#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!
