Larson's End of 2020 List

I spent a good portion of 2020 building what I call ‘the barn’. This project was part “since we’re home all the time I should probably fix that structure that is falling down in my backyard”, part “wouldn’t it be neat to have a somewhere different to hang out” and part “maybe if I keep building this the world will go back to kind of making sense.”

When compiling my list it occurred to me that I spent a lot of time listening to these albums while either working on or while drinking beer within said barn. This led me to a bonus rating system that serves no purpose. The “Barn Day” rating is how likely I was to listen to an album while building and the “Barn Night” is how likely I was to listen to an album during the barn in ‘bar mode.’

Also I feel like it should be known that the “Barn Day” albums required you to be able to hear things over the drone of an air compressor.

Here is my list of albums that helped me through 2020.

Albums

Bartees Strange - Live Forever

Barn Day 6/10

Barn Night 8/10

This album ping pongs all over the place with genre and vibe and yet is so cohesive. An incredible feat and a fascinating ride.

Dehd - Flower Of Devotion

Barn Day 8/10

Barn Night 9/10

Quite possibly my album of the year if I was capable of thinking on those terms. The song “Loner” is perfection.

Future Islands - As Long As You Are

Barn Day 4/10

Barn Night 8/10

I was really excited when I heard the single for “For Sure”, however, it was the song “Born In A War” that completely won me over. Future Islands were also the first ‘live stream’ concert that we did this year and it was awesome and complete with an 10 minute pause before their encore which really made you wonder if they were coming back. Geez I miss live music.

Destroyer - Have We Met

Barn Day 4/10

Barn Night 7/10

I had totally forgotten about this album and then I made a playlist of all my 2020 music and I ended up re-listening to the whole album like 4 more times. I’m guessing ‘Destroyer Fan’ is set as a cookie in my browsing history for life.

Girlhood - Girlhood

Barn Day 6/10

Barn Night 10/10

Jesse mentioned the song “The Love I Need” in a group text one day and I haven’t stopped listening to this album since.

Haim - Women In Music Pt. III

Barn Day 7/10

Barn Night 7/10

I enjoy this whole album a lot. I enjoy the song “Gasoline” a shit ton. Also, Lindsey Buckingham wishes he wrote “Leaning On You”.

Hinds - The Prettiest Curse

Barn Day 9/10

Barn Night 7/10

These women are amazing. Shredding, longing, heartache and shittalk. Everything you could want in an album.

Idles - Ultra Mono

Barn Day 10/10

Barn Night 7/10

The only reason the Barn Night score is lower that I would like is that this album is so fun when it’s really loud. A lot of people like to have a lot of opinions on this band. I listened to a PodCast (that I enjoy) sneak diss Idles in like 3 different episodes and then wax poetic about the Deftones. I mean everyone’s entitled to an opinion but Deftones?! Yikes!

Kalis Uchis - Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)

Barn Day 4/10

Barn Night 10/10

I learned about Kalis Uchis this year and listened to her 2018 Album incessantly in late summer/early fall of this year. I loved that album a lot and then she released this album. At first I had the standard “but this album isn’t that album” reaction. Then I listened to “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)” like a bajillion times...

Moaning - Uneasy Laughter

Barn Day 8/10

Barn Night 8/10

I think I learned about this band from an Instagram ad which means that I totally got target marketed which I’m ok with when it results in me finding an incredible album. I suggest you try the song “Stranger” if you haven’t.

Muzz - Muzz

Barn Day 7/10

Barn Night 7/10

I knew nothing about this album one day and then for the next 2 months I was listening to it constantly.

Run The Jewels - RTJ4

Barn Day 8/10

Barn Night 8/10

There is nothing I can say to re-stress how much the world needed this album this year.

The Streets - None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive

Barn Day 7/10

Barn Night 7/10

I REALLY WANTED SLOWTHAI TO BE ON THIS ALBUM BUT HE WASN’T. THAT BEING SAID IT IS AMAZING!

Tei Shi - Die 4 Ur Love EP

Barn Day 5/10

Barn Night 9/10

I used to think I didn’t like the first song on this EP then I realized that I was mistaken and in fact I like every song on this EP.

Tennis - Swimmer

Barn Day 5/10

Barn Night 9/10

I have yet to be sad that Tennis released a new album.

Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud

Barn Day 6/10

Barn Night 9/10

I almost didn’t add this because I think I only started listening to it in 2021 but guess what who cares! It wasn’t Katie Crutchfield’s fault that I started listening to this glorious 2020 album in 2021 right?! It is entirely my fault that I didn’t listen to this glorious album that was released in March of 2020 until January of 2021. I own this. I love the song “Fire” so much. Like maybe too much.

Singles

Not to be outclassed by albums.... Here are four individual singles that I loved this year.

Rich Brian - Don’t Care 

Nas - Car 85

Petite League - Joyrider

Chong The Nomad ft. Hollis - Take Two

Perhaps my song of the year.

QuickCrit's Top 25 Albums of 2017

1. Future Islands - The Far Field

At my core I’m still a scared little boy in a grown man’s body. I’m not sure how I’ve made it this far and I am bewildered when people are either interested in what I say or god-forbid seek my advice. I’m not going to claim to know what Sam Herring is trying to say lyrically on The Far Field. However, I can say that his lyrics have helped me examine my own feelings and emotions. Also the band just seem like the nicest group of guys ever. I have a very short list of people who are allowed to spend the night at our house. Future Islands are on that list. – Larson


The appeal of this band, for me, is almost entirely wrapped up in the visual. Do me a favour. Google any live performance and watch it. Now listen to this album. It's like trying to describe a Constantin Brâncuși sculpture or a painting by Odd Nerdrum using just sound and words. You'd be like "huh?" But, once you see them you can't unsee them and then it RULES listening to them... – Rain

Emotional synth-pop, this album gave me a lot of feelings. – Julia

Sometimes the album feels like you are listening to one long song, but sheeeet, when it hits it really hits! – NightraiN

It's fortunate I like similar sounding songs. – Nesto!

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2. The National - Sleep Well Beast

No album that features “Carin at the Liquor Store” will be left off this list, but I’m fairly certain this is the first time in my history that a new National album didn’t land in the #1 spot. I’ll spare you the hand-wringing about my favorite band … for now, but I am curious to see how the songs develop in the live show. – Jeremy

Dark & brooding (with a few exceptions). Just how I like my The National albums. – NightraiN

3. Kendrick Lamar – DAMN

In a world dominated by liars, Kung-Fu Kenny is honest. – Ben 

There’s a popular book these days about not giving a fuck. The concept of reading a book in order to not give a fuck seems a bit odd to me though. Whatever… Whenever I need a refresher on whether or not to give a fuck I listen to “Element” and then “Feel". Then I listen to the whole album from the beginning. – Larson

4. Ryan Adams – Prisoner

I really love this album but it's kinda of a shame that I associate it with Trump's inauguration... Also, Outbound Train sounds like a Whiskeytown b-side and I'm not complaining. – Sharon

This is a relatively tame Ryan Adams, but the songs are extremely well-crafted like his other content and I think reflects a new tone for the long-time rocker. Perhaps he gets some extra points for releasing a "B-Sides" version that has as many or more good songs as the "A-Sides" album. – NightraiN

Love this dude. Amazing live show!! – Larson

5. Alvvays – Antisocalites

Another band on the list who I thought was decent prior to this year's offering turning out a great, great record. – Tex

This alvvays gets me in a good mood. It's pure magic! – Sharon

Plimsoll Punks’ dreamy pop slays me - such sweet disdain. – Jesse

Watch their Overrated / Underrated Pitchfork thing. It rules. – Larson

6. Run the Jewels - RTJ 3

I used to have a Sonic Youth poster in my room that had the band standing around a phone pole with a sign that said “Angry. Very Angry.” That was me for a lot of 2017. It’s disheartening to see so many mean people allowed airtime. Thank you EL P and Killer Mike for reminding us to be angry, stay gold and make change. – Larson

Saw them live twice this year, on top of countless, countless dance sessions in the kitchen after happy hour listening to this album. – Tex

7. Matthew Logan Vasquez - Does What He Wants

Delta Spirit's frontman is a funny, talented dude and this album spans the full spectrum from playful electric to touching acoustic. Do yourself a favor and absorb it all now.  – NightraiN

Plays like a cohesive mix tape, shifting from disco to folk, soul to indie rock, all held together by poignant lyrics delivered with a mischievous smile. – Jesse

Matthew Logan Vasquez does what he wants. – Nesto! 

