2020: Word Music Silver Linings

y su Conjunto Tropical 

Ranil 

Amazing collection of upbeat Cumbia music from the prolific Ranil. Incredible that these beats were crafted and broadcasted from the deep Amazonian jungle in the early 70's. Another gem of a recording expertly released by Analog Africa. The vinyl pressing is gorgeous.

   

Rastilho

Kiko Dinucci 

Contemporary, but firmly rooted in tradition, Dinnuchi delivers this stunning mix of old and new Brazilian vanguard music.

   

Color De Trópico

Compiled By El Drágon Criollo & El Palmas

Stellar, curated compilation of late 60's/ early 70's Venezuelan music. Every track is a knock out, especially tracks 2 and 3. Some real history behind these tunes and I'm indebted to El Palmas for ensuring these tracks get heard.

   

Night Dreamer Direct​-​To​-​Disc Sessions

Seu Jorge & Rogê

Cool stripped down recordings between two Brazilian musical geniuses. A bit rough around the edges, I appreciate the imperfect sound and intertwined grooves.

    

The King Of Sudanese Jazz  

Sharhabil Ahmed

Wow! The Habibi Funk record label has to be one of my coolest discoveries of 2020. The whole catalog is full of a stunners and lost gems. It has lead me down the path to discover a wealth of middle eastern music including this collection of 60's western influenced jams. Great summer record that I'm so happy HF was able to dig up and share with us.

      

Aman!! #2

Aman!!

Bandcamp states "Acoustic hacked South Mediterranean tunes and noises." Perfect description of this nice trip into Greek rebetiko fitted with modern styling.

A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean

Shika Shika

Mesmerizing project to catalog and vocalize endangered bird calls into music. The use of the calls is intertwined with engaging music. Definitely one for critical headphone listening to experience the intricacies of this novel mix.

2019 Playlist

At the top of every year I create a Spotify playlist and add to it whenever I hear something of interest. It could be new, old, sentimental or apt for the time. It usually morphs into my soundtrack of the year. At years end I try to refine the list down to something more trim:

If your interested, here is 2018's mix:

 

Super bonus 2017:

A Year in Music 2019: Rest of the Best

Extraordinarily late. The rest of my favorite records from 2019:

Claude Fontaine

Reggae/Bossa split record that sounds incredibly authentic and sultry. Pretty much made for me.

5

Sault

Smooth beats and slick lyrics . Thoroughly modern with an anchor in the past. Favorite track: Why, Why, Why, Why, Why

Heavy Handed

Pixel Grip

Rita Lukea's voice twists and morphs over some top flight synth wave grooves. 

 

IV

K-X-P

I had a transcendent experience late one night listening to the first track on this record. I found myself flying through a capital ship graveyard passing too close to ancient, rotting hyper drive engines. No drugs needed.

Houmeissa

Hama

Planetarium music from a talented Nigerien.

 

Back to Mine: Jungle

Excellent compo curated by Jungle.

Goes West

William Tyler

Brilliant dulcet guitar work from Tyler.

Face Stabber

Osees

The ever fantastic Osees take on Afrobeat to great aplomb? Hell yaas. The rest of the record is pretty weak, but that 21 minute journey at the end makes me swoon.

Death Frequency

Frecuencia De Muerte (FDeM)

Killer hardcore punk. Perfect from drop to lift.