Essentials
MARCH ESSENTIALS - 2013
Suuns - Images du Futur, Secretly Canadian
Montreal’s Suuns continue to pump out great post-punk jams with an electronic and psychedelic influences on their newest record Images du Futur. Filled with as many dreary moments as upbeat and catchy ones, this will likely remain one of the most eclectic and engaging listens of 2013.
Read my full review of the album HERE
Listen to “Edie’s Dream” HERE
KEN Mode - Entrench, Season of Mist
KEN Mode continue to be one of the most uncompromising forces in hardcore and metal today, and Entrench stands as one of their loudest statements yet. Considering all of this noise is coming from three guys, it’s easily one of the best records of 2013 thus far.
Read my full review of the album HERE
Listen to “The Promises Of God” HERE
DJ Koze - Amygdala, Pampa
I can’t say I know a whole lot about Stefan Kozella, but what I can say is that every track on his newest effort Amygdala has a unique and often subtle beauty to it. With features from other great producers like Caribou’s Dan Snaith, Apparat’s Sascha Ring and Matthew Dear, it has a lot to offer. So, throw this puppy on a get lost in a wash of some unique and colourful deep-house waves.
Listen to “Track ID Anyone?” HERE
Lapalux - Nostalchic, Brainfeeder
Nostalchic is Brainfeeder stalwart Stewart Howard’s first official full length, and while it still incorporates a fair amount of influences in electronic music it is still completely beautiful and engaging. With the vocal parts of the record being split between sampled and live vocals, as well as the copious amounts of synths used, it really shows Howard’s skill for song-craft.
Listen to “Without You ft. Kerry Leatham” HERE
NAILS - Abandon All Life, Southern Lord
Abandon All Life is likely the longest NAILS record that we’ll ever witness, because this band is about getting straight to the point with their songs. Filled with skuzzy distortion, pounding blast beats and menacing screams, Kurt Ballou has helped to create one of the densest injections of Thrash I’ve heard in a while.
Listen to “God’s Cold Hands” HERE
Rheteric Ramirez - Dear Diary, Hellfyre Club
Rheteric Ramirez has come into his own with this new collection of tracks available through Hellfyre Club. His poetic nuances tie with a wide range of beats to bring some of the most enjoyable hip hop of 2013. While it’s a little short, it only goes to show how much of a mark Ramirez can make in such little time.
Listen to “Dear Diary” HERE
EP’s:
Shlohmo - Laid Out, Friends of Friends
Henry Laufer, the man behind Shlohmo continues to be one of the most unique presences in electronic music with this new collection of tracks. From the hauntingly beautiful collaboration with How To Dress Well’s Tom Krell to the vocal sample driven highlight “Later”, each song on this EP hits like a ton of bricks.
Listen to “Later” HERE
Chvrches - Recover, Glassnote
Scotland 3-piece Chvrches are another group that prove just how great retro synths can sound when tied to pop music. Though Recover is only 3 songs, each have an undeniable beauty to them. Go ahead, try listening to “Recover” without it getting trapped in your head.
Listen to “Recover” HERE
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Men - New Moon, Sacred Bones
Listen to “Electric” HERE
Blue Hawaii - Untogether, Arbutus
Listen to “Try to Be” HERE
Youth Lagoon - Wondrous Bughouse, Fat Possum
Listen to “Dropla” HERE
Read my full review of the album HERE
FEBRUARY ESSENTIALS - 2013
Grouper - The Man Who Died In His Boat, Kranky
Liz Harris has returned with another phenominal record that utilizes acoustic ambience to evoke moments of disconnect and isolation. It’s subtle and straighforward at the same time, and Harris’ voice takes the record to a whole new level. Anyone looking for music to relax or daydream to, pick this thing up right now.
Listen to “Towers” HERE
Read a full review written by Phil Maye HERE
My Bloody Valentine - mbv, Self-Released
After 22 years, Kevin Shields returns with a bang and shows us that sometimes music is well worth the wait. The record is hazier and more subtle than their previous efforts, but still stands as a strong and beautiful homage to the groups past. Effects are lathered on every surface within this record, and it sounds freakin’ amazing.
Listen to “Only Tomorrow” HERE
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II, JAGJAGUWAR
Portland’s own Unknown Mortal Orchestra come off the strong reception of their first LP with their second conveiniently titled “II”. By focusing more on lo-fi production values as well as some influence from psych rock, this record is bouncy and fun, something that soundtracks the transition into spring perfectly.
