The Stuyvesants - Brooklyn's Finest (2010)

Genres: Hip Hop, Instrumental, Soul

“The Stuyvesants is a collaborative effort between music producer Allan Cole (Algorythm), and record collector Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt). Both reside in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. The two wanted to work together on a project where they could incorporate several of their talents, related to music and design. They wanted to do this under a moniker that would pay homage to the ’70s. The collaboration allowed them to do four major things, design, beat dig, produce amazing music, and simply have fun." - The Stuyvesants

Little Dragon - Ritual Union (2011)
Genres: Electronic, Soul, Synth-pop

"Sweden's Little Dragon are a band blessed with a distinct and immediately alluring style. Their rhythms are dry and metronomic; their synthesizers either provide a distant ambiance or seem to glow like neon lights that flicker in time with the beat. Frontwoman Yukimi Nagano's phrasing touches on conventions of modern-- particularly British-- iterations of R&B, but errs on the side of aloof understatement. They are essentially an R&B band, but the major elements of their style are skewed enough that while the music seems vaguely familiar, it doesn't sound quite like anyone else." - Pitchfork

I've been addicted to Little Dragon since they released their self-titled debut album in 2007. Yukimi Nagano's soulful voice atop the Electronic production provided by the band instantly took ahold of me, and I've been hooked ever since. Little Dragon has displayed an ample amount of growth between their debut album and their third release Ritual Union. The group began moving toward a more synth sound with their Sophomore release Machine Dreams, and it seems as if Ritual Union picks up where their second album left off. Little Dragon traveled further into a synthesizing terrain with this release, and I'm enjoying every bit of it.

Mayer Hawthorne - Impressions (2011)

Genres: Funk, Soul

For anyone that may not be familiar with Mayer Hawthorne, he's a musician with an array of musical skill. Widely known as a singer/songwriter, he's also a producer, arranger, audio engineer, DJ, rapper and— if that weren't enough— a multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised in Arbor, Michigan, he relocated to Los Angeles, and was later signed to Stones Throw Records. A year after being signed to one of my favorite record labels, his debut album A Strange Arrangement was released. Not only was his debut album the best album (in my strongest opinion) of 2009, but the reaction it received quickly catapulted Hawthorne into a considerable amount of success. His Doo-wop influenced style grew on countless individuals, and he's been busy impacting the music scene by releasing various projects, as well as touring the globe.

SBTRKT - SBTRKT (2011)

Genres: Dubstep, UK Garage

Known for wearing masks made by Hidden Place, and remixing tracks for artists such as Basement Jaxx, Little Dragon, M.I.A., and more… SBTRKT finally released his debut album. The self-titled release not only features solid production by the London, UK musician/producer, but it also features a nice line-up of musicians. Yukimi Nagano, Jessie Ware, Sampha, and Roses Gabor vocally enhance the album in their own right. Eleven tracks of hard-hitting beats, with equally hard-hitting vocals makes for a solid debut album by Young Turks' musician, SBTRKT.

"What SBTRKT has done is take all the best elements of the past two decades worth of dance sub-genres and used these ingredients to make a 11-course popping candy meal of an electro album. The intricacies of its production, paired with soulful vocal melodies, are enough to propel the bubbling UK underground electronic movement into the mainstream periphery. SBTRKT has shoved his way to the front of the audience and now sits side stage, ready step out of the shadows and jump into the limelight." - Drowned in Sound

The Go Find - Everybody Knows It's

Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight (2010)

Genres: Indie, Leftfield, Pop

The Go Find is a band from Berlin, and the album Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight is their third release. I'm not a huge Indie fan, so I didn't know what to expect at first. But after hearing the opening title track which features saxophone sounds provided by Andrew Claes, I was sold. Not only am I a sucker for saxophones, but I'm also a sucker for music with good vibes, and this release contains both. This album is satisfying. With eleven tracks that span for about 38 minutes, how could one want more?

Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight reminds me of a perfectly baked pie. The opening title track (the top crust) sets the tone for the following tracks, the songs in between the opening track and the last track (the filling) keeps the good vibes rolling, and the last track (the bottom crust) leaves you wanting more. Besides the first song, "Neighbourhood", "Just A Common Love", and "Heart of Gold" are my personal favorites from the album.

Elegant vocals, and easygoing production is what one can expect from this release.

Michael Jackson - Ben 45 (1972)

Genres: Funk, Soul

This Motown 45 features one of my favorite tracks by Michael Jackson, "Ben" (written by Don Black). The song was originally written for Donny Osmond, but landed in Michael's lap when Donny was unavailable to record the song due to being on tour. "Ben" quickly became a success for Michael. The song topped charts, was nominated for an Academy Award, and was Michael's first #1 solo hit. Giving the song to Michael went from being a second choice, to a good decision.

