Navyofbadgals Posted January 2, 2018 Posted January 2, 2018 19 hours ago, AlexisNeiers said: The Louvre is one of my least favorites from Melodrama tbh. I mean I love some parts of it, like the chorus, but I feel like most of the lyrics are cliché + the song is overproduced, but I'm gonna black Jack Antonoff for that. Love the album tho! Miss Feist also kinda did that, huh? agrih'd
SLIME Posted January 2, 2018 Posted January 2, 2018 Big Fish, Aromanitcism + Pop 2 but glad u gave Angel a shoutout too, it will always have a place in the hot 100 of my heart. Melo my favorite from the last set, Ctrl & Pleasure weren't always 100 for me but glad others like them x
Eeveelution Posted January 2, 2018 Author Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) 10. Björk - Utopia Genre(s): Electronic, flutes, collaboration Where Vulnicura felt oppressive and heavy in its bleak and realistic portrayal of heartbreak and loss, it was evident even from the opening notes of Arisen My Senses that Utopia would be an entirely different affair. Utopia is both Björk’s most straightforward and most apt album title. With open, rambling song structures, sampled birdsong and airy flute and harp arrangements, the record is an intimate cocoon for just Björk and the listener (feat. Arca) to share. Of course, things are never so simple with Björk, and before long the cracks begin to show in the biting resentment and anger of tracks like Sue Me and Tabula Rasa, making this a complex and interesting document her life after Matthew Barney. For me, the album is a much easier listen compared to Vulnicura with songs such as Tabula Rasa and the title track, which succeed by being some of her most straightforward and accessible songs in years. On Utopia, Björk and Arca have carved out a wonderful musical partnership which has allowed Ms. Guðmundsdóttir to craft her best album since Vespertine (disagree? Sue me all you want!). Preview: "Sue Me" 09. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. Genre(s): Hip-hop I think it’s a testament to Kendrick’s talent and skill as a musician that most of us seem to agree that this is his worst album, yet it is continuously placing very high on our countdowns. To Pimp a Butterfly is certainly a tough act to follow, and I think he made the right call by allowing DAMN. be a little lighter and easy to swallow. I like that this is the Kendrick album that you can play at pre-drinks, but you could sit down and go and write a thinkpiece on it later if you wanted to: he understands that just because music is accessible and an easy listen it can still have depth and layers. His use of samples is as great as ever, from the re-appropriation of vocals from 24K Magic forming the backdrop of LOYALTY., to the genius choice of adding those trash Fox News reporters to the end of BLOOD. (it brings a smile to my face thinking about how much they would have FUMED over that). Kendrick really WON 2017 and I’m here for it. Preview: "Loyalty" 08. Alvvays - Antisocialites Genre(s): Dream pop The sophomore album is a make-or break for a lot of acts, you can either try out new sounds and risk alienating your fanbase or stick to what you know and risk diminishing returns. Thankfully, Alvvays’ Antisocialites takes all the best qualities of the debut but presents them in new and interesting ways. Molly Rankin is a keen observer and witty lyricist conjuring up the drunken alter-ego “Molly Mayhem” on Hey and playfully chiding a fiend: “mommy wants you to be a doctor / so she can tell your friends you’re like your father” on the effervescent Saved By a Waif. Her sense of melody is even better, and even on less essential moments like Plimsoll Punks her choruses are undeniably catchy. I won’t fall into the trap of ignoring the other band members, though, and the remaining members of Alvvays provide the perfect backdrop of lovely guitars and synths to make a pretty damn near perfect collection of dream pop songs. Preview: "Saved by a Waif" 07. Laura Marling - Semper Femina Genre(s): Chamber-folk, singer-songwriter While our faves struggle to put albums out, every two years since she was 18, Laura Marling has released a new record. Semper Femina, Laura’s second release since Masochism was announced to be coming “soon”, is her most gentle and stunning album yet. Songs like The Valley are almost indescribably beautiful, as lovely strings seem to mourn the tragic, unattainable protagonist. Indeed, string sections really help to elevate the album: in Wild Once they’re subtle accents, gentle