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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 50-21. Here are playlists for your listening enjoyment: Apple Music | Spotify. Enjoy.
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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Mid-Air Thief - Gameun Deut
Crumbling | Listen
Regardless of era or culture, music like 'Gameun Deut' needs a home. Crumbling's radiating standout prances through a sun ray of psychedelics akin to Cornelius' mesmerizing Shibuya-kei. The infinite harmonizing, along with the twinkling acoustics bringing about childhood naivety, also bear resemblance to Katamari Damacy's legendary soundtrack. Emotion transcends language, and there's few pieces where that's clearer than 'Gameun Deut's' wonderland of merriment.
__________________________________________________________Regardless of era or culture, music like 'Gameun Deut' needs a home. Crumbling's radiating standout prances through a sun ray of psychedelics akin to Cornelius' mesmerizing Shibuya-kei. The infinite harmonizing, along with the twinkling acoustics bringing about childhood naivety, also bear resemblance to Katamari Damacy's legendary soundtrack. Emotion transcends language, and there's few pieces where that's clearer than 'Gameun Deut's' wonderland of merriment.
Busdriver - The Year I Became A Mutherfuckin' G
Electricity Is On Our Side | Listen
Busdriver's epic autobiography Electricity Is On Our Side was rife with artsy performances from a rapper who, ten albums in, has nothing to lose. One such example was 'The Year I Became A Mutherfuckin' G,' a six-minute collapse of the album's 83 minutes of ideas, speeding through iterations with dizzying proficiency. Busdriver's deft flows and convoluted lyrics needed a challenge though, and that comes in the form of Dntel's turbid discourse. Like a featured artist trying to one-up the main performer, Dntel's crafty production steadily gains complexity before ending with a cornucopia of sound.
__________________________________________________________Busdriver's epic autobiography Electricity Is On Our Side was rife with artsy performances from a rapper who, ten albums in, has nothing to lose. One such example was 'The Year I Became A Mutherfuckin' G,' a six-minute collapse of the album's 83 minutes of ideas, speeding through iterations with dizzying proficiency. Busdriver's deft flows and convoluted lyrics needed a challenge though, and that comes in the form of Dntel's turbid discourse. Like a featured artist trying to one-up the main performer, Dntel's crafty production steadily gains complexity before ending with a cornucopia of sound.
A$AP Rocky - A$AP Forever
TESTING | Listen
Sure, much of 'A$AP Forever's' spirit - and conversely, its greatness - is derived from the prominent sample of Moby's adored 'Porcelain.' But it's exactly those staggering strings that bring Rocky back to his Cloud Rap roots, dismantling the Trap affiliation he's had on recent LP's. Add a surprisingly-adept Kid Cudi verse that brings back Man On The Moon memories ('Pursuit Of Happiness' anyone?) and a competent remix favoring Khloe Anna's weightless vocals and 'A$AP Forever' finds itself another success story of a Hip-Hop crossover.
__________________________________________________________Sure, much of 'A$AP Forever's' spirit - and conversely, its greatness - is derived from the prominent sample of Moby's adored 'Porcelain.' But it's exactly those staggering strings that bring Rocky back to his Cloud Rap roots, dismantling the Trap affiliation he's had on recent LP's. Add a surprisingly-adept Kid Cudi verse that brings back Man On The Moon memories ('Pursuit Of Happiness' anyone?) and a competent remix favoring Khloe Anna's weightless vocals and 'A$AP Forever' finds itself another success story of a Hip-Hop crossover.
Denzel Curry - Black Metal Terrorist
TA13OO | Listen
Never one to rest on his laurels, even if TA13OO proved its merits by track twelve, Denzel Curry decided to go out with a bang. On the album's third act entitled Dark, the Florida emcee asserted his ferocity through immodest Industrial Hip-Hop, 'Black Metal Terrorist' being the final rallying cry. An inner voice of calm certainty acts as the hook, offsetting a savage barrage of bars that would make even the most braggadocio of emcees quiver. Capitalize on that fear with a legitimate Industrial outro and 'Black Metal Terrorist' surely reaches the zenith of its namesake.