For all that may not know, "Ben" serves as a theme for the 1972 film Ben (a sequel to the film Willard). I was never quite sure how such a beautiful song could represent a killer rat film, but when I referred back to the Jackson 5 film, and remembered the part where Michael had a pet mouse, and it all made sense.

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
Genres: Funk, Soul

The end of August will always belong to Michael Jackson, and this fabulous debut album by The Jackson 5 is a perfect way to not only celebrate the life of the late legend, but to also say farewell to Summer. Almost everyone knows of this album, so an in depth review on it's greatness isn't necessary. However, I'd be doing this album an injustice if I didn't slightly elaborate on my love for it, so here we go…

Despite the album's 1969 release, it's rare to find a person that doesn't still enjoy it as much as they did when they first heard it. It's apparent that this debut album is eternal. You know you have a timeless album on your hands when you can hear a track like, "I Want You Back" countless times within your life, and never grow tired of it. This album reminds me of the simplicity of being a child, and the warm feelings I get around the holidays, or a Sunday dinner full of comfort food. This album is an all-around good experience from start to finish. To top it off, the best part of the album is hearing how Soulful the Jacksons were at such a young age. Tracks like "Nobody", "My Cherie Amour", and "Who's Loving You" are all perfect examples of how soulfully funky things get within this release.

Misel Quitno - Sleep Over Pieces Vol. 1 (2007)
Genres: Experimental, Glitch, Rhythmic Noise

Misel Quitno (better known as Dimlite) is the man behind the eclectic album Sleep Over Pieces Vol. 1. Mainly known for his detailed Hip Hop/Electronic production, Quitno bravely switched up his sound by creating an album he described as, "A score to an imaginary 1960 film." However, Misel Quitno's goal was to not only create a soundtrack for a fictitious film, but to pay homage to the birth of Electronic music as well.

Sleep Over Pieces Vol. 1 is a beautiful nightmare. The disarrayed production filled with eerie sounds and random touches of mellowness reminds me of a never-ending cycle of bad dreams followed by serenity. It's known that Quitno had a 1960 film in mind when making this album, but the type of film he envisioned was never discussed. I can't help but imagine all of the different types of films this album could musically portray. The music can represent anything from a horror film about an isolated mental institution, to a independent documentary similar to the film "Dark Days". All in all, there's nothing better than music that has the ability to awaken an inactive imagination, or enhance whatever atmosphere it infiltrates.

Architeq - Gold + Green (2009)
Genres: Glitch, IDM, Jazz, Leftfield

Architeq (Sam Annand) is a Producer/Mixing Engineer from London, UK. His debut album Gold + Green has been sitting in my iTunes library, collecting virtual dust for almost 2 years. I figured now would be a good time to dust off this release, and explain why it's worth a listen. However, many of you will discredit whatever good things I have to say pertaining to this album, due to my digital copy being covered in computer-generated soot. So to plead the album's case, it wasn't forgotten because it lacks in any way shape or form, I just happen to have an iTunes library that's crammed to capacity.

While sifting through an iTunes library I almost never access, the origami shapes (created by Faye Allen) held together with golden strings quickly caught my attraction, and I found myself revisiting an album that fell between the cracks of my negligence. Considering the simplicity of the album title, I prepared myself for an easy listen – I was wrong. Gold + Green is everything but easygoing. The album is best described as, "challenging late-night listening that never lets itself become indulgent." I began to read various reviews of the album as I enjoyed it's complex sounds, and I found myself wanting fresh squeezed music after reading the statement, "Architeq knows how to squeeze that last bit of juice from every key with a rhythmic twist." Before I knew it, I was juicing Gold + Green for all it had to offer.

S.N.S. - Yesterday's Machine (2011)

Genres: Downtempo, Experimental, Nu-Soul

“Saturn Never Sleeps was originally created by music producer King Britt and artist Rucyl for two performances specifically dedicated to the music and sound of Sun-Ra. Inspired by the works of classic electronic innovators like Herbie Hancock, Raymond Scott and Delia Derbyshire, the experiment began in July of 2009.” - Sature Never Sleeps

The Philadelphian veteran King Britt and the innovative mastermind Rucyl forms a dynamic duo. With decades of musical skill under their belts, and strong inspirations behind them, Saturn Never Sleeps is a force to be reckoned with. Ever since their formation, the duo has been busy refining their sound and touring the globe. Now, two years after their journey began, their debut album Yesterday's Machine is finally here.

