tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779515764844303282024-03-14T09:45:50.329-07:00Officially A Yuppie"Officially A Yuppie! That is a great name for a site!" - Andrew W.K.Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17800073050708409249noreply@blogger.comBlogger7763125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-18900600641228813382023-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:002023-11-22T13:14:41.744-08:002023 The Albums: Top 10<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://giphy.com/embed/ufTUkr8zPMATBEtT58" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/daisythegreat-ajr-dtg-daisy-the-great-ufTUkr8zPMATBEtT58">via GIPHY</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>
<a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2023/11/2023-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank">Click Here for 2023 Honorable Album Mentions</a></b><br />
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It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as we look back on the year in music and select the 10 best albums of the year. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2023/11/2023-albums-league-of-their-own.html" target="_blank">Click Here for 2023 League of Their Own</a></b> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R9F6S_LxEVm74iLHEuFv2ODuXAbl3sAh8mfa7m1i6tIrRjw8pF1kGpGLlqgBCaFWX2IaquM_-PdN4_Y2vayYkkJkJeHxo2MqqSu8ZzofPTmWhrEKuKbgYsn8ZWA5AdjRDjF1Yh_Y_7b2uGOYJLRqlm5pKBLxNE82yWaLObBeCKOE67yGYK8JdqmOxpC9/s220/nas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R9F6S_LxEVm74iLHEuFv2ODuXAbl3sAh8mfa7m1i6tIrRjw8pF1kGpGLlqgBCaFWX2IaquM_-PdN4_Y2vayYkkJkJeHxo2MqqSu8ZzofPTmWhrEKuKbgYsn8ZWA5AdjRDjF1Yh_Y_7b2uGOYJLRqlm5pKBLxNE82yWaLObBeCKOE67yGYK8JdqmOxpC9/w317-h317/nas3.jpg" width="317" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>10) Nas - "Magic 3" </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yStA-kHBHoXFDFPLANlgdy6aJfaxzDKaVc7PiPBFfNwejtWPEnXT5G8Oj9QZX4zHeLXa7IJc5pNnK0bBCvXXvUaF3O8R7scjuql_FSXoianYZ8bxhNnZhtbQ-cyg_fT-CYFuHVkQ_j-bY4FOFEgT87i6fTJwnMhSgstJI2Ja5-sfmY0jIRNmdgg_xLSM/s300/Philip_Selway_-_Strange_Dance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yStA-kHBHoXFDFPLANlgdy6aJfaxzDKaVc7PiPBFfNwejtWPEnXT5G8Oj9QZX4zHeLXa7IJc5pNnK0bBCvXXvUaF3O8R7scjuql_FSXoianYZ8bxhNnZhtbQ-cyg_fT-CYFuHVkQ_j-bY4FOFEgT87i6fTJwnMhSgstJI2Ja5-sfmY0jIRNmdgg_xLSM/w320-h320/Philip_Selway_-_Strange_Dance.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>9) Philip Selway - "Strange Dance" </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlwV2ZCUlw2_wSLQ7DM94-X67V_rf3skV-EVjSa9xNaINaOt6uYodzwaA8hblxWA0AD4Gf84-_6wfz6mQcqvcazwAGdA5XLL4wLpId6aziqEPdpvmJ5M-wZybkCmbecqm-fCchEUi7c4Y_GtOSTE6dTE_RvJMrbE4m01q-zqlmuGTZNX1paib2TiFZJGL/s415/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%204.08.02%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="412" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlwV2ZCUlw2_wSLQ7DM94-X67V_rf3skV-EVjSa9xNaINaOt6uYodzwaA8hblxWA0AD4Gf84-_6wfz6mQcqvcazwAGdA5XLL4wLpId6aziqEPdpvmJ5M-wZybkCmbecqm-fCchEUi7c4Y_GtOSTE6dTE_RvJMrbE4m01q-zqlmuGTZNX1paib2TiFZJGL/w358-h360/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%204.08.02%20PM.png" width="358" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>8) Danny Brown and JPEG Mafia - "Scaring the Hoes" </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPJxSvXryhEfh9FLUT6Ll-Ztx4VyXUO4b9Grr5P1y7bG8__8TwykefUeoWJye9dFN01zWajYTxuS5HwHtDdz0gULQz92eDInVmjxa62e6flehGMg3wl9zYen6jOn_mkbcB92gm-rzFkzYK-9v7QiMxfR7KzGlABPIzmwJIY7Ayo5bvHvYwiaAb2HXtp80/s316/The_Rolling_Stones_-_Hackney_Diamonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPJxSvXryhEfh9FLUT6Ll-Ztx4VyXUO4b9Grr5P1y7bG8__8TwykefUeoWJye9dFN01zWajYTxuS5HwHtDdz0gULQz92eDInVmjxa62e6flehGMg3wl9zYen6jOn_mkbcB92gm-rzFkzYK-9v7QiMxfR7KzGlABPIzmwJIY7Ayo5bvHvYwiaAb2HXtp80/w381-h381/The_Rolling_Stones_-_Hackney_Diamonds.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>7) The Rolling Stones - "Hackney Diamonds" <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxnGc08Whsti4D5BgewJwNGn2dhTiZCluzmsWfI5JAM3XwyfhMGmDpzorjhxYrmOU57yWfu6PBdrWve5FePGk7SHBnmdcgkA6kSsIsTOgQFEeWcdPx6aCphEU3g-hiz4V1DM2oOOaWfGdXyhUYVEZIoiHg6qH9YIxFTNQ77ySApz-22hGn9K8g-9060lB/s316/Romy_MidAir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxnGc08Whsti4D5BgewJwNGn2dhTiZCluzmsWfI5JAM3XwyfhMGmDpzorjhxYrmOU57yWfu6PBdrWve5FePGk7SHBnmdcgkA6kSsIsTOgQFEeWcdPx6aCphEU3g-hiz4V1DM2oOOaWfGdXyhUYVEZIoiHg6qH9YIxFTNQ77ySApz-22hGn9K8g-9060lB/w360-h360/Romy_MidAir.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>6) Romy - "Mid Air"</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6m8X9dJuwAqdQ1GmGQv7VLu0bUQ0zfOIql3GnHJOEk3KThYg1nw2wZAdNC_E_Q7XmcGfPMWy-ohxoWsI70r-E-E7q6CUVYBFMk6hc-nQTfcUydLSbL462qHZvdbPiZhc3FzcAfngE4E9qzszqqxRAy0HnX3ioNcTVZYJfIqEYIBdmBsS7i2K1c5xI6uu/s300/Killer_Mike_-_Michael.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6m8X9dJuwAqdQ1GmGQv7VLu0bUQ0zfOIql3GnHJOEk3KThYg1nw2wZAdNC_E_Q7XmcGfPMWy-ohxoWsI70r-E-E7q6CUVYBFMk6hc-nQTfcUydLSbL462qHZvdbPiZhc3FzcAfngE4E9qzszqqxRAy0HnX3ioNcTVZYJfIqEYIBdmBsS7i2K1c5xI6uu/w356-h356/Killer_Mike_-_Michael.png" width="356" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>5) Killer Mike - "Michael"</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCsmOifQXwoHNkiyuGoWLdWTi_YwV2CneYuo012lVQXQcI5FzCRny7NflRvBuga-mtlOiS9JfS2JSZi0xJM3z7h1jW4T2a8Pxlssjxt6waKkVQTTybqigtaPai8iy0NeMqDU7HWjpSFtpGiwwOMzHs_nVzRzeTmnSwe2h63dXu55H3lEvtJ6tsZqGkNYo/s300/First_Two_Pages_of_Frankenstein_The_National_album_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCsmOifQXwoHNkiyuGoWLdWTi_YwV2CneYuo012lVQXQcI5FzCRny7NflRvBuga-mtlOiS9JfS2JSZi0xJM3z7h1jW4T2a8Pxlssjxt6waKkVQTTybqigtaPai8iy0NeMqDU7HWjpSFtpGiwwOMzHs_nVzRzeTmnSwe2h63dXu55H3lEvtJ6tsZqGkNYo/w365-h365/First_Two_Pages_of_Frankenstein_The_National_album_cover.png" width="365" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>4) The National - "First Two Pages of Frankenstein"</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF5N8UY9Y5ynC8JV5hy2jitO3OKikoCwDi66JVbwOKWxUu-wevo0C4A7tUdKYUVc5wIxlbDNPFzdPrbONtu7RbIlxB7SFFiQZzGZezhRV4Abwnpm0EDUlD-06RiDNmaTO3pvXBUo9jxr_iR_QpKvYL17-IFwGJhGIldYsghBPmYzdCrghBc5leHknFwr5/s316/The_Hold_Steady_-_The_Price_of_Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF5N8UY9Y5ynC8JV5hy2jitO3OKikoCwDi66JVbwOKWxUu-wevo0C4A7tUdKYUVc5wIxlbDNPFzdPrbONtu7RbIlxB7SFFiQZzGZezhRV4Abwnpm0EDUlD-06RiDNmaTO3pvXBUo9jxr_iR_QpKvYL17-IFwGJhGIldYsghBPmYzdCrghBc5leHknFwr5/w371-h371/The_Hold_Steady_-_The_Price_of_Progress.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>3) The Hold Steady - "The Price of Progress" </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqwaYB8u9BgMZPl7g7Um2gTppvpm8HuCywU8-MChIaykRuLsKnPAlzw-eDblzI1jf_sxadcFM8NQvhMTPaJnVUggFifi6MBlIUCc1CxA1-SnHdfIkcwRVVPvbZUbBRZQBpGJQQ4Voz2IXiuFKxexDei2QEfNkNadaVXR89y4BkWv3YOwR7P9vWXsoHWnd/s410/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%204.05.07%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="410" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqwaYB8u9BgMZPl7g7Um2gTppvpm8HuCywU8-MChIaykRuLsKnPAlzw-eDblzI1jf_sxadcFM8NQvhMTPaJnVUggFifi6MBlIUCc1CxA1-SnHdfIkcwRVVPvbZUbBRZQBpGJQQ4Voz2IXiuFKxexDei2QEfNkNadaVXR89y4BkWv3YOwR7P9vWXsoHWnd/w360-h359/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%204.05.07%20PM.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2) Model / Actriz - "Dogsbody"</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9XWwJU3BFZBfxLCDgrI7ccM735Fh_AUpEjkkREeb2acTmcTdy9qtiKkpX0rc6WM_Hi_fOr2NcSOvRn9X2AeSy_KDOUSPr10WYbqYxmabPPURuIXC7iPtc6944exDA6NdZw1vhhFGq5qXi-FuVvOtSnvbmRbCpBl0Z39fNqgTErkpH4MTVDLka5HM4VId/s300/Nas_-_Magic_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9XWwJU3BFZBfxLCDgrI7ccM735Fh_AUpEjkkREeb2acTmcTdy9qtiKkpX0rc6WM_Hi_fOr2NcSOvRn9X2AeSy_KDOUSPr10WYbqYxmabPPURuIXC7iPtc6944exDA6NdZw1vhhFGq5qXi-FuVvOtSnvbmRbCpBl0Z39fNqgTErkpH4MTVDLka5HM4VId/w413-h413/Nas_-_Magic_2.png" width="413" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1) Nas - "Magic 2" </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> </p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-42568886941911957322023-11-22T12:58:00.000-08:002023-11-22T12:59:31.575-08:002023 The Albums: League of Their Own <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="387" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3oz8xN5DLvNvaYix1e" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/3oz8xN5DLvNvaYix1e">via GIPHY</a></p><p>
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As said in previous years, this award started long before the site was even a thought, in one
publication, radio show or another. Since 2000, I have handed out a
"League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is
the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out
there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either
resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have
totally reinvented a genre all together. The choices for "League of
Their Own" have become more than just the best album of the year but the
most important record to be released at that time.</p><p> </p><p>In the past winners have included: <br /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e0e39c2d-7fff-0596-198d-2302a2222e75" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2000 - <b>Radiohead</b> - <i>Kid A</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2001 - <b>The Strokes</b> - <i>Is This It?</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2002 - <b>NERD</b> - <i>In Search of...</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2003 - <b>The White Stripes</b> - <i>Elephant</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2004 - <b>The Killers</b> - <i>Hot Fuss</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2005 - <b>The Mars Volta</b> - <i>Francis the Mute</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2006 - <b>TV On The Radio</b> - <i>Return to Cookie Mountain</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2007 - <b>Kanye West</b> - <i>Graduation</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2008 - <i><b>Santigold</b></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2009 - <b>Mastodon</b> - <i>Crack the Skye</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2010 - <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Plastic Beach</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2011 - <b>Bjork</b> - <i>Biophilia</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2012 - <b>Flying Lotus</b> - <i>Until The Quiet Comes</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2013 - <b>Arcade Fire</b> - <i>Reflektor</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2014 - <b>Run the Jewels</b> - <i>Run the Jewels 2</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2015 - <b>Kamasi Washington</b> - <i>The Epic</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2016 - <b>David Bowie</b> - <i>Blackstar</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2017 - <b>Kendrick Lamar</b> - <i>DAMN</i>.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2018 - <b>Richard Russell</b> - <i>Everything is Recorded</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2019 - <b>King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard</b> - <i>Infest the Rats Nest</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2020 - <b>Fiona Apple</b> - <i>Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2021 - <b>St. Vincent</b> - <i>Daddy's Home</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2022 - <b>Black Midi</b> <i>- Hellfire </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">...and now to add to this ever growing list is a band who have taken </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">rock n roll and mixed it with soul and dipped it into gospel but also </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">using electronic arrangements to make their voices and</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">message heard loud and clear. With a slew of guests that include </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the reclusive Zach de la Rocha, Sam</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Herring of Future Islands, Big Rube, Lee Bains, among others. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The fourth record from this Georgia-based </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">band isn't Southern Rock it is a mirror to America itself. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The 2023 League of Their Own winner is...</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>Algiers - "Shook" </b><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnJg0_rZ2Z6LkoZ6QJg1irILlFWAWN8SjC61vCBEGoAQo6yXOES6YEcvv8RPPj1zEk8i-vuge5bfbCodbRqN5G95kjxHDLdNMT4hjs8t1JurGWBoGVgpneT4yfphOJCzNjp1tI-ZwOMA0gWjJNAYWn2cVgwlrIW9XtvTc-BS5ErD0TSUfa1zlY_TY-fBL/s300/Algiers_-_Shook.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnJg0_rZ2Z6LkoZ6QJg1irILlFWAWN8SjC61vCBEGoAQo6yXOES6YEcvv8RPPj1zEk8i-vuge5bfbCodbRqN5G95kjxHDLdNMT4hjs8t1JurGWBoGVgpneT4yfphOJCzNjp1tI-ZwOMA0gWjJNAYWn2cVgwlrIW9XtvTc-BS5ErD0TSUfa1zlY_TY-fBL/w450-h450/Algiers_-_Shook.png" width="450" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-82320264085285944172023-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:002023-11-22T12:51:59.328-08:002023 The Albums: Honorable Mentions<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="264" src="https://giphy.com/embed/wsWcsrfMXjJgk" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/waynes-world-driving-wsWcsrfMXjJgk">via GIPHY</a></p>
<br />
<br />
In keeping with our Thanksgiving weekend tradition, we are coming out of
hiatus to post our year-end music lists for the year. Here is the first
of three lists dedicated to our favorites of the calendar. <p>Instead
of presenting everything over the course of three weeks as we did last
year, we are going to just get them all out now over the course of this
weekend. </p><p>Here is our first list -- Honorable Mentions -- records, in no particular order,
