We’re keeping up our holiday tradition of staff year-end-lists. Today we have Mike S. sharing his thoughts on ten of his favorites of 2020. In his own words:
Andy Shauf Neon Skyline
Just when I don't think I can be more fond of this record, I listen to it again. A concept album that takes course over one night at a local dive, Shauf perfectly captures the ups and downs of reconnecting with your past over some beers. Impeccably written and produced. I really miss bars.
Phoebe Bridgers Punisher
What truly is there left to say about Phoebe Bridgers? She's a powerhouse writer with stunner after stunner under her belt, and this album is no exception. I love sad songs with a sense of humor and self-awareness, and Bridgers knocks 'em out.
Lianne La Havas Lianne La Havas
We can't keep this one in the store for more than a day when we can get it at all. This one straight oozes vibe while bouncing over the overwrought sound that some neo-soul/r&b can have, to my ear. La Havas has a voice to be reckoned with.
Run The Jewels RTJ4
Killer Mike and El-P decided to drop this album ahead of schedule in the most heated weeks of this year's ongoing protests against police brutality, and it's easy to see why. Despite being recorded in 2018, it's hard to believe this album wasn't written with 2020 specifically in mind.
Sven Wunder Eastern Flowers
A fantastic instrumental heater from the mostly mysterious Swedish musician who surprised us all with two releases (paired with the also fantastic Wabi Sabi) this year. It's easy to imagine this from a 70's oddities discount bin at your local shop, but it still sounds new and different than anything else right now.
Sylvan Esso Free Love
Sylvan Esso's third full album has cemented them for me as one of the most consistent pop acts working. Their well-worn combination of earthy electronic sounds paired with quasi-folk songwriting sensibilities serves them well once again. There's nothing on Free Love that will particularly surprise you, but for me their appeal is the same as that one shirt you always reach for when you need a specific type of comfort.
Black Ends Stay Evil
Local cats Black Ends are putting out some of the most exciting guitar driven rock available. Exceptional songwriting and amazing musicianship make this one hard to shake. I listen to a lot of guitars, and Nicolle Swims is probably who comes to mind first when I think of folks with a crazy unique guitar identity. I can't say enough good things about them, it's really one you have to hear.
Swamp Dogg Sorry You Couldn't Make It
Swamp Dogg has always done exactly what he wants and that rules. He's molded modern music trends into his sound better than artists who have been around for a quarter of his time. This one is also meaningful to me because it's some of the last recorded output from John Prine (what a dope feature) who I miss more than words.
Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman
This one just plain rules. The mellowest of supergroups, Anais Mitchell, Josh Kaufman and Eric Johnson, have mostly reworked a selection of traditional folk songs into something so lovely and vibrant I can't stop listening.
Knot Knot
From the ashes of Krill (Krill Krill Forever) rises Knot, featuring all four original Krillers plus one more friend. Exploding In Sound continues to be my favorite mom + pop label, they never disappoint. Regular viewers will recognize all of Krill's complexity, but imbued with a more aged, prudent mindset. But unless you're deeply emotionally invested in Boston's music lore like myself this was probably all gibberish, so to translate it's like when all the Avengers get back together at the end of Endgame.