best of Ewan Chaos's Best of 2020! | Done!

[Lazuli]

songs for our daughters wasn't too bad, re-animator too

punisher  

[madonnas]

here to report that i did listen to ee's new album, and it was defintely better than their last. 

[Legend E]

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230 albums!!!!

you're nuts, ewan

 

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HAHA I have very mixed Taylor opinions but I'm glad most people can at least recognize that Folklore is at worst an OKAY album yknow?

I am actually relistening to folklore after a while to see if it somewhat grew on me. It happens sometimes with some albums but oh well  

I'm leaving evermore for later  

 

for this set, i love punisher. glad graceland too is also one of the highlights <3

[potent]

I missed Phoebe this year, but I think she sounds interesting!

230 albums though  I could never

[Wicked]

13 hours ago, Ewan Chaos said:

43.) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher (Singer-Songwriter/Indie Folk)

I think the album is... overpraised in all honestly, at least by critics.

We're gonna get along great.

[Mezik]

Phoebe is another artist I need to listen to in full, as she is making so many of these year end lists and I really do not know much about her asides a few singles here or there. She appears to be hella talented, so I'm sure her work won't disappoint met  

[Sunderland 4ever]

Wow there are so many albums from this set I haven't seen in other YECDs but will show up in mine too. Laura's album, meh, I prefer Semper Femina by miles. That Phoebe Bridgers record sounded alright. I didn't give it many plays, though. Re-Animator (didn't like it at first but then I grew a bit fond of it) and En Garde are my favorites. Good set!

[Macchi]

I agree with your Phoebe Bridges comments. I really was expecting more... its not bad per se but Funeral>>>  (Kyoto is amazing to me though)

[ikiru]

230 albums wow I had problems finding 20 albums I enjoyed this year for my list

Absolutely agree with what you said about Phoebe! I listened to it after reading all the acclaim it received from the critics and it was just okay

[Blue Rose]

21 hours ago, Ewan Chaos said:

41.) Everything Everything - Re-Animator (Progressive Pop/Art Rock

This was a cute 6/10 for me. They get an A for effort.

Laura’s album is so acclaimed but it had the same effect on me as Waxahatchee’s and Phoebe’s albums. I was bored to sleep and I think Im starting to find it hard to relate to sad white women. And I loved Laura’s previous album so I was excited.

[Ewan Chaos]

I might just be a bit edgy but....... Evermore > Folklore? I also wound up liking Folklore most on my first listen and then liking it less, so the same will probably happen with Evermore LOL. ANYWAY on with some more albums - and I'll also probably take a few-days break!

 

"I rip the slit..."

40.) Arca - KiCk i (Deconstructed Club/Latin Electronic)

I RIP THE SLIT, I RIP THE SLIT, I SLIT, I RIP THE SLIT, I SLIT, I RIP THE SLIT, I, GIRL I RIP THE SLIT, SLIT

I RIP THE SLIT, I RIP THE SLIT, I RIP THE SLIT, I SLIT, I RIP THE SLIT, I SLIT, GIRL I RIP THE SLIT, GIRL

Listen to: Rip the Slit, KLK (feat. ROSALIA), Watch (feat. Shygirl), Nonbinary, Afterwards (feat. Bjork)

 

"No te equivoque' -oque..."

39.) Buscabulla - Regresa (Synthpop/Chillwave)

I really liked Lido Pimienta's album too, but I adore the funky aspects of this record enough to edge this out as my top full-Spanish album of the year. I love a lot of these songs on a similar level because they have the same sort of vibe/BPM, which can sometimes bother me with albums, but in this case it's all quality so I like it. NTE gets a special shout-out because the GROOVE gets me shaking in my seat every time and I think the key change towards the end is cute. El Aprieto is a CLOSE second (which I always sing as AHHH quesadilla quesadilla quesadilla ). Please check them out if you liked Lido Pimienta's album or if you in general are looking for some more Spanish-language bops after hearing Despacito or something idk.