that were good but not strong enough to crack our top 10. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSCgvQvVHMKMqloYg1uBtfuY3cAvUWVuxF6CQDSPoDLTA6i-9BBh7X_9ee1vD5wg01NpNUUWDR6HB6Tw083sUxKGXxqhLVVT2wtBzQkAA_7Vuw-OqsGTwJJx31tHUekYeDA9WeXRYJAL6fxMj9dNQfhrIHyNXvuoWduGIZhZ_rHku16F6g2x5sAxo4usU/s225/blake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSCgvQvVHMKMqloYg1uBtfuY3cAvUWVuxF6CQDSPoDLTA6i-9BBh7X_9ee1vD5wg01NpNUUWDR6HB6Tw083sUxKGXxqhLVVT2wtBzQkAA_7Vuw-OqsGTwJJx31tHUekYeDA9WeXRYJAL6fxMj9dNQfhrIHyNXvuoWduGIZhZ_rHku16F6g2x5sAxo4usU/w294-h294/blake.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>James Blake - "Playing Robots Into Heaven"</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlPej2dScnUbYP3tjPbns_J36KvPyIAlX0HneFVQr9utO7w3GchHTIxaQ7J_obxm7DQm2cKf-9I2tFn8DjfGLEuv8APjUwyQTESt9z1SbPAgYxuLhcpAjEA3dttLlxHyPTn_LpN2dmTlXeUqgzThoqpDgnq_2kdw9P_t1VDVq8tdJdD4SMoeBNLlLULpt/s410/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.46.53%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlPej2dScnUbYP3tjPbns_J36KvPyIAlX0HneFVQr9utO7w3GchHTIxaQ7J_obxm7DQm2cKf-9I2tFn8DjfGLEuv8APjUwyQTESt9z1SbPAgYxuLhcpAjEA3dttLlxHyPTn_LpN2dmTlXeUqgzThoqpDgnq_2kdw9P_t1VDVq8tdJdD4SMoeBNLlLULpt/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.46.53%20PM.png" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Nems - "Rise of the Silverback" </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6l005kjYbkxAFQRikAd7yWPj0Ch0DwvawvhAwlLu_xCo-kE71Es8Q9ClOGsTBKcBMjUDBHCzYzoo3cLJBb3IOf3jI1O6sMJDIsvHzE7LMgzvSs7DWQrzkJ3WBaC0MQdV0oEdFzYy27j8gT9wzenKAfMNd4tfChnufCztB2cqEwIDkrulJo7I1yin-zcS/s406/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.47.23%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6l005kjYbkxAFQRikAd7yWPj0Ch0DwvawvhAwlLu_xCo-kE71Es8Q9ClOGsTBKcBMjUDBHCzYzoo3cLJBb3IOf3jI1O6sMJDIsvHzE7LMgzvSs7DWQrzkJ3WBaC0MQdV0oEdFzYy27j8gT9wzenKAfMNd4tfChnufCztB2cqEwIDkrulJo7I1yin-zcS/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.47.23%20PM.png" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Maxo - "Even God Has a Sense of Humor"<br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWMOTGAJicWxs-DJhayn83RO55pIut-8mrJR4MTKdGVeOqCvXsYtwYTK1Pf14tGkG81DZfUZxf_Gr36PXBQo3N5oQPeOf_adxynTZYOe-oHwzZnbZC7NPo0K_UoU4ACyyBqyjPzfBTmEa11dDfuWbfDGc8zqA5bG1NTOFP-lCzpniJj90c_2K57GQR6mx/s409/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.48.02%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWMOTGAJicWxs-DJhayn83RO55pIut-8mrJR4MTKdGVeOqCvXsYtwYTK1Pf14tGkG81DZfUZxf_Gr36PXBQo3N5oQPeOf_adxynTZYOe-oHwzZnbZC7NPo0K_UoU4ACyyBqyjPzfBTmEa11dDfuWbfDGc8zqA5bG1NTOFP-lCzpniJj90c_2K57GQR6mx/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.48.02%20PM.png" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crosswires - "Yesterday in Mourning" <br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzKBxcpXgqSyHvWMh4_IUQxoyNghpJKhu1PCu3hhBb625qUrTR_topzpqc1EhyIh1w9Pwde_Dem-EGnU57blZNPl9XaR2MyO8h0gh1mh2Q8gZa-Kuu2uZGvvsyoyvZZWZx3TPZBiaLYQ2xkTws26zWoz5egkuaHsfddWlM34hscyqXIkM7HWLCzSuojGJ/s413/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.48.23%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzKBxcpXgqSyHvWMh4_IUQxoyNghpJKhu1PCu3hhBb625qUrTR_topzpqc1EhyIh1w9Pwde_Dem-EGnU57blZNPl9XaR2MyO8h0gh1mh2Q8gZa-Kuu2uZGvvsyoyvZZWZx3TPZBiaLYQ2xkTws26zWoz5egkuaHsfddWlM34hscyqXIkM7HWLCzSuojGJ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-22%20at%203.48.23%20PM.png" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Nuovo Testimento - "Love Lines"</b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxowgsRdwPtD8PyF-5hKQ-jVGPWUbXvllzsZhTqW5-owKk-0WPWzEKIKOSOP9XPYSbZ-V-lBjCbg8_SQxgArLvfW20DDHVeZ32eUCQ8S701U9zNZXxvXLIQlr2_SwKVLydQVJOXpYDpTVwcmWzDbwqQUt8RUBa_g00NrP_WioWO7bd0aRl978hxA4lSeI/s300/The_Chemical_Brothers_-_For_That_Beautiful_Feeling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxowgsRdwPtD8PyF-5hKQ-jVGPWUbXvllzsZhTqW5-owKk-0WPWzEKIKOSOP9XPYSbZ-V-lBjCbg8_SQxgArLvfW20DDHVeZ32eUCQ8S701U9zNZXxvXLIQlr2_SwKVLydQVJOXpYDpTVwcmWzDbwqQUt8RUBa_g00NrP_WioWO7bd0aRl978hxA4lSeI/s1600/The_Chemical_Brothers_-_For_That_Beautiful_Feeling.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Chemical Brothers - "For that Beautiful Feeling" </b><br /></p></div>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-25157136168072311302022-11-26T15:18:00.005-08:002022-11-26T15:18:53.562-08:002022 The Albums: Top 10 <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://giphy.com/embed/Anh6FX5t5ao24" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/hip-hop-Anh6FX5t5ao24">via GIPHY</a></p><p><b><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2022/11/2022-albums-league-of-their-own.html" target="_blank">See the 2022 League of Their Own Album </a></b><br /></p><p>It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as we
look back on the year in music and select the 10 best albums of the
year. </p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2022/11/2022-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b>See List of 2022 Honorable Mentions</b></a> <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONHsi5YcfRI2R-7VpkNxfIWxTxyKTbxlIqr6xB3mdNo8WRdFcWjbjppXtJLFHc63L34R3g_8jZdyf0PJ_IAX7fMUR9vGIgihLQkdWAuPrDaHNciR31Vylv-cxW0hILV5hl12jIh9A90saCtH_qvTX7VCLYfnDjYzf1zstlRXQtIN_JuXtpnEI0yXlfQ/s600/YYYs%20Cool%20It%20Down%20Artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONHsi5YcfRI2R-7VpkNxfIWxTxyKTbxlIqr6xB3mdNo8WRdFcWjbjppXtJLFHc63L34R3g_8jZdyf0PJ_IAX7fMUR9vGIgihLQkdWAuPrDaHNciR31Vylv-cxW0hILV5hl12jIh9A90saCtH_qvTX7VCLYfnDjYzf1zstlRXQtIN_JuXtpnEI0yXlfQ/s320/YYYs%20Cool%20It%20Down%20Artwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">10) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Cool it Down"</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu_BbRWvXXIeg8Kb0SHuxwKpHX8yrt-VP1P8pcUbXW9q3hafqKeIJorCQnuuB3_DMqXmant8hRHdtOqOtgGNNchLKoexPZsYVA2g8Rw7Z4tMPLhaTvEQhejhDSUbv3j1B6Kv-ojog8fliIMOLH6MHfjYyPT4THFLSGf3FIvM9Y7NveWPyvftEQyrDyw/s600/yard-act-the-overload-art_1290_1290.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu_BbRWvXXIeg8Kb0SHuxwKpHX8yrt-VP1P8pcUbXW9q3hafqKeIJorCQnuuB3_DMqXmant8hRHdtOqOtgGNNchLKoexPZsYVA2g8Rw7Z4tMPLhaTvEQhejhDSUbv3j1B6Kv-ojog8fliIMOLH6MHfjYyPT4THFLSGf3FIvM9Y7NveWPyvftEQyrDyw/s320/yard-act-the-overload-art_1290_1290.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">9) Yard Act - "The Overload" </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH77U4CjwXwhZhiRBfdIJ9lx6FU-Al2a_Mx9u-WErl-CIoT_QwCJLVcp87JScp4J3-wX5H-V2RNuRp9wSKgtIdrbYWX0bwrFH40iFKn1uavRqfTiEOrzkza6DpcMXZyXoU_59gFfgkK-HLyRwD-2SYNZ__phQ6GfbHBzYK3h2POI4vCncwKWh2Dq3Xmw/s225/naskd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH77U4CjwXwhZhiRBfdIJ9lx6FU-Al2a_Mx9u-WErl-CIoT_QwCJLVcp87JScp4J3-wX5H-V2RNuRp9wSKgtIdrbYWX0bwrFH40iFKn1uavRqfTiEOrzkza6DpcMXZyXoU_59gFfgkK-HLyRwD-2SYNZ__phQ6GfbHBzYK3h2POI4vCncwKWh2Dq3Xmw/w327-h327/naskd3.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">8) Nas "King's Disease 3" </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu32yjZQsTlPKRvusdK0ZoW4wxI596FJIZs8duxt6zrLZQzvpvrOsfW7GWefXLd31Ba1ZIog0GRyCnftLHiVFcDyZU-b9Xj7X4udrgbEkV4VZrZ6mw910kJcr0iDuWzh6D0ggqWvDlq99ixfriXxOTJ6A6q0hSNlxk5SBNAIBAX5lpmQVCE-7GSJceWg/s1200/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu32yjZQsTlPKRvusdK0ZoW4wxI596FJIZs8duxt6zrLZQzvpvrOsfW7GWefXLd31Ba1ZIog0GRyCnftLHiVFcDyZU-b9Xj7X4udrgbEkV4VZrZ6mw910kJcr0iDuWzh6D0ggqWvDlq99ixfriXxOTJ6A6q0hSNlxk5SBNAIBAX5lpmQVCE-7GSJceWg/s320/smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">7) The Smile - "A Light For Attracting Attention" </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArUxvI_oi88MROJ2ZZMM8vHPXJYXUiizbWtFMzSpNYy_GKVzAYcR2RNecm39NQQQDvvKC_-GroSVI-OC3beXgr44wshbKXe1Sdyl8W8Nvp6ZKrtUmtJAR4eY7enzeo7Gpmj0lq84JyU2LLx7EHUAlPNzuTVmFSVVe1CAyoED_c8QVVMFRIHOEb4DnhA/s370/Afghan-Whigs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArUxvI_oi88MROJ2ZZMM8vHPXJYXUiizbWtFMzSpNYy_GKVzAYcR2RNecm39NQQQDvvKC_-GroSVI-OC3beXgr44wshbKXe1Sdyl8W8Nvp6ZKrtUmtJAR4eY7enzeo7Gpmj0lq84JyU2LLx7EHUAlPNzuTVmFSVVe1CAyoED_c8QVVMFRIHOEb4DnhA/s320/Afghan-Whigs.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">6) The Afghan Whigs - "How Do You Burn?"</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tRhlmi3_c3xVieGneNgIwdhJnmKS8EyA_56_YBH22D4rwbIXZjpeDN7h8wWeZ3CULC8VtRNFneIv70BTCXZMiQdTproYDdgYoivVR8HQDHQjsOJA6gGZv88fG32tA6lZlGTAydCJB3dOf6Ld6SIYBixmLieluLAk60mUV8DEBi0TrxswhjgNBIRgvA/s600/Kendrick-Lamar-Mr-Morale-And-The-Big-Steppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tRhlmi3_c3xVieGneNgIwdhJnmKS8EyA_56_YBH22D4rwbIXZjpeDN7h8wWeZ3CULC8VtRNFneIv70BTCXZMiQdTproYDdgYoivVR8HQDHQjsOJA6gGZv88fG32tA6lZlGTAydCJB3dOf6Ld6SIYBixmLieluLAk60mUV8DEBi0TrxswhjgNBIRgvA/s320/Kendrick-Lamar-Mr-Morale-And-The-Big-Steppers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">5) Kendrick Lamar - "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers" </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKRAATWF9zDYT40Wj3kTnnJTMB4GQApymV4qv8fPmV_iMtXHskkAvFbM9556xUw4m7WP7cLFmyBpj4kGX0hbbn6GIBp8_-XXqiw4c9yGeEy_Be-hSYby0NdpD7V4zRQD8i7ysTAgEwlc_kLbu5BFkqTi9-tPNYSFEy4fYE2NSPcjeiJUKoBr6E_6MjQ/s1280/Sharon-Van-Etten-Album-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKRAATWF9zDYT40Wj3kTnnJTMB4GQApymV4qv8fPmV_iMtXHskkAvFbM9556xUw4m7WP7cLFmyBpj4kGX0hbbn6GIBp8_-XXqiw4c9yGeEy_Be-hSYby0NdpD7V4zRQD8i7ysTAgEwlc_kLbu5BFkqTi9-tPNYSFEy4fYE2NSPcjeiJUKoBr6E_6MjQ/s320/Sharon-Van-Etten-Album-2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">4) Sharon Van Etten - "We Have Been Going About This All Wrong" </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_r2t5IzszyUAMruzHkuSUDqwaVoGnzrdFIhH8FHBhtRjefvkWwn5pZ1ShI8pBOJP5vdUTAk6Pcxa3SFZE6ljVvIObXa6LDkgBteWW9R7f5l0kYL8qWy1CPMMtUSDpqQ7QAeHtAbX2eT2S8p98HXHl4kQfYlt74MNIR-J5E_FZVFEKTrxKQjgOaBnTw/s600/Maggie-Rogers-Surrender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_r2t5IzszyUAMruzHkuSUDqwaVoGnzrdFIhH8FHBhtRjefvkWwn5pZ1ShI8pBOJP5vdUTAk6Pcxa3SFZE6ljVvIObXa6LDkgBteWW9R7f5l0kYL8qWy1CPMMtUSDpqQ7QAeHtAbX2eT2S8p98HXHl4kQfYlt74MNIR-J5E_FZVFEKTrxKQjgOaBnTw/s320/Maggie-Rogers-Surrender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">3) Maggie Rogers - "Surrender"</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzlDB1wyT610I747FZykmeSTLwILqO3tvMkr1AKfFrjPYQljJ9dGbHsziUvyw8iGj7IWGPoSPj4Ebq0h64wzdI_3N-GNfnS-m_T7_5b9L-JJJ5lIPGouYb64-Y_PjHjR5aSfdxDGi90y7Z4MZojxxigdrIN93gIvCdnr78kXUQ1i-x6nygpHxeHupLA/s600/kinggiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzlDB1wyT610I747FZykmeSTLwILqO3tvMkr1AKfFrjPYQljJ9dGbHsziUvyw8iGj7IWGPoSPj4Ebq0h64wzdI_3N-GNfnS-m_T7_5b9L-JJJ5lIPGouYb64-Y_PjHjR5aSfdxDGi90y7Z4MZojxxigdrIN93gIvCdnr78kXUQ1i-x6nygpHxeHupLA/s320/kinggiz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">2) King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - "Omnium Gatherum" </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplX_0y3eeTuSDpjJkts6qiyTyQdZVUJbc1bIDgJxuzSSN9cr1rAJR7TZpyjGZwyCcODs-cIdLKp4gNyATjZPiKS6JqEueG-AUuwGytekgdjgYhvvggSLjJOUBiouGmaqB3a7E4KilvXp0ZEDQiueJ18rkRw2dUfkj2OnQD-oKWrZc0yC3fju-zsHxpg/s300/Beyonce%CC%81_-_Renaissance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplX_0y3eeTuSDpjJkts6qiyTyQdZVUJbc1bIDgJxuzSSN9cr1rAJR7TZpyjGZwyCcODs-cIdLKp4gNyATjZPiKS6JqEueG-AUuwGytekgdjgYhvvggSLjJOUBiouGmaqB3a7E4KilvXp0ZEDQiueJ18rkRw2dUfkj2OnQD-oKWrZc0yC3fju-zsHxpg/w368-h368/Beyonce%CC%81_-_Renaissance.png" width="368" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">1) Beyonce - "Renaissance Pt. 1" <br /></h3><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-37908974614340609302022-11-26T15:00:00.000-08:002022-11-26T15:00:01.037-08:002022 The Albums: League of Their Own<div style="width: 480px;"><iframe allow="fullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://giphy.com/embed/1pCB5ZbKacxEL4xTBw/video" width="480"></iframe></div>
<p> </p><p> </p><p>This award started long before the site was even a thought, in one
publication, radio show or another. Since 2000, I have handed out a
"League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is
the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out
there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either
resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have
totally reinvented a genre all together. The choices for "League of
Their Own" have become more than just the best album of the year but the
most important record to be released at that time.</p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2022/11/2022-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b>See List of 2022 Honorable Mentions</b></a><br /></p><p>In the past winners have included: <br /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e0e39c2d-7fff-0596-198d-2302a2222e75" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2000 - <b>Radiohead</b> - <i>Kid A</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2001 - <b>The Strokes</b> - <i>Is This It?</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2002 - <b>NERD</b> - <i>In Search of...</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2003 - <b>The White Stripes</b> - <i>Elephant</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2004 - <b>The Killers</b> - <i>Hot Fuss</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2005 - <b>The Mars Volta</b> - <i>Francis the Mute</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2006 - <b>TV On The Radio</b> - <i>Return to Cookie Mountain</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2007 - <b>Kanye West</b> - <i>Graduation</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2008 - <i><b>Santigold</b></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2009 - <b>Mastodon</b> - <i>Crack the Skye</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2010 - <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Plastic Beach</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2011 - <b>Bjork</b> - <i>Biophilia</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2012 - <b>Flying Lotus</b> - <i>Until The Quiet Comes</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2013 - <b>Arcade Fire</b> - <i>Reflektor</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2014 - <b>Run the Jewels</b> - <i>Run the Jewels 2</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2015 - <b>Kamasi Washington</b> - <i>The Epic</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2016 - <b>David Bowie</b> - <i>Blackstar</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2017 - <b>Kendrick Lamar</b> - <i>DAMN</i>.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2018 - <b>Richard Russell</b> - <i>Everything is Recorded</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2019 - <b>King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard</b> - <i>Infest the Rats Nest</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2020 - <b>Fiona Apple</b> - <i>Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2021 - <b>St. Vincent</b> - <i>Daddy's Home</i></span></p><p>...and
now to add to this ever growing list is a band who is taking the sound of rock and roll that we have grown accustomed to and bending, manipulating and altering them in ways that will leave you spellbound and astonished that what they are doing is possible. <br /></p><p>The 2022 League of Their Own winner is... <br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjJWD2jgzaiPH8OBWVnR7azfVnoi9-B46kUUy5KKQXTAh4ml-p2xRRl-WKB4mROZW3kzvwcDt2e7oSHHV8cUZM7_oyn_9Ne3MRc8nbvk25LZSf0qhEH28GQLpwiNSn3dfgwmWGFHkDCpvJ6mKF6KTJNXEO70CHNT2J1f5EQ9yhUvSBjpckoqpiLIlWA/s800/Black-Midi-Hellfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjJWD2jgzaiPH8OBWVnR7azfVnoi9-B46kUUy5KKQXTAh4ml-p2xRRl-WKB4mROZW3kzvwcDt2e7oSHHV8cUZM7_oyn_9Ne3MRc8nbvk25LZSf0qhEH28GQLpwiNSn3dfgwmWGFHkDCpvJ6mKF6KTJNXEO70CHNT2J1f5EQ9yhUvSBjpckoqpiLIlWA/w361-h361/Black-Midi-Hellfire.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Black Midi</b> - <i>Hellfire</i></p><p>The young British band has been a favorite of Officially A Yuppie since they came on our radar in 2019 with their stellar debut and since have steadily released one fantastic album after another. However, their 2022 offering, their third record overall, "Hellfire" is a combination of heavy metal, prog and alternative that it is no wonder that Australia's mighty King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard asked them to open for them on a select number of shows. Musicianship aside, the tongue-in-cheek and ironic lyrics from singer Geordie Greep just add to the magic. This record is a wild experience that plays out like a horror movie but you don't want it to end. Welcome to the hellfire, indeed! <br /></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-16098540654184221292022-11-26T14:44:00.006-08:002022-11-26T14:44:46.225-08:002022 The Albums: Honorable Mentions <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://giphy.com/embed/FBzqZGthkW6KQ" width="456"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/jean-claude-van-damme-dancing-FBzqZGthkW6KQ">via GIPHY</a></p>
<p> </p><p> In keeping our Thanksgiving weekend tradition, we are coming out of
hiatus to post our year-end music lists for the year. Here is the first
of three lists dedicated to our favorites of the calendar. </p><p>Instead
of presenting everything over the course of three weeks as we did last
year, we are going to just get them all out now over the course of this
weekend. </p><p>Here is our first list -- Honorable Mentions -- records, in no particular order,
