ChoiceCuts Top Albums of 2009
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2009
These are the LP’s we feel worthy of special attention from this year. Covering all manner of styles and brought to us by artists new on the scene and well established alike. All in it has been a good year for music fans. Set the music playing and read through our in no particular order ChoiceCuts Top Albums of 2009.
Hudson Mohawke - Butter
Warp Records
This Glaswegian favourite and electronic whiz lives up to the hype of his previous releases and delivers a scintillating debut full of quirkiness and idiosyncrasies for Warp. Fans of Flying Lotus, Madlib and Mike Slott will all be impressed with this release from Hud Mo’ who has a bright future ahead of him judging by the feedback to this debut. Tracks like Rising 5, Fuse, and Joy Fantastic are so well produced you can imagine him producing the next Outkast record it’s so futuristic.
Warp Records
This Glaswegian favourite and electronic whiz lives up to the hype of his previous releases and delivers a scintillating debut full of quirkiness and idiosyncrasies for Warp. Fans of Flying Lotus, Madlib and Mike Slott will all be impressed with this release from Hud Mo’ who has a bright future ahead of him judging by the feedback to this debut. Tracks like Rising 5, Fuse, and Joy Fantastic are so well produced you can imagine him producing the next Outkast record it’s so futuristic.
Dam Funk - Toeachizown
Stones Throw
The LA funkateer finally releases his record on Stones Throw and brings his soulful Californian sound he honed at his Funkmosphere DJ night to wax, Fans of Slave, Prince, and the modern soul sound from the 1980s will instantly gravitate to this well crafted release on the ubiquitous Stones Throw Label.
Stones Throw
The LA funkateer finally releases his record on Stones Throw and brings his soulful Californian sound he honed at his Funkmosphere DJ night to wax, Fans of Slave, Prince, and the modern soul sound from the 1980s will instantly gravitate to this well crafted release on the ubiquitous Stones Throw Label.
Lee Fields & The Expressions - My World
Truth & Soul
One of the best voices in soul teams up with Leon Michels & Co. to produce a masterpiece worthy to sit on the shelves next to any Stax or Motown release; raw, gritty and wonderful. 7 years in the making, this album highlights the quality of the output coming from Brooklyn’s Truth & Soul label. Highlights include ‘Ladies’ and ‘Honeydove’.
Truth & Soul
One of the best voices in soul teams up with Leon Michels & Co. to produce a masterpiece worthy to sit on the shelves next to any Stax or Motown release; raw, gritty and wonderful. 7 years in the making, this album highlights the quality of the output coming from Brooklyn’s Truth & Soul label. Highlights include ‘Ladies’ and ‘Honeydove’.
Mos Def - The Ecstatic
Downtown
10 years since his Black on Both sides release, Mos Def has not really made a dent on the world since with his musical output but The Ecstatic embodies a return to form for this highly talented MC which features collaborations with Slick Rick, Georgia Anne Muldrow & Talib Kweli. When he is on form there is not many that can hold a mic to him, standout tracks include ‘Quiet Dog, Bite Hard’, ‘History’ and ‘Auditorium’.
Downtown
10 years since his Black on Both sides release, Mos Def has not really made a dent on the world since with his musical output but The Ecstatic embodies a return to form for this highly talented MC which features collaborations with Slick Rick, Georgia Anne Muldrow & Talib Kweli. When he is on form there is not many that can hold a mic to him, standout tracks include ‘Quiet Dog, Bite Hard’, ‘History’ and ‘Auditorium’.
Kamaal - The Abstract
Battery/Jive
Q-Tips shelved release from 2002 finally see the light of day, fusing jazz and funk with the hip hop a sound he pioneered in the 1990s with ATCQ, we hear him singing, and rapping in his most comfortable of environs with a full band. A different direction from ‘Amplified’ or last years ‘The Renaissance’, but a quality release for all fans of his low end jazzy sound.