Listen to: NTE, El Aprieto, Mio, Nydia, Vamono

 

"Then the evidence came back in a chariot of vindication..."

38.) Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension (Art Pop/Indietronica)

Ah yes, the album that lots of people hated. I'm more of a fan of the Sufjan music I can pop my ***** to instead of the Tumblr soft indie boy Carrie & Lowell music. Buddy actually snapped on that one post on the ATRL thread with this C&L hate nnn. Yeah this clearly isn't as good as like Age of Adz/Illinoise/etc but it's pretty underrated! The title track is one of his best, a devastating and beautiful destruction of ego. Lana found dead after hearing Video Game. Darth Vader found making breathing sounds because of intense twerking after hearing Death Star.

Listen to: The Ascension, Video Game, Death Star, Tell Me You Love Me, America

 

"You've got no time..."

37.) Kate NV - Room For the Moon (Art Pop/New Wave)

This is probably one of the most interesting albums on the list with loads of instruments (I'm a slut for a good flute or sax part in a song) and multiple languages throughout the album. I'm not usually a lyrics hoe or anything, so it's nice to listen to this and only focus on production/instruments. I love having this on in the background and finding new appreciation for certain songs (this happened with Lu Na most recently). If language barriers don't bother you, I HIGHLY recommend checking this out.

Listen to: Not Not Not, Sayonara, Ca Commence Par, Lu Na, Telefon

 

"Don't give me that bull**** catchphrase: 'It was better in my day'..."

36.) Biffy Clyro - A Celebration of Endings (Alternative Rock/Pop Rock)

This is probably the last rock album you'll see for a couple of updates. I HAD to include some Scottish legends into my Best of as a Scot myself. I actually preferred their random soundtrack album last year (Jasabiab, Balance Not Symmetry >>>>), but this album is great. Tiny Indoor Fireworks gives me classic feel-good rock vibes and The Champ has some great lyrics about telling the old ****ers to SHUT UP about "well back in my day" blah blah. His voice may be a bit annoying for some, but I actually really like the edge of it. Also, if you want a combined laugh and cringe, check out their WAP cover their did called Wet As Biffy LMFAO. Actually, don't. Spoilers, the best line is "me tiny wee garage" dknskfhdkjfhsakdhs.

Listen to: The Champ, Tiny Indoor Fireworks, North of No South, Instant History, Worst Type of Best Possible

Edited December 11, 2020 by Ewan Chaos

[madonnas]

YES   arca!  sufjan!  buscabulla! kate nv!  ok thats a 1234 punmch, sorry dont know biffy.

 

ithink thats why i liked kate's album too.  im really not into lyrics that much and barely pay attention.  i remember actually disliking her previous album too? maybe i just wasn't in the mood bc i only listened once, but this one was fantastic.  

c&l was boring.  maybe im not really into sadboi/sadgirl stuff, but yeah...

 

perfect arca choices.  the way she proved me wrong this year.

 

 

[Ewan Chaos]

Comments under the spoiler~

Spoiler

23 hours ago, Kevin2803 said:

Not Taylor releasing a new album right after your Folklore "shade" 

 

I don't know anyone on your recent update, to be honest  I mean, i know the name Phoebe Bridgers, but i am not sure if i ever listened to her songs. 

RIGHT dsdhskjdhsdjks I was like Taylor Nation GET OUT of my Best Of! TBH most people probably won't know most of the middle of my top ranking... I think once we get to top 25 then it's more "pop" hoes nnn.

22 hours ago, TheWayWeWere said:

Punisher agreed with overpraised comment, it's good listen, but I wouldn't call this masterpiece or something (except for I Know the End)

 

SAME BRAIN

19 hours ago, Tom Vercetti said:

folklore shouldn't have made it all [2]

Also whew at 230 albums. Wish I have as much effort for new year  

Phoebe Rogers (and Indie Folk in general) have been overpraised, I agree. 

sjsjsjsj the Folklore dragging and stanning by people. The discourse is too great. 

