Like many I spent most of 2020 at home. Hunkered down, I listened to more music than ever. Much of that time was spent exploring new music by unfamiliar artists, playing music genres much different from what I would normally listen to. I listened to many of the CDs in my home music library and even delved into those old Boston and Chicago albums that I hadn't heard in ages (seriously, those first six Chicago albums are fantastic). Jazz, classical (I'm a sucker for Mozart) and the Allman Brothers all sounded great. But I wanted, needed something different. I mean really, how many times can one listen to Dark Side Of The Moon? Sacrilege I know but you catch my drift.
Deezer HiFi streaming subscription totally helped my new music needs. Millions of full albums, playlists and EPs at my disposal for the cost of one CD each month. And the sound quality with their HiFi version is full CD quality. If you enjoy finding new and old music I recommend Deezer highly. I can access my Deezer choices through smartphone, tablet, desktop and Sonos at home. Other services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon, Spotify are great ways to enjoy more music than ever before. Choose the one best for your listening needs.
So here are ten recent finds, artists and their albums, that I discovered during Pandemic 2020. Give them a listen and see what you think. Road trip!
Craven Faults
Erratics & Unconformities
Electronic music that will test your sound system, headphones and earbuds. Best listened to in its entirety. Be patient. Listen to the music wash over you, slowly changing and adapting. Just like those miles of roads change sometimes ever so slowly. Meditation with a jolt.
Discovered at Darko Audio YouTube channel.
Bobbie Gentry
The Girl From Chickasaw County
This eight CD box set proves Bobbie Gentry was much more than just Ode To Billy Joe. This set retrospective covers her career and offers southern rock 'n roll, country, jazz and easy listening all in one set. With many guest artists, the music is first rate and the set itself is a real joy to own.
Dave Pike
Music for the Jet Set
Think 1960s. Pike plays marimba with a great backing band. Produced by Herbie Mann, it has a vibe of the times. Highlights are Jet Set, Sunny and You've Got Your Troubles. Grab a martini and chill around the campfire.
Discovered on Deezer.
v2.0
This trio from Manchester, England mix modern jazz, time changes and uptempo bass lines to catches the listener off guard in a good way. Think minimalist and experience well recorded and well played acoustic drum, bass and piano. Habit forming.
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Discovered at Stereophile magazine.
Paul Moran
Smokin’ B3 Volume 2, Still Smokin’
Session player, soloist and B-3 Hammond organ and keyboard player for many artists ranging from Chrissie Hynde to Bette Midler to Van Morrison. Moran rocks the B-3 in this very enjoyable and upbeat jazz selection.
Discovered while surfing on Deezer.
Psychic Lemon
Frequency Rhythm Distortion Delay
As the title suggests this is intense. Think progressive noise rock. Not for the faint of heart. If you are road tripping at night this will be spooky fun. But please, concentrate on your driving.
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Discovered on Facebook.
Djabe and Steve Hackett
Back To Sardinia
Steve Hacket, the original guitarist for Genesis, meets jazz-rock band Djabe. The result is a wonderful mix of jazz, trumpet and solo Hackett sometimes playing the background, at times up front. Well recorded with a wide soundstage so buy the CD or vinyl for the full audio effect.
Discovered on YouTube.
Mogwai
As The Love Continues
ZEROZEROZERO soundtrack
Les Revenants
Where have I been? Mogwai has existed for over twenty years and I just discovered them. As The Love Continues was released in 2021 and not only do I love the album, it encouraged me to investigate others such as ZEROZEROZERO and Les Revenants. Someone said their music was "powerful textural solace serenity". A great description.
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Discovered on Darko Audio YouTube channel.
Monolake
Silence
This is a quiet album as the title suggests. Recording quality is superb with the quiet passages being super quiet. A perfect late night listen once you've crawled into your sleeping bag for the night.
Discovered on Darko Audio YouTube channel.
EOB
Shangri-la
Ed O Brian from Radiohead proves Radiohead is more than just Thom Yorke. A unique, dreamy and upbeat sound. Ed's sparse vocals let the musicianship shine.
Discovered in Stereophile magazine music reviews.
Micky Dolenz
Dolenz Sings Nesmith
Both of these artists have experienced much success in music. After moving on Nesmith became an early country-rock performer with his First National Band and Second National Band. Dolenz went on to have a successful solo and acting career. Now the join up and again with Dolenz singing these new versions of Nesmith's original songs. A seriously great album, great songs and wonderful singing. My early pick so far for Album Of The Year.
Discovered on the Steve Hoffman Music Forums.
Happy Listening!