__________________________________________________________Never one to rest on his laurels, even if TA13OO proved its merits by track twelve, Denzel Curry decided to go out with a bang. On the album's third act entitled Dark, the Florida emcee asserted his ferocity through immodest Industrial Hip-Hop, 'Black Metal Terrorist' being the final rallying cry. An inner voice of calm certainty acts as the hook, offsetting a savage barrage of bars that would make even the most braggadocio of emcees quiver. Capitalize on that fear with a legitimate Industrial outro and 'Black Metal Terrorist' surely reaches the zenith of its namesake.
Shygirl - O
Cruel Practice | Listen
Bedlam contained to a cage dangling over denizens of Britain's grimiest night club. In essence, that's the beguile of Shygirl's fervor dream 'O.' Volatile chains rattling to BDSM bedrock cause the erratic heartbeats that double as decisive Drum N' Bass to palpitate on Cruel Practice's standout, and one of Deconstructed Club's most assertive bangers yet. Beyond that however, 'O' - like most of Deconstructed Club's progressive ideals - weaves a statement on club-oriented consent within its expedited bars.
__________________________________________________________Bedlam contained to a cage dangling over denizens of Britain's grimiest night club. In essence, that's the beguile of Shygirl's fervor dream 'O.' Volatile chains rattling to BDSM bedrock cause the erratic heartbeats that double as decisive Drum N' Bass to palpitate on Cruel Practice's standout, and one of Deconstructed Club's most assertive bangers yet. Beyond that however, 'O' - like most of Deconstructed Club's progressive ideals - weaves a statement on club-oriented consent within its expedited bars.
flirting. - Peppermint
This Would Be Funny... | Listen
Take Slint's sparse, sterile guitars and spoken word ennui and lift it up from the sludge with Dream Pop's shimmering hope through artists like Galaxie 500 and Broken Social Scene and you have flirting.'s 'Peppermint.' The discomfort behind Poppy Waring's wails, the dejection behind Arthur Davies Evitt's monotone delivery help to redline the divide between idealism and reality. The merger is treated with such poise and distinction, amplifying the peaks where guitars unleash belts only to ebb out of aplomb.
__________________________________________________________Take Slint's sparse, sterile guitars and spoken word ennui and lift it up from the sludge with Dream Pop's shimmering hope through artists like Galaxie 500 and Broken Social Scene and you have flirting.'s 'Peppermint.' The discomfort behind Poppy Waring's wails, the dejection behind Arthur Davies Evitt's monotone delivery help to redline the divide between idealism and reality. The merger is treated with such poise and distinction, amplifying the peaks where guitars unleash belts only to ebb out of aplomb.
J. Cole - 1985 (Intro To "The Fall Off")
KOD | Listen
As with any J. Cole project, KOD enters with the truest of intentions. However, misguided attempts at morality skewered the predominant messages. That wasn't the case with '1985's' slick retort to Hip-Hop's newest generation. Bordering on the edge of futility, Cole's open-minded message to the youth - complete with self-aware pessimism - develops nonchalantly into Hip-Hop's best diss track in ages. All because '1985' comes, assuredly so, with assuage confidence and sincere advice confirming they're in the wrong. The throwback, A Tribe Called Quest Boom Bap is a tacky add, but one that flexes coolness without grasping for attention.
__________________________________________________________As with any J. Cole project, KOD enters with the truest of intentions. However, misguided attempts at morality skewered the predominant messages. That wasn't the case with '1985's' slick retort to Hip-Hop's newest generation. Bordering on the edge of futility, Cole's open-minded message to the youth - complete with self-aware pessimism - develops nonchalantly into Hip-Hop's best diss track in ages. All because '1985' comes, assuredly so, with assuage confidence and sincere advice confirming they're in the wrong. The throwback, A Tribe Called Quest Boom Bap is a tacky add, but one that flexes coolness without grasping for attention.