that were good but not strong enough to crack our top 10. </p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaBQ9Wqmfh70h_ULeAU-Jh_Y4A9crgcBDX-h-S9JslRPhxdWOTof8_kcj3xUzJSr5rSu-Jym8DD45yo3JecmycIVRM2eCGFeNN_fuqSmZ7v4Pw3GhhptpbFcSZk9Ah0QZ0Y6_8QcY3IRslwd_NQoyKuGuz_ijZJPte7kMgzPfPmBceevczlTfdo6hxQ/s600/viagra-boys-cave-world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaBQ9Wqmfh70h_ULeAU-Jh_Y4A9crgcBDX-h-S9JslRPhxdWOTof8_kcj3xUzJSr5rSu-Jym8DD45yo3JecmycIVRM2eCGFeNN_fuqSmZ7v4Pw3GhhptpbFcSZk9Ah0QZ0Y6_8QcY3IRslwd_NQoyKuGuz_ijZJPte7kMgzPfPmBceevczlTfdo6hxQ/s320/viagra-boys-cave-world.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Viagra Boys - "Cave World" <br /></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTHXm0PiJT5tJ6tFtSPhhVzWzm27jv1ccXmFqKpNCT31FnbDX15GQGm1Q4Ag3G2YG5s_60pXVbpB5o7s70WOE8y1Byi-vCFwAMQciZROq3nbmWdQag1zXLOyMu-O8l-9AFTevI3YDLii12a2Nh9YlY_ExxDKw93UN2H7rBRRDUS1usrFJEK6XAAvDLA/s320/Tears_for_Fears_-_The_Tipping_Point_Album_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTHXm0PiJT5tJ6tFtSPhhVzWzm27jv1ccXmFqKpNCT31FnbDX15GQGm1Q4Ag3G2YG5s_60pXVbpB5o7s70WOE8y1Byi-vCFwAMQciZROq3nbmWdQag1zXLOyMu-O8l-9AFTevI3YDLii12a2Nh9YlY_ExxDKw93UN2H7rBRRDUS1usrFJEK6XAAvDLA/s1600/Tears_for_Fears_-_The_Tipping_Point_Album_Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Tears for Fears - "The Tipping Point"<br /></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbozR3NL-dKjXOsvKeUtae9cEbVjPWqFTShO85EaXO9-ytmFkMK6I6XpEBBXFzUO7f6aBvxbJnnmNQPePlLcYSDKF9rDRUPRn1fiqW3zVM0MuBH7oXBRDFMmRieptEHgpOzVqecT-BK2iCjKL9XYKqV_Y5AFtW0H3Jrhd2gxKH27eBv1PViGWkZ1ivQ/s298/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-26%20at%205.34.08%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="298" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbozR3NL-dKjXOsvKeUtae9cEbVjPWqFTShO85EaXO9-ytmFkMK6I6XpEBBXFzUO7f6aBvxbJnnmNQPePlLcYSDKF9rDRUPRn1fiqW3zVM0MuBH7oXBRDFMmRieptEHgpOzVqecT-BK2iCjKL9XYKqV_Y5AFtW0H3Jrhd2gxKH27eBv1PViGWkZ1ivQ/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-26%20at%205.34.08%20PM.png" width="298" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Tuelo - "The Life of Margaret Cornelius" <br /></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQTP1AHlZ1nR0wvBPMrbAaSxWdkQkS35aCDn8LtJg6xTNlRk63YGP2yJzQr4MOC9Ol1yJTNy8sbx9ROzec8jWOHCEHXOEQhcPpLyYeEaqmMK6LDuOvFkAPVFlfc3SkdoQr7FKrxPLS2DZmZRsBWdkvpqxDvrcS8b8Y2mGyOElIEffGgqMuyH8gX7gIw/s225/logic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQTP1AHlZ1nR0wvBPMrbAaSxWdkQkS35aCDn8LtJg6xTNlRk63YGP2yJzQr4MOC9Ol1yJTNy8sbx9ROzec8jWOHCEHXOEQhcPpLyYeEaqmMK6LDuOvFkAPVFlfc3SkdoQr7FKrxPLS2DZmZRsBWdkvpqxDvrcS8b8Y2mGyOElIEffGgqMuyH8gX7gIw/w319-h319/logic.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Logic - "Vinyl Days" <br /></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig9jxSrpdVqph1rcsUOyzA1PRiaxhmvDIM-CM191en7nXjb0kKazHCuO0yXiAAY88pQapN50pfT0AQmys0g5e4mbtmy-Q-pjNwd9ZjF7bJqGmsnxZIxGTTMp3StusCGiHLomOtPRng0lGj6XMnIFl6vxtn86SNE68mmYBT3-tRBdX-jtWK-n8YVQCjA/s600/FontainesDC_SkintyFia_DSP_3000x3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig9jxSrpdVqph1rcsUOyzA1PRiaxhmvDIM-CM191en7nXjb0kKazHCuO0yXiAAY88pQapN50pfT0AQmys0g5e4mbtmy-Q-pjNwd9ZjF7bJqGmsnxZIxGTTMp3StusCGiHLomOtPRng0lGj6XMnIFl6vxtn86SNE68mmYBT3-tRBdX-jtWK-n8YVQCjA/s320/FontainesDC_SkintyFia_DSP_3000x3000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fontaines D.C. - "Skinty Fia" <br /></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztk-KE8_SMJ_v6t83-HeWf8e7dBOrVL4lqlIpCv8FUncItKp-0Lnfed034lJ7u84XAWPzWhOobNbplGFt4uzuezWw68_LPC8k1aV0UyoP293rQIrHyJq9TgyIhy0NXPQAv2Dn8y-9uf9tUIMKra1MWi0pL7mUHv-hC_SSxkXcYSbFIn3ZZouC4ucmXw/s700/cappadonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztk-KE8_SMJ_v6t83-HeWf8e7dBOrVL4lqlIpCv8FUncItKp-0Lnfed034lJ7u84XAWPzWhOobNbplGFt4uzuezWw68_LPC8k1aV0UyoP293rQIrHyJq9TgyIhy0NXPQAv2Dn8y-9uf9tUIMKra1MWi0pL7mUHv-hC_SSxkXcYSbFIn3ZZouC4ucmXw/s320/cappadonna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Cappadonna & Stu Bangas - "3rd Chamber Grail Bars" <br /></h3>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-23115630316196186082021-11-27T16:24:00.003-08:002021-11-27T16:24:50.612-08:002021 The Albums: Top 10<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="288" src="https://giphy.com/embed/SUnBvyhiloEAo" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/daria-wake-up-SUnBvyhiloEAo">via GIPHY</a></p><p>
<br /><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2021/11/2021-albums-league-of-their-own.html" target="_blank"><b>
2021's League of Their Own Pick </b></a><br /> </p><p>It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as we look back on the year in music and select the 10 best albums of the year.
<br /></p><p>10) <b>Black Midi</b> - <i>Cavalcade</i></p><p>9) <b>One Trick Phony</b> - <i>V</i></p><p>8) <b>BLK JKS</b> - <i>Abantu / Before Humans</i></p><p>7) <b>Tyler, The Creator</b> - <i>Call Me If You Get Lost</i></p><p>6) <b>Dry Cleaning</b> - <i>New Long Leg</i></p><p>5) <b>Halsey</b> - <i>If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power</i></p><p>4) <b>Shame</b> - <i>Drunk Tank Pink</i></p><p>3) <b>Viagra Boys </b>- <i>Welfare Jazz</i></p><p>2) <b>J. Cole</b> - <i>The Off-Season</i></p><p>1) <b>Deafheaven</b> - <i>Infinite Granite</i></p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2021/11/2021-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b> See 2021's Honorable Album Mentions</b></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wWfrcplCoDuO8zl5S9Vvc1iLbVwWcbPm59ZViGE-2CEUkRd4I0ksDr1v1J2fAUpupOOI5_ZWt95tKrJ0GT-l15anpaLNOlhn3gBK5Nkxg593wYHd83fk1pKSxYC9wdkvMfczB9vN9FhS/s300/Black_Midi_-_Cavalcade_cover_art.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wWfrcplCoDuO8zl5S9Vvc1iLbVwWcbPm59ZViGE-2CEUkRd4I0ksDr1v1J2fAUpupOOI5_ZWt95tKrJ0GT-l15anpaLNOlhn3gBK5Nkxg593wYHd83fk1pKSxYC9wdkvMfczB9vN9FhS/s0/Black_Midi_-_Cavalcade_cover_art.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>10) Black Midi - Cavalcade</p><p>After shocking audiences around the world with their 2019 debut, the four English young men return with a much tighter, intricate and often times mature album of mind bending speeds, sounds, and brutality. It is a record will have indie fans looking into metal and metal fans looking into indie music. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9xCbKXuB1kr7jWNWIDxZIV6m1oRwzEPhdHIxFqdqBVEkWlYjzlfo7VbgWzmNpSLe4bCYbvzv4Wy5xboCVDwt98Yh_M4fprbvdBQOY0aT07V1vGyCAG8Vgt65X_0eA79EmEKTUSHM6C4V/s640/onetrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9xCbKXuB1kr7jWNWIDxZIV6m1oRwzEPhdHIxFqdqBVEkWlYjzlfo7VbgWzmNpSLe4bCYbvzv4Wy5xboCVDwt98Yh_M4fprbvdBQOY0aT07V1vGyCAG8Vgt65X_0eA79EmEKTUSHM6C4V/s320/onetrick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>9) One Trick Phony - V</p><p>One Trick Phony is the best band you have not heard. Starting in 2020, One Trick Phony mastermind Dave Blanchard created five albums since the start of quarantine. All of those records were different from one another but all led up to the culmination of V, his best and most insightful work. The album is a film score set to the soundtrack of your current life. Each song is an escape to a montage of various times in your life as you try and push for a better tomorrow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkGSgYE9_8pfu3W1_7HGZTmqHVI_sau_ozS-SP_2CRHam0DPZjVH3D_gV82JBZpWZ4ZrgKodUXp2wrqpVkWtmYwN3EIMu52oQuM4ShOspxweCrzdTaYQf96j3Jlo1QEqZ4K51hsgN3Ww6/s1200/bljks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkGSgYE9_8pfu3W1_7HGZTmqHVI_sau_ozS-SP_2CRHam0DPZjVH3D_gV82JBZpWZ4ZrgKodUXp2wrqpVkWtmYwN3EIMu52oQuM4ShOspxweCrzdTaYQf96j3Jlo1QEqZ4K51hsgN3Ww6/s320/bljks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>8) BLK JKS - Abantu / Before Humans</p><p> One of the most exciting bands to ever emerge from South Africa returns for the first time in over a decade with the long awaited Abantu / Before Humans. Their sophomore record picks up where their fantastic debut, After Robots, left off but ushers us into a new era of their musical world that combines rock, funk, jazz, traditional South African styles and even at points metal. This is more than just a record but a universal offering leaving us in hopes that it doesn't take over another decade for new music. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHuorF7W3UruteixrzBUSaHpXq6wYxlNk74lsfIeVka8DLqGVizm8SCHfCBfzjmQODBYdzcjYUMmY3N9BpWyDuRUun165GFQZwkIFNBPhzG7Eecur12qR-JtYkuewGmtY53u19XQsC31L/s316/Call_Me_If_You_Get_Lost_album_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHuorF7W3UruteixrzBUSaHpXq6wYxlNk74lsfIeVka8DLqGVizm8SCHfCBfzjmQODBYdzcjYUMmY3N9BpWyDuRUun165GFQZwkIFNBPhzG7Eecur12qR-JtYkuewGmtY53u19XQsC31L/s0/Call_Me_If_You_Get_Lost_album_cover.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p>7) Tyler, The Creator - Call Me If You Get Lost</p><p>Tyler comes of age in his best album since his emphatic debut a decade ago. Call Me If You Get Lost is the most candid, most open, and most powerful look inside the mind of one of the biggest creative forces in music today. With production contributions from Jamie xx, and lyrical collaborations with Pharrell, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne and Domo Genesis, this album packs a serious punch and makes us look forward to what is in store next. </p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWGHUYLMUd2ThPACJ_TyUz57TFSS0jI6lRV7w8XCpP-V5zyVqiIFDoD8zw-CcEEiIfGhMX_nA9c4YYIDP04Ssp9sRjFXWqXN7Ui_2LAfrIOzOXhBmSDDIaqr0YQs86FLiQTWHeNI_bg1A/s300/New_Long_Leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWGHUYLMUd2ThPACJ_TyUz57TFSS0jI6lRV7w8XCpP-V5zyVqiIFDoD8zw-CcEEiIfGhMX_nA9c4YYIDP04Ssp9sRjFXWqXN7Ui_2LAfrIOzOXhBmSDDIaqr0YQs86FLiQTWHeNI_bg1A/w320-h320/New_Long_Leg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>6) Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg</p><p>The British quartet had one of the best videos of the decade thanks to "Scratch Card Lanyard," but their debut proved they were much more than just innovative video creators with a catchy tune. New Long Leg is a very cool, very slick talk rock record that feels like you are in the coolest London or Manchester pub listening to a band that is about to do some really interesting things. </p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yAF4QZdGjljrrkOHzmLJdGo-053xYD_EiN2gzi1BLlzkHAw18Jly1uHc1ChzX0ByruUAokvkPFC7SvXBe_8CSE5F17MN-cYOV7koc2h964V9PLXyVD3Of3AQTdlPNGIg4pAziNCnU-dZ/s316/If_I_Can%2527t_Have_Love%252C_I_Want_Power_by_Halsey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yAF4QZdGjljrrkOHzmLJdGo-053xYD_EiN2gzi1BLlzkHAw18Jly1uHc1ChzX0ByruUAokvkPFC7SvXBe_8CSE5F17MN-cYOV7koc2h964V9PLXyVD3Of3AQTdlPNGIg4pAziNCnU-dZ/s0/If_I_Can%2527t_Have_Love%252C_I_Want_Power_by_Halsey.png" width="316" /></a></div><p></p><p>5) Halsey - If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power</p><p>Halsey is mainly known for pop hooks and chart topping tunes so when a collaboration album with Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross turned up this year, it was unexpected for everyone. The record is not only Halsey's finest hour but is a force of power that makes you wonder if this is what Trent was trying to do with How to Destroy Angels or is this where he wants to shift the focus of NIN, with powerful vocals and storylines that are not from him. What an absolute tour de force that was easily the most exciting and unexpected record of the year. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiXM267Ov7mCWzgrQ87Nhgji7VheOyaPut_zhW9PgOwPADr6e7OQtQ1DEonTgKh1-bYV6pIXj1KRG8id36pav9vCifTn2y_4g8pAkzoDCzgG0Iu6u0v5qQ9lU-PDEy95GNlndUhlMCmTX/s300/Drunk_Tank_Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiXM267Ov7mCWzgrQ87Nhgji7VheOyaPut_zhW9PgOwPADr6e7OQtQ1DEonTgKh1-bYV6pIXj1KRG8id36pav9vCifTn2y_4g8pAkzoDCzgG0Iu6u0v5qQ9lU-PDEy95GNlndUhlMCmTX/w320-h320/Drunk_Tank_Pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>4) Shame - Drunk Tank Pink</p><p>Punk in 2021 was a different thing but Shame brought out the best in it and had us bouncing in apartments, homes, and our own spaces waiting for live music to return. Drunk Tank Pink is an in your face, unforgiving, unapologetic smack in the head we all need. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1fIRXrHfMlKjS43MmljQ2pTXI7YvqqHiWJuh4Lk_8sYYwBMQLbh_YwbjEXsb6WGhWhQcNSOJYXO6WpRzBgj864g5VrJFnVOYToJHlpLp22lqkH-4dxFUGo8Lpezcsx6oXJyrLXiC-fyc/s300/Viagra_Boys_-_Welfare_Jazz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1fIRXrHfMlKjS43MmljQ2pTXI7YvqqHiWJuh4Lk_8sYYwBMQLbh_YwbjEXsb6WGhWhQcNSOJYXO6WpRzBgj864g5VrJFnVOYToJHlpLp22lqkH-4dxFUGo8Lpezcsx6oXJyrLXiC-fyc/s0/Viagra_Boys_-_Welfare_Jazz.png" width="300" /></a></div><p>3) Viagra Boys - Welfare Jazz</p><p>The Swedish punks returned with their finest album which contained a mix of raw power, country music, and even folk mixed together to show the world that being left of center is much more than just tattoos and attitude, it is a way of life. One hell of a record that only left us exhausted but hitting the replay button again and again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQBrcGNraYab-Gd784bnNnkmtZUH4dTM2dADNGnXDQdjXYPJpkDkipXPE8jwrkByh1NFQ7uqOtyq26AvBYgD4Du8zyt1qQEDc-4vaH9xwj7XwVmyiCsEP8JU82SDZUgpZGXFyKRNHelwP/s316/TheOff-Season.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQBrcGNraYab-Gd784bnNnkmtZUH4dTM2dADNGnXDQdjXYPJpkDkipXPE8jwrkByh1NFQ7uqOtyq26AvBYgD4Du8zyt1qQEDc-4vaH9xwj7XwVmyiCsEP8JU82SDZUgpZGXFyKRNHelwP/s0/TheOff-Season.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p>2) J. Cole - The Off-Season</p><p>One of this generations greatest emcees returned with a powerful record that is rumored to be his last and if it is, J. Cole goes out on a high note. The Off-Season is the rare record that features other folks on tracks but also is him going full court press to the doubters that he is and was the real deal. An aggressive rap record with a lot of heart, if Rocky was an emcee, this would be the result. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfQuKAZRc7QWFAKP2OMgFtpmFrT5WVHSsx1k8MKqd-1YKi1ARXthVG-ohkHDko1KNE8uv7DjWggEh3enOoVuUdfjq8xe20rvO1R7zh3v-NGkBKtoFoKJlvgrgIqNekFusLsszMO4geg8d/s300/Infinite_Granite_%2528Deafheaven%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfQuKAZRc7QWFAKP2OMgFtpmFrT5WVHSsx1k8MKqd-1YKi1ARXthVG-ohkHDko1KNE8uv7DjWggEh3enOoVuUdfjq8xe20rvO1R7zh3v-NGkBKtoFoKJlvgrgIqNekFusLsszMO4geg8d/w377-h377/Infinite_Granite_%2528Deafheaven%2529.png" width="377" /></a></div><br /><p>1) Deafheaven - Infinite Granite </p><p>Deafheaven are known for their brutal screaming, black metal influence and sounds, pulse pounding drums, breakneck rhythms but what happens when they put most of that away? The result is a record that lives in the ethos of great bands like Depeche Mode, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails, Nitzer Ebb, among others. It is a cross between goth and new wave as well as industrial while giving fans a mature outlook as to what this band can do when they expand their minds, chops, and creativity. The most surprisingly and powerful record of 2021 might also be the most polarizing but that is what also makes it so damn intriguing and leaves you wanting to hear it again. <br /></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-2630180827841038232021-11-27T15:09:00.001-08:002021-11-27T15:09:43.598-08:002021 The Albums: League of Their Own <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://giphy.com/embed/l41lFj8afmWIo3yW4" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/bose-lemonade-listening-render-fruit-l41lFj8afmWIo3yW4">via GIPHY</a></p><p>
