GUEST BLOG: Detroit Mike presents his "Top 10 Albums of the Decade" - Part 3

It's the Final Countdown!

#3

Artist: Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek

Album: Reflection Eternal

Released: 2000

Another one that qualifies as one of the greatest Hip-Hop records of all time. Just flip it to track 9, “Down for the Count” and take it from “Lennox Lewis, (at the time) Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, seen?” This album is completely unique because of a combination of Hi-Tek’s amazing beat production, and Talib’s syrupy lyrical flow and complex rhymes. Sounds bounce between jazzy brass, drum machines, strings, African hand drums, and twinkling synths. The subject matter and lyrics are just as diverse. One minute you’re hearing how to say the word “love” in every different language, the next it’s battle raps, then maybe a commentary about the state of our society. On another Talib states “If you can talk, you can sing, if you walk, you can dance”. Recently the duo has come together again, calling the group “Reflection Eternal”. They released a mixtape called “Re:Union”, packed with cuts from this album, classic BlackStar (Mos Def & Talib Kweli) tracks and remixes, and teases of new material to be released later in the year. Can’t wait!

#2

Artist: Evol Intent

Album: Era of Diversion

Released: 2008

Production trio Evol Intent, made up of members Knick, Gigantor, and The Enemy, have made the all-encompassing electronic music album of the decade. This is NOT Techno; if you had to break it down literally it’s Drum ‘n Bass, Dubstep, Break-Core, and more. Their production style sounds like Digital Punk Rock. “Death, Lies, and Videotape” a Glitch-Hop march, puts a voice to the rebellious spirit of the beats, and urges listeners “Open Your Eyes!”. While a lot of this record is Drum ‘n Bass, many other genres are represented too. “Awkward Rhythm of the Dance” and “8-Bit Bitch” recall the chippy memories of old video game sound effects. “South London”; “17:30:00”; & “The Oscine’s Lament” are experimental soundscapes, with lots of filtering and effects that create an environment that seems to wrap around you. “Smoke and Mirrors” is the grimiest cut on the album, and is basically a Metal track. It’s followed by “Mutiny”, a clashing Darkstep DnB track making excellent use of samples from the movie “Taxi Driver” with Robert DeNiro. While most electronic music albums contain a small number of relatively long tracks, Evol Intent manage to cram 19 tracks onto their release. The album reaches its peak with “Middle of the Night”, a straight Drum ‘n Bass anthem, with soulful vocals, a massive bassline, and intricate drum sequencing. Musically I would rank this as the strongest album of the decade, but unfortunately to be the best you need to be heard, and “Era of Diversion” just didn’t have that kind of exposure. Which brings me to my #1 album of the 00's...

#1

Artist: The White Stripes

Album: Elephant

Released: 2003

Jack White was a music making machine in the last decade. In the 10 year span he worked on 4 White Stripes albums, 2 Raconteurs albums, and the debut by The Dead Weather. Out of all these strong records, “Elephant” is tops. Despite being a 2-piece band with no bass player, The White Stripes have more dynamic range then bands with 3 times as many musicians. “The Hardest Button to Button” and “Seven Nation Army” have enough crunch to get an outdoor party jumping. “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” captures a pacing, finger-drumming, kind of anxiety, and really makes you feel it. “Ball and Biscuit” may be the best guitar song ever. White pulls sounds out of the instrument that would match Hendrix, to counter a simple, head-nodding blues beat. His technical skill makes the show, but the emotion in his voice is what moves the songs. By the record’s close, you’re left only wanting more of that medicine.

HONORABLE MENTION(s):

