It was a tough year for musicians (and the rest of us), from being unable to tour, record under normal circumstances, or otherwise collect in groups. As much of music-making is a collective pursuit, this year’s list deserves particular respect.
In addition to being an in-demand actor moving from quirky roles with A List directors, Caleb Landry Jones is apparently a very decent Beatle-esque musician. How I hate him.
First saw Moses Sumney open for Sufjan Stevens at the DAR Constitution Hall. He was selling hand-made CDRs of his first EP with his mother in the hallway. Glad I snatched one up.
Mad props for my fellow WCWM alums Karen and Eric. A fantastic album released this year.
Everything you’ve heard about Protomartyr is true. A great album from cover to cover.
Katie Crutchfield’s voice can take you in a lot of different directions. This song is wistful but steady.
Super catchy tune from a local group. Looking forward to hearing more from them.
Meursault is gone. Meursault is back. Sometimes it’s called Neil. Always worth seeking out.
Despite being cocooned in their glass booths, the Mountain Goats Jordan Lake Sessions were a 2020 highlight. This is a group that are comfortable turning jam sessions into jazz poetry and vice versa.
Like a lot of musicians, Withered Hand (Dan Wilson) released a live album “Could Ya Do The Woo Woos? (Live From Newcastle)” to get some new inventory out there. Glad he did.
I’m having trouble getting Samia Finnerty’s voice out of my head. Despite the twee tones, there’s something in this song.
Another local band I’m happy to support, Nice Breeze came out with an EP this year.
Powerful and timely single from Quasi.
Having fun with Matt Sweeney & Bonnie “Prince” Billy, with a dark undercurrent.
Also nice to see so many recordings dedicated to good causes this year. Bon Iver’s PDLIF raised money for Direct Relief.
Friend of FTDO, Matthew at Song By Toad put out this fantastic release this year. Anxious and haunting. Worth checking out the Fair Mothers catalogue.
The always fantastic Tim Rutili of Califone, recorded just before quarantine.
New release of found recordings from Game Theory.
Eerie beats from master producer John Vanderslice. Despite his prolific output, there’s virtually nothing he releases that I do not immediately enjoy.
This was recorded in late March, when we thought we had already been stuck inside for a long time. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone to commiserate with during the hard times.
Nice, aggressive power chords from the duo Peggy Sue. Great hook in this song. Can’t recommend enough.
Portishead cover handled with great care by Torres. Puts a nice thump in this version.
james-wilkins.com 