The Ginger Quiff – 2020 review

Albums of the year

2020 might have been a year to forget for uncountable reasons, a year many would rather forget. However, the amount, and quality, of new music that saw the light of day in 2020 was astounding. So much so, narrowing down my favourite albums of this year to a top ten was a nigh on impossible task.

Even now as I have committed to and published this list, I am still making changes in my head. To say that some of these albums were “better” than others would be to dismiss the quality of said albums. Just know that I appreciate and applaud the time and love that has gone into the recording of all of these albums.

Thanks to each and every band/artists for their contribution to a fantastic year for music if nothing else. And thanks to those who provided some soundbites to go along with this blog.

1. Duncan Reid and the Big Heads – Don’t Blame Yourself

“Every now and again in your chequered and bumpy journey through life, there are special bands that come along. Ones that help you along that road, helping to smooth the bumps, to make the uphill parts of that journey a bit less exhausting and carry you across the massive potholes and dodge the unexpected sinkholes.

Duncan Reid and the Big Heads is one of those bands.”

Full review here

GQ: What does Don’t Blame Yourself mean to you as a band?

DR: The culmination of our development as a band made vivid on vinyl. 14 amazing songs played by 4 amazingly gifted and amazingly good looking musicians!

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

DR: I’ve just realised everything I’ve listened to in 2020 was released in 2019. I must get out and about more! I actually like the new YUNGBLUD album. Very Pop Punk from an interesting fella

GQ: What are your plans for 2021?

DR: To play the most delayed album release show there has ever been!

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

DR: To get out and about more!

2. Diablo Furs – Neon Satellites

“Fast forward 31 years and another band have caught my imagination with the vivacious punky pop on their debut album Neon Satellites. Diablofurs sees the return of Birdland lead vocalist Rob Vincent, this time the shocking peroxide hair is gone, and Rob (guitar & vocals) is backed by a new gang in town – Suze (vocals). Kay (Keys & Synth), Becks (Drums) and Danii (Bass & Backing Vocals). While the venomous youthful anger seen in songs like Rage has gone, there is a vigorous vitality and refreshing dynamism to the tracks on this impressive album.”

Full review here

GQ: What does Neon Satellites mean to you?

Rob Furs: Neon was very important to us, our debut album, we had to get it right. As well as the songs we’d been playing live for a couple of years, I wanted new songs on their as well, so the title track was written as we recorded it basically, which was exciting, and worrying, not knowing how it was going to turn out.

GQ: What are you favourite releases of the year?

RF: Covid gone…please…

3. Teenage Waitress – Love and Chemicals

“I’m glad to say, that Love & Chemicals is nothing short of genius, Daniel may have taken his sound off in a slightly different direction, but in doing so he has hit the mother lode in terms of blissfully infectious pop perfection. I opined in my review of Nosebleeds that I was addicted to the album. If that album formed an addiction, then I must have some sort of compulsive fixation and dependency for Love & Chemicals. “

Full review here

GQ: What does Love and Chemicals mean to you?

Daniel Ash: It feels like a fresh new start for me. I spent my 20’s writing and playing pop music in a guitar band and it looks like I’ll be spending my 30’s writing weird music on a laptop. It’s exciting.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

DA: There’s been so many this year but a few that spring to mine are . . The Moons – Pocket Melodies, Blue Canary – Dreamboat, Paul Weller – On Sunset, Stone Foundation – Is Love Enough? Bugeye – Ready Steady Bang

GQ: What are the plans for Teenage Waitress in 2021 (COVID dependent) ?

DA: I can’t wait to play live. I haven’t done one live show as Teenage Waitress yet and although I’m not aiming for world domination like I used to in my teens, a nice little sing song and knees up at a few venues would be a nice way to celebrate the album’s release.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

DA: An easier and happier year for everyone. If I can write another few tunes that’d be swell too. And more vegan options at KFC.

