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Well, Dozens Of Donuts effectively ended this year. Five years of running this blog, falling deeper and deeper in love with music along the way, just became too burdensome to bear. That being said, I still eagerly anticipated compiling and releasing 2018's best of lists. Over the course of this week - with some treats at the top of 2019 - we'll cover Dozens Of Donuts' top 100 tracks and top 50 albums of 2018, taken from a batch of roughly 2,000 songs and 180 albums.
Musically, 2018 was magnificent, which makes DoD's demise that much more somber. Rating solely in my head, there would've been three - potentially four - 9+ albums, a statistic that would've matched 2015's trifecta (Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly, Death Grips' Powers That B, Beach House's Depression Cherry). Compared to 2017, which I felt lacked in substantial releases, 2018 was rife with powerful albums and striking tracks that won't soon be forgotten. Contained below are tracks 20-1. Here are playlists for your listening enjoyment: Apple Music | Spotify.
And don't forget about the past. Let's take a look back at the best of 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
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20
Sons Of Kemet - My Queen Is Albertina Sisulu
Your Queen Is A Reptile | Listen
Sons Of Kemet's breakout LP Your Queen Is A Reptile garnered acclaim through its proud declaration of female empowerment and black excellence. Excluding the bookended songs where Joshua Idehen's ferocious spoken word directly spelled out the LP's motto, the only place where Your Queen discussed social commentary were in its assured titles. That allowed Sons' blend of Afrojazz and Funk to vent itself. No place did that better than 'My Queen Is Albertina Sisulu.'
A peace-bearing activist during South Africa's contentious apartheid, Albertina Sisulu ushered in a new era for South African women and children through numerous movements and foundations. Your Queen's goal was to reflect these women's triumphs musically, and on 'Albertina Sisulu' that means progressive resilience through a litany of high-paced percussion and demanding horn. Like a train that just won't stop, Sons' standout piece trudges forward ignorant of any who intend to stall it.
__________________________________________________________A peace-bearing activist during South Africa's contentious apartheid, Albertina Sisulu ushered in a new era for South African women and children through numerous movements and foundations. Your Queen's goal was to reflect these women's triumphs musically, and on 'Albertina Sisulu' that means progressive resilience through a litany of high-paced percussion and demanding horn. Like a train that just won't stop, Sons' standout piece trudges forward ignorant of any who intend to stall it.
19
Moses Sumney - Rank & File
Black In Deep Red, 2014 | Listen
Lately it seems protest music has existed to service an agenda or cash in on a movement, rather than originate from natural anger that's stemming inside us all. Moses Sumney's exceptional 'Rank & File' is a member of the latter. It's unconcerned with being an anthem - using militaristic drums and marching orders to the detriment of a single unifier - and more a well-orchestrated release of pent-up disdain and dejection.
'Rank & File' concerns the string of deaths at the hands of police and their seemingly-inevitable exoneration. Beyond that, Sumney also examines the resulting character study of the retaliatory masses. Through wobbly bass and freaky synth stabs, Sumney pits law against anarchy, reminding those in positions of power that "we cut the checks." Unlike other protest tunes that dabble in extremes - correlating hope with celebration, hopelessness with depression - 'Rank & File' conflates the two and reminds protesters that anger and persistence will inevitably lead to greener pastures.
__________________________________________________________'Rank & File' concerns the string of deaths at the hands of police and their seemingly-inevitable exoneration. Beyond that, Sumney also examines the resulting character study of the retaliatory masses. Through wobbly bass and freaky synth stabs, Sumney pits law against anarchy, reminding those in positions of power that "we cut the checks." Unlike other protest tunes that dabble in extremes - correlating hope with celebration, hopelessness with depression - 'Rank & File' conflates the two and reminds protesters that anger and persistence will inevitably lead to greener pastures.
18
Pusha T - If You Know You Know
DAYTONA | Listen
Nostalgia usually deals with bygone eras long since past. But given the fast-moving nature of 2018 where no level of absurdity was out of reach, something released early in the summer of buffoonery bears a particularly indelible touch. Pusha T's 'If You Know You Know' - the first track of Kanye West's seven-track era - inadvertently gained that classification after a misguided and manufactured beef ensued, future West-affiliated projects floundered, and political firestorms engulfed all discussion.
