Bjork - Medulla (2004)

Following the previous post about Camille, I present you with another concept album. I decided to check this album after I read on Wikipedia that it might have been an inspiration for le Fil. 

An album where Bjork only wanted to use the voice as a mean of instrumentation.

I was deeply curious!

I had to try it!

I wasn't disappointed. Even if Bjork ended using real instruments as well, this album is really interesting in term of musicality.

An addiction.

1. Pleasure Is All Mine  
2. Show Me Forgiveness
3. Where Is the Line
4. Vökuró
5. Öll Birtan
6. Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right)
7. Submarine
8. Desired Constellation
9. Oceania
10. Sonnets/Unrealities XI  
11. Ancestors
12. Mouth's Cradle
13. Miðvikudags
14. Triumph of a Heart

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Camille - Le Fil (2005)

I have so many albums to post, but I decided at the end to stick to my "concept" album theme and so here I am presenting you with the second album from Camille,  le Fil , that I would roughly translate as the "connecting" thread. Thanks to this album, Camille won the Victoires de la Musique - the french grammies - in 2006 for revelation and album of the year.

The album is completely "constructed" around a background buzzing/humming sound , hence the album title. Camille just plays with her voice, words (especially on the Janine skits), sounds, languages, well basically everything on this album. I love it.

1. La jeune fille aux cheveux blancs
2. Ta douleur
3. Assise
4. Janine I
5. Vous
6. Baby Carni Bird
7. Pour que l'amour me quitte
8. Janine II
9. Vertige
10. Senza
11. Au port
12. Janine III
13. Pâle septembre
14. Rue de Ménilmontant
15. Quand je marche

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P.S. : if you guys decide to try it out, I hope you don't have a player that insert gaps between the tracks as it would really ruin the whole "concept" of this album (cutting the "thread").

Reggae Friday - Lee "Scratch" Perry - Return of the Super Ape (1978)

There are 17 tracks on the version we upped but the original 10 are the same still. Lee Perry and The Upsetters have made many a great album and this is just another notch on that discography. Lots of dub which means lots of experimentation with sounds, echo and reverb. Light up the spliffs and enjoy.

1. Dyon Anaswa (Full Experience)
2. Return Of The Super Ape (Lee Perry)
3. Tell Me Something Good (The Upsetters)
4. Bird In Hand (Sam Carty)
5. Crab Yars (The Upsetters)
6. Jah Jah Ah Natty Dread (Lee Perry)
7. Psyche & Trim (Lee Perry)
8. The Lion (The Upsetters)
9. Huzza A Hana (Lee Perry)
10. High Ranking Sammy (Lee Perry)

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Reggae Friday - Horace Andy - Confusion (1985)

Horace Andy is the shit, 'nuff said.


1. Slippery Road
2. Modeling Child
3. Don't Cheat
4. Sweet Music
5. O What A Day
6. Confusion
7. So Me Gone
8. Easy Come
9. Walking On Ice
10. Teach Me

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Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - Midnight Band: The First Minute Of A New Day (1974)

Amazing album by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson. You will hear many samples used in todays hip hop on here but more importantly is the social commentary that is prevalent here. Songs like The Liberation Song and Pardon Our Analysis give you an artistic view of the black artist of this time while providing a gripping landscape of music.

1. Offering
2. The Liberation Song (Red, Black and Green)
3. Must Be Something
4. Ain’t Such Thing As a Superman
5. Pardon Our Analysis (We Beg Your Pardon)
6. Guerilla
7. Winter in America
8. Western Sunrise
9. Alluswe

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Shad - The Old Prince (2007)

The Old Prince, Shad's (Shadrach Kabango) sophomore album, tells the story of a man who didn't choose to grow up. Shad, who went through that situation, compares himself to a fictional prince who refused to take a step forward and grow. This simple, yet original story is the theme of the album. And on the subject of his music, it's simply addictive. By using cuts from movies and throwing in jazz and soul samples, he creates his own world. He sends messages that take time to decipher, while adding a bit of humor here and there. He adds a few social themes and biblical themes in his music as the album progresses. Although the messages he talks about are basically the same ones talked about by other conscious rappers, I appreciate this album because of the way he does it. It's like a breath of fresh air to hip-hop. Just listen to previews.I recommend that you don't sleep on this.

Tracklist:

1. Intro Quest For Glory
2. I Don't Like To
3. What We All Want
4. Brother Watching
5. Now A Daze
6. The Old Prince Still Lives At Home
7. Out of Love Part Two
8. Interlude
9. I Heard You Had A Voice Like An Angel
10. Compromise
11. Exile
12. Get Up
13. Outro

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Luck-One & Dekk - Beautiful Music (2009)

This was a free EP when it released but when I was searching for the image I noticed CD Baby has physical copies for sale, *HOORAY!!* This Ep is excellent music coupled with introspective but not preachy lyrics. Luck-One kills every track with his relentless flow and Dekk does magic on the boards. Don't sleep on this.

