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[Maiden Voyage]

What an incredible year for music. I don't remember a year that has had this many solid albums. The timing could not have been more perfect. In these quarantine times, there's no better escape from the drudgery of WFH or for those on the front-line as essential workers.

All that aside, each album in my top 10 list is a great listen from start to finish. I can whole-heartedly say that I love each and every album on the list. There were so many that I included a spillover list to help capture each album that grabbed my attention throughout the year.
My #1 is especially notable to me given it is the first album Pinegrove has written/created since their self-imposed hiatus after frontman Evan Stephens Hall was #metoo'd. The claims were somewhat baffling and nonsensical, though Hall admits to "sexual coercion" (more info here, if you're interested; TL;DR it's bs). While Hall says the album is not about the events/fallout of the #metoo accusation, it's quite clear from the album's opening lyrics, there is clearly something for the listener to digest (Ignore the wreckage on the shoulder). While perhaps not explicitly about the events, clearly Hall has reflected while in his self-imposed hiatus. While a bit more typically emo than I enjoy, the context of the album transcends it perfection. The music & lyrics may be sombre but it's incredibly catchy. Definitely worth a listen.

My personal Top 10 list:

10. Khruangbin - Mordechai​

9. Grimes - Miss Anthropocene​

8. Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension​

7. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - K.G.​

6. Nathaniel Rateliff - And It’s Still All Right​

5. The Flaming Lips - American Head​

4. The Beths - Jump Rope Grazers​

3. Run The Jewels - RTJ4​

2. Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud​

1. Pinegrove - Marigold​

Honorable mentions (In no order):

Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher​

Deftones - Ohms​

Haim - Women in Music, Pt. III​

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Reunions​

Mad Caddies - House on Fire EP​

Andy Shauf - The Neon Skyline​

Tame Impala - The Slow Rush​

Tennis - Swimmer​

Colter Wall - Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs​

​

​

Cravis AC/DC - Power Up
SafeOrAlone 2-way tie (Phoebe Bridgers, The Strokes)
A Alter_Fridge Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
e0n Helena Deland - Someone New
Lionel Richie The Microphones - The Microphones in 2020
R Rock And Roll 3-way tie (RTJ, Kesha, Dua Lipa)
T8SC Scooter - God Save the Rave (Technically it looks like a 2021 release )
IfuckinghateReddit Frank Zappa & The Mothers - The Mothers 1970 (Compilation of previously unreleased material)
teezzy Deftones - Ohms
belmarduk Will Atkinson - Last King of Scotland
E Explosive Zombie - Esoctrilihum - Eternity of Shaog
kyussman Clutch - Weathermaker Vault Series Vol. 1
Pol Pot Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters
T TheHighFlyingBirds Gerry Cinnamon - The Bonny
MrS 5-way tie (King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard [Chunky Shrapnel], Abel, Due Lipa, Robin Pecknold, Father John Misty )
No Longer Human Fleet Foxes - Shore
Paasei 3-way tie (Marilyn Manson, Deftones, Polaris)
bitbydeath Eminem - Music to be Murdered By
Werewolf Jones 3-way tie (Merzbow, Boris, and RTJ)
lunnuyu (INNA, Max Barskih)
Bridges The Strokes - The New Abnormal
The Bloody-Nine Benediction - Scriptures
tommib Autechre - Sign
Party McHardy 2-way tie (Chris Stapleton, Twiztid)
TrainedRage Clown Core - Van
J jezhumphrey75 2-way tie (Eminem, and Benny the Butcher)
Tesseract Clown Core - Van
ArtemisClydeFrog 3-way tie (Kid Cudi, Bronson, Glass Animals)
diffusionx Pallbearer - Forgotten Days
NinjaBoiX Hayley Williams - Petals for Armor
Jethalal The Weeknd - After Hours

