So Master of My Make Believe came out in the UK already (jealous) and doesn’t come out in the states till April 1st.

I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to it yet. Its the end of the semester slash upcoming finals week for me here at PSU. That means I’m stacked with studying and papering. Plus, I don’t want to stream it illegally. I’d rather wait the couple of days.

I’m urging you few readers who pay attention to this site to wait for me. Yes, I cannot commit to or fight for the love of Santi now. Give me some time for her album to officially drop here. Then I will write about how her glorious or non glorious her album is. Trust.

Peace, love and make believe. 

It’s been a great semester here at Penn State when it comes to performances. I’ve heard live music and spoken word artists, seen paintings and drawings that blew my mind and encountered several eclectic souls. And being that its my last semester here, I’ve been milking PSU for what its worth.

Some of the creamy milk that pours from this school (hmm, that sounds weird. But I wanted to stick with the milking idea) includes artists that I’ve never heard of - but want to get to know. Stumbling upon cats like Blitz the Ambassador and J. Ivy were small wonders for me. Their music and words are precious and endearing. I’m surprised and ashamed that I didn’t find or pay attention to them before. But from now own, I will keep an ear out.

(photo:allthewaylive.net)

Blitz is this awesome rapper from my homeland Ghana who reigns in my hometown Brooklyn, New York. His flow is something like dusty words on smooth jazz melodies. Everything he says is both deep and complex, totally conscious of present society and oh so lyrical and rhythmic. His band is live too - both live and “live”, as you kids say nowadays. His saxophonists are pleasantly energetic and interesting to watch. They combine dance moves with their musical abilities. His bassist is stellar on the guitar, and Blitz even had someone playing this cool ass xylophone. Every moment of that performance was sure bliss.

J. Ivy is the dope poet who was featured on Kanye’s Never Let Me Down, one of my favorite tracks from College Dropout. Not to mention, he’s a delightful Def poet. He’s a soulful individual, who’s so passionate about his words that he closes his eyes when he performs. He was loud, encompassing the whole room with his booming voice and nurturing rhymes. Everything he spit had a message behind it - whether it was about love, blind dates, abusive relationships, growing up in a broken home, or his love for his estranged father. I am moved by many spoken word artists, but he was one poet that I will always remember. 

That’s all folks. Check out these two dudes. They are pieces of musical, magical, melodic beauty. 

This is a sequel for a post on The Internet that I never wrote. Or perhaps it is a prequel - but I’m not sure if I will cover Purple Naked Ladies sans the second EP, since that came out months ago. I wish I knew their album came out in December - they would have been a great addition to my 12 music compilations post. Would you guys still cared if I wrote a post on their first EP? I’d love to, but an artist needs an audience and a writer needs a reader. Feel me?

Maybe I will jump back and forth between both pieces of music in order to express my feelings for this one. Sounds good. Lets see where life takes us. 

As you may know, or not know, I have a curiosity for this group of music-troublemakers. I dig Frank Ocean to the fullest, freaking devoured Nostalgia, Ultra. I find Tyler, The Creator to be an interesting public figure. His voice is awesome and I appreciate his weird sense of humor/sense of horror/sense of animation/sense in general. I think people take him too seriously sometimes, and get offended by his blatantness or bluntness. But I just think he’s trying to have fun and express himself. 

I find Hodgy intriguing as well. His flow is sweet despite his sometimes creepy subject matter. Then The Jet Age of Tomorrow tends to be so soulful and ethereal with their sounds. I haven’t listened to the solo projects of the other members, only their collective singles. But either way, I like them. I like The Internet the most though.

The Internet is a hybrid of Matt Martians and Syd the Kid. They’re two eclectic and interesting individuals. I know that Matt does the musicing and Syd the singing, but she engages in a bunch of producing and sound manipulation as well. She’s done tracks for Kilo Kish (another weird gem that my ears are falling for) and remixed a Little Dragon song. And a couple of solo projects as well! I’m sure she’s behind most of the instrumentals in Purple Naked Ladies as well. 

PNL was a dope dope compilation, both aesthetically and lyrically. It sounded something like a futuristic, neo-soul, funk-a-psychedelic joy ride on the moon with an array of trees and cotton candy clouds. Syd has a way of using her voice to evoke the exact message she wants us to interpolate, and Matt’s background music is just as hypnotizing and stimulating. Some publications called this album mediocre, saying that they expected much more out of these soulful crooners (cough, Pitchfork). But I believe that after coming out of a band that has so much static and media criticism weighing it down, can cause critics to automatically search for flaws when new music is produced, because there are higher expectations. If The Internet was a complete entity seperate from Tyler and Odd Future, I’m sure their album would be more widely accepted. Or perhaps not? Maybe having that affiliation with Tyler is what made people listen to them in the first place.

