The purpose of this feature is to promote music investment and assist with some music discovery. The usual format puts the spotlight on albums that are up for pre-order, released within the last month (or so), released in the last few years or not new at all (but new to me). I’ve obviously lacked in consistency in posting so I figured it would be fitting that my year end list comes out in March of the following year. 2020 will no doubt go in the history books for all the wrong reasons. We all know what those are. BUT it also was a treasure chest of amazing music. Over the next four posts I will highlight my twenty favorite albums that came out in 2020. Hopefully you find something you like!
#20
deathCAVE – Smoking Mountain
Label: Satanik Royalty Records
Release: 8/14/2020
Seattle’s own self-described cosmic doom trio have a championship pedigree. Vets of the local underground rock scene joined forces and deliver 5 songs that make you smell the weed and taste the tallboys through the speakers while listening. On a personal note, they were one of the last bands that I had a chance to see live before…well you know what happened in the world. I can vouch that the recorded versions of these songs will make you headbang just like you would be if you were standing 5 feet away from them at a show. They exude an awesome energy that is amplified when listening and taking in territorial views. Buy a copy and take it on a road trip through a valley, into the mountains or along a gorge. I promise you will be like don’t call it epic, don’t call it epic, don’t call it epic and then say EPIC.
You can still get a vinyl copy on either classic black or clear and red color over HERE.
#19
Kid Dakota – Age of Roaches
Label: Graveface Records
Release: 12/11/2020
Sometimes endorsements seem pointless. Like, why would I care what Shaq thinks about an insurance company? But sometimes endorsements REALLY work. When I read this I ordered the record without listening to a single snippet:
“I’ve been witness to the sophisticated and rare talent that is Kid Dakota since their debut, but was not prepared for this masterpiece. It’s as if all the intent and power of electric music has been condensed down to the purest and most fluid form. Darren Jackson has always been a songwriting inspiration to me, but this record is just pure awe” – Alan Sparhawk (LOW)
I sure am glad I took the plunge, too. I am not a singer/songwriter rock fan for the most part and Kid Dakota would have slipped under my radar because of that. This record is beautiful. Uncomfortable and depressing at times but in a good way. The title track is one of my favorite songs of the year. If LOW likes it then I think that deserves a shot. Don’t you?
You can pick up a doublemint LP over HERE.
#18
Gláss – Wilting In Mauve
Label: Warm Noise
Release: 9/11/2020
This South Carolina-based band sounds like they spend a lot of time in nature taking shrooms. Either that or they are the product of a conjuring that a mystical shaman whipped up. That shaman just happens to enjoy making noise rock mantras and listens to Liars when they are not doing magic. I only just found out about Gláss after coming across their fantastic 2016 album Accent last year. After hearing that I went to their Bandcamp to find out they had a new one for pre-order. Yeah, that money left my account quickly. Wilting In Mauve was easily one of the most adventurous albums of 2020 that I listened to. I sincerely hope I get a chance to see them perform live someday. Shrooms not required.
Physical copies are sold out but definitely a must-have in digital format. Go snag that over HERE.
#17
Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats – UNLOCKED
Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Release: 2/7/2020
One of the more frustrating albums of 2020. No, not because of how it sounds or the verses that Denzel spits. Not because of Kenny Beats’ production. The frustration comes from the album being so short! Every album Denzel has put out has been fire but UNLOCKED is off the charts good. When the album is done I just want more and I am not someone that listens to records back to back (usually). That is literally the only knock I have on this otherwise flawless record. It did fill a very specific need in my collection though. It is the perfect record as a short mini-workout companion. It is relentless and will make you feel the same.
This one is also sold out of physical copies but the Bandcamp has your digital needs HERE.
#16
Cower – Boys
Label: Human Worth
Release: 11/27/2020
Human Worth is a wonderful label from England that raises money for various charities by releasing dope music. Cower brings us some of said dope music in the form of a gothic noise-punk record that fans of Daughters and fans of The Horrors would be equally into. Opening track “Tight Trouser and a Look of Intent” induces a dizzying meditative state only to deliver a frantic freakout of noise, à la a satisfying horror movie jump scare. Boys is an album of moods. With “Enough” the band serves some straight-up noise rock that will knock you flat. Fast, driving, and sweaty. Or you can go walk in the woods at night with the crooning “Saxophone by the Water”. Imagery laid on thick. With Boys, Cower invite you for a wild 30-minute ride that I would definitely recommend you take. Keeping my eyes out for new stuff coming from this awesome band.
Another pressing of 100 will go live 3/12/2021. So hopefully they aren’t sold out by the time you read this! HERE.