Albums of the Year 2020

 Greetings Music Lovers,

Here is my 6th annual end of year review of my top ten albums.  I’ld like to start by quoting some lyrics from the I’m Good single by Hilltop Hoods.

“I’ve seen better days man, we all have, 2020’s nothing but an unshaped ball bag, it’s not all bad...” The soundtrack was phenomenal. 

#1. Finer Times In Other Worlds - Crimson Bloom

Teesider Andrew Johnson has been releasing music for nearly 20 years as a solo artist and under a few different names.  He sings with a successful cover band The Southmartins (Housemartins, Beautiful South, Paul Heaton).

In 2018 when it looked certain that The Stone Roses wouldn’t release another album he decided to write it himself.  He formed a band called Crimson Bloom and released an outstanding eponymous debut album influenced by the Roses and his love of the jangle pop of the late eighties.  This debut has been my most played album of 2020 but being two years old is ineligible. Maybe I should edit my previous posts and pretend I was on the ball back then? No - can’t be arsed. In August 2020 the Crimson Bloom follow up was released which was completed during isolation and lockdown conditions.  I have it on vinyl and there isn’t a bad note on it.  Sometimes pure indie rock pop with mystical pretensions, political undertones and baggy swagger.  Crimson Bloom have released six singles in 2020 (three from the album) a newer song Anticipation where they introduce funky acid to the mix and two covers Connected (Stereo MC’s) and Driving Home For Christmas (Chris Rea).  I’ve become a high fan and it has reinvigorated my love for new music. They have also refreshed my wardrobe with four band t-shirts.

Key songs: Cut Me Down, The Game of Love, Chasing Gold & The Brightest Star.

#2. The Tides of Time - The Mariners

Having turned my attention to the UK unsigned scene I discovered so many that 2020 will be remembered by me as a great renaissance of indie rock.  One album that stands out is from a Nottingham Band called The Mariners.  It’s a perfect collection of original songs with the sound of the mid-60s and other influences thrown in. Imagine The Monkees, The Kinks and The Animals covered by Supergrass or better still listen for yourselves.  The Mariners have wonderful artwork and release digital singles with b-sides.  They are already working on their second album due in early 2021.  #GetOnTheBoat

Key songs: Sycamore Street, Stuck Inside My Mind Not Fit For Use & Bring Her Back To Me.

#3. The Trip - Flip Fantazia 

A chilled electronic album with moody tracks designed for the mind rather than the feet.  Some samples steer the thoughts to topics the band want to promote.  Opener Hombre urges the listener to fight prejudice. Wombarra provides chilled drum n bass and a bit of didgeridoo.  S900 is my personal favourite - an ode to samplers including a description of the technique. Fracture could be lifted straight off Air’s Moon Safari.  The final two tracks take it up a few notches in case anyone dozes off.  Drums, rumbling bass and electronic squiggles propel Silver Spoon.  The album finale has beats, “wa wa wa wa wa wahs”, vocals, sinister overtures and the pressure builds until it suddenly stops.  If you’re seeking a break from the norm then let Flip Fantazia’s The Trip take you on a journey.  The band have made a trippy visualisation video to accompany the album which can be watched on YouTube.  https://youtu.be/BJuPvX5insA 

Key tracks: S900, Fracture, Hombre & Free By Design 

#4. Where Does It Go - Denise Johnson 

A Manchester songbird legend tragically taken just months before the release of her debut album. For thirty years Denise appeared on indie records providing vocals for other acts (Primal Scream 90-94 era, A Certain Ratio, The Charlatans, Electronic, Bernard Butler, Johnny Marr, Ian Brown etc.) She was loved by fans who crowd funded her funeral costs after her untimely death.  This album demonstrates her powerful voice on a collection of covers from Manchester bands (10cc, New Order, The Smiths) and some originals.  R.I.P. Denise

Key songs: Steal Around Me Easy, I’m Not On Love, Well I Wonder & True Faith.

#5. The Universal Want - Doves

Another Manchester band back with their first album in eleven years as the long awaited follow up to 2009’s Kingdom of Rust. The  The Universal Want is a stronger collection in my opinion.  It has anthems, powerful vocals, top imagery and intricate drum patterns. Doves have come back at the top of their game. 

Key songs: Carousels, Cathedrals Of The Mind, Prisoners & Broken Eyes.

#6. The Slow Rush - Tame Impala

The 4th album by Aussie producer Kevin Parker (Local Legend).  It comes five years after predecessor Currents.  The common theme of The Slow Rush is time with songs titled after yesterday, tomorrow, time, years and hours. Opener One More Year poses the question where will we be a year from now?  The possibilities and the trap of routine.  Released on Valentines Day 2020 before a year that no-one expected.  A year from now I’ll be watching a rescheduled Tame Impala homecoming gig in Perth. 

Key songs: One More Year, Posthumous Forgiveness, Lost In Yesterday & Borderline.

#7. Working Men’s Club - Working Men’s Club

Another band from Manchester that have successfully melded indie rock and dance music with the emphasis clearly on dance here.  It’s like a dance album if it was made by  Joy Division in 1979 fronted by the ghost of Mark E Smith - at a rave.  Album closer Angel is an epic and comes in at over 12 minutes long like Flowered Up playing thrash metal. Very dark disco from Northern England.  

Key tracks: Valleys, White Rooms and People, John Cooper Clarke & A.A.A.A. 

#8. The Glow - DMAs

Third studio album from Melbourne’s Madchester fanboys.  The DMAs are very popular in Australia and this album has had cut through on the international stage.  They have incorporated more beats, synths and electronic noodling to their Shoegazy Oasis sound.  Key songs: The Glow, Life Is A Game Of Changing & Silver.

#9. The Erratic Explosion of Colour and Compassion - Alligator Moon

A psychedelic poppy rock band from Yorkshire.  Heavy on distortion, thundering drums, guitar licks and dance beats. Only 80 monthly listeners on Spotify so get onto them and play their wonderful debut album.

Key tracks: Podrick Payne’s Love Train, Numb, Feel The Past and Marmalade Dreams.

#10. Twin Heavy - Willie J Healey 

A singer songwriter from Oxfordshire with his second album. The nostalgic sounds of a 1970s ex-Beatle solo album recorded live to tape.  Willie is a great talent who has penned a top collection of interesting and catchy songs.  The orchestration on Twin Heavy rewards repeat listening.  There is just too much to take in with a single play. 

Key songs: Songs for Joanna, True Stereo, Fashun & Why You Gotta Do It?

Merry Christmas, Keep Safe and Happy New Year