Jeff Rosenstock - Let Them Win
POST- | Listen
More than any other genre, the morals of Punk have always been well-defined: To oppress the oppressors. Standing as a deterrent to obedience, subservience, and conformity is what draws agitators in. Through POST-, Jeff Rosenstock made that message painfully clear. On the anthemic finale 'Let Them Win' - an 11-minute rally cry - Rosenstock lays out the immoral behavior of "them," before inciting a riot that gathers "us." If the lengthy stay didn't stray from Punk enough, the extended, and unexpectedly calm, drone that beacons for greener pastures surely will. A necessary moment of solace following successful revolution.
__________________________________________________________More than any other genre, the morals of Punk have always been well-defined: To oppress the oppressors. Standing as a deterrent to obedience, subservience, and conformity is what draws agitators in. Through POST-, Jeff Rosenstock made that message painfully clear. On the anthemic finale 'Let Them Win' - an 11-minute rally cry - Rosenstock lays out the immoral behavior of "them," before inciting a riot that gathers "us." If the lengthy stay didn't stray from Punk enough, the extended, and unexpectedly calm, drone that beacons for greener pastures surely will. A necessary moment of solace following successful revolution.
Desiigner - Priice Tag
L.O.D. | Listen
Fellow music critics, leave room in your catalogue for guilty pleasures. Do not disparage them, do not discredit them, accept them and embrace them for what they are. Last year, my Trap satiation fell on Lil Yachty's 'Wanna Be Us.' This year, it's Desiigner's lone triumph 'Priice Tag.' In two weightless minutes, the 'Panda' emcee prances across skittish hi-hats with a plethora of ad-libs and irresistible one-liners. Think Lil Pump's 'Gucci Gang' mixed with the flair of Missy Elliott.
__________________________________________________________Fellow music critics, leave room in your catalogue for guilty pleasures. Do not disparage them, do not discredit them, accept them and embrace them for what they are. Last year, my Trap satiation fell on Lil Yachty's 'Wanna Be Us.' This year, it's Desiigner's lone triumph 'Priice Tag.' In two weightless minutes, the 'Panda' emcee prances across skittish hi-hats with a plethora of ad-libs and irresistible one-liners. Think Lil Pump's 'Gucci Gang' mixed with the flair of Missy Elliott.
Hop Along - Prior Things
Bark Your Head Off, Dog | Listen
Previous to Bark Your Head Off Dog, Hop Along weren't known for clever and expansive compositions. That changed in one fell swoop, as misrepresented instrumentation competed against their traditional guitar and drum combo. On 'Prior Things' that initiative flourished through a litany of minute changes, all under Frances Quinlan's branching vocals. Amplified by fidgety strings, Quinlan's trivial nostalgia trip thickens with pent-up stages of grief and regret.
__________________________________________________________Previous to Bark Your Head Off Dog, Hop Along weren't known for clever and expansive compositions. That changed in one fell swoop, as misrepresented instrumentation competed against their traditional guitar and drum combo. On 'Prior Things' that initiative flourished through a litany of minute changes, all under Frances Quinlan's branching vocals. Amplified by fidgety strings, Quinlan's trivial nostalgia trip thickens with pent-up stages of grief and regret.
Azealia Banks - Treasure Island
Single | Listen
Azealia Banks' role as disgruntled provocateur is one of the more incomprehensible in the mainstream music industry. That's not due to her cheap, crude, and excessive behavior, but the fact that her well-composed music could only come from someone who's cool, calm, and collected. 'Treasure Island' is rife with Banks' famed flowmanship, twisting words over classic, new age Hip House. The tropical inversion during the hook gives 'Treasure Island' its ardent flair, a juxtaposition with the verses that few artists would even attempt.
