Ill Communication by Beastie Boys

When I first heard the Beastie Boys back in the 80s, I really didn’t like them. Partly for the embarrassment of white people rapping, partly for the absurd adoption of VW badges as a fashion accessory but mostly because of the way they used the word party as a verb. It wasn’t until sometime in the 90s that I heard this album and went back to give the meticulously crafted Paul’s Boutique a chance. 

This album is less sample heavy, and the rapping is still a bit cringeworthy in places (Why do they have to SHOUT, at the end of every LINE?), but the music is pretty good, all things considered. Sabotage is a certified banger helped by the excellent music video directed by Spike Jonze. 

A solid 3 stars, and I think I may well give some of their later albums a chance too.

https://album.link/gb/i/724771323

Evergreen

Today I listened
To a metalcore band called
Evergreen Terrace

Medúlla by Björk

Every now and then on this list an album comes up that is utterly unique and unlike everything that has come before. For this project, Björk moved away from the electronica of her previous albums and focussed on the sounds that could be made with the human voice alone. Aside from one track with a minimal use of piano and some bass synth lines, this really does what it says on the tin.

The sounds produced are stunningly varied, from Björk’s distinctive, otherworldly vocals, to traditional choirs, throat singers, beatboxers and even someone described as a human trombone. Musically this ranges from folk sounds and classical choral, to contemporary beats and something you might have heard sat around a fire in an Icelandic cave 10,000 years ago.

I fully realise that this album might be a challenging listen for some people, but sitting down and hearing it on the best headphones you have is a spine tingling experience.

https://album.link/gb/i/1726654401

Cloud

Every cloud, they say
Hides silver but this year seems
It's just endless rain

Step In the Arena by Gang Starr

Not sure if this is a case of Stockholm syndrome, but two hip hop albums in two days, and I’m finding them … OK? I know that I’m probably only catching a fraction of the clever rhymes and wordplay here, but the music is satisfyingly funky and I can let it wash over me. Probably not one I’d go back to and listen again, but I didn’t actively hate it which is probably progress of a sort.

https://album.link/gb/i/723665537

Violet, Lamplight

Down treacherous steps
To a darkened room lit by
Violet lamplight

Phrenology by The Roots

I was slightly wary of this one, noticing that every track was marked with the E for Explicit warning, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. OK, so I’m still not 100% on board with the lyrical content or the relentless nature of the vocal delivery, but the music behind it was varied and interesting with some cheeky and well chosen samples, even including Swing Out Sister.

A cautious 3 stars from me.

https://album.link/gb/i/1540123415