Pipjr3927’s Top 50 Albums of 2021
50. DJ Rozwell - What Happens After the Death is Recorded
A sprawling project that covers a wide number of facets from the electronic landscape. With track names such as 'Cumming in Socks' it's not to be taken too seriously, but that doesn't mean there aren't some serious tunes to be found. DJ Rozwell is a bit of a mysterious figure, and his music doesn't half help back up the image. 'Interesting' may just be the right word to end on.
49. CZARFACE - Super What?
The world of music lost a major superhero in MF DOOM. Thankfully, CZARFACE - 7L & Esoteric - captured something of a finale to the closing chapter. It's the most consistent CZARFACE project since their first collaborative efforts in 2018. A coincidence? I think not. The marvel and DC verbiage sits suitably into Hip-Hop's DNA and who better to invite back into the CZARFACE universe than the super villain. Witty bars are here in abundance. RIP DOOM.
48. The Body - I’ve Seen All I Need to See
Droning, industrial soundscapes unearthed from under tonnes of dirt and scraps lay the foundations for one of the most jarring experiences that 2021 has to offer. Spine chilling vocals reach from the ether to eradicate any sense of comfort to be had. Ominous - haunting doesn't quite do it justice. We'll settle on sinister. Producing and mixing this thing must have been, unironically, an absolute nightmare.
47. Birdshit - I Stayed Up All Night and Saw the Sunsrise
Slowly coming to life - brooding into existence - 'I Stayed Up All Night....' looms large in the distance, then emerges up front with some of the most effective use of electronic soundscapes in 2021. Atmospheres as serene and simultaneously corrosive as acid itself scrape to life, but the beauty lies in the balance between the hideous and the handsome. Birdshit juggles the best of both worlds.
46. A Country Western - birdfeeder
An album that plays into its own simplicity and harnesses it as its most effective characteristic is something to admire - there's nothing complicated about it, and that's where its power lies. A Country Western's second studio album 'birdfeeder' is stripped back to its essence. Odd experiments into effects and dabblings with strangeness are presented throughout to spice things up now and then, but for the most part it's some simple and solid lo-fi/indie offerings. This band has the potential to do something really special. Only time will tell.
45. 200 Stab Wounds - Slave to the Scalpel
After the 'Piles of Festering Decomposition' EP in 2020, brilliantly named '200 Stab Wounds' delivers a full length project with the same pummeling power and gritty presence - albeit with extra production such as atmospheric intervals, for example. Last years EP promised an album of grotesque quality, Slave to the Scalpel doesn't disappoint.
44. Naked Flames - 247 365
The No Agreements label released some of the most infectious releases of the year, none more infectious as '247 365' by Naked Flames. Traverse through soundscapes of kaleidoscopic qualities, become wrapped in swells of incessant, succulent festivities. Images of energetic wildlife come to the mind's eye as 247 365 makes its way to its final resting point - no doubt the grooves live on long after the listener is shut off from this world.
43. Isaiah Rashad - The House is Burning
Filling that space between consciousness and the sleep state, Rashad's hazey second offering hovers overhead holding your mental state - the dirty south's dream state - on cloud nine. Top Dawg's underdog holds the place of secret weapon, secrets can't be held forever, however. 'The House is Burning' is among the most fulfilling hip-hop experiences of the year. An uncontrollable level of chill emanates from 'The House is Burning's core.
42. Monobody - Comma
Fun and free-spirited without compromising quality, Monobody glide through 'Comma' with a sense of glee in their stride. Making the complex seem simple is a gift in itself. Having fun with a challenging/mathematical formula doesn't seem to be everyone's cup of tea, Monobody balance effort and reward on a lighthearted pendulum, however. For fans of superb musicianship and toe-tapping jams, give this one a go.
41. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard - Butterfly 3000
The second of only two(!??!) King Gizzard records released in 2021 pulls on the pleasant pop strings to produce something in the realm of a squishy, semiliquid plaything. The simplistic nature of the material makes it an absolute joy to turn on and easily tune in. The listenability factor turns it into a go-to record - one to reach for in times of uncertainty. A guaranteed mood boost. King Gizz continue their run of incredible releases. It's pretty much a yearly treat at this stage. Never take the Gizz boys for granted, however.
