Best of 2020
If it wasn't already official, then I'm taking this opportunity to declare it so - International Anthem is the greatest record label in the world right now. It's good to have some certainty in a world turned upside down. Irreversible Entanglements second one, like their first, is a co-release with the distinctly DIY, mostly punk label Don Giovanni, which I think is important because it provides context for what is possibly the most overtly political record in the IA catalogue. Which is saying something if you know of Jaimie Branch and Damon Locks. Who Sent You? takes its aim at police brutality and the systemic racism that underpins American society, with vocalist Moor Mother (which also explains the Don Giovanni connection - they release her solo records) making forthright proclamations atop a heady free jazz workout that's got the spirit of Miles' On The Corner and Orenette! running right through it. A finger in the face of all the fucks! Who Sent You? is remarkable in its defiance, inspiring in its clearsightedness. Instant classic.
