2014: Albums of the Year (#10 - 1)



10. Dorian Concept - Joined Ends (Ninja Tune)

It seemed to take forever for Concept's sophomore album to drop, but upon hearing 'Joined Ends' one can only conclude this guy can take all the time he needs...

Listen to 'Draft Culture'



9. Silk Rhodes - Silk Rhodes (Stones Throw)

The only negative thing I can say about this beautiful soul/R&B-gem is that it's way too short...
Listen to 'Pains'




8. Taylor McFerrin - Early Riser (Brainfeeder)

This warm blend of jazz, soul and dusty bedroom beats made me an instant fan of one of the more low-key artists on the Brainfeeder-label...

Listen to 'The Antidote'




7. Slakah the Beatchild - Soul Movement Vol. 2 (BBE)

A delicious stew of soul, funk and hiphop; maybe even better than 'Vol. 1'...

Listen to 'Byram's Groove (Cut a Rug)'



6. Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2 (Mass Appeal)

Two seasoned artists at the peak of their career having a blast; 'RTJ2' ended up on almost every end of year list, and that's only right...

Listen to 'Oh My Darling (Don't Cry)'




5. D'Angelo and The Vanguard - Black Messiah (Sony)

After 14 years of waiting, all of a sudden it was there: the follow-up to 'Voodoo'. And even more surprising: it ís the masterwork we were all hoping for...

Listen to 'Really Love'



4. BadBadNotGood - III (Innovative Leisure)

No more covers, no more bullshit: few artists managed to pair crushing grooves to melody and emotion as well as BBNG...

Listen to 'Can't Leave the Night'



3. Mndsgn - Yawn Zen (Stones Throw)

I've been diggin' Mndsgn's beats for a couple of years now, but his official debut album still completely blew my mind. Ringgo Ancheta is no longer a beatmaker, he's an artist...

Listen to 'Camelblues'





2. Fatima - Yellow Memories (Eglo)

Fatima's long-awaited debut album has everything one could hope for: adventurous instrumentals (courtesy of a whole bunch of leftfield favourites), captivating vocal performances and heartbreaking lyrics. Well worth the long wait...

Listen to 'Biggest Joke of All'



1. Electric Wire Hustle - Love Can Prevail (Somethinksounds)

I know you'll find it hard to believe if you haven't heard this record, but the best soul music of today is made in New Zealand. The combination of Mara TK's hauntingly beautiful vocals and Taay Ninh's sensitive synths will make you believe this is a long lost Marvin Gaye-record. An amazing Marvin Gaye-record, that is. If you spend any money on music, please let it be for this magnificent album...

Listen to 'By & Bye'

Comments