Announcing Meat Sheet’s Best of 2020

2020 best singles, albums, and videos as interpreted through yours truly. Without going into a whole schpiel about how bad 2020 is. I am choosing to focus on the good releases that came out as a result of uncertain times. One was chosen but it really depends on the mood I’m in at any given moment as so many releases were top notch. 

Whichever record singles, or videos I pick that is a small fraction of what came out.

These releases are what I discovered. As a result these releases were artists I followed a little while or by total chance I found out about them. Without further ado this is my very uncomprehensive best of year list. Not in any order, save for my top pick.

Mary Lattimore – Silver Ladders – Ghostly International Silver Ladders is instrumental but it is crafted as such that I simply get lost in the soundscapes that Mary Lattimore creates.

The moods and atmospheres are lush.

Read me heaping praise onto this LP here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/mary-lattimore-new-album-silver-ladders-ghostly/

Luxembourg Signal – The Long Now – Shelflife Records This LP combines lots of sounds and textures you may find from Sarah Records, Summershine, Shinkansen record label type bands with modern indie pop playing. If that sentence resonates, it is even better than that. I found no dull moments on this entire release.

I choose this for my favorite LP of the year. Overall best LP that is.

This was not an easy decision. Read guest writer Bernard’s in depth review in which I concur with, HERE https://meatsheetfanzine.com/luxembourg-signal-the-long-now-shelflife-records/

Cro Mags – In The Beginning – Mission Two Entertainment If you don’t know the Cro Mags story then you may want to skip this one. This is Harley Flanagan’s latest LP and it met and exceeded my expectations. Aggression. Percussive. Also with a very slight hint of darkness / experimentation that I hope we see more of. Go deeper into this crushing LP here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/cro-mags-in-the-beginning-mission-two-entertainment-new-york-hardcore-harley-flanagan/

The Cutters s/t Demo – Never would have found this one. My guest author Cuzface reviewed this. It is pretty damn good hardcore/punk.

Hailing from Melbourne these guys are certified ass kickers.

Read on https://meatsheetfanzine.com/cutters-aggressive-hardcore-australia/

Mike Polizze – Long Lost Solace Find – Paradise Of Bachelors This is Mike from Purling Hiss and Birds Of Maya’s ‘solo’ record in which he plays mostly clean/acoustic stuff along with help from Kurt Vile.

This is just a stunner of a record for me and the single “Cheewawa” kicked off summer the proper way.

Track by track rundown? Meatus has you covered here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/mike-polizze-long-lost-solace-find-paradise-of-bachelors/

Sparks – A Steady Drip Drip Drip – BMG Music Absolutely overlooked on my part until weeks after it came out is Sparks – A Steady Drip Drip Drip . This will satisfy the new wavers. However, in case you didn’t know Sparks came up through that and have been making music ever since.

This album is indicative of over 50 years of experience. Consequently, a fan of Sparks will probably love this album.

New listeners may appreciate the unique and signature Sparks songwriting and vocal approach that is alive and well on this record. The Mael brothers turn in another strong offering of pop, falsetto, and melody in the way that only they can pull off.

Andy Bell – The View From Halfway Down – Sonic Cathedral. Electro overtones meets RIDE’s songwriting peppered with Andy Weatherall sensibility.

Approachable but diverse offerings of sound. Huge bonus if you love Ride – obviously.

Read the re- view all the way down, not half way here. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/andy-bell-the-view-from-halfway-down-sonic-cathedral/

Nothing – The Great Dismal – Relapse Records. Philly’s Nothing returns again. With the help of Will Yip this band has made a rich , lush, shoegaze biome that continues in their previous sound.

In addition reverse reverb and other time based effect tricks combined with Yip’s production push Nothing well above the shoegaze stratosphere.

There even seems to be a little pop nuance and slightly less gloom than previous efforts. maybe. It is still Nothing though so prepare for some crushingly heavy gloom and soaring reverb.

Aggros – Chaos Magic (video and song) Click here for a link to watch a great video that gives a glimpse into New York City and its bridges. Also Nothing record is reviewed in same link , So tap/click away https://meatsheetfanzine.com/new-aggro-october-music/ The song rips. Aggros is Parris Mayhew’s post Cro Mags project. I am anxiously awaiting more material.

Even As We Speak – Adelphi – Shelflife Records For those who love indie pop (especially if you know of defunct Sarah Records label and bands like those) this is an essential release as it has been many moons since EAWS released music. If you happen to know the earlier material this is all the good stuff from mid 90’s with serious upgrades.

It sounds like the band never lost their passion and picked up where they left off. They did evolve and grow.

As a result, each song offers a different facet of growth for the band. For a full report on this LP click here

Hum – Inlet – Polyvinyl Records In order to read the full review https://meatsheetfanzine.com/hum-inlet-polyvinyl-records-shoegaze-indie-rock/

This one surprised the starch out of me

I had no idea this was coming out and it is quite impressive. If you know Hum they deliver stellar production and crushing tones balanced with beautiful gaze like melodies/ layers.

