No. 15
Brother Ali -
Mourning in America & Dreaming in Color
I have always been a fan of
Brother Ali, although rarely listening to his work on a regular basis. Over the past few months I have developed a great love for his work and currently rate him in and around my Top 10 MC's of all time. Always thought provoking, in a wide range of subject areas, and able to spit some of the hardest bars you will ever hear. With soulful beats from sole producer
Jake One, he manages to create a very cohesive and concise Hip Hop album that follows a narrative flow.
No. 14
Fiona Apple -
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
So
Fiona returned to our ears in 2012 with this album. I don't think I have read anything but unanimous praise, and I will now add my own stamp of approval. This is comfortably my favourite album of hers (to be honest I don't officially love/really rate any of her other albums) and an album that will stick with me for a long time. Beautiful lyrics, great vocals and wonderfully understated instrumentation. Well done Mrs. Apple.
No. 13
Beach House -
Bloom
I love this acts aesthetic, always have done and probably always will. This album essentially continues on from
Teen Dream (my favourite
Beach House release so far) and gives us a giant slice of Dream Pop laced with simple but beautiful melodies and perfectly harmonised vocals. The first four tracks are perfect, the rest is good/great.