• Green Day – American Idiot (2004)
  Green Day’s concept album proves they’ve still got it after all these years. Double plus one thumbs up to them for refusing to edit the album’s content for the radio or to censor themselves, even though it led to the album not being sold at Walmart, and possibly hurt their sales. Way to stand up for what you believe in and your message.
• Eminem - The Marshal Mathers LP (2000)
  Marshal cleans out his closet filled with vicodin and chainsaws. Still to date his strongest album lyrically, without being too corny. Add in Dre on the production tip, and you’ve got yourself a hip-hop classic. Notable track that didn’t blow up – “Drug Ballad” – mari-juan is everywhere, where was you brought up?
• DJ Shadow - The Private Press (2002)
  Shadow’s follow-up to the epic “Endtroducing” shows even his 2nd best is still magnificent. The master of sampling lays down some solid grooves. Just like his last, you’ve heard all these tracks in commercials and movies, whether you realize it or not. Faves: “Six Days” & “Mashin’ on the Motorway”
• Tool – Lateralus (2001)
  I remember skipping out of school early to go buy this album the day it came out (it didn’t take very much for me to bail on school), being fairly let down (nothing could have followed “Aenima” well), but still rocking it all summer long. People made a big deal about the trippy packaging it came in, but really it was just kind of a gimmick in the days of Napster to get people to pay for what they could take for free – and look where we’re at now..
• The Roots – Phrenology (2002)
  From the time when The Roots were still at the top of their game, they released to us Phrenology. Known for their Jazzy live Hip-Hop, they took the beat in a few other directions. If “Break You Off” doesn’t get you and your special someone going, then get a roadmap and ask for directions cuz you’re clearly lost.
• The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely (2008)
  So much better than their debut. The Raconteurs put the guitars to work on this one. The album closes out perfectly with “Carolina Drama”, a folk/blues story. Consolers probably could have made my top 10, but I didn’t want to double up on the Jack White.
• Slightly Stoopid – Everything you Need (2003)
  Their top album. Get it. Go to the beach. Smoke a joint. Love Life. Nuff said.
• Penduluum – Hold Your Colour (2005)
  Penduluum have been called the group that killed Drum n Bass. They have responded to that title online saying if the style was weak enough that one group could come along, get popular, and kill the genre – then it deserves to rot in its grave. Bold words. Their style is credited with the rise of the “wobble” movement. Listen to “Another Planet” on a system with some bass, and decide what you think.
• El-P – I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (2007)
  El-P’s 2nd album is some hardcore muffukin’ rap! I’m not talking about gangsta shit and ghetto stories, but experimental beats and inside/out rhyme patterns. Sole beat producer and MC, El-Producto outshines his celeb guests, The Mars Volta, Trent Reznor, and Aesop Rock. On “Drive” he vents “I’m not depressed, man I’m just a fuckin’ New Yorker, who knows that sitting in traffic with these bastards is torture!” Maestro and poet, El-P also wore the hat of label head at the legendary underground Hip-Hop label Def Jux. Unfortunately he has recently called for the end of Def Jux at the label’s 10th anniversary, citing internet downloads and the drain of putting out solid releases nearly every month for 10 years as some of the reasons. He has pledged that with the free time he will concentrate on producing more new music, and touring more. Yes!!!
  
  So there it all is, now let’s fight about it!!!

Thanks again to Mike for his awesome countdown! My list looked completely different, but I think it would be very hard to find two people that would have the exact same Top 10 Albums of the 2000's. I commend Mike for taking the time to actually think about 10 years worth of great music and picking his favorites...that's a lot of reminiscing. Hope you all enjoyed!

GUEST BLOG: Detroit Mike presents his "Top 10 Albums of the Decade" - Part 2

#7

Artist: System of a Down

Album: Toxicity

Released: 2001

I reeaaally wanted to put a Tool album in the top 10, but unfortunately all their stuff was either too old, or couldn’t cut it. Toxicity did. This album shot System out of the underground like the machine-gun music they put out. It also made for a great “heavy metal alarm clock” ala Jackass. Just ask anybody I went to college with unlucky enough to be the last one to rise the morning after a party. They would most likely “Wake Up!” to their hangover with a speaker blasting SOAD next to their head, possibly with the couch or chair they passed out in being shaken violently by other hungover maniacs, screaming the lyrics.

#6

Artist: Girl Talk

Album: Night Ripper

Released: 2006

Before becoming a major act at the big Festies and getting hipsters to shake their asses, Girl Talk was rocking his laptop at gutter Break-Core parties. “Night Ripper” sounds like every big pop, rap, and 80s hit, playing on the radio all at once, mangled together by someone with ADD. Girl Talk (Gregg Gillis) loops and glitches out all the songs you know every word to, whether they’re BS or legit. It’s something you can throw on at a party and everybody’s into. The why-borrow-what-you-can-steal attitude of this album completely blurred the line between “sampling”, re-mixing, and copyright infringement, and literally earned him an appointment with the Supreme Court. Taking the safer route, producers Ewun and Knick made a similar album as a side project called LudaChrist, and gave it away for free on the internet, because they didn’t want to deal with the legalities of selling it, or clearing all the 100s of samples. If you’re already a fan of Girl Talk, check out the LudaChrist mix “Bangfest” at http://www.worshipludachrist.com/ or I Worship LudaChrist on FaceBook.