4. The Lovely Eggs – I Am Moron

Full review in the (sadly no more) Louder Than War print mag

5. Bob Vylan – We Live Here

“It ain’t no easy-listening record on many levels. But I think that is the point. It needs to tell the truths that are hard for some people to hear, it needs to paint a picture that some of us can’t even imagine living through. This album is hard hitting, musically it is intense, lyrically it is full of righteous anger and attitude. “

Full review here

6. Mt Doubt – Doubtlands

“One of the advantages of membership of Last Night From Glasgow is getting your sticky mitts on the glorious recordings ahead of their release. As the date for the official launch of the latest album, Doubtlands, from the magnificent Mt Doubt approaches (18th September) this stirring collection of songs, which manages to be both darkly melancholic but at the same time upliftingly enriching, feels like it has been spinning on my turntable for years such is the welcoming radiance it exudes. A sound that feels like the missing link between the dark storytelling and deep velvety resonance of antipodean troubadour Nick Cave and the multifarious textures of Glasgow’s own Blue Nile and The Bathers.”

Full review here

GQ: What does ‘Doubtlands’ mean to you as a band?

Leo Bargery: I suppose I’d like to think that the record marks a progression in both the “sound” of the band, and in my own song-writing. I think, especially with backwards-cast eyes on it, that it has a maturity and depth that perhaps wasn’t quite formed in our earlier output. It’s a definite and (hopefully) confident step in the kind of direction that we will be continuing in. A stepping stone, or maybe a bridge, maybe just a turnstile.

GQ: As a band or individually – What are your favourite releases of 2020?

LB: Oh gosh there are tonnes aren’t there? I particularly enjoyed records from Loma, Julianna Barwick, Westerman, Future Islands, Jess Williamson, Matt Berninger, Craig Finn, Sufjan Stevens, LYR, Bruno Bovata… honestly this list could go on and on and on!

GQ: What are the plans for Mt Doubt in 2021 (COVID dependent)?

LB: You know, aside from a distant show pencilled in and some tentatively re-arranged festivals, there’s not a whole lot set in stone. This year has definitely encouraged me to embrace the slower sense of living day-to-day and embracing the enjoyment of music more so than the machine of promotions and such. I’ll be recording a couple of records next year too, one with Mt. Doubt… I also plan to walk across Scotland, though that’s just a personal ambition. —

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

LB: A lot of people have suffered this year, and are suffering still, and I hope that 2021 can offer, in moments, respite from that. I hope people are patient and kind and level-headed. Every year I genuinely just hope I make it to the next year. I’m a major hypochondriac. Three wishes, sorry that was greedy.

7. New York Junk – Dreaming

“New York Junk are one of those quintessential NYC bands. As soon as you listen to the songs you know where their origins lie, not just because the style of their music rests well with the icons of the New York City alternative an punk scene of the 60s/70s but also because the subject matter of their lyrics often reflects topics relating to the Big Apple or tackles the issues the city faces.“

Full review here

Dreaming will shortly be available to order via Tarbeach Records on red vinyl.

8 Dead Sheeran – A National Disgrace

“One of these albums is the debut from the remarkable Dead Sheeran. Draw a Venn diagram of John Cooper Clarke, Sleaford Mods and IDLES and you’ve pretty much got the picture. “

Full review here

GQ: What does National Disgrace mean to you?

DS: Well, the title itself really refers to the head clown in charge, Boris Johnson. He truly is a national disgrace, international even. It can refer to any of his cabinet or government, all of them. Never in my lifetime have I seen such corruption and blatant disregard towards the people of this country, even during the Thatcher years. It can refer to us, the ones who disagree, and guaranteed it is how the right wing press will refer to us when it all kicks off here. It’s coming though, a winter or summer of discontent. We can’t put up with this forever surely?

As far as the album ‘A National Disgrace’ itself, it’s a collection of thoughts over this mental year. I stand by every word of course. I’ve made plenty of records over the last 25 years, it’s probably my favourite to date if I’m honest.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

DS: Bob Vylan for sure, it absolutely smashes the nail on the head right now, dark sounds for dark times. I love it. The recent My Bungle album certainly tickled my metal side, I can’t even remember what else has come out this year, all been a bit of blur really hasn’t it? I listen to new music for a while, then always go back to what I like, its an old man thing I’m sure. Same with movies, Star Wars, Robocop, The Warriors. And nothing else.

