Posted on Sunday 29th December 2019 at 02:17
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! If you need a recap of 50 - 11, head to the links below!
We've made some tough decisions, and we have such a great list, so without further ado here is 10-1.
10) Novo Amor – Cannot Be, Whatsoever
For fans of: The Paper Kites, Bon Iver, Amber Run
Released: 6th November
What the critics say: "Whether it’s the reminder that aloneness isn’t singular or a simplistic jolt of motivation that is far from cheesy, Novo Amor delivers an album with complexity and subtlety all at once. At a time when chaos and pain seem next to impossible to look away from, Novo Amor gently reminds us of all the possibilities and ways of being true." - Clash
Stand out track: If We're Being Honest
See Novo Amor live in Manchester next year. TICKETS HERE.
9) Elton John – Jewel Box
Released: 13th November
What the critics say: "In the end, Jewel Box is a lot to sift through, but ultimately it’s well worth the effort. Go through the couch cushions and save up some coin. Elton’s jewels provide a worthy cache indeed." - American Songwriter
Stand out track: (I'm Gonna) Love Me Again
See Elton John live in London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Glasgow next year. TICKETS HERE.
8) The Slow Readers Club – The Joy Of The Return
For fans of: The Boxer Rebellion, James, Editors
Released: 20th March
What the critics say: "It all adds up to some of the most immediately compelling indie pop released in a long while .A surprising and effortless release, The Joy of the Return feels like the start of something big for the band. One only hopes that they can keep this element of surprise going into the future." - Unbder The Radar
Stand out track: All I Hear
See The Slow Readers Club on their UK tour next year. TICKETS HERE.
7) Sports Team – Deep Down Happy
For fans of: The Magic Gang, Rolling Costal Blackouts Fever, Vistas
Released: 5th June
What the critics say: "With no shortage of confidence, Sports Team are the complete package. A band beyond just their music alone, there are no half measures here." - Dork
Stand out track: Here's The Thing
See Sports Team live in Nottingham, Bristol and London next year. TICKETS HERE.
6) Rufus Wainwright – Unfollow The Rules
For fans of: John Grant, Badly Drawn Boy, Ray LaMontagne
Released: 10th July
What the critics say: "In Froom’s expert hands, ‘Unfollow The Rules’ feels like a gentle stroll through the various stages of Rufus’s career; far from creating the impression of Rufus covering his own back catalogue, the effect is like a timely reminder of everything that’s wonderful about Wainwright." - Clash
Stand out track: Damsel In Distress
See Rufus Wainwright live on his UK tour next year. TICKETS HERE.
5) Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs– Viscerals
For fans of: Flat Worms, Osees, Girl Band
Released: 3rd April
What the critics say: "The record is all guts and glory, tauter than before and all the better for it. It’s relentless; an all-out-assault of riffs and rumblings that pushes Pigs to new heights." - Loud and Quiet
Stand out track: Reducer
See Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs live on their UK tour next year. TICKETS HERE.
4) This Is The Kit – Off Off On
For fans of: Laura Veirs, The National, Laura Marling
Released: 23rd October
What the critics say: "Stables is a lucid lyricist, her words powerful and imagistic whether she's inspired by the negative inner voices on "This Is What You Did" or referencing her beloved Ursula K Le Guin on "Was Magician". The result is unshowily spectacular." - Uncut
Stand out track: Was Magician
See This Is The Kit live in Manhcester next year. TICKETS HERE.
3) Enter Shikari – Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible
For fans of: A Day To Remember, Deaf Havana, You Me At Six
Released: 17th April
What the critics say: "Blending philosophy and science with the bloodied, bruised heart of someone who cares about their fellow man, ‘Nothing is True’ offers comfort, reason, familiarity and forward-thinking to give us the soundtrack we need for now." - NME
Stand out track: { The Dreamer's Hotel }
See Enter Shikari live on their UK tour next year. TICKETS HERE.
2) Nubya Garcia – SOURCE
For fans of: Moses Boyd, Ezra Collective, Sons of Kemet
Released: 21st August
What the critics say: "On her stunning debut, the tenor saxophonist and rising member of the London jazz scene meditates on her humble family heritage, the continuum of jazz history, and the power of collective action in our present moment.Blending philosophy and science with the bloodied, bruised heart of someone who cares about their fellow man, ‘Nothing is True’ offers comfort, reason, familiarity and forward-thinking to give us the soundtrack we need for now." - Pitchfork
Stand out track: The Message Continues
See Nubya Garcia live in Bristol next year. TICKETS HERE.
1) Sorry – 925
For fans of: Shame, Squid, Do Nothing
Released: 27th March
What the critics say: "This is a confident, charismatic, too cool to care record from the London quartet, and it delights those looking for something different." - The Line Of Best Fit
Stand out track: Perfect
See Sorry live in Brighton and Nottingham next year. TICKETS HERE.
