{"id":76813,"date":"2021-01-02T14:10:24","date_gmt":"2021-01-02T20:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kjhk.org\/web\/?p=76813"},"modified":"2021-01-02T14:37:17","modified_gmt":"2021-01-02T20:37:17","slug":"kjhks-top-10-of-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kjhk.org\/web\/2021\/01\/02\/kjhks-top-10-of-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"KJHK’s Top 10 of 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What a year 2020 was. In a year marked by isolation and tragedy, we here at KJHK found solace in our favorite music. As we do every year, we asked music, executive, content, and DJ staffs to rank their favorite albums of the year. Since we weren\u2019t able to be together to discuss our favorite music as it was coming out, everyone provided wildly unique and diverse lists. We hope you enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deegan Poores<\/strong> – Music Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake<\/em><\/li>
  2. Waxahatchee – Saint Cloud<\/em><\/li>
  3. Playboi Carti – Whole Lotta Red<\/em><\/li>
  4. Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG<\/em><\/li>
  5. Gil Scott-Heron & Makaya McCraven – We\u2019re New Again<\/em><\/li>
  6. Adrianne Lenker – songs\/instrumentals<\/em><\/li>
  7. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo<\/em><\/li>
  8. Westerman – Your Hero Is Not Dead<\/em><\/li>
  9. Yaeji – WHAT WE DREW \uc6b0\ub9ac\uac00 \uadf8\ub824\uc654\ub358<\/em><\/li>
  10. Angel Bat Dawid & Tha Brothahood – LIVE<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Lil Uzi Vert’s run of singles and features in 2018-2019 following 2017’s Luv Is Rage 2<\/em> built hype for Uzi’s follow up. Fans were waiting for a magnum opus, an expectation impossible to reach, but if you go in expecting a collection of fun songs with wild flows, creative melodies, quotable one-liners, and adventurous production, Eternal Atake<\/em> delivers in spades. Being able to experience Uzi\u2019s artistic development since his 2016 breakthrough has been a real treat, and I can only hope that he doesn\u2019t listen to the outspoken subsect of his fans on Twitter that want him to return to his early sound, and that he continues to move forward into more uncharted territory. Pairing Eternal Atake<\/em> with the almost-as-great leak and outtake collection Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2<\/em> in the deluxe version is just icing on the cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Deegan Poores on Eternal Atake<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


    Erin Bugee<\/strong> – Communications Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Dan Deacon – Mystic Familiar<\/em><\/li>
    2. Kelly Lee Owens – Inner Song<\/em><\/li>
    3. Yaeji – WHAT WE DREW \uc6b0\ub9ac\uac00 \uadf8\ub824\uc654\ub358<\/em><\/li>
    4. Ultra\u00edsta – Sister<\/em><\/li>
    5. Porridge Radio – Every Bad<\/em><\/li>
    6. Sneaks – Happy Birthday<\/em><\/li>
    7. Thundercat – It Is What It Is<\/em><\/li>
    8. Louis Prince – Thirteen<\/em><\/li>
    9. Jordana – Classical Notions of Happiness<\/em><\/li>
    10. Run the Jewels – RTJ4<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Kade Schoenfeldt<\/strong> – Programming Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. HMLTD – West of Eden<\/em><\/li>
      2. Black Dresses – Peaceful as Hell<\/em><\/li>
      3. Yves Tumor – Heaven To A Tortured Mind<\/em><\/li>
      4. Dogleg – Melee<\/em><\/li>
      5. Run the Jewels – RTJ4<\/em><\/li>
      6. R.A.P. Ferreira – Purple Moonlight Pages<\/em><\/li>
      7. The Strokes – The New Abnormal<\/em><\/li>
      8. Fontaine\u2019s D.C. – A Hero\u2019s Death<\/em><\/li>
      9. Dehd – Flower of Devotion<\/em><\/li>
      10. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        HMLTD’s fantastic debut album West of Eden<\/em> combines far reaching influences, including post punk, synth pop, industrial rock, trap, Elvis Presley, and even spaghetti western soundtracks. The result is an exciting album where each new track is a refreshing surprise, yet the consistent lyrical themes and musical motifs ensure that the album still feels cohesive. The London band explores the forces of capitalism and the Western world, and their pernicious influence on every aspect of life including topics of gender identity, financial instability, love and relationships, and the quest to find a purpose in life. On West of Eden, <\/em>HMLTD’s unique combination of musical influences and relevant lyrics leads to anthemic, cathartic headbangers that helped get me through the year and will probably help carry me through 2021 as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Kade Schoenfeldt on West of Eden<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


        Markus Becerra<\/strong> – IT Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. The Strokes – The New Abnormal<\/em><\/li>