The entire LP seems to be tuned to Drop D and one can argue that it might all sound the same. However I do not agree. The way Hum pulled this off is impressive.

They may seem formulaic in the creation and end product but for me these songs are great. Perfect mix of heavy vs quiet / melodic.

Field Day – Opposite Land EP – Unity Worldwide Records I literally just reviewed this but I’ll say a few woids. Opposite Land is mature, accomplished, and melodic hardcore.

It doesn’t slack on urgency, energy, or spirit.

The EP has a feeling of older Wig Out / Can I Say tones woven in with where Field Day LP would have left off. On the other hand I’m not implying it is better or am I trying to compare it with classic Dag Nasty. I will go on record saying my opinion is it holds its own and has what it takes to get me excited to hear Peter Cortner and Doug compose more music. Link https://meatsheetfanzine.com/new-november-tunage-2020-new-music-november/

Paris – Safe Space Invader – Guerrilla Funk Records It is rare that I find something that is hip hop that hits this hard. Allow me to clarify. This hits like a freight train socio-politically. If you know Paris’ material then this is nothing new. Production wise, ultra clean and yet still ultra raw street sensibility. Overall feeling is serious but if it were instrumental the beats and music flow like water and are very dance able. This record educates, entertains, and just sounds extremely crystal clear. I’m sure if I had worthy woofers it would be satisfyingly bass heavy.

It slays on multiple levels.

Check out Public Enemy and Paris extensive reviews , aqui https://meatsheetfanzine.com/paris-and-public-enemy-new-lps/

Flaming Lips – American Head – Warner / Bella Union For as long as the Lips have been going; I reckon mid 80’s or so. This is a strong LP. Read the full review https://meatsheetfanzine.com/september-album-releases-flaming-lips-doves-prekop/

Jeremy Bastard – Everyone is History / There is no Memory EP A surprise EP out of NYC. Jeremy Bastard collaborates and combines forces to create some killer tracks. Full report here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/jeremy-bastard-everyone-is-history-there-is-no-memory/

Golden Fang Here. Now Here – This was discovered by chance. The band’s publicist reached out and I am glad for it. It is among 2020’s best. Hailing from Australia this took me to power rock / pop territory I usually don’t go to. As a result I wasn’t sure what to think of it at first listen. After a few I started to “get it”. A keen sense of melody in vocals and instruments. Polished songwriting with hints of edginess and rhythmic pop hooks to make sure it’s not overly polished.

Bad Actors is a knockout track.

I enjoyed the whole album. You can always read an in depth review here. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/golden-fang-here-now-here/

Public Enemy – What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down – Def Jam Public Enemy comes back strong with What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down. This it is full of guest appearances too numerous to name them all. Highlights for me are George Clinton Beastie Boys Ice-T and many more.

The only thing that troubled me was a good handful of the songs were already released on an LP called “Nothing is Quick In The Desert” previously. I was hoping for more material that was unreleased until “Grid” dropped.

I wouldn’t let that little detail obstruct you from checking this out because the whole LP smacks hard like some of the classic PE releases. They also return to Def Jam. link is above with Paris – Safe Space Invader paragraph (as if you will click each one? Or will you? )

Astute Palate – s/t – Petty Bunco – This comes at the end of the year. This is a great counterbalance for me as this LP is a raw, ass kicker that slays but doesn’t need to use metal riffs or similar tactics. Perfect contrast to the aforementioned LP’s.

The aggression is in the delivery (music, vocals, attitude) much like Richie’s previous band Watery Love. The guitars ring dissonant and sometime they chug along. They can get loose, groovy , percussive, but not sloppy.

The vocals at times sound like a deranged Mick Jagger wailing with urgency that someone on border of the autistic spectrum may have.

That is not meant as a dig towards the band or anyone on the spectrum. I fucking love this record for that and other reasons. I suppose I’ll write a longer proper review. And here is said review.

This part is written at a different time as this came out mid December. Overall this record is straightforward. You will think it rages… or not. Perhaps it is my preference, but I say it rages. Here are some key points.

It’s grooves are slippery, urgent, but not sloppy.

First is the track “Dip In The Tussle”. It sets the stage and tone for this slab. It swells and surges with low and high end noise.

“No Queen” is chunky and percussive track that builds tension as the band funnels their energy through squawks, trills , of the mischievious guitars. The beat of the finest underground rock songs and punk driven rhythms compliment the makeshift wahhed out solos.

Above I mention deranged Mick Jagger / Stones vibe? “A Little Proof ” is such song. Also its like a misfit Creedence Clearwater song that has veered off into its own identity. Again not, a jab at this band, dead seriously complimentary words. “Stall Out” enters slow and melodic. The bass is thick, smoky and hangs like fog. Meanwhile the guitar hammers and wails along. At this point, “Stall Out” is clocking 3 minutes before the vocals start.

