You thought I’d forgotten, hadn’t you?

Absolutely not. My attempts to blog monthly may have failed in 2020, but I can at least try to make this an annual tradition.

The list

Like last year’s, it is in no particular order, and isn’t limited to a specific number of albums. Unlike last year’s it’s all albums or EPs here, so no accompanying playlists this time. I’ve linked to YouTube full albums where possible.

I found it a bit harder to cobble together this year’s list as I changed my phone a few months ago before realising I relied on my “recently added” list as a barometer of what I’ve enjoyed over the last year. I have really been digging deep into the old memory banks for this year.

Like last year, the only rule was to only include tracks I heard for the first time in 2020.

1. Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind

I can’t play a lick, but I love watching Rick Beato’s YouTube channel, especially his excellent “What Makes This Song Great” series. This was one of them.

2. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo

I love the Freddi and Madlib stuff, and this is right up there too. I really love Freddie’s rapping (although it may be an acquired taste) and the production here is top notch.

3. Scott Walker - Scott 4

Scott Walker was always ones of those “influential” artists I never got around to listening to, and I corrected that this year. I loved the contrast of that storytelling songwriting style and the smooth delivery.

4. Daniel Avery - Love + Light

I liked his previous album, and I like this one too. Thoughtful electronica.

5. Daniel Avery & Alessandro Cortini - Illusion of Time

This is a match made in heaven for me, and possibly the most exciting collaboration to hit my ears until that Four Tet // Madlib record comes out.

6. Against All Logic - 2017-2019

The second of Nicolas Jaar’s alter ego records isn’t as good as the first in my opinion, but gets close.

7. YOB - Our Raw Heart

It’s something metal! 🤘

8. Moses Boyd - Dark Matter

Listening to a lot more jazz in the last few years means I am no longer missing out on great albums like this.

9. Fontaines D.C. - A Hero’s Death

I must admit, I found their first album just okay, but this one I liked a lot more.

10. Run the Jewels - RTJ4

I’ve been a firm admirer of RTJ and El-P’s production for a while now, and this one did not disappoint.

11. Nubya Garcia - SOURCE

More incredible jazz from 2020.

12. Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song

This is a wonderful layered thing and might be my favourite new album from 2020.

13. Idles - Ultra Mono

Idles continuing their trend of making records that are like a really aggressive hug.

14. Nicolas Jaar - Cenizas

Jaar released this and another more ambient/experiemental album in 2020 called Telas (along with the A.A.L. stuff), this one is my favourite.

15. Fazer Drums - Sound Measures

Pretty sure this was another one I picked up from Mary Anne Hobbs’ show.

16. Sophia Loizou - Untold

Paul put me on to this and I immediately started recommending it to all and sundry, which now includes you. Before this I hadn’t realised that ambient jungle was a thing but I m very glad it is.

17. Surprise Chef - Daylight Savings

While it looks like BADBADNOTGOOD have called it a day (for now at least), Australian four piece Surprise Chef have filled the lounge jazz void nicely. This is their sophomore effort, but I also heard their debut, All News Is Good News, this year too. I can recommend both.

18. Conforce - Dawn Chorus

Nice, ambient, techno.

19. Redeyes - Unfinished Theory (EP)

Picked this one up from one of Steve’s monthly recommendation lists. I am not a drum and bass expert, but I liked this a lot.

20. Gidge - New Light

Twitter remains a total cesspool, only redeemed by occasional music recommends like this one I picked up from Leigh and occsional wholesome flask related content (not from Leigh).

21. Bongzilla - Gateway

I had never heard of this band before a few weeks ago. Another from twitter and despite being about as subtle as a sledgehammer packs a suitably fuzzy punch.

Well, I hope some of you like some of these and they’re new to you. Closest I get to a personal public service this one. Here’s hoping for more great listens in 2021.

Cheers ‘n’ gone.