en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal The Last.fm journal for doshite. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal/2010/12/19/4411dh_doshiteloudersounds_presents%3A_the_complete_best_of_2010 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:20:11 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal/2010/12/19/4411dh_doshiteloudersounds_presents%3A_the_complete_best_of_2010 So I skipped last year and decided to do this year's list a tad bit differently, sort of like the Grammys but better, imho. 2010 was an interesting year in terms of potentiality. There were some fantastic releases and artists that just got overlooked and/or ignored, these releases and artists speak volumes of what 2011 will look like and from what I've heard, it's looking to be probably one of the better years for music. Oh and then Kanye managed to grab everyone's coveted number one spot (except for mine, but more on that later) but for the most part, I was bored with a lot of releases everyone raved about. So here's my take on the year: if you missed these albums, eps, and artists, try 'em out and see how you feel.

Best New Artist
1. Justin Nozuka - You I Wind Land And Sea
2. Esperanza Spalding - Chamber Music Society
3. Maylee Todd - Choose Your Own Adventure
4. Andreya Triana - Lost Where I Belong
5. Full Crate & Mar - Conversations with Her EP

Honorable Mention: YahZarah - The Ballad of Purple St. James
Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Best EPs
1. Full Crate & Mar - Conversations With Her
2. James Blake - CMYK
3. Tokimonsta - Cosmic Intoxication
4. Mellow Orange - Last Resort
5. Flying Lotus - Pattern/Grid World

Best Instrumental Album
1. Tokimonsta - Midnight Menu
2. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
3. Miguel Atwood Ferguson - Suite for Ma Dukes
4. Bonobo - Black Sands
5. Mount Kimbie - Crooks & Lovers

Honorable Mention - Skream - Outside Of The Box, Teebs - Ardour

Best Mixtape
1. La Roux x Major Lazer - LazerProof
2. DJ Muggs x Bambu - Los Angeles, Philippines
3. Wale - More About Nothing
4. J. Cole - Friday Night Lights
5. Wiz Khalifa - Kush x OJ

Best Hip Hop Albums
1. Versis - Illcandescent
2. Blu -theGODleeBarnes(lp)
3. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
4. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Best Instrumental Hip Hop Albums
1. Jansport J - MoveMeants
2. Freddie Joachim - Midway
3. Suff Daddy - The Gin Diaries
4. K-Murdock - Piano-rama

Best Albums of 2010

1. TOKiMONSTA - Midnight Menu
Midnight Menu absolutely blew me away. Jennifer is a polished producer, an innovative beat wizard and an astute groove master. Much like Flying Lotus, her music speaks volumes of her talent as a musician, not just as someone fooling around with electronic sounds. Never do her instrumentals hit you over the head nor do they dissolve into a world of non-sensical noise. There is a real balance to the way she layers her sound, coupled with playfulness that's hard to find in the new beat generation. One moment your seeped into a lush sonic jungle, the next you find yourself dancing relentlessly, without warning but it never feels sudden or rushed. Masterful in execution, Midnight Menu is my favorite album of 2010.

Selected Tracks: Madness, Look-a-Like, Death by Disco, Solitary Joy (Feat. Shaunise) & Lovely Soul

2. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
A certified banger. A head nodder. A calm space lullaby. A space oddssey. The ultimate sess soundtrack. Cosmogramma is hip hop, space jazz, idm, minimal techno, funk, downtempo and Heaven thrown in a blender and set on 10. Steven's magic, again, is in his musicianship. His manipulation of sounds and genres, his disregard for boundaries and his penchant for the groove. He exalts it, praises it and next thing you know, that blunt you were smoking is gone, reality has melted away and you find yourself floating amongst the strings and kicks, the sitar, cymbals, the boom-bap breaking your neck (Mmmhmm, anyone?). This right here is my feel good record, my sleepy time album, my I wonder if jazz and idm had a baby would it sound this amazing record. My I fucking love this record, record.

