Post by rad on Sept 29, 2024 15:00:36 GMT
Part 2:
"Illmatic" ~ Nas //
"The Low End Theory" ~ A Tribe Called Quest
I grouped these together because both of these albums fundamentally changed my outlook on hip hop at a young age. I was used to 50 Cent, Eminem, Lil Jon, etc. at the time and didn't think I liked rap outside of a few Outkast songs. When I said this to a friend, he scoffed and recommended both, including a few others. I'm so grateful he was a music snob lol.
"Illmatic" made me realize that rap was and could be beautiful poetry, while LET made me realize it didn't have to be all about depictions of gang violence or how 'hard' one was, you could be funky, smooth and uplifting, too. Rap is like any other genre, it has plenty of diversity.
"Yip/Jump Music" ~ Daniel Johnston
RIP. He's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'll always defend him as a brilliant songwriter. This is by far his best work imo and very nostalgic for me (his music was the soundtrack of hipster era Rad, late teens/early 20's). If you can't get around the quality of the music/his voice, give the covers a chance and you'll see what a great songwriter he was. "Devil Town" ~ Bright Eyes and "Worried Shoes" ~ Karen O are some great renditions (avoid Kathy McCarty's neverending money squeeze, if possible).
"Mothership Connection" ~ Parliament
There was a point in time where I considered 70's George Clinton to be the coolest dude on the planet. Discovering P-Funk was like opening up a fast lane to my dopamine receptors. I usually don't dance unless I'm making an ass of myself, but I literally can't help myself when their music comes on. I'd argue that they're actually underrated as hell, especially Eddie Hazel.
"Kid A" ~ Radiohead
I really liked it upon first listen but it's aged even better like super fine wine. It's such a phenomenal record. I really slept on "In Rainbows" also but Kid A still edges out as my favorite Radiohead record.
"Greatest Hits" ~ Journey
Yeah, yeah, yeah - go on. I don't care. I NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING. They're my parents' favorite band, which means I should probably hate them. But my dad drove to the Columbus 'burbs every weekend to play D&D with his best friend, so I'd tag along to play with his sons and me and Papa Rad would jam out to this record for the 1hr+ drive every time. Steve Perry is one of the greatest to ever do it, and I'll die proudly on that hill.
....To be continued!!
"Illmatic" ~ Nas //
"The Low End Theory" ~ A Tribe Called Quest
I grouped these together because both of these albums fundamentally changed my outlook on hip hop at a young age. I was used to 50 Cent, Eminem, Lil Jon, etc. at the time and didn't think I liked rap outside of a few Outkast songs. When I said this to a friend, he scoffed and recommended both, including a few others. I'm so grateful he was a music snob lol.
"Illmatic" made me realize that rap was and could be beautiful poetry, while LET made me realize it didn't have to be all about depictions of gang violence or how 'hard' one was, you could be funky, smooth and uplifting, too. Rap is like any other genre, it has plenty of diversity.
"Yip/Jump Music" ~ Daniel Johnston
RIP. He's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'll always defend him as a brilliant songwriter. This is by far his best work imo and very nostalgic for me (his music was the soundtrack of hipster era Rad, late teens/early 20's). If you can't get around the quality of the music/his voice, give the covers a chance and you'll see what a great songwriter he was. "Devil Town" ~ Bright Eyes and "Worried Shoes" ~ Karen O are some great renditions (avoid Kathy McCarty's neverending money squeeze, if possible).
"Mothership Connection" ~ Parliament
There was a point in time where I considered 70's George Clinton to be the coolest dude on the planet. Discovering P-Funk was like opening up a fast lane to my dopamine receptors. I usually don't dance unless I'm making an ass of myself, but I literally can't help myself when their music comes on. I'd argue that they're actually underrated as hell, especially Eddie Hazel.
"Kid A" ~ Radiohead
I really liked it upon first listen but it's aged even better like super fine wine. It's such a phenomenal record. I really slept on "In Rainbows" also but Kid A still edges out as my favorite Radiohead record.
"Greatest Hits" ~ Journey
Yeah, yeah, yeah - go on. I don't care. I NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING. They're my parents' favorite band, which means I should probably hate them. But my dad drove to the Columbus 'burbs every weekend to play D&D with his best friend, so I'd tag along to play with his sons and me and Papa Rad would jam out to this record for the 1hr+ drive every time. Steve Perry is one of the greatest to ever do it, and I'll die proudly on that hill.
....To be continued!!