ripples of water in the backdrop, while in the following Next Time they add energy and verve to the song. Elsewhere songs like the strange, tense opener Soothing are worlds away from the rustic folk that Laura became known for, and hint at interesting directions she could take her music in the future. Most of all, it is Laura and her masterful storytelling which makes this record work so well. The songs here are written about the relationships between women. Even in 2017, this feels like a refreshing concept, and songs like Nouel and The Valley are sympathetic, nuanced and sensual character studies that many a male artist would struggle to pull off. Ahhh, I love this Grammy-nominated album. Preview: "Soothing" 06. Perfume Genius - No Shape Genre(s): Art pop, chamber pop In 2017 I was definitely at that stage as a music listener where I was mostly listening to artists I had got into with their previous release rather than getting into a ton of new artists. With so many disappointments, it was nice to see an someone like Perfume Genius reach a new artistic peak. As opposed to many albums this year, the lyrical themes here are often very interesting: Die 4 You and Run Me Through are slow burners which are framed as love songs but have more twisted, fetishistic undertones; Just like Love acts as a serenade to boys who did not fit gender molds growing up, without sounding cloying and being super melodic and easy to listen to. Most satisfying of all is the closer, Alan. As gay men we often live more unusual, non-traditional lives etc. and Mike captures that perfectly with his sheer disbelief in successfully maintaining a long-term relationship, and being able to sleep soundly through the night with his man. No Shape is beautiful, tender and complex album, and no doubt one of the best of the year. What did he do? That! Preview: "Alan" Edited January 2, 2018 by Eeveelution
Eeveelution Posted January 2, 2018 Author Posted January 2, 2018 Spoiler On 12/31/2017 at 4:48 PM, Vxspertine said: Boxer > Aligator > SWB > High Violet High Violet sweetie I'm so sorry On 12/31/2017 at 4:55 PM, Playa Playa said: Crawl Space sounds so interesting. Another album I need to listen to... Do it! On 12/31/2017 at 5:03 PM, madonnas said: I was really excited for Crawl Space but the only Tei Shi song I can get behind is Bassically. I don't think Melodrama is ridiculously low, it's a very good album but I get why people wouldn't have it as their absolute fave. Silver Eye is surprisingly high! I couldn't get behind the middle section that dragged. Bassically is still her best song probably I like the middle section, Zodiac Black is kinda a song. On 1/1/2018 at 9:42 AM, Bloomers said: You are a great writer and it's always great reading what you have to say. I'm going to go through your whole best of eventually, but for now I just checked out the most recent update. I haven't heard the Feist or Goldfrapp album, mostly because I've been dead for the vast majority of the year (in a good way of course!) and I just was not able to get around to them (and likely won't be able to for the first couple weeks of 2018 also ) But I did enjoy the Tei Shi, SZA, and Lorde albums. I agree with your placement for Lorde. I liked the album, but she's never really clicked for me the way she seems to for everyone else. I appreciate what she does, but she doesn't really speak to me. You're back! Thank you! I feel you, there are a bunch of albums I wanna catch up on from best ofs but I'm starting uni again in a few so... Yeah, I think Melodrama is really good, but one of the absolute best of the year? I think it's probably equally as good as Pure Heroine. On 1/1/2018 at 5:07 PM, Pink Matter said: Nice list! Melodrama and Ctrl are my faves here. I didn't spend much time with Silver Eye or Pleasure but they were both nice listens from what I remember. Never heard of this Tei Shi girl Let me check ha out Do it! [2] On 1/1/2018 at 6:59 PM, AlexisNeiers said: The Louvre is one of my least favorites from Melodrama tbh. I mean I love some parts of it, like the chorus, but I feel like most of the lyrics are cliché + the song is overproduced, but I'm gonna black Jack Antonoff for that. Love the album tho! Miss Feist also kinda did that, huh? i would say that The Louvre is excellently written and not cliche at all (Is "I overthink your p-punctuation use" the best lyric of 2017? Yes, yes I do think so). But agrih to disagrih. And yes she did! 3 hours ago, madonnas said: Update plz Probably finishing this tomorrow? Scary.