Ray Barretto - Barretto Power (1972)

Genres: Boogaloo, Latin Soul, Salsa

"It was the early 70’s, Jerry Masucci (the former police officer turned lawyer) and his newly formed Fania Records was establishing itself as a power in the Latino music industry. Recordings by Johnny Pacheco (who became the labels vice president), Larry Harlow, Willie Colon and Ray Barretto were giving the label a visible identity of hip-ness. They were all characterized by a sound based on the best traditions of Afro-Cuban music but with an “in-your-face” contemporary NYC attitude. Although Ray’s previous recordings on Fania (Acid, Hard Hands, Together) all had a common thread of excellence, it was still a band that was evolving." - Bobby Sanabria via Fania Records

Barretto Power is a solid release by Ray Barretto, and it doesn't take knowing Spanish to realize it. Barretto comes from a time when New York City was the center for Latin music within the United States, and he (along with other artists) helped turn Latino musicians from add-ons for various Jazz bands to musicians to be reckoned with. Furthermore, it doesn't take being a Latino to know how influential Barretto's music was and still is today. The influence of Barretto's music soared across genres. His work was noticed by everyone from Charlie Parker to the Rolling Stones (whom he's worked with). The title of this album is a good description of Ray Barretto's discography as a whole, because he undoubtedly was powerful through sound.

Bonobo - Black Sands (2010)

Genres: Downtempo, Future Jazz

Black Sands is Bonobo's fourth album, and is believed to be his best work thus far, and I agree. Black Sands is a solid release that precisely exhibits Bonobo's growth as a musician. This is a record that allowed him to go deep into a far away distance of creativity; into a realm where emotion and deftness infused life into opuses and formations. With a knowledgeable use of live instruments (mostly played by Bonobo himself) and other digital trades, Black Sands comfortably holds the title as being, "the most contemporary record he has ever made."

Bonobo is no rookie when it comes to making indispensable music. His previous work laid down a pathway for the creation of the superb album Black Sands. As soon as the album opened, an exuberant emotion quickly engulfed me; and with tracks like 'Kiara', I soon recognized a difference in Bonobo's production. Euphoria briskly turned into an eagerness of what else was in store. Then there it was, the track that held my attention for ransom, 'Eyesdown'. The song features the beautiful vocalist Andreya Triana (who co-wrote songs with Bonobo for the album). Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, another Andreya Triana feature, 'Stay The Same' arose and gently placed me in the smoothest trance. Each song on the album compliments the next, turning Black Sands into a masterpiece that has the power to perfectly fit into anyone's music collection.

Various Artists - Outer Spaces (2010)

Genres: Electronic, Experimental, Hip Hop

Retronyms alongside producers Eskmo, Exillon, Jneiro Jarel, and Starkey came together to create Outer Spaces; a short and sweet EP with a riveting story to tell. The producers were brought together to formulate tracks made with Retronyms' iPhone app, DopplerPad. Some producers used the app solely for their track production, while others used outside programs such as Logic and other DAWs (digital audio workstations) in addition with the app. No matter how each musician utilized DopplerPad, one thing that's certain is the EP is full of diversity.

Retronyms' co-founder Zach Saul stated, “Because we designed DopplerPad to be a tool professional musicians can use, we thought it’d be great to put together a compilation that showcases just what musicians are doing with it.” Outer Spaces is credited as being the first EP to use an iPhone app as an instrument for every track, and I must admit I'm not too surprised. Developers have been finding innovative ways to elevate their apps above the rest, and Retronyms clearly stood above various other production app developers with the Outer Spaces project.

Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue (2009)

Genres: Ambient, Electronic, Folk, IDM

Bibio (Stephen James Wilkinson), a musician from England, truly shows how much of a wild card he is with the album Ambivalence Avenue (his fourth release). He came with more than a refreshing sound, but he also jumped ship with Mush Records to set sail with Warp. Twelve exhilarating tracks, a beautiful cover created by David Foldvari, and a new improved Bibio made it easy to title Ambivalence Avenue as being one of the best albums released in 2009.

It's no secret that Bibio draws inspiration from the group Boards of Canada. However, his fascination with the duo turned him into an easy target for critics. He was labeled an emulator, predicable, and even as a "one-trick pony." But with three releases under his belt, and a solid debut album on Warp Records, he left many of his critics in a silent awe. Successfully stepping outside of a comfort zone is far from easy, but it seems as if Bibio took a creative detour down Ambivalence Ave to find success in his own right.

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Autumn

Kaleidoscope Got Changed (2010)

Genres: Acoustic, Experimental, Lo-Fi

Pittsburgh, PA has a lot more to offer than Wiz Khalifa, and Black Moth Super Rainbow is a perfect example of Pittsburgh's offerings. For anyone that may not be familiar with their work, Wikipedia provided a helping hand with describing their sound by stating, "Their music contains elements of psychedelia, folk, electronica, and pop. Their distinctive sound is characterized by analog electronic instruments including the vocoder, Rhodes piano, and Novatron."

