best of Tom Vercetti's Best Of 2017 | Finished

[B'Day]

God, @Tom Vercetti I’m ur biggest fan!!!!!!

[Tom Vercetti]

21 minutes ago, Pink Matter said:

Nah I've listened to some of their earlier records (Lese Majesty to be exact, though admittedly I don't really remember it that well so a relisten could always change my opinion) and those didn't really sit well with me either. I'll try some relistening to LM cuz something could always click for me later on and maybe an older record too.

Fair Enough. Their style does take some time in getting used to. 

 

14 minutes ago, Price of Fame said:

Haven't listened to most of this batch

 

but I'll take the time to say that while LFL sucks, Coachella is one of the best tracks on it 

In Oblivia, perhaps. Not in here tho. 

 

13 minutes ago, B'Day said:

God, @Tom Vercetti I’m ur biggest fan!!!!!!

Honored that u stopped by here  

[Wicked]

4 hours ago, Tom Vercetti said:

45. SZA - CTRL (Contemporary R&B)

 

Wow, slay! Should be lower!

[SLIME]

Still need to hear Pond, think I might queue it up on my drive tomorrow. Ariel & Shabazz were nice for me but less so then their previous albums. And I think we feel the same way about SZA, sometimes I miss her mixtape sound too but happy for her success.

 

Never got into Xiu Xiu. Maybe 2018 is the year

[Tom Vercetti]

54 minutes ago, Wicked said:

Wow, slay! Should be lower!

The way I KNEW this was coming. Drag Me  

 

46 minutes ago, Kang. said:

Still need to hear Pond, think I might queue it up on my drive tomorrow. Ariel & Shabazz were nice for me but less so then their previous albums. And I think we feel the same way about SZA, sometimes I miss her mixtape sound too but happy for her succes.

 

Never got into Xiu Xiu. Maybe 2018 is the year

The Weather should sound quite familiar. I agrih on those pairs being weaker than the previous but am still attached to them in some way. Xiu Xiu are usually busy music makers so plenty of opportunities there too. 

[volition]

LFL really tried too hard to please everyone, it could've definitely benefited from some trimming down because it also has moments of excellence

Forget was an excellent album, Xiu Xiu really delivered with that one

Been meaning to get into Pond. I have their earlier discography (never listened to it though), but not their recent album, so I'll keep it on my to-do list

[Legend E]

SZA  

[Navyofbadgals]

16 hours ago, Tom Vercetti said:

There's something distinctive about her past mixtapes that appealed more to me

same  

[Tom Vercetti]

10 hours ago, volition said:

LFL really tried too hard to please everyone, it could've definitely benefited from some trimming down because it also has moments of excellence

Forget was an excellent album, Xiu Xiu really delivered with that one

Been meaning to get into Pond. I have their earlier discography (never listened to it though), but not their recent album, so I'll keep it on my to-do list

Would've loved lfl to be more on the concise side.

Pond's 2015 album is also a worthy one.

[Playa Playa]

Forget  I feel like it was kinda forgotten about? Idk. It had so many spectacular moments.

[Tom Vercetti]

12 minutes ago, Playa Playa said:

Forget  I feel like it was kinda forgotten about? Idk. It had so many spectacular moments.

I think Xiu Xiu just doesn't appeal to many people in general due to their peculiar aesthetic so they don't get mentioned often. 

 

OT: album time.

[Tom Vercetti]

 

 

40. BROCKHAMPTON - Saturation II (Pop Rap)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

BROCKHAMPTON had a busy and profilic year in 2017 only rivaled by King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard's output. They're "popular" but at the same not so popular if we look at Billboard. With Kevin Abstract leading the pack with his strengths of hooks and melody, with others such as Matt, Dom, Merlyn, etc sharing verses, this temporary group of KTT members had the guidance to deliver some catchy boyband tunes. As young adults, they seem to know who their audience are, and that's partly the reason why they have such a cult fanbase (besides Fantano). Each of their albums always had some fire tracks to consume, but out of those, two had the most balance between fun & serious mode. I know it's the popular thing to say that II is their best but I believe all three can be an essential if their style appeals to ya.

 

Highlights: Gummy, Swamp, Junky, Sweet, Queer

 

39. Fleet Foxes - Crack Up (Progressive Folk)

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Even with reduced members, Fleet Foxes are still folky & grand at heart when it comes to composing these extensive tracks that at times seem to take unpredictable turns. With each album they make, they seem to make it longer and stretched out to all they can. With the way each track flows into each other like united rivers it's best to treat this as all one super long song.

 

Highlights: I Am All That I Need, Third Of May/Odaigahara, If You Need To Keep Time On Me, On Another Ocean (January June)

 

38. Alvvays - Antisocialites (Dream/Indie Pop)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

A sweet collection of ear candy tunes provided by Molly & her crew. I feel like antisocialites was the "breakout" album they needed in the indeh world, considering their debut was more or less on the lowkey side. 

 

Highlights: Dreams Tonite, In Undertow, Saved By A Waif, Plimsoil Punks

 

37. Thundercat - Drunk (Psychedelic Soul/Funktronica) 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Came for Them Changes, stayed for the funky bass ride. The tracklist looked a bit intimidating to me at first but similar to Flylo's You're Dead! there's a number of tracks that are just destined to temporary visit for about a minute or so and then segway through the next. As the title "Drunk" may imply, this album seems suited best for the non serious, and for those who aren't over analytic when it comes to Lyrics. It's more about the sound and the groove that's the winning point of Drunk. Listening to 3AM at 3:00 AM is definitely worth it. 