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This award started long before the site was even a thought, in one publication, radio show or another. Since 2000, I have handed out a "League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have totally reinvented a genre all together. The choices for "League of Their Own" have become more than just the best album of the year but the most important record to be released at that time.</p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2021/11/2021-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b>See List of 2021 Honorable Mentions </b></a><br /></p><p>In the past winners have included: <br /><br />2000 - <b>Radiohead</b> - <i>Kid A</i> <br />2001 - <b>The Strokes</b> - <i>Is This It? </i><br />2002 - <b>NERD</b> - <i>In Search of... </i><br />2003 - <b>The White Stripes</b> - <i>Elephant </i><br />2004 - <b>The Killers</b> - <i>Hot Fuss</i> <br />2005 - <b>The Mars Volta</b> -<i> Francis the Mute</i> <br />2006 - <b>TV On The Radio</b> -<i> Return to Cookie Mountain </i><br />2007 - <b>Kanye West</b> - <i>Graduation </i><br />2008 - <i><b>Santigold</b></i><br />2009 - <b>Mastodon</b> - <i>Crack the Skye</i> <br />2010 - <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Plastic Beach </i><br />2011 - <b>Bjork</b> - <i>Biophilia </i><br />2012 - <b>Flying Lotus</b> - <i>Until The Quiet Comes </i><br />2013 - <b>Arcade Fire</b> - <i>Reflektor</i><br />2014 - <b>Run the Jewels</b> - <i>Run the Jewels 2 </i> <br />2015 - <b>Kamasi Washington</b> - <i>The Epic</i> <br />2016 - <b>David Bowie</b> - <i>Blackstar </i><br />2017 - <b>Kendrick Lamar</b> - <i>DAMN</i>. <br />2018 - <b>Richard Russell</b> - <i>Everything is Recorded</i><br />2019 - <b>King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard </b>-<i> Infest the Rats Nest </i><br />2020 - <b>Fiona Apple</b> - <i>Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i><br /> </p><p>...and now to add to this ever growing list is an artist who is constantly reinventing herself as not just a persona or style of music but in an overall package that blurs the line between pop, alternative, rock, and even in some cases, experimental. This is a category for someone just like her. </p><p>Ladies and gents, the 2021 League of Their Own winner is... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kA-5nNe0IaY4zZgIZj4VrHL62cWgZMJP7wlEXaaXm1kJWBXgVHs6GyIBOK9tADdBJHrlmu-MblS20aL-Cp1JCYRHMRuPk-nHSaCAkzc_wyLyhHLkgGNOp6l2LgqSNtR6VDWEIP99_qzj/s300/St._Vincent_-_Daddy%2527s_Home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kA-5nNe0IaY4zZgIZj4VrHL62cWgZMJP7wlEXaaXm1kJWBXgVHs6GyIBOK9tADdBJHrlmu-MblS20aL-Cp1JCYRHMRuPk-nHSaCAkzc_wyLyhHLkgGNOp6l2LgqSNtR6VDWEIP99_qzj/w320-h320/St._Vincent_-_Daddy%2527s_Home.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>St. Vincent </b>- <i>Daddy's Home</i></p><p>Annie Clarke is a shapeshifter and a certifiable icon. So when she combined her love of icons like Warhol, New York City in the 1970s, her father's classic rock collection and took on the persona of Warhol Factory alum trans legend Candy Darling, the possibilities were endless. <i>Daddy's Home </i>is a concept record that pays homage to all of these things. A record that recorded in order to connect with her father as he emerged from a prison sentence to the era of things he enjoyed and what surrounded them. She takes us in a musical time machine back to the seedy, gritty, dangerous New York City of the mid-70s and gives us a new spin on it as she sings through a modern eye. A record that after endless listens this year gets more and more interesting with every spin. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-25424940347713261112021-11-27T14:49:00.007-08:002021-11-27T14:49:29.060-08:002021 The Albums - Honorable Mentions <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/cgW5iwX0e37qg" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/adventure-time-alabama-shakes-sound-and-color-cgW5iwX0e37qg">via GIPHY</a></p>
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In keeping our Thanksgiving weekend tradition, we are coming out of hiatus to post our year-end music lists for the year. Here is the first of three lists dedicated to our favorites of the calendar. <p>Instead
of presenting everything over the course of three weeks as we did last
year, we are going to just get them all out now over the course of this
weekend. </p><p>Here is our first list -- Honorable Mentions -- records
that were good but not strong enough to crack our top 10. As we always
do, we breakdown the list in short form and then with explanations.</p><p>- <b>L.A. Exes</b> - <i>Get Some</i></p><p>- <b>Benny the Butcher</b> - <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i></p><p>- <b>DMX</b> - <i>Exodus</i> </p><p>- <b>Inhaler</b> - <i>It Won't Always Be Like This</i></p><p>- <b>Parquet Courts </b>- <i>Sympathy for Life</i> <br /></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_6wjwkzZNNQ5ikIZ3B_ecCd9H39FLRl1FlDI303Yl7AUQ7GJEA8rrm_wwgVYte8lhNljd-DhRm4KnBDUYez52XhpuSumFq_b1JhKI37-dZeFfr1wIWL6NbJjholiGX9bH2qtHnNwJPRI/s1200/LAExes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_6wjwkzZNNQ5ikIZ3B_ecCd9H39FLRl1FlDI303Yl7AUQ7GJEA8rrm_wwgVYte8lhNljd-DhRm4KnBDUYez52XhpuSumFq_b1JhKI37-dZeFfr1wIWL6NbJjholiGX9bH2qtHnNwJPRI/w200-h200/LAExes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>L.A. Exes</b> - <i>Get Some</i></p><p>Jenny Owen Youngs leads a brand new band that brought glossy fun in the sun sounds back to rock and roll in a year where we tried our best to emerge from darkness. A blast to listen to from start to finish and includes of the best renditions of The Cranberries timeless classic, "Linger."</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF-vvgSk-rI5TIboquBp8AyWchPF-NYovaehtr0OLP9vmmOprDXYCP8tx30a5BUzVD7S_CaKelrmTiTPCqdKRFLNxdOW3rZ83AFoXhRDbeaphsavU9yyjnW9i7glw1ZbOnJsI-4Uad4hx/s300/Benny_the_Butcher_and_Harry_Fraud_-_The_Plugs_I_Met_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF-vvgSk-rI5TIboquBp8AyWchPF-NYovaehtr0OLP9vmmOprDXYCP8tx30a5BUzVD7S_CaKelrmTiTPCqdKRFLNxdOW3rZ83AFoXhRDbeaphsavU9yyjnW9i7glw1ZbOnJsI-4Uad4hx/w200-h200/Benny_the_Butcher_and_Harry_Fraud_-_The_Plugs_I_Met_2.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>Benny the Butcher</b> - <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i></p><p>One of hip-hop's finest emcees fires back with the sequel to a mixtape that had everyone talking. The Plugs I Met 2 is proof that sometimes sequels don't suck and is the musical equivalent of Empire Strikes Back to A New Hope. A hell of a listen from start to finish. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxlp2DkgVRzT3rKzTXmRgPKmcdAfqfRmjFsP9zVLGqy8ghpfh0oP8xN7m4av3mGf2w5j5bdA83jWrI0YbtX7P4mb9bLe91m0m8DsMp8wIJOg4GEHB95sjmNYs-3v-ZAidx_v3ONGJBUiZ/s300/DMX_-_Exodus.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxlp2DkgVRzT3rKzTXmRgPKmcdAfqfRmjFsP9zVLGqy8ghpfh0oP8xN7m4av3mGf2w5j5bdA83jWrI0YbtX7P4mb9bLe91m0m8DsMp8wIJOg4GEHB95sjmNYs-3v-ZAidx_v3ONGJBUiZ/w200-h200/DMX_-_Exodus.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>DMX</b> - <i>Exodus</i> </p><p>The Swizz Beats-produced posthumous release from one of the best to ever do it is a sad but triumphant listen. One of X's best albums and sad to see that he could not be here to enjoy the fruits of his labor which featured collaborations with U2's Bono, Jay-Z, The Lox, Nas, Benny the Butcher, Snoop Dogg among others. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF75QcxpjutBFGDylUm8dB3uiD5SU38KH2bupghdMokH2vqtDi7nt3rFgNJnWdbNGXY6dUWQxaRlm2M-C6nIg9rnROp8RGZOVS3oPKYkW2e0GbQJ2tgVtVObLFFTSrwMs5HDnTk0M6fHNL/s640/inhaler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF75QcxpjutBFGDylUm8dB3uiD5SU38KH2bupghdMokH2vqtDi7nt3rFgNJnWdbNGXY6dUWQxaRlm2M-C6nIg9rnROp8RGZOVS3oPKYkW2e0GbQJ2tgVtVObLFFTSrwMs5HDnTk0M6fHNL/w200-h200/inhaler.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>Inhaler</b>- <i>It Won't Always Be Like This</i></p><p>Dublin's much talked-about four piece were set to take over the world in 2020 but the pandemic forced their global domination back a year. As they hit sweaty clubs, the son of U2's Bono fronts the group that oozes charisma, charm, vulnerability, and seduction on a fantastic debut. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXVBEJ0NhhJBcqUsSZ-ZvVMJ1DaY22KEVjx3qpcHbZ9ooU0YHEqRPvkk1TGkrNiNtOJA6C9jUDdw_96493AAXgQ9JQnVPv2uUD9iDGezFss-nnue1MHkumUKTfzCy0tmV3b6AuLN2i0Oe/s300/Sympathy_for_Life_Parquet_Courts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXVBEJ0NhhJBcqUsSZ-ZvVMJ1DaY22KEVjx3qpcHbZ9ooU0YHEqRPvkk1TGkrNiNtOJA6C9jUDdw_96493AAXgQ9JQnVPv2uUD9iDGezFss-nnue1MHkumUKTfzCy0tmV3b6AuLN2i0Oe/w200-h200/Sympathy_for_Life_Parquet_Courts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><b>Parquet Courts</b> -<i> Sympathy For Life</i></p><p>The New York City indie rock favorites return with one of their best records in years. A record that buzzes and captures the energy of the city they call home as well as playing off post-pandemic themes of going about your life after two terrible years. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-604781616821285402020-11-28T15:13:00.005-08:002020-11-29T11:44:51.264-08:002020 The Albums: Top 10 <p> </p>
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What a long strange year this has been but in trying to find a silver lining in it all, the music has been amazing. Some of the best records from artists old and new arrived making it so hard to come up with not just 10 albums for this list but editing down and selecting our Honorable Mentions. We hope these albums are not just a reflection of the era in which they were born but something to carry you over if you missed anything this year because there was just oh so much to miss and overlook. </p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2020/11/2020-albums-league-of-their-own.html" target="_blank">2020 League of Their Own Album Pick</a> </p><p>Here are our picks for the 10 best albums of the year:</p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2020/11/2020-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank">2020 Honorable Album Mentions</a> </p><p>10) <b>Dreamwife</b> - <i>So When You Gonna</i><br />9) <b>Nation of Language</b> - <i>Introduction, Presence</i><br />8) <b>Richard Russell</b> - <i>Friday Forever</i><br />7) <b>Jay Electronica</b> - <i>A Written Testimony</i><br />6) <b>Algiers</b> - <i>There is No Year</i><br />5) <b>Greg Dulli</b> - <i>Random Desire</i><br />4) <b>Thundercat</b> - <i>It Is What It Is</i><br />3) <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> - <i>Letter to You</i><br />2) <b>Fontaines DC</b> - <i>A Hero's Death</i><br />1)<b> Run the Jewels</b> - <i>RTJ 4</i></p><p>Now, in long form:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P78_vqWw-o61Z-1uKyixDL4wE77RQA2BOAcxP8jOqsinaeeCchNpo1sh2IKLTyYTATZPWqAstKsgf3emlhBa3F8P-bZ1pmd-jPCjBkSoD1fFFnHOwirX3l3J48gAEg0vn9F_drAxBbVD/s700/dreamwife.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P78_vqWw-o61Z-1uKyixDL4wE77RQA2BOAcxP8jOqsinaeeCchNpo1sh2IKLTyYTATZPWqAstKsgf3emlhBa3F8P-bZ1pmd-jPCjBkSoD1fFFnHOwirX3l3J48gAEg0vn9F_drAxBbVD/s320/dreamwife.jpg" /></a></div> 10) <b>Dreamwife</b> - <i>So When You Gonna</i><p></p><p> An exciting sophomore from a London garage trio that simply do not hold back or care less what you think of them. A thrashing and frolicking good album from star to finish that makes recalls the glory days of early 2000s garage rock but brings more substance than most new releases from bands from that era. A record that makes us miss live shows even more during lockdown because <i>So When You Gonna</i> sounds like it could seriously own on stage. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz_1j_9L071oEMJ4s3OAeIeBV1FbkgQpwcvtX-qR4vn5gGsTom-nz3wvQimr7zVJahynozLe-q_Lm3TZlLq5R8YV2wdFg8BlmzhBUTO9v2ZqHUYAWhx83dOpXuqvcjzhpuR6yVVvNYT68/s1200/nation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz_1j_9L071oEMJ4s3OAeIeBV1FbkgQpwcvtX-qR4vn5gGsTom-nz3wvQimr7zVJahynozLe-q_Lm3TZlLq5R8YV2wdFg8BlmzhBUTO9v2ZqHUYAWhx83dOpXuqvcjzhpuR6yVVvNYT68/s320/nation.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>9) <b>Nation of Language</b> - <i>Introduction, Presence</i></p><p>The debut album from this Brooklyn trio is perfect. Simply put. Take everything you love about 1980s new and dark wave and give it a modern spin. As they work with Fab from The Strokes and Nick of Static Jacks, garage rock drummers known to pound this kits, gives them a whole new genre and space to play in as <i>Introduction, Presence</i>, is new for all listening. It feels familiar but is different, which is the best recipe for albums. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDuohPKIfJvHiypvNavYnmHeCdAj_Uide4ZO22ae1gCFBdjnXoftlPMChp1-OLSOX3FRlyvcOl6LpQxdAjKX1LvS1DE81z8scUTtrVZcHkH4UPhUbxOhhkgi4pT7aiaoesgxtfLV8p7n6/s315/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+5.14.47+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDuohPKIfJvHiypvNavYnmHeCdAj_Uide4ZO22ae1gCFBdjnXoftlPMChp1-OLSOX3FRlyvcOl6LpQxdAjKX1LvS1DE81z8scUTtrVZcHkH4UPhUbxOhhkgi4pT7aiaoesgxtfLV8p7n6/s0/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+5.14.47+PM.png" /></a></div>8) <b>Richard Russell </b>- <i>Friday Forever</i><p></p><p>The sequel to his brilliant and League of Their Own winning, Everything is Recorded, the XL Records owner comes back with a new solo record that has a whole different concept to it. Friday Forever is a concept record made to listen to at certain times of the night as you enter the weekend after a long night of work. <i>Friday Forever</i> is meant to be listened to if you work in a big city and instead of going home, you go out and starting the weekend off right by not rushing to be anywhere and letting it take you somewhere you didn't plan. With guest appearances from Ghostface Killah, A.K. Paul, Infinite Coles, among others, the album becomes more special the more you listen unlocking new levels and layers of sound. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgFDtpyYy53JmAlU4aDF2jJHF2tW9H2r-8zLd814q424SLaaBgJLdro1IdkxooB0W2M1RIsHtwL86DXaTjLqHPyBgJqcUk90eydt6OL08cECNd18uAaw_UcTiogbFq99ZArjdsL5hCrEo/s315/A_Written_Testimony_cover_art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgFDtpyYy53JmAlU4aDF2jJHF2tW9H2r-8zLd814q424SLaaBgJLdro1IdkxooB0W2M1RIsHtwL86DXaTjLqHPyBgJqcUk90eydt6OL08cECNd18uAaw_UcTiogbFq99ZArjdsL5hCrEo/s0/A_Written_Testimony_cover_art.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> 7)<b> Jay Electronica</b> - <i>A Written Testimony</i></p><p>The long-awaited debut from one of hip-hops biggest enigmas didn't disappoint. Jay Electronica's debut was finished as the pandemic was getting started allegedly after Jay-Z, who is prominently featured on the album, encouraged and pushed his close friend and mentor to finally get it done and release it. Jay-Z isn't the only guest as James Blake, Travis Scott, and various production from Swizz Beatz, Hit-Boy, The Alchemist, No I.D. bring the record to life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN1Qee4a8gFWCBnfJLdTQUdoWbhb7r5D8cfjvSInFF-FAdt-HKo8h3DBxBTvuTG9UqB01ynT5p22FOAYdXhr4m6ogQkx1AywOHgBHXAY-0YEwri_dra2i65lBjZVtiXHiJvSDDxQpoJIE/s1200/algiers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN1Qee4a8gFWCBnfJLdTQUdoWbhb7r5D8cfjvSInFF-FAdt-HKo8h3DBxBTvuTG9UqB01ynT5p22FOAYdXhr4m6ogQkx1AywOHgBHXAY-0YEwri_dra2i65lBjZVtiXHiJvSDDxQpoJIE/s320/algiers.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>6) <b>Algiers</b> - <i>There is No Year</i></p><p> Rock and soul are always a good combination but when they join forces to discuss impending doom, the end of the world, and time stopping, no one could have predicted that weeks after the release of <i>There is No Year </i>that Algiers predicted some of the future. This album is like going to Sunday church but with the best band leading the chorus as rock and soul mix with gospel and punk to bring us one of the most interesting and powerful albums of the year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRAI695a-rBrl8KlIURJZhPm-Lrt_vZ2CwfR7zLB8VqFPYlOffYXS6exK-b5zymiH1aDHD-V4JCNQ_oDlPwe4kMusljHERep26iFJn631-qv9bvDopjuWGaYQ4dpiEfdQT4XfWwTplZSZ/s537/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+5.14.07+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRAI695a-rBrl8KlIURJZhPm-Lrt_vZ2CwfR7zLB8VqFPYlOffYXS6exK-b5zymiH1aDHD-V4JCNQ_oDlPwe4kMusljHERep26iFJn631-qv9bvDopjuWGaYQ4dpiEfdQT4XfWwTplZSZ/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+5.14.07+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>5) <b>Greg Dulli</b> - <i>Random Desire</i></p><p>The Afghan Whigs frontman released his second solo album and first since the band reformed in 2012 and like everything else he has done in his career, Dulli shows just how great he is at songwriting, arraigning and evoking emotions you were not expecting to feel while listening to a rock and roll record. A powerful album filled with the things that have guided him his whole career -- passion, soul, and fury. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1zPTI5jMVRNL0cb3bLi2_gZTIG02G4hXmdaHRXk96K0DdAdLGVSggrv0DLrwnOQYCGDAugt0edKWIMTc_-M6EPRcxPVz6aTpOEvOOa9QxD_Y9t5y2XeovW7QUtTZWB8xQN469e-FqE29/s320/Cover_art_for_It_Is_What_It_Is_by_Thundercat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1zPTI5jMVRNL0cb3bLi2_gZTIG02G4hXmdaHRXk96K0DdAdLGVSggrv0DLrwnOQYCGDAugt0edKWIMTc_-M6EPRcxPVz6aTpOEvOOa9QxD_Y9t5y2XeovW7QUtTZWB8xQN469e-FqE29/s0/Cover_art_for_It_Is_What_It_Is_by_Thundercat.