[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2020
Posted on December 31, 2021 at 11:45 am | No Comments
No, that is not a typo. It really is supposed to say ‘2020’ up there and not ‘2021’. It’s my laughably late, overlong list of long-players I loved last year. I’d say “embarrassingly” late, but I’m way past caring about timeliness, just that it gets done before the current calendar ends. Besides, “laughably” has that whole alliteration thing going for it.
So last year was a loooong one. You know why. And I listened to a lot of music. More than ever, maybe? Comfort sounds, constantly. All the money I saved not going to shows? Bought more records, mostly mail-order, and lots of them thanks to the semi-regular Bandcamp Fridays. It really felt like too many LPs arrived then quickly disappeared straight into the ether. Without touring, the accompanying local press (if such a thing even exists anymore), and the much-missed in-person chats among music-loving pals, attention seems to move on to the next thing faster than ever. The online churn ever-increasing. Releasing an album during these times can be a scary thing (and that’s not even factoring in the ongoing vinyl-pressing delays). As always, but this year more pointedly, my faves run-down is a gentle attempt to direct some light back on some things you may have missed.
What follows is an alphabetical list of some LPs, EPs, reissues, and a few web-only releases that sustained me during 2020. A year unlike any other. I’ve never ranked the things I love, as relative positioning of art is folly, and my moods change on a whim. Hell, just whittling down this list to a reasonable length was tough enough. Obviously.
I’ve included label links for as-direct-as-possible physical purchasing if you’re so inspired (be inspired!), along with an embedded song for (almost) everything listed. I also pulled together (i.e. obsessed over the order of) a playlist, so those of you who subscribe to a certain hell-spawned streaming service can listen while you’re scrolling. Or save it for later, after you TLDR and move along.
I’ve been pulling these lists for together two decades now, and they live here: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, & 2001. If you’ve got spare reading time, instead of those old posts, hit up these way-more-timely run-downs of last year’s high points from respected friends: Kumar’s Blizznog, Bryan’s “Proclamation Tracks” over at AGP, Allston Pudding’s Staff Picks & Local Faves, and Chris Porter’s 10 faves.Alright, on to the business. I’ve included a bit of text for the LPs, maybe some info if the bands have released new music in the meantime (and that’s a lot of meantime). If any of it grabs you, keep an eye out for the next Bandcamp Friday (days when all of their fees are waived in support of the artists, and on which many donate their cut to worthy causes) and maybe pick up something then.
And with this done, I can officially start working on my 2021 post. Yeeesh. Thanks for reading, and may 2022 bring you only good things. Or at least fewer not-good things.‘Nac Faves of 2020 – Spotify playlist
My Favorite LPs of 2020
“The Theory of Absolutely Nothing”
[ on Nettwerk Records ]
Irresistibly catchy indie-pop from Australia’s Alexandra Lynn. A debut album stuffed with single-worthy songs, and soma.fm plays at least four or five of ’em. A new song, “Growing Up”, was released last month.
[ Stream songs at Soundcloud / Buy the LP from a record store ]
“Honeymoon”
[ on Mom & Pop Music ]
Beach Bunny have just released a new holiday song, “Christmas Caller”, which you can find right here.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from the band ]
“The View From Halfway Down”
[ on Sonic Cathedral ]
The Ride guitarist/co-vocalist has released a few EPs since this full-length arrived, with non-album tracks, remixes, & acoustic versions.
[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]
“Jump Rope Gazers”
[ on On Carpark Records ]
The Beths released an excellent live recording back in September, the perfect primer for seeing them during their U.S. tour in 2022. So very psyched for their sold-out show at the Sinclair in January.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Carpark ]
“Punisher”
[ on Dead Oceans ]
She’s here, she’s there, she’s every-fuckin-where. 2020 sure felt like Phoebe Bridgers’ year. Every once in awhile someone who deserves it hits the big time.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Dead Oceans ]
“Echo Mine”
[ on Jealous Butcher ]
We were very fortunate to get a preview of some of this record when Tim Rutili & company played Kay’s place in Somerville back in 2019, and it did not disappoint. His live shows are the stuff of magic.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Jealous Butcher ]
“On Circles”
[ on Triple Crown ]
The pride of Beverly MA, remaining remarkably, consistently inspired after so many years together. Frontman Philip Jamieson recently shared a solo covers record on Bandcamp.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Triple Crown ]
“Coriky”
[ on Dischord ]
Ian MacKaye returned in recorded form at last, in this trio alongside Amy Farina (The Evens/The Warmers) and his former Fugazi bandmate Joe Lally.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Dischord ]
“Complications”
[ on Silver Rocket ]
Thalia Zedek (Come, Uzi, Live Skull), Jason Sanford (Neptune), and Gavin McCarthy (Karate) gave us their second killer full-length.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Silver Rocket ]
“None Is (But Once Was)”
[ on Ernest Jenning ]
The news of Flower’s return was such a welcome surprise after 30 (!) years, and this record crushed the lofty expectations I had for it. Just crammed full of great songs, and the pandemic deprived most of us a chance to see the live versions. Was really hoping to make it to their cancelled dates with Sebadoh. Alas.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Ernest Jenning ]
“A Hero’s Death”
[ on Partisan Records ]
The remarkable sophomore record from this Dublin quintet. The band served up on of the best full-show lockdown livestreams of last year when they played Brixton Academy in late November, and also shared an excellent set recorded in Dublin as well.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Partisan ]
“Hearts In Gardens”
[ on ‘Tis So Referent Records ]
Kyle Forester (Crystal Stilts/Ladybug Transistor/Woods) gave us his second solo record, and has since shared an excellent, laid back cover of Leiber/Stoller’s “Poison Ivy” (popularized by the Coasters in the late-50s).
