Malto64: Top 25 albums of 2019

Malto64

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Last Active 12-21-19 6:10 pm
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01.14.21	2020	10.17.19	Top 25 albums of 2019
01.11.19	top 25 albums 2018	01.11.19	2017

Top 25 albums of 2019

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
⁣Infest The Rats' Nest

King gizzard released two albums this year, each with their own distinctive explorations of different genres. Both albums thematically deal with climate change, but the desperity and violence of "Infest"succeeds in leaving the greatest impact as it matches the subjekt matter perfectly. The visceral throwback thrash metal, provides the perfect backdrop for a apocalyptic and weirdly scientifically accurate concept.

Fav tracks: Planet B, Mars for the rich, Venusian 1

Weatherday
Come In

Some listeners may be dismissive of the lo-fi and occasionally messy production on this record. Give it a chance though and you will find a very creative and emotional experience. The constant exiting musical switch-ups on "my sputnik sweetheart" and the subtle glitch and electronic infused beauty of tracks like "water dreamer" make for a record that feels deeply intimate and wildly explorative at the same time. It even ties itself together in a very satisfying manner by incorporating a couple of reoccurring melodic motifs.

Fav tracks: Mio min mio, cut lips, agatka

Danny Brown
uknowhatimsayin¿

Danny brown, one of the most polarizing voices of contemporary rap presents a more streamlined and concentrated effort on "uknowhatimsayin¿". It may not be as experimental or wild as his previous efforts, but his distinctive rap style, performed over some crooked and infectious beats, serve up some of the funniest as well as the most condemning bars of the year. Brown is transitioning into a more veteran status, while still holding on to the personality that fans have enjoyed for years.

Fav tracks: Dirty laundry, Savage Nomad, Negro spiritual

Swain
Negative Space

On their latest record, Swain takes a page out of Nirvana's book, as they record one of the best and most satisfying 90's grunge revivalism records. Their influences are made clear through many of the catchy hooks, but the music cannot be bogged down to a case of "copy-cat-isme ". Swain tastefully lends from their influences without relying solely on nostalgia. It is mostly straightforward affair full of swelling melodies paired with lyrics that deliver an emotional gut-punch.

Fav tracks: Negative space, Uncomfortably aware, Hit me till i break my bones

Denzel Curry
Zuu

ZUU is a shorter, less ambitious project than Curry's "TA13OO" from last year. It does however serve up som of the most energetic and hard-hitting hip-hop of the year. Curry is mainly focused on delivering focused and fun bangers, in which he definitely succeeds. He pays a fitting tribute to his upbringing and life in Miami, an origin that can be heard in his distinctive style. Curry's lyrical ability (made even more impressive considering he freestyled most of the record) and agressive delivery, paired with many catchy hooks will leave you wanting to replay the whole thing.

Fav tracks: Ricky, CAROLMART, Wish

Tropical Fuck Storm
Braindrops

If i had heard the band's debut album at the time of release, it would almost certainly have made it onto last years list. The Band's form continues on their form on "Braindrops", delivering more excellent grooves and and the same post-apocalyptic soundscape. The bright and shouty backup vocals that appear frequently on the tracklist make for a perfectly energetic contrast to Liddiard's dragging and messy punk delivery, as he tells stories of decay and despair. The band however prove their diversity with Erica Dunn taking lead vocal duty on "Who's my Eugene" with great results.

Fav tracks: Paradise, The happiest guy around, Aspirin

Lizzo
Cuz I Love You

As a straight white male i can't help but feel that something was off when i first heard this album and instantly got hooked. Even though the lyrics and messaging don't really resonate with me personally, there is a universality to this type of fun-loving pop R&B musik that Lizzo presents on this record. The bombastic opening track is a breathtaking kick in the face, leading into a album full of party bangers. Almost every song is irresistibly catchy as Lizzo's voice delivers personality and power to the danceable party songs as well as some of the more soulfull cuts. It may not be especially ground-breaking, but it ends up being one of the most fun albums of the year.

Fav tracks: Cuz i love you, Jerome, Juice

Stormzy
Heavy Is the Head

On HITH Stormzy continues to cement his place as the biggest name in grime, and though he doesn't stay inside the parimeters of the style, his pop tendencies are tastefull and rooted in the mentality and heart of the genre. Stormzy is full of confidence and swagger as he takes on the crown, delivering hard-hitting and bashfull lyrics. Around the halfway point of the album, the bavrado peels back as he delivers some more soulfull and introspective songs. Stormzy proves that he doesn't have to stay inside the confinements of one sound, but simultaneously delivers some of the best straight-up grime bops and bangers of the year.

Fav tracks: Audacity, Rainfall, One second

Injury Reserve
Injury Reserve

Injury Reserve has been one of the most interesting hip-hop acts out there for a while. Their new self-titled album sees the trio at top form, boasting a unique sense of humor mixed with experimental and often off-kilter production that veers into abrasive and industrial sounds as well as an old school sensibility with some jazz rap cuts. The lyrics range from rapping about hacking a Tesla to clever commentary on rap culture, to more reflective and songs, that reveal personal problems on "best spot in the house" and reflect on the groups progress on "three man weave". With this stylistic collage of and album injury reserve remain one of the most creative and intersting projects out there.

sense of humor