DJ Earworm "United States of Pop 2010"

DJ Earworm- "United States of Pop 2010"

4 Albums You Need To Hear

So I noticed a lot of sites are doing their top 10 albums of 2010 (so far), as this is the mid-way-point of the year. As much as I would love to do this, I figured it would be far easier to just give you guys four albums, in no particular order, which I feel are among the years best so far. Hopefully you haven't heard them yet, and if you have, you better agree with me.

Sleigh Bells- Treats

I noticed this on almost all top 10 lists, so I figured I'd give them a listen. The Brooklyn duo represents a new genre of music known as "noise pop." Basically, it's just what it sounds. Lots of noise (guitars, drums, synths) combined with the airy vocals of Alexis Krauss. Sounds pretty bizarre. And it is. However, the sheer contrast between the very pop sounding vocals combined with the cacophony of instruments creates an extremely unique sound. Admittedly, it took me a few listens to begin to like it. But just listen to "Crown on the Ground" a few times, and try to not have it stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Big Boi- Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Yes I'm aware this just came out Tuesday. But it is just so fantastic, I had to make sure everyone was aware of it. Take Big-Boi from Outkast, add some RIDICULOUS funk/soul/r&b influenced beats, sprinkle in guest appearances from the likes of Janelle Monae, Gucci Mane, Jamie Foxx, and T.I., and you've got a recipe for one of the year's best albums period. Nothing else can really be said. You've just gotta listen. (Sidenote: The skits are hilarious.)

Big Boi feat. B.o.B. and Joi- "Night Night (produced by Andre 3000)"

Marina and the Diamonds The Family Jewels

I know I've already posted about Marina Diamandis, such as her fantastic video for "Oh, No" but she deserves a little more focus. The Welsh born singer of Greek decent is equally adept singing on both slower piano led ballads ("Obsessions") as well as more poppy electronic songs such as "Oh, No" and "Mowgli's Road." With one of the most distinct voices in the ever growing electro-pop genre, Marina delivers a wide-variety of songs on her debut, showcasing her immense talents.

Marina and the Diamonds- "Obsessions"

Theophilus London I Want You

Yes, this isn't really an album, it's a mixtape. Good for you, cause you can get the whole thing for free. London flows lazily, while still remaing razor-sharp with his rhymes, over some of the most eclectic beats ever assembled. You've got Marvin Gaye, Discovery, Ellie Goulding, and Vampire Weekend, which London glides over with tremendous skill. Definitely something you're going to want to pick up before your hipster neighbor starts claiming he found it first. And it's ridiculously good.

Theophilus London- I Want You (Mixtape)

XV-"The Kid with the Green Backpack (Video)"

XV- "The Kid With The Green Backpack" [EPK] (Press) from XV on Vimeo.

Here's a follow-up to Min-Soo's post from a few days ago. As he stated, XV has some serious skills, and his Everybody's Nobody mixtape from 09 was one of the year's best. So here is the EPK (Electronic Press Kit) video in order to help him garner some intention. Looking forward to big things from the Wichita, Kansas native in 2010.

jj feat. Lil Wayne- "My Way"

A new jam from everyone's favorite balearic pop artists, jj. This apparently off their upcoming album jj no.3. They "covered" Wayne on "Ecstasy," so it only makes sense they recruit the real thing for their next album. Really looking forward to this album.

jj feat. Lil Wayne- "My Way"

Cam'ron- Boss of All Bosses 2

The second best musical composition to drop today. Killah.

DJ Drama and Cam'ron- Boss of All Bosses 2(Mixtape)

Gucci Mane- Free Gucci (Mixtape)

This project has been in the works for a while now, and early this morning (very early) it saw the light of day. Basically, it's songs from Gucci's "Cold War" mixtape series, all re-worked with an electronic twist. And the results are nothing less than awesome. With remixes from artists such as Memory Tapes, Diplo, Teenwolf, and Flying Lotus, this project presents Gucci in a totally different light. And it's free. Get it here: Free Gucci

Kevin Rudolf feat. Birdman, Jay Sean, and Lil Wayne- "I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)"

So here's a new song off Rudolf's (supposedly) upcoming album. Not really a big fan of Rudolf, but I'm pretty sure this song will be popular on the airwaves. Other than Jay Sean's part, it's eh.

Kevin Rudolf feat. Birdman, Jay Sean, and Lil Wayne- "I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)"

Vampire Weekend- Contra

While Contra officially drops a week from today (1/12), VW decided to post the entire album to stream on their myspace Sunday night. Someone should give these guys a marketing degree, because they are geniuses. Anyways, as you can imagine, I've been listening basically non-stop since Sunday evening, but I will hold off my "review" until next Tuesday when it officially drops. Let's just say it's worth the listen: Myspace

Broken Bells

What do you get when you combine the Shins' James Mercer, and producer Dangermouse (Brian Burton)? Broken Bells, whose self titled debut will be available on March 9th, 2010. To be honest, I put off checking this project out for a week or so, as I thought it would be too much of a stretch. However, it appears as though I was mistaken, as Mercer's vocals pair well with Burton's production and synthesizers. Definitely worth checking out.

Broken Bells- "High Road"

Broken Bells- "Vaporize"