This will weed out anyone with short ‘I phone’ attention spans.

Although this is not the most approachable song, it matters little. In other words, the way this group jams on this one is satisfying for me. Time doesn’t matter for me as I am listening to the interplay of instruments. The guitar(s) is/are teetering on randomness and accomplished music theory. The intention of this is perfect.

As a result, a polished “thought out” solo or guitar interlude could ruin what Astute Palate achieve.

Again I mean this earnestly. The vocals are tinged with some pain and have a soulful quality although still in a punk context. The feedback drenched ending is best heard rather than me writing about it.

“Bring It On Home” starts with a catchy groovy snare and bass run. Maybe a long lost SST records vibe? Less punchier, than the previous song, but full of boogie, “Bring It On Home” is a gentler, yet somehow heavier, but steady romp.

The weight is probably in the groove and the attack of the snare.

In addition also due to the thud of the bass line. Still smooth, low ended lines though. The guitar crescendos and then takes on the the notes of the bass. As they bring it home, the strings warble and then fade off. A glorious track.

Astute Palate is having fun, but not fucking around, by any means.

Next we have more of the same vein of the song “A Little Proof” with a twist. “Loose Wings ” capitalizes on harmonizing (at times) and or duelling guitar licks, riffs , and solo. The delivery seems like Astute Palate’s anthem for the record. They stomp through this number with no apologies. “Treading Schuykill” starts ominously and could be an ode to the river that runs through Astute Palate’s neck of the woods. It doesn’t let up. The guitars nearly caterwaul and trill along as if you are on a journey down a murky river.

It fades in volume and left me satisfied. Although I would not turn down the chance to hear more.

There is lots of fun for me on this record and the great part is no bullshit or fluff. Just rocking jams.

Distant Duos – (project) Extremely honorable mention to some releases that are not an album, but a series of collaborative singles called Distant Duos. This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve caught wind of. Also I’ve made some attempts to feature and cover them as they came out as Russ Waterhouse and Mary Staubitz released these collaborations regularly throughout this year. Here is one and I hope a good read https://meatsheetfanzine.com/chance-meets-instrumentation-more-new-distant-duos/

Sometimes I was able to follow a long and sometimes it took me longer to get a fair listen in.

Either way if you’re a fan of noise, collaboration, experimental, and traditional rock instruments then this is a very cool amalgam of these elements.

I urge you to check them out. Consequently, there are over 150 tracks in which two artists lay down 5 minutes sound with the other artists in mind and then later it is combined to create something completely new. Sad to hear this is ending but there are quite a few left to listen to.

Last but definitely not least. Also ongoing singles, videos, and soon, and an album from this artist.

TRZTN – AKA Tristan Bechet is a prolific music artist I have followed for a while (since 1998 ish). Watch him for the latest singles and the album “Royal Dagger Ballet”. Here is a video to one of the singles. Moreover, as I write this another single is very close to release. This may be my favorite video of 2020 https://meatsheetfanzine.com/metal-sky-trztn-featuring-eiko-hara-more-new-singles/

This single is a collaboration with Jonathan Bree entitled “Mirage” Linked below is one way to hear it

https://music.apple.com/us/album/mirage/1544052017?i=1544052033

Mirage is an airy, electronic song with a touch of pop. Just enough to almost get in your head. For the record, pop , can go either way. In this case it works for the song. The synth bass counters the dreamy introspective vocals of Bree. This bass is a slight saw sounding wave but not enough to shear through the song. Just enough to add some weight. I wouldn’t want to choose my favorite track so far from TRZTN’s latest offerings. They all have different elements to offer the listener. Mirage is chill, sparkly, with a touch of ominous. Look for the next singles very soon

Finally, by now if you have read this far you may like similar music or you are a trooper. The best single(s) of the year.

Nothing – Say Less – Relapse Records. This song (and album Great Dismal’s ) production is off the charts. Dominic’s vocal melodies, Will Yip’s production. The shimmers and warbles of the reverse reverbed guitars. Tight and crystal clear drum and bass.There are two samples, one is the “Happy Traveler ” and the other is unknown. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/nothing-say-less-single/

Even though I think these samples are unnecessary, this killer song is virtually infectious and unstoppable.

Honorable mention to these bands’ songs. Local Phoenix band Citrus Clouds single “Honey” is dream pop bliss. Listen and support if you can https://meatsheetfanzine.com/citrus-clouds-single-and-video-honey/

New York Hardcore band Locked inside channel the pandemic frustration and their heroes SSD on “Force Of Will” Check it https://meatsheetfanzine.com/locked-inside-new-york-straight-edge-unleashed-new-hardcore-song/

Above Left – Citrus Clouds —————— Above Right – NYHC in full effect

Thank you for reading all about MeatSheet’s 2020’s best media. There were many other great releases, so many that it was nearly impossible (even in quarantine) to mention them all. Let’s hope live shows will be coming back and that music continues to bring out the best in the new year.