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>4) <b>Thundercat</b> -<i> It is What It Is</i></p><p>Nobody makes albums like Thundercat and that is probably because there is no one like Thundercat. The California bassist and producer returned with his latest acid jazz / doom pop record that is filled with irreverent and comical lyrics but also epic party anthems and in a year where we could not celebrate together, here was an album that made you want to have a dance party in your own home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Scjc28yCeRBqyDzXlKoyB3YVlWlAZ7rPuEGTkxX0breB91veOJqSVF3pw8grLs241LWXr2qzdG7HBwZaIuUe_dp56QAaLnlvd1YLlpPG1PKhwF_CSHWkyMGg8RFuawVFnOHeMuBy6RP9/s225/springsteen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Scjc28yCeRBqyDzXlKoyB3YVlWlAZ7rPuEGTkxX0breB91veOJqSVF3pw8grLs241LWXr2qzdG7HBwZaIuUe_dp56QAaLnlvd1YLlpPG1PKhwF_CSHWkyMGg8RFuawVFnOHeMuBy6RP9/w269-h269/springsteen.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><p>3) <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> - <i>Letter to You</i></p><p>At 71 years old and nearly 20 albums under his belt, what more could Bruce Springsteen have to say? Turns out, a lot. <i>Letter To You</i> is his best album since 2002's <i>The Rising</i>, which was his landmark comeback record with the E-Street Band following 9/11, so that means that endorsement doesn't come lightly. <i>Letter to You</i> is a rip roaring rock and roll record made in just a week during the height of the pandemic and hears the iconic songwriter coming to face his own mortality and the mortality of his band as well as the legacy he hopes to leave behind. The burning fire and desire in Springsteen's heart still burns and we thank him for it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fxuasNOKF9VpFGP9yvzgqTkg522xZX78L8gm7a7fvNfe-LdJtfvX2M5ZM-JVGpYfbmqC3U5CemMTY6ZhPjqePi2pbf8KA9Up2Cz7xS89_eFPkCGbcIQlstWyEUUrtJda1Paqs3Ao2h0N/s300/A_Hero%2527s_Death_Fontaines_DC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fxuasNOKF9VpFGP9yvzgqTkg522xZX78L8gm7a7fvNfe-LdJtfvX2M5ZM-JVGpYfbmqC3U5CemMTY6ZhPjqePi2pbf8KA9Up2Cz7xS89_eFPkCGbcIQlstWyEUUrtJda1Paqs3Ao2h0N/s0/A_Hero%2527s_Death_Fontaines_DC.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>2) <b>Fontaines D.C.</b> -<i> A Hero's Death</i></p><p>The best new band of 2019 who had last year's album of the year return with a sophomore LP just as epic as their debut.<i> A Hero's Death</i> is a record that feels familiar but is different in scope and sound from one of the world's finest new artists. This record, unlike <i>Dogrel</i>, is bigger in production and sonics which is expected for a second record but not like this. Fontaines D.C. are more than just a rock band from Ireland, they are the rock band of our era and music like another pack from Dublin which formed 40 years ago, could be the voice of this generation as this record helps make the case. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG5re-sEcj0t8k-7RPTmnMlahnuOyj7h6FD4fOqYM29GS-DulOsY8GOsshinT_3z6IXrFVQHKjIMLAy5n_Uw7ax9otXXwZ-ftoJ23uaItDGwU6OuhDaQJQo6_PkdeQDXsSdWmHK8nFeIq/s300/Run_the_Jewels_-_RTJ4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG5re-sEcj0t8k-7RPTmnMlahnuOyj7h6FD4fOqYM29GS-DulOsY8GOsshinT_3z6IXrFVQHKjIMLAy5n_Uw7ax9otXXwZ-ftoJ23uaItDGwU6OuhDaQJQo6_PkdeQDXsSdWmHK8nFeIq/w349-h349/Run_the_Jewels_-_RTJ4.png" width="349" /></a></div><br /> 1) <b>Run the Jewels</b> - <i>Run the Jewels 4</i><p></p><p>Much of America and the world woke up to the Black Lives Matter movement as they sat home to finally pay attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. As unemployment shot through the roof, a financial crisis that was supposed to happen once in a generation in 2008 happened again this year. There was much to be afraid of and much to understand and learn and take action to change. In all of that was the rally cry and anthems provided by Run the Jewels on their spectacular fourth album proving that they are the most important music artists of this generation. <i>RTJ4</i> is as powerful as one would expect in size, sound, sonic, style and substance. Some of these songs were written between <i>Run the Jewels 3 </i>release in 2016 and present day but feel like they were written just days before the records release. As Killer Mike and El-P take headlines and history lessons from the past and prove we have not learned anything and the time to educate is long overdue but needed. They are giving today's audience what their friend Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine did to his audience in the 90's, and informing with a powerful rhythm and an in-your-face lesson you cannot avoid. Featuring guests like 2 Chainz, de la Rocha, Pharrell, Mavis Staples, Greg Nice, DJ Premier, and among others, RTJ 4 is 2020 in 39 minutes. A time capsule for future generations and a new form of punk rock for the current one. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-22064318994469580062020-11-28T14:00:00.004-08:002020-11-28T14:08:57.787-08:002020 The Albums: League of Their Own <p> </p>
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This award started long before the site was even a thought, in one publication, radio show or another. Since 2000, I have handed out a "League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have totally reinvented a genre all together. The choices for "League of Their Own" have become more than just the best album of the year but the most important record to be released at that time.</p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2020/11/2020-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank">2020 Honorable Album Mentions</a> </p><p>In the past winners have included: <br /><br />2000 - <b>Radiohead</b> - <i>Kid A</i> <br />2001 - <b>The Strokes</b> - <i>Is This It? </i><br />2002 - <b>NERD</b> - <i>In Search of... </i><br />2003 - <b>The White Stripes</b> - <i>Elephant </i><br />2004 - <b>The Killers</b> - <i>Hot Fuss</i> <br />2005 - <b>The Mars Volta</b> -<i> Francis the Mute</i> <br />2006 - <b>TV On The Radio</b> -<i> Return to Cookie Mountain </i><br />2007 - <b>Kanye West</b> - <i>Graduation </i><br />2008 - <i><b>Santigold</b></i><br />2009 - <b>Mastodon</b> - <i>Crack the Skye</i> <br />2010 - <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Plastic Beach </i><br />2011 - <b>Bjork</b> - <i>Biophilia </i><br />2012 - <b>Flying Lotus</b> - <i>Until The Quiet Comes </i><br />2013 - <b>Arcade Fire</b> - <i>Reflektor</i><br />2014 - <b>Run the Jewels</b> - <i>Run the Jewels 2 </i> <br />2015 - <b>Kamasi Washington</b> - <i>The Epic</i> <br />2016 - <b>David Bowie</b> - <i>Blackstar </i><br />2017 - <b>Kendrick Lamar</b> - <i>DAMN</i>. <br />2018 - <b>Richard Russell</b> - <i>Everything is Recorded</i><br />2019 - <b>King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard </b>-<i> Infest the Rats Nest</i></p><p>...and now to add to this ever growing list is an artist that never played by the rules and someone who rewrote them as they went along. Rules to this artist are about as important as the color of someone else's car. Rules to this artist are not only made to be broken and not followed but encourages others to do the same and follow their own path. </p><p>Ladies and gents, the 2020 League of Their Own winner is....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qxv7Hxmch03c3gSY8oEAXYHn6YOiCDZWwjpRWgPlPvkt5Ne6DEjZJ_CLxiMVoSvQC18kUv17cPtlMOIoHHG7JAolw6nZ7vVQy4Od0OhqXnTWQYoMAiBe43okLbCAyixE_oNCFo8ey5zn/s300/Fiona_Apple_-_Fetch_the_Bolt_Cutters.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qxv7Hxmch03c3gSY8oEAXYHn6YOiCDZWwjpRWgPlPvkt5Ne6DEjZJ_CLxiMVoSvQC18kUv17cPtlMOIoHHG7JAolw6nZ7vVQy4Od0OhqXnTWQYoMAiBe43okLbCAyixE_oNCFo8ey5zn/w360-h360/Fiona_Apple_-_Fetch_the_Bolt_Cutters.png" width="360" /></a></div><p> <b>Fiona Apple</b> -<i> Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i></p><p>In her first record in eight years and fifth as an artist, Fiona Apple knocked down every barrier, glass ceiling, stereotype, musical limit and crafted her greatest album since Tidal. Proving she is still one of the greatest songwriters of all time, what she did with such minimal instruments -- her voice, drums, piano, bass, and samples of her dog, <i>Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i> is the force of a wrecking ball. Clocking in at just under an hour, <i>Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i> is a tour de force and testament to an artist who never backed down even went she was discounted by so many, only to prove everyone wrong. <br /></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-80785132479627483072020-11-28T13:31:00.009-08:002020-11-28T14:09:45.026-08:002020 The Albums: Honorable Mentions <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="369" src="https://giphy.com/embed/4oMoIbIQrvCjm" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/the-simpsons-bart-simpson-4oMoIbIQrvCjm">via GIPHY</a></p><p>
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<br />In keeping our Thanksgiving weekend tradition, we are coming out of hiatus to post our year-end music lists for the year. As 2020 was a year like no other, the music has been incredible. Here is the first of three lists dedicated to our favorites of the calendar. </p><p>Instead of presenting everything over the course of three weeks as we did last year, we are going to just get them all out now over the course of this weekend. </p><p>Here is our first list -- Honorable Mentions -- records that were good but not strong enough to crack our top 10. As we always do, we breakdown the list in short form and then with explanations.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">2020 Honorable Album Mentions (Short Form and in No Particular Order)</span><br /></p><p>-<b> Spoek Mathambo </b>- <i>Tales from the Lost Cities</i></p><p>- <b>Deftones</b> - <i>Ohms</i></p><p>- <b>Sparta</b> - <i>Trust the River</i></p><p>- <b>Yves Tumor</b> - <i>Heaven to a Tortured Mind</i></p><p>-<b> Psychedelic Furs</b> - <i>Made of Rain</i></p><p>- <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Song Machine</i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, in long form in no particular order. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkbFjpR2fgSejDJ7gekGiDnp4_Cusuj_hpZ4T_e-zgUGPdnhBUoIXz692tnftl6D-bdGLVhnQIADhGQjYntrVzECudzGqXMEkkVtQH2Intd3ywCgZcI_1B9VgFA3Xzddkzkr1bGFUQez0/s225/spoek.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkbFjpR2fgSejDJ7gekGiDnp4_Cusuj_hpZ4T_e-zgUGPdnhBUoIXz692tnftl6D-bdGLVhnQIADhGQjYntrVzECudzGqXMEkkVtQH2Intd3ywCgZcI_1B9VgFA3Xzddkzkr1bGFUQez0/s0/spoek.jpg" /></a></div><p><b>Spoek Mathambo</b> - <i>Tales from the Lost Cities</i></p><p>The South African rapper, producer, artist extraordinaire returned with one of the most thought provoking albums of the year. Tales from the Lost Cities makes you dance and think at the same time and no artist since The Specials has been able to pull off such a feat. A key to the world around us and is a year where travel was all but non-existent, this was a great way to escape. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYD-a-DQ4YeXHuJT_JSrBHcS-PuYoWjzwAv2ZwX7-tNWXFH2FWUr4ZfhM8n5buSy6_9z5f167baNT1MjX9Ip1nFJySrk7R9ZLrCfTuW6_C-Pd1pSL14dQMFmHlrHrC16xtrs5iqpesY-L/s2000/deftones.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYD-a-DQ4YeXHuJT_JSrBHcS-PuYoWjzwAv2ZwX7-tNWXFH2FWUr4ZfhM8n5buSy6_9z5f167baNT1MjX9Ip1nFJySrk7R9ZLrCfTuW6_C-Pd1pSL14dQMFmHlrHrC16xtrs5iqpesY-L/w231-h231/deftones.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><p><b>Deftones</b> - <i>Ohms</i></p><p>Moody metal plus synths plus the energy of their live shows boiled down to 47 minutes. Ohms was all of our collective rage, loss, desperation and desires of the year brought to us by a special band that get better with age and continue to push themselves for our entertainment but to get their creative juices going. This record is one that will sound incredible once we can see concerts again and Deftones will deliver on it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8DnITn8dYRmt6U1Cc_75DIVhTKj1OM4kYb4zwg7sd4LW17o9E0ARarWF7x_G-yvopc5D_eoMH9OoPTANU9rc-UwNsW1eV7JiqdRQdd66n8B091f072UJ3ithwUaLnof-kPw3qFU0q0U0/s225/sparta.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8DnITn8dYRmt6U1Cc_75DIVhTKj1OM4kYb4zwg7sd4LW17o9E0ARarWF7x_G-yvopc5D_eoMH9OoPTANU9rc-UwNsW1eV7JiqdRQdd66n8B091f072UJ3ithwUaLnof-kPw3qFU0q0U0/s0/sparta.jpg" /></a></div><p><b>Sparta</b> - <i>Trust the River</i></p><p>In their first record in 14 years and fourth album overall, Sparta returned with one of the most underrated comeback albums in recent memory. Trust the River is Jim Ward's signature style and thumbprint but it is grown up and mature giving us a new life and new era for the El Paso band as they surge forward. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhYad7sTRdyXXqRsbmolKiZtPRssQfbnlCWbEA2eKxeVsLweltjrswK9EnsxfV55PZvz1xU9vBWqokWXt4z_N1yt7IDTtfiYbQ3PM2ZnYiUMD80Gj0sfjseSLIkPLoSkuNMSszULCvaT-/s523/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+4.05.03+PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="523" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhYad7sTRdyXXqRsbmolKiZtPRssQfbnlCWbEA2eKxeVsLweltjrswK9EnsxfV55PZvz1xU9vBWqokWXt4z_N1yt7IDTtfiYbQ3PM2ZnYiUMD80Gj0sfjseSLIkPLoSkuNMSszULCvaT-/w231-h217/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+4.05.03+PM.png" width="231" /></a></div><p><b>Yves Tumor</b> - <i>Heaven to a Tortured Mind</i></p><p>The fourth album from the Miami experimental artist is their best work yet. Heaven to a Tortured Mind is as if David Bowie produced a JPEG MAFIA duet record with Tyler, the Creator. It is everything from rock, rap, R&B, and with so much soul and pain thrown in it is hard to not to be blown away by it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJXtJIUFE_pqiPwRUiJV8NsXyJxnHVIwUfIbp3dpvmeQhTWn17kQgyedu75pecPftmFixK6OZoMZwmh0ZXxQJFLSIS7OGXOX5VoodMjSx2L-2UE2U3BYzKSkVlAZBCnSGlmh8zbkpmG9B/s535/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+4.05.35+PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="535" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJXtJIUFE_pqiPwRUiJV8NsXyJxnHVIwUfIbp3dpvmeQhTWn17kQgyedu75pecPftmFixK6OZoMZwmh0ZXxQJFLSIS7OGXOX5VoodMjSx2L-2UE2U3BYzKSkVlAZBCnSGlmh8zbkpmG9B/w229-h212/Screen+Shot+2020-11-28+at+4.05.35+PM.png" width="229" /></a></div><p><b>Psychedelic Furs</b> - <i>Made of Rain</i></p><p>With their first album in 19 years, the British new wave icons returned in a big way. A gorgeous demonstration that even though they were away for 2 decades that can come back strong as ever. Made of Rain is a new wave album made for the 21st century and we are all here for it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4-RKQQvuX6kXM61OGPhA8flFK7FEUJq1sAIWwS58A_Xo3bWYN1PR-5WKYPS45omw4xK0W7bjyBqbYcqtHDBtF8SjovhftiQk1xzNJOTo-SkplxkYzYMSEFUzu1dapT-BUzsyZVUpm3Vt/s1000/868701-20201030-gorillaz-song-machine-season-one-strange-timez-01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4-RKQQvuX6kXM61OGPhA8flFK7FEUJq1sAIWwS58A_Xo3bWYN1PR-5WKYPS45omw4xK0W7bjyBqbYcqtHDBtF8SjovhftiQk1xzNJOTo-SkplxkYzYMSEFUzu1dapT-BUzsyZVUpm3Vt/w227-h227/868701-20201030-gorillaz-song-machine-season-one-strange-timez-01.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><p><b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Song Machine</i></p><p>The best album Gorillaz have released since 2010's groundbreaking, Plastic Beach. Song Machine is a compilation based off their 2020 animated internet series and features an abundance of artists like Peter Hook of Joy Division, Robert Smith of The Cure, Elton John, Beck, St. Vincent, Slaves, Slowthai, Schoolboy Q, 6lack and many others. This is a fun record that features like the best playlist ever assembled. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2020/11/2020-albums-honorable-mentions.html">2020 League of Their Own </a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-89168702105686465252019-12-14T09:22:00.001-08:002019-12-14T09:22:44.110-08:00100 Best Albums of the Decade <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://giphy.com/embed/ku5EcFe4PNGWA" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/it-rare-pingu-ku5EcFe4PNGWA">via GIPHY</a><br />
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This list has been 10 years in the making. Here are my picks for the 100 best albums of the decade.