Because of this, 'If You Know You Know's' already stripped down Boom Bap feels simple, weightless, and unburdened. West's infatuation with reinvigorating a fossilized genre along with Pusha T's creamy, but seasoned bars was a match made in heaven. The punctual Reggae background vocals - which would go on to define later Daytona cuts like 'Hard Piano' - and the screeching cadenced Air guitar sample culminate into a disorienting land of euphonious sound.
__________________________________________________________Because of this, 'If You Know You Know's' already stripped down Boom Bap feels simple, weightless, and unburdened. West's infatuation with reinvigorating a fossilized genre along with Pusha T's creamy, but seasoned bars was a match made in heaven. The punctual Reggae background vocals - which would go on to define later Daytona cuts like 'Hard Piano' - and the screeching cadenced Air guitar sample culminate into a disorienting land of euphonious sound.
17
Young Fathers - Lord
Cocoa Sugar | Listen
On many Young Fathers songs, the trio skirt around brash confrontation with abstract poetics and stimulating production. They rarely, even though their music demands it, abolish the farce in favor of minimalist coercion. On 'Lord,' that decision becomes null and void. Through screeching Gospel recitals, fragile piano crescendos, and searing noise, Young Fathers finally goes for the throat. 'Lord' attains the passion they've driven for since Tape One, removing excess in favor of ecstasy.
Each element of 'Lord,' even the tempered military drums and sparkling synths that's drowned by revelation, forms a delicate ascent to heaven. Or, given Cocoa Sugar's rejection of such a destination, a baptismal reset for lives formerly squandered. It's a moment of reincarnation, a galvanizing trudge towards glory, towards a white light with the destination nothing more than a blur. 'Lord' is euphoria for euphoria's sake.
__________________________________________________________Each element of 'Lord,' even the tempered military drums and sparkling synths that's drowned by revelation, forms a delicate ascent to heaven. Or, given Cocoa Sugar's rejection of such a destination, a baptismal reset for lives formerly squandered. It's a moment of reincarnation, a galvanizing trudge towards glory, towards a white light with the destination nothing more than a blur. 'Lord' is euphoria for euphoria's sake.
16
IDLES - Samaritans
Joy As An Act Of Resistance | Listen
In short order, IDLES have become the predominant force in the resurging Punk movement. This, in all likelihood, due to the band's acceptance, and overall admonishment of the toxic masculinity that once defined the genre. 'Samaritans' is the clearest cut yet, with violent brash that's only usurped by Joe Talbot's dogmatic progressivism. Every word, every line, every pint of distress in Talbot's voice sardonically chastise generational teaching's on what a real man is supposed to be.
Combined with the arresting music video which accompanies 'Samaritans' with an onslaught of man's darkest creations, the Joy As An Act Of Resistance standout fiercely stands against outdated traditions while holding the concept of equality high. Talbot's salient performance - culminating with the Katy Perry parodying "I kissed a boy and I liked it!" - might be the most liberating piece of music released in a year known for it.
__________________________________________________________Combined with the arresting music video which accompanies 'Samaritans' with an onslaught of man's darkest creations, the Joy As An Act Of Resistance standout fiercely stands against outdated traditions while holding the concept of equality high. Talbot's salient performance - culminating with the Katy Perry parodying "I kissed a boy and I liked it!" - might be the most liberating piece of music released in a year known for it.
15
Death Grips - Hahaha
Year Of The Snitch | Listen
With these lists I tend to over-exaggerate value and meaning, stripping a track of its natural bearing in favor of something aggrandizing. That's not possible with 'Hahaha.' There's no way to sugarcoat, deify, or venerate the Year Of The Snitch standout, for senseless joy and pleasure is what it cherishes the most. Like the satisfaction of both parties involved when giving candy to a baby, once one acknowledges Death Grips' penchant for the mindlessly catchy, 'Hahaha' becomes a stroke of brilliance.
Or a goofy caricature of what one deems a prototypical Death Grips song. For fuck's sake, it begins with Andy Morin sampling Ride's line "destroyer" from 2012's 'Lock Your Doors.' Elsewhere, there's a carnival of synthesizers, an Opera singer, the line "wet fuck hole," seamless mood shifts, and a chorus that beams by merely adding the word "bitch" to the equally-childish title. All this through scorched reverb best suited for Morin and Zach Hill's side venture The I.L.Y's. 'Hahaha's' an irresistible test in absurdity. Aka the Death Grips way.