1. 80’s Back
2. The Coolax
3. Prince Wit’ a Thousand
4. Could’ve Been Me (feat. Randa Smith)
5. Back At Long Last (feat. Immaculate)
6. Road To Destiny (feat. Immaculate)
7. When I Forget (feat. Nafisaria)

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Reggae Friday - Mad Professor - Afrocentric Dub: Black Liberation Dub, Chapter 5 (1999)

This is an awe inspiring dub album right here. So many crazy sounds combined with classic reggae bass rhythms. The key thing to listen for on this record is the layers. The sheer amount of layers on each track is staggering and can be somewhat of a challenge to grasp on first listen. If you are a fan of instrumental music at all then this will definitely catch your ear (if the album artwork hasn't already).

1. Black Heroes
2. Asylum Revisited*
3. Afrocentric Dub
4. Pressure Zone Dub
5. Confa Dance
6. Out Of Orbit
7. Digital Delight
8. Hard Working Dub
9. Ebonics
10. Afrocentric Dub Version 2
11. Chillout Zone
12. Version 3
13. Studio 54 Dub
14. Motor Town Dub

*This track for some reason is just silence, not sure why and sorry for the inconvenience.


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Reggae Friday - Linval Thompson - Ride On Dreadlocks 1975-1977

Amazing album from legendary reggae singer Linval Thompson. All the songs feature extended dub versions so every track is around 5 to 6 minutes long. Linval Thompson has one of the most unique voices in all of reggae and he puts it to extraordinary use on this record.


1. Jah Jah The Conqueror (extended)
2. Long Long Dreadlocks (extended)
3. Ride On Dreadlocks (extended)
4. Don't Cut Off Your Dreadlocks/Joyful Locks/ (f U-Roy)
5. 12 Tribes Of Israel (extended)
6. Everybody Needs Money (extended)
7. Don't Try To Rob I (extended)
8. Cool Down Your Temper (extended)
9. A Big Big Girl (extended)
10. Jah Jah Is I Guiding Star (extended)
11. Can't Stop Natty Dread Again (12" version)

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The Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed (1969)

This album was given to me by my father, as it is his favorite Stones album. Gimme Shelter and You Can't Always Get What You Want are two of the most popular songs from the group, and the whole album is excellent. They've got a mix of classic rock, country, folk, gospel haha. If you've never really listened to the Stones this is a good starting point. They've put out number one singles for the last forty years I mean they have atleast one album on every top whatever rock list ever made. Check it out.

1. "Gimmie Shelter" – 4:30
2. "Love in Vain" (Robert Johnson) – 4:19
3. "Country Honk" – 3:07
4. "Live with Me" – 3:33
5. "Let It Bleed" – 5:27
6. "Midnight Rambler" – 6:52
7. "You Got the Silver" – 2:50
8. "Monkey Man" – 4:11
9. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" – 7:30

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Anita Baker - Rapture (1986)

If you are a Madlib fan you will definitely be able to identify several breaks he uses from this amazing soul album. Rapture is only 35 minutes long but is beautiful music that is truly timeless. If you are a fan of Sade or soul in general then definitely put this album on when chillin.

1. Sweet Love (4:26)
2. You Bring Me Joy (4:26)
3. Caught Up In The Rapture (5:17)
4. Been So Long (5:13)
5. Mystery (4:57)
6. No One In The World (4:07)
7. Same Ole Love (4:05)
8. Watch Your Step (4:59)

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Pink Floyd - Animals (1977)

Personal favorite of all the Pink Floyd albums here. This album is pure masterpiece from the vocals to the progressions all the way through to the signature Pink Floyd suspense and build ups. If you are a fan of rock from the 70's at all and haven't heard Animals then this needs to be at the top of music to listen to list.

1. Pigs On The Wing 1
2. Dogs
3. Pigs (Three Different Ones)
4. Sheep
5. Pigs On The Wing 2

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Reggae Friday - Hugh Mundell - Africa Must Be Free By 1983 (1978)

Hugh Mundell's life was cut short when he was tragically murdered but he left behind a legacy of inspirational and powerful music to educate your ears. He worked with the great Augustus Pablo (who is the artist on the dubs here) and produced music that will be sung for many generations. Don't sleep on this reggae album, not only is it one of the most important albums but it is also executed to perfection.

1. Let's All Unite
2. My Mind
3. Africa Must Be Free By 1983
4. Why Do Blackman Fuss And Fight
5. Book Of Life
6. Run Revolution A Come
7. Day Of Judgement
8. Jah Will Provide
9. Ital Slip
10. Unity Dub
11. Africa Dub
12. My Mind Dub
13. Western Kingston Style
14. Levi Dub
15. Revolution Dub
16. Judgement Dub
17. Sufferer Dub

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Reggae Friday - Wailing Souls - Wailing (1981)

Great reggae vibes from the Wailing Souls, check it out.

