Posted on Thursday 26th December 2019 at 14:15
As we wave goodbye to 2020 and look forward to 2021 and all the great shows on offer, we thought it would be the perfect time to bring you our favourite 50 albums of the year!
Here at alt. tickets we keep our fingers on the pulse, with weekly updates of all our favourite releases, but when it came to recapping a whole year of excellent music it was hard to narrow it down to just 50! We've made some tough decisions and we have such a great list, so without further ado here is 40-31.
40) Margaret Glaspy – Devotion
For fans of: Lucy Dacus, Soccer Mommy, Big Thief
Released: 27th March
What the critics say: "Margaret still sounds the most at home with her string instruments, but her foray into experimenting with electronic music has paid off." - DIY
Stand out track: Stay With Me
See Margaret Glaspy live in Bristol next year. TICKETS HERE.
39) The Districts – You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere
For fans of: Twin Peaks, Born Ruffians, Pinegrove
Released: 13th March
What the critics say: "Having lost none of their basement born earnestness, The Districts are proof of a bright beginning that hasn’t lost its spark. When it boiled down to fight or flight, Grote and his band did both; retreating into their writing as a means of escape but coming back with a bold record of resilience. You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere is, in essence, a rock record. But it is a rock record that asks for more, unafraid to scratch that little bit deeper." - The Line Of Best Fit
Stand out track: Cheap Regrets
See The Districts live in Nottingham, Leeds and Manchester next year. TICKETS HERE.
38) Bru-C – Smile
For fans of: TS7, Holy Goof, Darkzy
Released: 4th December
What the critics say: "Overall this album makes us soooo excited to go out and get sweaty in all our favourite Notts venues. But most importantly, it highlights mental health in such a crucial way. With the current state of the world, looking after our mind is even more important and Bru-C sets such a stunning example to his audience. The way ‘Smile’ manages to contrast rave anthems you wanna skank to under the deepest topics is unique, experimental and just overall impressive." - NUSIC
Stand out track: Mission
See Bru-C live in Nottingham and Bristol next year. TICKETS HERE.
37) JARV IS... – Beyond The Pale
For fans of: Pulp, Nadine Shah, BC Camplight
Released: 17th July
What the critics say: "At its untethered, untidy best, it shows Cocker dropping in to see what condition the human condition is in and finding it in a state of wild flux. Far out, yes, but almost too close for comfort." - Q
Stand out track: House Music All Night Long
See JARV IS... live in Bristol and Birmingham next year. TICKETS HERE.
36) Doves – The Universal Want
For fans of: Supergrass, Richard Ashcroft, Elbow
Released: 11th September
What the critics say: "With their fifth album they're taking strength from sadness, hope from despair, and wisdom from experience. In troubled times, The Universal Want is exactly what we need." - Uncut
Stand out track: Prisoners
Doves' Nottingham show is now sold out. JOIN THE WAITING LIST HERE.
35) Oscar Jerome – Breathe Deep
For fans of: Yazmin Lacey, Alfa Mist, Joe Armon-Jones
Released: 14th August
What the critics say: "The perfect amalgamation of paying homage to past icons and celebrating the new generation, Breathe Deep is an album that gets straight into the groove. A fine example of making jazz cool again, Jerome’s debut symbolises his talents, quirks and inspirations whilst also detailing his journey through music thus far and has self-reflection aplenty. In a world that seems very titled right now, the album also touches upon the resilience of people and their growing awareness for world issues. It is an album from the heart, that will also get deep into the soul." - The Line Of Best Fit
Stand out track: Gravitate
See Oscar Jerome live in Manchester and Bristol next year. TICKETS HERE.
34) Marie Dahlstrøm – Like Sand
For fans of: Izzy Bizu, Jordan Rakei, Amber Mark
Released: 22nd May
What the critics say: "This is the kind of album that wants to soundtrack your life. To be there in those moments of reflection or immediate understanding, Dahlstrøm builds a vivid picture to offer escape when needed, be it with her soaring, searching vocals or the gently lapping R&B, Like Sand is an offering that, nine years in the making, has presented an artist who’s rooted in where she wants to be, with the ability to examine not just how she wishes to sound, but just what she wants from her career." - The Line Of Best Fit
Stand out track: I Want You (feat. Elijah Fox)
See Marie Dahlstrøm live in London next year. TICKETS HERE.
33) Tide Lines - Eye of the Storm
For fans of: Elephant Sessions, Niteworks, Skerryvore
Released: 1st May
What the critics say: "idelines newly released album, Eye of the Storm, entered the official album charts at number 3. Pretty good for a self-released album and indicative of the growing base of fans in the know. Robertson hooked me as soon as he cut in with his haunting vocal of “Born in the eye of the storm” in the first track. Tidelines are clearly influenced by traditional Scottish folk music when you hear the sweet piano at the beginning of ‘Stangers’. It is clear again as a gentle and lyrical guitar accompanies Robertson’s vocal to the Wreck of a Ship" - Glen2Glen
Stand out track: Innocent and Beautiful
See Tide Lines live on their UK tour next year. TICKETS HERE.
32) Anna Burch – If You're Dreaming
For fans of: The Beths, Lomeda, Stef Chura
Released: 3rd April
What the critics say: "Calm and comforting, ‘If You’re Dreaming’ feels like a mini-vacation for your brain; the perfect soundtrack to recharge your battery." - DORK
Stand out track: Can't Sleep
See Anna Burch live in Bristol and London next year. TICKETS HERE.
31) Lime Cordiale – 14 Steps To A Better You
For fans of: Cub Sport, DMA's, Gang of Youths
Released: 10th July
What the critics say: "After tasting success, the Leimbach brothers turn out a more refined record that shows they’re ready for more." - NME
Stand out track: Robbery
See Lime Cordiale live in Bristol and London next year. TICKETS HERE.