[ Stream & buy the LP via Bandcamp ]
“Mirrored Aztec”
[ on Rockathon Records ]
I could have put two or three other GBV-related releases on this list (not to mention the ‘hot freaks’ subscription series, mentioned below), but I’ll settle on my fave of the bunch. Pollard is just a never-ending fountain of sonic joy.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Rockathon ]
“Inlet”
[ on Earth Analog Records/Polyvinyl ]
This album appeared out of nowhere and absolutely blew my mind. I had no idea that a new Hum record was even in the works, so there was no lead-up, no anticipation, just a simple “here it is” from the band. Amazing.
The sudden loss of their incredible drummer, Bryan St. Pere, not long after its release, was just crushing. One of my favorite players, and it’s an understatement to say I was looking forward to seeing him smashing out these songs on a stage someday. Such a huge loss in a year of losses.
[ Stream & buy digitally at Bandcamp / Buy vinyl from Polyvinyl ]
“Jetstream Pony”
[ on Shelflife (US) ]
After a string of singles & EPs, Jetstream Pony’s wonderful debut full-length arrived last year. Just a couple weeks ago they shared a six-song follow-up EP, “Misplaced Words”.
[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]
“El Capitan”
[ on Keeled Scales ]
Another ace solo LP from Will Johnson, who can write no wrongs in my book. The recent reunion show (and plans for more) by his band Centro-matic has me positively giddy.
[ Stream & buy at at Bandcamp / Grab vinyl from Keeled Scales ]
“Dream or Don’t Dream”
[ on Darla Records ]
Cross one off the wishlist: I finally got a chance to see Kestrels play live when they came down from Halifax for some dates opening for Mr. Bob Mould, including here at the Paradise in Boston. One of my first indoor, all-masked, crammed-crowd experiences since this whole shitshow started, so yeah, it was weird. And yet, it ruled.
[ Buy direct from Darla ]
“Football Money”
[ on Mint Records ]
It’s been long enough since this Toronto quartet released “Football Money”, their debut record, in January 2020, that they’ve already released the full-length follow-up, “Cooler Returns”. That arrived in January 2021, so does that mean we’ll get a third next month? I’ll take it.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Mint Records ]
“Knot”
[ on Exploding In Sound ]
Knot, filling the hole left by Krill’s absence. I’ll follow Jonah Furman & his bandmates wherever they go.
[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EiS ]
“It Will Come Easier”
[ on Fika Recordings ]
Emma’s first solo full-length, after many years of making music in bands I utterly adore (Standard Fare, Mammoth Penguins, Suggested Friends). It’s been my absolute honor to have recorded some songs with her, and hopes are high that you’ll get to hear them before too much longer 🙂
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fika ]
“Indistinct Conversations”
[ on Saddle Creek ]
So grateful that Elizabeth Powell’s musical return in 2017 (with the excellent “Life After Youth” LP) has seen her stick around for more. “Indistinct Conversations” contained what may be my most-listened to track of 2020 in the gorgeous “Compelled“. She and her LoT bandmates have recently gifted us with another EP, “Calming Night Partner“.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]
“LP2”
[ self-released via Bandcamp ]
The second (and final?) LP from this veritable supergroup of a band, and it’s an absolutely unabashed arena rock record. Trey Many, Jason Martin, TW Walsh, & David Bazan. Giant riffs, shimmering keys, powerful drums… immaculate production that just begs to be played loud. Shame we’ll probably never get to see these songs played from a stage. Who wants to start a Lo Tom cover band?
[ Stream & buy direct at Bandcamp ]
“The Long Now”
[ on Shelflife ]
My brain keeps thinking that the Luxembourg Signal is a “new” band, and suddenly they’re on their 3rd full-length in 7 years. Time is weird! Each record is ace in its own way, but this one feels like my fave of them all. Psyched to see they’re working on new songs.