We will never know. 

So, they release PNL the bonus tracks, about 3 months after PNL the mother board comes out. Now personally, I felt that PNL left me waiting for more purple naked ladies. Not that I was unfulfilled - but I yearned for more music from these mysterions. Today when I logged onto Youtube, typed The Internet and found Lonely Notes, I was ecstatic. There’s nothing better than new music, especially new old music, so finding these 4 songs was precious. 

Lonely Notes features the sultry songstress Coco from Quadron. Its an upbeat track, pretty and purpley and poisonous with Coco and Syd’s interchanging lyrics, sounding something like a dancey dialogue.  Live it up is just as enticing. Syd’s voice deepens, becoming more seductive and serious. Its enjoyable nonetheless, and who can deny that drumbline?

Partners in Crime is indubitably my favorite joint of the mini-EP. It’s slow and mesmerizing, with erratic instrumental changes and her sugary smooth voice. I love this song so much because its take a romantic approach on the idea of conquering the world. All too often, partner and crime like songs are usually fast paced and demanding, with an urgency that distinguishes the described relationship as a “YOLO” kind of experience. But The Internet takes this idea and makes it inviting, captivating, sexy even. 

The song I want to break down, however, is Of It. It’s the last track off the collection, and its just as thoughtful as the title. It describes the stages of a relationship, from the excited, early months phase of love, to the abrupt downfall and finally the awkward moment of watching that person move on. Of It starts off with weighty instrumentals, lasting about 2 minutes. Its bouncy, fast and inspiring, rising and falling then rising again - similar to the joyful bliss of being in a relationship. Then, there is an abrupt pause, a break in the track, that lasts for an awkward 15 seconds. That’s just like the unexpected break up, the moment when you realize things aren’t going to work it. Its also that space in between trying to get over someone. When the song returns, Syd chimes in with a small ode to love lost and break ups. ”Once we had a love, we had a thing we were the best of friends. Now we’re at the part where we still blaze and never speak again. Next you’re gonna find someone, new, someone new end, that will be the end Of It.” 

Genius.

I hope you give these 4 tracks a listen. Seriously, its worth it. 

That wasn’t so bad, was it? 

(Really really late. This album came out last month. But I literally lost this article. I just found it on my school’s comp. Enjoy, or not.)

You can’t deny a band whose name is as straightforward and interesting as their music. Their name introduces their breath taking vocals, rugged yet vulnerable lyrics and intimidating bass and drums that reign with them.  And the fact that “skulls” is right within their name prepares you for the imminent death that their music will inflict on you. But don’t worry – it’s an agonizingly sweet, dangerously fun, guilty-pleasure filled death. A seductive suicide.

Yes, Band of Skulls does it like no other.

Band of Skulls is composed of three bad ass musicians with enough heart that you wish you could be their best friends, and enough soul that regret that you weren’t present during their recording sessions.

Emma Richardson, Russell Marsden and Matthew Hayward make up this terrific trio of magical music makers. Gracing the bass and vocals, guitar and vocals, and drums (respectively), Band of Skulls creates a sound that is both nostalgic of old rock crooning, yet futuristic, with its’ attention grabbing vocals, slick metaphors and  grimey but sometimes sultry instrumentals.

Sweet Sour is BOS’s second masterpiece, proceeding their 2009 release, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. Sweet Sour was released on Valentine’s Day, and surely enough, this bittersweet album parallels the complex vibes and mysteries of emotions that surround the holiday.

Sweet Sour is a 10 track rollercoaster, infused with male and female harmonizing and ear bursting instrumentals that replace your heartbeat. The emotions are erratic, yet consistent; ranging from vulnerable odes for the jaded, to masterful declarations of defiance and rebellion.

The title track is an edgy, enthusiastic introduction for the musical ride that is ahead. Sweet Sour commands you to pay attention to Mardsen’s conceited bass guitar riffs and tranquilizing vocals, aided by Richardson. Sour by the minute, but sweeter by the hour—this description stands true for the whole compilation. Each song is more disgustingly bitter than the last, but more indulgent and pleasurable nonetheless.

Bruises, Wanderluster, and The Devil Takes Care of His Own are just as intimidating as their predecessor, daring you to skip a track, and urging you to pace yourself for the rise in dynamics, tempos and sounds. These songs can feel like an anthem – but that’s never a bad thing, at least with these guys and girl. This excellent series of songs makes it almost impossible for you not to want to climb on your bed, thrash you head back and forth and play an imaginary guitar while singing at the top of your lungs.

