by Michael Buffalo Smith
Let’s face it. For the most part, 2020 was the hardest year most of us have ever experienced. When future generations go digging for something, anything of redeeming grace that happened in this year, they may cite the list of great albums that dropped during the year of Covid-19. Those few, yet bright rays of sunlight that helped us ease the pain of a crippling year. What follows is my list of the twenty essential releases – twenty for twenty. Bear in mind the old adage that remains true, “opinions are like assholes.” Everybody has one. Some people are one, etc. Without further delay, I humbly sketch out my twenty favorites- new, reissues, box sets, downloads, EP’s. I’m not going to start at number twenty. I’m starting with number one. After all, isn’t that what everyone looks at first? What did the old fat man say was the best album of the year? Easy. It’s by two sisters from Atlanta, Georgia who have got it going on on all levels, in all gears. The only gear they are missing is reverse, and that’s a good thing.
1. Larkin Poe – Self Made Man
An absolutely stunning fifth studio album catapulted these distant relatives of Edgar Alan Poe to the top of the charts with the title track, the hard rocking “Holy Ghost Fire” and the new Southern Anthem “Way Down South.” Excellent slide guitar and power-soaked vocals. Y’all get you some!
2. Bruce Springsteen – Letter to You
This may be the finest Springsteen album since “The River.” At the tender age of 71, Bruce proves he’s still The Boss with an amazing collection of tunes that reflect on life, death, faith and love. There are a few songs here that he wrote back in his 20s, songs that I first heard on demos 40 years ago, great songs like “If I Was the Priest” and “Song for the Orphans” and the title track is all heart.
3. Dan Penn – Living On Mercy
One of the greatest songwriters of the 20th-21st century and also one of the most soulful voice. Dan Penn released his third solo album, and the absolutely perfect crowning jewel on his career.
4. The Outlaws – Dixie Highway
Henry Paul and the gang win for “Best Southern Rock Album” of the year. Hands down, the sound is Outlaws all the way, guitar jams., brilliant songs. An instant classic.
5. The Boxmasters – Light Rays
Don’t judge the band because their drummer/singer is Billy Bob Thornton. Just listen to them. Dig the well written songs Billy co-wrote with J.D. Andrew. Listen to the ‘60’s vibe. Yes, Bud is an actor. A damned good one. But he is also a serious musician.
6. The Allman Betts Band – Bless Your Heart
The sophomore album from the second generation of Allmans, Gregg’s son, Dickey’s son and Berry’s son, plus friends, shines like new money. The old saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” has never been truer. Betts not only writes like his dad, he sings like him. The band is thrilling Allman Brothers fans while also managing to forge their own unique identity. Very cool.
7. Blackberry Smoke – Live from Capricorn Sound Studios
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. One awesome EP by one awesome band paying tribute to the artists of one awesome record label. Smoke covers the Allmans, Marshall Tucker, Wet Willie and Little Richard. Have Mercy! Jimmy Hall even joins in his own self!
8. The Georgia Thunderbolts (EP)
The hottest new Southern Rock band is from Rome, Georgia. These guys can do no wrong. One hot slab of wax.
9. Patty Smyth – It’s About Time
After thirty years away from the recording studio, the former Scandal sing returns with perhaps her finest, most musically mature album ever. Outstanding vocals and writing. A true treat.
10. Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein Plus
A massive, 8-CD box with a gorgeous hard cover book, this is every single Silverstein song ever recorded by the enigmatic Bobby Bare. The finest box set of the year, maybe of the decade.
11. Marshall Chapman – Songs I Can’t Live Without
The 14th album by fellow Spartanburger turned Nashvillian Marshall Chapman, this is the only album ever of songs written by others. Just songs she always wanted to record. A treat.
12. Randall Bramblett – Pine Needle Fire
Another guy you can find in the dictionary under “musical genius.” The sax and keyboard master is an amazing singer and songwriter who consistently delivers great music. This time he brought in Tommy Talton on Duane Allman’s slide guitar. Yeah. That’s what I’m talking about!
13. Bob Dylan – Rough & Rowdy Ways
Dylan. How does he do it? After 60 years he is still topping himself. Brilliant, image filled lyrics, as always.
14. Marcus King – El Dorado
Young Marcus from Greenville, SC is one of the hottest guitarists of our day, and a super soulful singer too. Makes me proud of my state!
15. Bonnie Bishop – The Walk
Bonnie has the voice of an angel. I am a fan, and this may be her finest work yet.
16. Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite – 100 Years of Blues
Combine their years of experience in music and it’ over 100 years. Hence forth the title. Elvin is always fun, but pairing him with the harp of blues man Musselwhite created something very special.
17. Marshall Tucker Band – New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, Rollup 78 and Light Up 79
Taken from a live New Year’s Eve radio broadcast, the Marshall Tucker Band is presented at the absolute pinnacle of their success. Tight arrangements and smoking Southern Rock.
18. The Mark May Band – Deep Dark Demon
Texan Mark May first came to my attention as a member of the Dickey Betts Band. Since then, he has cemented his name in the Book of the Blues as one of the genre’s hottest guitarists. His latest album is one of the greatest electric blues albums of the decade.
19. Little Richard – The Rill Thing
Several of the 1970’s albums by Little Richard have been reissued lately, but none shine brighter than this Muscle Shoals joint that finds Richard playing and singing at the very top of his game.
20. Neil Young – Homegrown
Well, it took while, but we finally got to hear the album Neil originally planned as a follow up to his legendary Harvest. So good.