        2. King Krule – Man Alive!<\/em><\/li>
        3. Jean Dawson – Pixel Bath<\/em><\/li>
        4. Charli XCX – how i\u2019m feeling now<\/em><\/li>
        5. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher<\/em><\/li>
        6. Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG<\/em><\/li>
        7. Arca – Kick I<\/em><\/li>
        8. Disclosure – Energy<\/em><\/li>
        9. Joji – Nectar<\/em><\/li>
        10. Kid Cudi – Man On The Moon III: The Chosen<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Jaya Chakka<\/strong> – Station Manager<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Glass Animals – Dreamland<\/em><\/li>
          2. Keaton Henson – Monument<\/em><\/li>
          3. WAAX – Big Grief<\/em><\/li>
          4. Squirrel Flower – I Was Born Swimming<\/em><\/li>
          5. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher<\/em><\/li>
          6. Fleet Foxes – Shore<\/em><\/li>
          7. Emily Rockarts – Little Flower<\/em><\/li>
          8. Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters<\/em><\/li>
          9. Soccer Mommy – color theory<\/em><\/li>
          10. Elliott Moss – A Change in Diet<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Despite debuting nearly three quarters of the way through 2020, Glass Animals\u2019 third album, Dreamland<\/em>, has shaped my year more than any other release. As a long-time fan of the group, I will be the first to admit that Dreamland <\/em>is not my favorite Glass Animals album; in fact, I\u2019d argue that both ZABA <\/em>and How to Be a Human Being<\/em> are better records. But what makes Glass Animals such a fantastic group is that every single album they release is captivating and poignant in its own right. Even their least impressive songs are still pretty damn good songs. In Dreamland<\/em>, Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley peels back the layers of relative obscurity surrounding his personal life and bares his soul to the world in musical form. He touches on topics ranging from lighthearted childhood memories to the pain of witnessing domestic abuse, treating the album\u2019s themes with the care and reflection they deserve. Despite the occasionally heavy subject matter, Dreamland <\/em>is drenched with catchy melodies, sensual riffs, and groovy beats. It\u2019s a memoir in album form, and it\u2019s nearly impossible to listen without feeling nostalgia for summers past and the unique trials of growing up. As we move forward into the terrifying unknown of what 2021 might bring, Dreamland<\/em> serves as both a throwback to happier times and a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Jaya Chakka on Dreamland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Cole Billings<\/strong> – In-studio Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1. Deaton Chris Anthony – BOOGY WOOGY<\/em><\/li>
            2. Bladee – EXETER<\/em><\/li>
            3. window seat – 9<\/em><\/li>
            4. dog almighty – The Kingdom of Dog is Within You<\/em><\/li>
            5. Helvetia – This Devastating Map<\/em><\/li>
            6. Fake Eyes – A Drip Is All We Know<\/em><\/li>
            7. Westside Gunn – Pray for Paris<\/em><\/li>
            8. STRFKR – Ambient 1<\/em><\/li>
            9. Marble Teeth – Park<\/em><\/li>
            10. Pulsr – The Three<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Wyatt Hall<\/strong> – Audio Content Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. Thundercat – It Is What It Is<\/em><\/li>
              2. Run the Jewels – RTJ4<\/em><\/li>
              3. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher<\/em><\/li>
              4. boy pablo – Wachito Rico<\/em><\/li>
              5. Duckwrth – SuperGood<\/em><\/li>
              6. Hayley Williams – Petals for Amor<\/em><\/li>
              7. Chloe x Halle – Ungodly Hour<\/em><\/li>
              8. Shawn Wasabi – MANGOTALE<\/em><\/li>
              9. Mac Miller – Circles<\/em><\/li>
              10. CHIKA – INDUSTRY GAMES<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Fabian Rosales<\/strong> – Video Content Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                1. Yves Tumor – Heaven To A Tortured Mind<\/em><\/li>
                2. HOMESHAKE – Haircut<\/em><\/li>
                3. Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters<\/em><\/li>
                4. Sorry – 925<\/em><\/li>
                5. Charli XCX – how i\u2019m feeling now<\/em><\/li>
                6. Deaton Chris Anthony – BOOGY WOOGY<\/em><\/li>
                7. Rico Nasty – Nightmare Vacation<\/em><\/li>
                8. BOYO – Alone Together in Los Angeles<\/em><\/li>
                9. STRFKR – Ambient 1<\/em><\/li>
                10. JPEGMAFIA – EP!<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Bella Koscal<\/strong> – Community Engagement Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  1. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher<\/em><\/li>
