Best Ever Albums

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Sat, 2 May 2026 13:20:35 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 05/02/2026 17:20

Oh Me Oh My (2023) by Lonnie Holley

This is a really interesting record. The songwriting is strong, with affecting autobiographical lyrics addressing growing up in Jim Crow Alabama - Mount Meigs is a highlight in this respect. The variety of guests complement Holley well, with Moor Mother and Bon Iver being the standout additions for me. And musically, this is not a predictable listen, with some inspired directions from Holley and producer Jacknife Lee. But at its core, this is a great soul album anchored by the vocals and songs of this legendary multidisciplinary folk artist. They're not always perfect vocals, but they're compelling and rich. Looking forward to further listening, and starting at a light 4/5, or 75/100 on BEA.

Try this album from one of the greatest vibraphonists:

Dialogue (1965) by Bobby Hutcherson

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

LedZep — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:24:11 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 04/20/2026 19:24

Ambiguous Desire (2026) by Arlo Parks
There's something about Arlo Parks that consistently keeps me at arm's length, and I've been struggling to articulate exactly what. It lacks punch. And yes, I'm aware that sounds extremely reductive. But I really do have a feeling her distinctive, hazy vocals paired with often lackluster songwriting and non-intrusive production don't amount to much. I had the same feeling when listening to her debut Collapsed in Sunbeams, despite it being sonically quite different. Really hoped dashes of trip hop, UKG, drum and bass and other electronic influences would help me enjoy her music. Arlo obviously has an artistic vision and she has built a sound that matches the vision. I guess I just don't dig it. To end on a positive note, this seems like a great album for night cruising, which is a vibe I love.

Here's a fantastic and utterly unique contemporary soul album. I'm yet to find anything that sounds like it.

Oh Me Oh My (2023) by Lonnie Holley

Btw I'm glad you dig w/ the artists, it really is a rare perfect match of incredible dub instrumentals and legendary MCs.

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:09:13 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 04/17/2026 03:09

W/ The Artists (2003) by Rhythm & Sound

I love me some dub, and especially the kind where it's not overly washed out and abstracted, but still retains the vibrancy of the source material. This hits the nail on the head, bringing together reggae vocalists with relatively restrained manipulations. Either a side project of German duo Basic Channel or vice versa. Great stuff, and makes me want to check out more dub with mostly intact vocals. Starting at a 4/5 and 75/100 on the BEA scale.

Really enjoyed this recent release, and think it's her best work yet. Incorporates touches of trip hop and garage.

Ambiguous Desire (2026) by Arlo Parks

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

LedZep — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:52:25 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/16/2026 14:52

Sit Down, Man (2010) by Das Racist
This is nice. I wasn't aware of Das Racist before, but apparently they were a big deal in the late 2000s and early 2010s. They remind me of some 00s alt-rap acts like Deltron, Cannibal Ox, Busdriver, Aesop Rock, Atmosphere, El-P, and even Jurassic 5, and they definitely paved the way for the Open Mike Eagles of the world (though I'd argue all of those artists are more interesting than Heems, Kool A.D., and Dap). Das Racist disbanded in late 2012, and some of the material here, both instrumentally and lyrically, sounds slightly dated. All of that may have contributed to them being less well known than they deserve, at least in my circles. That said, Sit Down, Man is an interesting and worthwhile mixtape that, at 1h 17min, never overstays its welcome. There are a few lowlights (People Are Strange with its Doors sample is... whatever), but generally the laid-back, funny raps with catchy choruses flow well.

Let's make a slight detour out of the hip hop territory. I've been living and breathing this one for the last few months after I finally managed to get it on vinyl.

W/ The Artists (2003) by Rhythm & Sound

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Sat, 7 Feb 2026 09:40:36 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 02/07/2026 14:40

The Passionate Ones (2025) by Nourished By Time

This sounds like if Thundercat went in some adventurous new directions sonically, and didn't stick to soul/funk/electronic. And for the record, I love Thundercat. This album is great - instrumentally, vocally, and compositionally interesting throughout. It will take further listens to fully assimilate. I'm excited to hear more from Nourished By Time. Starting at a 4/5, or 75/100 on BEA.