__________________________________________________________Azealia Banks' role as disgruntled provocateur is one of the more incomprehensible in the mainstream music industry. That's not due to her cheap, crude, and excessive behavior, but the fact that her well-composed music could only come from someone who's cool, calm, and collected. 'Treasure Island' is rife with Banks' famed flowmanship, twisting words over classic, new age Hip House. The tropical inversion during the hook gives 'Treasure Island' its ardent flair, a juxtaposition with the verses that few artists would even attempt.
Clarence Clarity - Best Next Thing
Think: Peace | Listen
With Clarence Clarity's outrageous vocal extremities, a bacchanal hook, scorching stadium guitars, and cheesy choir-assisted background vocals, 'Next Best Thing' might be Think: Peace's tawdriest cut. And given the context of Clarity's absurdist Alternative R&B bordering on boundary-breaking future Pop, that's a heralding compliment. 'Next Best Thing' excels by emancipating restraints, turning hard-nosed music critics into jovial hooligans.
__________________________________________________________With Clarence Clarity's outrageous vocal extremities, a bacchanal hook, scorching stadium guitars, and cheesy choir-assisted background vocals, 'Next Best Thing' might be Think: Peace's tawdriest cut. And given the context of Clarity's absurdist Alternative R&B bordering on boundary-breaking future Pop, that's a heralding compliment. 'Next Best Thing' excels by emancipating restraints, turning hard-nosed music critics into jovial hooligans.
A.A.L. - Cityfade
2012-2017 | Listen
On 2012-2017, Nicolas Jaar's infatuation with Deep House ran deep. It also caused his idiosyncratic Microhouse to take a backseat. However, on 'Cityfade,' each passion combined for an opulent exposé in production 101. The progressive percussion, layered effortlessly between itself, fills the room while allowing enough space for orbital synthesizers, sparse late night traffic, and the Spanish-flavored, Noir-twinged vocals to shine in the creases. 'Cityfade's' the song that proves Jaar's in the upper echelon of producers.
__________________________________________________________On 2012-2017, Nicolas Jaar's infatuation with Deep House ran deep. It also caused his idiosyncratic Microhouse to take a backseat. However, on 'Cityfade,' each passion combined for an opulent exposé in production 101. The progressive percussion, layered effortlessly between itself, fills the room while allowing enough space for orbital synthesizers, sparse late night traffic, and the Spanish-flavored, Noir-twinged vocals to shine in the creases. 'Cityfade's' the song that proves Jaar's in the upper echelon of producers.
Fabiana Palladino - Shimmer
Single | Listen
A near-total unknown, and the elusive Paul Institute wouldn't have it any other way. In Fabiana Palladino's world, nothing in music exists past the pristine SynthPop established in the mid-80's, and 'Shimmer's' primary goal is to prove that. Her voice oozes romantic lust and unrequited love, matched only by the extraordinary production handled by Jai and A.K. Paul that soars through all avenues of SynthPop and New Wave, appreciating the genre for what it is, rather than what it's not.
__________________________________________________________A near-total unknown, and the elusive Paul Institute wouldn't have it any other way. In Fabiana Palladino's world, nothing in music exists past the pristine SynthPop established in the mid-80's, and 'Shimmer's' primary goal is to prove that. Her voice oozes romantic lust and unrequited love, matched only by the extraordinary production handled by Jai and A.K. Paul that soars through all avenues of SynthPop and New Wave, appreciating the genre for what it is, rather than what it's not.
Gorillaz - Souk Eye
The Now Now | Listen
Gorillaz's past two projects - Humanz and The Now Now - were both entertaining and distinctive, but by and large lacked Albarn's iconic flair. 'Souk Eye,' the effervescent finale to the latter, reignited the wanderlust that's been missing since 2010's Plastic Beach. On it, Albarn sways in harmony with tropical acoustics, contemplating the lifestyle's he's currently subjected to. By 'Souk Eye's' climax, where a flurry of synth-based instrumentation circles the longing Albarn, Gorillaz's past and present unite hand-in-hand.