#5

Artist: Kanye West

Album: College Dropout

Released: 2004

Kanye’s debut is a hip-hop classic, even though he’s still the #1 asshole of the decade. What other star could have their Mother die young and get no sympathy? “College Dropout” has got the choice selection of what Kanye does best: THE BEATS! The hits, “Slow Jamz” (ft. Jamie Foxx), “All Falls Down”,” Through the Wire”, and “Jesus Walks” as well as the lesser known cuts “Get Em High” (ft. Talib Kweli), “Never Let Me Down” and “We Don’t Care” have got soul, but still hit just as hard as the crunkest trunk bangers. This time capsule of an early stage of his career shows unusually modest lyrics: “we’re all self-conscious, I’m just the first to admit it”. But if there’s one thing that actually makes him a genius, it’s the ghetto-maestro production work that most MC’s don’t dare to touch.

#4

Artist: Mr. Lif

Album: I Phantom

Released: 2002

“I Phantom” is Boston MC Mr. Lif’s supercharged take on our capitalist, consumerist society. What Lif brings to the table is conscious, well thought out lyrics, straight up. “Live From the Plantation” is a track ANYONE can relate to about getting up to go to a job you hate, being condescended to, and even a daydream about flipping out on the boss. “Now I'm off to slave quarters, With a whole bunch of other people's sons and daughters, Working so they can be mothers and fathers, Laboring real hard, hoping the boss offers, More petty cash to us bums and paupers, Kissing his ass cuz they hoping they’ll prosper”. Other standout tracks are “Return of the B-Boy” where Lif goes through how he would defeat all the greatest rappers, finishing with an epic battle against himself, and “Earthcrusher” which describes a nuclear holocaust that would end the planet. As with most of the other releases on the Def Jux label, the beat production is on a soundscape of futuristic, space funk.

GUEST BLOG: Detroit Mike presents his "Top 10 Albums of the Decade" - Part 1

First of all, welcome back to O-Nation...that goes for myself as well. Due to a couple crazy fun months I have not had a whole lot of extra time to work on this here blog. I think a lot of my lack of motivation comes from December-March being the down time of the year for shows. But alas...concert season is back and there are plenty of shows on the slate starting next Monday's Coheed and Cambria show at The Webster (which should be of EPIC proportions).

Anyway, one of the guys heading to the show with me is my buddy Mike, or as he is better known around Hartford...Detroit Mike. Mike and I work together at ESPN and share a mutual love for music (and beer). A couple of months ago there were a bunch of us hanging out at the bar and we got to discussing what our Top 10 Albums of the Decade would be. As I had just completed doing my yearly lists I had lost the urge to do another list at the time. Mike volunteered to do a guest blog at the time and that's how this whole thing came about. So without further adieu here's Mike's Top 10 Albums of the Decade...part 1 of 3...

Like everyone else I’m a lifelong fan of music. Since being old enough to choose what I listened to, I’ve been involved with: Alternative - which turned into a love for punk rock and ska, hip-hop, underground electronic music, and reggae. I’ve played in or run sound for several bands, worked as a stage hand for an auditorium that brought through off-Broadway plays, and I’ve run sound for the morning news.

About 10 years ago I started DJing and am known in that scene as SureShot aka Detroit Mike. I spin mostly Drum ‘n Bass mashed up with other styles - hip-hop, dancehall reggae, gheto-tek, whatever I’m feelin’. I know I’m about two-and-a-half months behind on the decade’s best list, but I live most my life about two-and-a-half months behind. Just look at my hair sometime if you need proof of that. Thanks to Matt for putting up my list. Now let’s get down to it.

I have to start out by saying that making this list became a whole lot easier to make once I realized that a whole mess of “recent”, great music came out in 1999, and was automatically disqualified (The Chili Peppers’ “Californication”, Dr. Dre’s “Chronic 2001”, Mos Def’s “Black on Both Sides”, etc.). In this list I’m trying to highlight albums that are solid all the way through, not ones that have 1 really really awesome song. My list has some of the usual favorites praised by the music-critic press, but also others that have been more overlooked. Hopefully this recognition will get them to a few new sets of ears. Here we go…

#10

Artist: Long Beach AllStars

Album: Wonders of the World

Released: 2001

I was surprised to find that LBDA’s best album ‘Right Back’ was quietly released in 1999. However, the band, made up of former members of the iconic group Sublime, managed to just sneak onto the list with their 2nd effort. “Wonders of the World” continues the tradition of chilled out reggae riddims, hip-hop lyricism, and punk rock guitar riffs. This album is perfect for a ride to the beach, or even when the low-rider is all put away and you haven’t seen the sun in months. Highlights include “Rolled Up” (use your imagination); “Kablammin' It”, which sounds like a 10-year-old’s goofy take on sex; “Listen to DJs”, a tribute to classic reggae artists; or if star-power is your thing, “Sunny Hours”, which features Will.I.am from the Black Eyed Peas.

