Average Rating: 3.65 Rating Variance: 0.40 Objectivity Score: 68% (Fairly Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicCharles Mingus The Black Saint and the Sinner LadyCryptopsy None So VileDavid Bowie LowDavid Bowie The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From MarsDJ Metatron This Is NotFloating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The LSO PromisesFrancoise Hardy La Question95/100. Exquisitely beautiful, melancholic, and erotic, Francoise Hardy's La Question penetrates deep into the soul, examining the feels of loss and love with heart-wrentching feeling. Despite not knowing french, I was able to understand Hardy's pain and anguish--- her breathy vocals overflow with emotion, leaving you sad, lost, and confused, yet strangely hopeful for the future. Great rainy day or just plain sad day album. Hiroshi Yoshimura Music For Nine Post CardsJohn Coltrane Ascension96/100. It'd be really difficult for me to describe my experience with this album, as it felt incredibly emotional and otherworldly. The best I could describe it as would be like sitting in the eye of a hurricane, watching the world whip chaotically around you. Just listen to this. John Coltrane Concert in JapanKendrick Lamar To Pimp a ButterflyMarvin Gaye Let's Get It OnNeutral Milk Hotel In the Aeroplane Over the SeaOrnette Coleman The Shape of Jazz to ComePrince Of Denmark 896/100. Wow. After putting off this album for nearly six months, I finally hunkered down and listened to it in its entirety. "8" is without question a masterpiece--- in its three hour runtime, POD takes the listener through an emotional journey, stringing together 23 tracks of introspective techno. I love the ghostly synths, the pulsating baselines, the fuzzy kicks, and the tight hi-hats. Despite the albums length, I was left wanting more, as if I had just experienced something special, important, profound. Listen to this. Robyn Honey98/100. Probably the best pop album I've ever heard. I love the subtle progressions, the low-key vibe, and Robyn's playful yet tender vocals; while "Missing U" is definitely the stand out track on first listen, each play through has revealed the brilliance of the rest of the tracklist, demonstrating the depth of emotion and sounds that Robyn brings to this record. 4.5 superbAlice Coltrane Journey in SatchidanandaArthur Verocai Arthur VerocaiBarry White Let the Music PlayBathory Under the Sign of the Black Mark90/100. At this point in my exploration through Bathory's discog, UtSotBM is undoubtedly my favorite. While the production is cleaner than its predecessors (and believe me, cleaner is a relative term), the band retains their hellish sound, complete with barbed guitars, demonic vocals, dizzying drums, and damning lyrics. In addition to this, the extended song structures show off the band's versatility and ability to grow. Brutal stuff.Belle and Sebastian TigermilkBjork HomogenicBjork VespertineBoris PinkCan Tago MagoCharles Mingus Let My Children Hear MusicCharles Mingus Mingus Ah Um92/100. Didn't have this one rated for some reason--- an absolute masterpiece and the first album to really get me into jazz. I love the infectious soul of tracks like the opener, as well as the softer melancholic moments like on Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (which is a song honoring one of my favorite musicians, Lester Young). Start to finish, Ah Um demands your attention, flexing Mingus' skills as a composer and cementing its legacy in the canon of jazz. Claude Debussy Suite bergamasque, L. 75Darkthrone A Blaze in the Northern Sky92/100. Gritty, desolate, bleak. Darkthrone's ABitNS is a 40 minute hellish nightmare, perfectly infusing the grim landscape of Northern Europe with the fiery pits of hell. I loved the demonic vocals, the dirty production, and the punishing guitars. David Bowie Station to StationDead Kennedys Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables91/100. Raw, satirical, and energetic. Quite possibly one of the greatest hardcore/punk albums of all time. Deafheaven SunbatherDeath Grips The Money StoreDiscordance Axis The Inalienable Dreamless89/100. This album was recommended to me by my sputnik archnemesis FLCL, who usually likes terrible music but occasionally finds a gem. This would be one of those gems. The Inalienable Darkness is quite possibly the most coarse and relentless albums I've ever heard. Each song hits you like a brick wall, thrashing you with cleaving guitars, light-speed drums, and unintelligible vocals. I think the highest achievement of this album is its production--- the vocals are mixed just perfectly enough to sound like they're drowning in sound, submerging the listener in a similar hellish realm. If your a fan of grindcore or metal in general, definitely check this one out. DJ Shadow Endtroducing.....Electric Wizard DopethroneFrank Zappa Hot RatsGalcher Lustwerk 100% Galcher89/100. Really terrific mix--- this is where Galcher thrives, transitioning seamlessly from track to track with his laid-back tone and effortless flows. The mix as a whole had a hazy, fluid cohesion, through which Lustwerk was able to maintain the atmospheric vibe of the project. Godspeed You! Black Emperor Slow Riot For New Zero KanadaGodspeed You! Black Emperor Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to HeavenGZA Liquid SwordsHarold Budd and Brian Eno Ambient 2 - The Plateaux of MirrorIggy Pop The IdiotJan Jelinek Loop-Finding-Jazz-RecordsJohn Coltrane A Love SupremeJohn Coltrane Interstellar Space92/100. Rashied and Coltrane has perfect chemistry on this LP, bouncing off each other with spastic solos, screeching harmonies, and chaotic crescendos. I love the barebones sound that playing in a duet allows--- both musician's technical ability are on display, and provide for mind blowing interplay and skill. John Coltrane Sun Ship85/100. A wonderful album that bridges the gap between Coltrane's roots and most avant-garde work. I loved the spiritual overtones, as well as the inventive and engaging compositions. Also, Elvin Jones fucking tore it up on this, holy shit. Jon Hopkins Singularity90/100. Incredible. A masterful journey of thunderous drums, ethereal synths, and beautiful ambience. Truly creative and worthy of its praise. Kamasi Washington Heaven And Earth89/100. It's always impressive when an artist can present 2+ hours of material that is engrossing, engaging, and interesting throughout the entirety of the album's run time. I'm happy to report that Kamasi Washington does this and more on his sophomoric release Heaven and Earth, delivering a masterful work that lives up to its lofty and epic name. From bossa nova to hard bop to fusion, Kamasi fuses a plethora of influences to create his own style, giving the LP a diverse tonal pallette. In addition to this, the ensemble Kamasi brings onto H&E is very impressive, with multiple solos on the record blowing me away upon first listen. One of the best releases of the year for sure. Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d cityKettenkarussell Insecurity GuardLuiz Bonfa Solo in Rio 1959Mac DeMarco This Old DogMarvin Gaye What's Going OnMax Richter From SleepHaunting, atmospheric, ethereal--- this album is a gorgeous collection of late-night lullabies and moody ambient passages. Miles Davis Bitches Brew89/100. Well, I won't act like I understand this album, but damn did it blow my mind. Though I didn't care too much for the opener, the rest of Bitches Brew knocked my socks off, delivering over an hour of otherworldly jams. I loved the laser-like horns on "Bitches Brew" and the tasty funk riffs on "Spanish Key". Perhaps more importantly, I was totally impressed by the ambition and scope of this record, as well as its versatility. The range of emotions and ideas explored on this LP seem to hit every point of the spectrum, and I'm still trying to make sense of what I heard. Favorite Davis record so far.Miles Davis Live EvilMount Eerie A Crow Looked At MeNails Unsilent DeathNils Frahm SpacesNina Kraviz stranno stranno. neobjatno.90/100. Really love this. Intimate and seductive with an ominous mood. Dance to this one alone with the lights off. Novos Baianos Acabou ChorareOrnette Coleman Free Jazz: A Collective ImprovisationOn paper a double quartet free improvising in separate channels sounds disastrous. And yet, this album is a beautiful mess of jazz that works in so many ways. Really really liked this.Prime Minister of Doom Mudshadow Propaganda89/100. The Prince is back! Such a great collection of tracks that really stand out in POD's discog. I love the laid back ribs of tracks like 'Deep in Your Heart' and 'Truth inside', as well as the tribal influences that are all over the 'Tribal Days' cuts. Long live the prince.Sibylle Baier Colour Green93/100. I finally know what it means to fall in love at the sound of someone's voice--- Baier's vocals are angelic and haunting, providing for one of the most intimate and haunting listening experiences I've ever had. Despite the simplicity of the songs, each track has layers of emotion depth, displaying the power of Baier's song writing abilities. Listen to this, please. Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto Getz/GilbertoSteve Reich Music for 18 Musicians88/100. I loved how trance-like and meditative this is. It's easy to get absorbed into Reich's world and I really feel as though I enter a different mindset when listening to this record. Absolutely stunning. Steve Roach Structures from SilenceSwans Soundtracks for the BlindSwans To Be Kind94/100. Six months ago, I listened to Soundtracks for the Blind on an airplane flying home from a wedding. The experience was unlike any other album I've ever listened to--- from the bleak atmosphere to the misanthropic lyrics, StftB was one of the most disorienting and exhilarating things I had ever witnessed.rYet for all the praise I give StftB, I have to say that To Be Kind is a better album. In its two hour runtime, Swans hit the perfect balance of accessibility and chaos, crafting a bleak and harrowing blend of experimental rock. I loved the tight grooves and tense crescendos, as well as the many sizzling conclusions that left me feeling highly rewarded. Giving this a 4.5 for now but could easily see this becoming a classic to me in the future.Talking Heads Remain in LightTelevision Marquee MoonThe Caretaker An Empty Bliss Beyond This WorldThe Clash The ClashEasily the greatest punk album of all time in my eyes. The songs are raw and full of attitude , masterfully combining catchy melodies with the grit and rigor of Strummer's words. A must listen for any rock or punk fans. Recommended tracks: Janie Jones, Career Opportunities, London's Burning, What's My NameThe Cure DisintegrationThe Dave Brubeck Quartet Time OutThe Ruins of Beverast Rain Upon the Impure90/100. I could say a lot about this album, but I think Cometodaddy's review captures my feelings better than I could possibly hope to. Go check out what he says!The Smiths The Queen Is DeadThe Smiths Meat Is MurderThe Smiths Hatful of HollowThe Stooges Fun House91/100. Crusty, crunchy, and contorted--- Funhouse proves its seminal status, clocking in at 36 minutes of unadulterated, proto-punk music. Iggy's showmanship seeps from every track, with his erratic vocals perfectly complimenting the distortion of Ron Asheton's guitars. Also, that fucking sax! The moment that was introduced about halfway through the album, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The Strokes Is This ItTravis Scott Rodeo89/100. This is the standard for trap. Scott takes a generic sound and makes it distinctly his own, warping trap-flavored instrumentals into a dark, woozy, and drunken experience. The features are all excellent here and I loved the amount of variety in song structure. Unbroken Dub Forty Six Knobs Machine89/100. At times atonal and at others downright sickening, Unbroken Dub delivers something special with "Forty Six Knobs Machine". All three tracks on here are absolutely stellar, with the closer "Factory Presets Information" edging out the other two as my favorite. If you're a fan of dub/techno, I'd highly recommend this one. William Basinski The Disintegration Loops ITurn off the lights, put in your headphones, and simply experience this project. Willie Hutch Soul PortraitWu-Tang Clan Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)4.0 excellent21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin Without Warning24-Carat Black Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth80/100. Equal parts heartfelt soul and uptempo funk-jazz, Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth is a harrowing yet eye opening expression of inner city struggles. Centered around the poverty and living conditions of urban living, the album paints a vivid picture of the uphill battle life was for many African-Americans in the 1970s. Each track, whether being extended funk jams or melancholic singing, brings variety and groove to the table, making the hour run time go by in an instant. Very impressed by this one. 2814 新しい日の誕生A.A.L. (Against All Logic) 2012-2017Actress Splazsh83/100. Unlike AZD, which is almost too indulgent in its experimentation, Splazsh toes the line between experimental ideas and danceable techno masterfully, resulting in a hazy, distorted realm of greyed-out pulses and bleeps. Ahmad Jamal The AwakeningAlbert Ayler Spiritual Unity85/100. Tempted to give this one a 4.5--- I loved everything, from the wailing sax to the schizophrenic bass to the sputtering drums. Very nice balance between the avant grade and accessibility. Aleksandir Contrails81/100. Really smooth and atmospheric microhouse. I loved the title track, and though that the project had a great flow and cohesion. Very strong debut album. Alex Turner Submarine OSTAlexandra Savior Belladonna of Sadness79/100. I love the noir vibe Savior creates on this LP. Every track feels dark and velvety, and Alex Turner's production complements the album perfectly. Very strong debut and looking forward to what Savior does in the future. Alice Coltrane World GalaxyThis is really cool--- loved the oscillations and swirls of harps and pianosAlice Coltrane Universal Consciousness79/100. While the first two tracks didn't really grab me, cuts 3-6 are outstanding. Oh Allah is gorgeous and Hare Krishna is downright heavenly. Strong work in Coltrane's output. alt-J An Awesome WaveAnimal Collective Merriweather Post PavilionAntonio Carlos Jobim WaveAphex Twin SyroAphex Twin Collapse80/100. Magnificently textured and intricate, Aphex Twin's Collapse EP proves the IDM king still has some gas in the tank. Collapse is filled with clever twists and turns, using the safe and familiar framework of James's previous work to subvert expectations masterfully. The tracks T69 collapse, MT1 t29r2, and pthex might be some of my favorites of his of all time. Arca ArcaArctic Monkeys HumbugArctic Monkeys Suck It and SeeBarry White Can't Get EnoughBathory Blood Fire DeathBathory Bathory86/100. Raw as fuck. Quorthon's vocals are raspy and demonic, and fit the overall aesthetic of the band perfectly. I also love the fuzzed out production, as well as the razor-sharp guitars and relentless drums. Really terrific stuff. Beach House 780/100. A very nice return to form for Delaware-based duo Beach House. I love the darker aesthetic they took on this album, as well as the more aggressive drums (such as on the track Dive). While I don't see this as a huge new direction like some people seem to think, I really enjoyed the album and think I'll only grow to like it even more over time. Behemoth The SatanistBelle and Sebastian If You're Feeling SinisterBill Evans Everybody Digs Bill EvansBill Withers Still BillBlood Incantation Starspawn85/100. A refreshing spin on both Death Metal and Metal as a whole. Blood Incantation's Starspawn is cavernous, brutal, and bloody, resulting in one of the most satisfying metal records I've heard from the last five years. Between the siren-like guitar solos to the demonic growling of frontman Paul Riedl, Starspawn will leave you dizzy, lost in the abyss of the cosmos. Boards of Canada Music Has the Right to ChildrenBohren und der Club of Gore Bohren For BeginnersBon Iver For Emma, Forever AgoBoris DearBrian Eno Ambient 1: Music For AirportsBrian Eno Another Green WorldBrian Eno ReflectionCan Future DaysChromatics CherryDaft Punk DiscoveryDanny Brown Atrocity ExhibitionDarkthrone Transilvanian Hunger82/100. Buried beneath a thick layer of permafrost, one can hear Nocturno Culto's raspy cries, like an ancient demon summoned from the dead. It's hard to describe this album without reverting to just that--- aesthetic. While one might view that as a limiting factor, I think that'd be overlooking the tremendous importance aesthetic plays both in art and black metal. Like a hellish medieval painting, Transilvanian Hunger captures a feeling of isolation, dread, and fear with impressive potency, exemplifying what the best of black metal is able to communicate. David Bowie Young AmericansDavid Bowie Aladdin SaneDavid Bowie Diamond DogsDavid Bowie Hunky DoryDavid Bowie Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)David Bowie LodgerDeath Symbolic85/100. A great blend of melody, brutality, and attitude--- Death's Symbolic lives up to hype, toeing the line masterfully between Death and Thrash metal. While I typically opt for a more punishing sound in my Death Metal, it was hard to deny the incredible musicianship and creativity that unfolds on this album. I loved Schuldiner's raspy and aggressive vocals, and Hoglan's muderous drumming. A fun album that I suspect will only grow more on me over time.Demilich NespitheDJ Healer Nothing 2 Loose77/100. Beautiful, ethereal ambient music from the former Giegling darling Traumprinz. Similar to his DJ Metatron alias, DJ Healer taps into a world of emotion and spirituality, delivering over an hour of airy, dreamy ambient tracks. While I thoroughly enjoyed