1. Penny I Love You
2. Scientific Dub Mix
3. Who No Waan Come
4. Scientific Dub Mix
5. Don't Be Down Hearted
6. Face The Devil
7. Scientific Dub Mix
8. Rudy Say Him Bad
9. Mr Big More


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Mass Influence - The Underground Science (1999)

What drew me to this Georgia trio was their single "Life To The MC", which is a perfect example of pure hip hop. I mean, who doesn't like smooth production laced with pleasant rhyming? After listening to the rest of the album multiple times, I've began to treasure it. The entire CD has an underground feel to it. It's just sounds amazingly adept and effortless. It consists three emcees rhyming cipher after cipher after cipher. But the group's lyrical stability can also be its flaw since there are no surprises. Almost all the tracks sound the same. This album wasn't meant for everyone, it was more like a fun project for the trio. Although not everyone might enjoy this, you might want to give it a listen or two before rejecting it.

1. DJ Noize (Intro)
2. This Is The Way
3. Under Pressure
4. Fraudulent
5. Space Cases
6. Rhyme Placement
7. Life To The MC
8. Big Von/Massmattics
9. Clown Syndrome
10. Twenty 20
11. Big Von/Life To The MC (Remix)

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Primeridian - Da Mornin Afta (2008)

Solid album from Primeridian here. Its solid introspective lyrics with deep soul type production. If you are familiar with their previous albums then you will know what to expect as its just more of the same. Just another solid enjoyable album that does have a little something to say.

1. Mornin' Afta Intro
2. Change The Meridian (Hard Rock) Ft. No Mercy
3. High Noon Stank
4. Bucktown (City Of Wind) Ft. Naledge From Kidz In Da Hall
5. Hang On (Nicolay Remix)
6. Takuthere Ft. Yaw, Iomas Marad And Uncle Imani From The Pharcyde
7. Count Tac Acts A Fool Ft. Countacula
8. Melodic Healing Ft. Yaw
9. Whistle While You Work
10. Let's Go
11. Mario Speaks Ft. Howmanysyllabesmario
12. Trust Ft. Ka-Di
13. Shoutro Ft. Uneqka, Mreid And Mal Caffeine

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Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire de Melody Nelson (1971)

So yeah, here it is!! I was thinking about what my favorite album was, and even if I'm still hesitating between some titles, I thought it would be nice to update you guys with a good concept album while I'm at it.
Histoire de Melody Nelson is considered as one of the best of Serge Gainsbourg's work.
It all starts with our protagonist (Serge) driving his Roll Royce and bumping into a teenager named Melody. A passionate love story ensues, but ends when Melody dies in a plane crash.

Serge Gainsbourg is for me one of the best lyricist ever.
A true poet.
The theme and lyrics of the last song, Cargo Culte, really shows that his descriptions and choice of words are on a different level.
Too bad you'll probably won't understand anything.
You can still enjoy.

1. Melody
2. Ballade de Melody Nelson
3. Valse de Melody
4. Ah! Melody
5. L'hôtel particulier
6. En Melody
7. Cargo Culte

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The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966)

The Beach Boys have a huge catalogue of amazing tracks, but this is generally regarded as their best album effort. They dabble with a lot of unique sounds, bicycle bells for example, all over this album. Definite classic from 1966 with a bunch of great songs on here.

1. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (Wilson, Asher, Mike Love) – 2:22
2. "You Still Believe in Me" – 2:30
3. "That's Not Me" – 2:27
4. "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" – 2:51
5. "I'm Waiting for the Day" (Wilson, Love) – 3:03
6. "Let's Go Away for Awhile" (Wilson) – 2:18
7. "Sloop John B" (Trad. arr. Wilson) – 2:56
8. "God Only Knows" – 2:49
9. "I Know There's an Answer" (Wilson, Terry Sachen, Love) – 3:08
10. "Here Today" – 2:52
11. "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" – 3:11
12. "Pet Sounds" (Wilson) – 2:20
13. "Caroline, No" – 2:52

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Reggae Friday - Sugar Minott - Wicked Ago Feel It (1984)

One of my personal favorite reggae albums, not just by Sugar Minott but by any artist, this album is just pure greatness. From So Much Trouble till 30 minutes later you will fall in love with this album. Sugar Minott has a great voice and the music is made for Jah almighty himself so appreciate this amazing album.