​

• A.V. Club: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Associated Press (Mesfin Fekadu): Toni Braxton - "Spell My Name"
• BBC Radio 6: Sault - Untitled (Black Is)
• Billboard: Taylor Swift - Folklore
• BrooklynVegan: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Complex: The Weeknd - After Hours
• Consequence of Sound: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Entertainment Weekly: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Fader: J Hus - Big Conspiracy
• Flood Magazine: RTJ - RTJ4
• The Guardian: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Independent: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• KCRW: Sault - Untitled (Black Is)
• L.A. Times: Taylor Swift - Folklore
• Magnet: The Strokes - The New Abnormal
• The Needle Drop (Anthony Fantano): Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
• N.M.E.: RTJ - RTJ4
• NPR: Sault - Untitled (Black Is)
• Paste: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• People: Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
• Pitchfork: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Revolver: Deftones - Ohms
• Rolling Stone: Taylor Swift - Folklore
• Slant: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Slate: Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher
• Spin: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Stereogum: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Time: Taylor Swift - Folklore
• The Times: Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher
• USA Today: Tie (Taylor Swift - Folklore & Evermore)
• Vice (Noisey): Sault - Untitled (Black Is)
• Vulture: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
• Yahoo! Entertainment: The Weeknd - After Hours

Worst Album Covers of the Year, provided by Exclaim.ca:

Spoiler: Anal Bum Cover

#1

#2 is probably the better choice, imo

Spoiler: NSFW / Graphic

Earlyworm's Top EPs of 2020

EARLYWORM’s Top EPs of 2020 — EARLYWORM

Issue 24 | December 7, 2020

www.earlyworm.world

Pitchfork's best songs of the year

The 100 Best Songs of 2020

The tracks that defined this bizarre year, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, the Weeknd, Christine and the Queens, Noname, Waxahatchee, and more

pitchfork.com

What about you? What's your #1 album this year and why is it T. Swiftles?

*The views expressed in this thread are those of the individual posters. EviLore and Neogaf Inc. do not condone the choices reflected in this thread, unless otherwise stated by the big cheese himself.

 

[Cravis]

I find your lack of AC/DC disturbing.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

I find your lack of AC/DC disturbing.

Australia Suffers From Garbage Crisis

India bans the importation of trash from countries around the world including Australia and this ban has caused a garbage crisis in the land down under.

www.sciencetimes.com

 

[Maiden Voyage]

 

[SafeOrAlone]

My favorites have been Phoebe Bridger's Punisher and The New Abnormal, by The Strokes. "At the Door" is probably my favorite song this year.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Adding in both Rolling Stone and Exclaim's Worst Album Covers of the Year to the OP.

Year in Review: The 50 Best Albums of 2020

From Taylor Swift's folk surprise to Bob Dylan's best album in 20 years: the 50 Best Albums of 2020

www.rollingstone.com

Here Are the 33 Worst Album Covers of 2020 | Exclaim!

Culture, art and life itself are constantly shifting all around us in myriad ways, and in 2020 more so than ever before. Trends bubble up an...

exclaim.ca

 

[Alter_Fridge]

No love for Dua Lipa?

Are far as mainstream goes, this as quality as you'll get

 

[teezzy]

EDIT INCOMING - LISTENING TO NEW ALBUMS

 

[e0n]

My tentative top 5:

Slow Pulp - Moveys
Helena Deland - Someone New
Run the Jewels - RTJ4
Peel Dream Magazine - Agitprop Alterna
Fleet Foxes - Shore

Maiden Voyage , put me down for Someone New.

 

[Lionel Richie]

My girlfriend is a theater actress, and I so I learned a lot from her about overall performance and the expression of art in an academic way. I don't say that to say THIS IS THE RIGHT CHOICE, I say that to put some emphasis on how much this album absolutely nails its concept, how it pushes the medium forward in a very idiosyncratic way and how it's the perfect marriage of conception and execution. It sets out to do one thing and it does that thing beautifully. It will probably get memed to death because we live in the worst generation to every inhabit this earth, but this album is a masterpiece. It's transgressive, it's accessive, it's aimed at old fans while probably picking up new fans by being something so completely unique. 10/10.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

2020 - RYM/Sonemic

2020. Author: MechaGhidorah.

rateyourmusic.com

 

[Maiden Voyage]

My girlfriend is a theater actress, and I so I learned a lot from her about overall performance and the expression of art in an academic way. I don't say that to say THIS IS THE RIGHT CHOICE, I say that to put some emphasis on how much this album absolutely nails its concept, how it pushes the medium forward in a very idiosyncratic way and how it's the perfect marriage of conception and execution. It sets out to do one thing and it does that thing beautifully. It will probably get memed to death because we live in the worst generation to every inhabit this earth, but this album is a masterpiece. It's transgressive, it's accessive, it's aimed at old fans while probably picking up new fans by being something so completely unique. 10/10.

