My Favourite Albums so Far in 2020 - Part Three
So 2020 ended with some but very little live music but at least we continued to have lots of new music to keep us going.
Part Three of my favourite albums of the year will focus on releases between September 1 and December 31, so who has made my final top 10 for 2020.
In no particular order here they are:
Declan McKenna - Zeros
Declan McKenna’s second album Zeros gives a huge nod to seventies glam rock. The album is quirky and full of captivating and innovative hooks and riffs and will draw comparison to the works of Bowie.
Zeros is less politically driven than his debut album but there is still an acknowledgement in McKenna’s lyrics that he is very still much in touch with his social environment.
The album is a cosmic and glittery collection of pop bangers and firmly places McKenna as one of our most dynamic performers.
My favourite tracks are The Key to Life on Earth, Daniel, You’re Still a Child and Sagittarius A.
Idles - Ultra Mono
Idles third album continues the trend set by previous releases and this one just sneaked into the top ten for the final period of 2020.
Ultra Mono is a juggernaut of an album that roars through political defiance, social commentary and outright defiance but it can be an uncomfortable ride as the messaging is perhaps sounding cliched.
For me Idles continue to be a voice of the under represented but it won’t do anything to change the divisive nature of their music.
My favourite tracks are War, Kill Them With Kindness and Ne Touché Pas Moi.
Future Islands - As Long As You Are
American Indie rockers Future Islands return with their sixth album and it looks like they have regained their focus.
There was a danger with previous releases that the band were trying to hard to recreate past success, but this is a huge step forward with its thumping basslines and glittery synths it’s definitely an album which stands out on its own.
My favourite tracks are For Sure, Moonlight and Born in a War.
Yungblud - Weird
Weird is another album that split opinion with the critics but I absolutely loved it.
Whilst some said it fell short of his debut album, I thought it surpassed it, I really enjoyed the messaging of the album, each track being a voice for the forgotten youth of the UK.
The sugary coated pop vibes of the album gave it a wider voice and helped it appeal to more than the perception that his music is only aimed at life’s misfits.
It’s upbeat yet punching collection of pop punk threw a much needed comfort blanket over those that needed it most in 2020.
My favourite tracks are cotton candy, strawberry lipstick and love song.
Pelts - A Little Less Lost
It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait, the debut album A Little Less Lost can only be described as a gem. It’s a gem that should be in everyone’s record collection.
The album is only eight tracks long, but there is a lot packed into them, we have straight up indie rock, huge danceable beats, introspective lyrics that tackle day to day issues.
It’s an album that could on reflection be described as one for the pessimists in life, but on careful listening no matter the subject matter it is brought to life with huge optimism in the songs delivery. It is a thing of beauty.
My favourite tracks are Dolphin Road, Throwing Sticks and Tidal.
Mt. Doubt - Doubtlands
Doubtlands is the third studio album from Mt.Doubt and is there best work to date.
It’s an album from start to finish that engrosses you, each song grabs your attention and paints glorious pictures with it’s soaring guitars and tense atmospheric melodies.
It’s a dark and broody work of genius, that’s probably the best way for me to describe Doubtlands, another album that is a must for your collection.
My favourite tracks are Waiting Rooms, Headless and Dark Slopes Away.
Pale Fire - Husbands
Pale Fire return to the fold of Scottish rock with an absolute belter of an album.
It is a sharp and polished collection of outstanding tracks, it is indie rock at its very best, occasionally straying into a more folk orientated sound. Either way it is an album that is full of emotion and played with huge energy and zest.
Husbands is an album that will translate well to a live environment and I can’t wait to hear them played live.
My favourite tracks are Satellites, Husbands and Various Witches.
Pillow Queens - In Waiting
Dublin’s Pillow Queens debut album is an absolute cracker, the four piece have used a number of influences to bring us a series of tracks that are essential listening.
it’s an album that was vital for 2020 it gave us a chance to explore our own values and place in the world without the need to travel to find ourselves.
The guitar sound that they create is unique and moving and is pure joy to the ears, this is an album that you will play time after time.
My favourite tracks are Child of Prague, A Dog’s Life and Brothers.
Inego - Departures
Inego were a very late 2020 discovery for myself and literally blew my mind.
It’s indie but not as we know it, it’s an album packed full of funky baselines and incredible dance beats but underpinned with that distinct indie guitar sound.
Departures takes us on a journey that harks back to 80’s pop, think Duran Duran meets New Order. It’s eclectic mix of sounds will have you dancing along and begging for a breather that you don’t want.
My favourite tracks are I Need Your Love, Phoenix Arizona and Beyond Starlight.
Bitch Falcon - Staring At Clocks
Staring At Clocks is the outstanding debut album from Irish trio Bitch Falcon.
It’s too simplistic to describe their sound as dream grunge but as I can’t think of a better way that’s exactly how I will categorise it.
Despite them only being a trio they create a sound that sounds so much bigger and that in the main is down to the rhythm section of bass and drums who create the driving beats that bring this album to life and give it a captivating and engaging sound.
The vocals are fantastic and the combination of vocals and melodies take this debut to a fantastic level.
My favourite tracks are I’m Ready Now, Staring at Clocks and How Did I Know.