Battery/Jive
Q-Tips shelved release from 2002 finally see the light of day, fusing jazz and funk with the hip hop a sound he pioneered in the 1990s with ATCQ, we hear him singing, and rapping in his most comfortable of environs with a full band. A different direction from ‘Amplified’ or last years ‘The Renaissance’, but a quality release for all fans of his low end jazzy sound.
Mike Slott - Lucky9teen - Lucky Me
Lucky Me
Irish native Mike Slott is probably one of the most underrated producers in the world right now, pioneering the synth sound that has been popularised over the last year or two, Slott is more introspective than the rest, his sound is futuristic Hip Hop at its best, multilayerd beats demand the attention of the linstener and his style is all his own. Snow Birds and 40 Winx are standout tracks on this release.
Lucky Me
Irish native Mike Slott is probably one of the most underrated producers in the world right now, pioneering the synth sound that has been popularised over the last year or two, Slott is more introspective than the rest, his sound is futuristic Hip Hop at its best, multilayerd beats demand the attention of the linstener and his style is all his own. Snow Birds and 40 Winx are standout tracks on this release.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Honest Jon’s
One of the best live shows to see in the world release a ‘best of’ their last 4 street albums via Honest Jons. All songs have been re-recorded for this official release and is a great introduction to anybody who is not familiar with this 8 piece ensemble who are all blood brothers and carry the legacy of their father Phil Cohran in this exceptional music. Soul Jazz with a Hip Hop swagger is the best way to describe this release, lookf forward to more from these in 2010 as the new Gorillaz band.
Honest Jon’s
One of the best live shows to see in the world release a ‘best of’ their last 4 street albums via Honest Jons. All songs have been re-recorded for this official release and is a great introduction to anybody who is not familiar with this 8 piece ensemble who are all blood brothers and carry the legacy of their father Phil Cohran in this exceptional music. Soul Jazz with a Hip Hop swagger is the best way to describe this release, lookf forward to more from these in 2010 as the new Gorillaz band.
Doom - Born Like This
Lex Recordings
The underground anti-hero has come a long way since his KMD heyday and hass stuck to his guns with his rhymes and beats, some excellent guests in the form of Raekwon & Ghostface Killah from the Wu Tang Clan. Madlib and JDilla Productions feature on this release that showcases Dooms wordplay superiority and visceral flow.
Lex Recordings
The underground anti-hero has come a long way since his KMD heyday and hass stuck to his guns with his rhymes and beats, some excellent guests in the form of Raekwon & Ghostface Killah from the Wu Tang Clan. Madlib and JDilla Productions feature on this release that showcases Dooms wordplay superiority and visceral flow.
Raekwon The Chef - Only Built For Cuban Linx II
IceH20/EMI
Raekwon delivers a rivetting sequal to his 1995 debut, 14 years in the making, this album faithfully takes off where he left it with Only Built, even beginning with the music from the outro, Raekwon & partner Ghostface defy Hip Hops stale offerings of late and focus on the lyrics and cinematic productions that made them the legends they are in rap music, highly recommended release.
IceH20/EMI
Raekwon delivers a rivetting sequal to his 1995 debut, 14 years in the making, this album faithfully takes off where he left it with Only Built, even beginning with the music from the outro, Raekwon & partner Ghostface defy Hip Hops stale offerings of late and focus on the lyrics and cinematic productions that made them the legends they are in rap music, highly recommended release.
Quantic & His Combo Barbaro - Tradition in Transition
Tru Thoughts
The multi talented Will Holland follows up on 2008 Flowering Inferno with his most accomplished full length to day. Residing in Cali, Columbia for the last few years, Quantic has re invented his sound, bringing in latin flavours and carribean influences to form a melting pot that is the Combo Barbaro, ‘The Dreaming Mind pt. 1′ and ‘Un Canto A Mi Terra’ standout, but as a package this is best introduction to Quantic after his Flowering Inferno LP.
