Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 Am ready to finish this. Before I reveal, gonna post my Album HMs for those that did not make my main list.
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 Spoiler King Krule - The OOZ Forest Swords - Compassion Jlin - Black origami Zola Jesus - Okovi Syd - Fin Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile to the Surface Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins Oneohtrix Point Never - Good Time Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Big Thief - Capacity Majid Jordan - The Space Between Playboi Carti - Playboi Carti The Magnetic Fields - 50 Song Memoir Quelle Chris - Being You Is Great, I Wish I Could Be You More Often Emay - Ilah Feist - Pleasure Gabriel Garzón-Montano - Jardín Yellow Days - Is Everything Okay in Your World? Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog Toro y Moi - Boo Boo Open Mike Eagle - Brick Body Kids Still Daydream hoops - Routines Future - FUTURE Ke$ha - Rainbow Bicep - Bicep also forgot about the horrors - v. that's one as well.
Alessandra Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 I see Gabriel's 'Jardín' in the honorable mentions. Shame that it didn't make the main list
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 10. Ulver - The Assassination Of Julius Caesar (Synthpop) Spoiler Ulver released an album that I didn't know that I would need or expected out of them in 2017. It's kind of funny to look back and realize that they released a better Depeche Mode album than the O.G's themselves even when the latter also released. Ulver are also aware of how cheesy they can get and it's the right kind of cheese that i'll eat up. I wasn't too fond on pop music in 2017 as a whole because barely anything was really sticking out, but the old dudes came through for me to say the least. I know male vocals are more "hit & miss" than female vocals in pop music but their production fits Garm. I mentioned in my Rolling Stone write up already about how versatile they are, and Julius Caesar is another one in the basket when it comes to proof of that claim. There are still chaotic moments present, mostly in the closer Coming Home, which is a personal highlight due to its connection with the previous style of Ulver that interested me the most about them in the Perdition era. They captured the dark pop theme perfectly that's also catchy (take notes Katy Perry). Highlights: Nemoralia, Rolling Stone, Southern Gothic, Coming Home 9. Laurel Halo - Dust (Ambient Pop) Spoiler When I first heard Jelly I was engaged by its playful nature that I felt wasn't really existent in her last record and was hyped. Quarantine was a favorite of mine from her and when I realized that we would hear her vocals again (which I personally love) I was on the train. With Dust she delivered that and then some. Dust contains some complex yet colorful production and it's easy to get lost in her puzzling world. With the bright moments, there's also moments of peculiar arrangements like Koinos and Arschkriecher that are equally interesting. From the cover it would make one think it would be some dull grey zone but the music from Dust provides the complete opposite. Highlights: Jelly, Sun To Solar, Moontalk, Like an L 8. Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun (Doom Metal) Spoiler Chelsea had hints of metal elements in her past music and I believe that she used this album to take full opportunity of establishing an atmospheric and doom-like world. The musical compositions along with her valuable melodies makes her songs have that arcane feeling yet accessible enough for folks who may not be all that into the metal genre. While i'm mentioning about its metal aspects, that's not the only aspects it contains as well. With dips of noise rock, Dark Wave and Drone, Hiss Spun is an insidious brew of genres where Chelsea's ethereal presence does the deed over them. Highlights: Vex, 16 Psyche, The Culling, Static Hum, Two Spirit 7. Kelly Lee Owens - Kelly Lee Owens (Tech House/Ambient Pop) Spoiler With one of my favorite debut albums of 2017, Kelly delivered a smooth and polished body of work grand enough for a lasting first impression. She previewed what was to come with her Oleic EP, which contained a small amount of hypnotic and pulsating tunes. Her Self Titled is an expanded journey of those tunes from start to finish. There are some ambient pop moments where vocals are utilized for beneficial purposes and don't hinder or distract. As a new artist, of course there's a mystique around here that I haven't fully figured out yet. That's what makes this album exciting in a way, not knowing what's coming next and imagining her topping it in the future. Highlights: S.O, Anxi., Lucid, Cbm, 8 6. LCD Soundsystem - American Dream (Synthpop/New Wave) Spoiler It's an LCD album with a similar charm to the rest of their albums that made me a fan of them in the first place. You got the homage/throwback sounds to past iconic acts like Talking Heads, Gang Of Fours, New Order, David Bowie, etc. You got James classic shrieking vocal delivery that was absent for almost 7 years. Synths, lively percussion and drawn out track lengths with dynamic switch ups and buildup. It doesn't reach exact highs as Soul Of Silver but it's all a consistent enjoyable playthrough. Highlights: American Dream, other voices, i used to, how do you sleep?, tonite
