2021 The Albums - Honorable Mentions

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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. 

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. 

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.

- L.A. Exes - Get Some

- Benny the Butcher - The Plugs I Met 2

- DMX - Exodus 

- Inhaler - It Won't Always Be Like This

- Parquet Courts - Sympathy for Life

 

L.A. Exes - Get Some

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."

Benny the Butcher - The Plugs I Met 2

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. 

DMX - Exodus 

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. 

Inhaler- It Won't Always Be Like This

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. 

Parquet Courts - Sympathy For Life

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. 

2020 The Albums: Top 10

 

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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. 

2020 League of Their Own Album Pick 

Here are our picks for the 10 best albums of the year:

2020 Honorable Album Mentions 

10) Dreamwife - So When You Gonna
9) Nation of Language - Introduction, Presence
8) Richard Russell - Friday Forever
7) Jay Electronica - A Written Testimony
6) Algiers - There is No Year
5) Greg Dulli - Random Desire
4) Thundercat - It Is What It Is
3) Bruce Springsteen - Letter to You
2) Fontaines DC - A Hero's Death
1) Run the Jewels - RTJ 4

Now, in long form:

 10) Dreamwife - So When You Gonna

 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 So When You Gonna sounds like it could seriously own on stage. 

9) Nation of Language - Introduction, Presence

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 Introduction, Presence, is new for all listening. It feels familiar but is different, which is the best recipe for albums. 

8) Richard Russell - Friday Forever

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. Friday Forever 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. 

 7) Jay Electronica - A Written Testimony

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.  

6) Algiers - There is No Year

 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 There is No Year 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. 

5) Greg Dulli - Random Desire

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. 

4) Thundercat - It is What It Is

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. 

3) Bruce Springsteen - Letter to You

At 71 years old and nearly 20 albums under his belt, what more could Bruce Springsteen have to say? Turns out, a lot. Letter To You is his best album since 2002's The Rising, which was his landmark comeback record with the E-Street Band following 9/11, so that means that endorsement doesn't come lightly. Letter to You 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. 

2) Fontaines D.C. - A Hero's Death

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. A Hero's Death 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 Dogrel, 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. 

 1) Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 4

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. RTJ4 is as powerful as one would expect in size, sound, sonic, style and substance. Some of these songs were written between Run the Jewels 3 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.

100 Best Albums of the Decade

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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.

