My 2020 in Music: A Tiny Best-Of List from the Dumpster Fire that Was
2020 has been a bit of a mixed bag in terms of new music. There were a few exciting re-issues, but not so many new releases. Kylie Ruled!
I’ve Never Been a Fanboy (And Yet Here We Are): Kylie Minogue’s “Disco” (2020)
Kylie Minogue's 2020 album is an absolutely essential slice of pop joy!
Still Fresh, Still Urgent: INXS’s Kick on Vinyl
INXS's classic 1987 album "Kick" is a must-have album that still sounds fresh well into the 21st century. Turn it up.
A Fan Writes a Bad Review: Iron Butterfly Live at the Galaxy, 1967
Don't waste your time on this dreadful live album that was probably released without the band's permission.
The Warehouse That Ate My Paycheque: Memories of Cargo Records, Montreal
I was fortunate enough to have been able to shop at Cargo Records warehouse in Montreal. They were a distributor for imported alternative music in the 80s and 90s.
Four Stars and a Mystery: The Dave Clark Five’s “5 by 5”
This is a unique UK-only 1968 release from the Dave Clark Five, not to be confused with the US album of the same name, which features an entirely different track listing!
From Twee to Transcendence: The Musical World of Club 8
Club 8 is the main artistic endeavour of Labrador records founder Johan Angergård, and the music will wrap you in a warm hug on a cold day.
Something Enchanting This Way Comes: New Spell’s Of Time Eps
New Spell are an indie electronic/New Wave band from California who's music is available exclusively via Bandcamp.
Eyes Closed on the Dance Floor: Vandal Moon’s “Black Kiss” (2020)
Vandal Moon is a modern indie Dark Wave band from California. Think Human League gone goth! Black Kiss is their 2020 album!
From “Tutti Frutti” to Northern Soul: The Little Richard You Haven’t Heard
Mostly remembered for his early rock 'n' roll from the 1950s, Little Richard's later albums include brilliant soul & R&B!