Music

Top 10 2020 albums to make you Turn It Up!

We asked some of our friends at local record stores to tell us the top albums of 2020 — what they sold a lot of, what they themselves dug.

One of our friends and supporters, the gang at Turn It Up! Records & HI-Fi, offer their faves for your perusal.

1. FIONA APPLE – FETCH THE BOLTCUTTERS

After over two decades of immense potential, the planets aligned for what turned out to be a glorious, diverse and consistently exciting collection of the best sounds and songwriting we heard this year.  

2. BOB DYLAN – ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS

Leave it to the greatest songwriter of the past 100 years to take our breath away, yet again, during the twilight of his career. Leave it to Bob to give you what you need when you need it most.

3. BOB MOULD – BLUE HEARTS

Conventional wisdom tells us that tough times make for great art. Since his days with Husker Du, through Sugar, and his stunning body of solo work, Mould has never been at a loss for words or ideas. In an album that rages even harder than Black Sheets Of Rain, it’s actually anger which made for Mould’s great art in 2020.

4. AC/DC – POWER UP

The same three chords for going on 47 years . . . but they’re the right ones. If you love rock and roll straight between the eyes, Power Up gave us hope during a year in which it was tough to come by. A new album that just might be the group’s best since ‘83s Flick Of The Switch, let us all know that everything is going to be all right.

5. JASON ISBELL & THE 400 Unit – REUNIONS

On a record of restlessness and frustration, Isbell weaves his emotions throughout the grooves of one of 2020’s most hotly-anticipated albums. As one of the most prolific songwriters in roots music (or any format, for that matter) today, Isbell took us through an uncomfortable journey and an exhilarating ride.      

6. MARGO PRICE – THAT’S HOW RUMORS GET STARTED

If not for love, loss, heartache and pain, we might live in a world with 95 per cent less songs. 

It’s what Price did with these emotions on THRGS which gave it a classic rock vibe rather than the next batch of whiny pop softballs. Come to think of it, it’s no coincidence that “Rumors” made its way into the title.

7. TAME IMPALA – THE SLOW RUSH

The risk of combing everything from pop, rock, electronic, house, dance, classic psychedelic, trip-hop, soul, funk, disco and art-rock is what makes The Slow Rush so consistently thrilling.

What could have been a disjointed mess, or audio train wreck, benefits from its willingness to push the boundaries of the typically imaginative alt-rock landscape. 

The songs and the pace of The Slow Rush always leaves a listener wondering what will happen next. And, more importantly, always wanting more.       

8. PEARL JAM – GIGATRON

Gigatron is what happens when grunge grows up. Admittedly, this one took a few listens, but it was worth going back to. The problem with more established acts is that you think you know what you need from them. Pearl Jam will always be at its best on a concert stage, but . . . they still put out new records every six or seven years. In Gigatron’s defense, it came out at the peak of Covid brain – for that reason alone . . . give it another spin.

9. THE STROKES – THE NEW ABNORMAL

The reimagined ‘80s pop and new wave vibe of The New Abnormal brought about a lighter, less intense focus to the rock wars of 2020. It is absolutely The Strokes, but they seem to be having . . . fun?

After all, what the world needs most right now is some updated Human League or Flock Of Seagulls . Or, better yet, INXS and Simple Minds.

10. BLACK  PUMAS

This stunning debut was released in 2019 or it might be closer to the top of the list.

One of the three best soul albums of the past five years (see Curtis Harding and Durand Jones & the Indications) infused bits of psychedelia and rock into a simmering soul and funk gumbo which attracted legions of fans and friends at every turn – all without touring.

At Turn It Up! we order this one by the case.

REISSUE(S) OF THE YEAR

John Coltrane – GIANT STEPS (60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

The Rolling Stones – Goats Head Soup (DELUXE EDITION)

In both cases . . . longevity truly equates to greatness.