The 21 Best Albums of 2020

[@youwillovercome]

Mazzy’s 21 Best Albums of 2020: 1. Rough and Rowdy Ways by Bob Dylan 2. Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple 3. Græ by Moses Sumney 4. Gold Record by Bill Callahan 5. Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandria Palace by Nick Cave 6. All The Good Times by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings 7. Who Are You? by Joel Ross 8. Quickies by The Magnetic Fields 9. Letter to You by Bruce Springsteen 10. Songs for the General Public by The Lemon Twigs 11. Valentine by Bill Frisell 12. The Ascension by Sufjan Stevens 13. The Universe Inside by The Dream Syndicate 14. American Utopia on Broadway by David Byrne 15. Over That Road I’m Bound by Joachim Cooder 16. The Third Mind by The Third Mind 17. The New Abnormal by The Strokes 18. Supersonic by Ape 19. Hate for Sale by The Pretenders 20. Earth to Dora by Eels 21. Ekhidna by Hedvig Mollestad

[@mazzysmusic]

Thanks. I usually don’t add these because I want folks to watch. But this is great ✌🏽

[@liberation26]

@@mazzysmusic Much thanks for putting this video together. I enjoy watching the them. However, its super distracting to follow the names of the album/record company/pressing. Listing it like this (+ details of the exact pressing) would be a game changer :)

[@lukeizabelle2131]

It is so refreshing to see someone of your age appreciating and being so much into today's music. A lot of people of your age tend to be such whiners of any music that is made today😁 I love your content👍

[@anthonyabbinanti5739]

Mazzy,thanks for showing us all these wonderful albums.

[@braintwang]

Crap! I didn't know Gillian Welch had a new album out! Agghhh! I knew I'd miss something. I did 35 CDs in my video and a separate video on reissues and fun finds. We share a couple of things on our lists, Bob and the Pretenders (Shannon D also had the Pretenders). Love Bob's singing and voice! I had no idea Murder Most Foul his number 1. Wow! Thanks for the video! Gotta go check out that Gillian Welch/David Rawlings. Your tastes are way more eclectic than mine, lol.

[@mazzysmusic]

Welch Rawlings will do a repress in the new year 🌟

[@braintwang]

@@mazzysmusic Thanks! I just went to their site and they have a 3 cd box set of "new" material, Boots No 2. CDs only through the website. All the Good Times...only on download, but no CD. :( All available for download on Bandcamp also.

[@jakemcinturff7298]

Haha yes, I had to click after seeing moses on the thumbnail. I absolutely LOVE the album and the black and white pressing just came in a few days ago, and it sounds great. Great picks!

[@markspooner1224]

A very welcome look at some 2020 albums that I wouldn't have known of, thanks.

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

Glad to find your channel - All best of 2020 I saw were Hip Hop/Synth or Pop - Not my scene - I have 8 of those mentioned THanks On Sunset by Paul Weller - surprised not to see it and hey Clockface E Costello

[@criscrisler8604]

Creativity and originality still available for those of an exploratory mindset…beauty and artistry for those of us who have been around through decades of changes. Thanks for the list.

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Mazzy.great job..I had my pen and paper ready..First, I don’t have a lot of new albums from 2020 but I don’t care how many came out, the Dylan is my number one by a mile..Last year you turned me on to some great records and this year, you did it again..Ape for one..Some artists I was familiar with but didn’t buy their 2020 albums..Gillian Welch/David Rawlings, if I can find it..The new Pretenders, Nick Cave’s Idiot Prayer..I have had Hedvig Molstadt( sorry for the spelling) on my radar for a while..Loved what I have heard..definitely going to grab something..I was surprised Lucinda William’s Good Souls Better Angels did not make your list..fantastic video..❤️❤️👍👍🍸🍸glen kellaway

[@philipmatthews7128]

Yes Glen I thought Lucinda would make it

[@TheRollingStoness]

I always follow urs and Michael's recommentations , hatwise i love the newsboy hat AC/DC Brian Johnson wears..❤

[@BarakaPDub]

This gets to be one of the more enjoyable times of the VC for me. I like to see the final thoughts of the year's releases from everyone. I gathered what might be in your top three but I thought Fetch The Bolt Cutters would have landed at number 1. I am going to have to check out the Joel Ross. I saw it dropped but never bothered to sample it. I haven't heard a good modern vibe player in quite some time.

[@vinyllondoner]

Great list for an unbelievable year. My favourite album is SAULT: Untitled.

[@darrenrogan1387]

That’s definitely in my top 10 too.

[@brettthompson2743]

The latest Sault album is phenomenal and damn near impossible to get on vinyl now.

