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Matt Barr writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Matt Barr
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2020. Our next list is from DJ Matt Barr.
Alongside all the stress and heartbreak, 2020 delivered huge helpings of good music. I found myself buying and listening to more new records (and Bandcamp downloads) this year than ever before. And yet, there are still so many 2020 releases I haven’t gotten to yet, or didn’t have time to fully absorb.
In the end, I’ve listed the albums that pleased me the most...so far.
#1 The Main Thing by Real Estate (Domino)
They are not doing anything new here; their albums are all somewhat indistinguishable. Yet somehow Real Estate keeps making these guitar pop songs sound easy and charming. And I keep eating it up. Favorite track: "Falling Down"
#2 Inlet by Hum (Earth Analog)
Inlet appeared unexpectedly and satisfied a craving I didn’t know I had. I always enjoyed Hum’s '90s output, but never really gave much thought to what a reunion album would mean to me. It hit the spot. Favorite track: "In the Den"
#3 Awake in the Brain Chamber by The Secret Machines (TSM Recordings)
Another unexpected return from the graveyard, Awake in the Brain Chamber doesn’t quite match the Secret Machines early swagger or dynamism, but it’s still a welcome return to their good driving space-rock. Favorite track: "A New Disaster"
#4 Jump Rope Gazers by The Beths (Carpark)
The Beths sophomore album provides just enough of their spirited indie-pop-punk while also showing a bit of growth and maturity with some slower tempos and varied moods. Favorite track: "Dying to Believe"
#5 Pleasure Line by Video Age (Winspear)
This album is so in debt to early '80s pop/funk, it shouldn’t even count as a 2020 release. And yet, the smooth hooks are irresistible. I haven’t grown tired of '80s music yet, so there’s no reason I won’t continue to enjoy this record for years to come. Favorite track: "Aerostar"
#6 Auto-Pain by Deeper (Fire Talk)
Stressed out? You may find kinship with Auto-Pain – or it may push you over the edge. This nervous post-punk rock is loaded with tension, but delivers some satisfying resolutions along the way. Favorite track: "This Heat"
#7 Blue Hearts by Bob Mould (Merge)
Bob and his band blast their way through this album with all the spit and anger of teenagers. Favorite track: "Siberian Butterfly"
#8 Off Off On by This Is The Kit (Rough Trade)
Warm and folky, but layered with finger-picked guitar, some banjo, often including saxophones or other horns. At times bubbling and lively, at times slow and ambling. To play on the band name, this is the shit. Favorite track: "Coming to Get You Nowhere"
#9 Rookie by Rookie (Bloodshot)
This debut by local band Rookie is a throwback to '70s-style rock and roll with catchy melodies and harmonies. I didn’t expect it to land in my top ten, but it bubbled it’s way past a lot of other good records to get here. Favorite track: "Side of the Road"
#10 Song for Our Daughter by Laura Marling (Chrysalis)
This album was my introduction to Laura Marling, despite it being her 7th solo album. Although not my usual cup of tea, the '70s folk-rock reproduction transports me back to a past I'm not quite old enough to really remember. Favorite track: "Fortune"
Next Batch
Peel Dream Magazine – Agitprop Alterna
I Break Horses – Warnings
Ringo Deathstarr – Ringo Deathstarr
Slow Pulp – Moveys
Doves – The Universal Want
Annihilator – Ballistic, Sadistic
Adrianne Lenker – Songs
Next entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Al Gabor
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Mike Bennett