Sep 29, 2015

One thing I've noticed since joining S80 is the lack of non-hip hop discussed. I get it, this is a hip-hop forum after all and still relatively small, but even then I do find it extremely rare to find active non hip-hop discussion. So, this thread is going pick the five best non hip-hop albums of each year that I think you guys might like or really want y'all to listen to. First up, 2010:

1. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening



This is the third and final album from LCD Soundsystem, the electronic dancepunk outfit of James Murphy. While not the best LCD Soundsystem album, this album is a beautiful goodbye to a great and short-lived band. The production is fantastically put-together, the songs are catchy, and Murphy's lyrics are more poignant and emotional than ever. This is a definitely must-listen.

2. Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz



If you went through the album credits of To p---- a Butterfly, you might've seen the name Sufjan Stevens somewhere after his track "All for Myself" (which I've posted above) was sampled in Hood Politics. This song comes off of Stevens' fantastic album Age of Adz, a stylistic departure compared to his previous work, adding a large electronic edge to his folk/indie rock/baroque pop fusion on Illinois (another great album you should also check out). Essentially, this album is the indie equivalent to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, both being artistic risks that paid off greatly.

3. Swans - My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky



If you're a fan of Anthony Fantano, you might have saw last year that he gave Swans' 2014 album To Be Kind a rare 10/10. Of course that record was the third from the revitalized Swans, a band formed by Michael Gira in the early 80s which saw many lineup and sonic changes, going from no-wave to noise rock to gothic rock to post punk to drone to experimental music. My Father was the first Swans album since 1997 and it's a d--- good comeback album, featuring some beautifully arranged instrumentation and great vocals from Gira. Not for everyone though, so let's pick something that's easier to get into.

4. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma



Recently, FlyLo has been popping up everywhere, from having his own station in GTA V to working with Kendrick Lamar to being the house DJ for "Why? with Hannibal Buress." His recent run of success can date back to this album, which featured some beautiful electronic music that had elements of hip-hop, funk, jazz, and IDM. It's bonkers as h---, but also somewhat accessible. I think most people here have heard of FlyLo, but not many have really dipped into the man's amazing discography, which you can easily start from here and go on a magical journey.

5. Beach House - Teen Dream



Before I go on, I promise this is the last time I mention Kendrick (maybe...). On "Money Trees," Kendrick sampled a song off this album called "Silver Soul." Kendrick has some pretty great taste as this album is fantastic. The vocals, by Victoria Legrand, on this album are fantastic, adding a lot to the lyrics to bring some emotional depth, along with the great production that expands the sound seen on their first two albums, bringing the group to new heights with mixtures of indie and synth/electronic pop. Sadly summer is over, otherwise this album would be a perfect fit.

So there's a lot of 2010 albums I missed due to a number of reasons, but I can't lose sleep on it. I'm going to be posting my favorite 2011 albums either tomorrow or later tonight, so be on the lookout then.

Enjoy listening and if you ever want any music recommendations, just @ me.

 

Sep 29, 2015

No Bjork?

 

Sep 30, 2015

Thanks MTY. Tbh. I need some new music to listen to and you seem to have good taste based on my own taste. I have to catch up with the better albums of the last few years in genres I normally like but have been setting aside. I've been caught up with some other music but I'd like to change it up again.

 

Sep 29, 2015

2011 list out now!

@AdageAndalusia @Ordinary Joel @Charlie Strangelove @Peter Parker @BigCountry @Nori @Narsh @Mimi