GQ: What are the plans for Dead Sheeran in 2021 (COVID dependent)

DS: Well, I’ve just finished mixing instrumental versions of everything so I can go out live, I say mixing but in reality its just muting the vocals, so thinking of how that will pan out and what songs will work. Then rehearsing it, somewhere and whenever I can. The vinyl release of the album in January. A 7” picture disc comes out Feb time with Things Were Better/Things Weren’t Better in the Eighties, plus I’ve just done a couple of radio edits for them so I’m planning to assault the radio waves at the same time. They’re pop songs, they’re relevant and they should be heard I think. Carry on writing the next record and get that out in some shape or form.

And avoid getting ill if possible.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

DS: The demise of this government. The virus is here for a while, we can’t do much about that, but even more damage is being caused by these psychopaths. They have to go.

9. Carla J Easton – Weirdo

“Carla’s fabulously unique and occasionally unearthly vocal is a perfect foil to the pulsating beats and vibrating rhythms. Such is the often richly hypnotic and luxuriant intensity and depth of the driving melodies, as I sit with my headphones on, I could be anywhere. The rest of the world fades away. I’m transported to another plain, opulent and lush in its imagined colours and contrast. Far away from the drab greyness that 2020 has become.”

Full review here

GQ: What does Weirdo mean to you?

CJE: Weirdo means be yourself and be happy being yourself. reject the word normal – it doesn’t exist. Treat others as you would like to be treated – the world will be a better place. Own your own power and be happy in your individuality and celebrate the ‘weirdness’ of your friends and family – it’s what makes them them.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

CJE: My favourite release of 2020 was Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple. I think it’s a wonderful work of art.

GQ: What are your plans for 2021?

CJE: All being well we will play some rescheduled festivals next year. I have an album coming out that is a collaboration with my friend Simon Liddell (Olympic Swimmer/Frightened Rabbit). We don’t have a band name yet but once we do we’ll start releasing stuff. A 5th birthday remastered release of my debut solo album Homemade Lemonade, and a new EP of CJE songs (though could potentially be an album…)

10. The Cundeez – Teckle and Hide

“100% proof claims the album cover, and its claims are not wrong. The sixteen tracks served up are an intoxicating heady brew. The Cundeez cementing themselves as a North East Scotland powerhouse. One minute offering an ultimate good time party anthem, guaranteed to have any party jumping as they provide the raw unfiltered craic, once again promised on the album cover.  I’m not going to lie though, the party might get messy, there are no guarantees how things might end up. The next minute, making some serious societal observations tackling weighty subjects and not holding anything back musically as the band brings the uproarious thunder.”

Full review here

Before I go, I just want to add a shout out to the fantastic Trotsky Cundee on guitars. Yer a star mate 🙂

GQ: What does Teckle and Hide mean to you?

Stevie Cundee: So Teckle album recording started in February 2020 when we recorded Peat & Diesel single, our first recording with new drummer Shaun. It was clear then the writing process had changed with his contribution and bringing a new dimension to the sound…another couple of recordings were laid down then lockdown!! During that period we sent ideas on our phones and were practicing individually in our homes. Once we were able to get back in the studio we were raring to go and Teckle album was born. We think it’s our best work to date

GQ: What are your favourite releases n 2020?

SC: Best album(s) for me in 2020 are Fontaines DC – A Hero’s Death & Nothing but Thieves -Moral Panic I got into loads of new and older music during lockdown but they won’t qualify

GQ: What are your plans for 2021?

SC: We’re looking forward to getting out playing the new album whenever that will be who knows.. we have started writing album 6 and early signs are another craicer…

Number 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11…..

It was hard enough to number 1 to 10….

These are all 11….

Smalltown Tigers

“Take the legacy that Currie, Jett, Ford, Fox & West started back in the mid seventies (there is perhaps a nod to them here on a track called Runaway Girl), add a bit Joey Ramone’s swagger, and a slice of sneering Lydon attitude and you’re part of the way there. If you then chuck in the edgy rawness and ire of the likes of Babes in Toyland/Bikini Kill and the rasping brusque vocals from frontwomen unafraid to speak their minds like Courtney Love and Brody Dalle, you’re about there.“

Full review here

GQ: What does Five Things mean to you?

