I've neglected my "blog" for a couple years because, well, I mean who looks at blogs? But nevertheless, it exists. I'm on vacation at the moment, and making this list is literally a pleasure for me. I was inspired by a few different mid-year best-of lists I read on the way here so I thought, you know, why not make one? So here it is. The first five are albums I love and have been listening to regularly. After that are albums I've enjoyed top to bottom with less obsessiveness.

>>> Here's a Spotify playlist! <<<

Best Albums of 2020, Part 1

Soccer Mommy - Color Theory

The main reason I put Sophia Regina Allison's album at the top of the list is not only because I think it's great from start to finish; it resonated with me emotionally. The songs have a retro 90's/00's vibe that firmly hits the nostalgia buttons, all the way down to the melancholy -- a feeling I have not missed as time passed between now and that era of indie rock. Allison is right in the midst of that place, and her documentation feels familiarly sad. Listening is like pressing a bruise... a good kind of hurt.

Listen to "Circle the Drain" on Bandcamp, Spotify or watch it on Youtube.

Run the Jewels - RTJ4
The latest from Killer Mike and El-P is heavy, angry, tender, modern, retro hip-hop. I love their catalog entirely, because they deliver a version of hip-hop I remember fondly, a politically-charged fusion of lyricism and MCing that carries the traditions of Big Daddy Kane and Public Enemy forward. Plus, we're like the same age. The fact that Mike was quoting Eric Garner on "Walking in the Snow," and NOT George Floyd, is irrefutable proof that something terrible has been happening to people of color in America from the nation's inception.

Listen to "A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation)" on their site, Spotify or Youtube.

Neil Young - Homegrown

Neil made this album in the early 70's and apparently shelved it because he thought it was too personal, or... it wasn't edgy enough? Either way it's nice, you know? Vintage hippie Neil.

Listen to "Homegrown" on Spotify, watch the barnyard version on Youtube, or check out his site for a selection of vinyl and rolling papers.

Beach Bunny - Honeymoon
Skilled Chicago indie pop from young singer/songwriter Lili Trifilio at the center, who sings like a girl group ringer, all heartbreak and huge pipes.

Listen to "Promises" on Bandcamp, Spotify or watch it on Youtube.