Lay My Head Down is the most vulnerable track on the album, expressing naked emotions and bare, natural vocals so methodically that it cannot be frowned upon. The first line hits home, hard, with the crooning line, “Was I asleep, did you wake me from disaster?” Richardson and Mardsen are still respectably dangerous and demanding, even when we listen to them pour their souls out on this somber track. And the abrupt meltdown led by their melancholy yet comforting instrumentals is enough to leave you wondering how these grungy rule-breakers caused you to feel so emotional.

The second half of the album plays like the first; heavy hitting, empowering, tough rock tracks that command and conquer, followed by slower, menacingly mellow jams. You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Going On makes you feel so damn cool, that you’ll happily take the not-so-much-of a compliment for what it is. Navigate turns things down again as you cruise along Richardson’s ocean deep voice. The melody is soothing and hypnotizing, and Mardsen’s background vocals are pleasantly chant-like against Richardsons’.

Hometowns and Lies keep the steady pattern of full-throttle, all-or-nothing anthems versus the weepy, dawdling slow songs. Hometowns is a lot more nostalgic and steady, with uncomplicated vocals and instrumentals. Yet, the simplicity of it can make it a stellar track.  Lies picks up where the last fast paced tune left off, with the confrontational lyrics, challenging vocals and dominating guitar and drum riffs.

Interestingly, Sweet Sour ends on a soft note. Close to Nowhere is a bit of a downer, a song that drags and stumbles a bit. It is smooth in sound and feel; yet, Sweet Sour’s problem is that the arrangement can be a bit faltering. The ups and downs of this joy-hell ride can leave you feeling dizzy at the end. Either way, Band of Skulls’ sophomore piece is nothing to miss out on – just make sure to hold on for this experience, because it will rock you.

Or albums, or mixtapes. Whatever.

I couldn’t narrow it down to albums or mixtapes, so I decided to keep a broad spectrum. So, no one can scream at their laptop/computer/ipad/phone screen when they realize that there’s a mixture of features on this list.

And, since my friend thinks I am a communist hipster, (communist because I don’t believe in number ones, hipster because, I’m different) there is no ranking, numbering or particular order for the albums/mixtapes. There is no “number one”. It just, is. I believe all of the music on this list is worthy of being the best - I certainly couldn’t choose just one.

I arranged the list according to the months of the year. The months may or may not correspond with the time the artist came out with the mixtape. It’s more so a reflection on what, I believe, is the most fitting time of year to represent the music. Did that make sense?

But back to 2011 - this was a year of many surprises, several upcoming and imaginative music. I’m not big on intros, so that’s all I will say on that note. If you’ve been reading this far down, that’s wonderful! And I hope you enjoy your New Year, as well as this highly opinionated, “communist-hipster”, 2011 list!

*disclaimer: i am not really a communist. That was only mentioned for comedic relief. So, government officials, you can put your guns down and cease your background search on me.

January:

Frank Ocean: Nostalgia, Ultra

For many of you, reading his name is such a bore. You may think he’s overrated, or simply untalented. But for a great amount of you readers. he was one of the best things to happen in 2011. And, of course, I have no arguments about him whatsoever.

So here’s the part when I start writing like Rolling Stone:

Nostalgia, Ultra is the perfect balance between traditional Rn’B harmonies and down to earth, tilt-your-head-back-and-close-your-eyes hip hop. Ocean has accomplished something that many take for granted; he infamously narrates stories of heartbreak and foolishness, delivering it in a soulful voice reminiscent of old jazz crooners. With tracks like Swim Good and Songs for Women, he embodies the inner workings of his heart and mind, tracing stories together with an impeccable way of words. However, We All Try allows him to display a more socially conscious and philosophical side of himself, while never forgetting to show case his stellar vocal abilities. Then, Lovecrimes steals the show by illustrating the perfect love gone wrong, the desire to go to all limits, even if they are against the law. 

Frank Ocean. January = good start for the year/this list. Listen to those songs I just contemplated.

February:

James Blake

I wasn’t necessarily into this style of music until listening to Blake. Blake’s sound is a bit electronic, a bit moody and emotional, makes you want to break down in tears or go hold your stuffy (stuffed animal. Mine is a large lavender elephant named Travis, Jerome aka Travy Rome aka Rome) 

A bit like Bon Iver, but not as mature.

But most interestingly, Blake has an immaculate way of synthesizing tunes, manipulating his melodies and producing tracks that prove exactly what was lingering in his spirit. His self titled album was released in February (yes, I know. Shoot me!) and I couldn’t help but believe that this album or whatever you wanted to call it is the perfect picture head for the month. 

