Top Five Albums of the Year - 2020

2020 was some kind of year. Discovering new music and making playlists was a particularly important to me as I tried to find the positive moments. With less to do, I spent a lot of time just listening to music in the backyard. Luckily in the summer months I found a lot of options, and some new bands I'd never heard before. Below are my top 5 albums of 2020, based on my pure enjoyment. Honorable mention should go to albums by Nik Kershaw and The Republic Tigers (who released new material after 8 and 12 years, respectively), as well as Ariel Posen, The Brummies, Delta Spirit, and Palace Winter. 

Rufus Wainwright - Unfollow the Rules - 2020

In the eight years since the 2012 album Out of the Game, Rufus dabbled in opera and other mediums. I was excited for his return to pop and found Unfollow the Rules to rival his previous efforts on albums like Poses. Rufus described this album as having three sections: the first being a "California dream", then a psychedelic trip, and lastly an acceptance of darkness. While I was more drawn to first half, the album feels like a complete work that winds its way to a finale. Rufus has a knack for making songs that sound both melancholy and hopeful at the same time. My favorite was Peaceful Afternoon, which describes how Rufus intends to be together with his partner upon their death. The song is pretty cheery considering the subject, and includes typical tongue in cheek lyrics and soaring vocals. Thank you Rufus for this 2020 treat.  

Roger Joseph Manning Jr. - Glamping (EP) - 2020

Why the name Roger Joseph Manning Jr.? After being confused with another musician named Roger Manning, he decided to distinguish himself and is now stuck with a mouthful. Manning is best known for his leadership in the band Jellyfish. Two albums in '90 and '93 put them on the map but creative differences with partner Andy Sturmer ended the short-lived collaboration. Manning recorded a couple solo albums that released only in Japan, and luckily over the years they made their way to the US. Manning's sound is heavy on vintage keyboards, and often seems intended to create a carnival atmosphere. His song production is heavy and includes some soundscapes and sound effects, which led me to listen to his tracks more than any other this year. Spotify said the song I'm Not Your Cowboy was my most listened to track of 2020. This year I also came across Manning's collaboration in the band Lickerish Quartet, which ended up in heavy rotation as well. It was feel-good music for a rough year. With this recent output I'm hoping for more in the near future. 

The New Regime - Heart Mind Body & Soul - 2020

 The New Regime is the work of Ilan Rubin, who at the young age of 20 was recruited to replace the drummer in Nine Inch Nails. Rubin was also a member of Angels and Airwaves. On Heart Mind Body & Soul, Rubin sings and plays every instrument. The album was released over time in three segments, and then eventually as one huge group of 20 songs. Rubin's sound is "modern" to me since it incorporates synth arpeggio sounds and drum sequencing, but at its core is rock music. The song A Way to Feel Again in particular made my ears perk up and the album in total has many interesting and energetic tracks. Rubin's soaring vocals and diverse production also kept me listening. 

The Dears - Lovers Rock - 2020

I'm not sure how I first came to know The Dears. Spotify likely suggested them in my Discover Weekly playlist, and this album accompanied many artists I was listening to this summer. Led by husband and wife Murray Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak, The Dears are a Canadian "indie" band out of Montreal. I saw their sound described as "orchestral, dark pop", and that's about as good as any I could come up with. Apparently their live shows are epic. Live shows feel like a thing of the past these days, but maybe they'll swing by Portland in the future and I'll see for myself. My favorite tracks from this album ended up being Stille Lost, and I Know What You're Thinking and It's Awful.

Little River Band - Black Tie - 2020

Wayne Nelson (left) with current members

Little River Band has been a longtime favorite of mine. When I saw this collection pop up in Spotify I figured it was a re-release of some material from a past era. But I found it was a new live album with orchestra recorded by the current band lineup. It was meant to accompany a 2020 tour. But of course, that was not in the cards. 

The history of Little River Band is complicated. Members came and went, and these days the band is led by Wayne Nelson, the bassist who joined the band in 1980 and sang lead on The Night Owls, produced by George Martin. Online you can find a lot of grumbling about Little River Band continuing to record and tour without having any original members. Apparently there was so such much divisiveness among original members that eventually each left the band during the 80's. The band name is now owned by former guitarist Stephen Housden who joined in 1981. It's funny to think that I was keenly aware of the turmoil way back in 1984, when the new sound of "LRB" hit rock radio with the song/album Playing to Win. Some of the original members did come back to release two albums in the late 80's. This reunion led to me sitting in their tour van after one of their shows, innocently asking about their lineup history, and being given a 'sand painting' they had received as a gift from the venue. 

Personally, I have no issue with Nelson and his new band carrying on the Little River Band name. We saw them play in Portland years ago, and it was a fantastic show. The new live album Black Tie surely shows the band's dedication to the classic songs. The orchestral arrangements and musicianship are tight and engaging. I've listened to the first track It's a Long Way There over and over. Black Tie is a greatest hits collection with the exception of two tracks from their 2013 album. I feel bad, but these tracks should have been left off the record. It's clear that while the current lineup can do justice to the old material, their new songs just can't match the classics. Nonetheless, I'm happy to be listening to fresh Little River Band in 2020. 

1981 band lineup with Wayne Nelson