Artist: Danny Brown
Album: XXX
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On XXX Danny Brown has produced an album that sits confidently on the precipice of acceptability. With a raspy voice, vice-laced lyrics and rhythms that are sultry and violent, Brown has created something unique and lusciously vile. This is a defiantly a ‘sit up and take notice’ album that will either bowl you over backwards, or make your ears bleed with disgust. ‘Monopoly’ is one such audacious and highly listenable track, containing 2011’s most offensive lyrics (listen for yourself I’m not writing them here) and ‘I Will’ rivals Monopoly for its repulsive brilliance. This is an album that you listen to at your peril, just get ready to enjoy it.
Artist: Jay Z/Kanye West
Album: Watch the Throne
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A few years ago a Jay Z release would induce a sense of nausea in this reviewer. Then, in 2008, Jay Z headlined Glastonbury amidst a storm of criticism that the festival’s traditional vibe was been usurped by his appearance. Oasis’ Noel Gallagher claimed it was, simply, “wrong” to have hip hop at Glastonbury. Jay Z responded by opening his set with a cover of ‘Wonderwall’ followed by a medley of his own tunes mixed with snippets of Glastonbury favourites. It was, simply, mind-blowing. Since then I have no longer been a detractor and can appreciate Jay Z’s work for the pinnacle of the genre that it is; Watch the Throne is no exception. Oh, and it’s got Kanye West on it too.
Artist: The War on Drugs
Album: Slave Ambient
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The second long player from Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs is a cool, calm and collected ode to wistfulness, wayfaring and wanderlust. ‘Slave Ambient’ delivers twelve tracks that exude psychedelic rock, electronica and good ol’ fashioned Blues. The opening track ‘Best Night’ kicks off proceedings in typically ethereal fashion, conjuring up imagery of nostalgic journeys across beaten-down urban landscapes. ‘Brothers’ is a more up-beat foot-tapper with seductive harmonies and engaging lyrics. Additional highlights include the mesmerizing ‘Come to the City’ and ‘Your Love is Calling’ making this a must-have release for 2011.