My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2015

 

Every year is a great year for music, because even if there isn't a lot interesting going on (not the case) there is an enormous ocean of the past gone by to wade through. As always I love to find new artists to listen to alongside the new records coming out from the ones I know. As well as countless good records Ive seen Meshuggah, Korn, Slipknot, Shikari, Devin Townsend, Nas playing Illmatic AGAIN! Download festival was a blast and in the summer caught Cypress Hill, Snoop Dogg, Napalm Death, Death and Opeth! Later in the year Killing Joke, Manson, Deep Purple and Public Enemy! Its been one heck of a year! for my top 10 records released this year click here.

(10) IGORRR

Truly an artist of the internet era, with instant access to a vast depth of music, IGORRR's music draws from many obscure niches of Death Metal, Glitch and Baroque to collide in a frenetic maelstrom of noise assault. Perfect for my taste in aggressive oddities.

(9) Birocratic

Biro initially came across as a Nujabes clone but has managed to define his own style and sound across the course of a few records. Being a fan of Nujabes I obviously liked this from the get go, but it was great to hear Biro develop into its own brand of instrumental Jazz Hop.

(8) B.G.

My exploration of Southern Hip Hop hasn't led me to too many gems, but there's something to B.G's flow and laid back persona that really works, and when paired up with the right beats he makes a reputable impression.

(7) King Crimson

Their debut is a celebrated classic and having finally gotten around to giving it a listen I understand what the fuss is about and can't help but feel there is more on offer in their discography I wish to dive into soon.

(6) The Beach Boys

All I knew of this band were the Surf Rock numbers like "Surfin USA" which I had little interest in. Had no idea there was another side to the band, or more so Brian Wilson who composed the entirety of this record which I have fallen in love with.

(5) Master P

Master P was a name I knew of in the rap world, but this year I learned the story of his entrepreneurship with No Limit records and of the short lived success his label went through between 97 and 99. I wouldn't say he is one of the greats, but his style, the UGH and the crew he brought together he has definitely been responsible for a lot of enjoyable music that has satisfied my craving for more Hip Hop.

(4) Dead Kennedys

I've known about the legendary Punk group Dead Kennedys for years, but finally cracked the case this year with Frankenchrist which really struck a nerve with me. Although its significantly different from there other records its opened the door for me and I hope I'll get into their other records soon.

(3) Killing Joke

What a tough choice the top three has been, at third its Killing Joke, a band who I've heard of many times as an important influence on bands like Ministry, Korn and Godflesh I finally understand their importance and have grown ever so fond of their first two records, however the rest of their discography is proving to be rather patchy. I like their style, their identity which is very niche, a mix of Post-Punk and Industrial Rock with a charismatic voice.

(2) Kraftwerk

Its not strictly the year that Ive I learned about Kraftwerk's legacy and contribution to electronic music but it has been the year Ive really gotten to grips with their music and whats so fantastic and amazing about it. They had the vision to write emotional and imaginative songs at a time when electronic music was still seen as a novelty. The set the foundation for an explosion of synth pop in the 80s and subsequently everything else that followed. What's best of all is their music is fully realized and stands the test of time.

(1) Outkast

I have a soft spot for Hip Hop, so its no wonder to see Outkast here. Growing up I remember hearing B.O.B and Miss Jackson on MTV and this year decided to listen to their discography sequentially. Ive followed the journey of these two talented and articulate individuals who have crafted some of the finest Hip Hop records id never heard... or was waiting to hear? This is why I seek out new music, Outkast are one of Hip Hops greatest acts with a unique and defined sound that fit right into the vibe of the 90s. It was capable of pushing boundaries and I'm shocked its taken me so long to get around to that southern playalistic duo from my youth.

Master P "Ghetto D" (1997)

Taking another dive into the Southern Hip Hop scene I picked up "Ghetto D" based on a recommendation from a friend. Hailed as a classic, it's Master P's sixth album, a rapper who's name I've heard often and is cited as the most successful from the South, maybe more so for his entrepreneurial business endeavors than his rapping. This is P's second best selling recording released on his own record label "No Limit Records" that stars a whole array of guest rappers who span all but one track on this lengthy record. 

My initial impressions were not so pleasing, the opening track's crack production tutorial set the tone for an unapologetic attitude that initially was hard get into. The souths boisterous, aggressive delivery style took some getting used to. Shouty, jittery delivers from some of the albums guests served as a style over substance that grew on me greatly. The use of subtle echos and reverbs add a lot to raps, especially when the focus is flow and texture, more so than the lyrical content. Through it all Master P is solid as an anchor, his low-toned, deep voice and competent flow delivers consistently, engaging us in socially conscious and drug-related topics with no shortage of boasting provado. His style is his own, but there are some big 2Pac influences at work on this record, ranging from the beats to rapping which includes quite a few reiterated lines and statements for Pac's songs, the track "Tryin 2 Do Something", a rework of "Bury Me A G", or the original "For the Love of You" by The Isley Brothers, depending how you look at it. And of course I have to mention the UGH. P's loud, forceful ugh shout which caught my attention with a touch of amusement, a primal expression that was so simple and catchy that by the end of the record had me saying UGH too. 

The beat production of this record is solid, timeless. The style is focused on drum machines and electronic instruments that create a crisp, solid and punchy sound from all instruments that play our some grooving arrangements. Theres room for the occasional sample, but in general its a progressive step away from the sample oriented sound of the early 90s. Warm simulated baselines, colorful keys and electronic leads decorate these tracks with energy. The hi-hats also caught my attention, with a recent introduction to Trap and its fast rhythmic notation I heard an early incarnation of appreciation for the hi-hats that had them inflecting rhythms instead of keeping count. The variety and quality in this record is substantial, the 19 tracks range all sorts of classic Hip Hop themes and vibes and through the 80 minutes it never tires. Although I prefer shorter records, this one just didn't let the foot of the gas, there was only one or two "stand out" tracks, but none that felt unworthy of my attention. Great record, I feel this one will help me step into the Southern scene as I seek out some more artists to listen to.

Favorite Tracks: Ghetto D, We Riders, Plan B, Weed & Money, Captin Kirk, Stop Hatin, Make Em Say UGH, Going Through Some Thangs, Come And Get Some

Rating: 7/10