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Diamonds & Freaks (LP)
Blk ODESSEY
A blend of funk and hip hop that pulls on the nostalgic whilst still offering something new
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The Age of Pleasure (LP)
Janelle Monae
Whilst some may say its lacking some of the substance a usual Monae project has, this LP does not disappoint but adds a much needed lightheartdness. Many of these songs would go great in a summer playlist.
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Maps (LP)
Billy Woods & Kenny Segal
Another classic 7 years later from this legendary duo.
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Natural Brown Prom Queen (LP)
Sudan archives
You ever heard a violinist go this hard? I didn't think so just listen to it if you can.
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when the poems do what they do (LP)
aja monet
One of the most beautiful bodies of work I've ever heard. I'm grateful that it exists.
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Leather Blvd. (LP)
B. Cool-Aid
Instant classic. The spoken word and candid conversations really welcome you in to what feels like an intimate setting - a city street where Black folks are truly free, self-sustaining, looking and feeling good in the finest of leathers. The young legends Pink Siifu and Ahwlee teamed up with Butcher Brown and an all star line up of features including Ladybug Mecca, Moruf, and Liv.e to capture the energy of this fictional, borderline utopian neighborhood.
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Own Pace (CD)
Medhane
Honest lyrical stream of consciousness packed with positive messages. This got me through the peak of the pandemic fr. No skips.
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Love Tape (CD)
Marquis Hill
Depending on how you roll, this is the perfect album to start or end your day with. One of the freshest jazz cadences and some of the prettiest melodies I've ever heard. "To You I Promise" is the standout for me.
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Bobo Yéyé: Belle Époque in Upper Volta (Other)
Various Artists
Robust archival document full of writings, photos, and music recordings giving a glimpse of how folks had fun in post-colonial West Africa. The photos have been in the zeitgeist for a long time so it's a real treat to listen to the music that created the soundtrack to young folks creating a new identity for themselves and for Upper Volta. The music seamlessly goes from heavy hitting rock to jazz that sways and swoons all while embracing melodies, harmonies, and tempos unique to West Africa.
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An Orange Colored Day (CD)
Arima Ederra
Beautiful lyrics sung beautifully, with an equally beautiful soundscape accompanying them. I wanna feel like the songs "Free Again" and "Message" all the time.
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GUMBO'! (LP)
Pink Siifu
It's all in the name. This album is truly a pot of gumbo. I don't know what else to say except listen. Best enjoyed while cooking or playing loud in predominately white spaces fr.
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Between the Buttons (US Version) (LP)
The Rolling Stones
1967, Decca. English rock/psych/baroque pop
Early Stones at their most joyous.
Beautiful arrangements. We’ve still got Brian Jones and Andrew Oldham on this one. A solid album from start to finish, with familiar favorites and many hidden gems.
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For the Sake of the Song (LP)
Townes Van Zandt
1968, Poppy. Fort Worth, TX country/folk
Townes is a tragic figure but was one heckuva songwriter (as the title suggests). Sometimes-heart-wrenching lyrics delivered earnestly, real, and true.
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Pretties for You (LP)
Alice Cooper
1969, Straight. Detroit, MI / Phoenix, AZ rock/psych/experimental
It’s interesting to hear hints of the glam that would follow. That being said, this release is more psychedelic than anything else, but with a firm pop-sensibility fitting of the era. Released by Frank Zappa’s label.
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Rufus feat. Chaka Khan (LP)
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan
1975, ABC. Chicago, IL funk/soul/r&b
This is the band Chaka Khan sang for, before she sang, “I’m every woman, it’s all in meeee.” She’s an absolute legend of the 70s and beyond. This was only the beginning. Incredibly catchy and funky.
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Central Heating (LP)
Heatwave
1978, Epic. English r&b/funk/disco
The arrangements, the energy, the musicianship, and the electrifying use of horns on “Grooveline”! If you ever see this on vinyl, buy it!
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Return of the Durutti Column (LP)
Durutti Column
1980, Factory. English ambient/dream pop/post punk
Sit back, relax, and float away to the soothing sounds of Durutti Column’s debut. Beautiful guitar tones, as well as what sound to me like field recordings, and a light, ambient feel.
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