#9

Artist: Wolfmother

Album: Wolfmother

Released: 2006

Wolfmother’s debut record blazes out the gate with “Dimension” and rarely looks back. The guitar driven group from down under sounds like this generation’s take on Led Zeppelin or Guns ‘n Roses. They’ve made a quick impact in the few short years since they emerged. Despite being featured in Guitar Hero, on South Park, and a grip of movie previews, this album got left off a few ‘best of’ lists. Choice cut = “Joker and the Thief”.

#8

Artist: Sean Paul

Album: Dutty Rock

Released: 2002

At a quick glance Sean Paul might come off as just another pretty face trying to cash in on his home Jamaica’s tough reputation. The truth goes much deeper. The Jamaican reggae scene is arguably one of the toughest and one of the most corrupt music scenes in the world. Not just a fly-by-nighter, Sean Paul has been a part of that scene as an MC and a DJ since a young age. While the pop music corporations latched on, he made hits out of traditional riddims (“Like Glue” & “Get Busy”). The impact of his songs led to literally hundreds of remixes, and has made him the best selling reggae artist since everybody’s hero – Bob Marley. Marinate on that.

The O is coming back...

...sorry for the recent absence. Lots of stuff going on right now. Be back up and running within the week with a guest blog from my buddy Detroit Mike who has compiled for O-Nation his Top 10 Albums of the Decade! This is a great list you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned O-Heads...

Top 10 Albums of 2009

Sorry about getting this out after the new year. Been busy with holiday crap and other fun stuff. I hope everyone had a good holiday and rang in 2010 with plenty of fun.

Now that 2010 is here it is time to reflect on 2009 and the Top 10 Albums that defined the year in rock...



#10
Artist: Dave Matthews Band
Album: Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
Released: June 2nd, 2009

To be perfectly honest, I was not expecting much when this album was first released. The previous DMB albums have just been getting worse and worse because of the band’s ever-rising popularity and their record label's desire to appease the masses. Finally, the band went back to its roots a bit on this album. DMB made a huge comeback this summer and as always topped the tour money making list of 2009. While this album seemed to be influenced heavily by Dave's religious side, I think it is kind of cool to see how his music has shaped and formed to his life over the last decade. DMB went through a lot after losing former bandmate, LeRoi Moore, in 2008 and I think this album could not have been a better tribute to his legacy.

Song that defines the album: "Funny the Way It Is"



#9
Artist: Muse
Album: Resistance
Released: September 15th, 2009

I said it in September when I reviewed this album that this would be one of my top albums of the year. It is experimental at times...rocking classic on some songs, dropping beats on others, and then straight pop on others...however, I fully enjoyed this album and I think it is my second favorite Muse album to date (behind "Black Holes and Revelations"). I love the "Exogenesis Symphony" (in 3 parts) to finish the album. The whole CD utilizes a lot of grand piano which attributes to the classy sound of the album.

Song that defines the album: "Uprising"



#8
Artist: Grizzly Bear
Album: Veckatimest
Released: May 26th, 2009

While I am not a fan of some of the tracks on this album, I can't deny how much it made a statement for indie rock in 2009. Grizzly Bear brought back experimental sounds and compositions that haven't been heard in rock since the '80s. The band definitely had two hot singles this year in "Two Weeks" and "While You Wait for the Others"...I just hope that they continue to lead the indie charge into 2010, and that their follow up album will live up to its expectations.

Song that defines the album: "Two Weeks"



#7
Artist: Animal Collective
Album: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Released: January 20th, 2009

This album was voted as the top album of the year by numerous music magazines, blogs, websites, etc. Here's my take. While the album is clearly magnificent, I can't put it any higher on my list because I liked all of the following albums that much better. I agree with many of the publications' lists, but this is not an album I can listen to over and over and over again without becoming insane. Just too many sounds. I am beginning to like SOME electronic music, but one step at a time here folks. "Summertime Clothes" was the best song of the Summer of 2009 and will always remind me of trips to the beach, drunken company picnics, my second trip to Bonnaroo, and of course, my wrecked Acura.