[@kev229]

There are 2 this year. Both are in my top 5 but Rise takes the top spot. Just wow.

[@robwalkerletthemusicplay]

Hi mazzy .. I enjoyed this video .. I’ll be doing my top albums of 2020 .. a few you showed I’ll check out .. none of mine were in your 21,.. so you may find my chart interesting.. cheers mazzy

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

I know of Utopia but wasn’t excited about it but then last week I watched it and totally enjoyed it. Great renditions of one of my favorite bands. I will now be ordering that album, great stuff. I thought you 2nd pick was your first list pick already, I’ll have to listen to that someday. I’m not sure if I even bought 10 new albums. After the flood I spent money bringing back in important albums, Analog Africa and Tone Poets. AMEN on Polyline Sleeves!!! Yes , we survived! Steve

[@brianmitchell3842]

I really enjoyed your list Mazzy. I only have 4 of the selections in your TOP 20 list (I was most excited to see you have Joel Ross on there!) and look forward to checking some of the others you named. 2020 was a bummer to say the least, but some amazing music was released to keep us company. Happy Holidays Mazzy!!

[@derosa1989]

Love the Bill Callahan record. As a vinyl junkie, it's nice when we get an RTI pressing, and nice TipOn jacket from labels like Drag City.

[@likeitornotwithmichaellane4896]

Top notch countdown and review video. Very informative, funny and awesome. Really enjoyed it. Wonderful selections. In my musical taste buds, your top 21 was almost flawless. I would have had “Letters To You” a little bit higher. Your musical range is quite eclectic.......like mine’s. 😁 By the way, you got a new subscriber in me. 😎

[@mazzysmusic]

Thanks for watching and the comments ✌🏽

[@broadhurst5000]

Awesome stuff, plenty for me to add to tidal to check out. My fave is Kelly Lee Owen "Inner Song". Rock on Mazzy Dawg! 🤘😜🤘

[@MrSuggs-vw3zj]

Yes! That Fiona Apple 's is a brilliant album indeed. Now that's about the only one I have on your list (some are on my want list for some times now like N Cave and The Boss). Lots of things to discover and I'll start with #21 : Hedvig Mollestad - listening to her as I write this... thanks for the tip!

[@dougjarvis3824]

Nice one, I have the bob Dylan and the nick cave out of your top 5 and agree they are great so will check your others out... For my list cherry ghost live at Hebden Bridge would have to be in there.

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

Enjoyed your comment on your choices THanks

[@Ferlcdp]

Thank you for the great list. Nice to see someone "your age" not choosing auto tune and easy pop music so common today...

[@mazzysmusic]

I’m always open to new discoveries as well as classic creations ✌🏽

[@sharonevans6864]

Great list. Several I have never heard of that I would love to hear. Thanks so much

[@danakimborowicz5812]

Hi Mazzy, great list. Always great to see what others are listening to from this year. A little surprised ‘Third Mind’ is so low, but the rest makes sense. Cheers

[@MonieMuse]

Wow you’re a Sufjan Stevens fan?! I always enjoy his work, he’s an artist that I never know where he’s going next. You shared lots of albums I haven’t heard of so exited to check those out! Also I can’t believe you film this in one take!!! Had no idea Bob Dylan released an album this year.

[@mazzysmusic]

Two takes 😎there’s a dissolve mid way through as I recall. 🥂

[@MonieMuse]

@@mazzysmusic didn’t even notice it lol

[@adrianluscombe9532]

Great review of some fantastic records. I’ll be checking out the ones I haven’t yet discovered. Dylan’s was my favourite of the year, closely followed by Rose City Band “Summerlong” & The Jayhawks “xoxo”

[@mazzysmusic]

I do love the Jayhawks. It almost made my list.

[@JEFF-fb4qc]

The “Poly lined sleeves “ rant makes my top 10 Mazzy moments of 2020 🤣

[@TheVinylGuru]

Hahaha i know, freaking love the guy.

[@EightVinylLow]

Nice showcase, Mazzy. Two of my top 5 of the year also made it into your top 5. There are also two in my top 5 that you didn't mention. That's why I love these end of the year reviews. I'm hoping to get my 2020 video up in the next couple weeks.

[@culturefan]

Good rundown. Did you hear the musician/album, Anna Von Hausswolff, All Thoughts Fly? You can hear it on YT, rather dark and mostly organ and keyboards, but a pretty good album. On her other albums she sings, but I prefer no singing. Nice Basquiat art on that Strokes. Thanks Maz.