Selected tracks: Mmmhmm, Pickled!, Zodiac Shit, Do the Astral Plane, & Galaxy in Janaki

3. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid
An artist like Janelle Monae used to be a figment of my imagination: a classically trained vocalist capable of manipulating her voice to fit any genre, even the most unlikely, unheard of combination of genres, and sound outstanding. On top of that, this woman would be limitlessly talented. Well, either someone cooked up Ms. Monae in a lab or God answered my prayers (same thing really) and blessed us with The ArchAndroid. It's a sweeping achievement that I still really don't understand. It seems impossible to make pop go afro beat, psychedelic space funk, indie rock, brit rock, hymnal folk, jazz and broadway musical all at once, without overwhelming the listener, let alone driving you far, far away but The ArchAndroid remains big fun, even in it's soft and somber moments. It's even challenging, breaking the limits of pop music while simultaneously re imagining what pop can be. Janelle is a talented vocalist, writer, and visionary and it's all showcased on The ArchAndroid. Besides, she's bringing back the tailored suits and saddle shoes...a women after my own heart!


Selected Tracks: Wondaland, Oh, Maker, Tightrope (Ft. Big Boi), Say You'll Go, Neon Valley Street, & Cold War

4. Erykah Badu - New Amerykah, Part Two: Return of the Ankh
Erykah seems to make albums that speak to exactly where I am at and maybe going in my own life. While New Amerykah, Part One was much more political with a less organic sound, New Amerykah, Part Two found Erykah returning to her roots, if you will, focusing on the personal, the organic sound of live instrumentation, the tough and thoughtful, and happiness. Erykah sounds refresh, content. She is unabashedly honesty and vulnerable, and hopeful. It feels like a journal, like a nice walk through the mind of Ms. Badu. It's almost my second most scrobbled album of the year, how fitting! :)

Selected Tracks: Out My Mind, Just In Time, Fall In Love (Your Funeral), 20 Feet Tall, & You Loving Me (Session)


5. Justin Nozuka - You I Wind Land And Sea
Intimacy, that's what this album is. Like a long letter written to a lover, like late night confessions under the stars. Like a kiss that could shatter your world into a million little piece. It's a masterpiece of a sophomore album and not at all what I'd even imagined Justin would create. The sound is fuller, the band plays together like a dream and Justin's vocals are richer, tinged with a better understanding of the blues, of loss and longing. But it's his wistfulness, that longing, the introspective look over of being in love, of losing that love and making sense of the in between that shines so brightly on this album. At twenty-one, Justin's honesty really does come off as earnest, not cheesy or forced. You I Wind Land And Sea is just beautiful, well constructed with fantastic vocals, great musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. I truly, truly hope 2011 greets Justin with the recognition he deserves.

Selected Tracks: Carried You, Woman Put Your Weapon Down, How Low, & Swan In The Water


6. Quadron - Quadron
Thank God for DJ Anthony Valadez and every music on the blogosphere with a good set of ears. Although Quadron's s/t album was released in Denmark in 2009, all of the hubub over the dynamic duo found Quadron being signed to LA's Plug Research label and the album was released in the states this past March. Quadron is the future of soul music. Coco's vocals are the stuff my dreams are made of: rich and silky, with a jazzy articulation. Robin's production is string and synth heavy, sophisticated and soulful, almost reminiscent of deep house at times and always funky. Together, Quadron has crafted the most cohesive and satisfying debut album I've had the pleasure of listening. I have yet to tire of Robin's production or of Coco's voice (my god, this girl is only twenty!) There's a lovely kitschiness to the lyrics, often about romance and general observations on people, that is refreshing and well needed.