Lucas32 Posted January 2, 2018 Posted January 2, 2018 Quote With open, rambling song structures, sampled birdsong and airy flute and harp arrangements, the record is an intimate cocoon for just Björk and the listener (feat. Arca) to share. Loved this description of Utopia DAMN and No Shape as well the Laura Marling album didn't stick with me much although I didn't dislike it. Antisocialites is nice as well.
ATRL Moderator madonnas Posted January 3, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted January 3, 2018 I still don't get Perfume Genius, he's kinda like Xiu Xiu in that they have a lot of amazing singles but a lot of their deep cuts in MY OPINION lack depth...
Pink Matter Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) v nice set. DAMN. and No Shape snatch (and I love your write up for the latter btw!) Utopia is a cute girl (only listened to it once tbf). Semper Femina didn't really do much for me, which sucks because I loved Wild Fire and was anticipating it a lot I was just about to listen to the Alvvays album but I was catching up with some others so I never got around to it. I'm gonna check out the recommended track to see if I'll listen to it Edited January 3, 2018 by Pink Matter
volition Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 What a great set of albums all at once - aside from Semper Femina, all albums are pure quality and strong favourites. I just haven't heard Semper Femina, but I've seen it mentioned a lot around here so I'll be sure to check it out
Vxspertine Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Pork "Best since Vespertine" was the only lie in that writeup Damn I definitely agree with what you said about it but Love is trash Semper Femina above those 2? a choice, but it's still a great album I didn't get much of what you got tbh, I probably should revisit No Shape I've finally seen the light about it and it's really an amazing record.
Wicked Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 No Shape, we love a future classic. I didn't listen to that Laura album but it sounds up my alley. I really do like DAMN. Personally offended @ SZA's placement.
theblackestday Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Quote her best album since Vespertine Keep saying it, keep saying it out loud and maybe you'll convince hope. Quote this is his worst album Keep saying it, keep saying it out loud and maybe you'll convince hope. Anyways, both excellent albums so glad to see you stanning for talent (for some reason I thought you don't like Dystopia) Antisocialites and SF obviously aren't as good as the former two despite your placements' implication but they're still great No Shape... great gowns, beautiful gowns.
Playa Playa Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Classic after classic after classic Alan was definitely an instant highlight of Mike's discography.
Vilppu Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Kendrick, Alvvays, Laura, Pefume Excited for top 5, kind of have no idea what would make it apart from Masseduction and L4L.
Eeveelution Posted January 3, 2018 Author Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) 05. Marika Hackman - I'm Not Your Man Genre(s): Indie rock, singer-songwriter This sounds halsey’d but, in a year where a lot of indie rock felt so dull and grey, Marika was a breath of fresh air, each song on I’m Not Your Man as vibrant and colourful as the cover suggests. A child of Miss Polly Jean for sure, the record is full of vivid imagery such as on Gina’s World, where the titular character “shot the horizon and killed the sun”, while Marika herself rolls "around [her] skull like a flesh-coloured marble” on the tension-fllled ballad Round We Go. Instrumentally the album is rich, the buoyant guitar riffs of My Lover Cindy turning Marika’s refrain of “I’m a ****ing pig!” into the prettiest words imaginable. Meanwhile Time’s Been Reckless re-appropriates Feist’s 1234 into a rousing call to arms for us to appreciate those we love just a lil bit more. And of course, she has her fair share of sad indie girl ballads for those who are into that. While a 17 track deluxe with additional live versions is pushing it, there’s not much here that deserved to be left on the cutting room floor, so it’s all good. Preview: "Time's Been Reckless" 04. Lana Del Rey - Lust for Life Genre(s): Hollywood Sadcore, Muddy Trap, Hawaiian Glam Metal Lust for Life is another excellent album from Lana Del Rey, a true **** you to those who claim she’s a one trick pony as she traverses from doo-wop to trap to folk in the space of a few tracks. One of the most impressive things about Lust for Life is her stepping slightly out of her comfort zone