Who likes February? Everyone is kissing and expressing their undying love for one another. Everything is pink, red, or white, right down to M&Ms. And Rite Aid and Duane Reade and CVS will NOT let you avoid the fact that for 1 measely day, everyone should be in love.

I dislike February.

That is why Blake’s masterpiece redeems the month. Blake’s piece is filled with stark emotion, heartbreak and just enough cooing and repetition for you to rock off to sleep. Limit to Your Love was the superhero for the album, and I must admit that this cover almost, (I said ALMOST) makes me forget about Feist’s. Okay fine, it made me forget, alright! Just for like a couple of weeks, though. She’s still a beast, we know this.

Ok so I also dig tracks like I Mind, To Care and The Wilhelm Scream. If you haven’t already done so this year, then hopefully you take a look at him next year. He is surely a gem within the music world.

Lets spring along into Spring. Keep up with me fellows! For the love of music!!!!! :raises fists and runs into an open field with a boombox over her shoulder:

March:

Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi: Rome

When in Rome….

Mr. Mouse is one guy who has major creds in the music world for his producing skills. He’s worked with the Gorillaz on Demon Dayz and has collaborated with MF Doom and The Black Keys. Not to mention, he was the instrumental genius behind the loony jazz band, Gnarls Barkley and the eclectic collective, Broken Bells.

So when I found out about Rome, I was highly intrigued. The album was intended to recreate the much respected “soundtrack without a movie” aesthetic. (Movieless music?) It was a creative juxtaposition between vintage, western sounding tunes and  the elegant, theatrical melodies of Norah Jones and Jack White. Cheers to say, it was a great success!

For one thing, who can turn down Jones’ sugary sweet but stunningly strong vocal chords, and Jack White’s haunting yet enticing sound? The two singers were an awesome addition to the mix, and Mouse’s recreation of the vintage melodies made the album modern enough for many to rock out to, while still embracing the presence of nostalgia. 

I urge you to check out Two Against One, White’s ultimate stunner on the compilation. And please darlings, give Norah Jones’ spooky Season’s Trees a listen as well. 

April:

Lykke Li: Wounded Rhymes

Although I am still quite unsure of how to pronounce this songbird’s voice aloud, (ly-kee? lik-ee?) it does not take away from how much I praise her talent and individuality. This Swede’s music is far from a bore; she mixes harsh drums, violins, trumpets and tambourines along with her demanding voice, to create an experience that urges you to dance wildly off beat.

I first heard her on Drake’s So Far Gone, then quickly researched her for my own musical knowledge. I discovered that Little Bit was her original creation, and that her album Youth Novels was as precious as her otherworldly sound. Next up, I heard her song with Santigold (santo?) and Kanye on NASA’s Gifted, which was another delight. Either way, she was written as a star in my book, for she took my ears to a place I rarely go. 

This year, she released Wounded Rhymes, the most clever collective coming from such a devoted free spirit as she. 

What I love about Li’s music is that she sounds like she’s chanting most of the time. Its extremely soothing and unsettling at the very same time. But that is exactly what makes her music so beautiful. The raw emotion and belting of her voice is more honest and poetic. She doesn’t care what we think about her, as long as we hear and feel her. 

With that said, songs like I Follow Rivers, Jerome and Silent My Song spoke volumes to me. She has a toughness about her that is more threatening than cute. Sadness is a Blessing and Unrequited Love does the best at showing her vulnerability, as a singer and a human being. But I hope you take a listen at her whole album, and maybe move onto Youth Novels as well. And if you get really deep into her, check out how she reinterprets King Of Leon’s Knocked Up. Ah! And also peep Tyler, The Creator’s mix called I Follow You, if you dare…

May: 

Toro Y Moi: Underneath the Pine

Toro Y Moi is probably one of my favorite finds for 2011, and I so desperately wanted to put him on this list. His sound is a mixture of psychedelic electro and airy, effortless chillwave. And, strangely enough, I feel his sound can be appreciated by a wide range of listeners. He could probably turn out the greatest Drake and Lil Wayne Fans, or the most devoted Katy Perry and Lady Gaga followers.

Personally, having Toro on this list is mostly out of adoration and enamoration. (new word pt 2) Besides The Weeknd, I find Toro to be the most strangely unique artist to come around for a while. It is proven through his feathery light voice and tranquilly hypnotic instrumentals. 

Basically, when you listen to his music, you feel like you’re on a really happy cloud surrounded by rainbows and unicorns. (Or, you feel like you’re on the best drug ever.)

I have a soft spot for his project Causers of This, but Underneath The Pine is still worthy of being one of the loveliest works of 2011. 

