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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Foxycontin - This Time You’re on Your Own

 

Foxycontin are a long established quartet from Philadelphia, but their debut album could easily be the sound of London or even Canvey Island in the back end of the 70s. There isn't anything complicated here, just good old fashioned New Wave Guitar Rock.

Quite often, I'm reminded of a more melodic Dr Feelgood. To some, it may seem that five of the dozen songs here being covers may show a lack of song writing depth. But I don't see that at all, their inclusion gives the impression of a live set and you can bet that their actual live set is a sweaty rocking joy.

These covers are not obvious ones with perhaps the exception of Fred Neil's well worn The Dolphins. Included is a faithful cover of Nick Lowe's Heart Of The City and a wonderful sped up, Punk cover of Sweet's Little Willie. 

I'd also add that the seven originals are the most interesting songs here. Most are very UK New Wave and all are sing (or even shout) along. There are welcome reminders of a Steve Nieve's Organ run on the title track.

Fine.Fine! is a cracking slice of R and B and Alive In Interesting Times is a Garage Rock mix of The Figgs and an 80's sleazy Glam Metal band. But You'll Never Listen is so Elvis Costello And The Attractions and even incorporates a brass section.

The Whole World Knows I'll Never Get Over It Now borders on The Knack. It's Starting To Show is a cracking New Wave Anthem, everything in the song is in the right place. It is almost The Rumour. Foxycontin have conjured up a no thrills album, full of melody and that is tightly played. It is a cracking listen.

You can listen to and buy the album here. 

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