17 hours ago, TalkThatRihanna said:

I at Folklore at #50 ngl

Poor that

17 hours ago, Madame X said:

alllright lets get into it.

 

ok, ive heard one of these and im sure you know what it is and what my opinion of it is 

 

 

lemme listen to a random one, i probably would like ee because i like their previous stuff.

sksksk yeah don't listen to Ethan's album I know you'll hate it (well you may be surprised by his and Phoebe's collab....)

 

Check out Dornik's album too! Maybe his debut since it's better but this album is good too!

16 hours ago, Green said:

I haven't checked Punisher but I liked Kyoto

If you liked Kyoto, I think you'll like the whole thing, though it is generally slower than that song.

15 hours ago, pyramid said:

Laura's alb sounds straight back to the 00s (in a good way)

Phoebe's album sounds magical idk why but seriously :o

Wow you're right about Laura's album... I think that's why I liked it.

15 hours ago, Lazuli said:

songs for our daughters wasn't too bad, re-animator too

punisher  

STAN! 

14 hours ago, Madame X said:

here to report that i did listen to ee's new album, and it was defintely better than their last. 

YUP obviously not Get to Heaven, but still good

14 hours ago, Legend E said:

you're nuts, ewan

 

I am actually relistening to folklore after a while to see if it somewhat grew on me. It happens sometimes with some albums but oh well  

I'm leaving evermore for later  

 

for this set, i love punisher. glad graceland too is also one of the highlights <3

LMFAO I try. So far I like Everclear more than Folklore? I think? idk. Graceland Too is so good. I love a bit of country/Americana edge to songs xo

10 hours ago, potent said:

I missed Phoebe this year, but I think she sounds interesting!

230 albums though  I could never

You never know!

10 hours ago, Wicked said:

We're gonna get along great.

sksksksksk even with me liking the album enough to be top 50 idk where all this critical praise came from. Like sure I get it upon release but even in the year-end? Weird.

9 hours ago, Mezik said:

Phoebe is another artist I need to listen to in full, as she is making so many of these year end lists and I really do not know much about her asides a few singles here or there. She appears to be hella talented, so I'm sure her work won't disappoint met  

Hmmmmmm she's a bit slower so you may need a bit more time to get into but I guess if you like something like Folklore you'll like it.

5 hours ago, Sunderland 4ever said:

Wow there are so many albums from this set I haven't seen in other YECDs but will show up in mine too. Laura's album, meh, I prefer Semper Femina by miles. That Phoebe Bridgers record sounded alright. I didn't give it many plays, though. Re-Animator (didn't like it at first but then I grew a bit fond of it) and En Garde are my favorites. Good set!

I'll add Semper Femina to my list! I think that's the one I always see being highlighted. YAS Everything Everything stanning and another person who listened to Ethan's album wow!

5 hours ago, Macchi said:

I agree with your Phoebe Bridges comments. I really was expecting more... its not bad per se but Funeral>>>  (Kyoto is amazing to me though)

Another Funeral stan yaaaaas.

3 hours ago, ikiru said:

230 albums wow I had problems finding 20 albums I enjoyed this year for my list

Absolutely agree with what you said about Phoebe! I listened to it after reading all the acclaim it received from the critics and it was just okay

nnnn if I'm honest in past year it was kinda like that for me but this year has KILLED IT. 

1 hour ago, Blue Rose said:

This was a cute 6/10 for me. They get an A for effort.

Laura’s album is so acclaimed but it had the same effect on me as Waxahatchee’s and Phoebe’s albums. I was bored to sleep and I think Im starting to find it hard to relate to sad white women. And I loved Laura’s previous album so I was excited.

That is a fair ranking! HAHA okay I totally understand the sad white women thing. 

