Top lists

100 Favorite Albums of the Year 2020 – Part One

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Finally into this category. I struggled with this a lot, because there was just so many beautiful albums. I did some excel work and I featured a total of 644 full-length albums on the weekly music posts. Plus some Bandcamp or physical only stuff and suddenly it’s about 700 albums. So there’s a lot to love. Of course I’m just one man, so I obviously I didn’t listen to all of them that well. But I did listen really lot and it was really difficult to cut this list down to hundred. I could switch 50 of these and be just as happy with it. This how it went today. I didn’t include cover albums and such even though there were plenty of good ones nor did I include the ones that came December 11 or later. For example I know Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams would make the cut, but I haven’t even listened to the whole record yet so it would be kind of strange to put it here. A lot of the big names are missing too. Objectively some of them should be on the list, but I haven’t listened them that much. I usually spend most of my time listening to the less-known artists, because there’s just nothing my little blog can do for the Isbells of this world. I feel like my job (or well hobby) is to shine a light on on the ones that aren’t yet household names.

This has same principle as the earlier EOTY lists. First 90 in completely random order and then there’s top 10 in some sort of not-that-serious order. The numbers are arbitrary. Music is love not a competition. I think it’s just maybe helpful for the reader to have some sort of vague order, because not everyone is an music addict like me and have time or interest to listen 100 albums. However, if they see something they are not aware of as my #4 pick, they might be more interested then if its just one of the hundred. I know most think 100 is way too much, but I love music and this is one way to share some of it. And a very good way too, because people like lists. I have maybe between 40-80 daily visitors here normally, but every year when I do these lists, there’s suddenly 1000+ daily visitors. Ok enough with the mumbo jumbo and on to the lists. First six parts in a random order. There might be some grouping that similar kind of records appear next to each other. I’ll do the playlist after the last chapter and try to give some flow to that.

Part Seven
Part Six
Part Five
Part Four
Part Three
Part Two
Part One

Cinder Well – No Summer (Free Dirt Records)

Starting with a sparse and haunting folk album from Cinder Well. A few trads along with amazing own songs. Our Lady’s is one of the songs of the year, but I’ll throw the wonderful title song here for easier entry point.

Dalton Mills – Dalton Mills

Next up is folk singer-songwriter Dalton Mills from Middlesboro, Kentucky. A bit of Townes Van Zandt and a whole lot of great songs.

Chris Acker – Good Kid

Came out early in the year, but I discovered late in the year thanks to a video by A Song Catcher. Chris Acker from New Orleans has been a big favorite during the past month or so and I definitely considered this record even for that top 10.

Joey O’Neil – Ever Ahead

Next the year end roundabout travels to Dawson, Yukon to meet up with Joey O’Neil and her lovely dog Oblio. Such a great folk-country record that I’ve listened to regularly throughout the year.

Emily Barker – A Dark Murmuration of Words (Everyone Sang)

Moving on to UK although songwriter Emily Barker is originally from Australia. Her new album doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and tackles important issues from climate change to racism. Beautiful and powerful.

Michael C. Duguay – The Winter of Our Discotheque

Back to Canada for another heavy and beautiful one from Canadian songwriter Michael C. Duguay.

Terra Spencer – Chasing Rabbits

Staying in Canada for the new Terra Spencer album. Such a beautifully written album. I can get lost in these stories without needing to find a way out. This In the City for example. Oh my everything about this song.

VanWyck – God is in the Detour (Maiden Name Records)

A brief detour to Netherlands for the new VanWyck album. Some older favorites here too, but I’m actually very happy about that, because Ballad of the Quiet citizen needed to be on a record. I’ve shared that so many times, so here’s the gorgeous title track this time around.

Sam Moss – Shapes (Lost Honey Records)

A new gentle beauty from Boston-based singer-songwriter Sam Moss.

Sylvie Simmons – Blue on Blue (Compass Records)

Sylvie Simmons can write wonderful music biographies and excellent songs. Very fond of this quietly mesmerizing album.

Jerry David DeCicca – The Unlikely Optimist and His Domestic Adventures

A new Jerry David DeCicca album is always something to love cherish. The Unlikely Optimist and His Domestic Adventures is not an exception to that golden rule.

Trummors – Dropout City (Ernest Jenning Record Co)

Heading from Texas to New Mexico and adding some west coast sounds and cosmic americana to the mix. What a sweet record once again from Trummors.

The Parson Red Heads – Lifetime of Comedy (Fluff & Gravy Records / You are the Cosmos)

Carrying on to Portland, Oregon, but musicwise staying somewhere rather close by in the folk rock territory. The Parson Red Heads have found the recipe of my music taste. Beautiful folk rock tunes with the sweetest pop melodies and gorgeous harmonies. I mean this Warrior for example. This is everything for me. A bit of TFC, a bit of folk rock. I couldn’t love it more.