Listen to “So Good At Being In Trouble” HERE
Read my full review of the record HERE
Iceage - You’re Nothing, Matador
Iceage is a force to be reckoned with. They fit under the label of “punk”, but thats not all you’re going to get out of this group. You’re Nothing is a testament to the ever changing styles of music and is brought together through agressive and angry themes. If you’re looking for punk that doesn’t directly appeal punk lovers of the past this thing is right up your alley.
Listen to “Ecstasy” HERE
Read my full review of the record HERE
Baptists - Bushcraft, Southern Lord
Baptists are 4-piece onslaught from the west coast of Canada, and their newest effort Bushcraft seeks to do away with the distractions and cloudedness of urban life and return to life in the forest among the elements. By tying these themes to fast, agressive and powerful songs in the vein of crust punk and powerviolence, it makes for a very compelling listen.
Listen to the single “Think Tank Breed” HERE
Check out an interview I did with the drummer Nick Yacyshyn HERE
The Underachievers - Indigoism, Brainfeeder
Hailing from Flatbush, NY, The Underchievers are a new, but undeniably talented duo of MC’s that love to rap about psychedelics, their roots and supernatural or spiritual underpinnings. Aside from the refreshing change of subject matter they work alongside a plethera of beats and manage to work their flow over each one differently. It’s a solid listen from a group that likely has a long future ahead of them.
Listen to “The Mahdi” HERE
Download the mixtape for free HERE
EP’s
Greys - Drift, Kind of Like Records
Strong riffs, think tones and an energy thats hard to match are what make Greys a group to keep your eye on. Their newest effort Drift is only 3 tracks long but is packed with such a punch that you won’t easily forget it. Any fans of loud/noise rock should check this thing out for sure.
Listen to “Carjack” HERE
Check out an interview done by Phil Maye HERE
Giles Corey - Hinterkaifeck, Enemies List Home Recordings
Giles Corey has released another soft and sullen collection of dark, acousticly driven songs that are incredibly easy to lose yourself within. With his previous efforts being fueled by suicide and isolation, its still present on Hinterkaifeck but in a new light.
Listen to the EP HERE
MIXTAPES:
ANTWON - In Dark Denim, Greedhead
Download the tape for free HERE
Giraffage - Needs, Alpha Pup
Download the tape for free HERE
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Guards - In Guards We Trust, Windish Agency or Black Bell Records
Listen to “Silver Lining” HERE
Read my full review of the record HERE
Foals - Holy Fire, Warner Bros or Transgressive
Listen to “My Number” HERE
Read my full review of the record HERE
Apparat - Krieg Und Frieden, Mute
Listen to “A Violent Sky” HERE
JANUARY ESSENTIALS - 2013
Nosaj Thing - Home, Innovative Leisure
LA’s Patrick Chung has taken the past few years to carefully craft this sophomore release, and the results are an engaging and interesting record. With more focus on production techniques and beats, Home is a great record to waste time to.
Read my full review of the record HERE
Listen to “Eclipse/Blue” HERE
Emancipator - Dusk to Dawn, Loci Records
On his third full length, Doug Appling brings together another really strong collection of instrumentals. The awesome part being that they are all actual recorded instruments, something that we’re seeing increasingly less of among instrumental artists today.
Listen to “Minor Cause” HERE
Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic, JAGJAGUWAR
“21st Century” houses influences from classic rock to glam-rock to psych-rock, and it works oh-so well. If you want a collection of tracks that remind you of the great music of the past while still sounding current, these are for you.
Read my full review of the record HERE
Listen to “San Francisco” HERE
Local Natives - Hummingbird, Frenchkiss Records
By taking a more contemporary stance with the writing on this record, Hummingbird shows how Local Natives have matured their sound in the past couple years. Its a strong collection of well written, engaging tracks, and some of the strongest the band has written yet.
Read my full review of the record HERE
Listen to “Breakers” HERE
Ducktails - The Flower Lane, Domino Records
Real Estate’s Matt Monadile enlists the help of various musicians on his newest effor, from indie-rockers Big Troubles to Daniel Lopatin to Cults’ Madeline Follie. The result is a gentle collection of memorable surf rock jams.
