We may be just over half-way through the year, but there has been such a flow of incredible releases already that we felt now was a good time to reflect on just what has been soundtracking 2020 so far. We have compiled a list of some of our favourites and also a list of the top selling releases on our website so far.

Mr Bongo's Pick Of 2020

1) Sven Wunder - Wabi Sabi – Vinyl LP

Piano Piano

Hearing the Swedish outfit Sven Wunder for the first time is as refreshing as an ice-cold Limoncello after an Italian meal. One of those bands that feel instantly familiar like an old friend and simultaneously fresh and new. Not one to be complacent and recreate a carbon copy of their contemporary cult classic album 'Doğu Çiçekleri / Eastern Flowers' from 2019, the mysterious Sven Wunder have switched continents from the psychedelic-Turkish-funk sounds of 'Doğu Çiçekleri' to the Japanese inspired ethereal funk of 'Wabi Sabi'.

2) Wilma Archer - A Western Circular – Vinyl LP

Weird World

An awesome left-field album with hip hop / jazz / electronic and avant-garde influences from Wilma Archer, featuring collaborations with MF Doom, Samuel T. Herring (Future Islands,), Laura Groves, Sundan Archives and others.

3) Soft Power - Brink Of Extinction – Vinyl LP

RR GEMS

Always had a soft-spot for Finland and the amazing jazz which has come out of the country over the years, and now thanks to RR GEMS it's so great to be introduced to Soft Power, a jazz / funk / library style outfit out of Helsinki.

4) 24 Carat Black - III – Vinyl LP

Numero Group

Unreleased tracks / demos' from Dale Warren's 24 Carat Black sessions. Includes the amazing demo tempo joint 'Speak Low' featuring the beautiful vocals of LaRhonda LeGette.

5) Oiro Pena - 2 – Vinyl 10"

Jazzaggression

Another amazing record from Finnish musician Oiro Pena (aka Antti Vauhkonen, who is also a member of the band Soft Power). A superb EP of deep low-fi spiritual-jazz. A limited edition pressing of 350 hand numbered copies.

6) Natalie Greffel - Para Todos – Vinyl LP

Agogo Austria

We really love this record, reminds us a bit of Joyce in places, but also very much Natalie's own sound and style! Brazilian inspired vibes for cheering the soul.

7) Lamont Butler ‎ - It's Time For A Change – Vinyl LP

Miles Away

Another amazing release on Miles Away records. This time up Lamont Butler's super rare gospel/soul gem 'It's Time For A Change' from 1981. Includes the future underground anthem 'Ungodly War'!

8) Wax Machine - Earthsong Of Silence – Vinyl LP

Beyond Beyond Is Beyond

An amazing album of folky-psychedelic goodness from the Brighton based band Wax Machine. Produced by Kikagaku Moyo don Go Kurosawa.

9) Khruangbin - Mordechai – Vinyl LP

Dead Oceans

The mighty Khruangbin are back with another smasher. 'Mordechai' includes more of Laura's vocals than previous albums and a couple of the tracks have Latin vibes which we have been loving. A highly recommended record from one of the best contemporary bands around.

10) Jeannette Ndiaye - Makom Ma Bobe – Vinyl 12"

Kalita

Jeannette Ndiaye's amazing 'Makom Ma Bobe' has finally been re-issued. This has long been on the want list, big thanks to Kalita Records for making the afro-disco rarity available for all. It comes with the original mix and edit by Mr. Mendell.

11) Sweet Mixture - I Love You – Vinyl 7"

12) Tino Contreras Y Su Grupo ‎- Quinto Sol - Musica Infinita – Vinyl LP

13) Karate Boogaloo - Stay Healthy / Empowered, Bye The Sadness – Vinyl 7"

14) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1 – Vinyl LP

15) Fay Hill / Peaches Mann - Soul Is My Salvation Chapter 5 – Vinyl 7"

16) Matthew Tavares & Leland Whitty - Visions - Vinyl LP/CD

17) Guilherme Coutinho E O Grupo Stalo - Guilherme Coutinho E O Grupo Stalo – Vinyl LP

18) Brenda Jones - Big Mistake / Super Stroke – Vinyl 7"

19) Eros - Go For It – Vinyl 12"

20) Serginho Meriti - Bons Momentos – Vinyl LP