Its the kind of music you listen to while painting, or after meditating, or when you have a hot guy alone in your dorm room. Songs like Light Black, Good Hold and Elise are worthy of a couple of eargasms. How I Know is a bit bouncier, while Go With You is one song that can easily become your best friend. Actually, listen to the whole thing. Then go make love, eat flowers, sip on the sun’s many rays….you get it.

I’m so happy that we finally reached Summertime!!

If you’re still here, don’t leave yet. We’ve got a couple more months to go! I’m feeling some good vibrations, are you? I hope so. Because I hate talking to myself, even though I do it often. But having steady company is stellar. So don’t let your eyes get tired, keep on reading! It’s great for the brain. And why would you stop? Foster The People is next up :)

June:

Foster The People: Torches

Everyone went completely bananas, running down the stairs, eating babies, smoking flowers, shitting shooting stars and shooting their pets because of the song Pumped Up Kicks. 

No, seriously-I felt like everywhere I turned, people were playing that song. Do people even know that its about a psychopathic little boy who finds a gun? Do they realize that the chorus is him warning his classmates to run, run, as fast as they can, in hopes that his bullet doesn’t catch them?

But cheers anyway! Because any band that can recreate something so horrifying into something artistic and addictive gets kudos from me any day. Any form of awareness is better than no awareness, and even if people are shaking their dirty asses to this song, at least they have some kind of idea that its based off of tragedy. 

Luckily, Pumped Up Kicks wasn’t the first little number I heard from FOP. It was actually I Would Do Anything For You. Thank you, Youtube, for having adequate video suggestions accommodated to the videos I watch. Then, after clicking the next recommended video, Miss You, I knew I had to download Torches. 

Strangely enough, it took me a while to hear or even like Pumped Up kicks. But its pretty normal of me to notice the underrated before the mainstream. (That was totally hipster of me)

But when the PUK outrage took over, it settled deep. And then I found myself being like every other idiot and singing the most menacing lyrics. For like 2 weeks, though.

Back to Torches - this album changed the career of FOP forever, arousing much hype for them in the music world, and helping them gain a fan base who declare themselves having “foster fever”.

I don’t know about you guys, but I hate fevers. 

Laugh out loud!

All jokes aside, I truly appreciate this mixtape/album/whatever. Miss You is probably my favorite, because that beat is absolutely SICK. Call it What You Want also makes me want to jump around manically and break my microwave. Life On The Nickel, or Hustling (I like that name better) also makes you want to bang your head against the wall repeatedly. I also like Helena Beat, even the video is a complete creep show. 

July:

Jhene: Sailing Souls

Yo, I don’t care what anybody has to say! R&B is still one of the best genres of music. It is not dead.

Jhene is one of the few artists who proves this notion. Once the cute and cuddly female counterpart to the B2K, TUG phase, Jhene has transformed herself into a mature, fearless and feminine artist. But I wouldn’t have known this, if I didn’t do some resurrecting of my own. 

I never forgot about the beautiful songstress, even though she disappeared for a while. So one day, during the summer, as I searched for new music material to write about, I randomly searched her name and found out that she had a very successful mixtape out. After listening to a couple of songs on Youtube while I waited for my Sailing Souls download to complete, I knew that she was one artist who was surpassing the limits many thought she had. 

Sailing Souls is Jhene’s ode to music, love and her fans. She establishes herself as an independent entity on this mixtape, utilizing a voice that is smooth, slow and sweet like honey. What makes it better is that her lyrics are so poetic and metaphorical. My Mine, Space Jam and Stranger are tracks that takes you on a journey of her big heart and eccentric mind. Yet, Hoe and Popular are playful and fun loving, allowing you to embrace sexuality and curse out the one person who swore they were the dopest ever. 

Higher is a favorite because of her personification of a blunt, and Sailing…NOT Selling is a sweet reminder that no matter her success, she won’t lose touch of who she is. And July, is a bittersweet apology of love lost.

My favorite quality about her, however, is her down to earth nature. She interacts with fans on such a personal level. It’s almost like you really ARE her friend on Facebook, her follower on twitter…dope.

August:

SBTRKT (Subtract)

Psycho synthesizing, ravaging electronic sounds, bubbly bouncing beats - these are some of things that I live for when it comes to music.

Aaron Jerome, known as SBTRKT, was a complete stranger to me up until this year. He started off as a DJ in the London, mixing tracks at a club called Plastic People. Then he started mixing for artists like M.I.A., Radiohead and Basement Jaxx. Now, he has works of his own, which are quite impressive.

SBTRKT is usually found with frilly tribal masks. In my opinion, this is one of the best appearances since the Gorillaz’s holograms and Daft Punk’s spacemen outfits. This look especially works in SBTRKT’s favor, setting him apart as a performer and making him all the more appealing.