Selected Tracks: Horse, Jeans, Average Fruit, Simili Life & Buster Keaton


7. José James - BLACKMAGIC
A total departure from the straight jazz of The Dreamer, Blackmagic gets to the heart of jazz's roots: experimentation. And who better to help Jose experiment than Flying Lotus who produced three of the fourteen tracks that make up the album. Blackmagic is the smoothest, sexiest release of the year. The album is made for nothing but lovemaking and seduction. It's a dinner album, a bedroom album, a bubbles in the tub and candles on the floor type of an album. Where many of the year's releases about romance were either wistful or introspective, Blackmagic is entirely indulgent and celebratory, it's an album about love when it's good, when it's heavy, in the middle of the act or in preparation of. Two parts soul to three parts jazz, Jose's warm, sultry baritone evokes a young Gil Scott Heron while lyrically Jose writer the way the great jazz vocalists did: succinctly and honestly. This is a jazz album for people who absolutely adore the genre and for those who have no idea where to start as it's foundation rests solidly on that which came before while integrating electronic (a fantastic cover of Benga's dubstep anthem, Emotions) and nu jazz elements of today.

Selected Track: Made For Love, Promise in Love, Warrior, Detroit Loveletter, Love Conversation (Ft. Jordana de Lovely) & Code



8. Bilal - Airtight's Revenge
Airtight's Revenge. Thinking about this album makes me sigh. It is perhaps as human as music can get, that is to say: universal. This isn't a soul album, it isn't an r&b album, it's an album that has something for everyone. Airtight is at moments soulful, experimental, jazzy and even tinged with the peculiarities of indie rock yet disciplined by a Soulquarian vibe. It is a questioning album, one that asks questions and makes you contemplate your own questions. It is melancholy and inspiring, meditative and that's where it's strength lies because Bilal is a vocalist capable of turning questions into poignant songs, songs you don't mind thinking about for a while, music you don't mind falling into for a few days. It's a challenging album if you're looking for something instant and pallid, but if you are looking for something refreshing, something urgent and pressing, Airtight's Revenge is the album you are looking for.

Selected Tracks: Levels, All Matter, Cake & Eat It Too, Who Are You & Little One

9. Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea
The Sea gripped me on first listen. A ball of hurt formed in my throat as I listened to Corinne sing so gently the first few lines of ' I'd Do It All Again'. The Sea is, well, reminiscent of the actual sea. It pulls you in and tosses you about, stormy, and suddenly, it's calm and soothing; the sound of it a bit frightening but exhilarating, even inviting and sensual.Corinne tackles loss and makes sense of it elegantly, looking it right in the eye but with a grace that invokes hope, above all else.Corinne is also at her strongest lyrically, crafting songs about love, lamenting and solitude with a deft understanding and confidence that is brilliant and shining. The sound is a real departure from herself titled album. There are guitars and drums, dissonant piano keys, sweet electronic chirping and something that has to be an glockenspiel, all rendered with superb musicianship. The Sea is decidedly soulful even while embracing the best elements of indie rock. It's a pearl of an album, an achievement wrought in pain as much as triumph that stays with you well after the first listen and reminds you, where there is pain, there is also beauty.

Selected Tracks: Feel Like the First Time, I'd Do It All Again, Closer, Paris Nights/New York Mornings, The Sea & Love's On Its Way


10. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
And here is where it gets truly interesting...POWER got me excited. I chose to ignore the Good Friday releases because I was super anxious to hear the songs in context to MBDTF and when I did listen, I was disappointed and I'll explain why. First of all, let me say that this is not a bad album by any means, it is in fact a great album. What gets me about MBDTF is that it was released at a time where the music industry (mainstream, music that is) is basically on life support so it bothers me to award it perfect reviews. I'll be the first to say it, the album is not perfect, by any means.