__________________________________________________________Gorillaz's past two projects - Humanz and The Now Now - were both entertaining and distinctive, but by and large lacked Albarn's iconic flair. 'Souk Eye,' the effervescent finale to the latter, reignited the wanderlust that's been missing since 2010's Plastic Beach. On it, Albarn sways in harmony with tropical acoustics, contemplating the lifestyle's he's currently subjected to. By 'Souk Eye's' climax, where a flurry of synth-based instrumentation circles the longing Albarn, Gorillaz's past and present unite hand-in-hand.
Kero Kero Bonito - Only Acting
Time 'n' Place | Listen
Before Kero Kero Bonito signed with Polyvinyl, thus cementing themselves as Indie's latest Pop darling, the quirky mannerisms of the three Anime-obsessed Brits were on full display with 'Only Acting.' Split between minimal drum kits, unwired Garage Rock, and discordant Noise, 'Only Acting's' greatest success lies in the unification of all with the common goal of Pop in mind. Sarah Perry's kawaii vocals compliment the extreme blitzkrieg of sound like the Powerpuff Girls fighting crime.
__________________________________________________________Before Kero Kero Bonito signed with Polyvinyl, thus cementing themselves as Indie's latest Pop darling, the quirky mannerisms of the three Anime-obsessed Brits were on full display with 'Only Acting.' Split between minimal drum kits, unwired Garage Rock, and discordant Noise, 'Only Acting's' greatest success lies in the unification of all with the common goal of Pop in mind. Sarah Perry's kawaii vocals compliment the extreme blitzkrieg of sound like the Powerpuff Girls fighting crime.
of Montreal - If You Talk To Symbol / Hostility Voyeur
White Is Relic / Irrealis Mood | Listen
Every song on of Montreal's 15th studio LP White Is Relic / Irrealis Mood is epic, and that is by design. It was filled with vast soundscapes that revamp the Trance era for Kevin Barnes' quirky and queer underworld, but none more exhaustive than 'If You Talk To Symbol / Hostility Voyeur.' An entire album's worth of ideas compressed into eight motley minutes, bouncing through the highs of relational ecstasy before crashing into the lulls of postmortem serenity.
__________________________________________________________Every song on of Montreal's 15th studio LP White Is Relic / Irrealis Mood is epic, and that is by design. It was filled with vast soundscapes that revamp the Trance era for Kevin Barnes' quirky and queer underworld, but none more exhaustive than 'If You Talk To Symbol / Hostility Voyeur.' An entire album's worth of ideas compressed into eight motley minutes, bouncing through the highs of relational ecstasy before crashing into the lulls of postmortem serenity.
Frank Ocean - Moon River
Single | Listen
Centuries fuse on Frank Ocean's sensational rendition of 'Moon River.' Formerly an Academy and Grammy-award winning song performed by Audrey Hepburn, if there's one artist who could successfully - and reverentially - repurpose 'Moon River' for the 21st century it's Ocean. With slight, chipmunk autotune, sodden guitars, and flawless multi-layering, the minimalistic ballad burgeons with tearful emotion. A staggering feat to achieve in three minutes.
__________________________________________________________Centuries fuse on Frank Ocean's sensational rendition of 'Moon River.' Formerly an Academy and Grammy-award winning song performed by Audrey Hepburn, if there's one artist who could successfully - and reverentially - repurpose 'Moon River' for the 21st century it's Ocean. With slight, chipmunk autotune, sodden guitars, and flawless multi-layering, the minimalistic ballad burgeons with tearful emotion. A staggering feat to achieve in three minutes.
Big Blood - Olamina (For Octavia Butler)
Operate Spaceship Earth Properly | Listen
Big Blood comes from the heart. Their music has always corroborated the familial bond, adjusting their unrestrictive Folk accordingly. However, with daughter Quinnisa in tow, Big Blood officially took to the land of Experimental Rock, best seen on the daunting 'Olamina.' Another unforgettable performance emerges from Colleen Kinsella, with that piercing falsetto unraveling a tragic tale from an unexplainable Sci-Fi world.