Listen to “Letter of Intent” HERE
EP’s:
Milo - Things That Happen At Night/At Day, Hellfyre Records
Milo is easily one of the most unique and necessary voices in hip-hop today, and these two EP’s perfectly display not only his technical ability and dense vocabulary, but his skill as a artist.
Listen to the EP’s HERE
Gold Panda - Trust, Ghostly International
Gold Panda’s latest collection of songs may not draw from as many influences as his debut Lucky Shiner did, but it is still a very enjoyable collection of deep and engaging electronic tracks.
Listen to “Trust” HERE
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
FIDLAR - FIDLAR, Dine Alone Records
Read my full review of the record HERE
Listen to “Cheap Beer” HERE
High Highs - Open Season, ITunes
Listen to “In A Dream” HERE
NOVEMBER ESSENTIALS - 2012
Crystal Castles - III, Universal Music
Toronto’s Crystal Castles have come through with one of the shortest, but most solid releases yet. By stripping down their sound, and focusing on darker lyrical themes these stand as some of the duos more creative tracks, and definitely warrant a listen.
Listen to the single “Wrath of God” HERE
Holly Herndon - Movement, RVNG Intl.
By use of some of the most creative electronic production techniques yet, Holly Herndon has made one of the most intricate and subversive releases of 2012. Movement is a mix between experimental ambient numbers and forward-thinking dub tracks, not like anything else I’ve heard in 2012.
Read my full review HERE
Listen to the single “Movement” HERE
Flume - Flume, Future Classic
The young Australian producer Harley Streton’s debut stands as a bold statement through the use of powerful vocal samples, strong beats and smooth production. It’s a great start to what’s likely going to be a very successful career for the producer.
Listen to the single “Sleepless” HERE
Heems - Wild Water Kingdom, Self-Released/Greedhead
Das Racist member Heems comes through with another solid solo release after his Nehru Jackets offering from earlier this year. With more diverse production and some new collaborations with Childish Gambino among others Heems continues to kill the free mixtape game.
Read my full review & download the mixtape HERE
Action Bronson - Rare Chandeliers, Vice (Download it HERE)
Action Bronson and The Alchemist are a match made in heaven. Even though one is from Queens and the other from L.A., Rare Chandeliers prove that where you came from has nothing to do with how you work together. Filled with amazing and infectious beats plus Action Bronson’s ever improving flow, this is another free mixtape that you shouldn’t pass up.
Read my full review & download the mixtape HERE
Captain Murphy - Du∆lity, Self-Released (download it HERE)
Flying Lotus, who recently outed himself as the myterious figure, Captain Murphy, has been one of the more interesting mysteries in music this year. Since Flying Lotus released his third studio effort last month (which was an essential), he was one of the least suspected people. Either way, Fly-Lo proves through some great production and interesting flow and delivery that he is more of a powerhouse that previously imaginable.
Grab the mixtape for free HERE
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Raint Milo - Limey EP
Tim Hecker & Daniel Lopatin - Instrumental Tourist
Sufjan Stevens - Silver and Gold (time to start pumping that X-mas music!)
OCTOBER ESSENTIALS - 2012
Flying Lotus - Until the Quiet Comes
Flying Lotus comes through with another very solid full length effort. With much more lush, dreamy soundscapes along with some louder and glitchier bangers, Fly-Lo has once again proven why he is a top gun in producing electronic music.
Listen to the song “Putty Boy Strut” HERE
Metz - Metz
This Toronto trio continue to display their strengths on their major label, self-titled debut. With loud, punchy guitars and rhythms and awesome production, this is a must listen for this month.
Listen to the track “Wet Blanket” HERE
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, m.A.A.d City
Kendrick’s major label debut is one of the best rap narratives to be told in some time. I did a full review of the record HERE. It’s great, you should listen to it if you haven’t already.
Listen to the track “Backseat Freestyle” HERE (poor quality video)
Tame Impala - Lonerism
Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind Australia’s Tame Impala has put together his most solid collection of track yet for Lonerism. With upbeat psych-rock jams and slower emotional cuts too, this album captures the heart from start to finish.
Listen to the track “Apocalypse Dreams” HERE
Andy Stott - Luxury Problems
This is Andy’s most sonically diverse record so far, and features a slew of samples from his childhood piano teacher on top of his dense and atmospheric textures. A full review can be found HERE. A must get for lovers of ambient music and beat music.