However you spin it, the truth is this: Kanye is just creative enough, just on the fringe enough and passionate enough about music to create something that no one else would have the capability of creating in the current climate of mainstream music offering. Kanye is hungry to be great so he puts the work in to be just that, while everyone else is busy one upping each other (how exactly do you one up mediocrity? With more mediocrity of course...yes, I'm pointing at you Nicki Minaj) Kanye is busy making actual music. That said, while the sound of the album is grandiose, ambitious, inventive, and probably some of Kanye's best production (prog rock and IDM samples, nuff said) something was lacking for me lyrically as a whole.

There are some shining moments, namely Runaway, Devil in a New Dress, POWER and Blame Game, where Kanye's public and personal struggles, along with his internal struggles, are so well articulated fusing humor, introspection and self examination in a way very few mainstream hip hop/rap artist would even care to consider but then there are moments that fall flat and feel, lyrically, like filler. Like because I'm Kanye, I can say whatever the fuck I want to say and it'll be great. And for the most part, that's true, but I want more than that, I need more than that. I can count on both hands overlooked, indie/underground hip hop artists with albums that would have made a lot of people think twice about calling MBDTF a masterpiece but, no one is concerned with those emcees, but they're on the up and up and once Kanye has some real competition than we'll see if MBDTF is indeed a masterpiece.

Until then, we'll just have to see.

Selected Tracks: POWER, Blame Game (feat. John Legend), Devil in a New Dress (feat. Rick Ross), & Runaway (feat. Pusha T)


Honorable Mentions: Gil Scott Heron - I'M New Here, Sia - We Are Born, The Foreign Exchange - Authenticity, Robyn - Body Talk, Pt. 1, Electric Wire Hustle - Electric Wire Hustle, Gonjasufi - A Sufi and a Killer

for more music, check me out at http://loudersounds.tumblr.com

Until next year
-doshite]]> http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal/2008/12/24/2cr777_selections_for_2008%3A_top_10_albums_%28plus_honorable_mentions%21%29 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:36:16 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal/2008/12/24/2cr777_selections_for_2008%3A_top_10_albums_%28plus_honorable_mentions%21%29 My selections for the year two thousand eight. I was AWOL for about four months this year and thus, missed a lot of albums and time to catch up on what I missed earlier. Despite that, I think oh eight was a much better year for music than last and I'm excited to see what all the new talent of this year will bring for the next. Alright, have at it!

1. Justin Nozuka - Holly
Justin Nozuka is my favorite artist this year. I was introduced to him thanks to a good friend who’d happened to catch ‘After Tonight’ on VH1’s You Oughta Know. Finally, I stumbled across ‘Holly’, and it ended up being my most played album this year. On top of that, I even got to see Justin live in Tokyo, Japan, further cementing for me how talented he truly is. The album is written entirely by Justin, save for one co-written song, between the ages of 15-17 (the album was also released independently). The maturity of his lyrics and the range and depth of his vocal skills impressed me. This album is really beautiful; soulful and sad in much the same way For Emma, Forever is but with a good set of radio friendly tracks. Sleeper hit of 2008!

Jams: Supposed To Grow Old, Oh Momma

2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever
This album has etched itself in my heart for much of the year. It’s been a part of all my major journeys this year. When I first heard it, I felt kind of lukewarm until ‘Skinny Love’ (my song of the year) came blaring through my speakers. I’ve been hooked ever sense. This is a beautiful album and much of the beauty comes from Vernon’s ethereal, layered vocals. It is a bit lonely and a bit sad, but the type of sad that’s also comforting, like a good friend with an arm over your shoulder telling you, “Yeah, Me too. Me too.”



Jams: Blindsided, Flume

3. Flying Lotus- Los Angeles
I had no idea who FlyLo was before finding this album over the summer and I slept on it until I got to Tokyo in August. Listening to Los Angeles while commuting on the Tokyo Metro is what imagine a fish in a fishbowl would feel like. Los Angeles is fluid, elastic, and vibrating. At one point you feel like maybe this is what a nebula bursting would sound like, at another, you’re thankful such a thing as hip hop exists. And while this is a primarily experimental glitch album, it is most definitely hip hop: you hear it in the boom of the bass, in the jazz sensibilities of the arrangements and in the glorious cacophony that somehow makes so much sense, it’s hard not to bop your head to the entire album.