[@twostikks1]

What a great video! I forgot The Pretenders released an album this year - and I HAVE it! In fact, I put it in a poly-lined sleeve. 😝 I really love your videos, Mazzy, whether I dig the artists or not, your descriptions of their records seem to convey what’s important about them. And you always make me laugh. Always great videos. Thank you!

[@mazzysmusic]

So I make you laugh? Funny like a clown ? All this music just inspires me 😎

[@twostikks1]

@@mazzysmusic LOL! Funny like an evil clown with nice hats.

[@michaellambright7968]

Nice list. Have you heard Hamilton Leithauser's record? Big recommend.

[@mazzysmusic]

I have not. Will check it out 🌟

[@pauljohnson5925]

Some I have, some I don’t want and now, thanks to this review I have The Third Mind album and I can’t stop playing it. Thank you sir.

[@carywhitt]

I loved that Strokes record as well. It also made me go back and listen and listen. The David Byrne show was unbelievable. The film version IS amazing. You should also check out Sault, BDRMM, Andy Bell, Fontaines DC, and Laura Marling.

[@pierremartin9048]

Thanks for all the great reviews, especially the recommendations.

[@Michael45RPM]

Hey Mazzy you forgot to put in... :-) Just kidding, great selection .. and somehow today is the day of the 21......

[@TheVinylverse]

Your number two is my number one. I don't buy a lot of new music but I find these types of lists very interesting. It shows me all of the stuff that I missed as I'm still mostly looking backward in my pickups and collecting. I'm still waiting for my copy to come in but Anna Von Hausswolff's All Thoughts Fly would be high on my list. Have you checked that one out? If not, you need to. 😀✌🏻

[@mazzysmusic]

I have not heard

[@kgobrien1]

Nice eclectic list with some old friends on it. Right on about the poly sleeves.

[@johnw706]

Some great new music to check out . Thanks ! By the way , do you know where I can get a poly lined mask ?

[@mazzysmusic]

😎🤓😘

[@frankschneller2627]

Pretenders, Frisell - absolutely. They stick out in my opinion. Many interesting albums, thanks for introducing me to some new stuff - your taste is a good compass. But: Can't really warm up to the new Springsteen, Dylan, Strokes and even Cave this time. Instead, I would add the new Smashing Pumpkins album, The Other Lives (!), Matt Berninger and Marcus King, (Marcus King makes me skip AC/DC's newest, well, are they actually making 'new' albums at all?). There's also some nice Jazz material in 2020 ... However, as always - very entertaining and inspring! Thanks a lot. Viele Grüße aus Hamburg.

[@BenHughes3]

When Bolt Cutters came out I thought it would be my number one for the year, but when I first played Bob's latest I knew it was something special that wasn't going to be equaled by anyone. It's powerful, and timeless and one of his best releases. I would also add that The National's Matt Berninger's solo album is one of the best for the year, and one I think you would like if you don't know it already.

[@ronaldschuurman3967]

Thanks man, i see i miss some albums in my collection, so i have to grab my wallet again. Keep up the good work Mazzy👊

[@joelynch4698]

Okay the "have sex with yourself to this record" and poly lined sleeve rant make this the greatest video of 2020. Congrats Mazzy you win the internet. Brilliant.

[@broke.on.records]

Love the eels and completely forgot they had one out recently. Added to my last minute review listening queue for tomorrow. Love that Pretenders record. The 50 Song Memoir Record kinda made me drop out of mag fields but love the few right before it.

[@DocJJohnson]

Love this list

[@senmurw4428]

What do you think about Taylor Swift's folklore? I think it was a pretty good record, one of the year's bests (and her new album evermore is just as good )

[@derwynpowell7689]

Mazzy .....nice overview of 2020 since a lot of releases may have gotten lost in the pandemic shuffle we've all been going thru. I will have to search out a copy of Gillian & Dave LP. Surely they will be releasing it in the cd. format? I don't have a problem with Record Store Day but not everyone buys on that day. Limited editions are fine but Gillian has quite the following so why wouldn't they release it to the fans who have supported them 4 years. Oh well we'll see what happens with that one. Thanks.

[@mazzysmusic]

Gillian and Dave was NOT a RSD release. They sent emails out to everyone on their list for pre orders a few months in advance and then pressed the records so I assume most fans are hooked up with them and had a couple of months to pre order. Plus there were a bunch of articles about the release and upcoming box set. The only RSD I included here was the Magnetic Fields. ✌🏽

[@kjbiz]

Good to see St Nick & Bill Callahan up there...

