More MIDDYs

We're back with more mid-year accolades. A Taste of Honey took home a GRAMMY for best new artist in 1979, beating out the likes of the Cars and Elvis Costello. In other words, winning a newcomer award is far from an assurance of future success. My apologies if the hex is put on the following:

Best Newcomer (So far...)

If you have been paying close attention, Strawberry Generation did have a few self-released EPs prior to 2020, but the Providence band has really blossomed this year with a couple of releases on the always dependable Sunday Records. This is sunny indie pop I would describe as the edgy side of twee. Often when a boy and a girl share lead vocal duties, my allegiance tends to eventually favor the female, but I have enjoyed both Luk and Val at the microphone. Comparisons have been made to Alvvays and Say Sue Me, but the former has more synths and the latter is harder. I'll go with later Pains of Being Pure at Heart when Kip got all poppy. From 2020, enjoy the EP "Recollections" and the debut LP 'Afloat.' This is one of those perfect summer albums.



Best Comeback (So far...)

The nominees are vast and varied in this category. The new album from A Girl Called Eddy came as a welcome surprise, lo these many years. We were given quite a treat a few weeks ago when Green Gartside came out of nowhere with a 7" of two songs by Anne Briggs. Then there was Subway legends the Flatmates releasing their first long player since... ever. The Psychedelic Furs and Pretenders (four years away long enough?) probably would have made this list as well if the pandemic hadn't delayed their releases. The songs we have been privy to so far have been excellent, and both will be out this month.

The winner, however, is X with 'Alphabetland.' Back in April when we were all isolated and feeling low (maybe not a while lot has changed, actually), the band decided to give the album to us early in digital form. I, for one, needed that, and it did lift my spirits. This is their first studio release in 27 years and the first with the original line-up in 35 years. This one really will take you back to their glory days on Slash. You can pick up it up in physical form next month.



One more day of MIDDYs coming up when the best song and album of the first half of 2020 will be revealed. Oh, the drama!