I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2020 : 11-20

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 11 : Nick Frater - Fast & Loose    IDHAS Review

No 12 : Joe Giddings - Better From Here      IDHAS Review








No 13 : Silver Sun - Switzerland     IDHAS Review

 

No 14 : Sparks - A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip          IDHAS Review

      

No 15 : Greg Pope - Wishing On A Dark Star    IDHAS Review

No 16 : Mason Summit - Negative Space       IDHAS Review




  



No 17 : The Foreign Films - Ocean Moon     IDHAS Review

No 18 :  Mooner - The Alternate Universe of Love    IDHAS Review

No 19 : Kiwi Jr. - Football Money   IDHAS Review

          

No 20 : Parsonsfield - Happy Hour On The Floor         IDHAS Review

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Mooner - The Alternate Universe of Love

 

Mooner's third album is an absolute joy. The band suck you in. Essentially Indie Pop Rock, Lee Ketch's  laidback soothing vocal would easily lend itself to the Wilco brigade if it were not for the mastery and inventiveness of the songs. 

The weeping Why Don't You Need Me is straight ahead and it is here that those Jeff Tweedy comparisons, and Can I Be Angry? could follow similar territory if it were not for some incendiary Guitar playing.

Happily is built around an unusual riff that just hooks you completely, then the cello zips in followed by an explosive Lead Guitar. It is about now that you realise that this is going to be no ordinary listen. Eleanor's Idea underlines this, it is a Toytown Psych wonder, completely unexpected in the first minute.

Every Single Sun has overtones of early Fleetwood Mac, all six minutes of it and Is This All I Can Do To Love You? is pure George Harrison.  I Can't Tell is classic 70's Pop Rock, think Gallagher and Lyle, whilst still having Americana Roots.

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The Sky is broodingly wonderful. It is an acoustic showcase of Ketch and Lee Shields's vocals until the last two minutes of hippy spaced out feedback. Tying Mooner down is hard, but maybe the title track explains them best, a straight ahead pop song that adds unusual distractions.

I can think of few bands who could pull this off. Adding Indie uniqueness to Americana Pop Rock in a way that doesn't feel forced or too clever. The Alternate Universe To Love is an outstanding offering from a band who know how to write songs and play their instruments. 

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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