8. Phoenix - Ti Amo

These guys are so good at writing insane pop songs with incredible precision and depth. I’m not sure that entirely sounds like a compliment but I swear I mean it as one. – Larson

There is something comforting and familiar about the album and I welcomed it with open arms. – Sharon

9. Portugal. The Man – Woodstock

I liked Portugal. The Man before they sold out... but I still like this album. – NightraiN

Consistently at the top of my year end lists. Still grappling with their rise to fame, but can’t deny those are some catchy ass singles. – Jesse

Hit or miss...but mostly hit! – Nesto!

10. Wolf Parade - Cry Cry Cry

Spencer Krug 4 EVA – Julia

Very happy that these guys got back together. Yep, still good. – NightraiN

I waiting for Wolf Parade to write their magnum opus for theater. – Nesto!

11. Rostam - Half Light

I have liked everything Rostam has done ever so no surprise I also loved his first solo album.  It's beautifully layered and catching in a surprising way.  I danced, I swooned, I told my Dad to listen to it. – Julia

Gwan's opening strings gives me goose bumps. I love how layered and thoughtful the albums feels. – Sharon

12. Tei Shi - Crawl Space

I saw Tei Shi open for Grimes in 2016. I half watched her set until she started play “Keep Running” and all of the sudden 100% of my attention was focused on the song.  When the album came out it was an incredibly cohesive album that hopped around genres and emotions while constantly maintaining an incredible level of vulnerability and confidence. – Larson

13. Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life

Epic, noisy, and their easiest songs to sing along to live. – Jesse

I was already a fan, but this album accentuated my fondness. Fuzzy rock-punk perfect for (mostly) uptempo runs and impassioned sing-a-longs. A recipe for awesomeness! – NightraiN

14. Waxahatchee - Out in the Storm

I have been loving watching Katie Crutchfield develop from a talented young songwriter to a confident and powerful artist.  Crutchfield twin 1 of 2 in my top 10 this year. – Tex

Defiant, electrifying, “Eff You” of a breakup album. I like the “Demo” versions of the songs even better, a little more rough around the edges, if you can get them on your spotifys or your pandoras. – Jeremy

15. Father John Misty - Pure Comedy

Would be higher on my list, but it's not really on the lighter side. - Nesto!

16. Perfume Genius - No Shape

This record makes me see another reality in which I'm not a content man, married for 20+ years to my "soulmate". In that other reality, I'd have a heart/soul rending crush that clearly would never pan out and I'd pine and cry while listening to this album. – Rain

And to think "I kissed a girl" was a big deal. – Ben

17. Petite League - Rips One Into The Night

Everything I could want in an indie pop album - ridiculously catchy hooks, passionate strumming, kick flips, bite marks… – Jesse

Jesse was all "listen to this, it's awesome" and I was all "no, I hate you." Then I did and I never stopped. I also love their older stuff too. – Sharon

18. Jay Z - 4:44

Those that know me, know that I am a huge Jay Z fan. Huge! If you don’t know me, you now know this fact. Super-fan status aside I’m not (always) one to automatically champion whatever my heroes put out. I was a bit skeptical of Jay Z’s 4:44… I think I was worried that perhaps I was no longer interested in what Jay Z had to say or perhaps I was concerned about a clunky response to Lemonade. Both thoughts gave me anxiety… am I a fake? A snob? What I can say, 4:44 is the Jay-Z album I wanted in 2017. – Larson 

19. Algiers - The Underside Of Power

A much needed kick to the heart, psyche and ass! You know how cool you used to feel listening to the Verve's Bittersweet Symphony on your headphones while you walked down the street? Well, take that feeling and cube it and you've got the idea of what it's like to listen to this album. This sinner's believing what that preacher is delivering. You will too... – Rain

The first three tracks are pure fire - soul punk politik. It gets weird, skronky, and desolate on Side 2, but staring into the void might be where we are at these days. – Jesse

20. Ha Ha Tonka - Heart-Shaped Mountain

I have no idea how these guys continue to fly under the radar. They write fantastic songs and are extremely accessible. All-American backyard barbecue music at its best! – NightraiN 