1	To Pimp A Butterfly	Kendrick Lamar	2015
2	DAMN.	Kendrick Lamar	2017
3	Run The Jewels 2	Run The Jewels	2014
4	Transgender Dysphoria Blues	Against Me!	2014
5	Black Star	David Bowie	2017
6	Body Talk	Robyn	2010
7	James Blake	James Blake	2010
8	Plastic Beach	Gorillaz	2010
9	The Epic	Kamasi Washington	2015
10	We Got it From Here…	A Tribe Called Quest	2016
11	Suck It and See	Arctic Monkeys	2011
12	Overgrown	James Blake	2013
13	21	Adele	2011
14	Ceremonials	Florence & The Machine	2011
15	In Spades	The Afghan Whigs	2016
16	Until the Quiet Comes	Flying Lotus	2012
17	The Suburbs	Arcade Fire	2010
18	Beyonce	Beyonce	2013
19	Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City	Kendrick Lamar	2013
20	The Far Field	Future Islands	2017
21	Recovery	Eminem	2010
22	4:44	Jay Z	2017
23	High Violet	The National	2010
24	A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings	Beach Slang	2016
25	The Magic Whip	Blur	2015
26	Post Pop Depression	Iggy Pop	2016
27	Adore Life	Savages	2016
28	Channel Orange	Frank Ocean	2012
29	Wasting Light	Foo Fighters	2011
30	AM	Arctic Monkeys	2013
31	Everything is Love	The Carters	2018
32	Everything is Recorded	Richard Russell	2018
33	LP1	FKA Twigs	2014
34	Dogrel	Fontaines D.C.	2019
35	Remind Me Tomorrow	Sharon Van Etten	2019
36	Songs of Innocence	U2	2014
37	DAYTONA	Pusha-T	2018
38	The King of Limbs	Radiohead	2011
39	Koi No Yokan	Deftones	2012
40	Biophilia	Bjork	2011
41	Well Done	Action Bronson	2011
42	Life Is Good	Nas	2012
43	Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds	Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds	2011
44	My Beatiful Dark Twisted Fantasy	Kanye West	2010
45	Reflektor	Arcade Fire	2013
46	Ghosteen	Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds	2019
47	III	BADBADNOTGOOD	2014
48	MASSEDUCATION	St. Vincent	2017
49	The Skeleton Tree	Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds	2016
50	Do to the Beast	The Afghan Whigs	2013
51	Vulnicura	Bjork	2015
52	Cuz I Love You	Lizzo	2019
53	Hamilton	The Cast of Hamilton	2015
54	This Is Happening	LCD Soundsystem	2010
55	El Pintor	Interpol	2014
56	Cocoa Beware	Young Fathers	2018
57	Run The Jewels	Run The Jewels	2013
58	Nightmare Logic	Power Trip	2017
59	Everybody	Logic	2017
60	Kill For Love	Chromatics	2012
61	Sweet Heart, Sweet Light	Spiritualized	2012
62	Otta	Solstafir	2014
63	The Monitor	Titus Andronicus	2011
64	CTRL	SZA	2017
65	Awaken, My Love	Childish Gambino	2016
66	House of Balloons	The Weeknd	2011
67	St. Vincent	St. Vincent	2014
68	Chasing Yesterday	Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds	2016
69	IV	BADBADNOTGOOD	2016
70	Skying	The Horrors	2011
71	In Colour	Jamie xx	2015
72	David Comes to Life	Fucked Up	2011
73	Royal Blood	Royal Blood	2014
74	El Camino	The Black Keys	2011
75	Infest the Rats Nest	King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard	2019
76	… Like Clockwork	Queens of the Stone Age	2012
77	What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?	The Vaccines	2011
78	American Ghetto	Portual. The Man	2010
79	Apocalypse	Thundercat	2013
80	We're New Here	Jamie xx & Gil Scot Heron	2011
81	Czarface	Czarface	2013
82	Black Messiah	D'Angelo	2014
83	2014 Forest Hills Drive	J. Cole	2014
84	Diamond Eyes	Deftones	2010
85	Coloring Book	Chance the Rapper	2016
86	Go	Jonsi	2010
87	Hurry Up, We're Dreaming	M83	2011
88	Handwritten	The Gaslight Anthem	2012
89	Coexist	The xx	2012
90	Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2	Beastie Boys	2011
91	Gang Signs and Prayer	Stormzy	2017
92	12 Reasons to Die	Ghostface Killah	2013
93	Bloodsports	Suede	2013
94	The Hunter	Mastodon	2011
95	Everyday Robots	Damon Albarn	2014
96	You're Dead	Flying Lotus	2014
97	Ukulele Songs	Eddie Vedder	2011
98	The Last Days of Oakland	Fantastic Negrito	2016
99	R.A.P. Music	Killer Mike	2012
100	The 1975	The 1975	2013

2018 The Albums: Top 10

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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.

See Our Pick for 2018's League of Their Own Album 

Here are our picks for the 10 Best Albums of the Year: 

10) Robyn - "Honey

9) Kamasi Washington - "Heaven and Earth"

8) David Byrne - "American Utopia"

7) Sudan Archives - "Sink"

6) J. Cole - "K.O.D."

5) Black Panther Soundtrack

4) Logic - "Young Sinatra IV"

3) Young Fathers - "Cocoa Sugar"

2) Pusha-T - "DAYTONA"

1) The Carters - "Everything is Love"

See Our List of 2018's Honorable Album Mentions  

 

Now in long form with explanations.

 10) Robyn - "Honey"

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. 