lyrically for some reflective and interesting songwriting. Any trace of the women who once sang “I’m nothing without you” is dead and buried on the incandescent In My Feelings, in which Lana skulldrags a loser who did her wrong. Meanwhile on Love she reflects on young romance with maturity and self-awareness that she has earned at this stage of her courier. There is also a hint of political songwriting, or at least an awareness that life for women and minorities in America is different in 2017, which is not something I expected or thought I needed from Lana. There are classic Lana songs here of course, but many feel more focused and well-written than ever: “it’s like smiling when the firing squad’s against you” she sings on Cherry before lamenting her ruined peaches and burning gardens in choruses punctuated by cursing – it’s almost ridiculous, but highly evocative and sensual, something only Lana could pull off basically. I’m not gonna claim this is her best work (Ultraviolence outsold), but even when Lana is on autopilot for songs like White Mustang, they work excellently through sheer talent and melodic skill alone. At 16 tracks, a couple could have been Japanese bonus track’d (audio Nyquil BPBP and Change come to mind) but this still stands as one of my favourites of the year. Is it talent, is it blind stanning? You decide. Preview: "In My Feelings" 03. Kelela - Take Me Apart Genre(s): Alternative R&B It’s been 84 years.gif but Kelela finally delivered on the promises of her mixtape, EP and myriad guest spots in releasing an excellent debut album. Kelela experiments as on her earlier work, such as on the shapeless Enough, while balancing her strong pop inclinations on straight up bops like Blue Light and LMK in a way that still feels cohesive and streamlined. Some earlier songs in her discography may have felt almost like creative showcases for up-and-coming producers but, even when her voice is chopped and distorted on tracks like the Arca-produced Onanon and Enough, her command and presence in the song is never threatened. It’s really hard to fault a single track on this album, even the 80 second interlude Bluff is memorable in its own little way. While she fell just short of topping the greatest song of all time, Kelela has cemented herself as one of R&B’s most unique talents and has delivered one of the best LPs of the year. Preview: "Blue Light" 02. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCTION Genre(s): Art pop, synthpop I was surprised to the see the mixed reception for this one… I know we’re all conditioned to shudder when an artist announces they’re making their “most personal album to date”, but Masseduction succeeds in its candor and honesty. Whereas, for the most part, Annie kept the listener at arms length when singing about her life on previous records, songs like the low-fi drunk-dial’d Hang on Me and the absolutely heartbreaking Happy Birthday, Johnny show a more human side of the iconic performer. Like I said before, the ballads here are what really sell it for me, the closing two especially are unlike anything else in her discography. But still, songs like Pills and the title track are classic batshit Annie moments with a slight pop spin that is pulled off with aplomb. I do love how she skilfully vacillates between tones on the album, from the kinky automaton on the title track, to the raw, untouched vocal on Happy Birthday, which allows her to convey the honesty of the song in a way that “technically superior” vocalists could not. With all this variation on the album, you could say that it lacks cohesion, but the album flows seamlessly from song to song and nothing here feels pointless or contrived. Will this be the album Annie is remembered for when the Slow Disco closes and the Smoking Section is empty? Perhaps not. But it’s still a brilliant record from a brilliant artist. You have no idea how brilliant she is. Preview: "Pills" 01. Julie Byrne - Not Even Happiness Genre(s): Contemporary folk, singer-songwriter Part of me wanted to go for a more popular choice, but I couldn’t really give the number one to any other album. What can I say? Miss Julie truly did THAT. There are so many things I love about this album. Songs like Melting Grid and I Live Now as a Singer eschew traditional verse-chorus structure, giving them an aimless, rambling quality that I like. The songs remain engaging, however, due to Julie’s keen sense of melody and penchant for vivid and evocative imagery. She recounts wide open seas and verdant green fields and seems to appreciate the places she visits as more than an opportunity for a cute Insta post. But for all the pastoral imagery, Julie actually makes some