This album is filled with mind bending, body stimulating beats that conquer your ears. I love what he did with Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano on Wildfire, a twisted track with her impeccable vocals and his genius synthesizing. Heatwave and Go Bang are also two of my favorites, because of beat changes and climaxes. The whole joint is pure instrumentals and melodies versus his delicious accent. Give it all a listen!

Fall is about leaves changing, chillier weather, and awesome high heeled boots. Don’t forget your scarves, people! I’m about to slow it down and turn it back up without you even noticing.

September:

Little Dragon: Ritual Union

La, la la! La, la la la!!

I love the way Yukimi sings. It must be what angels sound like; a bit edgy, by soulful and nonchalant nonetheless.

Little Dragon returned this year with their third studio album, Ritual Union. They bite into the heart of love, and marriage, and all things in between with some socially commentating songs and the weirdest of music manipulations.

But thats why we love them! Because Yukimi always takes the lead with her starbright, stormy night voice and the other dragons have her back with some of the dopest tunes. Never too overpowering, never too under stimulating. Nagano and her bandmates have a way of understanding music; of allowing her vocals to dance with the otherworldy rhythms around her. 

You enter their world of mystery, wonder and enchanting tunes. Ritual Union, the track, was a perfect warm up to the songs that follow the compilation. I thought Shuffle a Dream was a must listen, with the deep, techno-ish rhythms and Yukimi’s foreboding lyrics. Brush the Heat is another delight, along with a music video that is just as magical. Please Turn and When I Go Out are also remarkable numbers. However, Seconds is one of the most inspiring tracks, even influencing OFWGKTA’s Syd The Kid to do her own mix of it. Both = Dope.

Little Wolf Dragon Eat Them All. 

October

Jesse Boykins III: Way of A Wayfarer

Yum!

His hair, his skin, his voice, his style! Jizz all over the carpet, the walls, the ceiling!!

Ahem…

I don’t know what came over me.

Boykins will always have a soft spot in my heart. Ever since Amorous, and after her performed at my University, I was ecstatic about this music child. His live band, The Beauty Created, are also cats you shouldn’t sleep on. I always feel that what they produce is magical.

A little more electronic and housey than his others, Way of A Wayfarer is a delicious mix of dance and R&B. Boykins sensually coos on a dancey beat, which produces a startling sound of future sex (love sounds! What awesome album. JT, where are you??)

I diggs Zoner, a spaced out little number, and I Can’t Stay, a collaborative gift with Gold Panda. And who can deny Mermaids and Dragons/Back Home, a fairytale of his travels? The mixtape is short and sweet, with 6 tracks that please in a short amount of time. Everytime ;)

We’re almost there. 

And it’s gotten pretty cold this time of year. Although not officially Winter yet, it’s snowing in some places and the temperature has dropped significantly. Winter, here we come!!

November:

The Weeknd: House of Balloons

This, right here, had to be the most difficult decision to make out of the whole list.

My love for The Weeknd is quite evident. I ranted about him in 3 tumblr blogposts this year, doing my best to adequately comment on the mystery of his music. I appreciate and respect him immensely for a rising artist.

So naturally, I knew he would be apart of this list. The only problem is, that unlike some of the stars on his list, he released 3 mixtapes this year (the last one landing about 2 weeks ago) This made it extremely difficult to choose only one to make it into this discussion. And like I said, with my communist tendencies, I couldn’t have him taking up 3 different spots on the list. No Fair!

It was, obviously, between House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes. HOB was undeniably a solid piece of work, with raw and gritty subject material and metaphors reflecting brutal honesty and heightened lyrical ability. Sampling = off the hook. Thursday, on the other hand, was a bit more astounding for me because it dug even deeper into emotion, perspectives and perceptions of relationships and his dirty lifestyle. And with EOS, although many call it an end, and even though it is not my overall favorite of the bunch, it signified the embrace of his true self, the desire to embody who you really are. Probably the darkest and deepest out of all 3 because of it’s acceptance of the dark side, EOS is like a beautiful awakening, a beginning within an ending: turning over a new leaf by not letting go of your old habits. 

As a whole, the three are precious. The times they were released were significant for the messages and mood he was evoking, and the production was immaculate.

But, out of fairness and taking into consideration how impressive and solid and amazing it was, HOB won.

From High For This to The Knowing - HOB is a straight listen. A no brainer. My first favorite was Coming Down, for it’s interesting interruption of dialogue and The Weeknd’s annoyingly amorous harmonizing. What You Need rocked me to bed for many nights, and Loft Music always made me feel so hype, so significant, so big. That beat? The way he almost sounds like hes rapping? Perfection.