Dakota Theim – Somewhere Under the Sun

While we are in Oregon, let’s put even more pop into this year-end galore. Dakota Theim’s album came out in January and was one of my first 2020 favorites. It still holds up and I’m enjoying every second of it.

The Innocence Mission – See You Tomorrow (Bella Union)

And speaking of early favorites. The Innocence Mission set the bar extremely high in January and released magnificent album called See You Tomorrow. Album of the year candidate on the first half, but lost just a tiny bit of its magic on the second half. Still an incredible record that I love oh so much and on another day could have been on the top 10. Here’s the gorgeous opener The Brother Williams Said to wrap this part one. The song I listened to most this year according to that evil platform.

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Finnish music, Top lists

TOP 6 Finnish EPs of the Year 2020

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Before diving into the international albums of the year list, here’s a small list of my favorite Finnish EPs of the year. Top 6 with a couple of bonus picks that maybe could have been on the actual list as well.

Bonus pick #1:

Teini-pää – Täynnä kysymyksiä

A 2019 release that would have been the top pick on my Finnish EPs of 2019 list, but I found it in January 2020. So just wanted to feature it here, because I love it so much and the release and the band was a big deal for me this year.

Bonus picks #2 and #3

Marian valinta – Maagiset kirjaimet & Epäile

Remastered treasures from Marian Valinta discography. I remember some of these beauties from the early 2000s and it’s lovely to reintroduce my heart to these songs.

Top 6 Finnish EPs of 2020

Kind of an odd number. I tried to squeeze this category into a top 5, but Haamusoittajat destroyed my plan a week ago by releasing something that I really love.

6. Tams – Aikahyppy 2

Tams have never understood the fact that generally I don’t really like synth pop all that much. Somehow I still love Tams.

5. Rami Vierula – Kasetilla EP

A beautiful surprise release from Rami Vierula that you might remember from Delay Trees and 23:23.

4. Sami Heikkilä – Kaunein muisto (Luova Records)

Sami Heikkilä was one of the new finds for me and this is such a beautiful and moving folk EP. This last song is pure gold.

3. Kielo Kärkkäinen & Matti Salo – Valon mentyä (Texicalli)

The previous Kielo Kärkkäinen album was one of my favorites of 2019 and I’m sure the next one will be one of my 2021 favorites. We have something to love and cherish here in between as well, because this year she made a fabulous EP with Matti Salo. Especially the title track Valon mentyä is utterly wonderful.

2. Haamusoittajat – Aikojen pyörteissä

This Haamusoittajat release is a last minute entry to this list, but I love it so much that I considered making it the EP of the year. Maybe a bit too early for that, so let’s keep Veli there because those songs have been a part of my dna for a longer while. Anyway, I instantly loved this EP and replied to the promo email before I even had finished listening to it. So damn good unique DIY pop with traces of folk and psychedelia. If you miss Wojciech for example, give this one a spin because some of these songs take me into the same neighborhood.

1. Veli – Kotiäänityksiä I & 2 (Evil Veli Recordings)

These two magnificent EPs of home recordings by Veli can share the Finnish EP of the year title. I maybe prefer the first one a little bit, but the second one has some absolute (should be) hits too like Breedersin Pod so I have to include that one too. He also released an excellent full-length that you can find from the earlier albums of the year list. That one is English, if you can’t master the Finnish language.

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News, Playlist

OCTA Music Weekly – Episode #117

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Another week, another new music weekly.

I’m bit early and do this one rather quickly, because I need to work on the album of the year list for the rest of the weekend. I might add something here later, because I didn’t do as thorough research as normally and probably stumble upon something I really like later during the weekend.

The year is soon coming to an end, but there’s still some big new album releases led by new collaboration album by Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams. Other big album releases came from Duff Thompson, Izaak Opatz (gorgeous pop-country covers), Toby Goodshank (I think this was on Bandcamp last week, but now streaming too), Zeb Zaitz, James Steinle, Desolation Horse, M. Ward, Mike Viola, Guided By Voices, Sturgill Simpson. There’s also EPs from Oly and Christopher Gold and Emma Swift’s awesome Bob Dylan cover album is now on Spotify too. I think you don’t need me to find the Taylor Swift album (which is probably really good) or the album by that guy who once covered her songs.

From Finland we have a new single from Suad and an album by Jeremy Andrew.

When it comes to international singles, I want to highlight the new Kirty single, because it’s a) great b) it’s been a while since we’ve heard her solo material. There’s also new Drew Beskin, Pony Bradshaw, Sun June, Aaron Lee Tasjan, John Paul Keith and so forth.