Jams: Beginners Falafel, RobertaFlack (feat. Dolly)

4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
The obvious afropop/baroque influence is what the entire album and the band is all about, and they are all fantastic musicians, Erza Koenig has a quirkiness to his voice I don't find annoying but complementary to the music the band plays. This album is everything I really like about music: I can sing to it, It makes mundane tasks really bearable and the tunes stick in my head for days at a time. Lots of bands have looked to other cultural music for influence but among the myriad of (lets face it, oft times bland) indie bands, these boys really hold their own. With their level of musicianship, I'll definitely be eager to hear what they come up with next. And anyone who can throw a harpsichord in a song is alright by me.

Jams: The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance, M79

5. Santogold -Santogold
Santogold’s debut album has my vote for most diverse album of 2008. Her brand of the “New Wave revival” is sharper and more distinctive than I’ve heard in a while. Her sound does away with genre, her voice is enthralling, and the album is great. Much like a box of sampler chocolates, Santi introduces us to all the tricks she’s got, and they’re damn good. While half of the album was released on her I Believe in Santogold EP, those songs were reworked to perfection and balance the latter half of the album wonderfully. For one of the most anticipated albums of 2008, Santogold did not disappoint.

Jams: Starstuck, Anne

6. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
Tip’s third album was a very quiet release. Quiet in the sense that it just sort of materialized out of thin air and naturally, was also overlooked. With the passing of J Dilla, producer of Amplified, Tip undertook all of the production for this go round. The results? Another masterpiece. Taking a cue from Erykah Badu, The Renaissance is packed with positivity a la the Tribe. It’s easy to hear Q Tip is at his prime; lyrically, the complexity and smooth delivery of his rhymes shine over jazz influenced beats created with great sampling from his catalogue of “old school” records. The one Dilla produced cut, Gettin’ Up, is an absolute stand out track. Collaborations with Raphael Saddiq, D’Angelo, and Norah Jones only add to the magic of The Renaissance.

Jams: Shaka, Life Is Better (feat. Norah Jones)

7. Robyn - Robyn
Of all the lists I’ve seen, it really puzzles me that I haven’t seen Robyn’s s/t album on any of them (Although originally released in 2007, it was reissued this May as a first time US release) mainly because it’s an amazing album. Robyn somehow managed to prove that being a teen poptart doesn’t stifle actual talent, which Robyn has tenfold. With an electronica backbone and very obvious early 80s Prince influences (Bonus track, ‘Jack You Off’ is a Prince Cover), Robyn’s vocals and often quirky lyrics shine. A wonderfully strong debut and an awesome release this year.

Jams: Should Have Known, Bum Like You

8. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
In my opinion, the best music is usually free music. Or almost free music. Or music you can decide the price for. That’s not to say Free the Animals is good because of this, but it certainly helps, in terms of accessibility. I am a sample freak. I love figuring out where this tidbit came from, but most of all, I love how sampling and the merging of genres thus renders the idea of ‘genre’ unimportant. It’s just music, repackaged and effed around with a bit. And it’s good. It’s brilliant. The surprise of GT’s work, I think, is how his re-mashing of all of these bits always sound better to me than the originals. Feed the Animals is a banger because in all cases, the original songs (in terms of the rap records), are more appealing and fresh reworked. And that’s why this album shines, not because GT is doing anything particularly original, but because he’s making what’s already been done better.

Jams: Give Me a Beat,Hands in the Air


9.Erykah Badu- New Amerykah Part One
Erykah has accomplished a feat on this album most artists don't accomplish at least ten albums into their oeuvre. This album is dense and perhaps the most accessible work she's made to date. You will find that this collection of songs affirms the humanity in us all, using the power of music to uplift, enlighten, and groove your pants off. It takes a couple of listens to get through the layers of vocals, message, and somewhat psychedelic chanting throughout but it'll be an experience you wouldn't find in any other album. I'm sad so many people slept on this album, but I highly highly recommend it!