 

Highlights: Friend zone, Walk On By, Them Changes, 3AM, Show You The Way

 

 

36. Arca - Arca (Art Pop/Electronic)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

His pop album but with unsettling and glitchy moments still existent. Pörk possibly won.

 

Highlights: Desafio, Reverie, Urchin, Whip (a song)

 

35. Charli XCX - POP 2 (Pop/Bubblegum Bass)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

I was never big on N1A aside from a few tracks but there's something about POP 2 that's exceptional and even more self aware. At first it took me a few tries to figure out "why all the autotone" but as someone who likes 808s it shouldn't be that big of a deal. Each of the party members that Charli invited to continue the "givegayseverythingwant.gif" scenario off of Boys & previous N1A songs, have a purpose and help set the mood depending on what role they have. It may be as feature filled as Gorillaz's self titled, but unlike the latter it's more appropriate for Pop 2's case. Coincidentally, they makes tracks like Lucky or Track 10 seem like a special occurrence. A late comer for sure, but a grower. 

 

Highlights: Femmebot, Track 10, Delicious, Backseat/Unlock It

 

34. Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds From Another Planet (Dream Pop)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Compared to Psychopomp's lo-fi aura, Soft Sounds is indeed more on the soft and lush side, supported by that huge opener that may or may not overshadow. It has a decent amount of tracks too, but still relatively short. 

 

Highlights: Road Head, Diving Woman, 12 Steps, Boyish

 

33. Protomartyr - Relatives In Descent (Post Punk)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

They thundered up the stairwell
Until they reached that golden door
They knocked upon the golden door
Knock it down!

 

Out of their three albums, A Relative Descent gave me the most satisfactory first listen. The slightly irregular song arrangements along with the lyrics and Casey's passionate delivery created an amusing time. I also agree on Nick Cave/The Fall comparisons that come from their approach on Relatives. 

 

Highlights: A Private Understanding, The Chuckler, Don't Go To Anacita, Up The Tower

 

32. Richard Dawson - Peasant (Freak Folk)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Peasant is like a trip back to medieval times and an RPG where different perspectives of citizens and roles are recognized. It takes time in the beginning to allow Richard's voice and outlandish melody to sync in the primitive music and once it does, Peasant becomes an immersive experience. 

 

Highlights: Soldier, Ogre, Weaver, Shapeshifter

 

31. Jay Z - 4:44 (Hip Hop)

 

 

Spoiler

Out Now on Tidal  

 

I was reluctant at first on even checking 4:44 due to two reasons. One, tidal exclusivity during the time I wasn't subscribed. And two, Jay's recent track record in regards to own studio albums. Jay is someone who I've known had a huge legacy in the rap game but has also never been an exact favorite of mine even tho i'll always praise reasonable doubt/blue album.. Musically I respect him but i'm not the one to be hyped over his projects. With that said, 4:44 is an fantastic album for an artist who's supposedly "washed up". With a mature & introspective mindset along with the help of No I.D production, 4:44 is proof that quality can still be achieved past peak hours. If it was available on other services, I probably would've given it more time. 

 

Highlights: Story of OJ, 4:44, Smile

[Tom Vercetti]

Recap: 

Spoiler

 

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 

 

 

[Vxspertine]

I think this is my favorite set so far  Like/love all of these albums 

 

[Unoriginal]

Guess which one is my favourite

 

I'd choose Legacy or Family Feud as a highlight over Smile personally

Agree that Pop > N1A tho

[Playa Playa]

28 minutes ago, Tom Vercetti said:

I think Xiu Xiu just doesn't appeal to many people in general due to their peculiar aesthetic so they don't get mentioned often. 

 

OT: album time.

Facts.

 

I **** with all these albums! Amazing set and it's not even the Top 30 yet fgahdja.

[Dom]

i like pop2. I especially loved out of my head ft. alma and tove. that song was so good, shame it did nothing. alma deserves fame, so does tove and charli obvi.

[Navyofbadgals]

whew a set tbh  

[Rider]

Honestly I didnt hear most of these but because of your BO I'm bookmarking some of these albums to listen to after.

Jay  

 

Im soooo hyped for Vince and Kendrick's positions

[Green]

I heard 4:44 in full after the Grammy nominations and it's actually a good album overall.

Edited January 3, 2018 by Green

[Tom Vercetti]

Spoiler

 

 

48 minutes ago, Rider said:

Honestly I didnt hear most of these but because of your BO I'm bookmarking some of these albums to listen to after.

Jay  

 

Im soooo hyped for Vince and Kendrick's positions

Stayed tuned

 

 

47 minutes ago, Green said:

I heard 4:44 in full after the Grammy nominations and it's actually a good album overall.

Besides Kendrick, I wouldn't mind a 4:44 win. 

 

1 hour ago, Dom said:

i like pop2. I especially loved out of my head ft. alma and tove. that song was so good, shame it did nothing. alma deserves fame, so does tove and charli obvi.

I think Out Of My Head has its flaws but not a bad track. 

 

1 hour ago, Unoriginal said:

Guess which one is my favourite

 

I'd choose Legacy or Family Feud as a highlight over Smile personally

Agree that Pop > N1A tho

I have a clue  

 

 

3 more updates 2 go 

[K$Ellie]

Pop 2 grew on me Stan for Track 10  I don't think it's better than Number 1 Angel tho

[theblackestday]

Whew this set

 

Crack-Up, Antisocialites, Arca, Pop 2 (tea was served in that writeup), Relatives in Descent and 4:44 are all fantastic
Liked Drunk and Peasant as well, S2 is a cute girl.

[Legend E]

Is POP2 good? I was not a huge fan on N1A.

[volition]

Yay first set I know all the albums from

All are obviously really great, I loved em all

Nice to see some love for Peasant here