this record, I did find myself starving for more house tracks--- with deep hitters like 'Planet Lonely' and 'We are Going Nowhere', DJ Healer is at his best with a driving beat and teases the listener with only a handful of these tracks. All in all, a great record though my preference goes to its companion LP. DJ Healer Planet Lonely81/100. It's pretty insane that the same genius behind such techno masterpieces like 8 and The Body is able to channel such deep emotion, feeling, and spirituality in his house/ambient aliases. Planet Lonely is a gorgeous mix of warm synths, bouncey breakbeats, giddy hi-hats, and inspiring samples, acting as an impressive follow-up to Nothing 2 Lose. This mix is a inner journey, in which DJ Healer acts as a spiritual guide, showing you the depths and crevices of your soul. DJ Koze knock knock83/100. Hell yeah, new DJ Koze! As expected, the German producer lived up to the hype, delivering an hour of blissed out house and downtempo beats. While I definitely favored the singles/housier tracks, the slow jams on here were great too. Koze brought on an impressive list of collaborators and did a really nice job hitting both ends of the spectrum. DJ Metatron U'll Be The King of the StarsDon Cherry Complete Communion84/100. Don and co. know how to throw down, that's for sure. I prefer Side A but both are great free-jazz fun. Look forward to exploring more of his discog. Duke Ellington and John Coltrane Duke Ellington and John ColtraneEarl Sweatshirt DorisFather John Misty God's Favorite Customer81/100. Lush production, lavish vocals, sweet yet sharp lyrics--- everything we've come to expect in a FJM project and more. Fleetwood Mac RumoursFloating Points ElaeniaGalcher Lustwerk 200% GALCHER79/100. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, this album is fantastic. I love Lustwerk's laid back, effortless flows, as well as the drugged-out and woozy production. Unfortunately, aesthetic often feels like the main focus of 200% GALCHER, with many of the tracks here lacking in much variation or substance. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the album--- I did quite a bit--- it's just that I can't help but feel like many of the songs on this feel either underwhelming or half-baked. Harold Budd The Pavilion of DreamsHerbie Hancock Head HuntersHow to Disappear Completely Mer de Revs IIHuerco S For Those of You Who Have Never...84/100. This album sounds like listening to the Rugrats theme song underwater, in the best way possible. Huerco's sound palette is narrow yet refined, combining kaleidoscopic synths and soft drum patterns to build an intoxicating and bleached atmosphere. For fans of lo-fi ambient, there isn't much that Huerco brings to the table that's groundbreaking or revolutionary. The magic, however, is the masterful way in which Huerco maximizes this toolbox of sounds. FToYWHN is truly an excellent ambient album and will remain in my rotation for a long, long time. IAMDDB Hoodrich Vol. 385/100. Very strong collection of tracks from UK-based hip-hop artist IAMDDB. I really loved her fresh take on the trap/r&b sound that is becoming so tired out--- while there are definitely influences of other contemporary artists (the most notable being SZA), IAMDDB definitely brings her own aesthetic to the table, crooning over warbly keys and bouncing percussion. Certainly a name to keep an eye on in 2019. IDLES BrutalismImmolation Close to a World Below79/100. I sort of vacillated on this one--- while I loved the clean production and fiery riffs, I felt at times that a lot of songs on this blended together. There were certainly a lot of positives on this album: the vocals were horrifyingly demonic, the lyrics were terrifying, the drums were spastic, and the atmosphere was absolutely hellish. However much I enjoyed this though, I don't know that I see the masterpiece that so many others so clearly do. I'll keep this one in rotation for a while. Jedi Mind Tricks Violent by DesignJID The Never Story80/100. An extremely impressive debut record from Atlanta rapper J.I.D. Over the 40 minute runtime, J.I.D shows off his versatility both in flows and aesthetic, melding hints of trap, melodic crooning, conscious rap, and break beats into a cohesive full-length project. Whether spitting out bangers (Never, 8701, LAUDER) or diving deep into his head (Hereditary), J.I.D demonstrates the breadth of his ability and hints at an enormous potential beneath his dark and woozy aesthetic. The Kendrick comparisons aren't extreme--- this guy is an artist to look out for. Jim Sullivan U.F.O.86/100. This album is a true gem--- not a single track is weak, and many of the songs are downright phenomenal. Sullivan's deep vocals pair perfectly with the western instrumentals, giving the album an air of authenticity and legitimacy. In addition to this, the compositions are fantastic, featuring trotting drum patterns, sweeping strings, twanging guitars, and driving bass lines. Jlin Black OrigamiJohn Coltrane Giant StepsJohn Coltrane Meditations78/100. While I prefer the grandeur and immensity of Ascension, I do appreciate the bite-size approach Coltrane takes on this. Outside of the opening track, Meditations is short and sweet, giving the album more accessibility and space. I also really enjoyed the solos on this LP, including the crawling baseline opening of Love and the shimmering piano closer on Consequences. Overall, a great album and worthy entry in Coltrane's discog. John Coltrane Stellar Regions86/100. Raw and visceral, Stellar Regions sticks out as one of the most emotive and varied works among Coltrane's final sessions. Jose Gonzalez VeneerKali Uchis Isolation85/100. An excellent pop/neo sou/r&r album from Columbian American singer Kali Uchis. I LOVE the production here, as well as the catchy hooks and melodies. In addition to this, the features were all very strong and added to each track they appeared on. Popstars, pay attention. This is the new standard. Kamaal Williams The Return86/100. Hot damn, this is fantastic. The synths on this are unreal--- at times warbly, at times swirly, Williams brings an impressive palette of textures to his keys. While I loved this album, I will say the drums were a noticeable step down from Black Focus (likely due to the group's break up). Nonetheless, a wonderful listen and very exciting release from the thriving London jazz scene. Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted FantasyKendrick Lamar DAMN.Kendrick Lamar untitled unmastered.King Geedorah Take Me to Your LeaderKishi Bashi 151aLeafar Legov FamilyLeon Vynehall Nothing Is Still84/100. A dark, fluid, twisting, fever dream. Vynehall masterfully combines elements of jazz, classical, house, and ambient to create a swirling landscape of sounds, symbolically tracing his parents' immigration to the US. Nothing is Still doesn't just prove Vynehall's salt as a producer--- it boasts his ability as a storyteller, demonstrating the abstract narrative elements distinct to electronic music. Mac DeMarco 2Probably Mac's strongest collection of songs, front to finish. I love the twangy, washed out guitars and Mac's laid-back crooning. I also really enjoyed the dreamy atmosphere of the album. I still prefer TOD because of its stripped-back instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, but this is a very worthy second. Madvillain Madvillainymap.ache Golden AgeMax Richter Memoryhouse81/100. A sprawling, emotional epic that tugs at the heartstrings and touches the soul. Admittedly, I was sold as soon as I recognized the Tsvetaeva poem, but this album is truly fantastic. I loved the sweeping string sections, the droney instrumentals, and the eerie spoken word passages. Also the cymbals in 'Last Days' were fucking incredible--- they hit with the intensity of a thunder clap. Metallica Master of PuppetsMetallica Kill 'Em AllBlood-pumping thrash. The production is definitely weaker than MoP and RtL but in a lot of ways it's part of the album's charm. MGMT Little Dark AgeMGMT CongratulationsMike Oldfield Tubular BellsMiles Davis Kind of BlueMiles Davis In a Silent WayMiles Davis 'Round About MidnightMiles Davis On the Corner81/100. A joyride of funk-laced rhythms and head-nodding fusion. As a listener biased to Davis's more experimental work, I found myself enthralled by On the Corner's deep grooves and swirling guitars. Davis's ability to fuse jazz, funk, and rock is at a near pinnacle on this record, showing once again the trumpeter's innovation and groundbreaking influence over Jazz-Fusion. Morbid Angel Altars of MadnessMort Garson Mother Earth's Plantasia83/100. A curious yet delightful blend of bubbly arpeggios, electronic swells, and playful bleeps. Despite being a synth album, Plantasia has a remarkable quality of organicness to it, truly living up to its name. At only 31 minutes, the LP is a bit short, but doesn't fail to inspire feelings of happiness and joy. Nails You Will Never Be One of UsNecrot Blood OfferingsThis album by no means reinvents the wheel, but dammit if it doesn't do the wheel some bone-crushing justice. New Order Power, Corruption and LiesNick Cave and The Bad Seeds Skeleton TreeNils Frahm All Melodyof Montreal Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?of Montreal Satanic Panic in the AtticOm Advaitic Songs 78/100. Hypnotic Himalayan drone rock! Super dope. Love the Eastern influences, sounds like these guys listen to a lot of Alice Coltrane. Check this out. Parliament Mothership Connection81/100. 