I was missing real hip-hop when this album first dropped. I went to the store not exactly knowing what to expect, and came away pleasantly surprised. The beats were unlike anything beasties had done up to that point and was definitely not in vogue at the time, but even with all the things that the album had going against it at the time, it was still great. Some people dogged it, but it circulated well and think it will stand the test of time and be held as another great notch on the Beasties collection. If you've never heard this check it out for sure. Also check out Damian Marley and Nas' set at Camp Bisco.

Best Album

Though this isn't old enough to be considered a Classic album it is defintely the best album of the 09' year so far. Animal Collective has evolved over the course of their career from folk artist to experimental to now encompassing all of the parts of both of these while at the same time adding new elements to reinvent themselves on MPP. If your reading this blog and have yet to check this album out due so immediately. They don't tour per se but you can catch them at Lollapalooza this summer. I'll be there and I can't wait. Buzzafied has a review of the album when it came out over here on their Concert Reviews page.

Best Album

Blender's review seems to think that Cake's best work was behind them by the time this album was released but I think otherwise. To me this album is another great notch on the belt of a severely underrated band. They garnered hits from all of their albums and continue to make good catchy tunes in the style that they prefer to make them in. Though they are more of an underground band and seem to be get most of their popularity through online publications the band has what it takes to be more of a household name than they are. I still here 'The Distance' on the radio every once in a while and while it is a catchy tune, people will be more surprised at the amount of great songs hidden in deeper tracks on their albums. If you have yet to give this album a listen I suggest you do, but don't hold yourself to just this one. This is only the latest (though it came out in 2004) in a catalog full of great albums. I just happen to be in love with it at the moment. Also check out the Concert Reviews over @ my friends, Buzzafied and also the Rare Grooves @ my brother Tha Jazz Brother. Till next time.

When I first listened to this album i didn't know what to think. It was rock music but in a way that I'd never heard before. If your a new listener of Deerhunter you may find Microcastle more accessible but I find Cryptograms a more interesting album musically. If your really into music I would check it out first. Listen to it from beginning to end or else it won't translate as well. It kind of takes place in two sections, the first of which is more experimental which I found appealing. Check it out for sure and also check out their new E.P. Rainwater Cassette Exchange!

Best Albums

This is just one of those albums that you have to listen to all the way through. Most of the songs on their official debut 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' were plucked from this early set of recordings. I've listened to both a few times over and prefer the early recordings. The tone of the album is different and the less clean version of Alex Turner's vocals give the album more emotion I feel. I honestly think that if they would have released the first version to an american audience they would have been much more well received. Check them out for yourselves and while your at it check out Buzzafied.com's new update on Dex Fest 09'

Classic Albums

This is my favorite album from one of my favorite bands of all time. People bicker over which is better amongst their strong catalog of albums, but to me Yoshimi definitely shines the brightest. The live feel of the album among the early tracks and the overall sequencing of the album is perfect. Starting with 'Fight Test' and then sequencing the songs so they all run into each other all the way up until the track 'Do You Realize???', which has to be their most classic track, and one of their favorites, they close their live show with it even today. If you haven't listened to this group yet, which, if your reading this blog i don't see as possible, then you HAVE to listen to this album. If your into this type of music check out some New Songs over @ Buzzafied.com.

Best Album

Boards of Canada is the type of band that catches on over a long period of time, so by the time their into the latter part of their career, their finally regarded as one of the best bands of their time. The two Scottish brothers have been releasing content since the late 1980's but their early albums are scarce. Though they've released four albums, their debut is often regarded as their best work. 'Music Has the Right to Children' was released through Warp Records in 1998. If your not already familiar with this band, this is necessary listening.
If your interested in newer albums check out these Concert Reviews.