Listen to the song “Numb” HERE
Death Grips - NO LOVE DEEP WEB
Death Grips decided to strip all the bright and poppy samples and sounds off their previous 2012 realease The Money Store and stick to the raw, hard-hitting basics. It makes for a strong statement on NO LOVE DEEP WEB, not to mention the amount of shit the group is now facing. Who needs a major label? If there is any group that can survive without one it would be Death Grips. They might get sued for this album too, thats just too badass.
Listen to the track “World of Dogs” HERE
datacat - 9DOORS
Though it was released on the last day of October, this album holds a punch that takes only one listen to realize its originality. Jam packed with 8-bit sampling, dissonance and incredibly powerful beats, this is easily one of the more interesting listens of 2012. Any fans of loud and abrasive electro beats with a hint of rap (yeah, there’s some rapping on a few tracks here) should check this puppy out. Very interesting stuff.
Stream the album in full/download for free HERE
EP’s
Kyson - Blackstone EP
A great little collection of beat music filled with gentle grooves, beautiful melodies and gentle vocals. Definitely gets me excited for any future releases from the Berlin-based artist.
Listen to the single “Ocean Tides"and others off the album HERE
Angel Haze - Classick mixtape
Angel Haze proves how original you can sound, even on a collection of tracks with pretty much NO original production on it. With ferocious and limitless flow and an attitude that can only be compared to bad-asses like Azealia Banks, Angel is going to make it far in no time. Just you wait.
Listen to the single “Gossip Folks” HERE
Honorable Mentions:
Smoke DZA - K.O.N.Y
Converge - All We Love We Leave Behind
Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams
SEPTEMBER ESSENTIALS - 2012
Levek - Look A Little Closer, Lefse
How To Dress Well - Total Loss, Acephale
The Gaslamp Killer - Breakthrough, Brainfeeder
Grizzly Bear - Shields, Warp
Animal Collective - Centipede Hz, Domino
Freddie Gibbs - Baby Face Killa, Free @ Datpiff
Honorable Mentions:
Joey Bada$$ - Rejex
King Krule - Rock Bottom
Mount Eerie - Ocean Roar
Thee Oh Sees - Putrifier
AUGUST ESSENTIALS - 2012
Groundislava - Feel Me
Holy Other - Held
Wild Nothing - Nocturne
Four Tet - Pink
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - Mature Themes
Matthew Dear - Beams
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Swans - The Seer
Jessie Ware - Devotion
Yeasayer - Fragrant World
JULY ESSENTIALS - 2012
Aesop Rock - Skelethon
Purity Ring - Shrines
TNGHT - TNGHT
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Delicate Steve - Positive Force
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Com Truise - In Decay
The-Drum - Sense Net EP
Fang Island - Major
JUNE ESSENTIALS - 2012
Peaking Lights - Lucifer
Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel…
Japandroids - Celebration Rock
d'Eon - LP
Ty Segall Band - Slaughterhouse
Liars - WIXIW
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Big K.R.I.T - Live From the Underground
Fantastic Mr. Fox - San'en EP
Disclosure - The Face EP
MAY ESSENTIALS - 2012
The Walkmen - Heaven
Here We Go Magic - A Different Ship
Killer Mike - R.A.P Music
Sigur Ros - Valtari
Alunageorge - You Know You Like It
El-P - Cancer for Cure
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
White Lung - Sorry
Ab-Soul - Control System
Lower Dens - Nootropics
Mount Eerie - Clear Moon
APRIL ESSENTIALS - 2012
CFCF - Exercises
Death Grips - The Money Store
Torche - Harmonicraft
High On Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis
BADBADNOTGOOD - BBNG2
Spiritualized - Sweet Heart, Sweet Light
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Suckers - Candy Salad
Willis Earl Beal - Acousmatic Sorcery
M. Ward - A Wasteland Companion
MARCH ESSENTIALS - 2012
The Men - Open Your Heart (Sacred Bones)
Julia Holter - Ekstasis (RVNG Intl)
Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips (Self Released)
THEESatisfaction - awE naturalE (Sub Pop)
Daniel Rossen - Silent Hour/Golden Mile (Warp)
Exalt - Breach False Minds (Feast or Famine)
Elephant & Castle - Transitions (Plug Research)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Ceremony - Zoo (Matador)
Pond - Beard. Wives. Denim. (Modular)
Kindness - World You Need A Change Of Mind (Terrible, Polydor)
Big K.R.I.T. - 4Eva N A Day (Cinematic)
The Shins - Port of Morrow (Columbia, Aural Apothecary)
The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet (Warner Bros.)