38 minutes of space-age funk JAMZ. This album fucking slaps; aside from the obvious "Give Up the Funk", check out "Unfunky UFO" to see what I mean. George Clinton knows how to ride a groove better than anyone and it shows. Patricia Body IssuesPatricia Free Lunch84/100. In quite possibly his most consistent release to date, Brooklyn-based producer Patricia returns with a tight collection of hissing-techno bangers. Not sure why this seemed to have flown so far under the radar--- while this EP is by no means revolutionary, it features a Patricia at the top of his game, containing his trademark fuzzed-out sound at its best. Pharoah Sanders Karma84/100. Geez, "The Creator has a Master Plan" really picks up twenty minutes in--- what an incredible journey of emotion, sound, and spirituality. Pig Destroyer Prowler in the Yard79/100. Not a huge fan of the computerized voice, but otherwise this album is killer. I love the explosiveness of the shorter tracks, as well as the utter brutality of the longer album closers. Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the MoonPrimitive Man CausticPrince Of Denmark Live at Planet UterusPulp Different Class79/100. Undeniably catchy and fun, Different Class is an absolute blast, tackling subjects of sexuality, social class, love, and lust with sharp wit and humor. The production is lush and clean, complementing Cocker's sultry vocals almost too perfectly. Just a great compilation of infectious, well-crafted pop songs.Pusha T DAYTONA87/100. Despite being only ~20 minutes in length, DAYTONA is an impressive collection of absolute bangers. While Pusha's vocals are great and his lyrics are memorable, the real show here in my opinion is Kanye's production. From beat switches to samples, Ye pulled out all the stops, going above and beyond my expectations. Starting to get excited for this summer of releases. Rafael Anton Irisarri Sirimiri77/100. Dark, haunting, beautiful--- Sirimiri toes the line masterfully between melancholy and hope. Really great stuff. Robert Hood Minimal Nation81/100. Minimal Nation is a testament to the mantra "less is better"--- indeed, Hood uses an incredibly restrained toolbox on this LP, using the bare minimum (hence the name) to create compelling techno. The results are impressive; each track has great structure and progression, keeping things interesting somehow despite the limited number of tricks Hood pulls out.Ross From Friends The OutsidersRoss From Friends Don't Sleep, There Are SnakesSchacke Klub Navsegda84/100. Schacke's love dedication to the russian club scene. He made these tracks during his residency at Klyb (sput won't let me enter the cyrillic), a club in Saint Petersburg, and he really wears that influence on his sleeve. From the lightening- fast beats to the earworm synth lines, this ep is simply just fun. And Kisloty People is easily one of the best tracks of the year. Top tier.Secret Guest Traumprinz B2B DJ Metatron Live at Planet UterusSex Pistols Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols84/100. While there some undeniable classics on this record, I'm a little disappointed to say the LP as a whole didn't live up to my memory of it/the hype. Many of the cuts are so-so, and outside of the big singles/songs, I found myself getting a little bored listening. Still, a seminal punk album that will always have a special place in my heart from my childhood. Sigur Ros Agætis byrjunSigur Ros Svefn-g-englarSkee Mask Compro85/100. Deep, deep breakbeat ambient house from Munich producer Skee Mask. A lot of hype surrounding this album, and truly well deserved; Skee excels in creating a palpable universe, filled with springy beats, ethereal synths, and ear worm baselines. While the album's length got to be a little tedious toward the end, Compro proved to be a fantastic effort, easily ranking as one of the best releases of the year. Sleep The Sciences82/100. An excellent release from the legendary stoner metal band Sleep. With bludgeoning guitars, pounding drums, and sinister vocals, The Sciences takes no prisoners, throttling the listener from start to finish. I also loved the space-themed lyrics--- while they were a bit campy, they struck a perfect balance of cheesy and sinister. Sleep Dopesmoker80/100. Sleep's monolithic album doesn't disappoint, creating a mind-bending ode to everyone's favorite green herb. The sounds on this LP are fantastic--- buzzsaw guitars, tribal drums, and sadistic vocals create an atmosphere that truly encapsulate the album's journey. However, I did find the albums length to be a bit difficult toward the end and found myself zoning out at times. Soft Machine ThirdSonny Sharrock Ask the AgesSonny Sharrock Black Woman84/100. Admittedly, the shrieking became a little unbearable by the last track. However, Black Woman overall is a fantastic 30 minute catharsis, anchored by Sonny's impressive musicianship and composition. The track "Bailero" is absolutely stunning. Sophie Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides82/100. Probably one of the best "album experiences" of the year? while few of the tracks stand out in a huge way for me, the album as a whole has a fantastic sense of cohesion, in which SOPHIE immerses you in her world. I probably would've rated this higher, however, if it were not for the last track, which I found to be insufferable. All in all pretty great though. STRFKR ReptiliansSublime SublimeSufjan Stevens Carrie and Lowell87/100. Soft, beautiful, ghostly. On this ode to his parents, Sufjan crafts an incredibly intimate yet distant record, combing his warm singing with icy production. Absolutely stunning work. Sun Ra Lanquidity83/100. What an excellent introduction to Sun Ra! The arrangements here are brooding, space-age soundscapes, giving the album a uniquely hazy and spiritual mood. Probably going to revisit this soon and write a proper sound off for it, once I digest the album a little better. Sunn O))) Black OneSupersilent 6Swans Filth78/100. Doesn't hold a candle to Soundtracks, but then again that's a pretty impossible standard. Every second of the LP's 38 minute runtime oozes with dread and beats the listener with an unrelenting sense of brutality. Surprisingly accessible too (for Swans lol). SZA Ctrl80/100. Luscious production, impressive vocals, empowering lyrics--- SZA out does herself on Control, setting the bar in contemporary pop landscape. I loved the crisp instrumentation and varied sounds on this album, as well as SZA's frank and sexual lyrics. While I wouldn't put this above Kali Uchis or Rina S, I definitely see the hype in SZA and look forward to her next output. Tame Impala CurrentsTed Greene Solo GuitarTerekke Improvisational Loops83/100. Spacious, lush, colorful. Beautiful ambient synth work that will leave you feeling melted and elevated. The Avalanches Since I Left YouThe Beach Boys Pet SoundsThe Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 1The Cure PornographyThe Jam All Mod ConsThe Modfather at his very best--- Weller once again shows his brilliance, delivering one of the greatest punk albums to ever be produced. Chock-full with fast guitars, rugged brit-vocals, and hard-hitting choruses, "All Mod Cons" delivers in all ways possible. Recommended tracks: Billy Hunt, English Rose, To Be Someone (Didn't We Have a Nice Time), Down in the Tube Station at MidnightThe Last Shadow Puppets Everything You've Come To ExpectThe Smiths The SmithsThelonious Monk Thelonious Alone in San FranciscoTodd Terje It's Album TimeTraumprinz Say Or DoTraumprinz RA.387Various Artists (Techno) Mind Over MatterVril PortalWes Montgomery The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes MontgomeryWilliam Basinski MelancholiaYaeji EP2Yaeji YaejiYo-Yo Ma Bach: Unaccompanied Cello SuitesYussef Kamaal Black FocusYves Tumor Safe in the Hands of Love84/100. Really cool project. I love how cohesive the album is as a whole, enveloping the listener in its chaotic, fuzzed-out world. Between noisy instrumentals and hip-hop influenced ballads, the variety and breadth of Safe in the Hands of Love provides for a very fun and engaging listen. 