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 5. The National - Sleep Well Beast (Indie Rock) Spoiler As I expect with any The National album, it's a well made record. I could go on a track by track review but I would rather keep it simple by stating that Sleep Well Beast became one of my quick favorites from them, bordering on the ranks of High Violet. With Matt's alluring Baritone vocals suiting the murky electronic elements that are scattered throughout SWB, there's enough details to make a memorable and distinctive experience compared to their past work. While they're just another "white male hipster band" to some, they've remained a consistent tier of excellence to me. Highlights: Guilty Party, Nobody Else Will Be There, Day I Die, The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness, I'll Still Destroy You, Dark Side Of The Gym 4. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. (Hip Hop) Spoiler Kendrick was The Artist of 2017, both on a commercial and critical level. I imagined him getting plenty of "Critic Bait!" criticisms as a response to the overwhelming acclaimed A Pimp To Butterfly achieved back in 2015, followed by getting almost equally acclaimed EP for a bunch of b-sides for that album a year later. With DAMN., he proved that vocal minority wrong with releasing a project of more mainstream friendly tunes and bangers that have made their mark on top of the billboard charts, along with having the most acclaimed album of 2017 This came with a small price to pay however. As an album, it's not as conceptually grand as GKMC or TPAB and for me, it's his least consistent record quality wise since Section 80. As a followup to TPAB, where he addressed racial and civil issues , DAMN. is a further response to the BS that's going on around his world. Kendrick is tired and ready to be confrontational. DAMN. does have its fair share of various moods within its world, with hype tracks like DNA./ELEMENT./HUMBLE., the pop tracks LOYALTY/LOVE, the introspective FEAR./PRIDE. the Angry XXX., and the storytelling DUCKWORTH.. With this collection of tracks being highly accessible in a complete package, DAMN. further shows how Kendrick has been on top of the world this decade and an established force in modern Hip Hop. Highlights: DNA., ELEMENT., LOYALTY., XXX., FEAR., DUCKWORTH. 3. Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory (West Coast Hip Hop/Hip House) Spoiler For those who aren't familiar with the term "Hip House" it's just an umbrella term for a mixture of Hip Hop and Electronic House Music, a style has been around since the late 80s. Seeing Vince Staples progress to BFT from the Shyne mixtapes shows how his thriving career is constantly evolving. In 2015, Summertime was his breakthrough and it showed off his abilities in a rather dark/gloomy manner. On BFT however, it's on new grounds sonically. It makes sense as to why he released the Prima Donna EP last year, as it served a slight teaser as to whats to come. The mix of UK Garage, House, Bubblegum Bass and ambient features separates BFT from the modern pack. He realizes this on Big Fish, where he's aware of competition but he's only looking out to advance himself. In contrast to Summertime, there's less emphasis on Vince and more on the atmosphere and symbiotic partnership of features that are scattered around the album. To me, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Kilo Kish has always been present in Vince's records, and I believe she works best here with the house production. I realize that Vince's biggest strength isn't lyrics but his delivery helps combat that minor issue. Overall BFT carries an eclectic take on West Coast Hip Hop and represents a forward direction for Vince. Some of you are probably thinking "Why did I choose Vince over Kendrick?". I realize these two have some sort of a companionship/competition when it comes to YE lists; both acclaimed and rising mcs, and showed their worth together on Yeah Right. In 2015 my top two was these guys so it was always a tough battle. While DAMN. didn't really deviate much from Kendrick's usual sound/style, BFT was a risk that payed off well for Vince and appeals more to my liking of electronic music, variety, and futuristic style. Vince is exciting and always eager to change the game and that puts him a step ahead from most of his peers. Highlights: Crabs In A Bucket, Big Fish, Love Can Be, 745, Yeah Right, Homage, Bagbak 2. Big K.R.I.T - 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time (Southern Hip Hop) Spoiler 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time is how a double album should be made. Reminiscent of Outkast's Speakerboxx/The Love Below, the first side is hyper, hook filled, and upbeat whereas the second side is more soul/jazzy/r&b oriented with a laid-back and confessional approach. With a rich southern soundscape, the features themselves that we wouldn't typically see in a modern hip hop album; from T.I, Lloyd, Bun B, Jill Scott, CeeLo, to Bilal bring back the 00s memories of when this type of hip hop was at most dominant. There's multiple highlights on both sides, and it's a special case for when a 20+ track album can keep its flavor long lasting from start to finish. His mixtapes weren't well known but after the removal from Def Jam he seems to have found his footing, and as a result made his most satisfying and highest scoped project. Highlights: Confetti, Big Bank, Subenstein (My Sub IV), Aux Cord, Keep The Devil Off, The Light, Bury Me In Gold