 

[TheWayWeWere]

I enjoy Arca productions on Bjork songs, but his own music is a bit too much for me tbh  

[Wicked]

1 hour ago, Ewan Chaos said:

sksksksksk even with me liking the album enough to be top 50 idk where all this critical praise came from. Like sure I get it upon release but even in the year-end? Weird.

That thing is boring af. I'm convinced if I made some lifeless music with an outdoors aesthetics critics would give me AOTY too. 

 

And yes, Evermore is better than Folklore. In every metric. 

[Remmy]

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Top 50 out of 229 albums is GOOD! I saw you stanning The Killers in your Best Of so I'm not surprised you have taste with the best tracks from that album!

Oh, well in that case...  Yep and you'll be seeing some more of them for sure

 

Got into Phoebe a little late (like 2-3 weeks ago.) Once again, solid picks for your favorites. "I think Punisher is a definite improvement and more consistent" I feel the exact same way! And yeah, it is a tad overpraised as well

[BlackoutZone]

2 hours ago, Ewan Chaos said:

I might just be a bit edgy but....... Evermore > Folklore? I also wound up liking Folklore most on my first listen and then liking it less, so the same will probably happen with Evermore LOL. ANYWAY on with some more albums - and I'll also probably take a few-days break!

Absolutely not love

 

OT: The Ascension didn't to much to me, but I literally listened once however I really liked My Rajneesh, same it's not on the album

[ARTPØP]

def some cool artists I need to check out 

[Mr. Blue_Shirt]

Punisher & KiCk i made it into the list 

 

"I actually had never listened to a Laura Marling album before either but I figured 2020 is the year where (most) albums are gonna be at their peak lol" Mess not us actually have the same experience as well dd. Mrs. Marling said yall better to my music this year. Period 

 

"instead of the Tumblr soft indie boy Carrie & Lowell music" oops not coming for him like that dd. But yeah even though it's not as good as previous album but i'm still bopping. I'm living for Sufjan living his popstar fantasy this era

 

I've never heard Biffy Clyro's music but seeing this album went #1 (as far as i remember?), maybe i should try it

[Mezik]

Sufjan Stevens actually released a great album.   

 

Happy to see it here!   

[Kevin2803]

Again, i know a few names, but not the music 

 

Waiting for the pop hoes 

[K$Ellie]

the Laura and Phoebe albums are a bit boring to me but I guess it's just not my type of music

I could have probs gotten into Punisher with enough effort but I only gave it two spins so

Happy to see Arca here but obviously I placed her a lot higher  Rip The Slit is like my least favorite tho jksdhfds

The Ascension was hit or miss for me but you have the best songs Death Star and Tell Me You Love Me listed so

[Legend E]

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and I'll also probably take a few-days break!

 

 

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LMFAO I try. So far I like Everclear more than Folklore? I think? idk. Graceland Too is so good. I love a bit of country/Americana edge to songs xo

I have still not listened to evermore  but, I did listen to folklore last night and it was actually more enjoyable than I remembered! the clown jumped out yes!

oh, I adore that too sis  

[Pink Matter]

Folklore was.... okay dd. Taylor really doesn't do it for me (then again, singer-songwriter types aren't my thing). I really had to force myself to sit through folklore more than once, though I remember liking The 1 a lot so at least she has that going for her  

As far the rest of your list so far, I haven't heard much  The ones I did listen to, I didn't sit with them all that much (Sufjan for instance) while others I had saved and just never got to them (Phoebe, Arca). Didn't know Everything is Everything dropped a new album! Might give that a listen. Any song you recommend?

[SLIME]

12 hours ago, Blue Rose said:

I think Im starting to find it hard to relate to sad white women. And I loved Laura’s previous album so I was excited.

This is how I've started to feel too + it's not their fault. ... but yeah, a lot of this year's year-end lists did not reflect my own state of mind for that same reason.

 

But anyway, Ewan better stan for Arca (and he picked a lot of the best songs). Sufjan's album just hasn't called me back just yet, but I'm sure it's fine. Agree Room for the Moon has interesting things going on.