__________________________________________________________Or a goofy caricature of what one deems a prototypical Death Grips song. For fuck's sake, it begins with Andy Morin sampling Ride's line "destroyer" from 2012's 'Lock Your Doors.' Elsewhere, there's a carnival of synthesizers, an Opera singer, the line "wet fuck hole," seamless mood shifts, and a chorus that beams by merely adding the word "bitch" to the equally-childish title. All this through scorched reverb best suited for Morin and Zach Hill's side venture The I.L.Y's. 'Hahaha's' an irresistible test in absurdity. Aka the Death Grips way.
14
Jon Hopkins - Everything Connected
Singularity | Listen
With 2013's Immunity, Jon Hopkins - veteran Electronic producer - finally found his sound. Beaming with organic life evolving through kaleidoscopic vision before our very eyes, the curious Microhouse palpitations he created weren't soon forgettable. Much of that carried over on Singularity, with added Classical panache as he sought to chronicle Earth's night cycle. The ten minutes of 'Everything Connected,' a well-oiled synopsis of that skyward journey with the moon acting as primary luminescence.
Hopkins' distinctive drums are lambasted across 'Everything Connected,' working simultaneously to invigorate a sleepy soul and typify the metamorphosing development every night brings. The raucous synths tracing an erratic line across rhythms is only ousted by the precarious, droning strings intent on reminding listeners that nature's not far removed from the dance floor. And much like the club scene, there's an apropos fizzle signaling the soon arrival of the sun, and thus, society at large.
__________________________________________________________Hopkins' distinctive drums are lambasted across 'Everything Connected,' working simultaneously to invigorate a sleepy soul and typify the metamorphosing development every night brings. The raucous synths tracing an erratic line across rhythms is only ousted by the precarious, droning strings intent on reminding listeners that nature's not far removed from the dance floor. And much like the club scene, there's an apropos fizzle signaling the soon arrival of the sun, and thus, society at large.
13
SOPHIE - Ponyboy
Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides | Listen
Nothing in art satisfies me more than an artist indulging without caring about the response. Since her origination, that's essentially been SOPHIE's entire method of operation. Nowhere is that seen better than 'Ponyboy,' a revolting club anthem that blithely publicizes the sexual fetishization of erotic animal roleplay. It's a furry-lover's wet dream, and while I don't partake in the act, SOPHIE's unabashed interest in making others uncomfortable delights the art critic inside me.
On top of that, the brazen production doubles down on the BDSM-style torture chamber that is 'Ponyboy.' Cecile Believe's promiscuous vocals act as the innocent exterior to the dominant, demonizing presence that haunts her in the form of SOPHIE's demented vocals. Over-the-top would be describing it lightly. The disgusting glamor that results from the rampant bass vomit is basically an auditory equivalent to the concept of dehumanization. It's a fascinatingly grotesque work.
__________________________________________________________On top of that, the brazen production doubles down on the BDSM-style torture chamber that is 'Ponyboy.' Cecile Believe's promiscuous vocals act as the innocent exterior to the dominant, demonizing presence that haunts her in the form of SOPHIE's demented vocals. Over-the-top would be describing it lightly. The disgusting glamor that results from the rampant bass vomit is basically an auditory equivalent to the concept of dehumanization. It's a fascinatingly grotesque work.
12
MGMT - Little Dark Age
Little Dark Age | Listen
From certain demise to established veterans, MGMT's one album swing revitalized their career through something they've always been committed to; artistic certitude. Little Dark Age bridged the ample gap between kitschy 80's SynthPop - a la The Cure - and the modern era in which instantaneous satisfaction reigns supreme. That was best captured on the enrapturing title track, an elaborate horror show that amplified what's best about amateur spooks and scares.
As a bevy of gothic synthesizers pulsate with undulating frequency, electric guitars shiver across restricted riffs, it's actually Andrew VanWynGarden's chorus that steals the show. Magnificent in breadth, dynamic and inviting, the multi-faceted hook that progresses as 'Little Dark Age' evolves is one of the more comprehensive medleys MGMT's come up with. It also stands in stark contrast to the rudimentary structuring of modern day SynthPop, existing as a glorious, retro-fitted beast capable transcending genre limitations.