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 Favorite album goes to....... 1. Kelela - Take Me Apart (Alt R&B/Electronic) As my most played album from 2017, I believe the majority of the atrl lingo "Talent Always wins" "Yass queen slay" "She Did That" applies to a fraction of how I feel about this. In a year where I felt that R&B was on the underwhelming side, Kelela was the one who provided the most crucial record and if there was one album to keep from 2017 it would be this. I'll respect Kelela's wishes for wanting to not only be represented for Alt R&B but also on the electronic spectrum. As a debut, Take Me Apart is near flawless all the way through from the production to the melodies, meaning there's not really a track that I dislike. Even with the minute long interludes, I feel their inclusion are just as important. I was surprised to witness her age as she looked so youthful, but I understand more now why Take Me Apart sounds very mature. The potential shown in Cut 4 Me and Hallucinogen came to full realization and has helped prepare her in crafting a concise and innovative experience where she's not afraid of showing her vulnerable side. It oozes honesty and sincerity. As a long time fan of Aaliyah and Janet, there's prominent signs of influence and sound in Kelela's music that heavily appeals to me. This album is one of those that takes more than a couple of listens to fully appreciate the layers it offers. Kelela reminds to us all that it's never too late to achieve that peak that we dream about, and with rough experiences in life follows growth and understanding about who we really are. Highlights: LMK, Frontline, Enough, Better, Truth Or Dare, Blue Light, Onanon, Bluff, Altadena
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 Final Recap: Spoiler 10. UIver - The Assassination of Julius Caesar 9. Laurel Halo - Dust 8. Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun 7 Kelly Lee Owens - Kelly Lee Owens 6. LCD Soundsystem - American Dream 5. The National - Sleep Well Beast 4. Kendrick Lamar - Damn 3 Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory 2. Big K.R.I.T - 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time 1. Kelela - Take Me Apart
Vxspertine Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Capacity and Black Origami deserved better The National ended up snatching, talent won Kendrick A little too high imo but still, he deserves it Vince, WHEW He came THRU OMG KELELEGEND DID THAT A WINNER I'M SHOOK Everything else I didn't get to hear I will bookmark. Definitely took a LOT of notes during this countdown, your taste has always been amazing and I've already found a lot of amazing music thanks to you, so thanks a lot for doing this list Really enjoyed all your writeups aswell!
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 The full album scoop Spoiler 75. Washed Out - Mister Mellow 74. Chris Stapleton - From A Room: Vol 1 73. Freddie Gibbs - You Only Live 2wice 72. Nick Hakim - Green Twins 71. Call Super - Arpo 70. Allie X - Collxtion 2 69. Julie Byrne - Not Even Happiness 68. Moses Sumney - Aromanticism 67. John Maus - Screen Memories 66. Your Old Droog - Packs 65. Porter Ricks - Anguilla Electrica 64. Goldfrapp - Silver Eye 63. Billy Woods - Known Unknowns 62. Oxbow - Thin Black Duke 61. Idles - Brutalism 60. Wednesday Campanella - Superman 59. Karen Gwyer - Rembo 58, Upper Wilds - Guitar Module 2017 57. Caligula's Horse - In Contact 56, Laura Marling - Semper Femina 55. JMSN - Whatever Makes U Happy 54. Deepchord - Auratones 53. Charlotte Gainsbourg - Rest 52. Lana Del Rey - Lust For Life 51. The Doppelgangaz - Dopp Hopp 50. Planning For Burial - Below The House 49. Power Trip - Nghtmare Logic 48. Xiu Xiu - Forget 47. Migos - Culture 46. Pond - The Weather 45. SZA - CTRL 44. Ariel Pink - Dedicated To Bobby Jameson 43. Shabazz Palaces - Quazarz vs Jealous Machines 42. Ryuichi Sakamoto - Async 41. G Perico - All Blue 40. BROCKHAMPTON - Saturation II 39. Fleet Foxes - Crack Up 38. Alvvays - Antisocialites 37. Thundercat - Drunk 36. Arca - Arca 35. Charli XCX - Pop 2 34. Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds From Another Planet 33. Protomartyr - Relative In Descent 32. Richard Dawson - Peasant 31. Jay Z - 4:44 30. Björk - Utopia 29. Godflesh - Post Self 28. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Flying Microtonal Banana 27. Miguel - War & Leisure 26. Sampha - Process 25. Lorde - Melodrama 24. Algiers - The Underside Of Power 23. Milo - Who Told You To Think??!!?!?!?! 22. St. Vincent - Masseduction 21. (Sandy) Alex G - Rocket 20. Smino - Blkswn 19. Gas - Narkopop 18. Octo Octa - Where Are We Going? 17. Slowdive - Slowdive 16. Perfume Genius - No Shape 15. Fever Ray - Plunge 14. Blanck Mass - World Eater 13. Susanne Sundfor - Music For People In Trouble 12. Tyler, The Creator - Flower Boy 11. The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding 10. UIver - The Assassination of Julius Caesar 9. Laurel Halo - Dust 8. Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun 7 Kelly Lee Owens - Kelly Lee Owens 6. LCD Soundsystem - American Dream 5. The National - Sleep Well Beast 4. Kendrick Lamar - Damn 3 Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory 2. Big K.R.I.T - 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time 1. Kelela - Take Me Apart
Price of Fame Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 A top 10. Gonna give 10,9, and 7 a listen.