Smalltown Tigers: In many ways, Five Things have been something that started our musical career. As a record, it’s been the first time we played our own material and that meant a lot to us as a band. Working on something you created gives you a lot more satisfaction than simply playing some covers, even if they’re the songs that shaped your way to play music. As a single, it allowed us to film a video in London, a thing that we only could have dreamed of some year ago. The fact that it’s been so very well received all over the word stunned us twice. It’s good when other people share the same passion regarding the music you play. As a simple song, it’s been the first time our lyrics became personal about how to treat somebody right in our own way.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

ST: It’s a tough task to come out with a list… we listen to a lot of music but we hardly pay attention to the fact that’s been released this year or not. We could maybe tell you what new record we are listening to at the moment…

• Valli: “Ohms” by Deftones
• Monty: “Alphabetland” by X
• Castel “Letter to You” by Springsteen

GQ: What are the plans for Smalltown Tigers in 2021?

ST: Well, I’m sure we can speak for many bands here, but I guess that our plan is… get back to normality. We have to cancel two UK tours this year and we really wanted to come back. We love to play live, we love to travel and that’s the first thing we’d like to resume. All in all, “Five Things” has only been promoted through the medias. Our PR team and our record label did great but what we’d love to do is play the record in front of the people, or at list in front of any people would be allowed to attend a gig. We have some things going on that we couldn’t talk about yet but that we hope they could make 2021 a very good year. Other than that, we think we’re ready for a full length record. We are already working at some new songs, we hope that they could be ready for the end of next year.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

ST: Like we said, we wish that everybody in the music business (and not only that) could come back to normal. Whenever it would be a “new” normal or his old self, we hope that we could reach some stability. This pandemic took the best part of our life away, and above all the talks about economics or things like that we couldn’t really live without culture, art and music. We couldn’t really think about how grey our existence would be without all those things or with a diminished version of them. For this reason, what we’d really love to do it’s to wish everybody a Rockin’ 2021!!!!

Carol Hodge – Savage Purge

“Those listeners out there who loved Hold on to That Flame will not be disappointed as the emotionally charged torch song style ballads are once again in evidence on Savage Purge. The combination of Carol’s honest and open lyrics, yearning vocal and supreme keyboard/piano playing that made Hold on to That Flame such a poignant masterpiece is a winning blend, so unsurprisingly it works to great effect again on this the follow up. Add to that the beefed-up full band sound on several tracks here and the package is complete. I’m glad to report the good ship Hodge is shipshape, so it’s all aboard, anchors aweigh and time to embark on another triumphant voyage“

Full review here

GQ: What does Savage Purge mean to you?

Carol Hodge: Savage Purge is a deliberately layered title. It’s a wink to the song ‘Shaved Women’ and my work with the Crass legacy. It’s a thematic nod to the ‘Épuration Sauvage’, the misogynistic reprisals carried out against women in France at the end of World War 2 (the shaving of suspected female Nazi collaborator’s heads inspired the aforementioned Crass song). It’s a teeth-baring scream of emotional catharsis, in which I processed the last few years of my life in musical form. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of an album.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

CH: It would be remiss of me not to mention the releases from Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts, and Slice Of Life, two other projects that I was involved in this year! Other than these, I have enjoyed albums by Bob Mould, Laura Jane Grace, Givvi Flynn, Lynanol, Quiet Loner, Arms & Hearts, Haest, One Sided Horse, Julia Othmer, Laura Marling, Haim and Fiona Apple.

GQ: What are your plans for 2021 (COVID dependent)?

CH: It amuses me that every plan in the world is now accompanied by a disclaimer (Covid dependent)! I’ll be releasing my new album in 2021, and the rest of my plans are up to the universe.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

CH: My wish for 2021 is that we all find our flow, find people, places and actions that resonate positively, and that personal growth and gratitude are experienced by as many people as possible.

The Claudettes – High Times in the Dark

“Like its predecessor, the album is packed with spirited rootsy New Orleans influenced jazz blues piano led rock n roll. The result? 11 prime fresh cuts of glorious attitude packed musicianship with vocals delivered by an angel, lyrics emotionally charged and often humorous. Most of all though all eminently listenable that will have you reaching for the repeat button.“

Full review here

GQ: What does High Times in the Dark mean to you?