40. St. Vincent - Daddy’s Home
'Daddy's Home' is - for lack of a better term - home to the warped tendencies of Peter Gabriel, the vigor and tenacity of Prince and the atmospheric touch of Pink Floyd - shimmering keyboard qualities akin to Richard Wright on 'Live in the Dream' hark reminders of 'Us and Them'. Start with what you know and incrementally step forward. 'Daddy's Home' is a masterclass in melding the past together to produce a contemporary work - nostalgic in nature, of course.
39. Nas - Magic
Nas' career has had its insurmountable highs and its irredeemable lows, but to say that he has nothing left to give would be a clear cut mistake. 2020's 'Kings Disease II' showed that there's still plenty to give from a veteran of the game. 'Magic' improves these improvements even further. Teaming up with Hit-Boy has been the spark that re-ignites the flames.
38. Cassandra Jenkins - An Overview on Phenomenal Nature
Cassandra Jenkins' 'An Overview On Phenomenal Nature' lays out a palette of pastel blue. Shades of peach trees and a cool summer breeze elegantly embark from the record. Beautiful, spacious musicianship harks back to acts like Talk Talk and the use of space as a tool. 'Hard Drive' ranks among the most essential tracks of the year. See it as a lesson in song structure, arrangement, and pacing.
37. Mach-Hommy - Pray For Haiti
The peculiar style of Mach-Hommy finds its most immaculate home in the 'Pray For Haiti' project. An ode to Haiti and heritage sees Mach-Hommy team up with Griselda member Westside Gunn on the production front to deliver his most consistent effort to date. Conductor we have a problem.
36. Magdalena Bay - Mercurial World
Gather round for a delicious serving of pop perfection. Expertly sequenced, arranged and performed Magdalena Bay produce what may just be the finest pop record released this year. An enthralling electronic etiquette runs through the record's runtime - melodies and clever tricks of production follow in suit. The final track bleeds into the opening track placing Mercurial World on an infinite loop, if wanted. Not a bad way to kickstart what is sure to be a captivating career.
35. Bicep - Isles
Belfast's own Bicep release their sophomore project 'Isles' to streets with no feet. Cascading atmospheres loom large over desolate districts and dancefloors. Good times will roll again, but Isles permeates a sentient awareness that these days are far off on the horizon. Move forward no matter the circumstances - if you're going through hell, you just keep going.
34. Ovlov - Buds
Sweet as syrup pop, laced with an undercurrent of uproar, brought to you by Newtown, Connecticut based band 'Ovlov' sees the balance of noise and nice adjusted to perfect equilibrium. Ovlov takes a quite apparent set of notes from bands like Dinosaur Jr and Sonic Youth on how to make interesting incorporations of noisier elements outside of just noise for noise's sake. Chords ring out long after their initial entrance on scene reverberating like ripples on the shore. 'Buds' is a short and to the point noise pop affair.
33. Slowthai - TYRON
The sophomore project from Northampton's own Slowthai somewhat pulls away from the UK Hip-Hop scene and instills a sense of 'across the pond', Trap sensibilities. It doesn't have a centre piece as strong as 'Doorman' from his debut 'Nothing Great About Britain', but it feels more consistent in both sound and style. Shaving 15 minutes off of the runtime helps with replayability and pulling away from the Mike Skinner/Streets shtick anchors Slowthai more into his own entity, onto his own tracks.
32. LOW - HEY WHAT
The slow-burning soundscapes of LOW reach heights of grandiose proportions on their latest release 'HEY WHAT'. Scraping to life comes deteriorating walls of cascading euphoria - waterfallesque in their overlapping, overpowering stature. Palatial magnificence and a mouth-watering sound palette place HEY WHAT among the most sensuous of records released this year
31. Antichrist Siege Machine - Purifying Blade
2020's 'Filth of the World' EP set the stage for a project of grueling proportions. The war machine drives forth, taking no prisoners with it. The Richmond, Virginia based band have carved a place among the heaviest bands in the contemporary scene, punishing anyone that stumbles upon their output. 'Purifying Blade' is as visceral and pummeling a project you're going to hear from 2021. Claustrophobic torture doesn't do it justice.