[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]
“Mamalarky”
[ on Fire Talk ]
The excellent debut LP from this Atlanta-via-Austin-via-LA quartet, which followed a series of singles and a 2018 EP. In the handful of bands who released great records in 2020 that I’ve actually been able to see perform its songs in front of me, they may be the most appreciated (see also: Slow Pulp).
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fire Talk ]
“Ambertron”
[ on Comedy Minus One ]
I figure as long as Tim Midyett (Silkworm/Bottomless Pit) keeps making records, they’ll keep ending up on these lists.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from C-1 ]
“Eight Gates”
[ on Secretly Canadian ]
“Eight Gates” is the final collection of solo studio material that JM recorded before his passing. Eight years gone. Never forgotten.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Secretly Canadian ]
“Self Worth”
[ on Captured Tracks ]
The Spanish band’s first record as a trio after parting ways with their original drummer, and my personal favorite so far. Absolutely cannot wait until I get a chance to see them on a stage.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Captured Tracks ]
“Never Not Together”
[ on Barsuk Records ]
Another set of heart-on-sleeve songs from Caws & company, one that took a little longer than I expected to resonate with me, but once it did, it got in deep. “Just Wait” has become one of my all-time Nada Surf faves. The band has since released a companion collection called “Cycle Through” that includes outtakes & alternate versions.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Barsuk ]
“The Songs of Townes Van Zandt”
[ self-released via Bandcamp ]
Former Metal Hearts/Travels co-founder (and now former-Bostonian) Anar Badalov continues his solo output as New Dog with this super-limited 10-inch of TVZ covers. His latest project is ARANANAR, a collaboration with Adam “Aran” Nenadál that they call “a collection of odes and laments to the borderlands of the Czech Republic”. Their debut full-length arrives in just a few days, and you can listen to three tracks over at Bandcamp.
[ Listen & buy at Bandcamp ]
“Things I Never Said”
[ on Polyvinyl ]
Elise Okusami’s stunning debut, and seeing her band is high on my list of future hopes. I got shut out of their recent stop at the Paradise, opening for Slaughter Beach, Dog & Jeff Rosenstock (sold out so fast!), but fingers crossed a headlining show happens nearby in 2022. Y’know, virus willing.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Polyvinyl ]
“Gary Olson”
[ on Tapete Records ]
Ladybug Transistor founder, Marlborough Farms studio chief, and traveling trumpeteer Gary Olson’s very first solo record, concocted partly at his own Brooklyn space and partly in Norway. He has since released a stand-alone digital single, “A House in Provence”, which hopefully portends another LP not too far down the road.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Tapete ]
“Agitprop Arena”
[ on Slumberland Records ]
There’s a like a 90% chance that any new Slumberland release will end up on this list. Such is Papa Slumber’s sky-high batting average. PDM’s second full-length flaunts its influences openly, but what perfect influences they are.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]
“Richard”
[ on Ashmont Records ]
One of two full-lengths this prolific Pernice brother released in 2020 (the other being an inspired Barry Manilow tribute), and its arrival coincided with some semi-regular Instagram live streams. Hearing him play these songs in that setting so often really allowed them to burrow down deep. Up next from JP is another Pernice Brothers full-length in 2022.
[ Stream & buy the LP via Bandcamp ]
“Pilkington”
[ self-released via Bandcamp ]
Pop-rock perfection from Philly’s finest. A series of stellar singles heralded this self-titled debut LP, and did it ever measure up. Not just right up my alley, but a dead-on, 10-pin takedown.
[ Stream & buy via Bandcamp ]
“Every Bad”
[ on Secretly Canadian ]
I’d been regrettably unaware of Porridge Radio until this record, so “Every Bad” was a revelation. Dana Margolin & company have since released three singles, and most recently, a Sub Pop 7-inch with Wolf Parade & Shins covers.