[@christopherkibler511]

Mazzy, I find it interesting that I have none of these albums, and the only one that I have heard is the Bob Dylan. I did get a 2018 Bill Frisell album. I would like to get the Nick Cave and the Gillian Welch albums. The only other 2020 release that I have listened to is the Danzig Sings Elvis album. Thanks, Chris

[@kevinellery6951]

I have two Goorin Bros. straw fedoras. I love them for the Spring/Summer.

[@RandyforRoyals]

I recently picked up 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields and loved it and then picked up Quickies on RSD. I did not know about the 45 version so I'm glad I missed it. There are a few picks I need to seek out. Love the Dylan pick. The Close Lobsters had a great album out this year as well but no squabbling. ---Randy

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

Any chance of you listing these in the drop down box ? Some I really want to check out. Thanks

[@big_burly_bro]

Good on you for staying that current. I probably bought 10 or so 2020 albums.

[@michaelgraetz8600]

Great list, one of my favorites this year that deserves an honorable mention is X - Alphabetland

[@PetesCDVinylWorld]

My favorite of the year is Blue Oyster Cult - The Symbol Remains

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Great list. I think only one (maybe two) on here that I don’t remember you talking too much about earlier in the year. Pleasantly surprised that Bruuuuuuce made the Top 10. Some of these I streamed, but never picked up a physical copy. Moses Sumney being one. My god, man! Killing me with that review. 😂🍆😎 Of course Bob would be number 1.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah it seems Moses is really proud of his physique 😎🚀 but he really makes cool music.

[@damiankirkwood7924]

ha first pick i go and check it out....about 30 mins later....i love it ok back to the video

[@vinylrichie007]

You seem to be in such deep thought in the thumb nail. Thinking that in a few hours I’m going to be making a video with such a wise man is intimidating.

[@mistery-ed7900]

I strongly considered buying Quickies for RSD and didn't. Magnetic Fields were a band I couldn't get enough of in the 90s but haven't been that engaged that much in more recent years. My top records of the year (at this moment) are Told Slant's Point The Flashlight And Walk, Stick In The Wheel's Hold Fast and a 4 song EP by Le Ren Morning & Melancholia. I just bought a 7" by her also.

[@robertlonergan9401]

Max,I'm Irish and maybe a tad biased but the green hat makes you look minutes younger. Good choice!

[@sclogse1]

Your Supersonic by Ape review made me think of Tipsy.

[@TRamone01]

For a lengthy song I'll go with Neil Young's Ordinary People. Strokes The New Abnormal on the way. Fiona Apple next. Much thanks for the recommendations!

[@gasolinerainbowsliquidligh2552]

How did Slift- Ummon not make the list? Incredible.

[@DismasM]

I also had Dylan and Fiona battling it out for the top spot. Dylan came out on top. I tell people this album is like a cross between Cohen/Waits/Dylan. It's exquisite. The Frissel is exceptional as well. I'd put some in that you haven't mentioned, but then again, you mention several I'm unfamiliar with, so who knows?

[@yep7493]

Have you listened to After Hours by The Weeknd?

[@BriansVinylRecords]

Love that Bob Dylan record. Great pick

[@joemartin6439]

Sure want to here this review again my favour now is the “ Ella and Louis “ Classic Jazz 180gr

[@lupcokotevski2907]

USA Today rates 'Swimmer' by Indie pop husband and wife duo, Tennis, as one of the best albums of 2020. Reached 39 on Billboard. They have been making addictive pop for 10 years now.

[@Localbandography]

Hedvig Mollestad will also be on my list. 🎸

[@mazzysmusic]

You turned me on to it ✌🏽

[@Localbandography]

@@mazzysmusic I’ll be damned. I guess I’m good for somethin’ lol

[@JNebs]

Happy to see Bill Frisell's Valentine. 🙂

[@StuntrockConfusion]

Good list, even if it already did almost feel like the reissue list, hahaha ;) Your #3 is IMHO the best of this lot, and I hope you would like it as much even in a shitty cover and shitty package.

[@joemartin6439]

Are these records from tapes or digitally produced .Are they sonically great sounding records

[@mazzysmusic]

Most are all analog. Lennon and Kraftwerk are digital and so is most of the Analog Africa. But they sound really good

[@abelashes2676]

To Which My Brother Laughed by Shh...Diam! Optimisme by Songhoy Blues Kitchen Sink by Nadine Shah 7 Weapons Series by Howie Lee The Makarrata Project by Midnight Oil Alone Together by Tim Minchin MFTJ by MFTJ Mordechai by Khruangbin What I Did On My Long Vacation by Ceramic Dog ....Tropical Fuck Storm, Jupiter and Okwess and Yellopain put out some great singles.