__________________________________________________________As a bevy of gothic synthesizers pulsate with undulating frequency, electric guitars shiver across restricted riffs, it's actually Andrew VanWynGarden's chorus that steals the show. Magnificent in breadth, dynamic and inviting, the multi-faceted hook that progresses as 'Little Dark Age' evolves is one of the more comprehensive medleys MGMT's come up with. It also stands in stark contrast to the rudimentary structuring of modern day SynthPop, existing as a glorious, retro-fitted beast capable transcending genre limitations.
11
Yves Tumor - Noid
Safe In The Hands Of Love | Listen
Prior to 'Noid,' Yves Tumor had been known as a prolific underground Sound Collage artist, one capable of imposing perpetual impermanence from weighty loops. His standouts - 'Limerence' and 'My Nose My Lips Your Head Shape' - morphed everyday jargon into grave depictions of modern reality. It was only a matter of time until his potential became unleashed. Safe In The Hands Of Love was his breakout LP, spearheaded by the brusque cry for police brutality's demise.
'Noid,' like much of Safe In The Hands, drastically departs from Tumor's past by substituting interminable hymns with sharp iridescence. Here, Tumor partakes in a balancing act of structure and emotion, overwhelming 'Noid' with rhythmic percussion and wailing sirens, all the while decrying the actions of corrupt cops with textbook terminology. If not for the passion and artistry set in place by his past, Tumor's resounding yelp of "9-1-1, can't trust em" would've fallen on deaf ears. With engrossing production and a palpable panic, 'Noid' becomes all-too real.
__________________________________________________________'Noid,' like much of Safe In The Hands, drastically departs from Tumor's past by substituting interminable hymns with sharp iridescence. Here, Tumor partakes in a balancing act of structure and emotion, overwhelming 'Noid' with rhythmic percussion and wailing sirens, all the while decrying the actions of corrupt cops with textbook terminology. If not for the passion and artistry set in place by his past, Tumor's resounding yelp of "9-1-1, can't trust em" would've fallen on deaf ears. With engrossing production and a palpable panic, 'Noid' becomes all-too real.
10
Daughters - The Reason They Hate Me
You Won't Get What You Want | Listen
The magnificence of 'The Reason They Hate Me' derives not from the sardonic lyrics - which are up for contentious debate - but rather the duplicitous nature of this Industrial Rock romp. Unlike the rest of Daughters' You Won't Get What You Want - an album overwhelmed by exhausting manuscripts of anxiety, short bursts of pressurized panic, and heartless bouts of ire - 'The Reason' abandons all that in favor of riotous...Pop?
Pop with maniacal flair of course. Right from the get-go, Daughters conjure a methodical rhythm that recalls their early days of Math Rock. Each note is precise, each distorted instrument calculated. In terms of Noise Rock, there's few moments as exciting as Marshall's callout "maybe the sun waits for you to be shone what to do," a cursory bridge that leads to a hyperactive hook akin to the Dubstep drop. Now if only Marshall was more clear on whether his narcissistic defamation of critics was self-inflicted sarcasm or deadpan resentment.
__________________________________________________________Pop with maniacal flair of course. Right from the get-go, Daughters conjure a methodical rhythm that recalls their early days of Math Rock. Each note is precise, each distorted instrument calculated. In terms of Noise Rock, there's few moments as exciting as Marshall's callout "maybe the sun waits for you to be shone what to do," a cursory bridge that leads to a hyperactive hook akin to the Dubstep drop. Now if only Marshall was more clear on whether his narcissistic defamation of critics was self-inflicted sarcasm or deadpan resentment.
9
Julia Holter - I Shall Love 2
Aviary | Listen
As lead single, 'I Shall Love 2' promised the continued effervescence of a kindling sparkle, much like Holter's last project Have You In My Wilderness. Within the context of Aviary, it's so much more. Drifting soundscapes both grand in scope ('Turn The Light On') and rattled in discord ('Everyday Is An Emergency') cause Aviary's opening act to be one without form, without congruity. Without - as seems to be the crux of Aviary - love.