3.5 greatA Tribe Called Quest The Low End Theory73/100. Yet another "classic" that I just couldn't really get into. There were definitely things I liked about this--- the smooth, jazzy instrumentals, the clever lyrics, the masterful delivery of the MCs--- but it really just failed to grip me. Actress R.I.P72/100. Dizzying, dark, and disorienting, R.I.P. confirms Actress's consistency as a producer, containing 15 tracks of hazy yet thought-provoking techno. While I didn't enjoy this as much as Splazsch, I appreciate Actress's willingness to abandon the clubbier elements of R.I.P.'s predecessor. Though this made for a more challenging listen, I have a feeling this will be an album I'll be able to return to again and again and find new meaning each time. Adult Jazz Gist IsAir Moon SafariAL-90 Murmansk-6075/100. Spectral-grey outsider house from Russian producer AL-90. Love the aesthetic on this, but at times, that feels like there really is to offer. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing--- I can appreciate a piece of music for its aesthetic offerings, just like I can a film or literary piece. It does however hold this back from being something special. Check this out if you like lofi leftfield house!Alvvays AntisocialitesAndres (USA-MI) Mighty TribeArctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm NotArctic Monkeys Favourite Worst NightmareArctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino69/100. First impression, solid but nothing amazing. While I can appreciate the direction the monkeys went on this project, it does feel like a self-indulgent Alex Turner solo album. Unfortunately, his lyrics are becoming cringier than Hell and lack the profundity that a stripped back album like this desperately needs. Again, a decent output by the group--- but probably their worst album to date. Arvo Part Tabula RasaAtaraxia (US) The Unexplained72/100. Another synth-ambient exploration for the electronic pioneer Mort Garson. While I enjoyed this quite a bit, it has certainly aged like a soundtrack to a cheesy b-horror flick. And while I can appreciate that level of campiness and nostalgia, it just didn't hold up as well as Plantasia. Avalon Emerson Whities 00670/100. Short, sweet, and to the point, Avalon Emerson's release on Whities is certainly notable release. I enjoyed the eastern influences on the final two tracks, as well as the bleached and at times spectral sound palette Emerson pulls from. Fun listen. BADBADNOTGOOD IVBathory Hammerheart75/100. While i can appreciate the direction and creativity Bathory approached this album with, I don't think the viking metal aesthetic appeals to me nearly as much as their earlier, grittier material. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the record--- from the epic song structures to the ambient field recordings, Hammerheart is cinematic and triumphant with its presentation. I suspect this one will grow on me in time. Binker and Moses Journey to the Mountain of ForeverBiosphere SubstrataBlack Sabbath ParanoidBrian Eno Before and After ScienceBrian Eno Discreet MusicBrian Eno Here Come the Warm JetsBrockhampton SATURATIONBuddy Rich The Roar of '74Burial Street HaloCage The Elephant Cage the ElephantCannibal Corpse VileCardi B Invasion of Privacy65/100. I feel as though a lot of users are being a little harsh on this. Yes, while there are some forgettable bars and lack luster features, Invasion of Privacy has some real bonafide bangers. Tracks like Get Up 10, Bodak Yellow, and Be Careful absolutely slap and Cardi's swagger and bravado are cranked up to 10. However, some of the features here are incredibly bland (looking at you Migos) and songs like Drip seem to lack a real hook or chorus. Solid overall. Carla dal Forno Look Up Sharp75/100. Distant, frosty, yet undeniably intimate. In spite of the cold palette dal Forno draws on, her songs brim with vulnerability and emotion.While some might be tired of the coldwave aesthetic, I think dal Forno does the sound justice and provides her own unique take on it. Recommended track: So Much Better, I'm Conscious, Took a Long Time.Charles Mingus Mingus Plays PianoCharles Mingus Mingus DynastyChilly Gonzales Solo Piano IIBeautiful piano work that entices the listener while also maintaining a sense of tranquility. Gonzalez's hooks and melodies shimmer and shine in "Solo Piano II", reaffirming Gonzales' status as one of the greatest contemporary pianists of the 21st century. Recommended tracks: White Keys, Othello, Rideaux Lunaires, KenastonCigarettes After Sex Cigarettes After SexCluster and Eno Cluster & EnoConan MonnosI absolutely loved the first half of this album but found the second half to be a little more tedious and out of ideas. Regardless, still very impressed by their sound and will definitely be checking out more of their discog in the future.rConan Revengeance75/100. Another very solid release by Conan. I love the epic atmosphere to their music, as well as the sludgey, heavy guitars. While this probably didn't strike me quite as much as their 1st LP, I still really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the band's future output. Daniel Avery Slow FadeDavid Ackles American Gothic72/100. Some of the songs on this were hit-or-miss for me, but overall I found this to be a very enjoyable listen. I loved Ackles' storyteller lyrics, as well as the grand and at times luscious orchestral compositions. My favorite track was either Oh, California! or Love's Enough. David Bowie Let's DanceDavid Bowie "Heroes"Death Grips Year of the Snitch74/100. I think I like the idea of this album more than I like the music itself. For starters, I completely commend the group for continuing to push the envelope and subvert expectations with their sound. I loved the chaotic noise rock influences on this project, as well as the more abstract direction DG went with for many of the tracks. How ever, at a certain point, I felt as though the group's experimentation outpaced their grasp. Too many of the tracks here felt simply interesting rather than enjoyable, and I'm not sure how to take that into account while reviewing an album. Did I enjoy this project? Yes. But I don't foresee myself returning to it often. DJ Koze Pick Up71/100. While I enjoyed this, I can't help but feel like it's one or two tweaks away from being a complete banger. Once the kick drops at a minute in, the song never really goes anywhere and the vocal sample just stagnates in a very unsatisfying way. Regardless, I still really like this and can see this becoming a great pool-side summer track. DJ Metatron 2 the SkyDJ Seinfeld Sakura68/100. I'll admit, the lo-fi house aesthetic is starting to wear on me. From goofy names to odd samplings, the genre seems to have painted itself into a corner, teetering between music and meme. Yet every time I hear a new lo-fi single or EP, I'm reminded what originally brought me to the sound. Sakura is no different--- from warbly synth lines to cheesy japanese vocal samples, DJ Seinfeld's new EP marries the new with the old, staying true to his original sound yet bringing a fresh Eastern sound to his music. Drake If You're Reading This It's Too LateEarth, Wind and Fire That's The Way of The WorldEric Dolphy Out to Lunch!74/100. A little conflicted on this one--- while there were certainly moments I really liked on this, it lacked the impact and atmosphere that many of my favorite free jazz albums have. I also didn't really care for the xylophone parts, but that's probably just personal preference. Father John Misty I Love You, HoneybearFloating Points Reflections - Mojave DesertFour Tet New EnergyGavin Bryars The Sinking of the TitanicGentle Giant OctopusGlass Animals ZabaGodspeed You! Black Emperor F♯ A♯ ∞Goldmund The Malady Of EleganceGreen Day DookieGrouper Grid of Points71/100. Light, airy, dreamy, and over before you know it. While Grouper's latest project contains some stunning and icy moments, the LP ultimately lacks the run time to impart any real profundity. Don't get me wrong, this is absolutely beautiful--- but with only 22 minutes of music, there isn't that much to write home about. Hannah Peel Mary Casio: Journey to CassiopeiaHippo Campus Bashful Creatures EPIDLES Joy as an Act of Resistance72/100. With fast riffs and cheeky lyrics, Joy as an Act of Resistance provides a worthy follow up to last year's Brutalism, proving the staying power of U.K. based rock outfit IDLES. Although I enjoyed the harder, punkier aesthetic of Brutalism, there's still much to be enjoyed on this record. The lyrics are wittier than ever, and many of the songs boast impressive length and structure. I have a feeling this one will grow on me over the coming months. Iggy Pop Lust For Life75/100. Didn't quite grab me like The Idiot did. While I enjoyed the album as a whole, there weren't many standout songs and I found myself a little bored by the end of the listen. Despite this, I still liked it as a whole and would definitely be down to give it a relisten sometime in the future. Iglooghost Neo Wax BloomIsaac Hayes Hot Buttered SoulJohn Coltrane BalladsA very beautiful and low key cool jazz album, though nothing truly remarkable in Coltrane's discography. John Coltrane Transition76/100. Yet another solid release from the end of Coltrane's career. For fans of post-Love Supreme trane, Transition will be certain to please, clocking