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 431px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 1024; mso-width-source: userset; width: 24pt;" width="24"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 8832; mso-width-source: userset; width: 207pt;" width="207"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 7125; mso-width-source: userset; width: 167pt;" width="167"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 1408; mso-width-source: userset; width: 33pt;" width="33"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 24pt;" width="24">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="width: 207pt;" width="207">To Pimp A Butterfly</td>
<td class="xl63" style="width: 167pt;" width="167">Kendrick Lamar</td>
<td align="right" style="width: 33pt;" width="33">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">2</td>
<td class="xl63">DAMN.</td>
<td class="xl63">Kendrick Lamar</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">3</td>
<td class="xl63">Run The Jewels 2</td>
<td class="xl63">Run The Jewels</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">4</td>
<td class="xl63">Transgender Dysphoria Blues</td>
<td class="xl63">Against Me!</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">5</td>
<td class="xl63">Black Star</td>
<td class="xl63">David Bowie</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">6</td>
<td class="xl63">Body Talk</td>
<td class="xl63">Robyn</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">7</td>
<td class="xl63">James Blake</td>
<td class="xl63">James Blake</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">8</td>
<td class="xl63">Plastic Beach</td>
<td class="xl63">Gorillaz</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">9</td>
<td class="xl63">The Epic</td>
<td class="xl63">Kamasi Washington<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">10</td>
<td class="xl63">We Got it From Here…</td>
<td class="xl63">A Tribe Called Quest<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">11</td>
<td class="xl63">Suck It and See</td>
<td class="xl63">Arctic Monkeys</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">12</td>
<td class="xl63">Overgrown</td>
<td class="xl63">James Blake</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">13</td>
<td class="xl63">21</td>
<td class="xl63">Adele</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">14</td>
<td class="xl63">Ceremonials</td>
<td class="xl63">Florence & The Machine</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">15</td>
<td class="xl63">In Spades</td>
<td class="xl63">The Afghan Whigs</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">16</td>
<td class="xl63">Until the Quiet Comes</td>
<td class="xl63">Flying Lotus</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">17</td>
<td class="xl63">The Suburbs</td>
<td class="xl63">Arcade Fire</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">18</td>
<td class="xl63">Beyonce</td>
<td class="xl63">Beyonce</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">19</td>
<td class="xl63">Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City</td>
<td class="xl63">Kendrick Lamar</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">20</td>
<td class="xl63">The Far Field</td>
<td class="xl63">Future Islands</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">21</td>
<td class="xl63">Recovery</td>
<td class="xl63">Eminem</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">22</td>
<td class="xl64">4:44</td>
<td class="xl63">Jay Z<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">23</td>
<td class="xl63">High Violet</td>
<td class="xl63">The National</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">24</td>
<td class="xl63">A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings</td>
<td class="xl63">Beach Slang</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">25</td>
<td class="xl63">The Magic Whip</td>
<td class="xl63">Blur</td>
<td align="right">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">26</td>
<td class="xl63">Post Pop Depression</td>
<td class="xl63">Iggy Pop</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">27</td>
<td class="xl63">Adore Life</td>
<td class="xl63">Savages</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">28</td>
<td class="xl63">Channel Orange</td>
<td class="xl63">Frank Ocean</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">29</td>
<td class="xl63">Wasting Light</td>
<td class="xl63">Foo Fighters</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">30</td>
<td class="xl63">AM</td>
<td class="xl63">Arctic Monkeys</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">31</td>
<td class="xl63">Everything is Love</td>
<td class="xl63">The Carters</td>
<td align="right">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">32</td>
<td class="xl63">Everything is Recorded</td>
<td class="xl63">Richard Russell</td>
<td align="right">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">33</td>
<td class="xl63">LP1</td>
<td class="xl63">FKA Twigs</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">34</td>
<td class="xl63">Dogrel</td>
<td class="xl63">Fontaines D.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2019</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">35</td>
<td class="xl63">Remind Me Tomorrow</td>
<td class="xl63">Sharon Van Etten</td>
<td align="right">2019</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">36</td>
<td class="xl63">Songs of Innocence</td>
<td class="xl63">U2</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">37</td>
<td class="xl63">DAYTONA</td>
<td class="xl63">Pusha-T</td>
<td align="right">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">38</td>
<td class="xl63">The King of Limbs</td>
<td class="xl63">Radiohead</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">39</td>
<td class="xl63">Koi No Yokan</td>
<td class="xl63">Deftones</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">40</td>
<td class="xl63">Biophilia</td>
<td class="xl63">Bjork</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">41</td>
<td class="xl63">Well Done</td>
<td class="xl63">Action Bronson</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">42</td>
<td class="xl63">Life Is Good</td>
<td class="xl63">Nas</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">43</td>
<td class="xl63">Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds</td>
<td class="xl63">Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">44</td>
<td class="xl63">My Beatiful Dark Twisted Fantasy</td>
<td class="xl63">Kanye West</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">45</td>
<td class="xl63">Reflektor</td>
<td class="xl63">Arcade Fire</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">46</td>
<td class="xl63">Ghosteen</td>
<td class="xl63">Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds</td>
<td align="right">2019</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">47</td>
<td class="xl63">III</td>
<td class="xl63">BADBADNOTGOOD</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">48</td>
<td class="xl63">MASSEDUCATION</td>
<td class="xl63">St. Vincent</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">49</td>
<td class="xl63">The Skeleton Tree</td>
<td class="xl63">Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">50</td>
<td class="xl63">Do to the Beast</td>
<td class="xl63">The Afghan Whigs</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">51</td>
<td class="xl63">Vulnicura</td>
<td class="xl63">Bjork</td>
<td align="right">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">52</td>
<td class="xl63">Cuz I Love You</td>
<td class="xl63">Lizzo</td>
<td align="right">2019</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">53</td>
<td class="xl63">Hamilton</td>
<td class="xl63">The Cast of Hamilton</td>
<td align="right">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">54</td>
<td class="xl63">This Is Happening</td>
<td class="xl63">LCD Soundsystem</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">55</td>
<td class="xl63">El Pintor</td>
<td class="xl63">Interpol</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">56</td>
<td class="xl63">Cocoa Beware</td>
<td class="xl63">Young Fathers</td>
<td align="right">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">57</td>
<td class="xl63">Run The Jewels<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td class="xl63">Run The Jewels<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">58</td>
<td class="xl63">Nightmare Logic</td>
<td class="xl63">Power Trip</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">59</td>
<td class="xl63">Everybody</td>
<td class="xl63">Logic</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">60</td>
<td class="xl63">Kill For Love</td>
<td class="xl63">Chromatics</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">61</td>
<td class="xl63">Sweet Heart, Sweet Light</td>
<td class="xl63">Spiritualized</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">62</td>
<td class="xl63">Otta</td>
<td class="xl63">Solstafir</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">63</td>
<td class="xl63">The Monitor</td>
<td class="xl63">Titus Andronicus</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">64</td>
<td class="xl63">CTRL</td>
<td class="xl63">SZA</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">65</td>
<td class="xl63">Awaken, My Love</td>
<td class="xl63">Childish Gambino</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">66</td>
<td class="xl63">House of Balloons</td>
<td class="xl63">The Weeknd</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">67</td>
<td class="xl63">St. Vincent</td>
<td class="xl63">St. Vincent</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">68</td>
<td class="xl63">Chasing Yesterday</td>
<td class="xl63">Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">69</td>
<td class="xl63">IV</td>
<td class="xl63">BADBADNOTGOOD</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">70</td>
<td class="xl63">Skying</td>
<td class="xl63">The Horrors</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">71</td>
<td class="xl63">In Colour</td>
<td class="xl63">Jamie xx</td>
<td align="right">2015</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">72</td>
<td class="xl63">David Comes to Life</td>
<td class="xl63">Fucked Up</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">73</td>
<td class="xl63">Royal Blood</td>
<td class="xl63">Royal Blood</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">74</td>
<td class="xl63">El Camino</td>
<td class="xl63">The Black Keys<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">75</td>
<td class="xl63">Infest the Rats Nest</td>
<td class="xl63">King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard</td>
<td align="right">2019</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">76</td>
<td class="xl63">… Like Clockwork</td>
<td class="xl63">Queens of the Stone Age</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">77</td>
<td class="xl63">What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?</td>
<td class="xl63">The Vaccines<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">78</td>
<td class="xl63">American Ghetto</td>
<td class="xl63">Portual. The Man</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">79</td>
<td class="xl63">Apocalypse</td>
<td class="xl63">Thundercat</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">80</td>
<td class="xl63">We're New Here</td>
<td class="xl63">Jamie xx & Gil Scot Heron<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">81</td>
<td class="xl63">Czarface</td>
<td class="xl63">Czarface</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">82</td>
<td class="xl63">Black Messiah</td>
<td class="xl63">D'Angelo</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">83</td>
<td class="xl63">2014 Forest Hills Drive</td>
<td class="xl63">J. Cole</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">84</td>
<td class="xl63">Diamond Eyes</td>
<td class="xl63">Deftones</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">85</td>
<td class="xl63">Coloring Book</td>
<td class="xl63">Chance the Rapper</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">86</td>
<td class="xl63">Go</td>
<td class="xl63">Jonsi</td>
<td align="right">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">87</td>
<td class="xl63">Hurry Up, We're Dreaming</td>
<td class="xl63">M83</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">88</td>
<td class="xl63">Handwritten</td>
<td class="xl63">The Gaslight Anthem</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">89</td>
<td class="xl63">Coexist</td>
<td class="xl63">The xx</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">90</td>
<td class="xl63">Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2</td>
<td class="xl63">Beastie Boys</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">91</td>
<td class="xl63">Gang Signs and Prayer</td>
<td class="xl63">Stormzy</td>
<td align="right">2017</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">92</td>
<td class="xl63">12 Reasons to Die</td>
<td class="xl63">Ghostface Killah<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">93</td>
<td class="xl63">Bloodsports</td>
<td class="xl63">Suede</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">94</td>
<td class="xl63">The Hunter</td>
<td class="xl63">Mastodon</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">95</td>
<td class="xl63">Everyday Robots</td>
<td class="xl63">Damon Albarn</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">96</td>
<td class="xl63">You're Dead</td>
<td class="xl63">Flying Lotus</td>
<td align="right">2014</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">97</td>
<td class="xl63">Ukulele Songs</td>
<td class="xl63">Eddie Vedder</td>
<td align="right">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">98</td>
<td class="xl63">The Last Days of Oakland<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td>
<td class="xl63">Fantastic Negrito</td>
<td align="right">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">99</td>
<td class="xl63">R.A.P. Music</td>
<td class="xl63">Killer Mike</td>
<td align="right">2012</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">100</td>
<td class="xl63">The 1975</td>
<td class="xl63">The 1975</td>
<td align="right">2013</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<style>table { }td { padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-left: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: bottom; border: medium none; white-space: nowrap; }.xl63 { text-align: center; }.xl64 { text-align: center; }</style>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-11799790365434924852019-12-01T14:42:00.000-08:002019-12-01T15:12:19.796-08:002019 The Albums: Top 10 <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="359" src="https://giphy.com/embed/XQ1FwjRKun4nS" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/star-wars-XQ1FwjRKun4nS">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<br />
It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as we look back on the year in music and select the 10 best albums of the year.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2019/12/2019-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank">See Our 2019 Honorable Album Mentions </a></b></div>
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Here are our 10 best albums of the year:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2019/12/2019-albums-league-of-their-own.html" target="_blank"><b>2019's League of Their Own Winner</b></a></div>
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10) <b>The Twilight Sad</b> - <i>It Won't Be Like This All the Time</i></div>
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9) <b>Blu</b> - <i>A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night</i></div>
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8) <b>Danny Brown</b> - <i>uknowhatimsayin</i>?</div>
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7) <b>The Chemical Brothers</b> - <i>No Geography</i></div>
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6) <b>Africa Express </b>- <i>Egoli</i></div>
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5) <b>Lizzo</b> - <i>Cuz I Love You</i></div>
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4)<b> FKA Twigs</b> - <i>Magdalene</i> </div>
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3) <b>Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds</b> - <i>Ghosteen</i></div>
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2) <b>Sharon Van Etten</b> - <i>Remind Me Tomorrow</i></div>
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1) <b>Fontaines D.C.</b> - <i>Dogrel</i></div>
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Now, in Long Form:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEdCzS9QuKkLdBKak0XKEj5vwhbsOgjnFRI8U5-IvXjk8VnlaDfT8IYj18fxZB4BMF96Yz6tUKq7EIiVJkOS5vNgPrj9FYr8Y88gQc1ivsn3S5_dYwaPgPPkf-N13qmMHlL6i6PnCVHWO/s1600/twilight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEdCzS9QuKkLdBKak0XKEj5vwhbsOgjnFRI8U5-IvXjk8VnlaDfT8IYj18fxZB4BMF96Yz6tUKq7EIiVJkOS5vNgPrj9FYr8Y88gQc1ivsn3S5_dYwaPgPPkf-N13qmMHlL6i6PnCVHWO/s320/twilight.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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10) <b>The Twilight Sad</b> - <i>It Won't Be Like This All the Time</i></div>
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Robert Smith's favorite band from Scotland returned this year with their best record. Sonically, The Twilight Sad have never sounded bigger. After years of touring with The Cure maybe they learned how to take what they have done well for so long and up the ante and do it larger. Each of these songs belongs to be heard in a festival field or stadium with tens of thousands of people chanting the lyrics back. A powerful achievement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95f4dyHJzWqVcSK2drSsLP_pSu43isdMwzyuao7wCV5PctykyITapIoc-YTdVoivCt3YkHA-K4h9Shin3KCOrcTMfGAqKqQA9caWxeONvZYxX_5cguidHmqzexJ0G259R88gcEbsTmpti/s1600/blu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95f4dyHJzWqVcSK2drSsLP_pSu43isdMwzyuao7wCV5PctykyITapIoc-YTdVoivCt3YkHA-K4h9Shin3KCOrcTMfGAqKqQA9caWxeONvZYxX_5cguidHmqzexJ0G259R88gcEbsTmpti/s320/blu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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9) <b>Blu</b> - <i>A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night</i></div>
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Blu is L.A. all day and the rapper should be up there with Kendrick and Top Dawg crew who are part of the new school of<i> </i>West Coast rappers but his name never reaches the summit. Blu has been doing this for so long and so better than many of his contemporaries that maybe he has lost the feel of competing and embracing what he is and loves which is why <i>A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night </i>is one of his finest efforts. The record takes you to the corner then to the stoop then the block party as you meet a cast of characters that sounds like the audio version of a Fellini film. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmanLG8VzXLbCx6oY8Bm_qT4PG-o5imqQpUcR9VjaYj0tddRrtQcLS9B8feH7XYpXxYWEZ8GT5YU_7J2PUoJrh3stUohwzkQhiQWUYswYVix1fM24DlvP6s1Q-AjIAiV22JMM9aIf2ojs/s1600/dannybrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmanLG8VzXLbCx6oY8Bm_qT4PG-o5imqQpUcR9VjaYj0tddRrtQcLS9B8feH7XYpXxYWEZ8GT5YU_7J2PUoJrh3stUohwzkQhiQWUYswYVix1fM24DlvP6s1Q-AjIAiV22JMM9aIf2ojs/s320/dannybrown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8) <b>Danny Brown</b> - <i>uknowhatimsayin</i>?</div>
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Danny Brown has been one of the finest rappers to emerge this decade and his schizophrenic style is finally getting the recognition it deserves as he works with heavy weights like Q-Tip, Run the Jewels to newcomer JPEGMAFIA. The Detroit emcee is finding a clever way to appeal to various ears and generations and did it such profound fashion it is hard to not love the crap out of him and this album. His greatest album to date and it feels like he is just getting started. </div>
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7) <b>The Chemical Brothers</b> - <i>No Geography</i></div>
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The Chemical Brothers are one of those acts that doesn't actually need to make new music but they do and since 2004's <i>Push the Button</i>, it has felt like hit or miss, sadly, with more misses. Yet, the legacy DJs still gained attention with their groundbreaking and dazzling live shows then they unleashed <i>No Geography</i> to the world. The 9th album from the British electronica icons shows they can still test the walls and limits of sound and take us on an audio safari around the globe and universe while never having to leave the comforts of home. </div>
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6) <b>Africa Express </b>- <i>Egoli</i></div>
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Damon Albarn's traveling circus of musicians across the African continent found its way to<i> </i>South Africa for their latest installment.<span class="st"> Albarn along with Blue May, Gruff Rhys, Georgia, Ghetts, Mr Jukes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs Nick Zinner, Remi Kabaka, Otim Alpha join forces to create one of the most beautiful albums of the year. Taking traditional South African sounds and mixing it with R&B, jazz, hi-hop it is a cornucopia of music for your soul. </span></div>
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5) <b>Lizzo</b> - <i>Cuz I Love You</i></div>
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No one artist had a bigger impact in music this year than Lizzo. From her talents to stance on body positivity, Lizzo crafted what could be considered the definitive album of 2019.<i> </i>Her mix of pop, R&B, and jazz showcased that she isn't going anywhere quietly and has an arsenal of talents that will be hard to write her off as a pop phenom that will go away any time soon and the music world should not let her go away at all -- ever. They need her. We need her. <i>Cuz I Love You </i>is the ultimate breakup to makeup album about finding yourself and growing with each day. A lesson we can all use at any age. Lizzo is so damn fun and so damn talented that this is a record we will be talking about for ages. </div>
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4)<b> FKA Twigs</b> - <i>Magdalene</i> </div>
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There can only be one Bjork and everyone knows that. Yet, what is the Icelandic princess had a spiritual apprentice? It would hands down be FKA Twigs. Following the success and acclaim of her near perfect debut, LP1, Twigs went away for a while. She battled serious health issues only to climb back with a lush record about female empowerment, sexuality, and love over some of the best production of the year, it truly became an album to admire. Even teaming up with Bjork's recent production muse, Arca, Twigs is showcasing the new generation that she is ready to carry the torch and make it shine just as bright.</div>
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3) <b>Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds</b> - <i>Ghosteen</i></div>
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It would have been impossible to think that after 2016's <i>Skelton Tree,</i> Nick Cave would have found a way to not only top himself but take such dark subject matter and make light of it. Skeleton Tree was the first album the singer and his band released following his son's tragic death<i> </i>and heard the icon question his own mortality and fragility. This year he gave us the double album Ghosteen which takes those questions and looks at them deeper. One half of the record is delivered from the perspective of a child and the second half is from the child's parent. It is a memorizing opus that is haunting as it is beautiful. <br />
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2) <b>Sharon Van Etten</b> - <i>Remind Me Tomorrow</i></div>
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Sharon Van Etten has been kicking the indie rock scene for nearly 20 years and after being a critical favorite for years, the singer / songwriter has now seen the biggest credit to her career thanks to the flawless <i>Remind Me Tomorrow</i>. The record is a coming of age record that shows we can come of age at any time and must deal with the ghosts of our past, present, and future in order to grow and learn. <i>Remind Me Tomorrow</i> feels like the songs from the soundtrack of our life that has been playing in the background of our own little movie. Like characters in a film, we don't know the songs that are played on screen but they move to the emotions of what is happening in each scene, this is a real life version of that and it is brought to us by one of our greatest talents. <i> </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1) <b>Fontaines D.C.</b> - <i>Dogrel</i></span></div>
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<i> </i><span style="font-size: small;">The album of the year from the best new artist of 2019. Dublin's Fontaines D.C. are the best band to come from Ireland in ages. They are also the best punk band to arrive in decades. <i>Dogrel</i> lives in the same ethos as <i>Nevermind the Bullocks</i>, The Clash and Ramones debuts, as well as the DIY asthetic of <i>Is This It? </i>and <i>Wolf Songs for Lambs.</i> As singer </span><span style="font-size: small;">Grian Chatten screams in his thick accent "I am gonna be big!" it is evident that this band has a swagger and aspirations that are not modest. They want the world and the want it all now and nothing is going to stand in their way. <i>Dogrel</i> is a testament to that and not since Oasis has there been an band with such guts to do it and do it well. One of the greatest debuts of all time, you just hope the band doesn't implode because of it. </span></div>
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Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-82169246526391040392019-12-01T13:45:00.001-08:002019-12-01T13:50:01.094-08:002019 The Albums: League of Their Own <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="264" src="https://giphy.com/embed/cAfaWIcWr7qus" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/cAfaWIcWr7qus">via GIPHY</a><br />
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This award started long before the site was even a thought, in one publication, radio show or another. Since 2000, I have handed out a "League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have totally reinvented a genre all together. The choices for "League of Their Own" have become more than just the best album of the year but the most important record to be released at that time. </div>
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<a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2019/12/2019-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b>See Our 2019 Honorable Album Mentions </b></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">In the past winners have
included:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2000 - <b>Radiohead</b> -<i> Kid A</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2001 - <b>The Strokes</b> -<i> Is This It? </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2002 - <b>NERD</b> - <i>In Search of...</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2003 - <b>The White Stripes</b> - <i>Elephant</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2004 - <b>The Killers</b> -<i> Hot Fuss </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2005 - <b>The Mars Volta</b> - <i>Francis the Mute </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2006 - <b>TV On The Radio</b> - <i>Return to Cookie Mountain</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2007 - <b>Kanye West </b>- <i>Graduation</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2008 - <b><i>Santogold</i></b> / <b><i>Santigold</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2009 - <b>Mastodon</b> - <i>Crack the Skye </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2010 - <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Plastic Beach </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2011 - <b>Bjork</b> - <i>Biophilia</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2012 - <b>Flying Lotus</b> - <i>Until The Quiet Comes </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2013 - <i> </i><b>Arcade Fire </b>- <i>Reflektor</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2014 - <b>Run the Jewels</b><i> - Run the Jewels 2 </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2015 -<b> Kamasi Washington</b> - <i>The Epic </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2016 - <b>David Bowie</b> <i>- Blackstar </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2017 - <b>Kendrick Lamar</b> - <i>DAMN</i>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2018 - <b>Richard Russell</b> - <i>Everything is Recorded</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">...and now to add to the growing list is a band that is constantly putting forth various efforts that blow away both fans and critics. They break all the rules of what conventional rock and roll should be and what heavy metal should be and what psychedelic should be and as we enter an age where we move away from labels and genres, they are the perfect takers of this award. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Ladies <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">and Gentlemen, the 2019<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> League of Their Own winner is..<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Since forming 9 years ago, this Australian seven-piece has released 15 albums including two this year and each record is like a star in the sky -- far different than the one next to it. Most bands do not even make 15 albums during their entire career. Earlier in 2019, the band gave us the psychedelic prog album, <i>Fishing for Fishes</i>, then months later they followed it up with the abrasive and diabolical <i>Infest the Rats Nest.</i> This album hands down might be the heavy metal album of the year for us and many others and it comes from a band who do not wish to identify with any one type of sound. While it might always be quantity of music for King Gizzard it also means quality and if they keep going at the pace they are, the sky is the limit. </span></span></span></div>
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Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-85376983032751582222019-12-01T13:24:00.000-08:002019-12-01T15:13:50.020-08:002019 The Albums: Honorable Mentions<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o72EX5QZ9N9d51dqo" width="480"></iframe><br />
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We closed up shop here at Officially A Yuppie a year ago and have kept to that but since it is still in our nature to still do our year end lists. Normally the roll out is one a week starting on Thanksgiving weekend but we are going to post all 3 major lists now and in keeping with tradition on putting them up this holiday weekend.<br />
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This is the first of three lists we will bring out over the next three
weeks, next week we will present our coveted League of Their Own and
then finally, the Top 10 albums of the year.