[@waynedexter]

I can smell the vinyl through my phone ☺️

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Glaring ommission---Kansas--Absence of Presence

[@sylvestermatera2719]

If you please, I would equate watching your visual banter with a line from Roger Ebert in describing Wim Wenders "The American Friend"-----"cheerfully perverse."

[@moonoom764]

You need to put these in a spotify playlist

[@TheVinylGuru]

I agree with a lot of this. We listen to a lot of the same stuff. Killer taste. Fiona would be up there for me.

[@Chip8224]

Crap! Gotta spend more money on records now. Eels and Dream Syndicate in particular. I thank you for the heads up. My wallet doesn't. Paul Weller's On Sunset gets my vote for best of the year.

[@u.u.u9969]

Can you create a Spotify Playlist?

[@mazzysmusic]

Sorry. I don’t use streaming services

[@tonearmtango5131]

Hey Mazzy. You have way to much music and why 21? Hats are very personal, worth trying on or get a custom fit. You need lederhosen with that green Hat. jk - it is great. Good suggestions on your choices many I have never heard of.

[@PopPop_2]

Dennis Deyoung.. Just East of Midnight..

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

Letter to you Best since Darkness - sounds like Darkness

[@mikaraunemo1319]

Greetings from Finland 🍺 Yes sir , great 👍, Rough and Rowdy is The best album of 2020. Totally agreed and what a wonderful sounding record. ( at least EU version), great stuff. Cheers!

[@kev229]

Mazzy, PLEASE look up and listen to SAULT... I guarantee you will love them.

[@mazzysmusic]

I certainly will 🎶

[@sclogse1]

It just started to rain. Kinda sad no soundtrack made it. There was a time...

[@teckertime]

Only ones I have off your list is the Pretenders and Fiona Apple. I'll have to check out that Eels Record, and the Nick Cave. No Morrissey, Erasure, or Kylie Minogue? ALL quality records.....

[@miketomlin6040]

Good choice. Dylan's anti music, anti life raison d'etre is a perfect pick for 2020.

[@mintzmia]

Him talking about Moses Sumney’s “well exercised black body” wasn’t awkward or anything.

[@neilsun2521]

There was a song by Ian Brown (from The Stone Roses) this year called 'Little Seed, Big Tree'; first lyrically relevant rock-song since 'God Save The Queen' by the Pistols; in my opinion.

[@davidellis5141]

The Dream Syndicate record was similar to the underrated The Medicine Show recorded in San Francisco & Produced by Sandy Pearlman. I know Steve Wynn is missing his friend Gary Stewart from Rhino. I worked with both at Rhino.

[@rocky-o]

what...no 'futility's last request'?!?..(ha)....seriously....bob dylan...man, it doesn't get better...easily the best album of the year...also, nick cave 'idiot prayer'....brilliant....it's funny that you mention the magnificent fields...so many record store day videos had store owners calling the band 'quickies, putting under 'q'. 'and i had to tell them in the comments that that was the title of the album, not the band name....i'm sure that didn't help....they need you to set them straight.....be well my friend...stay well...peace....rocky

[@ptyfolk]

You are so cute I want to date you! Awesome video.

[@johndelavina3335]

Baas-key-ot

[@bathorybill9423]

Dude... no list??

[@mazzysmusic]

Someone posted the list in the comments here. I didn’t want to give it away in print ✌🏽

[@markh3088]

You need a Stetson!

[@mazzysmusic]

I have two Stetsons but not the traditional cowboy style...

[@markh3088]

@@mazzysmusic The traditional style in my book is the "LBJ" model. The hat that you like to wear has a similar look as a LBJ. At any rate, love your channel!

[@nbulj]

great list.. but Fiona Apple is so boring and pretentious record... listened on tidal...happy for not buying it.. makes this awful year even worse...tipical hypster record with person who takes herself to seriously in my opinion.. but we don’t have to agree on everything... thanks for pointing out on some albums i have missed this year... great site mr Maslov, happy to return on daily basis.

[@chuckgillespie1]

Noble records? Must be a southern boy?

[@vinylrichie007]

The Third Mind is really good. I doubt you’ll show much else that I’m interested in. For example that David Byrne album. I just find it unlistenable. I bought a few albums from 2020 but none of them are as good as these.

[@vinylrichie007]

I agree with your poly lined sleeves rant. I disagree with your Dylan rant. He is unlistenable now. I am over it but I’m not listening to Journey. Maybe Big Black or the Butthole Surfers. Take care Norm.

[@pissinateapot7040]

Gillian isn't that hard to pronounce.