Here's a cool album from 2025 that's not on your chart:

The BPM (2025) by Sudan Archives

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

Tha1ChiefRocka — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 23:44:36 GMT

Author: Tha1ChiefRocka

Posted: 01/26/2026 04:44

Took a peek at your 2025 list, but did not see this.

Tell me what you think.

The Passionate Ones (2025) by Nourished By Time

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 14:37:06 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 01/01/2026 19:37

It's been a couple months, so bumping this thread in case anyone wants to jump in!

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Fri, 3 Oct 2025 23:59:03 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 10/04/2025 03:59

A Storm In Heaven (1993) by The Verve

Okay, I cheated a bit to maintain the spirit of the game and listened to your highest-rated album that I hadn't heard. If noted Hopsin fan DommeDamian had nominated an album he loves, that would be one thing, but I don't want to hear something intended to be a hate-listen.

I can see why this album is a 95/100 to you. It's been on my wishlist for a while, so I'm glad to finally check it out. My first impression: way better than Urban Hymns. I'm a sucker for some good shoegaze, and I love how noisy and dreamy A Storm In Heaven is, perfectly matching its title and cover. Unfortunately, it's a bit frontloaded, but despite fewer highlights in the second half, it's definitely a great record overall. Starting at a light 4/5 or 75/100 on BEA, and I can see this being a grower with future listens.

It's interesting that you've rated 8 Cocteau Twins albums, but no albums yet from their most popular copyists (ish) Beach House. I love both bands, so try this:

Bloom (2012) by Beach House

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:57:38 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 09/13/2025 15:57

Ilovesuicide wrote:

Pound Syndrome (2015) by Hopsin

Hello, new to the thread. Quick peruse of your ratings and saw a lot of Hip Hop. Thought of maybe picking an all-time horrible album like Total Xanarchy, but I picked something probably slightly less worse.

Sorry in advance 8-[

Welcome! To match the spirit of this game, can you please nominate something that you like and/or that you think I’ll like?

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

Ilovesuicide — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:56:15 GMT

Author: Ilovesuicide

Posted: 09/13/2025 02:56

Pound Syndrome (2015) by Hopsin

Hello, new to the thread. Quick peruse of your ratings and saw a lot of Hip Hop. Thought of maybe picking an all-time horrible album like Total Xanarchy, but I picked something probably slightly less worse.

Sorry in advance 😨

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Sat, 2 Aug 2025 17:26:58 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 08/02/2025 21:26

Golliwog by Billy Woods

Billy Woods is a top-tier rapper and doesn't miss. As usual, on Golliwog he brings his excellent flow, lyrically dense and well-written bars, and impeccable ear for beats. I was worried at first to see a horrorcore influence tag on this, but luckily for my taste it was creepy and atmospheric horrorcore, not gruesome and gory horrorcore. The horror elements definitely add character and flavor to the album, as do the variety of guest appearances (including 3 tracks that are effectively Armand Hammer). I also love the production throughout the record. Whenever I listen to Billy Woods' work, I always really enjoy it, but it's never a personal favorite, at least not yet. That's where I'm landing with this one as well on first listen, but I definitely see potential for it to grow on me. Starting at 4/5, or 75/100 on BEA.

Let's go with another release that features Despot. This fun mixtape was their best project:

Sit Down, Man by Das Racist

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

Repo — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:05:12 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 07/22/2025 13:05

LedZep wrote:

Cobra And Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Night by Stereolab
Since the last time I had to listen to Stereolab in this game (or the other "album below you" game, I can't remember which), I've become a much bigger fan. Dots and Loops has especially grown on me - that album's a total banger. I even caught them live at a festival a month ago, though I only managed to see 20 minutes of their set. This album is another impressive Stereolab blend of retro-futuristic styles. While it doesn't necessarily break new ground for them (it mostly recombines the pop sounds they've explored before), the real standout here is the production. The way everything glides together is so satisfying. The songwriting isn't peak Stereolab, but it's certainly no weak point either. It contains some of their best pop moments, though perhaps lacks the experimental edge of their best work. That said, the back half of the album dives deeper into their signature hypnotic jams, especially tracks Blue Milk and Caleidoscopic Gaze. Another fine addition into the "very good but not necessarily great" Stereolab collection. I do think it has a chance to become my second fave record by them, as it's a really easy listen with several strong highlights. Will give it another go later this summer.

