I haven’t seen this in many top 10 lists this year, and I get it, it’s nothing earth shattering. But there’s something about Matt Berninger’s voice that comforts me, and this is the most distilled Berninger you can get. His first solo album, he put Booker T Jones on production duties as it was originally intended to be a covers album of soul tunes, but through the process he kept writing and the soul tunes recorded were shoved to a bonus LP and what you get is a soul-tinged, accoustic solo album, which is so smooth and beautiful, its the perfect tonic for a horrible year.

It’s staggering that Gorillaz have been going 22 years and yet are still relevant, let alone churning out some of their best work to date. Albarn continues to work with artists that continue to innovate and make the band fresher with every album. The man is a solid gold treasure. Song machine was born in lockdown, announcing collaborations as singles with a different artist for each song. The Genius of Gorillaz is they bring together artists and genres into one concept that shouldn’t sit together, yet somehow they do (Elton John, Peter Hook, Robert Smith) sit alongside indie stalwarts (St Vincent, Joan as Police Woman, Beck) add into that the usual eclectic mix of Hip Hop MC’s and what you have is a truly astounding album. But its Albarns songwriting at the heart that makes these 17 tracks the best Gorillaz album in their 22 year history.

Billions laughed and no one cried, the day the politicians died. Leave it to Stephen Merritt to write a song that encapsulates how most people feel right now about the people who lead the world. Quickies is another concept album from The Magnetic Fields, this time all the songs are short and snappy, the longest song coming in at 2:34 and the shortest 18 seconds. You wont feel short changed though as there’s 28 little vignettes here, which showcase TMF at their sharpest.

The best new British band I’ve heard this year. The only other debut in my top 10, it’s these cheeky chappies. They take me back to peak Britpop era, early Blur, Shed Seven. Really smart, funny lyrics with a sound you don’t really hear much anymore. There’s so many tunes on the album, a real achievement for a debut.

I predicted big things for these in last years blog. This album fixes some of the production issues they had on previous releases and really captures their insane live performances to exceed my expectations. Its the first debut on my top 10, and its such a fun crazy ride, comparisons to Talking Heads and Devo and The Coral’s first album are all correct, but despite the influences they are still so unique. I cant wait for live gigs to come back so I can see these again.

So many albums from my favorite artists this year and most did not disappoint. Jeff Rosenstock is so stupidly prolific, this is his 3rd album in 3 and a half years and you’ll struggle to find a better trilogy of albums from anyone. NO DREAM takes the political angst from POST and the fun singalongs from WORRY and whacks them all together in another punk stormer.

I’ve never been much of a Fiona Apple fan, I got Tidal on a VMP subscription a while ago and couldn’t get into it. But when this came out it got so much critical praise I thought I should check it out. The first thing that struck me is how funny she is, they’re wonderfully written stories with quirky piano riffs and weird percussion noises interspersed throughout, but what constantly shines through is the artists humor and personality. Mark me down as a fan.

The single above was the first from this album and came out a few weeks into lockdown when everyone was freaking out. It was such a positive, self-affirming message which gave me a shot in the arm when I needed it. The album is really strong too, the traditional IDLES cliches remain, haters will still hate, but lovers will become more ensconced with this wonderful band.

The first time I listened to this album it was in the background on my main stereo speakers and I found myself tapping my foot throughout, its got such a great consistent happy pace to it throughout. Very summery, easy-going upbeat indie and improves on their debut in every way.