"Originally a private press CDR from 2001, The Autumn Kaleidoscope Got Changed was never properly released, and mainly just given out to friends. Some material made it onto the first real BMSR album, Falling Through A Field in 2003, but Autumn's sound is more haunted and acoustic. Included on a specially etched record is EP, Sing To Us, an even less produced CDR made up of songs left off of the album." - Black Moth Super Rainbow

Braveyoung - We are Lonely Animals (2011)

Genres: Ambient, Experimental, Post-Rock

I'm just going to start this one off by saying these guys are amazing. A good friend of mine introduced them to me about a year ago and I was thoroughly impressed. Braveyoung is a relatively new band, forming back in 2008.

We are Lonely Animals is comparable to a full motion picture soundtrack. Every track on this album tells a beautiful story; stories of joy, pain, struggle, laughter, sorrow, and more. There were times while listening to this album I shut my eyes and let the music speak to me. From start to finish, I was moved by the music, and at one point was almost brought to tears. The best part of this album is the stories are told solely though music. In fact, I think there is only one track on the entire album that actually has lyrics. With that being said, the vocals that are actually on the album are not that impressive, but the music that accompanies the singing takes over the song.

Seal - Seal II (1994)

Genres: Pop, Soul

Remember that one album your parents used to listen to in the car? Or can you remember having that one CD you never let your friends know you listened to because you figured no one else knew about it? This was one of those albums for me. Growing up in the 90's, I was exposed to alot of exceptional music by my parents without even realizing it. I've technically been listening to Seal since he dropped his first studio album back in 1991. While some tracks from his first two albums sound a bit dated, I'd say a good 90% of the rest of his music is timeless. His voice is amazing; quite possibly one of the best male vocalist to live. Most of our generation and beyond have yet to hear Seal's music, despite the fact that he still makes music to this day. A majority of those who have heard of him mostly know him as "the guy that did the Batman song."

Fatima - Follow You EP (2011)

Genres: Electronic, Nu-Soul

Fatima is a beautiful singer hailing from London, UK. Follow You is her second EP released on Eglo Records, and it's undeniably a solid release. Fatima has worked with artists such as Dam-Funk, Funkieven, Shafiq Husayn, and now she's back with new material with Floating Points (who also resides in London, UK) by her side. The EP consists of Fatima's soulful voice over the sensational production by Floating Points. This duo is a match made in music heaven.

Fatima is shifting the sound of Soul music along side other great artists. It's no longer uncommon to hear a Soul singer accompanied with Electronic production. Some call this new sound "Modern Soul"; a modern sound that I happen to think of as a breath of fresh air. 2009 is the year that I stumbled upon Fatima's alluring voice on works by Shafiq Husayn and FunkinEven. "Lil' Girl" is easily one of the best songs off of Shafiq's album Shafiq En' A-Free-Ka. As far as FunkinEven, Fatima worked with him on her Mindtravelin EP, and also was featured on his 12" Kleer. It's good to see that she's still creating wholesome music. I've been waiting for this release, but wasn't quite sure I was.

Rahsaan Patterson - After Hours (2004)

Genres: Neo Soul, R&B, Soul

After Hours is Rahsaan Patterson's third album. Patterson experienced mishaps and traveled a great distance for this substantial release to see the light of day. The story behind the development of the album is a reason why many people dislike major labels. Prior to After Hours, Patterson was signed to MCA Records, and released two albums with the label. But just like many artists signed to a major label, Patterson's sound didn't sit well with MCA, and they decided to drop him instead of releasing this album. Inspite of MCA turning their back on the album, Dome Records (UK indie label) decided to support Patterson, and release it. Here's what a fan had to say about the situation, "MCA dropped the set, and Dome here in the UK grabbed it before it could hit the floor. Well, hats off to Dome and underpants down to MCA!"

Sonny Rollins - Way Out West (1957)

Genres: Hard Bop, Jazz

"Sonny Rollins will go down in history as not only the single most enduring tenor saxophonist of the bebop and hard bop era, but also the greatest contemporary jazz saxophonist of them all. His fluid and harmonically innovative ideas, effortless manner, and easily identifiable and accessible sound have influenced generations of performers, but have also fueled the notion that mainstream jazz music can be widely enjoyed, recognized, and proliferated." - All Music

Way Out West is not only a timeless release, but it also helped label Sonny Rollins as the top tenor saxophonist in Jazz (until John Coltrane exceeded him the following year). The creation of this album is stunning. Rollins recorded the album with Ray Brown (bassist) and Shelly Manne (drummer); whom he had never played with before prior to Way Out West. In addition, statements from the liner notes also show how exceptional the album is. Lester Koenig stated in the liner notes, "At 7 A.M., after four hours of intense concentration, during which they recorded half the album, and should have been exhausted, Sonny said, 'I'm hot now.' Shelly who had been up for 24 hours, said, 'Man, I feel like playing.' And Ray, who was equally tired and had a studio call for the afternoon, just smiled."