FEBRUARY ESSENTIALS - 2012
Sharon Van Etten - Tramp
Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It
Evian Christ - Kings and Them
Burial - Kindred
John Talabot - Fin
The Caretaker - Patience (After Sebald)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Air - Le Voyage Dans La Lune
Soap&Skin - Narrow
Lambchop - Mr. M
JANUARY ESSENTIALS - 2012
Grimes - Visions (Arbutus Records)
Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory (Carpark Records)
Gonjasufi - Mu.zz.le (Warp Records)
Schoolboy Q - Habits and Contradictions (Top Dawg Entertainment)
Himanshu - Nehru Jackets (Greedhead Entertainment, SEVA NY)
Pop. 1280 - The Horror (Sacred Bones Records)
Loma Prieta - I.V. (Deathwish Inc.)
I assure you, at least one of these albums will tickle your fancy.
Other Recommendations:
Porcelain Raft - Strange Weekend (Secretly Canadian)
MondreM.A.N - M A N (Crash Symbols) (one half of Main Attraktionz)
Trailer Trash Tracys - Ester (Domino Records)
NOVEMBER ESSENTIALS - 2011
King Krule - King Krule, True Panther
King Krule- Portrait In Black and Blue by truepanther
Owen - Ghost Town, Polyvinyl
Owen - The Armoire by the beat farm
Caveman - CoCo Beware, Magic Man!
Caveman - Decide by GirlieActionInge
ASAP Rocky - LiveLoveA$AP Mixtape
ASAP Rocky - Trilla Feat ASAP Twelvy ASAP Nast by eslimjg
Kurt Vile - So Outta Reach, Matador
Kurt Vile - The Creature by rockfeedback
Nicolas Jaar - Don’t Break My Love EP, Clown + Sunset
Don’t Break My Love - Nicolas Jaar by Monrose
Other Recommendations:
Danny Brown & Black Milk - Black and Brown
Korallreven - An Album by Korallreven
Cass McCombs - Humor Risk
Atlas Sound - Parallax
Crystal Stilts - Radiant Door
High Highs - High Highs EP
OCTOBER ESSENTIALS - 2011
Rustie - Glass Swords, Warp Records
Water Borders - Harbored Mantras, Tri Angle Records
Zola Jesus - Conatus, Sacred Bones Records
M83 - Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming , Mute Records (US)
Massive Attack vs. Burial - Four Walls/Paradise Circus, The Vinyl Factory
Kuedo - Severant, Planet Mu
Gonjasufi - The Ninth Inning, grab it HERE
OTHER WORTHY LISTENS:
Future Islands - On the Water
Civil Civic - Rules
Big Troubles - Romantic Comedy (came out late Sept)
SEPTEMBER ESSENTIALS - 2011
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Neon Indian - Era Extrana
Das Racist - Relax
Mikal Cronin - Mikal Cronin
Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation
Apparat - The Devil’s Walk
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Mastodon - The Hunter
Elite Gymnastics - RUIN
Wavves - Life Sux EP
AUGUST ESSENTIALS - 2011
Oddisee - Rock Creek Park
Danny Brown - XXX
The War on Drugs - Slave Ambient
Newvillager - Newvillager
Thundercat - The Golden Age of Apocalypse
Balam Acab - Wander/Wonder
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Hudson Mohawke - Satin Panthers
Active Child - You Are All I See
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Lenses Alien
JULY ESSENTIALS - 2011
Kendrick Lamar - Section.80
Clams Casino - Ranforest EP
Washed Out - Within and Without
Pictureplane - Thee Physical
Little Dragon - Ritual Union
JUNE ESSENTIALS - 2011
SBTRKT - SBTRKT
Iceage - New Brigade
Com Truise - Galactic Melt
Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
WU LYF - Go Tell Fire to the Mountain
Black Lips - Arabia Mountain
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Caretaker - An Empty Bliss Beyond This World
Ford & Lopatin - Channel Pressure
Fucked Up - David Comes to Life