Hip-Hop:
1)Danish Donuts by Isbjerg
What more can be said of the late J Dilla? He was simply an inspiration to all who heard his music. His prolific ear for music was constantly showcased by the samples he chose and his ability to contort them into great hip hop beats.
Following his predecessor's cue, Isjerg chose to rework the original samples from Dilla's final album, Donuts (2006), in order to create an homage to the master-producer. In a "choose-your-own-adventure" styled effort, the Danish producer utilizes Dilla's palette to create a work his very own. In fact, Isbjerg's endeavor succeeds so much so that many of the tracks on Danish Donuts rival Dilla's original cuts.
Bests: Piano Mash, Twisted Wonder, Hold On, Last Call for Danish, Danish
Danish Donuts (2009)
2)Mathmatics by Mos Def
Following his predecessor's cue, Isjerg chose to rework the original samples from Dilla's final album, Donuts (2006), in order to create an homage to the master-producer. In a "choose-your-own-adventure" styled effort, the Danish producer utilizes Dilla's palette to create a work his very own. In fact, Isbjerg's endeavor succeeds so much so that many of the tracks on Danish Donuts rival Dilla's original cuts.
Bests: Piano Mash, Twisted Wonder, Hold On, Last Call for Danish, Danish
Danish Donuts (2009)
2)Mathmatics by Mos Def
Do you think that the "hardcore East Coast" hip hop beats of DJ Premier would match the socially conscious flows of The Mighty Mos?
Most Definitely.
The two hip-hop stars pair up on what might be the best track from Def's critically acclaimed Black On Both Sides (1999). Throughout the song, Mos riffs on the different social challenges, advocated by governments, which serve to subjugate urban minorities. His conclusion is that a system predicated on treating people like numbers could never have sympathy for the struggles of real people...
"This is business, no faces just lines and statistics
from your phone, your zip code, to S-S-I digits
The system break man child and women into figures
Two columns for who is, and who ain't niggaz
Numbers is hardly real and they never have feelings
but you push too hard, even numbers got limits
Why did one straw break the camel's back? Here's the secret:
the million other straws underneath it - it's all mathematics"
Black On Both Sides (1999)
Indie:
1)Railroad Man By Eels
With the exponential rate of technological innovation, I think it is easy for any of us to feel like an "old railroad man". I, myself, remember using actual maps, learning with out Wikipedia, and not using Facebook as a means of prolonging inane friendships. For some of us, the nostalgia that accompanies the "simpler" life far outweighs the benefits of these new devices. E's Railroad Man shares a similar sentiment, and he too opts for the "old ways".
Blinking Lights and Other Revelations (2005)- Disc 1
Blinking Lights and Other Revelations (2005)- Disc 2
2)Brandy Alexander by Feist
Leslie Feist, with her angelic voice, cute demeanor, and effervescent personality, is impossible to dislike. "Brandy Alexander" is particularly paradigmatic of these three qualities. The song's progression from quiet, forlorn initial verses, to optimistic choruses perfectly captures the spirit of the song. When she is with her "Brandy Alexander" she transforms from the timid quiet girl into a free spirit.
The Reminder (2007)
Miscellaneous:
1) Moth Wings by Passion Pit
Just a little update: NEW PASSION PIT!!! With their forthcoming album, Manners (2009), in its final stages, Angelakos and Co. have begun to give clues as to the new sound for their first full length production. I, myself, am a fan of this new direction (as long as falsettos stay the band's M.O.), but I've gotten mixed reviews. Let me know what you think?
Moth Wings on Youtube
2)The Death of Adam by 88-Keys
For well over a decade, 88-Keys, worked behind the scenes, producing tracks for high profile hip-hop artists like Scarface, Mos Def, and Beanie Sigel. Last year, Keys decided to tell a story rife with innuendo. The Death of Adam (2008) chronicles the sexual adventures of protagonist, Adam. With the help of Phonte, Kanye (co-producer), Redman, Kid Cudi, and Bilal, 88's narrative becomes robust. Each featured MC adds their personal flavor to their particular track, giving the album a varied feel, ranging at times between R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rap. Finally, with its twist ending, this album reminds me of a sexually charged A Grand Don't Come For Free (2004).
The Death of Adam (2008)
Most Definitely.
The two hip-hop stars pair up on what might be the best track from Def's critically acclaimed Black On Both Sides (1999). Throughout the song, Mos riffs on the different social challenges, advocated by governments, which serve to subjugate urban minorities. His conclusion is that a system predicated on treating people like numbers could never have sympathy for the struggles of real people...
"This is business, no faces just lines and statistics
from your phone, your zip code, to S-S-I digits
The system break man child and women into figures
Two columns for who is, and who ain't niggaz
Numbers is hardly real and they never have feelings
but you push too hard, even numbers got limits
Why did one straw break the camel's back? Here's the secret:
the million other straws underneath it - it's all mathematics"
Black On Both Sides (1999)
Indie:
1)Railroad Man By Eels
With the exponential rate of technological innovation, I think it is easy for any of us to feel like an "old railroad man". I, myself, remember using actual maps, learning with out Wikipedia, and not using Facebook as a means of prolonging inane friendships. For some of us, the nostalgia that accompanies the "simpler" life far outweighs the benefits of these new devices. E's Railroad Man shares a similar sentiment, and he too opts for the "old ways".Blinking Lights and Other Revelations (2005)- Disc 1
Blinking Lights and Other Revelations (2005)- Disc 2
2)Brandy Alexander by Feist
Leslie Feist, with her angelic voice, cute demeanor, and effervescent personality, is impossible to dislike. "Brandy Alexander" is particularly paradigmatic of these three qualities. The song's progression from quiet, forlorn initial verses, to optimistic choruses perfectly captures the spirit of the song. When she is with her "Brandy Alexander" she transforms from the timid quiet girl into a free spirit.The Reminder (2007)
Miscellaneous:
1) Moth Wings by Passion Pit
Just a little update: NEW PASSION PIT!!! With their forthcoming album, Manners (2009), in its final stages, Angelakos and Co. have begun to give clues as to the new sound for their first full length production. I, myself, am a fan of this new direction (as long as falsettos stay the band's M.O.), but I've gotten mixed reviews. Let me know what you think?Moth Wings on Youtube
2)The Death of Adam by 88-Keys
For well over a decade, 88-Keys, worked behind the scenes, producing tracks for high profile hip-hop artists like Scarface, Mos Def, and Beanie Sigel. Last year, Keys decided to tell a story rife with innuendo. The Death of Adam (2008) chronicles the sexual adventures of protagonist, Adam. With the help of Phonte, Kanye (co-producer), Redman, Kid Cudi, and Bilal, 88's narrative becomes robust. Each featured MC adds their personal flavor to their particular track, giving the album a varied feel, ranging at times between R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rap. Finally, with its twist ending, this album reminds me of a sexually charged A Grand Don't Come For Free (2004).The Death of Adam (2008)
wouldn't have expected to find any Eels here. I like the song Blinking Lights (For Me).
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