ATRL Moderator madonnas Posted January 6, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted January 6, 2018 WHEW a good top 10! I think I'm gonna listen to Laurel's album this week her last few have been boring but this one seems better.
Wicked Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 This top 10 is flames. Take Me Apart is just, whew. Yes. The savior of 2017 R&B. That KRIT album though BFT, I have no idea where Vince will go next but I'm ready for whatever. DAMN. Is really good. National, LCD, Kelly, Ulver, Chelsea Great albums list.
ATRL Moderator Unoriginal Posted January 6, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted January 6, 2018 Wasn't expecting Kelela to be #1 oh **** fantastic highlights as well. Frontline is that song Kendrick the highlights are pretty great too I listened to SWB once but I wasn't really feeling it should probably give it another few listens tho Didn't know you enjoyed Rainbow
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 I’d like to thank everyone who participated in this lengthy countdown. Took a lot of work. Full updates available on the 2nd post~ Spoiler @conatus @prézli @Kang. @theblackestday @Slut @Changes @DancingShoes @ManDown @Sabbath @Fenrir @volition @Glassmouth @Wondervisions @JGibson @Pink Matter @Dessy Fenix @jpow @TRF. @Invisibility @Lazuli @MP2K @Denis Stoff @thecptz @potent @minho @Wicked @Fruity @Luder @Dom @Dilettante @Unoriginal @madonnas @Mark Rih @ChapelHooker @AlexisNeiers @Same Ol' Mistakes @Vilppu @TheWayWeWere @Navyofbadgals @Sunderland 4ever @bluth @Vxspertine @Topmaster 2 @Legend E @Eeveelution @Hug @jose168 @JEWRJEWR @Lucas32 @Red @Avariko @Tremor Christ @moonlight. @Kid A @K$Ellie @Playa Playa @V3$$3L. @Diarrhoea @ECNEICSNOC @Ewan Chaos @Ari. @Staryu @Dom @Tsareena @Pacaveli @EdgeOfAddiction @rihannafan @Remmy @Temporal @Oxygen @keerbyriri @Brandon @That Bad Eartha @Roberto @Hi_im_new @paulyyyozd @DanDuke @Latinazza @Weed @Speezy @christyalmeth @FancyMoonlight @Zay @NOW @Nimrod. @collin @Clueless @Price of Fame @soml @Maddox @Reinvention @Nhevi @ColdKeane @DAP @TayRianaPH @Bloomers @Rider @Hey Gurl Hey @holocene @feelslikeadream @B'Day
Navyofbadgals Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 what a legendary top 4 amazing lists once again Tom, can't wait for your lists next year!
prézli Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 14 minutes ago, Navyofbadgals said: amazing lists once again Tom, can't wait for your lists next year! This year, u tragedy
Navyofbadgals Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Just now, prézli said: This year, u tragedy sorry queen ;(
clue Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Take Me Apart #1? did NOT see that coming and I hope you're still doing the spotify playlist <3
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 12 minutes ago, prézli said: Take Me Apart is not that good... It's certainly better than the Fergie album u put ahead of it 3 minutes ago, Clueless said: Take Me Apart #1? did NOT see that coming and I hope you're still doing the spotify playlist <3 Spotify Playlist for albums? Not sure how that would work I did a playlist for songs tho.
clue Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 Just now, Tom Vercetti said: It's certainly better than the Fergie album u put ahead of it Spotify Playlist for albums? Not sure how that would work I did a playlist for songs tho. Yeah albums would not work Link for the songs?
Tom Vercetti Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 1 minute ago, Clueless said: Yeah albums would not work Link for the songs?
prézli Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 21 minutes ago, Navyofbadgals said: sorry queen ;( Nothing sorry, u Filthy hater.
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