21. Craig Finn - We All Want the Same Things

The album’s cover art and the video for “God in Chicago” alone are worth the price of admission, but the rest of the album is extremely solid too. This is the first time since Boys and Girls in America that I feel like Finn is firing on all cylinders lyrically. Glad to have him back.  – Jeremy

Finn looks like someone you would be more likely to trust with your taxes than trust with writing kick-ass rock songs, but The Hold Steady front man does just that with this album. A solid collection Finn's unique storytelling and sound. – NightraiN

22. Sheer Mag - Need to Feel your Love

Oh hell yeah! It’s the power ballads that set this album apart, demonstrating the depths of their chops go well beyond killer riffs cranked up to 11. – Jesse

This was an eagerly awaited album for me. While I loved the really gritty sound on their early 7”s, it was nice to hear the production a bit cleaner on this full length. 70’s rock but with punk influence and an actual conscience. Or in other words, 70s rock but better… way better. – Larson

23. Battleme - Cult Psychotica

Seasoning serves them well. Wry observations delivered with a smokers rasp, huge crunchy alt. rock riffs mixed with barroom boogie. – Jesse

Get into it! – Nesto!

24. Heat – Overnight

Oddly familiar while 100% original. There’s a deep pool of influence on this album but it’s never heavy handed. These guys shred. – Larson

First album of the year on constant rotation. Perfect follow up to their awesome EP. – Jesse

25. The White Buffalo - Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights

This album came out late in the year, so I don't feel like I have given it a fair shake yet and committed to the songs in the way I usually do. But, as always, this is a fun collection of Americana. – NightraiN

Nightrain's Top 15 Albums from 2017

Matthew Logan Vasquez - Does What He Wants         

MLV does whatever he wants... and it almost always turns out really good! Delta Spirit's frontman is a funny, talented dude and this album spans the full spectrum from playful electric to touching acoustic. Do yourself a favor and absorb it all now!

Ha Ha Tonka - Heart-Shaped Mountain 

I have no idea how these guys continue to fly under the radar. They write fantastic songs and are extremely accessible. All-American backyard barbecue music at its best!

Japandroids - Near to the Wild Heart of Life   

I was already a fan, but this album accentuated my fondness. Fuzzy rock-punk perfect for (mostly) uptempo runs and impassioned sing-a-longs. A recipe for awesomeness!

Black Pistol Fire - Deadbeat Graffiti      

Heavy, bluesy guitar riffs, distorted vocals, big hooks… these are a few of my favorite things!

Ryan Adams - Prisioner   

This is a relatively tame Ryan Adams, but the songs are extremely well-crafted like his other content and I think reflects a new tone for the long-time rocker. Perhaps he gets some extra points for releasing a "B-Sides" version that has as many or more good songs as the "A-Sides" album.

The Weeks - Easy   

I found The Weeks through Kings of Leon, but I think my interest in The Weeks may have surpassed my interest in KOL. Solid southern indie rock -- real music made by real people.

Portugal. The Man - Woodstock 

I liked Portugal. The Man before they sold out... but I still like this album.

The National - Sleep Well Beast  

Dark & brooding (with a few exceptions). Just how I like my The National albums.

Future Islands - The Far Field    

Sometimes the album feels like you are listening to one long song, but sheeeet, when it hits it really hits!

alt-J - RELAXER       

Quirky and unique, but also extremely addicting. Songs that sound good as originals and remixes.

Wolf Parade - Cry Cry Cry

Very happy that these guys got back together. Yep, still good.

Craig Finn - We All Want The Same Things      Finn looks like someone you would be more likely to trust with your taxes than trust with writing kick-ass rock songs, but The Hold Steady front man does just that with this album. A solid collection Finn's unique storytelling and sound.

The White Buffalo - Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights   

This album came out late in the year, so I don't feel like I have given it a fair shake yet and committed to the songs in the way I usually do. But, as always, this is a fun collection of Americana.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - The Nashville Sound    

Long time Isbell fan here... the dude writes thoughtful songs and has a pretty sounding voice and guitar. Unlike some people, he deserves his GRAMMY Awards.

Leopold and His Fiction - Darling Destroyer   

Guitar heavy, hot-blooded rock and roll.