[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Secretly Canadian ]
“Pure X”
[ on Fire Talk Records ]
Somehow a six year gap between records turned Pure X from a band I kinda like into a band I absolutely love. This self-titled LP, their fourth, completely clicked for me. They followed it up a few months later with “Rare Ecstasy: 2009-2019”, a collection of b-sides, demos, & covers.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fire Talk ]
“Away Team”
[ on Exploding In Sound ]
Another killer release from Exploding In Sound, a fantastic full-length that follows SoaS’s 2018 debut EP. And yes, another band I would probably have seen a couple times by now in the alternate universe where the world is not a touring band’s total nightmare.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EiS ]
“At the Moonbase”
[ on Lame-O Records ]
A little late to the SBD boat, which is weird because I dug Modern Baseball, but glad to finally be on board. Next time they come to town, I’m buyin’ my tickets early.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Lame-O ]
“Moveys”
[ on Winspear Records ]
I had the pure pleasure of seeing Slow Pulp a few weeks back, and it’s been a very, very long time since I’ve experienced such a complete love-fest between audience & band. Just absolute joy from the crowd, myself included, and singer/guitarist Emily Massey’s constant on-stage smiling showed that she felt it all. The band has released a couple of singles since “Moveys” (their first full-length), an original called “Shadow”, and a studio recording of their show-closing Sum 41 cover.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Winspear ]
“A Strange Dream”
[ on Slumberland Records ]
Like I said above, if it’s on Slumberland, it’s probably on here. Produced by the Clean’s David Kilgour, Smokescreens’ third full long-player is jangle-pop at its finest. There are moments when I believe album-closer “I Love Only You” is my favorite song of the year.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]
“I Was Born Swimming”
[ on Polyvinyl ]
Even if she’s no longer living in Boston, I’d still like to pretend she’s ours, just as a point of absolute pride. “I Was Born Swimming” is such a fully-realized debut full-length, and she’s already released another great one with “Planet (i)”, which arrived on Polyvinyl in June. She’s also got a new EP showing up in late January.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Polyvinyl ]
“How To Be Human”
[ on EggHunt Records ]
Wesley Bunch’s third album, and his most electro-leaning record yet. The guitars are still very much there, the knack for shimmering melodies remains, but the production has jumped up a notch. He’s found that retro-futuristic sweet spot that bands like M83 mine so well.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EggHunt ]
“Death Is The Best Thing For You Now”
[ on Keroleen Records ]
I can pinpoint the exact moment I discovered, and got completely hooked on, Jake Popyura’s Supermilk: A live-streamed virtual release party that Happy Accidents hosted for their latest (last?) LP. Jake was one of their guests, and about halfway through his solo version of “Agony Anne“, he had me. He’s already got another ace full-length out, “Four by Three”, that arrived over the summer.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Keroleen ]
“Sun Racket”
[ on Fire Records ]
The fact that Throwing Muses are still releasing records this good after 30-something years is both surprising and completely not surprising at the same time.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fire ]
“Needs Help”
[ on on Lost Sound Tapes> and Kocliko Records ]
Of all the Very Most releases that indiepop-lifer Jeremy Jensen has given us, this one is my very mostest favorite. Joined by a crack team of golden-voiced guest vocalists, it plays like the most cohesive pop mixtape you’ve ever heard.
[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Lost Sound or Kocliko ]
“Welcome to Conceptual Beach”
[ on Saddle Creek ]
After their 2018 “The Whole Thing Was Just There” LP put them on my radar, and their live set later that year (opening for Ian Sweet at Great Scott/RIP) utterly blew me away, I can’t hear new Young Jesus without picturing the songs coming at me from a stage. Spending so much time with this record and not getting that in-person payoff is a promise unfulfilled.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]
A Few Favorite 2020 EPs & Singles
“Barrels” EP
[ on Arctic Rodeo Recordings ]
[ Stream the EP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Arctic Rodeo ]
“Tape Deck” single
[ via Bandcamp ]
[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]
“Strange Mornings in the Garden” debut 7-inch
[ on American Laundromat ]
[ Sold out at ALR, but full-length coming in 2022 ]
“Moral Panics” EP
[ on Slumberland Records ]
[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]
“High-Rise Mannequins” EP
[ on Emotional Response ]
[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy from Emotional Response ]
“Freedom From Happiness” EP
[ on Waterfall of Colours ]
[ Stream it on Spotify / Buy direct from Waterfall of Colors ]
Wye Oak with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus
“No Horizon” EP
[ on Merge Records ]
[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Merge ]
Some Favorite 2020 Re-Issues
“A Good Kind of Nervous”
reissue/first time on vinyl
[ on Lost & Lonesome ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Lost & Lonesome ]
“Power, Corruption, & Lies”
Definitive Edition Box Set
[ on Rhino ]
[ Buy direct from Rhino or from the band ]
“The Comforts of Madness”
30th anniversary vinyl release
[ on 4AD ]
[ Buy direct from 4AD ]
“Please To Meet Me”
Deluxe Edition reissue
[ on Rhino ]
[ Buy direct from Rhino ]
“I, Jonathan”
reissue/first time on vinyl
[ on Craft Recordings ]
[ Buy direct from Craft Recordings ]
“Elliott Smith”
Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition
[ on Kill Rock Stars ]
[ Buy direct from KRS ]
“Electr-O-Pura”
25th Anniversary vinyl reissue
[ on Matador Records ]
[ Buy direct from Matador ]
A Few Favorite 2020
Digital-Only Releases
“Hot Freaks” weekly subscription club
[ from Rockathon ]
“Sunday Series” digital singles
[ via Bandcamp ]
“Goodbye For Now” digital LP
[ via Bandcamp ]
“6.19.20” digital EP
[ via Bandcamp ]
And there it is. Consider my bloggers-block officially behind me. Support your favorite artists, now more than ever. And try not to let the bastards get you down.