9) Kamasi Washington - "Heaven and Earth" 

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. 

8) David Byrne - "American Utopia"

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. 

7) Sudan Archives - "Sink"

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.

6) J.Cole - "K.O.D."

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.

5) Black Panther Soundtrack

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.

4) Logic - "Young Sinatra IV"

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.

3) Young Fathers - "Cocoa Sugar"

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.

2) Pusha-T - "DAYTONA"

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.

1) The Carters - "Everything Is Love"

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.

Playlist

Our 27-song December playlist is here. Take a listen to our random musical musings for the month on Spotify.

2017 The Albums: Top 10

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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.

See Our Picks for 2017's Honorable Album Mentions  

In the year we lost voices like Chris Cornell, Tom Petty, Chester Benington, Gord Downie, we were still recovering from last year with the losses of Prince and David Bowie.  

2017 came on right away with great music as artists like The xx, Joey Bada$$, Loyle Carner, and one of the first of many solid releases from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, saturated it with great sounds. Some of the heavy hitters and Officially A Yuppie favorites released solid albums that didn't make the cut like U2, Bjork, Noel Gallagher, Depeche Mode, Mastodon, Lorde, Ride, Royal Blood, and Lana Del Rey among others. There were some major disappointments from heavy hitters like Gorillaz, At the Drive-In, Snoop Dogg, and TLC among others. 

Yet, then there was Kendrick Lamar, whose album, DAMN., we put in a League of its Own, as it was the most important record of the year.  

Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Named Our 2017 'League of Their Own' Winner

While looking behind, 10 albums stood out for us and in our third and final list, we present the best of the year. These records not only made an impact to our ears but also have a welcomed longevity where we will be listening to them for years to come.

Here are our picks for the 10 Best Albums of the Year: 

10. Liam Gallagher - As You Were

9. Logic - Everybody

8. SZA - ctrl

7. JAY-Z - 4:44

6. Ryan Adams - Prisoner

5. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic

4. Thundercat - Drunk

3. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCATION

2. Future Islands - The Far Field

1. The Afghan Whigs - In Spades

Now in Long Form, With Explanations:

10. Liam Gallagher - As You Were

Generally it is Noel Gallagher in one of our Top 10 lists, but 2017 belonged to his younger brother and the voice of Oasis and Beady Eye. The anticipated solo debut from the former Oasis frontman is finally here and does not disappoint. The underrated Beady Eye released two solid records but now, on his own, the younger and more caustic Gallagher brother can bust out and prove his chops. With some of his best ballads, he brings forth a whole new dimension to a man you thought you knew.

 9. Logic - Everybody

Logic has developed a cult following thanks to Millennials but the Maryland rapper showcases his best work on his third studio album – Everybody. From the beats to the autobiographical lyrics to the in-your-face look at society, Logic proves he is just as much of a wordsmith as his contemporaries and not just some sensation for the young kids. With appearances by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Killer Mike, No I.D. and more, Logic is showing off he is for everybody.

8. SZA - ctrl

Our 2017 "Best New Artist" didn't pull any punches. Arriving with one of the best debuts in recent memory, the rapper blends R&B, soul, funk, into her autobiographical LP. Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Isaiah Rashad, among others, she pulls her influences from Tupac to the Fugees to Odd Future to give the new school a taste of the old in an artistic manner. If this is her first step towards stardom, we are strapped in for the ride forever. 

SZA Named 2017's Best New Artist

7. JAY-Z - 4:44

On his 13^th studio album, Jay-Z returns with what his best work since 2003’s The Black Album as well as his most personal record to date. What has plagued Jay Z for over a decade, including on Watch the Throne, is that he has nothing to talk about. He has seen and done it all and has Beyonce to call his wife to prove it. Yet, on 4:44, he opens up about his mistakes, setbacks, personal problems, and trying to sustain a legacy outside of being Queen Bey’s husband. 4:44 is easily one of the year’s best and one of his best records of his illustrious career. The minimal production from No I.D. is also a gem because HOVA is forcing the listener to pay attention to what he has to say and what needs to be said. This isn’t a record to blast in the car but one to indulge in on a good pair of headphones and shut the world away.  