Tru Thoughts
The multi talented Will Holland follows up on 2008 Flowering Inferno with his most accomplished full length to day. Residing in Cali, Columbia for the last few years, Quantic has re invented his sound, bringing in latin flavours and carribean influences to form a melting pot that is the Combo Barbaro, ‘The Dreaming Mind pt. 1′ and ‘Un Canto A Mi Terra’ standout, but as a package this is best introduction to Quantic after his Flowering Inferno LP.
Various - All City 7×7 series
All City Records
The pioneering All City released an excellent series of 7inches showcasing the telanted beatsmiths and producers from around the globe..Onra, MIke Slott, Hudson Mohawke, Dimlite, Mweslee to name but a few make contributions, this is as cutting edge as it gets and this CD retrospect of the vinyl series is a great package and listen to anybody inclined to the future beats.
All City Records
The pioneering All City released an excellent series of 7inches showcasing the telanted beatsmiths and producers from around the globe..Onra, MIke Slott, Hudson Mohawke, Dimlite, Mweslee to name but a few make contributions, this is as cutting edge as it gets and this CD retrospect of the vinyl series is a great package and listen to anybody inclined to the future beats.
Dorian Concept - When Planets Explode
Kindred Spirits
European producer who has been causing a lot of people to take notice with this accomplished release, deliver a quality relase for dutch label Kindred Spirits, this album gives the listener a sonic overload of synth, beats and wonkiness..we look forward to more from this talented Swiss producer.
Kindred Spirits
European producer who has been causing a lot of people to take notice with this accomplished release, deliver a quality relase for dutch label Kindred Spirits, this album gives the listener a sonic overload of synth, beats and wonkiness..we look forward to more from this talented Swiss producer.
Whitefield Brothers - Earthology
Now Again
Releasing music under many guises our good friends drop a psychedile bomb forr Now Again, a slew of talent pepper this release and for anyone with a penchant for funk, afro and spacey music you can do no worng than listening to The Whitefield Bros. True journeymen who constantly develop theri sound with beautiful musicianship. Cameos form Quantic, Edan and more only add to this excellent release.
Now Again
Releasing music under many guises our good friends drop a psychedile bomb forr Now Again, a slew of talent pepper this release and for anyone with a penchant for funk, afro and spacey music you can do no worng than listening to The Whitefield Bros. True journeymen who constantly develop theri sound with beautiful musicianship. Cameos form Quantic, Edan and more only add to this excellent release.
Edan The Deejay - Echo Party
5 Day Weekend
Edan delivers the most creative mix this year with his Echo Party release, playing glockenspiel, kazoo, guitar and moog effects over some of the most obscure disco funk punk releases from the late 70’s/early 80s from the Traffic back catalogue, and adding some amazing vocal chops to keep things moving along nicely, short and sweet, this is essential listening and as quirky and left field as you would expect from Hip Hops avant garde maestro.
5 Day Weekend
Edan delivers the most creative mix this year with his Echo Party release, playing glockenspiel, kazoo, guitar and moog effects over some of the most obscure disco funk punk releases from the late 70’s/early 80s from the Traffic back catalogue, and adding some amazing vocal chops to keep things moving along nicely, short and sweet, this is essential listening and as quirky and left field as you would expect from Hip Hops avant garde maestro.
Major Lazer - Guns Dont Kill People Lazers Do
Mad Decent
Big project and incepted very well by duo Diplo & Switch who producer varied tracks for the likes of Vybz Cartel, Turbulence, Mr egas all come together to make the Lp of the summer for many folk.
Mad Decent
Big project and incepted very well by duo Diplo & Switch who producer varied tracks for the likes of Vybz Cartel, Turbulence, Mr egas all come together to make the Lp of the summer for many folk.
The Breakestra - Dusk til Dawn
Strut
Music man Miles and this troupe drop this long overdue release over original breakestra material which demonstrates evolvemtn from the deep funk sound and more instrumentation than before, produced clinically and staying faightful to their funk roots, From Dusk Til Dawn is a must for funk fans.