Song that defines the album: "My Girls"



#6
Artist: Silversun Pickups
Album: Swoon
Released: April 14th, 2009

Silversun Pickups may have been one of my favorite new discoveries of 2009. While I had heard of them before (thanks to Rock Band), it wasn't until I heard the song "Panic Switch" that I decided to follow up more on them. This album continues to grow on me and in another couple months could have been in the top 3 easy. With a series of incredibly catchy songs like "Nice to Know You Work Alone", "Substitution", and "Catch and Release" it is hard to think that this band has not gotten bigger, faster. They are certainly a band that will continue to grow so keep your ears open...oh, and they're AMAZING in concert!

Song that defines the album: "Panic Switch", but that's been on here before so check out "Substitution"...


#5
Artist: Monsters of Folk
Album: Monsters of Folk
Released: September 22nd, 2009

Do I have to comment on this fusion being my favorite of the year again? Come on! You all know by now that Jim James is one of my favorite musicians out there, and that I would love nothing better than My Morning Jacket to get back together ASAP, BUT this is the best side project I could have hoped for out of Yim. I hope James, Conor Oberst, and M. Ward just part their ways now, but this album will never leave my collection. It is the perfect rainy day album! Who knew that that much acoustic guitar could not wear on you. Unbelievable.

Song that defines the album: "Say Please", but try something new, here's "Man Named Truth".



#4
Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Backspacer
Released: November 10th, 2009

Taking a break from the sound of their previous couple studio albums was a great idea for the Seattle grungers. This album brought Eddie, Jeff, Mike and the rest of the gang back to their roots and it is definitely noticeable on songs like "Amongst the Waves" and "Force of Nature". However, what I love best about this album are how powerful Eddie's vocals are. Eddie always had one of the most powerful voices in rock and as he gets older those chords keep getting stronger. Listen to "Unthought Known" and tell me different. There is not a song on this album that I can honestly say I don't like.

Song that defines the album: "The Fixer", but check out Eddie's vocals on "Unthought Known"...



#3
Artist: Passion Pit
Album: Manners
Released: May 19th, 2009

It may have a lot of electronic sound, but I just can't get enough of this album. The songs are just fantastic...all of them. "Make Light" is the perfect "pump-up" song to open the album. "Little Secrets" was my #2 song of the year. "The Reeling" got a lot of radio airplay and climbed the charts for a while. "Sleepyhead", "Moths Wings" , "To Kingdom Come" all contribute to making this album one of the years best. This album is just full of amazing tunes from beginning to end, and on top of it all I got to see them live, and it was one of the better shows I've seen this year. Best of luck to Michael Angelakos and the rest of Passion Pit...I hope your next album kicks as much ass as this one.

Song that defines the album: "The Reeling", but since I've shown the video on here already check out "Eyes as Candles"...probably the best unknown track from this album...



#2
Artist: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Album: It's Blitz
Released: March 10th, 2009

Karen O is clearly the best female voice in rock n' roll today. She shreds up on this album. I've never been one for female leads in rock, but this album has forever changed my mind. Everone knows "Zero" and "Heads Will Roll", but it's the other songs like "Runaway", "Skeleton", and "Dragon Queen" that get stuck in my head all day. I love the way the YYYs seem to just complement each others instrument styles so well. They're a very underrated band as far as individual talent is concerned, and I think that this album took all of the band members to new creative heights with their instruments. I highly suggest this album to anyone who has not heard it from beginning to end.

Song that defines the album: "Zero", but same as before...worn out a lot of these ones...check out "Skeletons"...



#1
Artist: Phoenix
Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Released: May 26th, 2009

I don't know how much more praise I can give this album than I already have in previous posts. Every time I listen to this album it grows on me a little more. In fact, I was so undecided as to what order these last three albums should be in that I listened to all of them right before I wrote this. I didn't think anything could change my mind from naming Passion Pit's "Manners" as album of the year, but as I was listening to that album I found that there was just a little something was missing. It was the vocals of Karen O that pushed the YYYs over Pit, but it was Phoenix's masterful composition that pushed them to the top. In particular it was the two-part song "Love Like a Sunset" that completely changed my mind. The way this song builds in the 5:38 instrumental lead-in and then transitions into a short, yet brilliant vocal finish just blows my mind. It is such a beautiful blend of excellent instrumentation. The guitars, the drum entrance, the ambient synths, and the acoustic beginning to the vocal track all attribute to this songs awesome creativity. A creativity that can be found hidden beneath every track on this album. The way this album comes together like that is what makes this Phoenix's masterpiece. They have created not only one of the best albums of the year, but one of the best of the decade, and one of my new personal favorites.

Song that defines the album: "1901", but check out one of my personal favorites, "Lasso".