That’s it for now. I’ll focus on the eoty lists now. I might or might not do this weekly round up next week. Depends on a) do I have the time b) are there enough new releases that it even makes sense to do it. I’ve collected the Christmas songs under own playlist called OCTA – Yuletunes 2020. So check that out, if you want some seasonal tunes. Love from a distance.

1. Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams – Last Burning Ember (Plastic Bouguet, New West Records, 2020)
2. Duff Thompson – Rock and Roll.. (Haywire, Mashed Potato Records, 2020)
3. Izaak Opatz – You Look Like I Need a Drink (Hot & Heavy-Handed, Mama Bird Recording Co, 2020)
4. Toby Goodshank – Tara (Death by Misadventure, 2020)
5. Zeb Zaitz – The Only Week I Know (Who Cares, Royal Oakie, 2020)
6. James Steinle – In Another Town (Cold German Mornings, 2020)
7. Desolation Horse – Everyone Was Incredible (Desolation Horse, American Standard Time Records, 2020)
8. Pony Bradshaw – Sawtoothed Jericho (single, Black Mountain Music, 2020)
9. John Paul Keith – How Can You Walk Away (single, Wild Honey Records, 2020)
10. Aaron Lee Tasjan – Computer Of Love (single, New West Records, 2020)
11. Drew Beskin – Swimming In Bed (single, Super Canoe, 2020)
12. Kirty – This Year’s Been Hell (single, Postwar Records, 2020)
13. Suad – Streets (single, Svart Records, 2020)
14. Oly – Natural Sinner (Shy Passion EP, Public Works Records, 2020)
15. Sun June – Bad Girl (single, Run For Cover Records, 2020)
16. Katy Kirby – Cool Dry Place (single, Keeled Scales, 2020)
17. Lonny – Avril Exit (single, 2020)
18. Emma Swift – Queen Jane Approximately (Blonde on the Tracks, Tiny Ghost Records, 2020)
19. H.C. McEntire – Til I Get It Right (single, Merge Records, 2020)
20. M. Ward – I’ll Be Around (Think of Spring, Anti, 2020)
21. Jeremy Andrew – Blind Eyes (I Wanted to Touch Your Heart, Iso Pinkki, 2020)
22. Mike Viola – Creeper (Godmuffin, Grand Phony Music, 2020)
23. Matthew Sweet – Stars Exlode (single, Omnivore Recordings, 2020)
24. Radio Days – I Got a Love (single, Ammonia Records, 2020)
25. Guided By Voices – Mr Child (Styles We Paid For, 2020)
26. Ottoman Turks – Vaquero (single, State Fair Records, 2020)
27. Steve Earle – Champagne Corolla (single, New West Records, 2020)
28. Sturgill Simpson – You Can Have the Crown (Cuttin Grass Vol2, High Top Mountain Records, 2020)
29. Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno – Will You (single, Free Dirt Records, 2020)
30. Christopher Gold – A Little Longer (Even If EP, 2020)
31. Tindersticks – You’ll Have to Scream Louder (single, City Slang, 2020)
32. Remington Super 60 – I Won’t Change My Mind (single, Cafe Superstar Recordings, 2020)
33. Crystal Canyon – Every Little Star (single, Repeating Cloud, 2020)
34. Jeff Loops – Idol of a Song (Into the Night, 2020)
35. Bill Callahan & Bonnie Prince Billy feat David Pajo – I Love You (single, Drag City, 2020)

Playlist link

Playlist Archive

Oh and do buy the vinyl/cd/download. Spotify and other streaming services are perfect for these introductory purposes, but try to buy at least the music that matter the most to you

If you are looking this after a week has gone, the embedded Spotify will show the latest playlist. I’ll just update the same playlist because a) if someone wants to follow it, they can just follow that one list and will get a new set of songs each Sunday b) so that I don’t have a trillion of different playlists on my Spotify account.

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Finnish music, News

TOP 30 Finnish Albums of the Year 2020

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This is probably a good day to do this, so the year end routine continues with my favorite Finnish albums of this godforsaken year. Same deal as with the earlier favorite EPs post. First 20 in completely random order and then there’s top 10 in some sort of not-that-serious ranking. The numbers are arbitrary. Music is love not a competition. I think it’s just maybe helpful for the reader to have some sort of vague order, because not everyone is an music addict like me and have time or interest to listen 30 EPs or 100 albums and therefore might be interested in what were the ones that I loved the most. I hope I didn’t forget anything important. There’s a Spotify playlist at the bottom if you are into that sort of thing. I will however make a much larger playlist when I post the Finnish songs of the year closer to Christmas. That will include more albums, songs from best EPs and the finest singles.

