I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2020 : 21-30

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 21 : Foxycontin - This Time You’re on Your Own    IDHAS Review

No 22 : Gretchen's Wheel - Such Open Sky      IDHAS Review









No 23 : The Successful Failures - Pack Up Your Shadows     IDHAS Review

 

No 24 : The Amiimopps - Life On Pluto          You Tube Group

       

No 25 : The Bye Bye Blackbirds - Boxer At Rest    IDHAS Review

 

No 26 : The Mommyheads - New Kings Of Pop       IDHAS Review




 




No 27 : Answering Machine - Bad Luck     IDHAS Review

No 28 :  The Happy Fits - What Could Be Better    IDHAS Review



 

No 29 : KEYS - Home Schooling   IDHAS Review

Libertino · KEYS - The Strain

 

   

No 30 : DISQ - Collector         Review

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Answering Machine - Bad Luck

I'm back in more familiar territory with Brooklyn five piece Answering Machine and it reassuringly great. After a couple of EPs that signposted the way to this debut album, these 10 songs reveal everything that you hoped would materialise. Bad Luck is a great Pop Rock album.

The two vocal approach works beautifully, whether that be when either takes the lead and even more so when they combine. I'm reminded a lot of Ex Norwegian with the mix of male and female vocals and again that is no bad thing.







There's a folky sound to Samantha Campanile's voice at times, reminiscent of Kirsty MacColl and this only enhances the enjoyment. A song like Water Signs also shows that the band cross genres well, adopting an almost UK New Wave feel.

Wet Blanket has far more in common with the New York New Wave and Marie is built around a Clash like riff, almost Sandinista like. This Year has the pace of a Pogues songs and all these influences mix and work as well as on any debut album that you can name.







The album though is at its best when it relies on its best template which is pretty close to Power Pop. The big choruses and hooks on the likes of Cherry Coke, Riverdale and Bubblegum. Answering Machine master this so well that it is to their credit that they branch out.

The stand out song here is the title track. Bad Luck is a four minute song that feels two minutes long, it has everything that you need for a successful single. This whole album is a joy, wonderfully played, beautifully constructed and a real upbeat listen. This is also yet another triumph for Wiretap Records. Highly Recommended!







You can listen to and buy the album here.


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