__________________________________________________________Big Blood comes from the heart. Their music has always corroborated the familial bond, adjusting their unrestrictive Folk accordingly. However, with daughter Quinnisa in tow, Big Blood officially took to the land of Experimental Rock, best seen on the daunting 'Olamina.' Another unforgettable performance emerges from Colleen Kinsella, with that piercing falsetto unraveling a tragic tale from an unexplainable Sci-Fi world.
Let's Eat Grandma - Donnie Darko
I'm All Ears | Listen
With I'm All Ears, the duo behind Let's Eat Grandma rejuvenated the exhausted genre of Synthpop with vigorous multifaceted efforts, none more divergent than the eleven-minute finale 'Donnie Darko.' In it, progressive synth stabs, melancholy keyboards, thick guitars, and heavy British vocals form a cohesive picture from the mess of puzzle pieces. It's structurally genius, with branching paths that effectively showcase every facet of Synthpop that its sorely forgotten.
__________________________________________________________With I'm All Ears, the duo behind Let's Eat Grandma rejuvenated the exhausted genre of Synthpop with vigorous multifaceted efforts, none more divergent than the eleven-minute finale 'Donnie Darko.' In it, progressive synth stabs, melancholy keyboards, thick guitars, and heavy British vocals form a cohesive picture from the mess of puzzle pieces. It's structurally genius, with branching paths that effectively showcase every facet of Synthpop that its sorely forgotten.
Beach House - Woo
7 | Listen
On the surface, 'Woo' doesn't stray far from Beach House's since-perfected Dream Pop. Alongside 'Drunk In LA,' it's 7's most bourgeois cut, adhering to the group's salacious, empyreal principles to a tee. But there's caveats to that description, namely where 'Woo' draws its moniker. Whooping hollers of "woo," along with other background vocal sampling, help elucidate the song's noted identity, breathing reinvigorated life into tired cliches.
__________________________________________________________On the surface, 'Woo' doesn't stray far from Beach House's since-perfected Dream Pop. Alongside 'Drunk In LA,' it's 7's most bourgeois cut, adhering to the group's salacious, empyreal principles to a tee. But there's caveats to that description, namely where 'Woo' draws its moniker. Whooping hollers of "woo," along with other background vocal sampling, help elucidate the song's noted identity, breathing reinvigorated life into tired cliches.
Kamasi Washington - Testify
Heaven & Earth | Listen
At times, Kamasi Washington's Heaven & Earth was a slog of repeated ideas coupled with draggy instrumentation. As was evident precariously through The Epic, that depiction doesn't substantiate when a vocalist arrives. On 'Testify,' Patrice Quinn is that vocalist, acting as sole uniter to the harmonies nimbly tip-toeing behind her. Here, the terse structure does all parties involved wonders. None better than Quinn though, who embarks on a transcendent quest of love.
__________________________________________________________At times, Kamasi Washington's Heaven & Earth was a slog of repeated ideas coupled with draggy instrumentation. As was evident precariously through The Epic, that depiction doesn't substantiate when a vocalist arrives. On 'Testify,' Patrice Quinn is that vocalist, acting as sole uniter to the harmonies nimbly tip-toeing behind her. Here, the terse structure does all parties involved wonders. None better than Quinn though, who embarks on a transcendent quest of love.
Daughters - City Song
You Won't Get What You Want | Listen
Daughters' formidable return You Won't Get What You Want begins with the unmistakable sound of a door being knocked repeatedly out of desperation. By album's end, that decision becomes justified with Alexis Marshall's frantic screams ("I'm knocking and knocking, let me in!") on 'Guest House.' But that's not all that lingers on 'City Song.' In fact, that's only the beginning to Daughters' demented carnival. Shrieking shards of glass lacerate pummeling drums and Marshall's dejected spoken word, making 'City Song's' grand finale one of the more visceral of 2018.
