Is this the end of summer? It is hard to tell in Las Vegas. It does seem like we have dropped from “surface of sun” to “closely orbiting sun” temperature wise but it’s still hot, hot, hot. The amazing new music of 2020 refuses to let up and there simply isn’t enough time to listen to it all. Whether you love Blondie, Depeche Mode, The Clash, or Loretta Lynn, there is something for you below.
Molchat Doma – Ne Smeshno
Have you dreamed of a dark club in a Russian alley where bats hang from the ceiling indifferent to your dancing? I have. And the music sounds like Molchat Doma. The new album, Monument, was written while the band was quarantined in Minsk and can be ordered here.
Sunflower Bean – Moment In the Sun
Sunflower Bean continue their winning ways with their most colorful single yet. A perfect end-of-summer jam for socially distanced road trips. Their 2018 album still gets plenty of spins on my turntable and the horizon grows brighter with each new song.
Elizabeth Cook – Thick Georgia Woman
The outlaws of country are all women these days and the music is better for it. Add Elizabeth Cook to this year’s Best Of lists. Her album Aftermath provides abundant evidence that progressive social attitudes are aligned with the values that country music once celebrated. The blend of folk, rock, and soul politely reminds you that country music was always about an attitude more than instrumentation. It represented ALL people and Cook makes this point sharply on “Thick Georgia Woman” which stars the divine Atlanta-icon Blondie Strange.
Adulkt Life – Taking Hits
The art-punk explosion of “Taking Hits” comes at you hard and fast. Chris Rowley’s years with the UK riot grrrrl legends Huggy Bear don’t sound that long ago when you hear Adulkt Life. The sense of urgency feels visceral but growing older has allowed for a little more space as well. The band’s songs of experience are a welcome jolt to 2020.