I appreciate House of Balloons and Glass Table Girls. I was in Urban Outfitters one day, and almost knocked down those dorky books when I heard those songs playing. And The Knowing is already the most compelling song of the mix, but those visuals make it even more beautiful and sad.

I guess I don’t have to tell you listen to it. I’m sure you already have.

December:

J*Davey: New Designer Drug

Joy to the music world!

Happyness!

Smiles and Rainbows and Unicorns!

So I lied when I said that I am a communist and I don’t like number ones.

Gotcha’, Bitch!!

Um, Duh! Did you really believe that??? 

Ok, I’m lying again.

I DO love all of the albums I spoke about, and I appreciate their makers even more. But I’m sorry guys…after writing this, I realized that New Designer Drug is my favorite, favorite, favorite album/mixtape/compilation this year.

It is.

I’m sorry.

Can you BLAME me though?? J*Davey are the hottest male/female duo to come through for a while (besides Beach House, and maybe Sleigh Bells. Sorry, Angus & Julia Stone) (And I love The Xx too..but they get to be in their own category, since they’re technically not a duo :)

NDD is like like a dream.

It incorporates everything in music that you need/want/love. There’s some rock tunes. There’s some neo soul influenced tracks. There’s house, techno mixes. There’s rap. At times, they even sound a lil old school.

You get the point.

Jack’s voice is simply divine: it’s empowering, it’s experimental, its fun, its sexy, it’s unique and full of personality! Then Brook is an absolute, absolute GENIUS when it comes to putting instruments together. Together, the 2 can conquer the music world.

Queen Of Wonderland is my favorite off of this album. 

1) Jack kills the vocals, successfully expressing the passion and wonder of the song.

b) Brook and Thundercat produced a wonderful baby of a beat. It’s like a playground for the three artists.

I love how Brook takes the lead in Little Tramp$, showing us that he’s just more than a pretty producer. And Rock That Ship has been on repeat for me, it helps my imagination run wild. Together they murder Kill 4 Fun and Whatchalookin@. And This One is probably a track that everyone can relate to, the words so endearing and honest.

I’m sorry that these artists aren’t on the list:

Drake

Rihanna

The Throne

Beyonce

Nicki Minaj

Lil Wayne

Eminem

And anyone else that isn’t here and who is talented and who people would probably be offended about.

But I felt that every music blog or magazine would already cover these artists. I wanted to give other artists a chance; some that people may not have heard of, or have heard of and aren’t as appreciated.

I did also love these artists this year:

Fleet Foxes

Feist

Adele

Bjork

Cults

Florence+The Machine

Foo Fighters

The Internet

The Bullitts

Lupe Fiasco

Kenna

Mellowhype

Tyler, The Creator

Metronomy

Miike Snow

Saadi

Selah Sue

Shlomo

Theophilus London

Foals

Woodkid

That’s my list. That’s all I have to say. I hope it wasn’t too bad for you guys, and I hope you liked some or if not all of the artists on the lists. Or atleast want to get to know them. Happy New Year, Love muffins! And happy musicing!

Let’s be honest:

The only reason why we love The Weeknd so much, is because he’s brave enough to sing about the darkest human emotions that most of us try to hide. We stalk his website, twitter and his tumblr because his mystery is so intriguing and secretive. And we listen to his voice, because the sound of it is so mesmerizing and enchanting that we are almost paralyzed by his harmonies.

I love The Weeknd’s music.

He made 2011 a wondeful year in music. Heck, he MADE 2011. With the exception of Frank Ocean (who was blessed to work with and write for heavy hitters like the throne and beyonce) and Jhene (who JUST got signed by No I.D.) making a significant uproar as mixtape artists, The weeknd owned 2011, regaining the credibilty of mixtapes and resurrecting Rn’B. Echoes of Silence dropped last PM, causing just as much a disturbance as Thursday. For a minute there, several Weeknd fans were worried that he wouldn’t release a mixtape before fall ended. After all, you have to dig deep into every clue that this character leaves behind. So we all took it literally when he said that the trilogy will be completed this fall. And surely enough, on the cusp of fall and winter, EOS takes over the internet and causes all of us Weeknders to maniacally click on the “download” link to possess his 9 track, christmas delight.

So, what do ya’ll think?