__________________________________________________________Daughters' formidable return You Won't Get What You Want begins with the unmistakable sound of a door being knocked repeatedly out of desperation. By album's end, that decision becomes justified with Alexis Marshall's frantic screams ("I'm knocking and knocking, let me in!") on 'Guest House.' But that's not all that lingers on 'City Song.' In fact, that's only the beginning to Daughters' demented carnival. Shrieking shards of glass lacerate pummeling drums and Marshall's dejected spoken word, making 'City Song's' grand finale one of the more visceral of 2018.
Anna von Hausswolff - The Mysterious Vanishing Of Electra
Dead Magic | Listen
Certain emotions are hard to gauge audibly, one of those being fear. In the human spectrum, fear comes visually with the amplified assistance from sound. But alone, it's difficult to cause goosebumps. Even harder when vocals are involved. Anna von Hausswolff doesn't care for that, as 'The Mysterious Vanishing Of Electra' is a haunting exhibition of a deranged woodland witch caught during a mental collapse. Fierce, brooding, and claustrophobic, von Hausswolff's performance is wholly otherworldly.
__________________________________________________________Certain emotions are hard to gauge audibly, one of those being fear. In the human spectrum, fear comes visually with the amplified assistance from sound. But alone, it's difficult to cause goosebumps. Even harder when vocals are involved. Anna von Hausswolff doesn't care for that, as 'The Mysterious Vanishing Of Electra' is a haunting exhibition of a deranged woodland witch caught during a mental collapse. Fierce, brooding, and claustrophobic, von Hausswolff's performance is wholly otherworldly.
JPEGMAFIA - Rock N Roll Is Dead
Veteran | Listen
Sure, there's more provocative songs on Veteran (the thrilling gargle of Ol' Dirty Bastard on 'Real Nega' anyone?), but none provide a compendious explanation of JPEGMAFIA's quirky and unsettled world greater than 'Rock N Roll Is Dead.' Aggressive, belligerent, and downright cruel, Peggy's combative lyrics - and startling R&B crossover - are only heightened by the disorienting synthscapes that convulse around him. Nearing the unsteady Glitch of Arca, 'Rock N Roll Is Dead' stuns and suffocates.
__________________________________________________________Sure, there's more provocative songs on Veteran (the thrilling gargle of Ol' Dirty Bastard on 'Real Nega' anyone?), but none provide a compendious explanation of JPEGMAFIA's quirky and unsettled world greater than 'Rock N Roll Is Dead.' Aggressive, belligerent, and downright cruel, Peggy's combative lyrics - and startling R&B crossover - are only heightened by the disorienting synthscapes that convulse around him. Nearing the unsteady Glitch of Arca, 'Rock N Roll Is Dead' stuns and suffocates.
Superorganism - Everybody Wants To Be Famous
Superorganism | Listen
Many, even those accustomed to the Indie scene's nonconformity, scoffed Superorganism's exposé on excessive quirkiness. On 'Everybody Wants To Be Famous' however, their eccentricity inadvertently presented a mockery on the desperation of achieving modern fame. The single - an inescapably-catchy hit - relies on attention-grabbing sounds like flashbulbs and cha-chings, all the while introverted lead Orono derides showmanship with reticent modesty. The irony existing that in her lack of loquacity, she herself steals the show.
__________________________________________________________Many, even those accustomed to the Indie scene's nonconformity, scoffed Superorganism's exposé on excessive quirkiness. On 'Everybody Wants To Be Famous' however, their eccentricity inadvertently presented a mockery on the desperation of achieving modern fame. The single - an inescapably-catchy hit - relies on attention-grabbing sounds like flashbulbs and cha-chings, all the while introverted lead Orono derides showmanship with reticent modesty. The irony existing that in her lack of loquacity, she herself steals the show.
Car Seat Headrest - Beach Life-In-Death
Twin Fantasy | Listen
Car Seat Headrest's anthemic epic 'Beach Life-In-Death' was an especially intimate experience in 2011, when Will Toledo's distance to the unrequited love unspooling across the 12-minutes was minimal. 2018 however, the focus lies in the representation of emotion through the ceaseless production. Each dotting passage is larger than the last, although I'm still vexed that the final Electronic freakout is noticeably absent.