Not familiar with the band but I’ll give it a listen

 

[Lionel Richie]

Not familiar with the band but I’ll give it a listen

It's a major work for sure. It's probably better if you're familiar with the LORE, but not unapproachable if you take it as an honest testimony of an artist about his art.

 

[bender]

I've listened to zero new albums this year. The good news is that Mogwai has a new album dropping in 2021.

 

[Rock And Roll]

I'm not hip anymore and barely listen to new music but the three new albums I enjoyed a lot this year were

RTJ4 - Run The Jewels (probably their best work)

High Road - Kesha (still the most deceptively versatile songwriter in pop)

Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa (great songs + production all around)

I'm struggling to think of any rock records I listened to this year that I really dug but then again I didn't search much stuff out.

 

[T8SC]

 

[teezzy]

I'm not hip anymore and barely listen to new music

I've slowly but surely come to realize that most of my favorite albums are at least 20 years old now. I'm not even 30 yet.

I peaked when I was 9 apparently.

A lot of new stuff just sounds so disposable and without staying power. Can't even vibe with it. Sounds like robot music.

 

[IfuckinghateReddit]

The only release worth listening to from this year:

 

[Maiden Voyage]

I've slowly but surely come to realize that most of my favorite albums are at least 20 years old now. I'm not even 30 yet.

I peaked when I was 9 apparently.

A lot of new stuff just sounds so disposable and without staying power. Can't even vibe with it. Sounds like robot music.

I go through phases with music. One phase I will only want to listen to old shit, another nothing but new. I tend toward the latter when I have a sudden shift or focus on a genre I don't usually listen to, or if a band I love puts out a killer record.

If you're okay with something a bit different, check out a band like Mad Caddies. They have mainstream appeal but never broke into the mainstream. They have a lot of just outright fun songs in their catalog. Here's an example:


There's a ton of great shit out there. Sadly, there's also just a lot of shit.

 

[teezzy]

Okay Maiden Voyage ... check and mate, breh. I've been listening to A LOT lately. I asked for recommendations in a few Discords I'm in. Threw a bunch aside after not digging 'em too much, and here's what I'm going with. I even put 'em in some kind of order...

I'm burnt out on music. But these were my fiv....six favorites. Deftones still reigns supreme with Miley surprisingly being my second favorite.

This was actually a lot of fun. Life was so crazy this year. I think I should pay more attention to music. Lots of synth pop seems to be coming back -weird.

But yeah here's my super hipster list. I'd make Punished Miku proud.

Deftones - Ohms

Miley Cyrus - Plastic Hearts

Afsky - Ofte jeg drommer mig dod (Often I Dream I'm Dead)

Gum Country - Somewhere

Choir Boy - Gathering Swans

Soft Kill - Dead Kids R.I.P. City

I couldn't find the 2020 Death Metal list E Explosive Zombie made. Forgot where he posted it. Either way, I love these so much... I'd be shocked to see any of 'em get supplanted.

Kids these days... I don't think they have as bad of taste as we think they do. A lot of this stuff is 80s af.

 

[teezzy]

Seriously though, that new Miley Cyrus album is better than it has any right to be

 

[teezzy]

 

[teezzy]

Okay... last one, I swear



I hate how much I love this

 

[Rock And Roll]

Seriously though, that new Miley Cyrus album is better than it has any right to be

I'll listen to your Miley album, but I really doubt it's better than the new Kesha record. 24 hours and we'll compare notes?

 

[teezzy]

R Rock And Roll broooo didnt realize Kesha had a new bop out too

Hahaha deal

 

[belmarduk]

Any EDM fans here? Trance specifically?

My vote goes to Will Atkinson for Last King of Scotland.

This is my favorite song at the moment, but the entire album is great.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

teezzy it's legit upthread, bro, lol... fine I'll do this...

1. Esoctrilihum - Eternity of Shaog

2. Of Feather and Bone - Sulfuric Disintegration

3. Necrot - Mortal

4. Anaal Nathrakh - Endarkenment

5. Spectral Lore & Mare Cognitum - Wanderers: Astrology of the Nine

6. Bedsore - Hypnagogic Hallucinations

7. Cryptic Shift - Visitations from Enceladus

8. Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville

9. Kommodus - Kommodus

10. Ulcerate - Stare Into Death and Be Still

Not all Death Metal, though, most this list is, however...

2020 - RYM/Sonemic

2020. Author: MechaGhidorah.

rateyourmusic.com

 

[Maiden Voyage]

OP updated with a section for user lists.