Here we go -- our Honorable Mentions, albums that were very good, but
not good enough to crack the Top 10 but still worth of note.
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As we always do, we breakdown the list in short form and then with explanations.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2019 Honorable Mentions in Short Form (In No Particular Order):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>The 1865</b> -<i> Don't Tread on We!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Control Top</b> - <i>Covert Contracts</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Bars of Gold</b> - <i>Shelters</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Black Midi </b>- <i>Schlagenheim</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Sheba Kaapstad</b> - <i>Thina</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>The Menzingers </b>- <i>Hello Exile</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, in long form (In No Particular Order) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>The 1865</b> - <i>Don't Tread on We!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> One of the most furious punk bands to emerge in years does it in such grand fashion that you will not forget about them easily. The New York City based four piece's debut features Renaissance Man Sasha Jenkins and bombastic vocalist Honeychild. The album is written from the perspective of a person of color living in 1865 post the Emancipation and wrestles with America's dark past far better than any history book ever will. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Control Top</b> - <i>Covert Contracts</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The DIY punk scene was alive and booming this year thanks to many of the bands on this list but none did it better than Control Top. The bands abrasive but melodic sounds has you thinking if Debbie Harry fronted The Germs what would have that sounded like? <i>Covert Contracts</i> is a record about liberation, sexual identity, sexual revolution, and dealing with every day bullshit and how to fight through it all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Black Midi</b> - </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Schlagenheim</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leave it up to 4 teenagers from England to bend the rules and sounds of rock and roll in directions you never expected. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Schlagenheim </i>is a tour de force going into areas you didn't think guitar, bass, and drums could go. Many will label and have labeled them as "math rock" but it is far beyond that. It is like Radiohead but instead of plugging their instruments into machines, what if it sounded like what they were going for but without help. Dynamic rhythms, curious crossfire guitars and thunderous basslines, it is something the British are great at and a new generation is proving it. </span></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs9ye3j8jFpWsl8UHJsZYRXDiKGWtFY7JoWnmsNlgK2q-f0vLZHk9oMv0YhEfJY1s_jpassIYYLrp8J9WpTCz1Zh9vgTXJE2wcjus-DoIbmPofbsFNqXwl8OHvzBwgQ1JVPI5LyMX3x59/s1600/menzingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs9ye3j8jFpWsl8UHJsZYRXDiKGWtFY7JoWnmsNlgK2q-f0vLZHk9oMv0YhEfJY1s_jpassIYYLrp8J9WpTCz1Zh9vgTXJE2wcjus-DoIbmPofbsFNqXwl8OHvzBwgQ1JVPI5LyMX3x59/s200/menzingers.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>The Menzingers</b> -<i> Hello Exile</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> While boasting 2 of the year's best rock songs in "America, You Are Freaking Me Out," and "Anna," the Philly band return for one of their best records. Hello Exile is everything people have loved about the band with its finger print in pop-punk, emo, punk, garage, and alternative, Hello Exile is a mainstream record for a band who have always felt as if they should be way bigger than they are. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Sheba Kaapstad</b> - <i>Thina</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This South African band just does it all and if you are a music lover, this is a record to not miss. Thina is the first full length from the Cape Town based band and features sounds ranging from traditional folk to jazz to hip-hop to R&B to pop. It is a record that if you put on, not only will it be hard to turn off but you will find yourself traveling in your thoughts to paradise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Bars of Gold</b> - <i>Shelters</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if James Brown and Chino Moreno had a singer which could blend R&B, funk, and hardcore at once? Enter Marc Paffi who not only can do it all but has a band to back him up. <i>Shelters</i> is the latest release from the Bear Vs. Shark frontman's other band and it is their finest to date. You can shake your hips and head bang simultaneously as the music takes over like the cast of <i><b>Beetlejuice</b></i> when they hear Harry Belafonte call Mr. Tally Man. </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span></div>
Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-84286958009982345742018-12-06T17:33:00.001-08:002018-12-06T17:34:13.588-08:002018 The Albums: Top 10<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://giphy.com/embed/o5q31UIBXI2Gs" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/dog-spinning-o5q31UIBXI2Gs">via GIPHY</a><br />
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It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as well look back on the year in music and let you know our choices for the 10 best albums of the year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2018/12/2018-albums-league-of-their-own.html" target="_blank"><b>See Our Pick for 2018's League of Their Own Album </b></a></div>
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Here are our picks for the 10 Best Albums of the Year: </div>
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10) <b>Robyn</b> - "Honey</div>
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9) <b>Kamasi Washington</b> - "Heaven and Earth"</div>
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8) <b>David Byrne</b> - "American Utopia"</div>
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7) <b>Sudan Archives</b> - "Sink"</div>
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6) <b>J. Cole</b> - "K.O.D."</div>
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5) <i><b>Black Panther </b></i>Soundtrack</div>
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4) <b>Logic</b> - "Young Sinatra IV"</div>
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3) <b>Young Fathers</b> - "Cocoa Sugar"</div>
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2) <b>Pusha-T</b> - "DAYTONA"</div>
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1) <b>The Carters</b> - "Everything is Love"<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2018/11/2018-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b>See Our List of 2018's Honorable Album Mentions </b></a></span></div>
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Now in long form with explanations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcES_6w7PEy8LOrj6VQgVPKWAYHGK38l_4VyUzA3ogiy72CHFqe1lcaNHcyoZt1fJsmtPPClrEG-_pAOFrj2ZjvpJK7qWpLZtHcwmnG34sgkI0zEUDPgloatnMDas9dy81cCIiRffNUl3L/s1600/robyn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcES_6w7PEy8LOrj6VQgVPKWAYHGK38l_4VyUzA3ogiy72CHFqe1lcaNHcyoZt1fJsmtPPClrEG-_pAOFrj2ZjvpJK7qWpLZtHcwmnG34sgkI0zEUDPgloatnMDas9dy81cCIiRffNUl3L/s200/robyn.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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10) Robyn - "Honey"</div>
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Robyn left fans patiently waiting for eight years before she would release a proper album. After a handful of collaboration projects, the Swedish pop sensation returned to once again change the course of dance music. Robyn has a knack for making her audience dance through her heartbreak and emotions, the irony of doing something joyous as heavy lyrics about love and loss sing through a speaker make her a sensational artist. "Honey" is a record about recovering from the heartbreak and finding hope. It is a record that was also worth the wait. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP3GC3-8MNz3kU4jT9SRQh2EJVmSrFnvqyGe-zVNQSaRWYjU0cE5jCRDdOCd4TtPMWBYxLi6oyE5xHMOI0r9VZ-1qb5rH8QtZN0mdmWzrD8usvxY3oJgV8Vq8waLBdrkyMO4_1zPHH56C/s1600/Kamasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP3GC3-8MNz3kU4jT9SRQh2EJVmSrFnvqyGe-zVNQSaRWYjU0cE5jCRDdOCd4TtPMWBYxLi6oyE5xHMOI0r9VZ-1qb5rH8QtZN0mdmWzrD8usvxY3oJgV8Vq8waLBdrkyMO4_1zPHH56C/s200/Kamasi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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9) Kamasi Washington - "Heaven and Earth" </div>
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The sophomore release from the modern jazz genius is a statement record. Following the mammoth and brilliance of his 2016 debut, "The Epic," Washington returned with the fury that society has seen in the Trump-era. "Heaven and Earth" is his political album, it is his samurai record, it is also another display of his brilliance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn_bYv56JonLLKxw_xqmEzqTU28Ij93WzYWQlzjCIrUapqqqDkKBWUcrm_4ZIwfEqNp_wjVruLcNDTmg6JnRbILoLXZV6l5jeyeKDsWvI1D3-yPNALxRA-wLnvaCntfS5YW2hHE1LoF1q/s1600/byrne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn_bYv56JonLLKxw_xqmEzqTU28Ij93WzYWQlzjCIrUapqqqDkKBWUcrm_4ZIwfEqNp_wjVruLcNDTmg6JnRbILoLXZV6l5jeyeKDsWvI1D3-yPNALxRA-wLnvaCntfS5YW2hHE1LoF1q/s200/byrne.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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8) David Byrne - "American Utopia"</div>
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The former Talking Heads front man returned with his first solo record in 14 years and brought the funk. "American Utopia" is a record about modern society as told through the eyes of one of musics most eclectic and pragmatic auteurs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xTI8fhn-4-DOSL_MF-23xw5UmLPxYg-keJDCRHwhFFU-hLv13uSMtwujrSOpObrpBFNvkONB9crEZYD1dsTpeCkpgsMB344hAjr_H1sI3Zqq1s8v0J81v4csIVrPKYKvAFaZA_2OqZht/s1600/sudan+archives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xTI8fhn-4-DOSL_MF-23xw5UmLPxYg-keJDCRHwhFFU-hLv13uSMtwujrSOpObrpBFNvkONB9crEZYD1dsTpeCkpgsMB344hAjr_H1sI3Zqq1s8v0J81v4csIVrPKYKvAFaZA_2OqZht/s200/sudan+archives.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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7) Sudan Archives - "Sink"</div>
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Sudan Archives is the stage name of Los Angeles-based musician Brittney Parks. The violinist and singer took us by surprise this year with her fantastic offering, "Sink." The album is a subtle and relaxed record about love, being black in America in 2018, and going against the trends. 2018 saw the return of the "short" album meaning many with 7-9 songs were released much like what was done in vinyl heyday of the 60s and 70s, and while "Sink" is technically an EP, we don't look at it this way because EPs are not nearly this perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JnZtEXvfy7YAmAcmiYJw3s99fIOWxDUjSLnZK0HmmcCFHbCWhw-5BJBYIuW3za_rDLFFqJSB2zG8p40HFtS7Mj7cqwEhXZB-sYpyCcVpjHniQ0snQlWFbjv4aQSEtcMv6bb5HlyJYRhl/s1600/jcole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="616" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JnZtEXvfy7YAmAcmiYJw3s99fIOWxDUjSLnZK0HmmcCFHbCWhw-5BJBYIuW3za_rDLFFqJSB2zG8p40HFtS7Mj7cqwEhXZB-sYpyCcVpjHniQ0snQlWFbjv4aQSEtcMv6bb5HlyJYRhl/s200/jcole.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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6) J.Cole - "K.O.D."<br />
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For his latest album, J.Cole once again didn't have any features but really why should it matter? "K.O.D." was a record about trying to escape the toxic environment you are in and much like a folk singer wouldn't feature drums or bass and wants you as the listener to focus on the stories and lyrics, Cole follows that same method.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnHLPBthCqeUw9NFxKR_4HVMEwVcop_J3P6sXfOr6CUSJQfsvbHKsN2TuBtiKEixK-OoxWXECa6WWE1g-7GJQ1lHCDLK5M8pqMJikWn9Vu3YMk7YBhg-51l_woifUaoPn1TTS5vcjz0wT/s1600/black-panther_sq-b2bd19381f3b69b605d2470c0d0e4dcd46fb632b-s1100-c15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnHLPBthCqeUw9NFxKR_4HVMEwVcop_J3P6sXfOr6CUSJQfsvbHKsN2TuBtiKEixK-OoxWXECa6WWE1g-7GJQ1lHCDLK5M8pqMJikWn9Vu3YMk7YBhg-51l_woifUaoPn1TTS5vcjz0wT/s200/black-panther_sq-b2bd19381f3b69b605d2470c0d0e4dcd46fb632b-s1100-c15.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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5) Black Panther Soundtrack<br />
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Black Panther was unquestionably the biggest film of the year and it should come as no surprise that its soundtrack is on this list. Curated by Kendrick Lamar, the soundtrack plays more like a concept record about roots and representation. Using the concepts of the characters of the film and comic book to drive some of the storylines, the soundtrack is one hell of a compilation featuring Kendrick, SZA, The Weeknd, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and others. It is a musical voyage to Wakanda and back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4pO339eaHcYxtJUwoA2u_ndyCpPJYeSYFIF2UOD6W0zfnavoEW0LnIBuYRuEgGkOeGc1uad8qvXmYGIsC7RzvEbjG60lwNp1gvQ0oBwrnbYyIqHejT1mtrf-MX65OB8gIUc74Yr_LYDU/s1600/logic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4pO339eaHcYxtJUwoA2u_ndyCpPJYeSYFIF2UOD6W0zfnavoEW0LnIBuYRuEgGkOeGc1uad8qvXmYGIsC7RzvEbjG60lwNp1gvQ0oBwrnbYyIqHejT1mtrf-MX65OB8gIUc74Yr_LYDU/s200/logic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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4) Logic - "Young Sinatra IV"<br />
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If "Everybody" was a turning point in Logic's career to fully enter the mainstream, "Young Sinatra IV" is him delivering his sucker punch while everyone is expecting another hip-hop / pop record. The record not only is the second he put out this year, it is one of his best and in fact gets a seal of approval from Wu-Tang thanks to the entire Clan appearing on one of the best tracks of the year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZwMMAiZsKr4ssEGNuARmDWH19HMp-bTN44OXKSdV6IuXm5KJInEDHqKMnKvriVsCHmNWlAW6swGrglCexjTOxoiT_59OGufmtAq-dljdpqo3UogTNXAjoTF_ImqXmFodYAiVAwknc_gV/s1600/young+fathers+_+cocoa+sugar_+album+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZwMMAiZsKr4ssEGNuARmDWH19HMp-bTN44OXKSdV6IuXm5KJInEDHqKMnKvriVsCHmNWlAW6swGrglCexjTOxoiT_59OGufmtAq-dljdpqo3UogTNXAjoTF_ImqXmFodYAiVAwknc_gV/s200/young+fathers+_+cocoa+sugar_+album+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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3) Young Fathers - "Cocoa Sugar"<br />
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Taking clear inspiration from TV on the Radio, Young Fathers come back with their sophomore album and showcase they too can turn heads. Combining funk, rock, hip-hop, electronica, and jazz, "Cococa Sugar" is the true definition of alternative rock. The Scottish trio rip roar into uncharted musical territory much like what the Talking Heads were doing in the 80s, this is a modern version of that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsJ_Qhyphenhyphen9ETIV-wfkBVkL1S-a1RKqthRKNPoqqSACEHzgytw43fZ2pE2gfDPIh6jwe_YKzcDjXXcxlPei2-WhSxLxqLYwHnit6WEQfudoY7NS2gxYeI4ATU6BD45lj4xKRtsZgA-yx6QFJ/s1600/push.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsJ_Qhyphenhyphen9ETIV-wfkBVkL1S-a1RKqthRKNPoqqSACEHzgytw43fZ2pE2gfDPIh6jwe_YKzcDjXXcxlPei2-WhSxLxqLYwHnit6WEQfudoY7NS2gxYeI4ATU6BD45lj4xKRtsZgA-yx6QFJ/s200/push.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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2) Pusha-T - "DAYTONA"<br />
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One of the most talked about albums came from the former Clipse man. Pusha-T delivered his best work as a solo artist with this Kanye West produced album. "DAYTONA" is a middle finger to everyone, from its cover which is allegedly the bathroom where Whitney Houston died, to firing shots at Drake with the epic "Infrared," it might be the best rap takedown since Nas' "Ether." "DAYTONA" was King Push making a statement and not only did he do just that, he threw the entire kitchen sink out while doing it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez5m_WukoSDEGKX_oZ-RHeu59zloL4Mo09xMf_tEUyBc0FpJe7BrGhGVBa4vm_OfZCtGAZ5RdzuMzVe_cEOnfS3l8rbzup3EqSZbUVQ6fFbz8h6AFi7QYbqzGis432LkPPtPrJC73PJ36/s1600/The_Carters_-_Everything_Is_Love_%2528Official_Album_Cover%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez5m_WukoSDEGKX_oZ-RHeu59zloL4Mo09xMf_tEUyBc0FpJe7BrGhGVBa4vm_OfZCtGAZ5RdzuMzVe_cEOnfS3l8rbzup3EqSZbUVQ6fFbz8h6AFi7QYbqzGis432LkPPtPrJC73PJ36/s200/The_Carters_-_Everything_Is_Love_%2528Official_Album_Cover%2529.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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1) The Carters - "Everything Is Love"<br />
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One elevator incident a few years ago gave us four brilliants records but now it seems as if that night has officially been put to a close thanks to "Everything Is Love." Jay-Z and Beyonce come together for the year's biggest and best record. It is a record about their reconciliation, their love, their marriage, but also a love letter to each other. While Jay-Z is the rapper in the house, Beyonce showed that she not only can keep up with her husband's talent but outdo him on the mic. This album is Beyonce at her finest and fiercest. The cathartic process of salvaging their marriage so publicly now seems to have been closed and affirms their love for each other. No one needs another "Watch The Throne," but the world might need another record from the Carters. </div>
Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-1178918079456525292018-12-02T13:42:00.001-08:002018-12-02T13:42:36.487-08:002018 The Albums: League of Their Own <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">This
award started long before the site was even a thought, in one
publication, radio show or another. Since 2000, I have handed out a
"League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is
the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out
there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either
resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have
totally reinvented a genre all together. The choices for "League of
Their Own" have become more than just the best album of the year but the
most important record to be released at that time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2018/11/2018-albums-honorable-mentions.html" target="_blank"><b>See Our List of 2018's Honorable Album Mentions </b></a></span></div>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">In the past winners have
included:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2000 - <b>Radiohead</b> -<i> Kid A</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2001 - <b>The Strokes</b> -<i> Is This It? </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2002 - <b>NERD</b> - <i>In Search of...</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2003 - <b>The White Stripes</b> - <i>Elephant</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2004 - <b>The Killers</b> -<i> Hot Fuss </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2005 - <b>The Mars Volta</b> - <i>Francis the Mute </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2006 - <b>TV On The Radio</b> - <i>Return to Cookie Mountain</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2007 - <b>Kanye West </b>- <i>Graduation</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2008 - <b><i>Santogold</i></b> / <b><i>Santigold</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2009 - <b>Mastodon</b> - <i>Crack the Skye </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2010 - <b>Gorillaz</b> - <i>Plastic Beach </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2011 - <b>Bjork</b> - <i>Biophilia</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2012 - <b>Flying Lotus</b> - <i>Until The Quiet Comes </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2013 - <i> </i><b>Arcade Fire </b>- <i>Reflektor</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2014 - <b>Run the Jewels</b><i> - Run the Jewels 2 </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2015 -<b> Kamasi Washington</b> - <i>The Epic </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2016 - <b>David Bowie</b> <i>- Blackstar </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2017 - <b>Kendrick Lamar</b> - <i>DAMN</i>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /><i></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">...and know to add to this growing list of talent is someone who stepped out from the business office and the decks to fully assemble himself as an artist on his own. The man behind the signings of one of the greatest and most influential indie labels in music history picked 2018 to flex his own muscle and prove that he not only has a great ear for talent but is also talented enough to craft one of the best albums of the year. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Ladies <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">and Gentlemen, the 2018<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> League of Their Own winner is..<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Richard Russell </b>- <i>Everything is Recorded</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Russell, the head of Britain's XL Records, the label responsible for discovering Adele and releasing records from Thom Yorke, The xx, Frank Ocean, Sigur Ros, King Krule, The White Stripes, FKA Twigs, MIA, among others, turned heads with his solo debut. "Everything is Recorded" is a record that took many by surprise as the producer and label head has dabbled working with icons like Gil Scott-Heron and Bobby Womack along with others from XL but never put anything out on his own. "Everything is Recorded" is a statement record that takes a subtle jab at what music will look like in years to come. XL has always been a label full of taste makers so it shouldn't be that alarming that the label head would craft a delicacy of sound alone and with some friends. Calling in help from Sampha, Kamasi Washington, Ibeyi, Russell takes the subdue and relaxed sounds coming from younger artists today and injects them with the maturity and craftsmanship that an architect would when building a high rise. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-91417453038797987152018-11-25T14:14:00.001-08:002018-11-25T14:14:29.831-08:002018 The Albums: Honorable Mentions <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://giphy.com/embed/SBsu1oxJMEY6Y" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Last week we broke the news that the site was going on hiatus but we did promise that each year we will continue to roll out year end lists. </div>
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So it begins.....the rollout of various music lists from us as we look back at the year that was and present our picks for the most recognizable albums of the year.</div>
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It has become a Thanksgiving weekend
tradition for us to issue our first year end list -- Honorable Mentions.
