I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2020 : 41-50

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 41 : Captain Wilberforce - When The Dust Just Won't Settle    IDHAS Review

No 42 : mylittlebrother - Howl        IDHAS Review









No 43 : The Overtures - Once In A World     IDHAS Review

No 44 : Mothboxer - Accelerator          IDHAS Review

       

No 45 : Ex Norwegian - Hue Spotting    IDHAS Review

No 46 : Cary Grace - Lady Of Turquoise      Review









No 47 : Dolph Chaney - Rebuilding Permit     Review

No 48 :  Shrug Life - Maybe You're The Punchline    IDHAS Review




 



No 49 : Gal Gun - Critical Hit    IDHAS Review

   



No 50 : Librarians With Hickeys - Long Overdue         Review

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The Overtures - Once In A World

 

Being so close to Liverpool, I come across a lot of  Merseybeat /  early Beatles cover bands and so they become just a tad tedious. However, The Overtures are on a different level to the meat and potatoes of every day outfits, in that they are fantastic at what they do. Covering the gamut of 60's UK Beat, their shows are a fun packed, singalong , nostalgic pleasure. They master the genre.

They've also overcome another problem here. In the band's fourth decade, they release their first album of original songs and it is really rather good. The problem when artists write their own songs in this style, they come across in one of two ways or even worse, both. Songs can either be so cliched, like for instance The Tearaways who seem to be covering the whole range of artists or genres for their song titles. 

The other problem can be image.  Suit, Beatles Haircut, Rickenbacker in hand, perma-smile from the likes of Johnathan Pushkar just become a yawn fest leading to Karaoke Beatles comparisons. Thankfully, this UK five piece have avoided both issues. This is a really pleasant listen, beautifully executed and professionally done.

This is helped by the vocalist and songwriter being Den Pugsley from one of the most underrated 80's Power Pop bands, The Pencils. There's a lot of jangle here and it is really good. At times I'm reminded of The Searchers a lot, but even more of Liverpool Express.

The band master that early to mid 60's sound, but they are even better when they veer from that course. Still On The Mind is a beat driven, brass accompanied joy, Red Dolls House is a cracking slice of 60's Beat and the stand out, Watching The Grass Grow is a wonderful Toytown Psych Pop affair. The latter really is a revelation.

I approached the album with trepidation, thinking that I knew exactly what I was gonna get. I deserve a slap for my prejudice. Well done The Overtures, this is a great listen. Few can do this type of stuff this well.

You can buy the album at the band's website here or from Ray at Kool Kat here.

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