6. Ryan Adams - Prisoner

Ryan Adams has always been an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve and on his latest record, his lets it beat in full force. Taking inspiration from his recent divorce, his struggle to find himself and the solace of being alone, Adams creates his best record in years. Touching on almost all of the different sub genres of rock and roll he has written and recorded in, Prisoner is him coming undone and back together again.

5. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic

Take the early thrash sound and production of Slayer, mix it with the technical metal of Megadeath and give it a storyline like early Protest the Hero and you have Power Trip’s fantastic new album. Nightmare Logic is a whiplash of force, power, and brutality rolled into one. More than just one of the best albums of the year, it is without a doubt, the best metal album this century. 

4. Thundercat - Drunk

If Key and Peele wrote songs for Prince it would sound like Thundercat's Drunk. The jazz, funk, psych bassist's third album is a concept record about getting drunk and figuring out life. While the record takes the listener on a musical journey and trip through some very strange places, it is an experience. The music gives the listener a visual idea of what they can play in their head when listening to it. Thundercat and the rest of the Brainfeeder label are the only artists pushing music in new directions and with the help of the label's master Flying Lotus as well as Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, and others, Drunk is a trip and one you want to go back to.

Listen To Our Essential St. Vincent Playlist on Spotify

3. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCATION

In 2017, we named St. Vincent an icon simply because of her shape-shifting, never stop, never cease creating attitude. The androgynous singer and songwriter is more than just a musician, she has become a cultural phenom much like David Bowie and Bjork before her. MASSEDUCATION is what you make of it -- a tongue in cheek look at society, a heartbreak record, a recovery album, it raises questions and also makes you want more. It is essential art for this day and age and we should be thrilled we are living in a world where St. Vincent has the paintbrush.

St. Vincent is 2017's Officially A Icon  

2. Future Islands - The Far Field

On their fifth record, Baltimore experimental outfit Future Islands delivers their thunderous best. The Far Field is a record about obsession, love, passion, and captivation. It is a record that also captures the rawness and intensity of their live shows and even gets applause from heavy hitters like Debbie Harry from Blondie who appears on the album to led her voice.  

1. The Afghan Whigs - In Spades

In their second record since reuniting in 2012, the Afghan Whigs prove they are without a doubt America’s most underrated rock and roll band. On their latest record, In Spades, a contender for Album of the Year, the Whigs show off their funk, rock, goth rock, R&B, and alternative swagger like never before. Like a fine wine not only do they get better with age, singer Greg Dulli is writing some of the best work of his career – and this is a career that spans over 30 years. As the band tour behind the record and seem to be in good spirits, be thankful we are living in a time when they are consistently giving us brilliant music.  

Listen to Our Essential Afghan Whigs Playlist on Spotify

Quick News

Heavy metal icons Judas Priest will release their new album, Firepower, in March. The band are nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, it will be announced if they make the class of 2018 soon. Take a look at the cover of Firepower, above.

 A new documentary called Prince's Last Year, will air on UK's Channel 4 sometime next year. The documentary will chronicle the "Purple Rain" singer's his battle with painkillers, the secret concert he put on for the Obamas at the White House, and his final tour dubbed the "Piano and Microphone Tour." No release date has been set.

In an interview with FACT magazine, Bjork said that she and Wu-Tang Clan wrote a few songs together during her Homogenic era in the late 90s. "We wrote a couple of songs together,” she said. “Sometimes when you do things and you don’t plan them it’s magic. And I really think what we made was magic. But I think because it wasn’t part of the whole Homogenic thing and it wasn’t part of what Wu-Tang were doing at the time, it was better as an idea, if that makes any sense?”

