@ghost_llama
2020 was a horrible year filled with little joy and lots of time inside. Luckily, we have music to help keep us somewhat distracted. In that vain listed below are the 11 albums I really enjoyed listening and dancing to over and over again this year.
Caroline Rose - Superstar
Caroline Rose's 2nd album provides straight forward lyrics with dreamy dancable grooves. One the most underrated songwriters working today, Rose continues to tackle tougher subject matters like in a way that let's us dance through our emotions.
Run the Jewels - RTJ 4
I often joke about Run the Jewels being the AC/DC of rap but nothing gets me more hype then an RTJ song and this album delivers. Taking the time to listen and digest the lyrics on their 4th effort is important. Released after George Floyd's murder, the lyrics "I can't breathe" serve as a reminder to every white kid listening that we still have a lot of work to do to help people of color succeed in America.
Glass Animals - Dreamland
I am mostly glad that drummer Joe Seaward recovered from his bike accident and was able to play on this record. Glass Animal's 3rd record is a 90s nostalgia fueled ride that easy to dance along too.
The Strokes - The New Abnormal
When I pushed play on this album, I was fully prepared to be let down. By the closing notes of Ode to the Mets I am mentally debating if this record is the 3rd best Strokes record. Undecided, I just press play again and enjoy the tunes.
Fiona Apple - Fetch the BoltCutters
Fiona Apple's surprise release is in pretty much every music magazine's year end list but that's because this album is stellar from front to back.
Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher
This was a great year for female artists. Phoebe Bridgers sophomore album stands out among the best of the best.
Fleet Foxes - Shore
The indie rock band dropped their lastest made for fall album on the first day of fall. The millinial in me almost wants to revisit my old tumblr.
Busta Rhymes - Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God
Busta returns with his tenth studio album loaded with an amazing list of guest contributers. At times bloated this record seems to be fresh and retro at the same time as only Busta could pull off.
Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension
When The Postal Service announced they had a surprise announcement, I was overcame with delight of the possibility of a reunion or album. Instead the released the weakest vote ad of year. Thankfully, on Sufjan's latest album since 2015 he returned to his synth days of 2010's Age of Adz.
The War on Drugs - Live Drugs
I'll admit that I was very late to board the War on Drugs train but this album makes a great entry point into the band. You have new songs, a few older classics, and a stellar cover of Warren Zevon's Accidently a Martyr. Expertly recorded and produced at times you can close your eyes and picture yourself at the show.
Phish - Sigma Oasis
An album that came by surprise to fans amid the confusing time of the first few weeks of the pandemic the live stream prerelease listening united phans and for a little an hour we allowed our minds to enjoy the moment for the first time in ages. Aside from providing a momentary distraction, Phish brought their best studio work since Story of a Ghost.