insightful comments about others and about herself: “before you / had I known love / or had I only known misuse of the power another had over me?” she muses on Sleepwalker, while Morning Dove’s “Life is as short as a breath half-taken / I could not wait to tell you the truth” is another one I like: Julie has a real talent for summarizing complex feelings and emotions in a concise way, which is the mark of a great songwriter, imo. I won’t argue with people who think that this album is boring or nothing special cause I totally get that. But even if this album isn’t exciting or innovative or anything I can’t think of a record which meant more to me this year. For me personally, even the everyday struggles and relationships of my first year at uni were a lot. Not Even Happiness is a balm and It was nice to just come home and put this on after a long day. I can’t thank Julie enough for that. Preview: "Melting Grid" Edited January 3, 2018 by Eeveelution
Eeveelution Posted January 3, 2018 Author Posted January 3, 2018 That concludes my best of 2017. Thank u everyone for commenting. I hope y'all have a great 2018 and I hope to see y'all in december cause this year is gonna be lit music wise i can feel it. 2017 found dead. Rihcap Spoiler 1. Julie Byrne – Not Even Happiness 2. St. Vincent – MASSEDUCTION 3. Kelela – Take Me Apart 4. Lana Del Rey – Lust for Life 5. Marika Hackman – I’m Not Your Man 6. Pefume Genius – No Shape 7. Laura Marling – Semper Femina 8. Alvvays – Antisocialites 9. Kendrick Lamar – DAMN. 10. Bjork & Arca – Flute to Flute 11. Goldfrapp – Silver Eye 12. Feist – Pleasure 13. Tei Shi – Crawl Space 14. SZA – CTRL 15. Lorde – Melodrama 16. Big Thief – Capacity 17. Moses Sumney - Aromanticism 18. Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory 19. Charli XCX – Pop 2 / Number 1 Angel 20. Mura Masa – Mura Masa 21. Everything Everything – A Fever Dream 22. The National – Sleep Well Beast 23. Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy 24. Bedoune – Bedouine 25. Ibeyi - Ash
theblackestday Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 Well... Take Me Apart is that album, I'll start with that. Lust for Life is a cute girl, the best hawaiian glam metal release of 2017 imo. But why troll the poor people who aren't familiar with the album with that preview choice? I'd become an instant OLDRH. #2 is horrible #1 is an interesting choice It was fun following your list, you served quality and taste (in the majority of the occasions). Great countdown
Vilppu Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 I completely forgot about Julie and Kelela for some reason but both were good albums, so was Masseduction and most likely that #5 I haven't heard! A lovely end to the countdown. Quote But even if this album isn’t exciting or innovative or anything I can’t think of a record which meant more to me this year. For me personally, even the everyday struggles and relationships of my first year at uni were a lot. Not Even Happiness is a balm and It was nice to just come home and put this on after a long day. I can’t thank Julie enough for that.
Lucas32 Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 LFL & Masseduction are my favorite from this set of course. I didn't enjoy the other 3 as much as most people on here did but I won't take anything away from them as musical projects. As expected an overall great countdown
ATRL Moderator madonnas Posted January 3, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted January 3, 2018 I will listen to the Marika album! I agree with your MASSEDUCTION thoughts but I honestly do like the batshit moments more. Pills - Masseduction - Sugarboy is the best 123 punch of the year
Pink Matter Posted January 3, 2018 Posted January 3, 2018 An interesting top 5 if I've seen one. Lust being so high, plus Kelela, and Annie punching too Haven't heard the #5 album, I'll check out the song to see if I'll venture into it. Julie's album is certainly a choice, but I love your write up for it so I won't drag it. This was a great list to follow. Your picks were excellent and your write ups are always great to read. Can't wait for what's in store this year Also, I applaud you for putting IMF as the recommended track to listen to. Thank you for doing the Lord(e)'s work
Tom Vercetti Posted January 4, 2018 Posted January 4, 2018 Haven't heard Marika's yet but heard good things. I knew Julie's crown would be secured here. At least someone fully stans her. I too hope 2018 is better. Thanks 4 for the journey.
sumthintoxic82 Posted January 4, 2018 Posted January 4, 2018 Take Me Apart is a great album that im SO GLAD i got into
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