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Mike Bennett writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Mike Bennett
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2020. Our next list is from DJ and Board member emeritus Mike Bennett.
Staying at home, and thus losing so many social activities, meant I listened to more music than ever. And once I took on a second DJ shift, I doubled up my efforts to listen to new music, and I'm sure I've never come close to listening to as many new releases in a year as I have in 2020.
And there was so much good music, of all sorts, some of it directly inspired by artists taking this down time and doing something with it. This year only drove home how music can bring us together, even when he have to be apart, providing connection, and, even more importantly, comfort.
A lot of my favorite records this year simply made me feel a better in a time where things often felt hopeless. I rank albums because it appeals to my sense of order, but below my honorable mentions are 40-60 records that are just about as good.
And thanks to everyone who tuned in this year - going to the studio to do shows was more of a treat than ever, and hearing from so many of you made it really uplifting for me.
#1 Rough and Rowdy Ways by Bob Dylan (Columbia)
Much as Dylan’s 2001 album Love & Theft was a salve in the wake of 9/11 (the album came out on that tragic day), this album is just right for 2020. Part of it is because like its 2001 predecessor, this is an album where Dylan hits on a mix of blues, folk, and standards, with a relaxed presence, showing off his sense of humor in spots, and on the powerful “A Murder Most Foul”, an epic sweep that confirms that his artistic powers can still reach the highest heights. This is enduring, classic music, full of feeling, ideas, and empathy.
#2 SAWAYAMA by Rina Sawayama (Dirty Hit)
After a strong EP, this Japanese-British singer hit a whole other level on this superb pop album. Critics took note of the strong ‘90s vibes, from the propulsive pop blended, at times, with metallic guitars. The songs slam and Sawayama is a really strong singer. What really elevates these catchy numbers are Sawayama’s smart, direct lyrics, with her commentaries on racism, community, consumerism, and other topics, consistently sharp on every song.
#3 Optimisme by Songhoy Blues (Fat Possum)
This quartet from Mali is simply explosive, and their third album shows them crossing over into nearly straight ahead rock more than ever. There’s plenty of their blend of sub-Saharan desert blues and Afropop, with a few songs having some straight ahead rock riffing. As the album title indicates, these are songs of hope. The songs move, the performances are passionate, and Garba Touré is a true guitar hero for this age.
#4 Out of my Province by Nadia Reid (Spacebomb)
The third album from this Kiwi singer-songwriter finds her honing her superb music. There’s nothing unfamiliar about Reid’s sound, it’s just that she does it so well, with strong melodies and intelligent, concise lyrics that cut to the heart of the matters she sings about. Fans of folks like Laura Marling, Ron Sexsmith, and Judee Sill might find something to like in this record. There’s nothing showy about Reid’s music, as she doesn’t need flash to be utterly captivating.
#5 Song for our Daughter by Laura Marling (Partisan)
Over recent years, Marling has looked to different ways to challenge herself and keep from making the same record again and again. Moreover, she’s made some pretty intense material. However, this album is just about making warm, empathetic songs, which is just what 2020 required. The mix of folk, Joni Mitchell, and other Laurel Canyon-type sounds is so natural, and some songs even have a hint of acoustic Beatles in them. Relaxation becomes Marling.
#6 Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas (Nonesuch)
This record was a good companion to the Laura Marling, with La Havas finding a middle ground between the more standard singer-songwriter approach of her debut with the R & B/soul orientation of her second album. And this space really shows off La Havas’ many gifts, from her guitar playing to her melodic skills to her wonderful vocals. The album is both warm and intimate, yet has larger aspect that will really come to the fore when she can play these songs in concert halls in front of audiences again.
#7 Untitled (Rise) by Sault (Forever Living Originals)
I would also include the group’s Untitled (Black Is) as part of this entry, as it’s really a double album that was released in two parts. The titles of the albums show a political consciousness that permeates these modern R & B songs masterminded by producer Inflo. The songs have hypnotic grooves that touch a bit on trip hop and other British electronic genres at times, but with roots in soul, aided primarily by the singing of Cleo Sol. These albums are transmissions of music that is cool and sleek with an underlying burning passion.
#8 Work and Love by Sunshine Boys (Pravda)
I read an interview with singer-guitarist Dag Juhlin some time after this album was released, and he talked about how much he enjoys playing with bass player Jacqueline Schimmel and drummer Freda Love Smith, and it’s something that comes out of the speakers. Juhlin’s articulate songs mix an ‘80s American indie feel (which must be why some people compare them to R.E.M.) with aspects of groups like The Who, XTC, and The Jam, among others. The songs are always smart and the politically slanted ones have both musical and lyrical bite.
#9 A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip by Sparks (BMG)
A worthy follow up to 2017's Hippopotamus, with Ron and Russell Mael continuing a mix of arch art-pop constructions with forays into pure silliness (“Lawnmower”) and simple, emotion-driven sing-a-longs (“All That”). Ron Mael’s melodic magic is in full effect and he manages to whip up songs premised on some of the strangest premises (“Stravinsky’s Biggest Hit” and “Left Out in the Cold”). This is the longest stretch of above-average albums in the brothers’ long career as Sparks.
#10 This Joy by Resistance Revival Chorus (Righteous Babe)
A project that could have been wieldy and/or overwrought, is instead an overwhelming success. Over 70 women and non-binary singers who met at a Women’s March bring soul to the church, along with some old-fashioned folk protest music, combing stirring originals with well chosen covers, augmented by great guest features (such as Rhiannon Giddens and Valerie June). That they pulled this off during the pandemic makes it all the more special.
Honorable Mentions:
Gil Scott-Heron / Makaya McCraven – We’re New Again: A Reimagining By Makaya McCraven (XL)
Kylie Minogue – Disco (BMG)
X – Alphabetland (Fat Possum)
(Liv).e – Couldn’t Wait to Tell You... (In Real Life):
John Anderson – Years (Easy Eye Sound)
Beach Bunny – Honeymoon (Mom + Pop)
Justin Roberts – Wild Life (Carpet Square)
Rumer – Nashville Tears (Cooking Vinyl)
Steve Dawson & Funeral Bonsai Wedding – Last Flight Out (Kernel)
Protomartyr – Ultimate Success Today (Domino)
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