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Mike Nikolich writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Mike Nikolich
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2020. Our next list is from DJ Mike Nikolich.
There was so much great music this year, that it is really difficult to create a "Top 10" list, so I based my choices on albums that I reviewed and played heavily on my Thursday show at 10 pm Central Time.
Another World by The Flat Five (Pravda)
CHIRP favorites return with their second LP of twisted Brill Building-influenced pop. The more I listened to this album, the more I liked it.
Rastilho by Kiko Dinucci (Mais um Discos)
Brazilian punk artist recorded this LP with a nod to the production techniques of Brazilian records from the 1960s and 1970s, channeling guitarists like Gilberto Gil, Jorge Ben and Joao Gilberto. If you want a reason to get off your butt and dance, "Olodé" should do the trick.
Oxygen by Custard Flux (Self-released)
I loved Greg Curvey's work with The Luck of Eden Hall, but became an even bigger fan when he moved to Detroit and started Custard Flux. Oxygen is a satisfying follow-up to 2019's Echo, creating a perfect blend of psych-influenced pop, featuring acoustic guitars and harmonium on many of the tracks, plus a surprise appearance by saxophonist Mars Williams on the title track.
Johnny Iguana's Chicago Spectacular! by Johnny Iguana (Delmark)
Although he grew up in Philly, classically trained pianist Johnny Iguana became obsessed with Chicago blues at age 15 and joined Junior Wells' band when he was in his 20's. This delightful LP combines old standards and new compositions, featuring collaborations with artists like John Primer, Billy Boy Arnold, Lil' Ed and Phillip-Michael Scales, but it's Iguana's piano playing on a 100-year-old upright that steals the show.
Season 2 by WILDFLOWER (ILL CONSIDERED)
London-based jazz trio features members of Ill Considered and Sons of Kemet on this mesmerizing collection of songs that are devoid of excessive soloing or unnecessary notes.
To Know Without Knowing by Mulatu Astatke & Black Jesus Experience (Agogo)
Legendary Ethiopian jazz vibraphonist partners with his longtime Australian backup band Black Jesus Experience, to deliver one of the most eclectic and satisfying LPs of 2020. Mashing up music from the Horn of Africa, Cuba, and the South Pacific, the songs feature Australian rapper MC Mr. Monk (Liam Monkouse) and Ethiopian songbird Enushu Taye, with vocals and raps in English and Amharic. It's spellbinding stuff.
Electric Esoterica by Sunn Trio (2182)
Guitarist Joel Robinson is influenced as much by Duane Eddy and Dick Dale as Middle Eastern psych, free jazz, improvisation and noise. In addition to traditional guitars, bass and drums, the trio plays instruments like the oud, saron, and bonang, to create a cool concoction of songs that feature surf, gamelan, Egyptian and Moorish influences.
Every Bad by Porridge Radio (Secretly Canadian)
Slacker indie UK quartet's fifth LP showcases lead singer/guitarist Dana Margolin's clever, angst-ridden lyrics and PJ Harvey-influenced vocals on this great collection of 11 tracks. This band is on my "must see" list when live concerts finally return once the COVID-19 Pandemic gets under control.
VI by The Spits (Thriftstore)
Kalamazoo punk rockers return from Seattle to record this LP in their basements, using a thrift store guitar and a budget drum kit. Recorded directly to a four-track cassette, all 10 songs are burners, clocking in at a tidy 17 minutes.
Sentimiento Mundial by Mint Field (Felte)
Tijuana shoegaze duo moves to Mexico City and collaborates with Cathy Lucas (Vanishing Twin/Fanfarlo), drummer Callum Brown (Ulrika Spacek) and multi-instrumentalist Nathan Pigott on this great LP. There isn't a stinker among these 11 tracks, which switch between dreampop and noisy shoegaze.
Honorable Mentions
Sufjan Stevens (The Ascension), Soccer Mommy (Color Theory), Roisin Murphy (Self-titled), Jessie Ware (What's Your Pleasure), Sidi Toure (Toun Me), Frankie and the Witch Fingers (Monsters Eating People Eating Monsters), Steven Dayvid McKellar (ETHIO), Molchat Doma (Monument), and Naujawanan Baidar (Self-titled) are all worth checking out, as well. Good listening and happy holidays!
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