Been a while since you heard from Mr. Melt eh? Well, he's back now quenching those musical thirsts with a final edition of (Another) 7 Best LPs of 2020! Note that the listed records were only released up until September, so anything released from this month onwards will have to wait until my end of year lists...for now, get reading and listening people!
Blu & Exile: Miles (From an Interlude Called Life)
(Dirty Science)
As we've seen already this year, producer-rapper duos seem to be a prevalent (and fairly successful) concoction - and this double album proves no exception. Here, legendary rapper Blu and producer Exile collaborate their efforts for just their third LP over the past 13 years in a return-to-roots hip-hop project spanning over an hour and a half. In an excavation of mindfulness, social awareness, and a damning reckoning against Western culture, the duo effectively summon a manifesto littered with enticing age-old wisdom.
Favourite tracks: 'True & Livin', 'Blue as I Can Be'
Conway the Machine: From King to a God
(Drumwork/Griselda/Empire)
The debut LP from the highly-anticipated/up-and-coming New Yorker rapper Conway the Machine finally arrived earlier this year and fortunately lived up to such preliminary expectations. Splattered with multiple record producers and features throughout, Conway effortlessly flexes his braggadocious swagger with convincing ease so rare to find on a debut effort.
Favourite tracks: 'Lemon', 'Seen Everything But Jesus'
Crack Cloud: Pain Olympics
(Meat Machine)
Another debut LP to feature on this list - this time from the Canadian multimedia collective, Crack Cloud. An essential outlet for the multifaceted art-punk group, Zack Choy & Co. intertwine their painful experiences with drug addiction and rehabilitation into their most eclectic (in every sense of the word) work to date. Read the full review here.
Favourite tracks: 'Ouster Stew', 'The Next Fix'
Idles: Ultra Mono
(Partisan)
One of the most pertinent and essential bands of the late 'punk resurgence', Idles, return with their third LP within the past 4 years - with this one exuding a more ancestral trajectory of their beloved genre. Filled with chants and mantras, the quintessential one which stands outs, “I am I”, proves a guiding light for us and Idles’ nomadically expressive latest LP. Read the full review here.
Favourite tracks: 'Grounds', 'Reigns'
Imperial Triumphant: Alphaville
(Century Media)
The avant-garde black metal act Imperial Triumphant sear themselves into this list with a rapturous, jazz-infested, grotesquely guttural recalling of their capitalist-centric hometown of New York City. Brimming with a confident concoction of bestial screaming and haunting dissonance against the layered textures of jazz's softer facade, this act mark an indelible entrance into our current fray of societal disarray. Watch the full review here.
Favourite tracks: 'Rotted Futures', 'City Swine'
Sevdaliza: Shabrang
(Twisted Elegance)
Having only recently been recommended to visit the work of the Dutch-Iranian singer Sevdaliza, this second LP from her has me only wishing I'd turned onto her work sooner. Seamlessly incorporating intricate tropes of R&B, art pop, and hip-hop, Sevdaliza writhes through these layers with a sumptuously heartbroken vocal delivery. A truly unique yet enthralling hour-long experience.
Favourite tracks: 'Rhode', 'Oh My God'
The Flaming Lips: American Head
(Warner)
At last, the legendary American psychedelic-rock act mark their 16th studio effort with one of their best. From this eclectic entourage comes an eclectic mixture of nostalgic alternative-rock tropes fused with caressing layers of psychedelia brilliantly pinned by frontman Wayne Coyne's distinct vocal range. At last, a distinct 'rock' album has finally arrived this year.
Favourite tracks: 'You N Me Selling Weed', 'God and the Policeman'
Honourable Mentions:
Animé: Limbo
Chloe x Halle: Ungodly Hour
Kelly Lee Owens: Inner Song
Lianne La Havas: Lianne La Havas
Matmos: The Consuming Flame: Open Exercises in Group Form
Meridian Brothers: Cumbia Siglo XXI
Protomartyr: Ultimate Success Today
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