Jams: Telephone, Twinkle

10.Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
Love Lockdown. I was a bit skeptical. I didn’t listen to the leaks, either. Then 808s dropped and I listened. I was impressed. I’ve always admired his work as an artist and his longing to do something different. I really wished this album would have been made a year ago in the midst of a terrible breakup, but the fact that all of the anguish and loss and frustration resonated with me a year after my own personal ordeal meant Kanye succeeded in at least one aspect of 808s and Heartbreak. I understood the heartbreak and I liked the way it was packaged. Don’t be fooled, this is a pop record at it’s finest. I was really impressed with the depth and the vulnerabilities which still managed to be coupled with ego stroking and humor. I still hold fast to the idea that Late Registration is Kanye’s masterpiece but the more I listen to 808s, the more I’m starting to think this guy is on to something.

Jams: RoboCob, Streetlights

Honorable Mentions

Jason Mraz - We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Jams: Only Human, Butterfly

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - We Brave Bee Stings and All
Jams: Big Kid Table, We Brave Be Stings and All

Jamie Lidell - Jim
Jams: Rope of Sand, Green Light

Hot Chip - Made In The Dark
Jams: Wrestlers, In the Privacy of Our Love

Sia- Some People Have REAL Problems
Jams: Death by Chocolate, Playground

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip In The Grain
Jams: Let It Be Me, Winter Birds

Lykke Li- Youth Novels
Jams: Little Bit, Let It Fall

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Jams: Cath...,I Will Possess Your Heart

Portishead- Third
Jams: Magic Doors, Machine Guns

Utada Hikaru - HEART STATION
Jams: Celebrate, Stay Gold]]> http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal/2007/12/24/2j4m_the_best_music_of_2007%3A_10_selected_albums Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:21:48 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/doshite/journal/2007/12/24/2j4m_the_best_music_of_2007%3A_10_selected_albums I find it hard to pick ten albums and say they were better than all of the hundreds of albums that were released this year. For the most part, I didn't really find 2007 to be a very exciting music year, save for the ten albums that I've listed below. Instead of listing from best album on down, I've decided to list according to how frequently throughout the year I actually listed to the albums; a rough estimate but fair to each of the artists as they all contributed to this year in music in significant ways.

Ten Selected Albums of 2007

1. Kala - M.I.A.
This album did something that a lot of releases failed to do for me this year: it suprized me. I did not expect this from Maya. Kala is darker than Arular which is interesting considering the album is a lot more feminine as it is named for her mother, but maybe that's what suprised me about this album; it's strength, that tinge of darkness, and a concern for third world peoples who are trying to make it day to day. The album is pulsing, addictive, and solid from top to bottom and it merits repeated visits. I could, however, pass on the last cut Come Around (ft. Timbaland).

Stand Out Tracks: Jimmy, World Town, Paper Planes, Boyz

2. The Story - Brandi Carlile
I often played this album before I would fall asleep or while I was busy talking on the phone. It was background music. I neglected it for a few months until I listened to it on a trip to Chicago. After being introduced to Brandi by a Grey's Anatomy fan (they frequently use her songs in episode/on soundtracks), this album (and this voice) has since been my most favorite release this year. Brandi's voice is soulful, rich, and raspy. Her lyrics are heartfelt and her music is a bit folky and very guitar driven with a touch of country-rawness. Backed by her band, The Twins, Brandi makes the kind of music you won't soon forget.

