Bothers (John Massel)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2020? (In order 1-5)
I decided to do 10 because I listened to a lot of great records this year. They are in no particular order, because I think they're all equally great:
- Fontaines D.C. - A Hero’s Death
- Idles - Ultra Mono
- Coriky - Coriky
- Metz - Atlas Vending
- Thelonius Monk - Palo Alto
- Daydream - Mystic Operative
- Nick Cave - Idiot Prayer
- Microphones - The Microphones In 2020
- Dropdead - Dropdead 2020
- Protomartyr - Ultimate Success Today
2. What band did you discover in 2020 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I didn't discover this band in 2020, but they did reissue their most crucial record in the most over the top manner ever. The Stooges' Funhouse LP got the deluxe vinyl treatment for it's 50th anniversary, and of course I had to have it.
It is the entire recording session spread over 15 LPs plus 1 live LP, and two reproduction singles for Down On the Street. It was worth every penny, and I'm never getting rid of it. This is significant because its the Stooges.
3. How will you remember 2020? (In terms of music)
In terms of music I will remember it as the moment all live music ceased to be, and a huge void entered my life.
I will also remember it as a very creative time for us in Bothers, and for many others who either put out fantastic records this year, or started writing more music during this difficult time.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2021?
Bothers will have our second LP out hopefully earlier in the new year, and I will continue to do my music themed podcast, Gimme Danger Radio.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2021?
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what is slated to come out in 2021. I can only imagine that there’s going to be some amazing records created from these weird times.
6. Trying to put a positive spin on things, what is your favorite development from the global pandemic this year? (Is there a new medium you enjoy, a specific song or collaboration, personal news, etc. that was a bright spot?)
I was able to focus on creating a podcast that deals with all things for music nerds, and also I feel like as a band Bothers has started to really hone in what we want to get out of the music we make. It's been an interesting year to say the least but I feel that I gained an even deeper relationship with the music that I love, and also realized how much I took live music for granted. I just can't wait to get to go to a show again. At this point I'd go see anything.
