As we collectively tried to shake off the dust of 2020, the idea of curating a shared office playlist felt like a distant, almost nostalgic, dream. But that didn't stop some of us at Six One Design from reflecting on the sounds that got us through. Instead of just looking forward, we decided to take a moment to really listen to what defined the past year, musically speaking. And honestly, narrowing it down to just five albums felt like a Herculean task. So, some of us bent the rules a little, giving ourselves a bit more breathing room to share what truly moved us.
For David Sieren, the year was a fascinating journey through sonic landscapes. He found himself captivated by the sheer visual artistry of the Pylon Box set, which introduced him to a post-punk band from the early 80s that quickly became a staple. It was a surprising burst of optimism and energy, proving that even in a dark year, music could be a source of pure joy, even for his 5-year-old.
Then there's Beatrice Dillon's 'Workaround.' David had already been immersed in Dillon's 'Studies I-XVII for Samplers and Percussion' for years, drawn to its stripped-down analog polyrhythms that managed to be both conducive to work and dance. 'Workaround' took those elements to an entirely new level, and he couldn't help but appreciate the consistently stunning design that accompanies anything released by PAN.
Kaboom Karavan's 'The Log and the Leeway' offered something different – an intangible chanting and layered vocals that evoked a sense of ancient folk jams. David described it as perfect for 'wallowing in the tone of the year,' a sentiment many could likely relate to. For a more serene experience, Lau Nau's 'Live In Röykkälä' provided a hauntingly beautiful acoustic set, a perfect companion for quiet, dark evenings.
Jeff Parker's 'Suite for Max Brown' was a delightful surprise, a genre-bending collection that effortlessly weaved through jazz, soul, and beat workouts, yet remained remarkably cohesive. David simply called it 'ridiculously rad.' And Shabaka Hutchings, with Shabaka and the Ancestors' 'We Are Sent Here By History,' continued to impress with his driving, propulsive, and utterly brilliant saxophone work.
Horse Lords' 'The Common Task' offered more propulsive energy, a sonic antidote to the year's pervasive dread, with its track 'Against Gravity' becoming a particular obsession. And then there was Fiona Apple's 'Fetch the Bolt Cutters.' David admitted he hadn't paid much attention to her since high school, but the raw power, stunning lyrics, and percussive brilliance of this album completely blew him away, much like it did his daughter.
Finally, a nod to the past with PJ Harvey's 'Dry Demos.' For David, these stripped-back versions of a classic were pure heaven, a nostalgic trip that still resonated deeply. And for those long hours of screen-time isolation, Jim O'Rourke's sprawling 4-disc set, 'To Magnetize Money and Catch a Roving Eye,' provided a drone-y, focused soundtrack.
Melinda Benoit found solace in a different set of sounds. Lizzo's infectious energy, particularly on 'Cuz I Love You,' was apparently what she needed to navigate 2020. Taylor Swift's 'Folklore,' with its collaboration with Aaron Dessner and Bon Iver, was another winner, with 'Cardigan' and 'Exile' becoming firm favorites.
She also revisited Dashboard Confessional, finding comfort in 'The Best Ones of the Best Ones,' a band whose tracks like 'Vindicated' and 'Hands Down' remain perennial favorites. Dua Lipa's 'Future Nostalgia' provided the perfect soundtrack for kitchen dance parties, blending 80s, 90s, and modern dance floor vibes with irresistible tracks like 'Don't Start Now' and 'Levitating.' And even though it was released in 2015, The Wonder Years' 'No Closer to Heaven' became a recent discovery that helped Melinda through the fall, with 'I Don't Like Who I Was Then' and 'Cigarettes & Saints' hitting particularly hard.
These lists, each a personal reflection, offer a glimpse into the diverse ways music provided comfort, energy, and a sense of connection throughout a challenging year. It's a reminder that even when we're apart, the shared experience of music can bring us together.