Shape forms out of 'I Shall Love 2's' shapeless opening moments. The twinkling of percussion - harmonic and aged like fine wine - sets the tone for Holter's pure bliss state. Amorphic strings stray from the mind as crepitating background vocals contaminate Holter's paradise, one that gracefully flows into a euphoric trance of Gospel. Brimming with captivating sound, a litany of gorgeous instrumentation suddenly emerges in unison as if to signal the grand finale to a fireworks display. It is the peak of Aviary, the moment mind and feeling become one.
__________________________________________________________Shape forms out of 'I Shall Love 2's' shapeless opening moments. The twinkling of percussion - harmonic and aged like fine wine - sets the tone for Holter's pure bliss state. Amorphic strings stray from the mind as crepitating background vocals contaminate Holter's paradise, one that gracefully flows into a euphoric trance of Gospel. Brimming with captivating sound, a litany of gorgeous instrumentation suddenly emerges in unison as if to signal the grand finale to a fireworks display. It is the peak of Aviary, the moment mind and feeling become one.
8
A.A.L. - I Never Dream
2012-2017 | Listen
Nicolas Jaar's cryptic nom de plume didn't last long, as his endearing touch roused fans despite a genre shift to Deep House. Some tracks, like 'Cityfade,' were more obvious than others, but one consistent parameter ran through the lot featured on 2012-2017; heart. With an unknown, nondescript moniker in A.A.L. and a five year creation period, it was clear this was Jaar's passion project. On highlight 'I Never Dream,' that ardent appreciation of Electronica rings true.
Rhythmic percussion commands 'I Never Dream,' giving the track ridiculous vitality as the longing synths and masterful sampling of The Cookies' 'I Never Dreamed' accumulate to provide an intoxicating club atmosphere. Nothing on 2012-2017, nothing in the year 2018, matches the sampling wizardry Jaar presents through the original 1964 Soul recording. Much like how The Avalanches breathed spirited life into vintage samples on Wildflower, Jaar retools and re-tweaks The Cookies with unparalleled detail and commitment.
__________________________________________________________Rhythmic percussion commands 'I Never Dream,' giving the track ridiculous vitality as the longing synths and masterful sampling of The Cookies' 'I Never Dreamed' accumulate to provide an intoxicating club atmosphere. Nothing on 2012-2017, nothing in the year 2018, matches the sampling wizardry Jaar presents through the original 1964 Soul recording. Much like how The Avalanches breathed spirited life into vintage samples on Wildflower, Jaar retools and re-tweaks The Cookies with unparalleled detail and commitment.
7
Drake - Nice For What
Scorpion | Listen
Prior to reigniting Bounce, the instantly-influential Drake brought Dancehall to the masses. Zeroing in on niche genres, harnessing their best assets, is where Drake shines the brightest. The lows, when he pads braggadocios Hip-Hop and sultry R&B, were found all over Scorpion. 'Nice For What' was a monumental bright spot, and his greatest work to date. Despite treading new waters, Drake's smooth confidence allowed 'Nice For What' to excel despite the risky tonal shift.
And what a shift it was. As per usual, much of Drake's success fell on the hands of a producer; this time Murda Beatz. With an irresistibly drawn Lauryn Hill sample, flickering hi-hats, paced bass thumps, and jarring DJ interludes, 'Nice For What' shined with impeccable grace. Of course, the major radio hit would've been for naught had Drake not proven himself a master at rousing coolness through flows and lyrics. Accessible and offbeat, it doesn't get much better than that.
__________________________________________________________And what a shift it was. As per usual, much of Drake's success fell on the hands of a producer; this time Murda Beatz. With an irresistibly drawn Lauryn Hill sample, flickering hi-hats, paced bass thumps, and jarring DJ interludes, 'Nice For What' shined with impeccable grace. Of course, the major radio hit would've been for naught had Drake not proven himself a master at rousing coolness through flows and lyrics. Accessible and offbeat, it doesn't get much better than that.
6
IDLES - Colossus
Joy As An Act Of Resistance | Listen
Primal drums and a guttural riff, that's how 'Colossus' begins. Right from the on-set, IDLES arrests attention through sheer brutality. It is simple, it is candid, it is known. From there, the intensity encroaches with Joe Talbot's sinister presence seeping into the ether. Around him, temperamental sounds fester with angst, anticipating an assured outburst of masculine violence. 'Colossus' migrates through each iteration with flawless transference, using Talbot's line "it goes and it goes" as the rallying cry for the next stage.
