantastic new record out called Dead Hand Control. The album brings me back to an 80's Mpls sound and it's just the sort of indie grist I need right now. 

Here is the title track.

Lucero: When You Found Me

Memphis's own Lucero is back with a fantastic record called When You Found Me. They are billed as a country-rock band but they sure remind me an awful lot of the great power pop, guitar-driven bands of the '70s and '80s. 

Feeling a whole lot of nostalgia with this band! 

Midnight Sister: Painting The Roses (Album of the Week)

LA's own Midnight Sister has a new record out called Painting The Roses. Their chill vibe hit me at the right moment and now the album has taken complete hold over me. A great piece of music to close your eyes and just drift off in your mind palace...

Steven Wilson: The Future Bites

For well over 20 years, I've been a fan of Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree. I've even had the pleasure of seeing them live way back in 2005. Wilson continues to put out amazing music. His latest effort, The Future Bites, is a fine example of what he always does: define the times. 

For example, this track....

A stunning and beautiful indictment of our times. 

Rhye: Home (Album of the Week)

Toronto's own Rhye is back with another gem of a record. Home continues his foray into slinky new R&B horizons. Obviously, this latest record is romantic but the overarching vibe is about all the areas of the heart and soul that experience love. 

The Weeknd: After Hours (Album of the Week)

I feel as though I didn't pay enough attention to Toronto's own The Weeknd when he released After Hours last March. As a child of the '80s, the synth-pop hooks on this record are plentiful and run deep. And the dude is playing the Super Bowl this year so he deserves some props! 

This song makes me feel nostalgic for a time nearly 40 years before its release! 

Ryan Adams: Wednesdays (Album Of The Week)

Ryan Adams is back after a two year hiatus with Wednesdays. It's the first of three promised records in 2021 and Adams is kicking things off on a sad but lovely note. Much of the record reminds me of Love is Hell which I consider the third best album of all time (more on that at some point in the future). It's haunting, stark, gentle and yet somehow hopeful.

Adams is the greatest living American musician. No one even comes close to his depth and range. His songwriting skills are so incredible that it's hard for me to get my head around how fucking good he is. 

Taylor Swift: Evermore (Album of the Week)

Taylor Swift snuck out an album at the end of last year that's just fucking amazing. Channeling her inner Ryan Adams, Swift digs deep into her bag of emo for Evermore. This record is a stunning achievement and is easily my favorite of her entire catalog. 

It's pretty much got everything, folks. Check it out!

Dire Straits: Making Movies

I've been playing the third offering from London's own Dire Straits quite a bit lately. Seven tracks of sheer musical beauty. Their first two albums were stellar, don't get me wrong, but Making Movies showed an outfit ready to go beyond the stars. 

This video played a lot on MTV. I loved it every time I saw it. 

Album of the Week: McCartney III by Paul McCartney

Macca was doing quarantine long before pandemics. His first solo album (McCartney) was recorded in seclusion at his Scottish farm and saw him playing and performing all instruments and vocals. Flash forward to McCartney II in 1980 which saw the same formula used albeit with a more techno sound than the first offering.

Now we have McCartney III, recorded this year during the quarantine. That amazing feeling of the other two records is present on this album along with some new sounds and horizons. 

I love the down-home feel!

The Top 25 Albums of 2020

Here are the best 25 albums of 2020. You must have these amazing creations in your collection immediately. Don't delay! 

25. Between You and Me by San Cisco

The musical growth of this band continues to astound me. They will be a treasure in my heart forever.

 

24. Letter To You by Bruce Springsteen

The Boss is back and he is not fucking around with this one. Always the optimist in darkness. 

 

23. 10 Songs by Travis

All of us experienced mental health issues this year. Travis is the perfect salve for this. So so glad they released a record this year!

 

22. On Sunset by Paul Weller

The Modfather continues to dazzle all of us with his wide and varied musical directions. Soak up that California sun!

 

21. It's Only Us by Monophonics

I tried to find one track on this record that I could put in my Top Tracks of 2020 but I couldn't. Why? Because the whole record is that good!

 

20. The Makarrata Project by Midnight Oil

A very much welcome return to the music scene from this Sydney band. A great project that highlights the struggles of native peoples everywhere.

 

19. Sanctuary by Gengahr

Soaring melodies and dreamy mindscapes are what this record is all about. One of the best new bands to come from Britain in this decade.

