There’ve been some music threads, but all devoted to specific genres. I figured it was time for one massive album thread for the ages. (No, kids, the album is not dead.)
Among my recent listens:
Gnarls Barkley: The Odd Couple I’m not as big on it as I was about St. Elsewhere, but it’s still good. The Odd Couple doesn’t seem to have as much diversity of sound or as many tracks that stay in your head for days following. (Who can still sing “Crazy”? Anyone? Bueller?)
Lauryn Hill: MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 I’ve been a Lauryn Hill fan since I first listened to The Fugees. This two-disc album (recorded in 2001) shares little with her Fugees work (or even that heard on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill), but the stripped-down, honest performance carries even through the numerous lengthy interludes.
Emily Jane White: Dark Undercoat One of my later discoveries while still a DJ at WUSC-FM, it’s proof that just because something is common (female singer-songwriter) doesn’t mean it can’t be good. The album is a little darker than my usual listening, but not too dark that I can’t put it on during a roadtrip.
Common: Like Water for Chocolate Common has always been one of the best lyricists in hip-hop, something that the mainstream only started to notice with this album. Largely devoid of guest emcees, Common’s lyrics shine alongside some of the decade’s best production. Classic.
Alchemist: 1st Infantry Alchemist was another discovery of mine at WUSC, back when “Hold You Down” was in our rotation (and on vinyl to boot!) my freshman year. The album is gritty, both in production and lyrics (the latter of which trend toward the D-Block roster). It was the unofficial soundtrack to the summer of 2005 for me, tempered by the need to keep the volume down when I was working at camp. (1st Infantry is not for the kiddies.)
What have you listened to lately?
