1. Native Harrow – Closeness
How many times have you scrolled through a list of new album releases, settled on a band with an unusual name hit Play and immediately bought the gold paint effect record from their website. That's what happened when I first heard Native Harrow's 'Closeness'.
Devin Tuel who is the songwriter, guitarist and lead singer of this American duo states that 'Closeness' is a record written about love and connection, she wrote that “Throughout the making of this album I have been more emotional about music than ever before..... I was reminded of the deep love of connection.” Devin also had thoughts about sharing human emotions “I was reminded of the beauty in sharing what it is to suffer and triumph over the human experience we all endure... I felt that above all I wanted to make it clear that while the clock is moving, we can hold onto one another and maybe there will be tears but there will also be laughter,” when describing her preparation for writing the album.
The album is a set of great songs which have elements of modern Americana, folk, pop, 1970's Laurel Canyon and smoky jazz all underpinned by great songwriting, playing and wonderful vocals. Back to Devin's thoughts “I hope it is a beacon in all of this for you to carry on and know that there are better days coming.”
If there's one thought we can all take into 2021 surely that's it.
2. Laura Marling – Song For Our Daughter
3. Myrkur – Folkesange
4. Shirley Collins – Heart's Ease
5. Lucinda Williams – Good Souls Better Angels
6. The Big Moon – Walking Like We Do
7. Diana Jones – Song To A Refugee
8. Sports Team – Deep Down Happy
9. Taylor Swift – Folklore
10. Bright Eyes – Down In The Weeds, Where the World Once Was.
Favourite single of the year - Bob Mould – American Crisis ( hopefully less of a crisis after the inauguration in January next year).