Stand Out Tracks: The Story, Losing Heart, Shadow On The Wall, Turpentine

3. The Reminder - Feist
The Reminder will probably stand as Leslie Feist's best work to date, and certainly one of the most cohesive albums released this year. It's a cool piece of work that is soul baring yet accessible, and enjoyable on any level. Leslie's voice is probably the most standout on this album as many of the songs are comprised of her guitar and a piano, showcasing her lovely husky chops. Lyrically, these songs are made to touch you, to say the things we all feel, and definitely made for singing out loud while driving. An amazing piece of work!

Stand Out Tracks: My Moon My Man, Limit to Your Love, I Feel It All, The Water

4. In Rainbows - Radiohead
I didn't really like In Rainbows on first listen. Some part of me was expecting Kid A, Pt. II but I guess last year's The Eraser sort of filled in that blank, so went I unexpectedly went on a Radiohead binge, I discovered on my second, third, and fourth listen, In Rainbows was a totally different animal. While a lot of critics keep pushing the idea that this is a foray back in to straight rock, In Rainbows experiments with a lot of styles, and the sound leans into this amalgamation of electronic sounds, sparse drums, and some faint soulful, R&B type arrangements. In terms of experimentation, in breaking new ground, and in the amazingness that is Radiohead, this album is pure perfection. And this is coming from someone who despised the album at first listen!

Stand Out Tracks: Nude, 15 Step, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, Jigsaw Falling Into Place

5. Ear Drum - Talib Kweli
Talib's music just has a bad habit of staying under the radar, and while I absolutely love Kayne's Graduation, I have to admit I enjoyed Ear Drum a whole lot more. While the production work isn't the type of stuff that's going to get the most radio play, this album is plays like a party mix tape. Talib's rhymes harken to his first effort, Quality, and long time fans will not be disappointed. His guest selections are amazing, namely one collaboration with Norah Jones that is simply mind blowing. This is the type of record that is insightful, political, spiritual, and yet amazingly so beat driven, it's hard not to give it some attention.

Stand Out Tracks: Hot Thing (feat. will.i.am), Soon The New Day (feat. Norah Jones), Listen!!!, Give 'Em Hell (feat. Coi Mattison & Lyfe)

6. Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Amy came out of the woodwork doing quite the opposite of what many other female artists were doing. While it took sometime for Rehab to grow on me, I was extremely impressed with Back to Black and I played it religiously for a good three months. A talented lyricist and vocalist, Winehouse's genius is plagued by the torment of being young and too brilliant. However, I hope that holds some stock in her abilities as a musician because she is creating some valuable work as it stands now. This album will be a favorite of mine for years to come.

Stand Out Tracks: Me & Mr Jones, Just Friends, Some Unholy War, Addicted

7. Phantom Punch - Sondre Lerche
While Sondre is well known for concocting soothing, guitar lead indie pop, Phantom Punch is miles away from those sounds, and it's a terrific leap for Sondre's voice, his sound, and his lyrics. The record is probably the most fun indie release I've had the pleasure of enjoying in a while. It's a hard hitter from beginning to finish and each song is a burst of energy, pretty much under 3 minutes long. Definitely a stand out in Sondre's discography. Made to listen with friends in the context of an impromptu party :)

Stand Out Tracks: Say It All, Airport Taxi Reception, Phantom Punch, Face The Blood

8. White Chalk- PJ Harvey
Polly Jean Harvey is quite a talent but I must admit it takes a certain level of musical appreciation to enjoy her music. It took me up until now to really appreciate the genius of her music. White Chalk is a departure for PJ as she sings in a register higher than she has in her previous releases. The album is impossibly dark, consisting mostly of piano driven songs sung in whispers. The album is also impossibly beautiful, in fact, one of the most beautiful albums I've heard in a really long time. Each song resonates and I find myself playing most tracks two or three times over and over. If you haven't listened to Polly Jean before, I recommend this a great introduction to her work.