This is the first of three lists we will bring out over the next three
weeks, next week we will present our coveted League of Their Own and
then finally, the Top 10 albums of the year.
Here we go -- our Honorable Mentions, albums that were very good, but
not good enough to crack the Top 10 but still worth of note.
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As we always do, we breakdown the list in short form and then with explanations.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2018 Honorable Mentions in Short Form (In No Particular Order):</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">-<b> Nas </b>"Nasir"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Internal Bleeding</b> "Corrupting Influence"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Editors</b> "Violence"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Albert Hammond Jr. </b>"Francis Trouble"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>Blu & Nottz </b>"Gods in Spirit, Titans in the Flesh"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <b>The Good, The Bad, and The Queen</b> "Merrie Land"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Now, in Long Form (In No Particular Order):</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Nas</b> - "Nasir"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nas fell into the Kanye West production hole that many artists did this year and while some of the releases were hit or miss, the Queens emcee came out with his follow-up to 2012's instant classic, "Life is Good," and handed a solid album to fans. While critics were mixed on some of the messages Nas was saying about vaccinations and failing to address allegations set forth by his ex-wife, the rapper lyrically may have played it safe on some songs but on others like "Not for Radio," "Cop Shot the Kid," and "Bonjour," the legendary rapper flexed over vicious West beats. It was a grand combination that yes, could have been grander, however, with another album allegedly in the can by Nas, "Nasir" was a taste of what seems to be coming. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Internal Bleeding</b> - "Corrupting Influence" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Long Island slam-core icons returned with not only the most brutal and intense release of 2018 but their greatest album to date. Following the death of long time drummer Billy Tolley, the band could have called it quits or could have rested on their laurels but instead they channeled the spirit of their fallen brother and crafted a record that is not only shaking up heaven but one that also frightens the devil himself. "Corrupting Influence" not only pays homage to Tolley is also hits on the society we live in today thanks to themes of selfishness, loneliness, and always looking for something more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Editors</b> - "Violence"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Editors have been on a rocky path for 8 years thanks to various line-up changes, alterations in sound and style, but also trying to figure out their place in music after the hype around them settled. After 8 years, they not only threw their own rule book out the window the finally sound like a band who are comfortable with who they are and what they have become. "Violence" is the British band's best album since "In This Light and On This Evening" and the gap between the two records were clearly growing pains to get to where they wanted to be and for fans, it was well worth the wait. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQCPHBE0MgYJEDAEhhlBMldlxX_Wc-vP2uGvMrYpFtiG721MwBeGrj83FNIytwsEAzR47uKRUDqcW5ZJpWQlUm2Z9tD3zoAygHIM2z8tBX66oOEht2xTHcYOtNJlRI8irb-YZEWnfQ6q9/s1600/albert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQCPHBE0MgYJEDAEhhlBMldlxX_Wc-vP2uGvMrYpFtiG721MwBeGrj83FNIytwsEAzR47uKRUDqcW5ZJpWQlUm2Z9tD3zoAygHIM2z8tBX66oOEht2xTHcYOtNJlRI8irb-YZEWnfQ6q9/s200/albert.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Albert Hammond Jr.</b> - "Francis Trouble" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Albert Hammond Jr. has been releasing quality solo records since 2006. While he has always lived in the shadow of being the guitarist of The Strokes, after 12 years he finally sounds comfortable with not just that title but being a solo artist as the band continues to be on hiatus. "Francis Trouble" is a deeply personal and tragic record about his family in which he tells the story about finding out later on in life that he was supposed to be a twin but his brother died in the womb. The child was to be named Francis, whom Albert paid tribute to in title and song. The album, which dealing with heavy themes, does in fact have a summer time light feel to it and as you bopping around to dense lyrics but all equipped with perfect pop hooks. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0nml-AgNyiZpHBItHXRIiHEKrSAlBK29Z2ztJLtQAvVkuzqCj9ziSu2WoRYTDq95kCj6cmMRxnLUJME_1z50RjhouVrf1J6_XAk_-Df6jaeb68-D32zJEf4MbIrJ_xQ65ugGqDjLzQXd/s1600/blu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0nml-AgNyiZpHBItHXRIiHEKrSAlBK29Z2ztJLtQAvVkuzqCj9ziSu2WoRYTDq95kCj6cmMRxnLUJME_1z50RjhouVrf1J6_XAk_-Df6jaeb68-D32zJEf4MbIrJ_xQ65ugGqDjLzQXd/s200/blu2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Blu & Nottz</b> - "Gods in Spirit, Titans in the Flesh" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">While this album is sorta cheating in effort to get on this list, it is so good they managed to break the rules. The very underrated West Coast rapper Blu and equally underappreciated Virginia producer Nottz released two EPs in 2013 and 2016 respectively, </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Gods in Spirit, Titans in the Flesh" is the combination of both of them in one package bringing fans the 90s throwback hip-hop vibe of boom bap and soul. The songs were reorganized in a much more logical song order telling the story of their underground musical dominance while bringing in couple new songs to the mix that were not featured on either EP. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgFoxAvfp0pv6XccbmcnX_3aHgm-fPVMc4ZDJOUDKovM489a4RB5QEExHc02FuOyxtggPK89xKPJvCCG-LmUxlASx58V1Y_vS_3mdCLx_kvCKsLIolhRtcUFuHUlOt1BtJd7lEp2Yrxzl/s1600/GBQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgFoxAvfp0pv6XccbmcnX_3aHgm-fPVMc4ZDJOUDKovM489a4RB5QEExHc02FuOyxtggPK89xKPJvCCG-LmUxlASx58V1Y_vS_3mdCLx_kvCKsLIolhRtcUFuHUlOt1BtJd7lEp2Yrxzl/s200/GBQ.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>The Good, The Bad, and The Queen </b>- "Merrie Land" </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The supergroup of Blur / Gorillaz member Damon Albarn, The Clash's Paul Simonon, The Verve's Simon Tong, and Fela drummer Tony Allen return with their second album in 11 years. Unlike its 2007 predecessor, "Merrie Land" does not feature production by Danger Mouse instead behind the decks was long-time David Bowie producer Tony Visconti. The album is a love letter to England but unlike their self-titled debut, it isn't about the doom and gloom aspect of growing up in the kingdom but honoring the fallen soldiers who fought for the monarchy during World War I. Perfectly timed to be released during the 100th anniversary of the end of the first Great War, the supergroup show their appreciation in song. </span></span></span></span></div>
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Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-48884707223725260122018-11-18T09:31:00.002-08:002018-11-18T12:24:01.209-08:00No Distance Left to Run <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We know we haven't been updating for most of 2018 and there is good reason for it.<br />
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November is usually the time we celebrate an anniversary of this website, which I started in my parents basement in 2006. It is also the time I felt was perfect to say goodbye. Officially A Yuppie has evolved and grew into something that I didn't think possible.<br />
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While the time working and putting everything into creating Officially A Yuppie was a massive adventure, it since got harder to do as I got older and holding down adult responsibilities.<br />
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The ride was all worth it as were the sleepless nights and stress, it taught me a lot and was one of the best learning experiences I could have ever asked for.<br />
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With that, it is time I call time on this project. It sorta feels like when a band goes on "indefinite hiatus" and you don't know when it they will be back but they aren't breaking up.<br />
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I can assure you the love for music will never die, in fact, we will return each year with at least a Top 10, honorable mentions, and League of Their Own list as we did when the site first launched. In fact, we will do that in the coming weeks for 2018.<br />
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Maybe there will be a band that we have to talk about or a gig or an album. Whatever the case may be, the site isn't shutting down but will be inactive until we feel like coming out of "retirement" for something.<br />
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Above all else, I just want to say thanks for reading, thanks for listening, thanks for keeping us going and that also goes for the musicians, publicists, managers, labels, and industry folk that saw us as an outlet to speak to.<br />
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Until next time, thanks for the last 12 years. I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br />
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Best,<br />
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Sal Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-28133734797603213382018-08-26T14:12:00.004-07:002018-08-26T14:12:39.537-07:00Live Review: Interpol Close House of Vans <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rfEqmx6EC3juD6ubLKO6EYMCSLrkmLZxLPQp_F4vrxcAXiruqAftPHBhSbslys7NWLHtb2rWFGywYrOscuron-fuE8kfZfQ04nGJKz9PZHAtPbp-sd8qod6azqYabnzWHCwg0EdLyZxM/s1600/26CC48303-C3B1-0F16-DBAAAC2D6B2C7D72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rfEqmx6EC3juD6ubLKO6EYMCSLrkmLZxLPQp_F4vrxcAXiruqAftPHBhSbslys7NWLHtb2rWFGywYrOscuron-fuE8kfZfQ04nGJKz9PZHAtPbp-sd8qod6azqYabnzWHCwg0EdLyZxM/s400/26CC48303-C3B1-0F16-DBAAAC2D6B2C7D72.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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On Friday night, <b>Interpol</b> performed a very special record release show for their latest album, the very solid, <i>Marauder</i>.<br />
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The gig was the final concert ever inside Williamsburg, Brooklyn's House of Vans skate park. For the last 8 years, Vans has supplied a venue for locals to not only skate around in but also attend free concerts each and every summer since it opened.<br />
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For the final gig, the sneaker company signed local heroes Interpol to close out venue and what a way to say goodbye.<br />
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Leading up to the band's set, many inside the packed venue were sharing stories about how the House of Vans became a summertime staple for them to not only see bands, drink free beer, and skate around but it was a place of unity in the neighborhood and for those around New York City. The venue attracted characters from all walks of life and Friday everyone was on full display from the middle aged skater to the young hipster who just moved to the neighborhood to the student to the professional and even the elderly, as an elderly woman was seen spotted at the show. It was a bittersweet moment for all which led to Interpol's Paul Banks to express his gratitude as much as he could for be allowed to headline and curate the important event.<br />
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Hitting the stage just before 10 p.m., the dapper Manhattan band opened with "Number 10," a track from their brand new record but then dove into the hits like "All the Rage Back Home," "Evil," "Public Pervert," "NYC," as well as mixing in new songs like "The Rover," "NYSMAW," "Complications," which fit in just fine.<br />
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It was the kick-off of a small tour for the band but they looked relaxed and well rehearsed to make some of their new songs come alive for the first time all while holding the audiences attention.<br />
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Guitarist Daniel Kessler would dance around stage while singer Paul Banks would show off his unique and powerful voice to the delight of everyone in the room. Drummer Sam Fogarino is still holding his own as the backbone of the band they sound as tight as ever.<br />
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As <i>Marauder</i> is set to take them around the world to tour, the band will be back in New York in February where they headline Madison Square Garden.<br />
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<br />Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-60417856707726722212018-08-26T13:57:00.002-07:002018-08-26T13:57:37.920-07:00Live Pix: Fantastic Negrito at SOB's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just ahead of his Afropunk performance this weekend, <b>Fantastic Negrito</b> played a special New York City gig Thursday night at the legendary SOB's. </div>
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We were on hand to capture the action, take a look! </div>
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Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-85218792096994566002018-06-20T19:11:00.002-07:002018-06-20T19:11:50.953-07:00Tuelo Releases Live EP <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tuelo has been out of New York City since the fall of last year and bouncing around her native South Africa and across Europe writing and recording. </div>
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She has now shared a raw Live EP as a free download. Stream it / Get it below:</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/playlists/529063905&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-14669883512012684042018-06-15T08:37:00.001-07:002018-06-15T08:37:08.254-07:00Alt-J with Pusha T and Twin Shadow on 'Colbert' <iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hk3RRLIlV_M" width="500"></iframe>
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Watch <b>Alt-J </b>with special guests <b>Pusha T</b> and <b>Twin Shadow</b> perform "In Cold Blood" On <i><b>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. </b></i>Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377951576484430328.post-72184207881738681342018-06-11T18:55:00.000-07:002018-06-11T18:55:02.724-07:00Underrated Classic: Jonathan Fire*Eater 'Wolf Songs for Lambs' <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last month, the music world was stunned by the sudden passing of musician Stewart Lupton, the enigmatic frontman of New York via D.C. indie pioneers <b>Jonathan Fire*Eater.</b> The 43-year-old help put New York rock and roll back on the map in the mid-to-late 90s when Jonathan Fire*Eater relocated to the Big Apple from the capital and caused one of the largest label bidding wars in history at the time. Jonathan Fire*Eater had a sound unlike many others at the time with jingle-jangle guitar hooks, thumping rhythms, and sinister and dark lyrics that were showcased via Lupton's unique voice. Dreamworks eventually won the band on their label after the bidding war and they released their critically acclaimed but commercially flopped <i>Wolf Songs for Lambs</i> in 1997. After they signed their lucrative deal with Dreamworks, the L.A. Times called the band "possibly the most hyped young group that nobody has ever heard of," in the era before social media that was a bold but accurate statement to make. The album would basically set the standard for New York City bands of the early millennium like Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes, and Secret Machines. <i>Wolf Songs for Lambs</i> would be the template that those artists would use for their respective debuts and early styles. <i>Wolf Songs for Lambs</i> now sounds just as fresh as it did 21 years ago and the oral history of the record was displayed in Lizzy Goodman's brilliant 2017 book, <b><i>Meet Me in the Bathroom</i></b>. A year after the record was released, the band split and members Paul Maroon, Matt Barrick, and Walter Martin would later form the critically acclaimed indie band The Walkmen. While Jonathan Fire*Eater received their acclaim from critics and the NYC and DC audiences that flocked to see them and not from the masses, the influence they had is something no one can argue and their legacy is a testament to that.
Salvatore Bonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792923974878682666noreply@blogger.com