in at around 40 minutes of loosely-free spiritual jazz. While I wasn't crazy about the opening track due to its length and stagnant structure, I absolutely loved the rest of the LP. The shimmering cymbals on 'Welcome' feel genuinely ethereal, and the monster track 'Suite' proves to be a powerful closer, with multiple movements and interesting transitions. All in all, I would rank this below some of his other same-era work but would still like to revisit this soon. John Fahey Volume 6: Days Have Gone By71/100. Beautiful and serene guitar instrumentals, that would aptly accompany a golden sunrise over the mountains. On this LP, Fahey cultivates a lovely folk-twang aesthetic, and brings to live the feelings of the mountains and nature. I realize none of this makes sense, but, whatever. Joy Orbison The Shrew Would Have Cushioned The BlowKanye West YeezusKanye West ye76/100. Great production, infectious beats, good flows. However, at only 23 minutes, this album was lacking in any real profundity or memorability, and many of the features (looking at you Cudi) were just so so. Overall a great listen but imo not as good as DAYTONA. Kanye West The College Dropout76/100. Fun flows, positive vibes, infectious happiness--- Kanye's debut is a joyride of swagger-loaded hip-hop. While I wasn't crazy about the skits on this, there are many undeniable bangers that still remain classics to this day. Kaytranada 99.9%Keaton Henson Dear...Keaton Henson Romantic WorksKendrick Lamar Section.8072/100. A little let down by this one. Perhaps it's unfair to judge this one in relation to the rest of his discography, but for the most part it seems like Kendrick was still finding his voice on this album. While there are some absolute bangers on here (ADHD, HiiiiPower, Keisha's Song), Section.80 didn't do much for me in way of catchiness, hooks, or memorability. Kendrick's weakest album imo. Khruangbin The Universe Smiles Upon You69/100. Not a whole lot to say about this, kinda reminds me of a mellower and less interesting BBNG. That said, this was definitely very enjoyable music to zone out to and I can appreciate its dreamy/jammy atmosphere. Ultimately, the album just lacks that 'so what' factor, resulting in a pleasant yet underwhelming listen. Leonard Cohen Songs of Leonard CohenLeonard Cohen New Skin for the Old CeremonyLeonard Cohen Songs From a RoomLes McCann Talk To The People74/100. Equal parts soul and funk, "Talk to the People" is a 44 minute jazz gem. From slow jams to uptempo boogies, Les McCann delivers 7 tracks of foot-tappin' fusion, paying homage to the greats like Marvin Gaye and Herbie Hancock. Certainly not reinventing the wheel but a very worthy listen regardless. Lil Pump Lil PumpLouie Ramirez Ali Baba70/100. Hot and spicy salsa music--- this is actually pretty good! I mean, you have to get over the feeling that you're sitting in a mexican restaurant, but once you move past that there are some really great Latin jams here. Mac DeMarco Salad DaysMachine Woman Residency Tape 2: Machine Woman70/100. A nice little bundle of songs from Russian-born Anastasia Vtorova, aka Machine Woman. "A Machine That is Trapped in The Frankfurt's Tower" is definitely the steals the show, but the opening ambient track and "Call it Televisual 1990" are worth checking out as well. Machinedrum Room(s)Macklemore and Ryan Lewis The HeistMalleus Storm of Witchcraft70/100. Crusty, blood-caked, and at times run-of-the-mill death metal. I loved the raw energy and lofi production on this, though I must admit it was pretty standard death metal at the end of the day. Still a fun listen though. Max Richter The Blue NotebooksMax Richter InfraMercyful Fate MelissaMGMT Oracular SpectacularMicronism Inside A Quiet MindMiles Davis MilestonesMilo Budding Ornithologists Are Weary Of Tired Analogie75/100. On his 4th LP, Milo shines through with a cool and contemplative collection of jazzy and heady lo-fi rap. Each track features a loosely detached flow, on which Milo glides smoothly over down-tempo drum patterns and warbling piano keys. I really enjoyed the instrumentals on this, as well as Milo's cerebral lyrics. One of the better rap LPs I've heard this year. Misfits Collection IIMoses Sumney AromanticismMount Eerie Now OnlyMove D & Benjamin Brunn HoneyNails Abandon All LifeNick Drake Pink MoonNico Chelsea GirlI love the fusion of folk and baroque inspirations on this. While I feel like the album starts to run out of ideas in the second half, songs like "These Days" and "The Fairest of Seasons" make this a worthy spin.Nirvana Nevermindof Montreal Skeletal Lampingof Montreal Paralytic Stalksof Montreal The Sunlandic TwinsOlafur Arnalds ...And They Have Escaped The Weight Of DarknessOrange Juice Rip It Up73/100. Really fun and eclectic New Wave. There's an impressive amount of influences on this--- at different moments I can hear Bowie, African rhythms, and Paul Simon. Nothing earth-shattering or genre defining but an impressive collection of off-the-wall pop. Ornette Coleman Change of the CenturyReally solid but gets lost in the shuffle between seminal works like The Shape of Jazz to Come and Free Jazz. Parquet Courts Wide Awake75/100. Great production, nice flow, and a overall very solid album. While it didn't really grab me in a super memorable way, I quite liked this and could see myself returning to it soon in the future. Patricia Heavy Merging74/100. This is a very nice complement to 2018's Free Lunch EP; whereas last year's release had a heavier emphasis on the snare and hi hats, Heavy Mering features a far more subdued and under-the-surface mood. The tracks here sound dark and dismal, and ooze a sinister tone. Close your eyes and you'll feel like you're melting with this one. Patti Smith Horses75/100. Didn't quite capture me in the way I had hoped it would, but still a really great album. I loved Smith's erratic vocals and raw energy, and the longer tracks like Birdland and Horses were phenomenal. Hopefully this one grows on me over time, as there was a lot I liked here but not enough to totally win me over. Paul Simon Still Crazy After All These YearsPauline Anna Strom Trans-Millenia MusicPrince Parade77/100. A lot of good here, a lot of not so memorable cuts as well. At his best on this record, Prince is emotive and sensual, tapping into an undeniably powerful source of sexuality and energy. Despite this, many of the tracks on this lack that fire and feel like filler. It should also be noted that "Kiss" is a fucking phenomenal song. Prince Of Denmark The Body75/100. Its hard to judge in a vacuum--- while I really enjoyed this project, it just seemed to pale in comparison to PoD's other albums and EPs. Though there are some absolute bangers on this, some of the tracks just felt like PoD by the numbers and lacked that magic that the prince is known for. All in all a great record but not the most memorable in the artist's prolific disco. Rina Sawayama RINA74/100. The production is fantastic and Rina is an incredible singer, yet somehow many of these tracks failed to leave an impression on me. While this certainly stands out in the blandness of today's pop scene, this EP ultimately lacks the catchiness and hooks that makes pop great. Really look forward to where Rina goes from here. Ross From Friends You'll UnderstandRyuichi Sakamoto AsyncSampha ProcessScHoolboy Q Oxymoron74/100. A very solid, very fun album from the TDE rapper Schoolboy Q. I loved Q's flows on this, as well as the eccentric and often goofy lyrics. Overall I felt like the length took away from the album but I loved the listen regardless. Seb Wildblood The One with the Emoticon74/100. Sleepy, tropical deep house. Opening track is great and the rest is pretty solid too. Probably won't revisit this a lot but I liked what I heard. Severnaya Polar Skies71/100. Swirly, colorful ambient music. I love the washiness of this record--- it feels like being submerged in a sea of sound and watching the waves slowly churn above as you sink into the abyss. However, this album is not without flaws. I really hated the metallic clanking in the track 'Floating Space' and thought that all of the songs suffered from a uniform sense of sameness. A strong release, though I'd like to see more risk/creativity in future releases. Ski Mask The Slump God The Book of Eli68/100. At only 20 minutes, Book of Eli is a warped, blown out joy ride. The beats slap, Ski's flows bump, and the features are solid too. Because of the length and haphazard feel to the album, it's hard to rate this much higher than a seven. I wish Ski took a bigger stab at throwing together an album, but this is certainly a fun listen. Sleep Sleep's Holy Mountain75/100. In comparison to the goliath of a record Dopesmoker, Sleep's Holy Mountain provides a much more bite-sized, digestible summary of their sound. While there are still a couple 8+ minute tracks on here, most of the songs are concise and to the point, staying true to Black Sabbath's proto-doom sound with traces of