 

18. The True Story of Bananagun by Banangun 

A stunning debut from this Aussie outfit. Happy and fun music with several dashes of psychedelia mixed in for extra trippiness.

 

17. American Head by The Flaming Lips

Another instant classic that sends the mind on many inner journeys. I love watching the light bugs glow...

16. The Glow by DMAs

A full-on embrace and torch carry of Brit Rock has suited this Sydney band quite well. This one is very Stone Roses-y. How many awesome bands are coming out of Australia these days? Many!

 

15. Death of the Party by Magic Gang

So amped about this Brighton band bursting on to the scene in the last couple of years. Their sophomore effort is simply stunning.

 

14. Shore by Fleet Foxes

What is it about this band that creates such a unique place in my soul? They both caress and murder my heart at the same time.

 

13. Foolish Loving Spaces by Blossoms

The third record from these Mancunians sees them pursuing a more pop-based sound and it's bloody mags.

 

12. XOXO by The Jayhawks 

Ah, my local band that continues to make stellar music. All things Minnesotan...

11. Lianne Le Havas by Lianne Le Havas

It has been too long since Lianne's last record but this release made it well worth the wait. Just gorgeous...

 

10. Pwr/Up by ACDC

Uh...wow. What else can I say? It's a fucking ACDC record.

 

9. Wachito Rico by Boy Pablo

Swedish hipster turns out amazing debut loaded with fun pop and cool lo-fi vibes.

 

8. Wake Up by Hazel English

Ah, Hazel...Hazel...Hazel...your music is so beautiful and it breaks my heart in the most wonderful of ways. Your spirit time is 1962 and your style is DREAM.

 

7. Italian Ice by Nicole Atkins

Nostalgia on overdrive with this one. Is that an AM radio I'm listening to? Regardless, it's gold.

 

6. CTV3: Cool Tape Volume 3 by Jaden

Someone has been listening to The Beatles. And that someone is fucking awesome. Haters, go peddle your nonsense somewhere else. This is a tremendous record.

 

5. I Slept On The Floor by Another Sky 

This is the British band I'm most excited about this year. London (and the world) will never be the same. Like the others before them, they have taken the sword from the Lady in the Lake...

4. Junk Food by Easy Life

This record made me feel light-hearted at several points this year and I really needed it. I totally heart how the youth of today look at love.

 

3. Rtj4 by Run The Jewels

This dynamic duo is incapable of making a bad record. In fact, all they can do is make ridiculously awesome albums. The most relevant statement of the year and it couldn't have come at a better time.

 

2. Hate For Sale by The Pretenders

This hall of fame band of my youth kicked some serious ass this year. But, hey, that's what Chrissie does. She's been kicking my ass for forty years.

 

1. The Universal Want by Doves 

With each release, Doves set the landscape for our lives. It's usually dark but hopeful. It's always gorgeous and satisfying but it's not an easy ride. They've only made five records and two solo offerings but it's always enough. 

The Universal Want builds upon that legacy. It's an honor to call it The Best Album of 2020. 

Track #1 of 2020: Walking In The Snow by Run The Jewels

Run The Jewels have the best track of 2020. It perfectly sums up where we are at as a culture in 2020.

And every day on the evening news, they feed you fear for free 

And you so numb, you watch the cops choke out a man like me 

Until my voice goes from a shriek to whisper, "I can't breathe"

And you sit there in the house on couch and watch it on TV 

The most you give's a Twitter rant and call it a tragedy 

But truly the travesty, you've been robbed of your empathy 

Replaced it with apathy, I wish I could magically 

Fast forward the future so then you can face it And see how fucked up it'll be, 

I promise I'm honest They coming for you the day after they comin' for me 

This was written BEFORE George Floyd. These guys are just amazing!

Track #2 of 2020: Prisoners by Doves

Doves returned to the scene this year in full force. Thank God. The Universal Want is an amazing record and ranks right up there with all of the rest of their albums. This is my favorite track. 

Track #3 of 2020: My Swimming Brain by Blossoms

Blossoms have made 2020 much more bearable. Their second album came out in February so it's been with us all year. This track is not only awesome but it sums up my mind perfectly. 

Track #4 of 2020: Domino by Nicole Atkins

Nicole Atkins really nailed retro nostalgia with this track. Slinky and cool..