In March, The Vaccines will release their new album, Combat Sports. Take a look at the cover, below:

here's the artwork for 'combat sports'. out march 30th. link in bio to tour / album pre-sale! vvv excited for you all to hear it xxx

A post shared by The Vaccines (@thevaccines) on Nov 23, 2017 at 8:06am PST

Taking to Instagram, Dr. Dre released a teaser video announcing that Eminem's new album, Revival, will be out December 15. Take a look:

Use as prescribed by your doctor. @eminem

A post shared by Dr. Dre (@drdre) on Nov 28, 2017 at 12:05pm PST

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine announce on Instagram that she is releasing a book of poetry and lyrics next year.

Extremely honoured to announce that I will be releasing my first book of collected lyrics and poetry with penguin next year x x @penguinukbooks

A post shared by Florence Welch (@florence) on Nov 30, 2017 at 3:24am PST

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Jay-Z said that he and Beyonce worked on a collaboration album together during a rough patch in their marriage. "We were using our art almost like a therapy session. And we started making music together," he said. “Then the music she was making at that time was further along. So her album came out as opposed to the joint album that we were working on. Um, we still have a lot of that music. And this is what it became. There was never a point where it was like, ‘I’m making this album.’ I was right there the entire time.”

Jay-Z on 'SNL'

Jay-Z was the musical guest on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live last night and he brought out Damion "JR Gong" Marley for "Bam" and rocked a Colin Kaepernick jersey in the process. He also performed "Family Feud" solo. Take a look

JAY-Z Does His Linkin Park Mashup For BBC1

JAY-Z appeared in the BBC Radio 1 Lounge and performed “Family Feud,” did a quick interview as well as his Linkin Park mashup of "Numb / Encore." Take a look.

Watch 'Public Enemies: Jay-Z v. Kanye West'

The UK’s Channel 4 aired their controversial Public Enemies: Jay-Z v. Kanye West documentary Monday night about how the two hip-hop titans have had beef over the years. It has now been made available to stream, take a look!

QUICK SPINS

Tuelo – Saint Margaret EP

One of our more anticipated releases of 2017 has finally arrived as New York via South Africa singer Tuelo and her backing band, The Cousins, have put out their Saint Margaret EP. Following their 2014 debut, the world’s best singer delivers raw emotion, eager and infectious energy, as well as monstrous storytelling in their five-song EP. We have been pushing Tuelo quiet a bit over the years and this EP is a declaration as to why.

FINAL GRADE: A

Read Our 2016 Interview with Tuelo

JAY-Z – 4:44

On his 13^th studio album, Jay-Z returns with what his best work since 2003’s The Black Album as well as his most personal record to date. What has plagued Jay Z for over a decade, including on Watch the Throne, is that he has nothing to talk about. He has seen and done it all and has Beyonce to call his wife to prove it. Yet, on 4:44, he opens up about his mistakes, setbacks, personal problems, and trying to sustain a legacy outside of being Queen Bey’s husband. 4:44 is easily one of the year’s best and one of his best records of his illustrious career. The minimal production from No I.D. is also a gem because HOVA is forcing the listener to pay attention to what he has to say and what needs to be said. This isn’t a record to blast in the car but one to indulge in on a good pair of headphones and shut the world away.

FINAL GRADE: A

Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory

Vince Staples fires back just two years after releasing his acclaimed and massive debut, Summertime ’06, the L.A. rapper is out to prove he is not just a flash in the pan. Big Fish Theory is Staples coming to terms with what he needs to do in order to be one of the biggest and best emcees in hip-hop. In doing so, he clearly achieves his goal.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Haim – Something to Tell You

The Haim sorority are back and they have something to tell you – sorry, we couldn’t help it. The sisters return with their sophomore album and after their fun in the sun 2014 debut, they bring the same style but better and mature lyrics to life in the spotlight and what they are yearning for in love, life, and each other.
FINAL GRADE: B+

The Kickback – Weddings & Funerals

One of the more interesting indie bands around, the Chicago outfit return with their sophomore LP and bring with them a mature style of both storytelling and production. With many fist in the air-like anthems, this might be the record that gives them the commercial edge they are craving.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Read Our 2015 Interview with The Kickback