Johnny Iguana: “High Times in the Dark” has suddenly become such a nostalgic thing for us, even though it’s still so young! The world changed beyond ordinary comprehension since we recorded that with Ted Hutt. We sound so swaggering and free ‘n’ easy on those tracks. I think it’s a really invigorating listen, especially during these cold, isolated times…I think you can hear and feel the esprit de corps that was there in that room. Let’s hope for more high times and less darkness in 2021…unless Godzilla comes, I think it’s a certainty at this point…

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

JI: Speaking for myself (Johnny Iguana), I was most bewitched by Laura Marling’s “Song for Our Daughter.” That album, dedicated to an imaginary daughter, just opens up my waterworks when I hear that final track, after all those other beauties on the album. I was also quite heartened by the albums by Sparks and Cornershop, and that X album sure sounded like a time warp…like nothing has changed (what a nice feeling this year).

GQ: What are the plans for The Claudettes in 2021?

JI: The Claudettes recorded a whole new album from summer to early fall 2020, and hope to see it come out in the fall of 2021. I’m calling it our “classical album.” Very melodic, spacious, inward-looking…a totally different album than “High Times in the Dark.” I’m very proud of both and can’t wait to hear the new album (“The Waves”) once it’s finished and released.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

JI: The Claudettes plans and my wish for 2021 are the same thing: that the Claudettes can tour on both sides of the Atlantic in 2021, just as we were set to do in 2020. I hope my beautiful band mates stay safe and are in a position to tour in 2021. Nothing is a given…people, especially musicians who previously had their work/art/life balance in line and are now in the midst of a whole new uncertain outlook.

SEIL LIEN – Shatter

“Those vocals. Sometimes a vocal can make all the difference. A voice can affect and touch you in so many ways. Marie Claire has one of those voices….a voice that sent shivers up my spine the first time I heard her. And it continues to do so.“

Full review here

GQ: What does Shatter mean to you?

Marie Claire: It’s a body of work that took a long time to come to fruition, I had been developing my sound for years, it was important that the album embodied all the elements that had emerged through that time of discovery. I was lucky, I was working with very like minded and talented people who really understood atmosphere was key to me. The result was something really special and for me it will always be a really important piece of work.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

MC: Mentrix – My ENEMY, MY LOVE Fav tracks – Nature and Dreams , Jehnny Beth – TO LOVE IS TO LIVE Fav track – French Countryside

GQ: What are the plans for Seil Lien in 2021 (COVID dependent)?

MC: I’m working on some new music at the moment, so a release around springtime. Hopefully playing the album live but it’s still so unclear. I’ve seen gigs in March now being pushed to the end of the year – we’ll just have to play it by ear I guess but I feel confidant it will happen at some point in 2021!

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

MC: For Brexit to be a bad dream. To be able to be with friends and family. To be able to go to a gig and to play one… that’s what everyone’s wishing for right?!

The Cravats – Hoorahland

“If you want a crazy twisted fucked up soundtrack for the crazy fucked up twisted times we are living in you could do a lot worse than the Cravats latest offering Hoorahland. 43 years after the bands inception, they remain addictively bizarre, their jazz funk fusion combined with off the wall mind-bending lyrics.

Sinisterly unsettling is another phrase I would use to describe the tunes on this album. Hoorahland is the theme park you wouldn’t want to take your kids to. Like a Disney resort on acid to play on your kids’ deepest fears and darkest nightmares.“

Full review here

Close Lobsters – Post Neo Anti

“There is not a weak track on the album. The dynamic magnetism of album opener All Compasses Go Wild sending this listener into a tailspin like the last 30 years hadn’t happened. I was back on the indie disco dancefloors of the 80’s blissed out and lost in the jangly guitar melody.

The lush textures continue through the whole of Post Neo Anti. The mix of the warm music enveloping you along with Andrew Burnett’s calmly restorative vocal transfixes and transports you to their world. All is well.”

Full review here

The Muldoons – Made for Each Other

“The Muldoons create a nostalgic vibe for me with their supremely addictive jangly guitar pop. Their sound is effectively bolstered throughout, variously with trumpet, harmonica and (if I’m not wrong) melodica. There is a certain charming kismet that they release this debut in the same year and on the Hive offshoot of the label that has released The Close Lobsters magnum opus.”

Full review here

GQ: What does Made for Each Other mean to you?