Strut
Music man Miles and this troupe drop this long overdue release over original breakestra material which demonstrates evolvemtn from the deep funk sound and more instrumentation than before, produced clinically and staying faightful to their funk roots, From Dusk Til Dawn is a must for funk fans.
Paul White - The Strange Dreams of Paul White
One Handed Music
A jaunt throught the overdriven sub bass that is synonymous with One handed Music. His quirky samples and left-field approach separate Paul and his labels signature sound from the rest of the pretenders out there. This is a highly indulgent and creative release from labelhead Paul White and is the perfect platform to springboard his label mates Fulgeance, Bullion, Tranquill et al.
One Handed Music
A jaunt throught the overdriven sub bass that is synonymous with One handed Music. His quirky samples and left-field approach separate Paul and his labels signature sound from the rest of the pretenders out there. This is a highly indulgent and creative release from labelhead Paul White and is the perfect platform to springboard his label mates Fulgeance, Bullion, Tranquill et al.
Various Strange Breaks & Mr. Things Vol. 2
BBE records
Following up on volume one with impeccable taste, Uk’s Mr Thing pulls out all the stops for BBE and creates a killer mix and a compilation supreme Ruby Andrews, Tinga Stewart and Eddie Simposon feature in this excellent double offering. Vintage soul, funk, rock and jazz for the beat diggers and sample freaks.
BBE records
Following up on volume one with impeccable taste, Uk’s Mr Thing pulls out all the stops for BBE and creates a killer mix and a compilation supreme Ruby Andrews, Tinga Stewart and Eddie Simposon feature in this excellent double offering. Vintage soul, funk, rock and jazz for the beat diggers and sample freaks.
Little Ann - Deep Shadows
Timmion
Timmion are renowned for their high quality releases, whether they are releasing their own new releases or reissuing from yesteryear. Little Ann has never been released to the masses before and hails from Detroit, Michigan. Little is known but the package is a sureshot for all soul fans out there, vinyl only release and limited to 500.
Timmion
Timmion are renowned for their high quality releases, whether they are releasing their own new releases or reissuing from yesteryear. Little Ann has never been released to the masses before and hails from Detroit, Michigan. Little is known but the package is a sureshot for all soul fans out there, vinyl only release and limited to 500.
Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement
Stones Throw
Lots of hype about Mayer from his first 2 singles, and a lot of pressure on him to deliver a solid LP, which he did back in september. The album is short and sweet and pays homage to the early soul before the funk era. This is pretty much blue-eyed soul at its best. ‘Maybe So, Maybe No’ ‘Green Eyed Love’ and ‘Just Aint Gonna Work Out’ are the strong tracks from this offering.
Stones Throw
Lots of hype about Mayer from his first 2 singles, and a lot of pressure on him to deliver a solid LP, which he did back in september. The album is short and sweet and pays homage to the early soul before the funk era. This is pretty much blue-eyed soul at its best. ‘Maybe So, Maybe No’ ‘Green Eyed Love’ and ‘Just Aint Gonna Work Out’ are the strong tracks from this offering.
great list. was a top year for music. just a small thing but as far as i know paul while is label head of one handed, he is just signed to it. alex chase heads it up. cheers c
Posted by cubikmusik on December 19th, 2009 at 12:41 am
doh! meant to say paul white isn't label head. :)
Posted by cubikmusik on December 19th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Well spotted on the deliberate error there cubikmusik ;-)
Posted by admin on December 21st, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Solid list lads, like the way it's presented also big up ChoiceCuts massive, thanks for a great year of events (Q-Tip was awesome btw!) and merry xmas to you all
Posted by Cillian on December 23rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
what about Brian Deady?
Posted by edmund skillary on December 29th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I Get Goose Bumps When The Baseline Thumps