I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2020 : 31-40

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 31 : Supercrush - SODO Pop    IDHAS Review

No 32 : The Speedways - Radio Sounds        IDHAS Review









No 33 : The Persian Leaps - Smiling Lessons     IDHAS Review

No 34 : Sergeant Buzfuz - Fox Pop          IDHAS Review

       

No 35 : John Howard - To The Left Of The Moon's Reflection     Review

No 36 : Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men - Downtime      Review




 




No 37 : Girl Skin - Shade Is On The Other Side     IDHAS Review

No 38 :  West Coast Music Club - Greetings From Ashton Park, West Kirby    IDHAS Review

  



No 39 : Papills - Too Hot For May   IDHAS Review

   

No 40 : 2 a.m. Orchestra - Trading Graves         IDHAS Review

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Girl Skin - Shade Is On The Other Side

 

As we reach the halfway point in these 31 Reviews In 31 Days, it seems apt to mark that point with something gentle and soothing. We can take stock of what's happened thus far and I can ponder over what's coming next. But more importantly, it allows us all to revel in the beauty of this fine offering.

Brooklyn six piece Girl Skin are led by Sid Simons , who has released a wonderfully atmospheric album. Essentially Folk, but much more than that. That Folk blends with Americana and Classic Pop, indeed at times, I'm reminded of Marc Bolan's quieter moments.

In other hands, Ruby Wang's sumptuous violin would be folked up into jig accompaniment or Americana yee haw, not here. It is used melodically and at times haunts, adding to and at times leading the arrangements. 

Shade Is On The Other Side is predominantly acoustic, but this isn't bedroom guitar strumming, everything is structured, minimal because a song doesn't need any more. The harmonies fill in the gaps, wonderfully so. 

When they break away from the format on such as the singalong Soft Gun, the effect is just as engaging. This is a beauty of a song, loose enough to show there's more than just moody to the band. Simon's vocal on Star is so fragile that you feel he might break. The Last Ever Song is fabulous latter day Lennon Pop.

I've been very critical at some of the lockdown acoustic offerings. Not because I don't like the format, but because it all sounds so mediocre. Listen to this album and learn how to perform something simply with originality. To say this is a lovely album wouldn't do it justice. It is of course, but it is beautifully arranged and performed. This is an exceptional piece of work, cohesive and captivating.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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