Davy Brook: Its hard to say without getting a bit mushy & sentimental. It was so much more work than we imagined, but getting the support from Last Night From Glasgow to release on vinyl was without doubt the best thing that’s happened to us as a band. They are an amazing label.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

DB: That’s hard – but since no-one else in the band gave me their input I’d say my favourites are Rough & Rowdy Ways by Bob Dylan (and I’m not particularly a Dylan fan). I also loved Light My Byre by Peat and Diesel. Fiona Apple album was pretty amazing and if its not too much to push other LNFG bands, I also deeply loved the Close Lobsters album, Post Neo Anti.

GQ: What are the plans for The Muldoons in 2021 (COVID dependent)?

DB: We have just confirmed a repressing of our first album which, to our amazement, sold out in just 2 months – that should be out soon. We have already recorded 2 new singles which should see the light of day in the first half of the year. But more than anything we want this depressing year behind us – we will literally gig everywhere and anywhere next year !

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

DB: Well a successful vaccine aside, it would be nice to see an end to the poisonous politics present mainly in the UK & US. Our kids are growing up, I trust this generation of Scottish kids – they’re cool & know what they want. Wouldn’t hurt if a few more of them picked up guitars and got angry

Rats From a Sinking Ship – Glamorous Terrorists

“The last album was a collaboration with Markus Kienzl and saw a slight change in the direction of the band’s sound as a result of his beats, loops and samples. Glamorous Terrorists sees the Rats return to the sound we have all been used to since their debut Rise as One. Gritty and grungy with crunching punk/metal guitars and several songs with a heavy dose of venom directed at certain targets in the lyrics.“

Full review here

GQ: What does Glamorous Terrorists mean to you?

Alex Lusty: What GT means to me? As a release, I am extremely proud of this especially the way it was recorded and produced. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, the whole album from demo’s to mastered versions was done in separate locations via online. Not one of us were in the same room at any time once. Jay recorded the guitars, bass and synths. Kev Frost of the Varukers did a great job on the drums and I got off lightly with only having to record my vocals and source the samples. The video for Wuhan Calling was produced exactly the same, online with fans sending in contributions. (Look out for the Ginger Quiff) The resilience and punk ethic of getting things done and making do is stronger more than ever in this band.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

AL: Kings Disease by Nas. One of the greatest rappers of all time and this album proves he ages better than Cabernet Sauvignon.

GQ: What are your plans for 2021?

AL: We pride ourselves on our prolific-ness. This stems back to my love of the Smiths and their relentless recording/release, recording/release. We have now released 5 albums and 2 EP’s in 5 years so 2021 will definitely see another EP early on in the year and then a new full album later on.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021?

AL: Wishes for 2021 I think they are probably identical to everyone on this small spinning rock we call home. To eradicate this horrible bug so we can get back to a level of normality and the people who need or miss their loved ones get that hug they so desperately need.

Lou Kyme – What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

“The resultant output? Seven glorious slices of Americana both celebrating the glory of love, while also lamenting love lost. Take the opening track, Oh Love, the perfect anti-love love song. The song rocks along at a fair lick. Buoyant riffing and an effervescent rhythm with some slick rockin’ solos from Chuck belie the message beneath.”

Full review here

GQ: What does What’s The Worst That Can Happen mean to you?

Louise Kyme: The album title, can be read in two different ways. It’s like the two sides of my personality sitting on my shoulders, one – the risk taker –  with a wink and a cheeky smile saying – ah, go for it, take that risk, what’s the worst that can happen? The other, my sensitive side saying – what’s the worst that can happen?, actually, a bloody lot, and this might break you. The risk taker always seems to win out, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Plus it gives my sensitive side some good stories to tell.

In the song, the title has slightly different meaning. When I wrote it I was experiencing a tough relationship and was feeling pretty sorry for myself. It was around the time of the previous US election with stories surfacing about Trump’s behaviour with women, which felt pretty dark. So those two experiences merged into the idea that I didn’t care if sky fell in, because it won’t be as bad as when I lost you.

As an album, What’s The Worst That Can Happen came along at the worst possible time for a new artist on the scene. Without being able to play live, I had no idea it could even reach anyone. But it also felt like the right moment – the title track is literally describing the end of the world. It would have been daft not to get out during a global pandemic.

GQ: What are your favourite releases of 2020?

LK: It was a great year for new music. I loved:

• Blonde On The Tracks by Emma Swift
• The Land That Time Forgot by Chuck Prophet
• Walking Proof by Lilly Hiatt

But my most played was Lucinda William’s Good Souls Better Angels. The juxtaposition of angry lyrics, the warmth of a tight drum/guitar band, the grit of her voice. Whatever the combination, at my lowest ebb, this album was the one that did the job.