Of course, I believe everything that comes out of his existence is pure, effortless beauty. All he has to do is hold a note for 3 seconds and I am convinced of his talent. Who can deny a voice like his? The tone, pitch and sincerity of it is an absolute gift. But gladly, the weeknd is also one of the most genius writers ever. His lyrics are the darkest, deepest and dangerousest. (Yes, I made up a word). He doesn’t mind talking about drugs. He never runs out of metaphors to describe being high. And he definitely embodies a wonderful art in praising sexuality, narrating bad relationships and expressing our misconceptions of love and Knowing. O, and he is nice at producing beats. This dude can lay down a hot track and isn’t greedy enough to leave it all for himself. He blessed Lady Gaga and miss Florence Welch with some remarkable remixes. What?!

So yea,

echoes.

Echoes.

Echoes….

I thought that him covering Dirty Diana was pure genius. As I played D.D., I found my self getting lost in the familiar melody before he started singing. Then after the first word, I realized he was commemorating MJ. I felt dumb! But I enjoyed it very much. His spin on the classic was delicious and clever. Abel is like, one of the very few singers who’s range comes close to Michael’s. So I was not disappointed with his high notes or ad libs, because he knew exactly what he was doing. I’m glad he did! It makes up for my hurt feelings when Chris Brown decided to sample Human Nature. I’m still waiting for an apology….

Montreal is dope. Thank you, Mr Tesfaye, for proving that your voice is sexy in all languages. Outside is like sex. I loved the exotic sounding instruments. Made me feel like making love to him would take me to some far off land. Wait…was that what he was trying to do? Well, he succeeded.

O! I downloaded this mixtape about 4 times, but each time, XO/the host wouldn’t show up. I can’t comment on a song I didn’t hear, but I’m sure it was beautiful.

Initiation was nothing new to me. But listening to it on my Skull headphones at 2 am with the lights off definitely had a major effect on me. So, I’ve got a new appreciation for it.

By the time Same Old Song came on, I was numb. The way he holds his notes on this track is orgasmic. And who can’t relate to his words? We’ve all met someone who swears to be different from the rest, but their words are just like every other played out song.

The Fall is probably my fave on the mixtape, besides Echoes of Silence. What was it he said? “I’m a kid so I can’t hold money? I aint scared of the fall, I’ve felt the ground before?” True story! Those lines speak to me. Every artist has that one song talking about how happy they are with their success/ how much they want fame. But this one says that yes, it feels good to be getting attention in my career, but its ok if I fail at one point. Everyone should relate to this yo. Following your dreams can be rough, and you can’t take a leap if you fear falling.

And, of course, he does this all by incorporating drugs into the whole mix. Hey, I ain’t mad atcha! And we’re not afraid of the Fall either.

Hmm…I didn’t have much heart for Next. Get back to me on that.

But, the last track on EOS, EOS, is absolutely stellar. Abel has the perfect voice for straight piano instrumentals. I would also like to hear an acapella track from him in the future. But maybe we’re not ready for all that. Anyway, this song is one of my faves, because he was able to show off how soft his notes can be. And also, I felt the keys and his vocals were dancing in a melodic world that only they can understand. Yes, that is how beautiful Abel sounds with a piano behind him.

If you haven’t heard EOS, please download. Its free, and The Weeknd would love you listening to him. I’m probably going to listen to it again after posting this. Happy holidays lovers!

So….Cole World Leaked on Tuesday.

          I’m not going to lie - I have been anticipating this debut album for a while. ever since The Warm Up, I was completely enamored by his flow, wordplay and style. He was exactly what I needed to hear, since I was anticipating finding a rapper who did not parallel the mainstream ones. Instead of rapping about promiscuous women, money, drugs and getting shot, he was rapping about relationships, all kinds of women, his growing up experience and how much he wanted to make it.

         So 3 (4, 5?) mixtapes later, Cole is finally signed with Roc Nation, under Jay-Z’s wing and is ready to launch his first full length masterpiece. Only problem is that it got leaked, or “leaked”. I’m not complaining though - because I love free downloads. However, I did think it was important to support this budding star and i should definitely buy his album when it comes out next week.

      Cole world…Cole World…The Sideline Story….I have not listened to the whole thing due to me being a student and having tons of work to catch up with this week. But I have listened to a good 2/3 of the album and thought it was pretty sweet. I can’t call it dope yet because I am not finished with it. But songs like Nobody’s Perfect, and Never Told have made an impression on me so far. I also find Rise and Shine and Breakdown to be pretty interesting. The other tracks I heard didn’t effect me as much, which is dissappointing since I have such high expectations for him. But you always have to give music another chance, Your mood, the weather and your thoughts can always effect how you connect with a song.

       On that note, I will probably be writing another post on Mr. Cole in about a week. In the meantime, do listen to what he has to say - either on Youtube if you want to wait and purchase the album, or download it yourself from some secure but illegal site. Either way, he wants you to hear him. And isn’t that what we all would like? To be noticed by the world no matter the means or form?