psychedelic and sludge. Though I really enjoyed most of the tracks on here, I don't know that this style of short and sweet songs is really Sleep's best strategy. Part of the appeal (to me at least) of stoner metal is its huge, raw, and epic sound, a style best suited for longer tracks. Smerz Okey77/100. Hazy, vibey, and effortlessly cool. Hip-house duo Smerz create a dark club atmosphere on Okey, and do so with impressive vocals and ease. While so of the tracks definitely stuck out more than others, I loved the aesthetic of this project and am very excited to continue following their career. Somi Petite AfriqueSTRFKR Miracle MileSun Ra Space is the Place72/100. A little all over the place. The title track is waaaaay too long and boring, but some of the other cuts here are awesome (Images, Sea of Sound). Overall a very complex and interesting listen, but the lack of lucidity and flow really bring this album down. Sylvan Esso Sylvan EssoTangerine Dream PhaedraTelevision AdventureThe Drums PortamentoThe Drums Abysmal ThoughtsThe Human League Dare!The Jam In The City70/100. Rough and raw, The Jam's debut album is an electrifying joyride, even if it is at times unpolished and underdeveloped. While I prefer the maturity of their later work, this is still a great album that reveals the potential of the band to come. The Last Shadow Puppets The Age Of The UnderstatementThee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corner of Our Thelonious Monk Straight, No ChaserGood though I definitely prefer his solo work. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is an incredible piece, however. Thou Heathen68/100. It's cool. 75 minutes was definitely pushing it but I liked a lot of the tracks inhere, even if a lot of them kind of blended together. I loved the sludgy guitars, thunderous drums, and raspy vocals--- overall a very solid album. Tierra Whack Whack World74/100. So good yet ultimately just feels like a tease. Tons of creativity and playfulness but all it makes me want is more. Title Fight HyperviewTom VR films69/100. Great breakbeat deep house. Nothing groundbreaking or super memorable but a worthwhile project nonetheless. Traumprinz All The ThingsTitle track is fantastic, a true highlight in Traumprinz's career. The other three tracks are solid though the Christian overtones on "I Gave My Life" are overdone imo. Travis Scott Astroworld74/100. As an album, this project works very well. Scott's intoxicating and dark trap aesthetic is well-known by now, but it still works very well in providing a tightly focused vision, despite the near hour run time. I will say, however, that many of the tracks sort of blended into each other, and that there were only really a handful of tracks that I see myself returning to often. Nevertheless, still a great project and one of the better rap albums of the year. Ulver Bergtatt - Et eeventyr i 5 capitlerVampire Weekend Vampire WeekendVampire Weekend ContraVampire Weekend Modern Vampires of the CityVijay Iyer AccelerandoWalter Mitty and His Makeshift Orchestra Overwhelmed and UnderdressedWilliam Basinski CascadeWilliam Basinski A Shadow in TimeWillie Nelson Shotgun Willie75/100. Very nice americana/country folk from the legend Willie Nelson. While not a whole lot of tracks really stood out to me, this album as a whole was a very mellow and pleasant listen. Yes Close to the EdgeYoung Thug and Carnage Young Martha3.0 good21 Savage Savage ModeActress AZDAlgiers The Underside of Poweralt-J This Is All YoursAndres (USA-MI) Believin'Angelo De Augustine Swim Inside the MoonArctic Monkeys AMArt Ensemble of Chicago Fanfare for the Warriors65/100. I didn't really care for the spoken word on the opening track, nor did many of the tracks on this grip me. However, there are still a lot of chaotic moments that make this album a worthy listen and I can appreciate the balance they strike between free and conventional jazz. Barker Debiasing66/100. Couldn't get into this one like I would've liked to. There's no denying Barker's talent and ideas on this EP, but many of the tracks felt like more of a tease than a fully-fleshed house track. Beach Fossils SomersaultBeach Fossils Clash the TruthBill Withers Just As I AmBiogen Halogen ContinuesBlack Merlin Proto WorldBob Marley and The Wailers Catch A FireBon Iver 22, A MillionA solid album overall but came up a little short of my expectations. Vernon's move toward the more Yeezus-inspired production and percussion shined through on the singles but were not as prevalent as I had hoped on the remaining tracks. I also felt as though the singles should have been included as their extended versions with longer orchestral portions. Though the album didn't exactly live up to the hype for me, it was still a good album overall and leaves me excited for the direction Vernon is heading with Bon Iver. Recommended tracks: 33 "GOD", 22 (Over Soon), 10 d E A T h b R E a s T, 29 #Strafford APTSBoris With Merzbow Walrus/GroonBrian Eno Apollo: Atmospheres & SoundtracksBuddy Rich Buddy and SweetsCage The Elephant Thank You Happy BirthdayCat Stevens Tea for the TillermanCFCF Radiance & SubmissionCharles Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus MingusChristopher Rau The BlessingColin Stetson All This I Do For GloryCourtney Barnett Tell Me How You Really Feel65/100. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Unfortunately, outside of the singles this is an incredibly generic and uninteresting record. Where did Courtney's edge go that initially drew in her fans? Disappointing to say the least. Daniel Avery Sensation/ClearDedekind Cut TahoeDJ Boring WinonaDrab Majesty The DemonstrationDrinks Hippo Lite64/100. I can appreciate what Drinks is trying to do on this project, but unfortunately the album just felt incredibly half- baked and underwhelming. That's not to say there weren't positives--- I really liked the twangy guitars, the off key vocals, the jarring melodies, and overall bizarreness of the LP. However, it just didn't have much in the way of memorability or catchiness, and I really can't see myself revisiting this anytime soon. Definitely potential in this group. Earth The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's SkullEfdemin DecayElectric Guest MondoElis Regina Elis (1972)Four Tet RoundsFrankie Cosmos VesselGiraffage NeedsGlass Animals How To Be A Human BeingGrant No LightsHerbie Hancock SextantIbeyi IbeyiIceage Beyondless66/100. I really wish I could see why everyone is raving about this. Though I love the production and vocals on this project, every song just seems to have a similar level of bleh and boringness. Imre Kiss Midnight WaveJ. Cole 2014 Forest Hills DriveJacques Brel N° 4Jan Johansson Jazz Pa SvenskaJohn Cage 4'33''John Coltrane Om65/100. Raw and visceral, yet lacking in a real sense of direction. I definitely enjoyed this listen, but feel as though Om pales in comparison to Coltrane's other late work. Kanye West The Life of PabloKing Krule 6 Feet Beneath the MoonKishi Bashi SonderlustLeafar Legov TalkLOFT Three Settlements Four WaysM83 JunkMac DeMarco Another OneMac DeMarco Here Comes the Cowboy64/100. An inconsistent album that has just enough great tracks to save it from being completely forgettable. Nobody, All of Our Yesterdays, Heart to Heart, K, On the Square and Preoccupied are all terrific tracks that are definitely worth checking out (the rest is pretty meh). While these highlights are enough to warrant a favorable score from me, I totally understand the disappointment of others (although I think some are being a bit harsh) and agree with a lot of the criticism that's already been said. Hopefully the next album will be something of a comeback. Marvin Gaye That's the Way Love IsMax Frost Low High LowMetro Boomin Not All Heroes Wear Capes66/100. Great production, a handful of great songs, but mostly pulled down by a series of underwhelming features. I really enjoyed the variety og the tracks here, and some of the performances are truly top notch--- however, many of the songs here lack memorable flows and hooks, causing the project to suffer as a whole. MGMT MetanoiaMigos Culture63/100. Aside from the singles, this album is a wash of bland, generic trap rap. While I understand Migos' role in popularizing that sound, it just wasn't offering anything that I could really get behind. Still decent tho. Miles Davis Blue MoodsMonoton Monotonprodukt 07Nas NASIR67/100. Largely underwhelming, but a solid release no less. Kanye dials back the production on Nasir, allowing for Nas to step up and shine over simplistic beats. While this mostly works, I found a lot of the tracks here boring, as well as lacking in the energy that made the other GOOD Music releases this summer so great. Nina Simone I Put a Spell on YouOcto Octa Let Me See Youof Montreal Innocence ReachesOtis Redding Pain in My HeartOval 94 DiskontPatricia Bem InventoryPeter Doherty Hamburg Demonstrations65/100. Some nice singer-song writer work by the