30. Lingua Ignota - SINNER GET READY
Frightening at times 'SINNER GET READY' bears a resemblance to a calm and collected demon spilling her tamed, earth moving essence in an almost soothing manner. It's the craziest of dichotomies how powerful and strangely calming this record really is. It's difficult to pick out another contemporary record that captures the same feeling as succinctly and effectively as this. Lingua Ignota is something special.
29. Rhododendron - Protozoan Battle Hymns
Up and comers from the Portland, Oregon scene 'Rhododendron' have never made a debut album feel so natural, in place and on point. Concisely structured roller coasters built to thrust everything in every direction spin off their axis in brilliant shows of musicianship. Twists and turns lay out a hellacious journey from start to end. But somehow you get the sense that the best is still to come from this collective of prodigious talents - a scary, but enthralling thought to say the least.
28. MIKE - DISCO!
MIKE's blend of off-kiltered, left-leaning instrumentals placed behind cryptic lyrics makes his aura shine brighter than most. Confusion as to why he's held in high regard may rise to the surface, but it slowly fades away as time moves on and no other artist can fill the space he resides in quite as well. Confusion becomes part of the process, a step to greater understanding and appreciation. MIKE and his experimental ways garner lucrative results.
27. Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee
One of the sweetest albums released this year. Effervescent in all facets it floats along in pop splendor. Lush melodies swell in space as beautiful string arrangements add a sense of class to the material. Pop with an alternative twist, Japanese breakfast produce a work abundant with calm flare - a relaxed alert, so to speak.
26. Asian Glow - Cull Ficle
Asian Glow's year began with one of the finest Lo-Fi releases to be released across the board. Blown out soundscapes embellish the runtime of 'Cull Ficle' making it something of a noise pop/shoegaze gem. Beautiful melodies buried under the low fidelity of the recordings make it a treasure hunt for sonic looters. Cull Ficle is what would have been produced if Elliott Smith leaned more into acidic tendencies on the tone spectrum.
25. Pom Poko - Cheater
Pop music with deranged qualities, but simultaneously capable of insanely beautiful moments, Pom Poko captures the essence of noise rock/pop. The Norwegian foursome take delight in skewing the sweetness of the norm and turning them inside out, upside down and all around. If you're looking for interesting music that still ties into conventions, look no further. The guitarwork is on another level.
24. R.A.P. Ferreira - bob’s son
'Bob's Son' or 'Bob's Son: R.A.P. Ferreira in the Garden Level Cafe of the Scallops Hotel' is the second studio album from 'Milo' under the 'R.A.P. Ferreira' moniker. The follow-up to 2020's 'Purple Moonlight Pages' and the first of two eventual projects across the span of 2021 drips abstraction from its core - it's the embodiment of don't talk about it, be about it. You're not going to find an explanation of the lyrical content in any form, and it's better to come up with your own interpretation. R.A.P Ferreira won't be for everyone, but when you know, you know.
23. Turnstile - GLOW ON
Post-Hardcore energy, Pop formula - 'GLOW ON'. Finding the perfect balance between balls and brains seems pretty straight forward on the surface, but the closer you get to it the further it gets away - it's a strange law of nature. Turnstile plays the balancing act to a phenomenal degree with GLOW ON however. Blazing through a tracklist of replayable jams, Turnstile turn on the heat in sweltering, ethereal fashion.
22. Ross From Friends - Tread
The sophomore project from outsider house's underdog Ross From Friends, released on Flying Lotus' 'Brainfeeder' label, sees RFR cascade haze through the listeners' mental ducts. Ear candy engineered to absolute delight renders Tread as something of a sonic treat. You won't find an album as pleasant on the ears this year. An album to reminisce to - all the good, bad and indifferent.
21. Sweet Trip - A Tiny House, In Secret Speeches, Polar Equals
The seering, slow-burning soundscapes of a band like Slowdive mixed with the tasteful electronic tinkerings of a Squarepusher is the best way to describe the sounds of San Francisco based duo 'Sweet Trip'. The 70 minute swells of eccentric material found on 'A Tiny House...' produce worlds upon worlds of listening pleasure.
20. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END!
20+ years at the precipice of post-rock, and singlehandedly running the whole show, GY!BE can of course still produce life affirming works. Traversing desolate, sorrowful landscapes has never been done to greater effect. Sticking to the script doesn't seem like an endearing feat, unless you're the owner of its lock and key. GY!BE have found a new spin on their tried and tested formula yet again.
19. Spirit of the Beehive - ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH
The epitome of a 'headphone' album, 'ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH' is the aural equivalent of a jarring bad trip through the most beautiful of nightmares. Sunken psychedelic sounds find themselves rotating in space to the essence of one of the major players in mind-melting material, rendering Spirit of the Beehive one of Philly's finest contemporary acts.
18. Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - Haram
There ain't no other MC in the game that can match Billy Woods on their day, because it's always his day. The partnership between Woods and Elucid sits at its best to date with a little help from The Alchemist on soundtrack duties. There hasn't been a more fitting and effective collaboration this year. The essence of hip-hop resides within 'Haram'.
17. Parannoul - To See the Next Part of the Dream
The sophomore album from South Korean artist 'Parannoul' showcases a masterclass in shoegaze and all the encompassing soundscape wonders that come along with the tag. Creating worlds within worlds, melodies within melodies and rhythms within rhythms seems to come with ease as incredible talent and understanding of dynamics and song structure are put on show. You'll be quite shocked to know that the drum work and quite a lot of the instrumentals are synthetically brought to life. A staggering feat for something of this quality.
16. Black Country, New Road - For the First Time
The Black Country, New Road hype accumulated over the past 12-18 months was something of a colossal nature. All roads lead to London on a one-way Post-punk paved path. Albums that live up to their insurmountable hype are few and far between, but 'For the First Time' certainly does. With their sophomore project 'Ants from Up There' scheduled for release on the 4th of February 2022, they show no signs of slowing down either. Ninja Tune are onto a winner.
15. Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg
The debut album from London based post-punk collective 'Dry Cleaning' sees wit as dry as desert sand pushed to the forefront through Florence Shaw and her spoken word/train of thought approach. Rudimentary basslines and beats lay the foundation for guitar flourishes to layer themselves light and lovely - abrasive at times, of course. You won't come across a more interesting dynamic this year.
14. JPEGMAFIA - LP!
Peggy's recent run of records is something of a rarity in the Hip-Hop landscape. Consistently progressing and experimenting within one's own world only the cream of the crop can keep up with both internal and external standards. No other artist has been as intriguing in their endeavors in recent years as JPEGMAFIA. 'LP!' being a significant testament to his place as one of Hip-Hop's finest visionaries.
13. BadBadNotGood - Talk Memory
The BBNG boys return to the music world with their fifth studio album 'Talk Memory'. Hanging up the Hip-Hop infused jazz alchemy and teaming up with Arthur Verocai with a windswept addition of strings sees the Toronto trio breach new ground in their respected universe. Shades of light blue, peach and beige engulf the record's runtime - a feeling of fall and withered oaks ensue. A classy affair if there ever was one. BBNG don't miss.
12. Tropical Fuck Storm - Deep States
The third installment of Tropical Fuck Storm's contorted take on rock sees convention pushed further from shore as TFS's Liddiard-led synchronicities come around into full view. The realm of experimental rock lies in the wake of TFS' contemporary output. 'Legal Ghost' is nothing short of amazing - one of the best tracks of the year, without question. Mind-bending material.
11. Tyler, the Creator - Call Me If You Get Lost
Tyler, the Creator's most Capricious output to date offers up a melting pot of all of Tyler's past works, while inevitably producing a fresh take on his contemporary creativity. 'Call Me If You Get Lost's mood swings interchangeably, as if on a pendulum set to the sickest beats of the year. Tyler has bottled up his lightning and preserved it to perfection - not many, if any, can keep up with the pace and quality of his output.
10. Lil Ugly Mane - Volcanic Bird Enemy and the Voiced Concern
The world of Lil Ugly Mane continues to expand with the help of 'Volcanic Bird Enemy and the Voiced Concern'. Taking a detour from the more Hip-Hop-centric output breathes new life into Ugly Mane's entity, unveiling a more hypnagogic, sunken state. LUM's inherent ability to turn silly sounding things into serious tones and scapes is nothing short of mind boggling - he turns mockery into mastery.
