Dang I'm running behind, but I'll get there pronto! I was replacing the main hard drive in the ol' computron and it ended up taking a lot longer than I thought, but I'll do my best to get the rest of the list done today!
#12
Visioneers
Hipology
Marc Mac is the producer behind this awesome disc that has flown under the radar of most of the big music critics this year. Fans of jazzy uplifting hip hop beats will especially eat this one up, as it definitely features the illest chillout grooves of the year. The fourteen tracks on offer feature a mix of funk, soul, latin, jazz, and occasional hip hop vocals.
The album starts with dreamy sounds and smooth lyrics, and slowly works into some slick instrumental grooves akin to something you might hear from Jamiroquai. Things then start to pick up a bit with some really funky percussion and is never short on horns. There are a couple classic remakes of songs like "Apache" and "Funky Fanfare", but the album never loses sight of its jazzy grounding. The bonus disc features an hour-long mixtape that is perfect for early evening soirees that need some sexy atmosphere.
The album starts with dreamy sounds and smooth lyrics, and slowly works into some slick instrumental grooves akin to something you might hear from Jamiroquai. Things then start to pick up a bit with some really funky percussion and is never short on horns. There are a couple classic remakes of songs like "Apache" and "Funky Fanfare", but the album never loses sight of its jazzy grounding. The bonus disc features an hour-long mixtape that is perfect for early evening soirees that need some sexy atmosphere.
Come And Play In The Milky Night
Apache / Shaft In Africa
Back In Time
#11
Alt-J
An Awesome Wave
Once again I laugh at Pitchfork, who absolutely panned this album for reasons I can't understand. Is it too popular? I guess coming from a website that ranked the extremely awkward Grimes album as the best of the year I really shouldn't pay any attention, but I just have no idea, for me this was a breath of fresh air. This album mixes all kinds of different genres in a big bowl under the guise of alternative indie pop, and for all its pop attributes it all fits together very nicely.
Lead singer Joe Newman has a pretty different sounding voice, somewhat reminiscent of Jónsi or The Tallest man On Earth (who also had a good album this year), which contributes greatly to the shape of the album. While it might be an acquired taste, it is mixed quite well and subtle harmonies melted together with really unique instrumentation just seem to compliment it wonderfully. Ignore the singles on this one, give it a good listen to a couple times and I bet you'll be hooked. Amazing debut album.
Lead singer Joe Newman has a pretty different sounding voice, somewhat reminiscent of Jónsi or The Tallest man On Earth (who also had a good album this year), which contributes greatly to the shape of the album. While it might be an acquired taste, it is mixed quite well and subtle harmonies melted together with really unique instrumentation just seem to compliment it wonderfully. Ignore the singles on this one, give it a good listen to a couple times and I bet you'll be hooked. Amazing debut album.
Taro
Fitzpleasure
Matilda
#10
Soundgarden
King Animal
Fifteen long years ago the world said goodbye to one of the absolute greatest rock acts on the planet, and with Chris Cornell embarking on new solo adventures as well as Audioslave, it seemed like we might never hear them again. When it was announced last year that the best was back together it was met with mixed emotions. Joy that such paragons of grunge could revive a dying genre, but also trepidation - would they still be relevant?
The new album was met with equally mixed reviews upon its initial release, and admittedly I wasn't sure of it at first, but after giving it time to sink in I have changed my tune. While this doesn't quite match the venomous power of the band's early days, it stands up as a very good album worthy of the legacy. Kim Thayil's flailing guitar riffs are there as ever, and Ben Shepherd's driving bass line in "Worse Dreams" is one of the highlights of the record. Cornell might not quite have the vocal chops that he used to, but for a band who has been around since Ronald Reagan was in office these guys still kick ass.
The new album was met with equally mixed reviews upon its initial release, and admittedly I wasn't sure of it at first, but after giving it time to sink in I have changed my tune. While this doesn't quite match the venomous power of the band's early days, it stands up as a very good album worthy of the legacy. Kim Thayil's flailing guitar riffs are there as ever, and Ben Shepherd's driving bass line in "Worse Dreams" is one of the highlights of the record. Cornell might not quite have the vocal chops that he used to, but for a band who has been around since Ronald Reagan was in office these guys still kick ass.
Rowing
Worse Dreams
Taree
EP #4
Julian Jeweil
Bastard
There were some excellent electronic EPs released this year, and this is my favorite of the tech house genre. It's not usual to see a techno disc receiving critical praise, but Jeweil manages to keep each of the five pulsing tracks unique enough to keep you interested throughout, and it's actually quite difficult to pick a favorite. The overall feel of the record is dark, mysterious, almost contemplative, and the use of atmospheric reverb and a variety of filter sweeps builds pressure nicely as you're locked into the beat.
Hey You
Kanji
The Gang
Four down, three to go!
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