Great write-up, Zep! Totally agree! �'�

Alrighty. I'll try to get back into this game later later this week! 🫢

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

LedZep — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:39:07 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 07/22/2025 11:39

Cobra And Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Night by Stereolab
Since the last time I had to listen to Stereolab in this game (or the other "album below you" game, I can't remember which), I've become a much bigger fan. Dots and Loops has especially grown on me - that album's a total banger. I even caught them live at a festival a month ago, though I only managed to see 20 minutes of their set. This album is another impressive Stereolab blend of retro-futuristic styles. While it doesn't necessarily break new ground for them (it mostly recombines the pop sounds they've explored before), the real standout here is the production. The way everything glides together is so satisfying. The songwriting isn't peak Stereolab, but it's certainly no weak point either. It contains some of their best pop moments, though perhaps lacks the experimental edge of their best work. That said, the back half of the album dives deeper into their signature hypnotic jams, especially tracks Blue Milk and Caleidoscopic Gaze. Another fine addition into the "very good but not necessarily great" Stereolab collection. I do think it has a chance to become my second fave record by them, as it's a really easy listen with several strong highlights. Will give it another go later this summer.

Listen to the new Billy Woods. Almost every time he drops an album I have a feeling it's his best one yet, he's just that good. But this time it may actually be true, the only two that rival Golliwog imo are Aethiopes and Brass. Excited to hear your opinion as a hip hop fan.

Golliwog by Billy Woods

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 14:23:16 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 07/19/2025 18:23

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren

A Wizard, A True Star is a zany, creative, ambitious album. To mix metaphors, Rundgren throws everything but the kitchen sink at the wall, and most of it sticks. The sound is controlled chaos, and the record flows from one track into another with tremendous energy. Overall, a really fun listen. Unfortunately, it loses some momentum with a soul medley on side b that lasts over ten minutes, and never fully recovers it. However, that's not to say the end of the album has a quality deficit - it just doesn't pop as much as side a. Overall, I really enjoyed this sonically and compositionally, and I look forward to listening again. If I had to pick one standout track on my first listen, it'd be Zen Archer, which is transcendent. Great record. 4/5 and 75/100 on BEA.

Try this next:

Cobra And Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Night by Stereolab

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

LedZep — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:38:21 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 06/27/2025 09:38

baystateoftheart wrote:

I don't know how to write anything intelligent about jungle yet

You should probably listen to some intelligent jungle and see if that helps 🤣

Sowiesoso by Cluster
I actually don’t know much about Cluster. I’ve heard Zuckerzeit, and I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to their Eno collaboration at some point. Their work as Harmonia is a personal favourite, and I recently saw Roedelius perform live. Despite this, the band’s history was completely unknown to me until now - apparently, they were incredibly important in the kosmische and Krautrock scenes.

AND Sowiesoso is by far the best music released under the Cluster moniker! The title track is especially brilliant, but the whole album ebbs, flows, and meanders just the right amount. It really confirms how diverse and important the entire German experimental scene was in the late ’60s and ’70s. I’ll definitely be doing more Cluster homework in the near future. Good pick, Repo!

Bay, let's go with this classic

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:02:48 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 04/21/2025 23:02

Repo wrote:

baystateoftheart wrote:

Repo, I want to get your take on this new power pop / indie band:

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Meet Me After Practice by Boys Go To Jupiter

First impression on listening to the first single “Last Last Time” => Imagine if Ah-ha went Pop Punk. BUT, this is more Pop than either New Wave, ‘90s Pop Punk or even the Power Pop of the late '70s.

It’s like they take a bit of the New Wave of bands like Berlin but make it MORE Pop.

