May 2012 Hotlist Week 4

Slugabed - "Time Team" 2012

Nice little spacey "beat scene" album. I had a few of these songs already from previous EP's, but this works great as a cohesive full length LP. One of the best new releases out right now, easily.

The MC Type - "Bad Tattoos Vol. 1" 2012

This EP reminds me of what Grieves used to sound like on his first album, "Irreversible". That is a good thing.

Gold Panda - "Mountain" 2012

I really like the way the title track builds it's way from a trip-hop sounding beat into some crazy wonkyness. The B-side isn't quite as good to me, but still cool.

A-Trak - "Boiler Room #91" 2012

This set surprised me, because I haven't checked out a set of his in about 3 years, and he was really trying to prove himself within the electro world during that era. I didn't mind, obviously, but I felt like his turntable skills were going to waste a little bit. This is a mostly hip hop set that has a steady high energy all the way through. I especially like the section near the end where he's re-creating a couple songs from Donuts by juggling the original samples.

Marc Maron & Danny McBride - "WTF Podcast #280" 2012

Pretty interesting interview. I didn't really know anything about his background or how he got started before "The Foot Fist Way". I like hearing success stories like his.

The Alchemist - "Rapper's Best Friend 2" 2012

Some of these beats are really stellar and pretty much exactly what i'm looking for in a hip hop beat nowadays. This is a fun album to drive around and bump loud. I'm sure the title doesn't lie and rappers love freestyling on it too.

Max B & Isaiah Toothtaker - "Toothy Wavy" 2012

This is a tough one. I really like everything about this EP except the fact that Max B is in jail and all his vocals are done through shitty jail phones. This stuff is actually really unique sounding.

Amon Tobin - "Out From Out Where" 2002

Listening to this now, it's hard to believe it's already 10 years old. Clearly he was/is way ahead of the game.

Devin The Dude - "Seriously Trippin" 2012

This isn't terrible, but this EP seems like something he did for some quick money or something.

Tyler The Creator - "Goblin" 2011

This album has it's moments, but I still don't see what the big deal is. This is the type of stuff that would have flopped in the late 90's, I find it kinda interesting.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "Hummingbird" 2012

This little 4 song EP is awesome. Really "big" sounding production for him. Sounds almost like it was recorded in the 70's. I hope a full length in this style is coming soon.

Sunspot Jonz - "Galaxy Of Dreams Two" 2012

I wasn't even aware of the first volume of this series from last year, so i'll have to go back and grab that one too. This is pretty standard fare for Sunspot, who definitely has his own little style within the underground hip hop scene. It's comforting to know that an artist that I unintentionally stopped paying attention to the last couple years is still kickin out quality product and a lot of it.

Toro Y Moi - "Freaking Out" 2011

Really enjoyable EP that seems to be a collection of dancefloor fillers. I would recommend this to people who like Chromeo.

The Pharcyde - "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde: The Singles Collection"

All the vinyl singles from the album compiled on 2 discs. Pretty good DJ candy.

Mac Lethal - "Daytrotter Studio 1/27/2012"

I don't know what's up with the 1950's microphone he uses, but the "Bird Feeder" song sounds good like this. The other 2, not so much.

Louis C.K. - "Word- Live At Carnegie Hall" 2012

Super funny set, as usual for him. This was from 2010, I think? He did basically the same set here one of the times I saw him.

Devotchka - "How It Ends" 2004

This is the album they really came into their style and found it. It's nice to hear this stuff again now that it's not played out to me anymore. I really burnt myself out on them for a bit.

Amon Tobin - "Foley Room" 2007

I think at this point, this is the most solid work of his career. A classic LP.

Death Grips - "The Money Store" 2012

I just don't see what the hype behind this project is. I get it that Zach Hill is dope at making beats, but this "rapper" has got to go. He's like all the worst aspects and flaws of Saul Williams, P.O.S., and Ol Dirty Bastard, rolled into one shitty hollering homeless dude.