GQ: What are you plans for 2021?

LK: To play! My goodness, I’m craving it so badly. To get together with a bunch of musicians in a sweaty room, feel the reverberations, different ideas, see where a song will go. I’ve got a whole bunch of recently written songs that haven’t seen the light of day yet. I’m desperate to let loose on live shows. Have fun. Laugh with an audience. Hang out at the bar afterwards. All of that. Gigging will be my priority, building my audience. Lots of people have shown interest in me, but have never seen me play in person. So I want to make the most of that. Lockdown has also been a chance to work on my craft and focus on my lead guitar playing. I play a telecaster, and Andy Hackett from the Rockingbirds has been helping me push my playing to the next level. So I can’t wait to bring a bit more of that into my live shows.

GQ: What is your wish for 2021

LK: That once our lives normalise, we don’t just revert back to how it was. That things change. For society, and for my day to day. That we can take 2020 as a genuine opportunity to move forward with what we’ve learnt, rather than just get lazy and revert back to our old habits and passive frustrations. My sensitive side would wish to grow a sustainable music career in the UK. My risk taking side, would wish to twang it out on a stage in Nashville in 2021. I’d be happy for either to win that little battle.

Natalie Pryce – Humans of Late Capitalism

“Haud the bus (or the train…)

Fuck me, where has this music been all my life…

I got that feeling today.

That one you get when you don’t really know much about a band, but you get their new album to listen to.

You have no expectations one way or the other.

You’ve been sent some info about the release, but you don’t read it.

You press play.

Then that feeling hits you.

That is how Humans of Late Capitalism, the new album by Natalie Pryce hit me.”  

Full review here

GQ: What does Humans of Late Capitalism mean to you?

NP: It means a lot to us that our work is appreciated. Yeah I think it’s definitely my favourite album of the year. It’s fun. It’s thoughtful. I love the female vocalist’s voice. I love the Green Door Studio’s all analogue vintage production. I can’t say enough good things about this album. In fact I wrote something like a 10 page essay on why it was so good (https://youtu.be/eTnG65avyIM). Basically I’m really proud of it.

GQ: What is your favourite release of 2020?

NP: The other best album of 2020 is “Mothers Pride” by Boab. Boab is a real talent and I’m honoured to call him a friend.

GQ: What are the plans for Natalie Pryce in 2021 (COVID dependent)? This question kind of answers itself.

NP: After COVID-19 that was the end. There is no more Natalie Pryce.

GQ: What is youer wish for 2021?

NP: My wish for 2021 is peace on earth. Cheers!

The Best Bad Influence – Rock it!

“Like the Stray Cats, The Polecats, Shakin’ Pyramids, and a myriad of others did in the 80s, The Best Bad Influence have re-energised and re-vitalised those rockin’ sounds and given them a makeover for the 2020s. Despite the obvious musical references and plundering of the past, the songs sound vibrant, vital, and fresh – essential listening for a new decade. I ensured my quiff was piled hight, and pressed play. From the off, I wished I’d gone the whole hog – Havana shirt, pegs, and creepers. I should have been more ready to jump, jive and wail.”

Full review here

Bubbling Under

Other albums I’ve loved and reviewed this year :

• Starless – Earthbound – full review here
• Savage Cut – Before the Sea Does the Mile – full review here
• Jon zip – Blueprint – full review here
• Sequence 369 – Gatefever – full review here
• The Blinders – Fantasies of a Stay at Home Psychopath – full review here
• Mick Rossi – All the Saints and All the Souls – full review here
• TV Smith – Lockdown Holiday – full review here

There are so many other albums that I have loved this year that I didn’t get around to reviewing. Not because they didn’t deserve it, just because life got in the way.

Stand up Bob Mould, Nadine Shah, The Speedways, The Total Rejection, Billy NoMates, Mungos Hifi, Wire, Jim Bob, Jehnny Beth, Dream Wife, Guided By Voices & Joe McAlinden and a host of others.

Thanks a million to everyone who made music this year that helped make the shittiest year in living memory that bit more bearable.

I’ll post my favourite songs of the year before the turn of the year….