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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Gregory Pepper And His Problems - I Know Now Why You Cry

My good friend Dennis from PopRock Record is a big fan of Gregory Pepper, but he's new to me, despite having a long archive to call on. Canadian Pepper writes and performs great gentle Quirky Pop, seemingly simple, but constructively deep.

The arrangements are what sets it apart from other poptastic affairs. The feel is like some of the superb Children's albums by the likes of They Might Be Giants, but the lyrics take on adult subjects and seemingly hidden meanings.







The wonder is also in the instrumentation. It is as though Pepper has bought every instrument he could find and wants them to appear on the album. So you get Toy Town Plinkity Plonk Piano next to some wonderful Slide Guitar.

The Twee factor is high, but not annoyingly so, again largely down to the arrangements. A song like Art Collector has so many layers and morphs into the weeping joy of Bored Of The View. This is a song that would be lauded if it was performed by some obscure 60's one album band.







Bigger Than Jesus would stand up with anything recorded by today's wannabe Beach Boys and the arrangement is again fantastic, McCartney-esque. I've Got A Bottle Of Ink is another fine song that may get mistaken by its title.

Unsolved Mystery is a shuffle, again with some wonderful Slide Guitar. I Know Now Why You Cry is a splendid Pop album. Much deeper than it appears, but revelling in its simplicity. This album will surprise you, give it a try!







You can listen to and buy the album here. You can also find out more about Gregory Pepper here.


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