 

[IfuckinghateReddit]

OP - The Zappa/Mothers compilation isn't a re-release. It's a compilation of all previously unreleased material.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Added additional AOTY for the following outlets:
Slate: Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher
Entertainment Weekly - Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Complex: The Weeknd - After Hours

OP - The Zappa/Mothers compilation isn't a re-release. It's a compilation of all previously unreleased material.

Updated!

 

[Alter_Fridge]

That band called Bedsore looooooooooool

 

[INC]

I've not heard of any of these people

 

[kyussman]

Any year the mighty Clutch release a record it by default becomes the album of the year....any music fan should know this by now.
Granted the one they just released is re-recordings and cover versions.....but still,it's better than 99% of the garbage that passes for music these days....it's also got Spacegrass on it....so,yea.

 

[Pol Pot]

Along with the repress of her second album from VMP, it's the year of Fiona.

 

[TheHighFlyingBirds]

Can't say I've heard many of the artists above. Also not heard many new albums this year, as quite happy listening to my older stuff and new vinyls (older albums), although quite like The Bonny by Gerry Cinnamon.

 

[Rock And Roll]

Can't say I've heard many of the artists above. Also not heard many new albums this year, as quite happy listening to my older stuff and new vinyls (older albums), although quite like The Bonny by Gerry Cinnamon.

I was meaning to listen to this but totally forgot it came out. Thanks for the reminder, I'll check this out today!

 

[MrS]

After Hours - Abel
Future Nostalgia - Dua
Shore - Robin Pecknold
Chunky Shrapnel - King Gizz
Anthem +3 - Father john misty

Only releases worth a damn this year imho

 

[teezzy]

E Explosive Zombie

Lmaooooo whoops. I was looking through the metal thread, listening thread, and meta gaf.

But dude! Eternity of Shaog was actually one I'd forgotten to include in my post. Didnt realize it was death metal, I actually was like "oh man why doesnt more black metal use gutturals, this is tight!!"

I'm not hip to subgenres distinctions ultimately I guess, but that album was a bit of a genre bender. Found it on Spotify

 

[No Longer Human]

1. Fleet Foxes - Shore

They lost me a bit with Crack-Up, which was a bit meandering and pointless I thought, but this is just incredible. Not even a weakish song on here.

2. Haim - Women in Music III

Another return to form, last album was eh but this one is awesome. You can hear all the clear influences but they've distilled them into something they can call their own. Will also marry Danielle.

3. Sufjan Stevens - The The Ascension
4. Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter
5. Treasury of Puppies - Treasury of Puppies

LOOK AT THIS COVER

 

[Paasei]

Marilyn Manson - We Are Chaos
Deftones - Ohms
Polaris - The Death of Me

The best #3 albums I have listened to so far this year. There are some I still need to go through.
The Anaal Nathrakh and Vader albums are still on the list I have to listen to.

 

[T8SC]

I didn't post the reasons why God Save The Rave is album of the year, so here you go, thank me later.






Stuck on the wrong channel, like chained to a dead camel.

 

[bitbydeath]

I liked a few off this album.
Mainly listened to older music this year.

 

[teezzy]

im scared of how much i love this Miley album, dear lord

 

[Werewolf Jones]

And new RTJ is all I can really praise this year from my memory.

Might have to give everything a once over from the yearly release list.

 

[teezzy]

WHOA NEW BORIS?!!!

 

[Pol Pot]

im scared of how much i love this Miley album, dear lord

When I heard her cover Say Hello To Heaven at the Cornell tribute I had to rethink some shit.
Haven't heard this new one, but Miley might be legit.

 

[teezzy]

When I heard her cover Say Hello To Heaven at the Cornell tribute I had to rethink some shit.
Haven't heard this new one, but Miley might be legit.

It's a love letter to music. There's lots of new pop albums people are stanning rn, and I'm not really into the whole scene, but this is one that sounds like actual music and not for like teenage transgendered space aliens.

The Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and Stevie Nicks cameos certainly don't hurt either.

Her interview on Rogan cemented her as a 'real one' imho

 

[Pol Pot]

Is that when she did Doll Parts?

I'm going to have to check this new one out.

 

[lunnuyu]

 

[teezzy]

Is that when she did Doll Parts?

I'm going to have to check this new one out.

It's definitely a Miley Cyrus album so go into it recognizing that much, but it's a record with balls. Mark my goddamn words. Miley is alpha chad

She's on another tip lately.