Stand Out Tracks: Dear Darkness, Grow Grow Grow, When Under Ether, To Talk To You

9. COSMICOLOR - m -flo
I really, really, really wish this album had been released in the US. I really wish more people knew about m-flo because, in all honesty, they're probably one of the best music duos I've had the chance to listen to. First of all, Verbal is an insanely talented rapper and Taku's production work is pretty much flawless. Many of the songs on COSMICOLOR would have been #1 hits in the States without fail. The collaborations are especially wonderful because it seems that m-flo has away of creating the type of songs that end up showcasing just how talented the featured artist really is. The collaborations with Amuro Namie and Koda Kumi, especially, are perhaps my favorite songs by both artists. This is a summer CD and if you like R&B, electronica, and fusion with a dash of hip hop, you will adore COSMICOLOR even if you don't understand much Japanese

Stand Out Tracks: STUCK IN YOUR LOVE / m-flo loves melody., Luvotomy / m-flo loves Amuro Namie, Simple & Lovely / m-flo loves Koda Kumi, Picture Perfect / m-flo loves Monkey Majik

10. These Streets - Paolo Nutini
The voice. It's the voice. At 19, Paolo sounds like a soulful, older black man but with a tilting Scottish accent and he sings beautiful songs about love and longing. Although, the singles New Shoes and Jenny, Don't Be Hasty are pop magic, the rest of These Streets is suprisingly introspective and gentle- well suited to Paolo's rich voice. Meant to be shared with that special someone.


Stand Out Tracks: Jenny, Don't Be Hasty, New Shoes, Last Request

Honorable Mentions
Alright, Still - Lily Allen
I love Lily. This album has been on steady rotation since last March - that is how much I love it. Lily is so witty it hurts and a lot of this album is just a reflection of great she is. Her sound is very refreshing and so is her voice - complete with lovely British accent. Now that Lily is with child, it'll be interesting to see what direction her music will go in next

Stand Out Tracks: Knock 'Em Out, Everything's Just Wonderful, Littlest Things

The World Has Made Me The Man Of My Dreams - Meshell Ndegeocello
Meshell is my hero. I'm hard pressed to think of many other artist that are as insightful and passionate about creating such personal music by exploring hard questions about herself and the world around her. She's also one of the best bassists in the music industry. I cannot lie: this is my number one favorite album this year.

Stand Out Tracks: The Sloganeer (Paradise), Elliptical, Headline, Lovely Lovely

RIOT! - Paramore
Much to my chagrin, my roommate played Misery Business endlessly. She loved it so much, she made it her ringtone. I absolutely love Hayley's voice - she reminds me of a young Pat Benatar and I can only hope that as she and her bandmates grow so does the quality of her voice, and ultimately, the music Paramore makes. An Extremely catchy and high energy sophomore album. I'll say it out loud: I really hope she thinks about going solo.

Stand Out Tracks: Misery Business, crushcrushcrush, Fences

Graduation - Kayne West
'Ye can do no wrong. When hailed a breath of fresh air at the release of his first album, The College Dropout, I wasn't really buying it-- then I listened to it and I know better now. Kayne is an original. He is unique and innovative and music in general really needs that right now. While I feel as though Late Registration is and will be 'Ye's hard to top masterpiece, Graduation puts a lot of other mainstream rap releases this to shame.

Stand Out Tracks: Big Brother, Good Life (Ft. T-Pain), I Wonder, Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin)

Under The Blacklight- Rilo Kiley
MTVu is really doing Rilo Kiley a bit on an injustice. They keep freaking playing Silver Lining like it's the ONLY track on a great big label debut for a once indie band. Well, it's not and Under the Blacklight, like almost every Rilo Kiley effort, is a fantastic album. While old fans feel it's not as strong as some of their previous releases or that it strays too far from the old' RK, this album signifies some good change for the band's sound. And boy is Jenny Lewis' voice as beautiful and strong as ever. A bit short but definitely an over all solid album.

Stand Out Tracks: The Moneymaker, Close Call, 15, Give A Little Love, Dejalo

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!]]>