Lady Leshurr – Mode EP

After a series of setbacks, the British rapper comes through with her latest EP. Using the same cadence and flow that got her recognized on her Queen Speech EP, Leshurr spits fire on all things going on in society and is ready for the spotlight to be on her.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Cigarettes After Sex

The debut album from the shoegaze band have arrived and is the best soundtrack to your life. The record is for coming home after a long night trying to find love or is the sound of making love. It is the ambient sound that you hear in your head as you try and recall the scenes of a good time or a bad one. This is a record for right now, put it on as you read this.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Broken Social Scene – Hug of Thunder

It has been seven years since Broken Social Scene have released a record and now with Hug of Thunder they strike back with the force fans have missed. The record is what fans would have hoped it would be and more. If you are a casual BSS fan or a hardcore supporter, this record will fit your expectations.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Arcade Fire – Everything Now

Arcade Fire return and use the deep electronic / calypso sound they mastered on Reflektor and bring it to Everything Now. Everything Now is a big sounding record and is one that will fill stadiums instead of the arenas and festival playgrounds the band are used to at this point. While it is chock full of energy and love, it does lack the depth that previous efforts the Canadian ensemble have put out. However, what it lacks in story, it makes up for in joy.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Listen To Our Essential Arcade Fire Playlist on Spotify! 

Rise Against – Wolves

The social Chicago punks return with a record that takes aim at our troubled times and in the era of Mango Mussolini, we needs bands like this now more than ever.

FINAL GRADE: B

Read Our 2014 Interview with Rise Against 

 

Shabazz Palaces – Quazararz: Born a Gangster Star / Quazararz vs. The Jealous Machines

One of the oddest, brilliant, and fascinating bands around released two records focusing on the same story on the same day. Shabazz Palaces give fans the quest of their fictional character Quazararz and the journey the personality faces through song. The duo venture through all types of genres like dub, hip-hip, grime, electro, shoegaze – both records are an exhausting but interesting journey through music and space.

FINAL GRADES: B

Goldie – The Journey Man

The trip-hop pioneer returns with his latest album, The Journey Man, and after eight years away from the scene, Goldie comes back in grand fashion. The Journey Man is not only a return to form, it is a lesson to new DJs and producers on how it is done. If you want to make music at his level – this is the blueprint.

FINAL GRADE: B

Manchester Orchestra – A Black Mile to the Surface

Manchester Orchestra return with their fifth record and most mature to date. While they turned heads on their brilliant first two albums, A Black Mile to the Surface is the Georgia band finally hitting their stride and professionalism. It is an epic sounding LP with singer Andy Hull pushing himself as a songwriter and storyteller.

FINAL GRADE: B

Read Our 2012 Interview with Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra 

Ani DiFranco – Binary

The influential singer/songwriter returns with more songs about what is wrong with society, what it means to be a woman in the 21^st century, and how to love the fuck out of yourself.

FINAL GRADE: B-

The Fall – New Facts Emerge

Mark E. Smith returns with his umpteenth album with his umpteenth album and showcases why he is still a British gem and why we all need to learn from him in a lesson on how not to give a shit about anything but what you love.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Lorde – Melodrama

While trying to recreate the massive success of her debut, Pure Heroine, and trying to also break the mold of what people expect from her, Lorde goes for the “safe” approach on her sophomore effort. Melodrama is a completely forgettable record that does not go anywhere controversial in terms of songwriting, sound, or production, and sticks to the 2017 pop playbook. Instead of separating herself from the crowd, Lorde unfortunately joins it.

FINAL GRADE: C

Listen to Our New Zealand Mixtape Featuring Lorde 

Rancid – Trouble Maker

Rancid are still going strong all these years but a new record from them doesn’t mean as much as it once did. The punk icons stick the same formula that has worked for nearly three decades and isn’t as memorable as it once was.

FINAL GRADE: D