The track “Overconfident” shows a debt to No Doubt. Ska + New Wave but modernized and produced not in an ‘80s way at all. Both the guitarist & keyboardist in particular know their early '80s New Wave and 2nd Wave of Ska licks.

Anyways, more to come. But interesting stuff. I'll do a proper write-up later this week.

I kinda wonder if my oldest daughter might like this. They certainly would be a blast LIVE! Will have to see if they're doing an All-ages show in Chicago! Great rec! 8)

They are an absolute blast live! I saw them last month on the last stop of their tour, but I hope they'll be touring again soon. Looking forward to reading your write-up! 😁

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

Repo — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 21:45:22 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 04/21/2025 01:45

baystateoftheart wrote:

Repo, I want to get your take on this new power pop / indie band:

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Meet Me After Practice by Boys Go To Jupiter

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

baystateoftheart — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:49:23 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 04/20/2025 04:49

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Night On Earth by Coco Bryce

I don't know how to write anything intelligent about jungle yet, but this is indeed atmospheric, nocturnal, and a vibe. Gets stronger as it goes on, and a quality record that's just shy of greatness on first listen. A high 3.5/5, or 70/100 on BEA.

Repo, I want to get your take on this new power pop / indie band:

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Meet Me After Practice by Boys Go To Jupiter

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

Repo — Fri, 4 Apr 2025 20:47:12 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 04/05/2025 00:47

Peanut Butter & Banana

D. I. Go Pop by Disco Inferno

My Apple Music player has a mind of its own. It thinks it reigns predominant over the music apps on my Apple iBook. So sometimes, when I’m listening to an album on spotify AND also downloading some mp3s in the background, it will just start playing too. And there’s this blending of the two sounds. The two tracks bleeding into each other as they pour forth fromcmy speakers in my living room. Most of the time it sounds like utter crap. Total noise. And I quickly notice & rectify it by pausing the Apple player. BUT every now & then, it just sounds like the coolest thing I’ve ever heard. Like the aural equivalent of peanut butter and banana. All those different tastes in my mouth. Different yet compatible. Like I know that it’s two sources, but somehow, someway, it just works.

And that’s Disco Inferno’s DI Goes Pop. It’s hard for me to believe that these tracks weren’t conjured together by some AI computer in which you give it TWO different band prompts.

Anyways, I hear a lot of stuff in these tracks. A lot of different bands. But the three that really stand out for me the most are Joy Division, The Duritti Column and The Swell Maps. And I guess some English electronica band. Either The Orb or Orbital. Not sure which. Yet, D.I. Goes Pop sounds nothing like those bands really.

One of those few albums that sounds like nothing else either before or since.

The Rating: 😈 😈 😈 😈 😈

I've been listening to this one a ton lately and didn't see it in any of your charts ....

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Sowiesoso by Cluster

Re: You must listen to the album below you.

LedZep — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:40:04 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/19/2025 11:40

Hey great to see you 2 joining the game!

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Farce by Rudimentary Peni
This is the second Rudimentary Peni release I've heard after Death Church (which I liked a lot but didn't love). I do love the band's lyrics, aggression and energy. Now I'm not as big of a punk expert as Mercury, but from what I've gathered, Rudimentary Peni are/were unique in the British anarcho-punk scene. They're constantly flirting with offshoots of goth like deathrock, but have politically charged, witty lyrics. It's cool af punk, what do you want me to say. Every song was excellent, but the higlights were Sacrifice, Cosmetic Plague, Farce and Zero Again. It's under 15 minutes, a short, concentrated burst of energy. Everything I want from this type of EP. On a related note, love it when there's a seminal punk band which has garnered a cult following and influenced multiple scenes during their rich 15-year career, and then they have like 45 minutes of recorded music 🤣

As a band, RP were strictly DIY. Releasing music on friends' indie labels and on their own Outer Himalayan Records. Never publishing band photos, instead letting their music and black and white artwork do the talking. The more I learn about Rudimentary Peni and Nick Blinko, the more I love them. I'm gonna play Death Church now.

Try one of my new discoveries, an old school psychedelic folk gem which you'll probably like. Hopefully you haven't heard it yet.

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Waillee, Waillee by Dorothy Carter