At its heart lies the predominant message of Joy As An Act Of Resistance, which is defined by the title itself. Rather than fighting back -which the instrumentation of 'Colossus' enforces - Talbot's shaky hysterics propose an exulted response. That comes out in the emphatic release of part two, wherein IDLES cements themselves as Punk masters, Talbot as a no-nonsense progressive hellbent on banishing evil for the betterment of society.
__________________________________________________________At its heart lies the predominant message of Joy As An Act Of Resistance, which is defined by the title itself. Rather than fighting back -which the instrumentation of 'Colossus' enforces - Talbot's shaky hysterics propose an exulted response. That comes out in the emphatic release of part two, wherein IDLES cements themselves as Punk masters, Talbot as a no-nonsense progressive hellbent on banishing evil for the betterment of society.
5
SOPHIE - Immaterial
Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides | Listen
To an oblivious observer, SOPHIE's 'Immaterial' is nothing more than the accumulation of callow Teen Pop. Those puncturing synths and facile vocals unrelenting in their mission to overwhelm your mind's corner for musical occupation. The result, equal to what I imagine parents currently loathe with 'Baby Shark,' or formerly abhorred with 'Barbie Girl.' The simplicity demands 'Immaterial' be seen as the predictable peak of Bubblegum Bass.
Cecile Believe's chip-tune preciousness can't be ignored; literally. Everything SOPHIE conjures, it's for the sake of lambasting our senses. There's no escaping 'Immaterial,' just like there's no escaping the LGBT movement it's quickly becoming the harbinger of. In a good way, mind you. By capturing the zeitgeist, deconstructing controversial topics of gender into "immaterial boys, immaterial girls," SOPHIE's sensational Pop hit aggressively preaches accord in the most indulgent way possible.
__________________________________________________________Cecile Believe's chip-tune preciousness can't be ignored; literally. Everything SOPHIE conjures, it's for the sake of lambasting our senses. There's no escaping 'Immaterial,' just like there's no escaping the LGBT movement it's quickly becoming the harbinger of. In a good way, mind you. By capturing the zeitgeist, deconstructing controversial topics of gender into "immaterial boys, immaterial girls," SOPHIE's sensational Pop hit aggressively preaches accord in the most indulgent way possible.
4
Jenny Hval - Spells
The Long Sleep | Listen
Once a fledgling alongside other various experimentalists like Julia Holter and U.S. Girls, Jenny Hval's firm grasp of the outskirts of music has made her Pop material all the more tempting. Despite existing on The Long Sleep, a conceptual four-track EP on the peculiarity of our sleep state, 'Spells' is bar none her greatest creation to date. Awash with fantastical Sophisti-Pop elements that sporadically flicker, like a dream, underneath Hval's daring falsetto, 'Spells' journeys to the furthest reaches of Pop to find the most satisfying ingredients.
What's perhaps most fascinating about 'Spells' is its ability to conjoin overarching melodies and movements, all whilst prodding the exterior with unexpected softness. Horns flimsily sway without purpose over progressive drums that sync with undulating synthesizers, like a popular dream that's offset by one's speciality. All the while, Hval radiates with brilliant luminescence, neutralizing her typical nightmarish darkness with rays of sunshine.
__________________________________________________________What's perhaps most fascinating about 'Spells' is its ability to conjoin overarching melodies and movements, all whilst prodding the exterior with unexpected softness. Horns flimsily sway without purpose over progressive drums that sync with undulating synthesizers, like a popular dream that's offset by one's speciality. All the while, Hval radiates with brilliant luminescence, neutralizing her typical nightmarish darkness with rays of sunshine.
3
HOLY - All These Worlds Are Yours
All These Worlds Are Yours | Listen
Since its inception in the 1960's, psychedelic music has been a staple of the industry. However, rarely do entertainers dive headlong into the possibilities of such a hypnotic experience. That's why HOLY's 'All These Worlds Are Yours' is so refreshing; it capitalizes on the human element to be enthralled by endless reverie. Clocking in at nine minutes, HOLY's title track sprawls itself against an uncomplicated piano riff as two intoxicating vocalists - one male, one female - bounce heavenly melodies off one another.
