+ Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Unknown Mortal Orchestra
+ Section.80 - Kendrick Lamar
+ James Blake - James Blake
+ Black Up - Shabazz Palaces
+ Noir - Blue Sky Black Death
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I am not much of a writer but decided to add a little commentary to this post.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra :: One of the most unique sounding albums I heard this year. It goes well with summer or winter and has a timeless feel to it that will still be exciting 10 years from now. A pleasant surprise was seeing them SHRED on guitar during their live show in Dallas this October. Talented nerdy guys; looking forward to future releases.
Section.80 :: Jazz rap from Compton? Ok, I'll give it a try. WOW! This album definitely got a lot of play time in my car this year. I'm guilty of listening to beats more than lyrics and Section.80 delivers; a good balance of dusty drums, neo-soul melodies, horns, and hood appeal. Kendrick's flow is mature for a 24 year old with good cadence and substance. Consciousness is there; a step above the swag emitting from his peers.
James Blake :: The white hipster D'Angelo... where's the shirtless music video bro? In all reality, this dude could make a room full of your closest girlfriends cry. Probably the best use of vocal effects I have ever heard. I love that his songs start off with minimal keys and then build into complete layered electronic suites. This album is SMOOTH; light a candle, burn some incense, and ZONE OUT.
Black Up :: Artist is a integral part of the 90's jazz rap movement. Artist releases critically acclaimed albums that help define an era. Artist mysteriously emerges 16 years after his musical peak - behind the wheelz of steel with sunglasses on and a sidekick playing African percussion. This is of course Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler from Digable Planets, the man behind Shabazz Palaces. This is future rap with an OG mentality. The lyrics are sick, the beats are sick. Black Up is the right way for an artist to reinvent themselves; taking cues from the past and spinning them in a new creative direction.
Noir :: This album sounds like the soundtrack to discovering humanity. I can hear a few songs being played at the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Most good rap tracks have strong melodies, so it doesn't surprise me that this instrumental album from producers Blue Sky Black Death is just that. Lush strings, deep synths, steady drums, and airy vocals come together to form beautiful songs that travel with ease through the hour long set. This is mood music that would probably not get the party started on a Friday night, but would be an excellent companion on a train ride across the European plains.