Libertines/Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty. I personally couldn't get into a lot of the tracks here, but I certainly see how some people do. There are some very sweet cuts on this LP and Pete does a nice job bringing an interesting of group collaborators. Overall pretty solid, just not really for me. Pig Destroyer Head Cage64/100. Though certainly listenable and at times fantastic, Head Cage fails to stack up against PD's earlier releases. The metalcore influence on the record only watered down PD's signature crusty sound, and the cleaner production took away from the edge I've enjoyed so much in the band's past discog. There are definitely some great tracks in here, but the project as a whole suffers from its inconsistency. Pink Floyd Animals65/100. Man, I really wanted to like this. Like, really really wanted to like this. I suppose it was just far to jammy for me and ended up just feeling a bit boring/like a slog. I hope this grows on me over time, I'll definitely give it a relisten in a month or two. Playboi Carti Die Lit65/100. While I loved the drowsy production and drugged-out aesthetic of this project, Carti's flows and lyrics became very grating after an entire hour of woozy trap-rap. If this thing had been cut in half and trimmed of all the fat, I probably would have enjoyed this considerably more. Regardless, a fun mixtape with plenty of good aspects. Polygon Window Surfing On Sine WavesSALES SALESSam Cooke Ain't That Good NewsShrine Somnia62/100. Pre-Apocalyptic soundscapes, featuring pattering rain, buzzing insects, and howling wind. An intriguing listen but probably not a project I'll be revisiting. Sly and The Family Stone There's A Riot Goin' OnSTRFKR StarfuckerSTRFKR Being No One, Going NowhereSudan Archives Sink67/100. A very interesting palate of sounds and textures, but doesn't do much for me in way of catchiness or real memorability. I can appreciate SA's willingness to experiment and embrace worldly sounds, but I feel as though artists like FKA Twigs does this style a lot more justice. The Drums EncyclopediaThe Neighbourhood Wiped Out!The Smiths Strangeways, Here We ComeThelonious Monk Monk's DreamThergothon Stream From The HeavensTom Rogerson with Brian Eno Finding ShoreTraumprinz IntrinityTraumprinz MothercaveBelieve and There Will Be XTC are big stand out tracks here (obviously) but other than that I feel like this pretty average in the line of Traumprinz/DJ Metatron/PoD's output.Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross The Social Network OSTtUnE-yArDs w h o k i l lPretty cool album overall. Pulls from many interesting global influences, most notably afro-pop, to create an very interesting collection of lo-fi indie songs. Recommended Tracks: Gangsta, Doorstep, Wooly Wolly GongVarg (SWE) MisantropenVince Staples Big Fish TheoryWarthog Warthog II67/100. Raw and blood-pumping punk music from NYC punks Warthog. While this release is incredibly short, the energy is there from start to finish, making the EP a worthy listen. YG Still Brazy2.5 average????MACROSS 82-99 SAILORWAVE II55/100. It's certainly not bad... but I really don't see myself returning to this one. Tons of up-beat, funk jams that are total neon-soaked joyrides. It doesn't have much in the way of nuance or variety but if future funk is your thing, you'll probably enjoy this. Andres (USA-MI) Out In The OpenASAP Rocky TESTING55/100. Super snoozy. Unfortunately, Rocky continues to decline in quality, coming up with a 52 minute slog of an album. Rocky's delivery is underwhelming and lacking, and ultimately just feels like a poor man's Frank Ocean. Ugh. Beirut No No NoFairly boring and lacks the typical charm that Beirut typically brings to the table. Okay overall but a pretty big miss for the band. Belle and Sebastian The Boy With the Arab StrapCreedence Clearwater Revival Cosmo's FactoryDavid Bowie David BowieDavid Bowie TonightDavid Bowie The Buddha of Suburbia54/100. Indifference is really the only way I can sum up my feelings about this project. I can appreciate Bowie's willingness to experiment with jazz improvisations and electronic beats, but most of these attempts seem to fall flat for me. I will say, however, that the ambient passages on this record are pretty great. While they don't come close to the creativity and magic of those on "Heroes" and Low, they certainly do the trick of creating a relaxing, absorbing soundscape. Future and Young Thug Super SlimeyHidden Spheres WaitingIndestructible Noise Command RazorbackLaraaji Ambient 3: Day of RadianceMall Grab How The Dogs Chill, Vol. 148/100. Nothing really new or noteworthy on this new EP--- Mall Grab does his usual schtick, albeit a little less effectively than usually. Not really feeling this one; other than the opening track, this EP is just meat and potatoes lofi house. Man Is The Bastard ThoughtlessA couple of really cool tracks here (Moloch, Puppy Mill) but filled with pointless and over-indulgent noise passages. I like noise as much as the next guy but these just didn't seem to work.Miles Kane Colour of the TrapNils Frahm Soloof Montreal White Is Relic/Irrealis MoodOneohtrix Point Never ReplicaRich Brian AmenSagat (GER) Melting The Earth Onto The Body Without OrgansSteve Earle Transcendental Blues54/100. Some of the tracks here were alright--- I liked the opener, as well as "Lonelier Than This" and "Over Yonder". However, most of this just struck me as really generic and underwhelming rock (with a country accent). Just really didn't see the appeal.Teenage Cool Kids Denton After SunsetThe Weeknd My Dear Melancholy,Tom Tom Club Tom Tom ClubYG Stay Dangerous52/100. Sadly, this album appears to be a giant step back for Compton G-Funk rapper YG. Contrary to the inventive flows and engaging funk of 2016's Still Brazy, YG settles for the lowest common denominator on Stay Dangerous, churning out 15 generic trap bangers that lack in lyrical substance and general memorability. Whereas Still Brazy gifted us with political anthems like FDT and thick beats like Twist My Fingaz, SD fails to deliver any kind of real significance on any of its tracks. Yes, Suu Whoop and Big Bank are bangers. But man, do the rest of these tracks bore the shit out of me. Young Thug JEFFERY2.0 poorAtlas Genius Inanimate ObjectsIt's as if they decided to recreate their first album, yet in a more generic and less interesting fashion. All the songs seem to meld together with no real distinctiveness or flavor. Most importanty, "Inanimate Objects" showed very little growth for Atlas Genius as a group giving me little hope for their future projects. Recommended tracks: Molecules, StockholmBlocBoy JB Simi45/100. Man, I really did not care for this. It's never a good sign when all of your features consistently out do you, and that is sadly the truth on Simi. While many of the beats were fine and some of Blocboy's flows were passable, I found the overwhelming majority of this album to be poorly produced and at times grating. Bloc's flows are for the most part sub par and really fail to stand out in today's hip-hop landscape. David Bowie Never Let Me DownDavid Bowie Black Tie White Noise44/100. Ugh. This is just so sterile and soulless. As a massive Bowie fan, this was just difficult to get through. While it certainly isn't terrible or grating, it lacks any sense of character and/or originality. Kinda just sounds like Bowie (poorly) cashing in on a trendy sound for an hour. J. Cole K.O.D.42/100. A good message with underwhelming delivery. On this latest LP, J. Cole focuses his attention on drugs and addiction. And while there certainly were some hard hitting moments and somber reflections, much of the content here is half-baked, pseudo-deep conscious rap. In a subgenre where message and delivery are so important, J. Cole falls flat, unfortunately reaffirming his meme status as fake/tumblr deep. Decent production though. Kids See Ghosts Kids See Ghosts44/100. I genuinely don't see the appeal of this. Cudi's moaning is annoying from the first track and I thought Ye's flows were often sloppy and underwhelming. While the production is decent, I have to say this is a whiff in the GOOD music summer line up, although it seems like I'm alone in thinking that. Lil Yachty Lil Boat 2MitiS Living ColorTravis Scott and Quavo Huncho Jack, Jack HunchoYoung Thug Hear No Evil39/100. It's never a good sign when the only good parts of a project are the features. What was Thugger trying to accomplish with this? It's his sound by the numbers, minus any of the catchy hooks/personality that draw people to YT in the first place. Not feeling this. 1.5 very poorKendrick Lamar DAMN. Collector's Edition1.0 awfulBlood on the Dance Floor Let's Start a RiotAbsolutely horrendous. The beats sound cheap, the vocals are atrocious, and the lyrics are downright asinine. This album more or less boils down to a pre-pubescent scene kid screaming crass and misogynistic hooks over simple beats. Awful. Recommend tracks: none.
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