TNT Records: Top 20 Records of 2020
TnT Records has been a means of escapism for me, the award winning record store lives up to its reputation and then some with its impressive collection, warm receptions and all around charm - It's no wonder the store won record store of the year 2019!
Each time I step foot through the door I'm greeted warmly, offered a brew and told about all the great new releases, not only this, but the place has a practice space for hungry up and coming bands, they even offer drum lessons!
So then, what have you all been buying?! In no particular order, here are the top 20 selling records that you wonderful people bought to help you through the lockdown blues!
Fontaines D.C - A Hero's Death
What can we say about this band that hasn’t been said already? Dogrel came and blew us all away, some questioned whether or not they could hit the same mark on their second album in such a quick turnaround, but wow, somehow the lads from Dublin City seem to have surpassed it, A Hero’s Death is actually a tongue in cheek reference to the curse of the second album, but these boys don’t believe in curses, they just keep making groundbreaking music.
Purchase here.
Idles – Ultra Mono
Idles have been on fire! They have captured the hearts of the leftist youth everywhere it seems. With their positive, anti-toxic masculinity and anti-fascist message, to the tone of Punk Rock Angst, these are surely one of the hottest bands at the forefront of British music!
Purchase here.
The Chats - High Risk Behaviour
Australian viral sensations The Chats, found acclaim with their tongue in cheek hit track 'Smoko' – Since, the Aussie punks have captured a real buzz over here in the UK with their simple, yet often comical punk jams!
Purchase here.
Oasis - What's the Story, Morning Glory
A band that needs no introduction, for us Brits, these are the quintessential band of the 90s, the working class Mancs seemed to become superstars overnight and carried the flag for indie bands all over the country. This album is probably the bands most iconic, and is filled with anthems…. Sorted are kid!!! Mad for it yeah!!!
Purchase here.
Gerry Cinnamon - The Bonny
Scottish sensation Gerry Cinnamon has a whole country on his shoulders, and with anthems like 'She's a belter' being sung by groups in every corner of the UK, it's not hard to see why! Britpop and indie heads all definitely bought this record.
Purchase here.
Liam Gallagher - MTV Unplugged
Liam’s has had some serious ups and downs since the heart-breaking split of Oasis, this downer accompanied with the failure of his next band beady eye left a lot of doubt with Liam's career, however, he came back swinging with 'As You Were', and again captures the hearts of a nation! Here he is unplugged on MTV for you Parka Monkeys!!
As you were.
Purchase here.
Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
The band that defined an era, inspired by the Strokes the Arctic Monkeys set off to be like their idles, and ended up surpassing them, evolving and sustaining as icons of British music, This Debut album is lightning in a bottle, it’s a barnburner from start to finish and still gives me goosebumps to this day, flooding back fond memories of my adolescence.
The band had a buzz before people had even heard them, one of the first bands to utilise Myspace to be heard – True Pioneers if you look at bands today. This Album is a must have for any vinyl collector!
Purchase here.
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
How do you follow up the fastest selling record of all time? One of the most iconic albums of all time at that!? Well it's by upping the ante, getting more experimental, and giving some more of the sound the fans love. They did it, they made an album as iconic as the first, with tracks like Fluorescent Adolescent, 505 and Brianstorm, the band managed to keep their heat molten!
Purchase here.
OST - Lost Boys
What an incredible and iconic film accompanied by such an amazing soundtrack. Anybody who's seen the film knows this vampire flick is pure 80s gold, with an extremely 80s soundtrack to boot. Go check the film out if you haven't!
Purchase here.
OST - The Crow
Another Iconic cult classic which tragically saw the death of Brandon Lee, due to an accidently loaded prop gun. This film has a huge cult following and event inspired the iconic wrestler Sting in the 90s, the soundtrack is sure to have a place in the heart of any alt rock and metal fans!
Purchase here.
DMA's - The Glow
The Australian indie legends have a huge following over here, this new album 'The Glow', is indie pop with an electronic twist. The lads have nailed it with some 90s house/techno inspired tracks with pulsing synths and funky beats!
Purchase here.
Smashing Pumpkins – CYR
CYR Marks the band's 11th studio album! This however was received to mild critical reviews, just goes to show that the cult following are sure still there - and strong!
Purchase here.
Pearl Jam – Gigaton
90's Grunge Icons Pearl Jam have come out swinging with their latest release! Their first studio release since 2013 has been heralded as a triumph by fans and critics alike, this is piledriving end-times heavy rock for the people!
Purchase here.
Black Pumas - Black Pumas
What a debut album from these soul sensations, released in 2019 and continuing to sell hugely as their fan base grows, this self-titled album by the Black Pumas is nothing short of sensational, this is a Psychedelic-Soul Behemoth and is a solid favourite of ours at The Lock In!
Purchase here.
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
The most iconic album by one of the greatest bands of all time, it's not a surprise that is still selling so well, and with the wonderfully beautiful track 'Dreams' going viral online, it’s reinvigorated the love for the album from old fans, and gained a new young audience in the process!
Purchase here.
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
This is an album that spent 11 consecutive years in the top 100 records sold, I think that speaks volumes about this record, it’s heralded as one of the greatest records ever made, go listen to it if you haven't…. don't be a divvy.
Purchase here.
Stone Roses - Stone Roses
The Mancs that kicked it all off for a generation, the indie pioneers that made one of the greatest British albums of all time! Another back to front classic, this album immortalised the band and will forever be held in the highest regard for us northern kings and queens!
Purchase here.
Queen - Greatest Hits
The greatest frontman of all time? Is there anybody who could hold a crowd of thousands in the palm of their hands like Freddie? No, nobody comes close. All the hits you love from their incredible catalogue. Bohemian Rhapsody people…. Masterpiece.
Liam Blackley is part of The Lock In team, event organiser extraordinaire, and all round good guy.
TNT Records are Barrow-in-Furness's answer to a plethora of questions. Do you want some new records? Yes. Do you want to spend all of your money on a record player? Yes. Will you get the best service with a coffee and a chat? Naturally. Check them out here.