                  2. Orla Gartland – Freckle Season<\/em><\/li>
                  3. Bad Bunny – EL \u00daLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO<\/em><\/li>
                  4. Sylvan Esso – Free Love<\/em><\/li>
                  5. Serena Isoma – The Leo Sun Sets<\/em><\/li>
                  6. Jaden – CTV3: Cool Tape Vol. 3<\/em><\/li>
                  7. COIN – Dreamland<\/em><\/li>
                  8. Lennon Stella – Three. Two. One.<\/em><\/li>
                  9. Mxmtoon – dawn & dusk<\/em><\/li>
                  10. Conan Gray – Kid Krow<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Grace Needham<\/strong> – Development Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    1. Early Eyes – Sunbathing<\/em><\/li>
                    2. Kate Bollinger – A word becomes a sound<\/em><\/li>
                    3. Charli XCX – how i\u2019m feeling now<\/em><\/li>
                    4. Taylor Swift – folklore<\/em><\/li>
                    5. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher<\/em><\/li>
                    6. Yves Tumor – Heaven To A Tortured Mind<\/em><\/li>
                    7. Yellow Days – A Day in a Yellow Beat<\/em><\/li>
                    8. Beach Bunny – Honeymoon<\/em><\/li>
                    9. Joji – Nectar<\/em><\/li>
                    10. Yung Gravy – Gasanova<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      Daniel Paese<\/strong> – Creative Director <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      1. PLUM – StreetView<\/em><\/li>
                      2. P.H.F. – New Metal<\/em><\/li>
                      3. Emily A. Sprague – Hill, Flower, Fog<\/em><\/li>
                      4. Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, & 9th Wonder – Dinner Party<\/em><\/li>
                      5. Dominique Dumont – People On Sunday<\/em><\/li>
                      6. Photay – Waking Hours<\/em><\/li>
                      7. Holy Wave – Interloper<\/em><\/li>
                      8. Blithe Field – Hymn for Anyone<\/em><\/li>
                      9. Slow Pulp – Moveys<\/em><\/li>
                      10. Deaton Chris Anthony – BOOGY WOOGY<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Griffin Lowry<\/strong> – Music Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        1. China Club – Ming + Zhizhi<\/em><\/li>
                        2. Kelly Lee Owens – Inner Song<\/em><\/li>
                        3. 1 800 PAIN – BEST HOUSE ON A BAD BLOCK<\/em><\/li>
                        4. JPEGMAFIA – EP!<\/em><\/li>
                        5. Slauson Malone – Vergangenheitsbew\u00e4ltigung (Crater Speak)<\/em><\/li>
                        6. Eyedress – Let\u2019s Skip to the Wedding<\/em><\/li>
                        7. Sneaks – Happy Birthday<\/em><\/li>
                        8. Flung – Shaky But My Hair Is Grown<\/em><\/li>
                        9. Shygirl – ALIAS<\/em><\/li>
                        10. Adrianne Lenker – songs<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Kamaron Black, head musician of China Club, stated that “the primary narrative of Ming + Zhizhi<\/a> <\/em>surrounds protest and the plight of Hong Kong and Black people in America through [his] perspective.” Music aside, the artistic intentionality behind this album wraps up some of the most important themes and events of 2020. The music collective experiments with layers and syncopation, mashing together synths and percussion to form some of the most interesting musical ideas I have ever heard. Providing a mixture of free-jazz and electronic, creating a cohesive landscape of sound, keeping the listener guessing the whole time, and being true to themselves, China Club’s Ming + Zhizhi <\/em>feels like it is personally tailored for my musical interests and preferences. I could not recommend it enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Griffin Lowry on Ming + Zhizhi <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                          Cami Koons<\/strong> – Content Director <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          1. P’tit Belliveau – Greatest Hits Vol. 1<\/em><\/li>
                          2. Tennis – Swimmer<\/em><\/li>
                          3. Deradoorian – Find the Sun<\/em><\/li>
                          4. The Beths – Jump Rope Gazer<\/em><\/li>
                          5. Angel Olsen – Whole New Mess<\/em><\/li>
                          6. Ela Minus – acts of rebellion<\/em><\/li>
                          7. Andy Shauf – The Neon Skyline<\/em><\/li>
                          8. Shygirl – ALIAS<\/em><\/li>
                          9. Soccer Mommy – color theory<\/em><\/li>
                          10. Slow Pulp – Moveys<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Listen to the top 10 of 2020 on the Charts & Adds Unwrapped podcast! You won’t be disappointed with this exciting episode.<\/p>\n\n\n