Best Of 2011 part 7

Isaiah Toothtaker - "Illuminati Thug Mafia"

The first time I heard this dude a couple years ago, I didn't really know what to think. After hearing this LP, I still couldn't even really tell you what his mission in music is, but that might be a good thing. He kinda seems like a chameleon of styles, a lot of these songs don't even sound like they're by the same artist. I'm eager to hear what him and his crew Machina Muerte have in store for the future.

Mayer Hawthorne - "Impressions"

Free download of him doing some cool covers, the highlight of which is Chromeo's "Don't Turn The Lights On", which he just straight owns, turning it into some weird smooth slow jam.

Dam-Funk - "Innafocusedaze"

Free giveaway from Scion. I don't know if these 4 songs were the best way to market him to people who aren't familiar with him, but they are good songs, and only on this EP.

Amon Tobin - "Isam"

This is probably one of the most psychedelic albums i've ever heard in my life, and at times it can be an almost  energy draining experience listening to this album if you aren't in the mood for something this complex and crazy. A true headphone masterpiece and definitely the weirdest album of his career so far.

James Pants - "James Pants"

I'm assuming he made his 3rd full length LP self-titled because he considers this to be his quintessential album. Simply put, this album is fucking awesome, and exactly what i'm looking for in music nowadays. Genre-bending and all still within his own little weird style, James is quickly becoming one of my favorite people in music.

They Might Be Giants - "Join Us"

Their return to making music for adults again after 3 children's albums, this one has quite a few gems to please the long-time fans. Dare I say, even a couple new classic songs.

Zo! - "Just Visiting Three"

3rd installment of his covers EPs. Him and Phonte's version of Steely Dan's "Black Cow" is stellar and gives the original a run for it's money.

Radiohead - "The King Of Limbs"

This honestly doesn't rank too high on the list of Radiohead albums for me, but it's still Radiohead and it's still pretty fucking good.

Awol One & Factor - "The Landmark"

This is now their 3rd LP together as an MC/Producer duo, and it's still wokring out great. Factor has put out a slew of releases in the last few years, but clearly he has no shortage of dope beats, and Awol has been 'in the zone' for the last few years to me, and just seems to keep improving.

DJ Shadow - "The Less You Know The Better"

DJ Shadow is a strange artist. He only puts out albums every 5 years or so, and then the albums always take a while to grow on you, and seem borderline wack when you first hear them. Then after a few listens you start    to see why he's so awesome, and after a few more listens you love the album. I like the fact only one rap song appears on here, I feel like his last album was a bit too 'rap heavy'.

Young Montana - "Limerence"

This dude sounds crazy as hell. I would recommend this for fans of Flying Lotus or Shlohmo. I know nothing about him/them, but I hope to hear more.

Project Pat - "Loud Pack"

I don't know what's going on with Three 6 right now and their long delayed new LP, but this has enough good stuff to tide me over.