9. Floating Points, Pharaoh Sanders & the London Symphony Orchestra - Promises
The most beautiful of motifs repeated over and over again over the course of a 40+ minute album may sound like the most derivative and uncreative album ever made, but in the hands of the right people it becomes 'Promises' - a musical offering untied from space and time. Effervescent etherealities hover overhead creating a deluge of pleasant rainfall, the kind you can get lost in - mentally cleansing and spiritually uplifting. Words can’t really do this record justice. It's an experience unto itself.
8. Injury Reserve - By The Time I Get to Phoenix
The disfigured, disjointed second studio album from Arizona's own Injury Reserve is abundant with genre, but evades any sort of clear cut tag. Pulled apart by emotions essence the organic strain of strange that resides within 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix' is something of a beautiful nightmare. The graceful Brian Eno sample (Here Come the Warm Jets) to end the album adds a certain triumphant feel to the closing moments of the project - sunshine through the storm. Heartache has never felt so abstract. RIP Stepa J. Groggs.
7. Darkside - Spiral
The partnership of Nicolas Jaar and David Harrington has spawned some of the most incredible pieces of recorded material on the contemporary landscape. Brooding, alluring and brimming with seductive cadence Spiral leads the way into temptation. Accepting the offer is in your hands, but there's no return from here. One of the greatest sounding records ever made. 'The question is to see it all, or decide there's nothing there'.
6. Little Simz - Sometimez I Might Be Introvert
2021's 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert' is a cinematic experience. A full on realization that life is happening right here, right now - a celebration of the ups and inevitable downs. Everything in between that stitches it all together plays a part that we can only really comprehend at the end. Reminiscing on how things roll out and their impact on circumstance, moulding essence in real time. 2019's 'Grey Area' was a special, special album, but Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is a once in a lifetime record. Little Simz is a treasure on the contemporary scene. 'Still running with ease, marathon not sprint'.
5. Shame - Drunk Tank Pink
The sophomore project from Shame builds on past efforts and displays a furthering of maturity in both style and sound. A bolstering of production elements and experimentation’s elevates the material upon post-punks plateau - in a similar way to Fontaines D.C. and their giant jump into 'A Hero's Death' in 2020. Where the Shame guys head next will be of immense interest.
4. Dean Blunt - Black Metal 2
The coldest, yet simultaneously most heart-warming, project of the year sees Dean Blunt's compelling mix of spacious atmospheres and intimate deadpan vocal performance come to its beautiful fruition on 'Black Metal 2'. The most ethereal roadman walking planet earth revolves around lush instrumentals - stripped back to the most basic of arrangements, Dean Blunt's effectiveness is paramount.
3. Squid - Bright Green Field
Taking the more artistic route that Post-Punk has to offer, Squid relay a resounding riptide of residual angst on their debut album 'Bright Green Field'. Green Field's flare lies in the fact that it covers so much ground - while remaining firmly within the whacky Squid universe that we have become so fond of. Turn it on. Have a good time. Enjoy yourselves. The Bright Green Fields of Brighton have never dripped with such forthright fervency.
2. Skee Mask - Pool
Covering all corners of the electronic world, Skee Mask's 'Pool' functions as a bit of an ode to the wonders of technological music. Sentient soundscapes embellish Pool's runtime distilling atmospheric essence in abundance. A hat's off to the masters, and a statement from a contemporary master. Skee Mask makes 100 minutes of music an absolute pleasure to indulge in - a rare feat, for sure.
1. Black Midi - Cavalcade
Black Midi's debut album 'Schlagenheim', released in 2019, blew the noise rock/experimental rock/math rock doors off the proverbial hinges. Beginning at a point of prodigious levels is something rarely seen in the world of music. This being the reason as to why Black Midi are something of a significant contemporary act, and of course having the music to back up the prodigious claims certainly helps. 'Cavalcade' is a monolith, an incomprehensible feat in modern sounds and musicianship. Music fans years from now will be jealous of the material released in our lifetime, Cavalcade being up there with the best of the best.