1. So Much Trouble
2. Good Thing Going
3. Wicked Ah Go Feel It
4. It's You I Love
5. She Stays On My Mind
6. Don't Take Away
7. Freedom Train
8. Think It Over
9. Going Back To Mother Land


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Reggae Friday - Leroy Sibbles - On Top (1982)

Beautiful album by reggae vocalist Leroy Sibbles. He is a singer for the Heptones who are a major influence in reggae music and this is one of his solo albums. Check out this gem of Jah music.

1. Leroy's Gonna Fight
2. Party Time
3. Let Jah Music Ride
4. Want You To Know
5. Only With You
6. Gimmie
7. Rock And Come On
8. Rocksteady Party
9. Ting A Ling
10. Stay
11. Love In The Morning

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MF DOOM/ MF Grimm - Special Herbs + Spices Vol 1 (2004)

This album is a DOOM and Grimm collab album where DOOM handles the beats and Grimm slays them lyrically. Honestly if you are not a fan of either DOOM or Grimm then you might as well skip this because this one is catered for the hardcore fans. Its Out of Print though so don't be afraid to give it a download and listen, although I recommend listening while under the influence of some strong herb.

1. Intro - Fat Man Scoop
2. Arabic Gum + Ajowan = No Snakes Alive, Pt. 3
3. Calamus + Star Anise = Superhero
4. Dragons Blood + Cayenne = 1000 Degrees
5. Dragons Blood Resin + Ginger = War Paint
6. Benzoin Gum + Asafoetida = 10 Years Later
7. Red #40 + Wasabi = Bottle Rocket
8. Bergamot + Sumac = Rain Bood, Pt. 2
9. Kava Kava Root + Poppy Seeds = Stress Box
10. Styrax Gum + Nutmeg = Tick Tick, Pt. 2
11. Mugwort + Cinnamon = Shifting Lanes
12. Horehound + Sesame Seeds = Tonight's Show
13. Outro - Fat Man Scoop
14. My Love [*]

* Bonus track

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Ave.To - Three Way Intersection (2008)

Great instrumental album that is a fusion of jazz, soul and hip hop. The tracks are all pretty lengthy but move smoothly from one sound to the next throughout each track. Despite this being a lengthy listen I found myself coming back to it more and more.

1. Mama’s Koolaid
2. Sand To The Beach
3. Mass Transit
4. Cuba Libra
5. Gallery Place
6. Natural
7. Cuz Of U
8. Glow Nights
9. Abuja
10. Future Funk
11. Loin De Toi
12. Stank
13. Xess
14. Unmandyax
15. As The World Turns


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ShinSight Trio - Shallow Nights Blurry Moon (2006)

In 2006, Insight, the DJ, producer, and MC behind a string of magnificent albums and collaborations (including the Soloplexus album 'The Illusive Adventures of 6 Intrinsic Musicians') decided to team up with Japanese producers DJ RYOW (a.k.a. Smooth Current) and producer Shin-Ski to create a surprisingly good, jazz-influenced album. Besides the dazzling production, the main attraction here is Insight and his amazing lyricism and delivery. In fact, this album is (in my opinion) probably one of the best jazz-rap albums I've heard since ATCQ's Midnight Marauders. It's absolutely worth your time.

1. Intro
2. Early Dayz Amazement
3. Kick Snare Hi Hat
4. I Love Good Music
5. What's The World
6. Passin By
7. No Clouds On A Sunny Day
8. Work With Options Around Me
9. Let's Do A Jam (ft. Dagha)
10. Interlude
11. Lucky Dayz
12. Everything Steady Goin Downhill
13. Heart (ft. Edo G)
14. Positive Energy
15. Freedom of Speech

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Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV (1971)

Funny I just realized the Beastie Boys sampled both Superfly and When the Levee Breaks off this album on Paul's Boutique. Anyway, this is legendary band Led Zeppelin's fourth album, and my favorite although I've really only listened to their first four. Zeppelin made so much great music, I assume this is a good starting point for everyone. It's hard and folky at the same time, some real great tunes on here, I can't even pick a favorite. Enjoy.

1. Black Dog
2. Rock and Roll
3. The Battle of Evermore
4. Stairway to Heaven
5. Misty Mountain Hop
6. Four Sticks
7. Going to California
8. When the Levee Breaks

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Curtis Mayfield - Superfly (1972)

This is a classic film soundtrack to a film I have never seen, but none the less the soundtrack is amazing. So much of Curtis Mayfield's work has been sampled in hip-hop, and this album is no exception. Pusherman has been sampled numerous times, Superfly can be heard in the beginning of Ready to Die. Classic shit. My fav is Little Child Running Wild, about 10 seconds in with the first raw guitar strum and following gritty feedback.

1. Little Child Running Wild
2. Pusherman
3. Freddie's Dead
4. Junie Chase (Instrumental)
5. Give Me Your Love (Love Song)
6. Eddie You Should Know Better
7. No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song)
8. Think (Instrumental)
9. Superfly

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