After a flawlessly timed build-up, which includes sublime instrumental inclusions and hints at future expanse, a sunburnt hook beams with vivacity as it overtakes the song's peak and one's senses. Looped with constant quirks, vocal samples, drum freak-outs, and rattling guitars, 'All These Worlds Are Yours'' main selling point is one to gawk at. It is music for music's sake, meant to enjoy and ingest.
__________________________________________________________After a flawlessly timed build-up, which includes sublime instrumental inclusions and hints at future expanse, a sunburnt hook beams with vivacity as it overtakes the song's peak and one's senses. Looped with constant quirks, vocal samples, drum freak-outs, and rattling guitars, 'All These Worlds Are Yours'' main selling point is one to gawk at. It is music for music's sake, meant to enjoy and ingest.
2
Childish Gambino - This Is America
Single | Listen
Part of the responsibility of a provocative artist is to compartmentalize a faceless movement. Done successfully, these pieces help provide unity amongst a disconnected group. Recently, Kendrick Lamar's 'Alright' worked to strengthen the fight against police brutality, after having been played at various rallies. Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' is that on crack, and a monumental achievement in audiovisual disruption.
Lyrically drenched in irony, going so far as to undermine various rappers' ad-libs to further juxtapose the careless nature of our music industry, Glover's not-so subtle criticism of apathetic America was handled perfectly. Of course, the captivating music video a necessary experience, and one that's been shown in countless classrooms. Cherishing guns, mopping up bodies, filming it all while dancing senselessly to a banger. It's become the world's first enlightening meme: 'This Is America.'
__________________________________________________________Lyrically drenched in irony, going so far as to undermine various rappers' ad-libs to further juxtapose the careless nature of our music industry, Glover's not-so subtle criticism of apathetic America was handled perfectly. Of course, the captivating music video a necessary experience, and one that's been shown in countless classrooms. Cherishing guns, mopping up bodies, filming it all while dancing senselessly to a banger. It's become the world's first enlightening meme: 'This Is America.'
1
Beach House - Dive
7 | Listen
12 years ago Beach House began as humble surveyors of Dream Pop, a genre moderately forgotten by the mid-2000's. Since their unassuming self-titled, the duo of Victoria LeGrand and Alex Scally have some to define Dream Pop for the new century, becoming one of Indie's most consistent acts in the process. Seven albums in, Beach House released their most complete work yet; 7. Set dead center sits their greatest song; 'Dive.'
A momentous masterstroke of swarming psychedelia, 'Dive' compresses every documented Beach House cliche into a two-part land of rapture. With victorian bells reminiscent of their first era (Beach House and Devotion), a swooning crest of rhapsodic release much like their second (Teen Dream and Bloom), and longing intonation of rekindled romance brought on by LeGrand's vocals similar to their third (Depression Cherry, Thank Your Lucky Stars), 'Dive' is unconditionally Beach House perfected.
The slow-churn of distant drums hinting at an oncoming assault, the sultry sway of Scally's reluctant guitar, and the dizzying relapse of LeGrand's idealized coo act as mere teases to 'Dive's' breathtaking moment of release. Rhythmic percussion gathers steam against the cadenced tempo of guitar and the wash of crescendoing noise, stitched together in complete singularity by LeGrand's arresting melody. In terms of 2018's best, 'Dive's' climax bears no competition.
__________________________________________________________A momentous masterstroke of swarming psychedelia, 'Dive' compresses every documented Beach House cliche into a two-part land of rapture. With victorian bells reminiscent of their first era (Beach House and Devotion), a swooning crest of rhapsodic release much like their second (Teen Dream and Bloom), and longing intonation of rekindled romance brought on by LeGrand's vocals similar to their third (Depression Cherry, Thank Your Lucky Stars), 'Dive' is unconditionally Beach House perfected.
The slow-churn of distant drums hinting at an oncoming assault, the sultry sway of Scally's reluctant guitar, and the dizzying relapse of LeGrand's idealized coo act as mere teases to 'Dive's' breathtaking moment of release. Rhythmic percussion gathers steam against the cadenced tempo of guitar and the wash of crescendoing noise, stitched together in complete singularity by LeGrand's arresting melody. In terms of 2018's best, 'Dive's' climax bears no competition.
100-51 | 50-21 | Top 50 Albums
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