I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2020 : 81-90

It's been difficult to get these choices down to 100. I'm also not a believer in saying one album is better than another. Most of the time you are comparing Apples To Oranges. I'm not a List person, I just think what's the point?

However, for the last few years I have compiled annual Best Of 's  because these posts seem so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists. There is no meaning or judgement on an album that is Number 1, Number 100 or not on the list. Anything that I review on here, mention on Social Media or play on the Radio Show is as highly recommended.

I would also add that the Top 100 includes albums available as Download Only. To suggest that they are anything less than equal to a Physical release is grossly unfair, even more so in 2020 with all that has happened during the year. To qualify, an album has to be available for sale in any format.

For each album, I've posted a song from it and a link to where you can find further details on how to listen or buy the album. 

No 81 : Ryan Allen (Extra Arms) - Song Snacks Vol. 1       IDHAS Review

No 82 : Blight - Restless Chase           IDHAS Review









No 83 : Moon Attendant - One Last Summer        IDHAS Review










No 84 : Ed Ryan - Even Time       Review

No 85 : Gregory Pepper And His Problems - I Know Now Why You Cry    IDHAS Review

No 86 : Cocktails - Catastrophic Entertainment      IDHAS Review









No 87 : Ages And Ages - Me You They We     IDHAS Review









No 88 :  The Trend - Bella Vega     Review

No 89 : A Perfect Day - With Eyes Wide Open     IDHAS Review

 


No 90 : Dunkie - Working To Design    Review

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A Perfect Day - With Eyes Wide Open

 

Something a bit different for IDHAS, but just as wonderful to these ears. A Perfect Day's third album is released tomorrow and I am adoring it. The quartet are Italian, not that you'd think that listening to this and are lumped in with Hard Rock. But don't run off because this is top notch stuff.

Reading European Reviews, I realise that it isn't only Pop Rock that has a problem with cut and paste reviews. All that you read is word for word PR, although you can see it in various languages. This album is described as Hard Rock and Blues Rock, it is neither really, although it does edge in parts to the former.

This is much nearer Melodic Rock. I've been a bit Bowie like in search of his Jeff Beck, since Rush ended. Whilst this lot are not Rush, there are plenty of hints in the chord changes and some of the instrumentation. Marco Baruffetti's vocal even hints at Geddy Lee's latter day voice. There's also a similarity to Coheed And Cambria without the comic book nonsense. 

With Eyes Wide Open feels far more Alt Rock, very American. The beauty of the songs is that they have great choruses and solos aren't over the top. The Twin Guitar works beautifully. The band do come up for air, but it's briefly. They want to Rock you with no cliches. 

The opening pair of songs tell you all you need to know. Unexpected chord changes, high on melody making you want to shake your fist, but in a safe manner of course. Pull Me Out and Give It Away are storming and although the rest of the album doesn't quite match them, they come pretty close. 

Starlight really has the feel of a latter day Rush album and The Roots is more straight ahead with a killer riff. This album wipes the floor with the competition in the genre. A genre that suffers far too much from template songs. A Perfect Day had variety to what can be a staid field.

You can buy the CD directly from the label here. Alternatively downloads can be bought from the likes of Amazon here. Streaming Sites will all have it from tomorrow.