45: Top 5 albums of 2020

Mark talks vinyl and hunts down new music to enjoy, with music podcaster Elliott Farrar.

Elliott’s picks

In order of discussion:

Weird!, by Yungblud

Elliott picked Yungblud’s second studio album for the way the artist’s message of “you do you” bleeds through.

Girlfriends, by Girlfriends

Pop punk is back, in the form of Travis Mills and Nick Gross’ project, which may have a limited shelf-life, given Mills’ busy career.

Grime MC, by Joe

Actually released right at the end of 2019 – but near-as-dammit to 2020 – Grime MC makes Elliott’s list for its interesting release, but its honesty and authenticity.

Fake it Flowers, by Beabadoobee

This debut album by Filipino-Brit Beabadoobee makes Elliott’s list for its soulful sound, undercut by rougher guitar riffs.

Foolish Loving Spaces, by Blossoms

Elliott’s final pick was a toss-up between a few contenders, but Blossoms’ 2020 album could not be permitted to slip through the net.

Mark’s picks

In order of discussion:

RTJ4, by Run the Jewels

Mark didn’t know people still made hip-hop like this, and was instantly up for the dirty beats and the smart lyrics.

Women in Music Pt III, by Haim

Mark likes to be taken by surprise, so the variation of songs in Haim’s latest album made this an easy second pick.

Letter to You, by Bruce Springsteen

Mark wanted the Boss for his list, which took him rather by surprise (Mark that is, Bruce doesn’t know about the podcast). Turns out the man’s still kickin’ it, and we must show respect.

Saint Cloud, by Waxahatchee

It’s a lazy Sunday mid-morning, you’ve got a coffee in hand and you’re sat on the sofa listening to some country-tinged indie rock.

Shore, by Fleet Foxes

Mark’s final pick is a band he’s enjoyed since 2008, although dropped off his radar a few years back. Shore has some tracks that feel like a return to that warm autumnal sound he enjoyed.

Honourable mentions

Working Men’s Club (self-titled)
Dream Nails (self-titled)

More of Elliott Farrar

Elliott is one half of the Scratched Record Podcast, which you can find in all your usual podcast places, and which brings indie music artists out of the shadows and into your ears every Tuesday.

Special Guest: Elliott Farrar.

Links: