The Garden - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XEYNTXG5
This album is real chill. Real Chill. This album exudes a vibe that is so down to earth. Put this on and fade away to a spot of mental euphoria.
Favorite Tracks- Start at Track 1 and let it play.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Zero 7 - The Garden (2006)
Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future (2007)
Myths of the Near Future - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TRAQKLXY
Myths of the Near Future is an album full of great electro rock songs. A refreshing new direction in rock music, these songs are just as home in the club as they are at a rock show.
Favorite Tracks: Golden Skans, Gravity's Rainbow
Marilyn Manson - Smells Like Children (1996)
Smells Like Children - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IOYEVEHG
Marilyn Manson is a weird dude. This album is pretty sinister. Features a great cover of the Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams"
Favorite Tracks: Sweet Dreams (are made of this), Kiddie Grinder (remix)
Spank Rock - YoYoYoYoYo (2006)
YoYoYoYoYo - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9MVEH9G3
Spank Rock rock is putting Baltimore Club on the map. YoYoYoYoYo is not an album to put on when you are taking it easy. This is one for da club.
Favorite Tracks: Rick Rubin, Bump
Daft Punk - Homework (1997)
Homework - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=jmckhiay
Daft Punk truly are legends. They make electronic music like no one else. They dress up like robots and melt peoples faces off. This is the album that started it all.
Favorite Tracks: Da Funk, Around the World
The Roots - Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995)
Do You Want More?!!!??! - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XUIRGPSL (*password=311)
The Roots are not your typical Hip-Hop group. Their albums are recorded live and not composed mainly of samples. This album has great bass, drums, and lyrics.
Favorite Tracks: Mellow My Man, Essaywhuman?!!!??!
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Dark Side of The Moon - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TP0NLMOF
Probably one of the most epic albums of all time. If you have never sat alone, turned out the lights, and blasted DSOTM, then you haven't really lived.
Favorite Tracks: Breathe, Eclipse
Outkast - ATLiens (1996)
ATLiens -http://www.megaupload.com/?d=L1JGVXBS (*password= 311)
Outkast is the Beatles of hip-hop. This album is chock full of tight beats, great rhymes, and trippy shit. Chew shrooms to this one. (holler JT)
Favorite Tracks: Elevators (Me & You), Two Dope Boys (in a Cadillac)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (1993)
Siamese Dream - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PMDLHGY0
Siamese Dream is a a beautifully layered rock album accentuated by Billy Corgan's shrill voice.
Favorite Tracks: Disarm, Today, Cherub Rock
David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1974)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=A3VTC8JY
David Bowie is a conceptual genius. Ziggy Stardust is an album full of imaginative tracks that tell the story of Ziggy- a Martian who comes to earth to save us from banality. Ultimately, the rock star-like Ziggy falls a victim to his excesses of sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Favorite Tracks: Starman, Ziggy Stardust
Dave Matthews Band - Before These Crowded Streets (1998)
Before These Crowded Streets - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=045FXEWL
Probably DMB's best album, BTCS is a great combination of folk, rock, and world rhythms. Probably the album to play if you are trying to score with a drunk sorority chick.
Favorite Tracks: Crush, The Stone, The Dreaming Tree, Pig
Moby - Play (1999)
Play - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8Y2SPQ9E
Moby's Play is a wonderful combination of old gospel and folk music rhythms with modern house sensibilities
Favorite Tracks: Porcelain, Southside
Rancid - ...And Out Come the Wolves (1995)
... And Out Come the Wolves - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZMY5CN81
This is a Punk tour-de-force. An aggressive explosion of in your face tunes.
Favorite Tracks: Timebomb, Ruby Soho
Green Day - Dookie (1994)
Dookie - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LKD6PMVC
Dookie is an album full of jagged guitar riffs and catchy hooks. No album better expresses the teen aged slacker.
Favorite Tracks : Basket Case. When I Come Around, She
Radiohead - Kid A (2000)
Kid A - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=mp4klhxb
Kid A is probably the strangest album to debut at #1 on the US Charts. Influenced by glitch and ambient music, Kid A is pretty much a totally electronic album. Kid A, refers to the Earth's first cloned human. It deals with isolation and depression. The album is pretty dark and abstract- but, features moments of pure symphonic bliss. This album may be a little difficult to "get" on first listen... but if you stick with it and give it a try it is one of the most brilliantly deep and engaging albums you will ever hear. The first four songs are without a doubt, breathtaking.
Favorite Tracks: Everything In It's Right Place, How to Disappear Completely (my favorite song of all time), Idioteque, Optimistic
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6JS97002
Laced with heavy, eerie beats, largely based on martial-arts movie clips and soul music samples, Wu's debut album is hardcore hip hop at it's finest.
Favorite Tracks: Bring da Ruckus, Method Man
Tupac - All Eyez on Me (1996)
All Eyez on Me - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MR1XTAMX
Tupac is arguably the greatest rapper of all time. All Eyez on Me is a celebration of the thug lifestyle. Club bangers are mixed alongside more thought provoking ballads.
Favorite Tracks: Ambitionz As a Rydah, How Do You Want it?
Paul Simon - Graceland (1986)
Graceland - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=42DB0TOE
Paul Simon is a great American songwriter and Graceland features an eclectic mixture of musical styles including African rhythms and American roots music.
Favorite Tracks: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Under African Skies
The Streets -A Grand Don't Come For Free (2004)
A Grand Don't Come For Free - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N3JCDQSK
The second album from Mike Skinner aka The Streets is a concept album about a man losing a £1000 and his resulting quest to get it back. Skinner is a master storyteller and the album is as a result hypnotic in its dirty beats and vivid imagery.
Favorite Tracks: Not Addicted, Fit But You Know it
The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die (1994)
Ready to Die - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VAFJGB15
Awesome rhymes and great beats, Ready to Die is a must have Rap Album.
Favorite Tracks: Juicy, Who Shot Ya
Nirvana - In Utero (1993)
In Utero - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7EXQD5T8
The final album from Nirvana, In Utero, is not a happy album. It features sterotypical "grunge" rock and is a window into the soul of Cobain, who obviously was a tortured soul, unhappy with his newly found fame. Nonetheless, the album is beautiful and full of great rock 'n roll.
Favorite Tracks: Rape Me, Dumb
Radiohead - In Rainbows [Disc 2] (2007)
In Rainbows - [Disc 2] - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SBT1G3J8
This album was only officially released by Radiohead with the In Rainbows vinyl bundle. Featuring a bunch of tracks that have the same general mood as In Rainbows, these songs are no less great and compliment the first disc greatly. I'm not sure why Thom, Jonny, and the guys decided not to release these gems with the rest of In Rainbows.
Favorite Tracks: Down is the New Up, Go Slowly
M.I.A. - Arular (2005)
Arular - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NEGAIK4Q
M.I.A.'s Arular is a mix of hip-hop, grime, baile funk, dancehall, and reggaeton and is truly a great party album. This album was mailed to hipsters with samples of Tide a little while back.
Favorite Tracks: Bucky Done Gun, Sunshowers
The Postal Service - Give Up (2003)
Give Up - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=79ES4GAX
A mellow mix of electronica and pop, Give Up is about as chill as an album as there is. Good to put on late at night when you are taking it easy.
Favorite Tracks: Sleeping In, Nothing Better
Bush - Sixteen Stone (1994)
Sixteen Stone - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PGPO0M1D
This album was the shit when I was in middle school.
Favorite Tracks: Comedown, Machinehead
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DE8EZBL8
Admittedly, I don't know all that much about Wilco aside from YHF and seeing them once or twice live. But, YHF is a really chill album that has a little bit of an alt-country vibe to it. Sounds to me like a good album for a road trip through the country.
DJ Shadow - Endtroducing (1996)
Endtroducing - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6LL7YX1C
This album is samples mixed and mashed together to create a sonic masterpiece. Billed as the first album completely composed of samples it truly is a musical breakthrough.
Favorite Tracks: Building Steam With a Grain of Salt, Organ Donor
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Beatles - Abbey Road (1969)
Abbey Road - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9I94RN8Y
This is the first of the Beatles albums that I really fell in love with. It is such an amazingly complete album from start to finish. The medley from "Mean Mr. Mustard" to "The End" is probably my favorite of the Beatles entire catalog.
Favorite Tracks - I Want You (She's So Heavy), She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
Miles Davis - Bitches Brew (1970)
Bitches Brew - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4HKEA1U6
This is Miles Davis's most accessible album. Less jazzy, more like a rock album. Electric organ and electric guitar are featured prominently. This album was like no other jazz album when it came out in 1970.
Favorite Tracks: Pharaoh's Dance, Bitches Brew
Weezer - Weezer (1994)
Weezer - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=98X0UCVY
Often referred to as "The Blue Album" this album is good time garage rock. Straight forward guitar driven songs anchored by vocal harmonies. This album is full of songs about happy things like love- very different from the often darker grunge rock of the early nineties.
Favorite Tracks: No One Else, Say it Ain't So
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral (1994)
The Downward Spiral - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9OW453AE
The Downward Spiral is a concept album about the destruction of an unnamed man. The album is often very edgy and dark. Reznor is a master of low tech futurism.
Favorite Tracks: Closer, Hurt
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block (2006)
Writer's Block - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6ITSH6G0
Peter Bjorn and John are three guys from Sweden who make catchy indie rock. You've heard the song "Young Folks" everywhere. The rest of the album is good as well.
Favorite Tracks: Young Folks, Amsterdam, Let's Call it Off
Fiona Apple - Tidal (1996)
Tidal- http://www.megaupload.com/?d=29FIVIO5
Fiona Apple's sultry Tidal is a window into her soul. Deeply introspective, the album is an antidote to packaged pop the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Favorite Tracks: Criminal, Sleep to Dream
****Password: http://sharez.cn
Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
(What's the Story) Morning Glory? - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=76J9LDTO
Liam and Noel Gallagher are two pompous assholes. But, they did make a great album. Here it is.
Favorite Tracks: Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova
The Strokes - Is This It (2001)
Is This It - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GBZ8QY2G
The eleven songs on Is This It speed by in just slightly more than half an hour, each one so tightly constructed and urgently delivered that even the ballads seem fast. The Strokes are obsessed with rhythm, and at times their approach is more like that of a soul or funk band than a rock band.
Favorite Tracks: The Modern Age, Last Nite
The Cure - Disintegration (1989)
Disintegration - http://rapidshare.com/files/60741038/TCd.rar
Robert Smith is the poster child of despair and gloom. This album is dark and moody. It features great grooves and wonderful melodies. It makes feeling sad sound good.
Favorite Tracks: Lovesong, Lullaby
A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders (1993)
Midnight Marauders - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MGG2WU9P
This album is a great fusion of jazzy rhythms and intellectual lyrics. Definitely an album to play at night.
Favorite Tracks: Award Tour, Electric Relaxation
De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)
3 Feet High and Rising - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NHZ1UYQL
De La Soul's message of peace and harmony was somewhat unique in the late 80's hip hop scene. This breezy album is the antithesis of hardcore. This is a jazzy and fun album.
Favorite Tracks: Me Myself and I, Eye Know
Guns N' Roses - Appetite For Destruction (1987)
Appetite For Destruction - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NTKDJRUH
The debut album from G N' R kicked so much ass because these were a couple of guys all about rock n roll in a era full of pretty boy hair bands. Axel's shrieking voice and Slash's monstrous guitar are in full effect on this album.
Favorite Tracks: Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City, Sweet Child 'O Mine
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (1977)
Rumours - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DL8IQEXA
This album contains some of the best pop rock to ever be recorded. Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks combine to create one of the 70's most ubiquitous albums. Nearly each track was a chart topping hit.
Favorite Tracks: You Can Go Your Own Way, The Chain
The Doors - LA Woman (1971)
LA Woman - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MW5E36UG
Released just months before Jim Morrison's death, this album is in many ways the most mature of The Doors catalog. Featuring a hard-rock blues sound, this album is a testament to the great combination of Morrison's charismatic voice and Ray Manazerek's pounding keyboards.
Favorite Tracks: Love Her Madly, LA Woman
Dr. Dre - 2001 (1999)
2001- http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D517WZG5
This album really needs no description. It's just a tape full of dope beats to bump when you stroll through your hood.
Favorite Tracks: The Watcher, The Next Episode
Ghostland Observatory - Robotique Majestique (2007)
Robotique Majestique - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MBYK6DYH
Ghostland Observatory's energizing dance rock is like an audio laser light show. The duo from Austin, Texas have crafted a remarkably deep, intense, and unpretentious album that is a solid listen.
Favorite Tracks: Heavy Heart, Dancing On My Grave
She and Him - Volume One (2008)
Volume One - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8SFZU0HM
You may recognize She and Him's singer Zoey Deschanel from movies like Will Ferrel's "Elf". Her deep and raspy voice is mesmerizing and soothing. Coupled with super producer M.Ward this album's distinctly retro vibe is relaxing as a cup of afternoon tea. Featuring mainly original music along with some solid cover songs, this album is not to be missed. Another great album from Merge Records. Plus, I think I am in love with Zoey...
Favorite Songs: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?, Change is Hard.
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless (1991)
Loveless - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PIJWA53F
My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless" is a masterpiece of indie rock. The album has a particular sound defined by the use of guitars strummed with a tremolo bar, sampled drum loops, and obscured vocals.
Favorite Tracks: When You Sleep, Come In Alone
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges (2008)
Evil Urges - http://www.sendspace.com/file/crk2i1
This album blew me away. Probably my favorite album of 2008 thus far. These guys are amazing live and this album catches that live magic. Jim Jones's voice is so strangely unique that it truly is majestic. I love the chilled out vibe that this album oozes.
Favorite Tracks: Highly Suspicious, Amazed, Smokin' From Shooting
Santogold - Santogold (2008)
Santogold - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NMQ1DMGH
This album is an instant classic. Produced by heavyweight producers like, Switch and Diplo, this album is infectious. The first song "L.E.S. Artistes" is so catchy that I have listened to it on repeat as of late. The rest of the tracks don't disappoint either.
Favorite Tracks: L.E.S. Artistes, You'll Find A Way (Switch and Sinden Remix)
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8KQMM562
Masters of the recording studio, The Flaming Lips use every trick the studio can offer to make this album unique. Featuring drum machines and synths this album is truly a 21st century rock album.
Favorite Tracks: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Part I), Do You Realize?
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (1975)
Wish You Were Here - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SW46W43P
Pink Floyd is the master of psychedelica. This album contains one of the most trippy songs I have ever heard in "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". While it only has 5 songs each one is a journey into the soul and mind.
Favorite Tracks: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Have a Cigar
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (2007)
Oracular Spectacular - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JZKQBM9G
The Hipster kids love MGMT. I'm no hipster, but I love MGMT too. This album is chock full of good time electro-rock
Favorite Tracks: Time To Pretend, Kids