__________________________________________________________Car Seat Headrest's anthemic epic 'Beach Life-In-Death' was an especially intimate experience in 2011, when Will Toledo's distance to the unrequited love unspooling across the 12-minutes was minimal. 2018 however, the focus lies in the representation of emotion through the ceaseless production. Each dotting passage is larger than the last, although I'm still vexed that the final Electronic freakout is noticeably absent.
Saba - PROM / KING
Care For Me | Listen
Hip-Hop's original intent was to be a vessel for storytelling conventional singing couldn't accomplish in detail. In recent years, with obvious exclusions like Kendrick Lamar or Daveed Diggs, that aim has been lost. Which makes tracks like 'PROM / KING' gain notable stature. A two-part, nearly eight-minute behemoth, 'PROM / KING' unravels a hypervigilant tale of life and death surrounding Saba's friend, cousin, and co-worker John Walt. Unfolding with fluid precision and theatrical upheaval, the track bears resemblance to any take off Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city, a lofty comparison that holds ample weight.
__________________________________________________________Hip-Hop's original intent was to be a vessel for storytelling conventional singing couldn't accomplish in detail. In recent years, with obvious exclusions like Kendrick Lamar or Daveed Diggs, that aim has been lost. Which makes tracks like 'PROM / KING' gain notable stature. A two-part, nearly eight-minute behemoth, 'PROM / KING' unravels a hypervigilant tale of life and death surrounding Saba's friend, cousin, and co-worker John Walt. Unfolding with fluid precision and theatrical upheaval, the track bears resemblance to any take off Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city, a lofty comparison that holds ample weight.
Deafheaven - Canary Yellow
Ordinary Corrupt Human Love | Listen
From Black Metal grunts with a subtle knack for compassion to Indie darlings embracing their discriminatory exile, Deafheaven's metamorphosis reached its zenith on the twelve-minute epic 'Canary Yellow.' With a patience for atmospherics and benevolent choir send-off that would've been mocked in previous genres, 'Canary Yellow' featured the breadth of Deafheaven's capacity for acceptance. Their lush guitars recall opaque Dream Pop while their raucous claustrophobia acts as a direct combatant, forming a fluid portrait that's simultaneously rising to the heavens as it sinks to hell.
__________________________________________________________From Black Metal grunts with a subtle knack for compassion to Indie darlings embracing their discriminatory exile, Deafheaven's metamorphosis reached its zenith on the twelve-minute epic 'Canary Yellow.' With a patience for atmospherics and benevolent choir send-off that would've been mocked in previous genres, 'Canary Yellow' featured the breadth of Deafheaven's capacity for acceptance. Their lush guitars recall opaque Dream Pop while their raucous claustrophobia acts as a direct combatant, forming a fluid portrait that's simultaneously rising to the heavens as it sinks to hell.
Suuns - Make It Real
Felt | Listen
Replace Radiohead's ever-present paranoia with assured relief and you have Suuns' 'Make It Real,' a frolicking Experimental Rock groove that captures Ben Shemie reasoning with a mirrored being over "this feeling." As music lovers, we know enough about this indescribable sensation. By track's end, as spellbound synths flutter overhead, Shemie's pure plea to "make it real" not only spells out the song's topic, but relates heavily to those wishing for emotional stability.
__________________________________________________________Replace Radiohead's ever-present paranoia with assured relief and you have Suuns' 'Make It Real,' a frolicking Experimental Rock groove that captures Ben Shemie reasoning with a mirrored being over "this feeling." As music lovers, we know enough about this indescribable sensation. By track's end, as spellbound synths flutter overhead, Shemie's pure plea to "make it real" not only spells out the song's topic, but relates heavily to those wishing for emotional stability.
100-51 | 20-1 | Top 50 Albums
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