Neiti Olga – Minä, aina (Luova Records)

Ninni Forever Band – Uusi yhtye (Jukan Musiikki)

Jani Matti Juhani – Jani Matti Juhani laulaa Elvistä Suomeksi (Ainoa Productions)

Jerry Lindqvist feat Janne Hyöty – Waiting Out the Storm

Bizzarro & Jukka Nissinen – Taipale Broadcast (Vol1) (Humu Records / Hillotehdas)

Pöllöt – Taas vähään aikaan (Svart Records)

Sam Shingler – Strange Security (Soit Se Silti)

Maustetytöt – Eivät enkelitkään ilman siipiä lennä (Is This Art)

Metsäheikki – Sammakko saunassa (Helmi Levyt)

Joni Ekman – Sinulle.. (Soit Se Silti)

Pintandwefall – Your Stories Baby (Soliti)

Vasas flora och fauna – Möte med skogsgardisterna (Startracks)

Maybe this one could go to the international list as well, but I’ll keep them here forever.

Hermaja – Kultasuoni (Helmi Levyt)

Joku Iiris – Joku Iiris (Humu Records / Hillotehdas / Jukan musiikki)

Guggenheim-projektz – Dersu Uzala (Helmi Levyt)

Arppa – Laavalamppuja (Arppa Music)

Joose Keskitalo – Nukkekoti (Helmi Levyt)

Bad Sauna – Olen rikas sillä minulla on teidät (All That Plazz)

A real last minute entry, because it just came out on friday. I’m loving it so far. Might become a huge favorite and push for top 10, but it’s too early to tell. However, it’s already clear that it has to be on this list.

Lätsä – Lätsä (Helmi Levyt)

I would like to bend the rules of math a little bit and squeeze this one into the top 10.

Matti Jasu – Up and Running

10. Message Field – A Brief Visit to Skull (Soit Se Silti)

I little bit slept on the debut album and never learned to love it as much I would have liked. I may need a revisit, because I think I was the one at fault there. I love this new album.

9. Robert Ensio Niemistö – Joilla on korvat se kuulkoon (Jukan Musiikki)

An excellent solo record from Robert Ensio Niemistö. This has been a bit of a slow burner for me. Not that there’s anything particularly difficult about it, but it took me a while to understand how great it is. He also released another record called Tincan Folklore. Plenty to love there as well.

8. Veli – I Am Changing (Evil Veli Recordings)

Veli was a busy man and released this beauty of album and two EPs of home recordings. And all of them are pure gold.

7. Rosita Luu – Samettisuu (Helmi Levyt)

Rosita Luu is getting better all the time. That trio of Kuollut monta kertaa, Suorat mutkiksi and Toista maata is just remarkable. Not that there’s anything wrong with the rest of this either. Such a great record.

6. The Sugarrush – High Status (Nature Suck Anyway Records)

My all-time favorite Finnish band The Sugarrush did some cupboard cleaning and released an album they recorded a decade ago. High Status is a damn fine pop album and I’m thrilled that this beauty is finally out and available.

5. Puhelinseksi – Sydänkohtaus tanssilattialla (Svart Records)

I think this is the Finnish album that I’ve listened the most during this year. It’s a fabulous punk rock power pop blast and a much needed energy boost, if the world tries to keep me down with vicious curve balls. And damn there’s been a few of those directed my way in 2020. I’ve needed this record badly and it has delivered each time.

4. Kalevi Suopursu – Yksin yksiössä (Helmi Levyt / Jukan Musiikki)

I wanted a record like this since I once saw Kalevi Suopursu karaokeshow and loved every second of it. Sweet that it’s here now. I love the whole thing, but got really addicted to the song Minä olen sinun sunnuntai.

3. Nightbird – Travelin’ Baby (Ella Ruth Institutet)

This album just entered into the world a couple of weeks ago, but it already found its way into my heart. A really beautiful folk/blues album from singer-songwriter Nightbird aka Anna-Stina Jungerstam.

2. Amuri – Amuri (Helmi Levyt)

This one was a year of the Suopursu for me. Kinda loved every project he was involved in. Highlight being this debut album from Amuri. The opening song Halla was my song of the year 2019, so the expectations were extremely high. Perhaps nothing else is as brilliant as Halla, but there’s so much to love and cherish. Kalevi Suopursu and Mikko Siltanen are both so great in this songwriting thing and what an awesome band too.

1. Laura Moisio – Laulaa kun ei voi muutakaan (Texicalli)

And the Finnish album of the year is Laulaa kun ei voi muutakaan by Laura Moisio. This one challenges my music taste maybe a bit more than the previous picks, but damn how it also cuts the deepest. Kaukana onnesta is by far my favorite Finnish song of the year and Kehä don’t fall far behind. A tremendous album and I love it so so much.

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