Again (LP)
Oneohtrix Point Never
One of todays most important Electronic innovators returns with a new sound yet again. The incorporation of strings/chamber music sets this album apart in his already stacked discography
Read more
Black Classical Music (LP)
Yussef Dayes
The debut solo album from the drumming half of Yussef Kamaalis just unbelievable. And of course the drums are out of this world
Read more
Ilion (LP)
Slift
The follow up to their 2020 opus Ummon did NOT disappoint! this one's heavier, faster, and more progressive. If you like psychedelic rock at all you need to hear this
Read more
The Source (CD)
Kenny Barron
Because Kenny Barron has been around for so long (damn, he was on Bad Benson back in 1974!), I've taken him for granted. But this solo CD is a great reminder of why we shouldn't; it's a varied program of originals and standards that shows off many of his skills in different styles. Atonal one minute, lyrical and lush the next, the CD is a treat.
Read more
Saje (CD)
Saje
Jazz ensemble singing for the 21st century. Their multi-tracking is as equally accomplished as their regular four-part. I especially enjoyed the rearrangement of "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning."
Read more
Dynamic Maximum Tension (CD)
Darcy James Argue's Secret
A Lovesome Thing (CD)
Geri Allen / Kurt Rosenwinkel
Damn, this is gorgeous. A duet performance from twelve years ago, the only one they ever did, and it sure makes me miss Geri Allen even more.
Read more
Rivers In Our Veins (CD)
Allison Miller
Colorful ensemble with assured playing. Isn't it crazy when you hear great performances from players you've barely heard of? These young kids.
Read more
A Portrait of the Queen 1970-1974 (CD)
Aretha Franklin
This was after Aretha's big hits period, but what confidence she has in her material! These five records are strong on their own, but in one set they prove how crazy good her instincts and chops were.
Read more
House of the Spirits (Book)
Isabelle Allende
Love her stories that follow generations of femme characters ! She is always a good read and it got so many comments from customers passing by. Upper middle class complicity will not be ignored during the revolution!!
Read more
The Battle of the Algiers (DVD)
Gillo Pontecorvo
Great example of Third Cinema. The conversations between colonial France and the revolutionary Algeria are hugely applicable to events happening in the Arab world today.
Read more
Quaranta (LP)
Danny Brown
Full confession: Danny Brown has never really been my bag, finding myself gravitating more towards the artists that make up his collective - Bruiser Brigade - but I completely recognize his brilliance. Having spent hours and hours listening to his podcast, which I find fascinating and honest af, I was curious to see where this new project would take me. Surprisingly, Quaranta spoke to me on many levels. Maybe I've changed. Maybe he has. With stellar production from cats like, Kassa Overall, Alchemist, Chris Keys & Quelle Chris, and more, guest spots from MIKE, Bruiser Wolf, and Kassa, Danny's writing and delivery finally found its way to my "repeat" button.
Read more
The Night Shift (CD)
Larry June & Cardo
Cardo rolls out smooth throwback beats for Larry June's equally slick delivery of on-the-grind lyrics, adding another brick in the Bay Area's unique wall of sound.
Read more
Lahai (LP)
Sampha
The long-awaited follow-up to Sampha's "Process" is nothing short of worth-the-wait. The production alone provides a billowy envelope of comfort, and a sense of shared memory rhythms. Sampha's songwriting and voice lift us all up above the bed of that production, allowing for full immersion.
Read more
14K Figaro (LP)
Wiki & Tony Seltzer
Wiki is a well-known entity to me, recognizing him as the standout voice in the now disbanded group Ratking, and watching his ascent over the last ten years to become one of NY's premiere artists, but Tony Seltzer is new to me. This album has been on a near constant repeat since it dropped, and not just because I could listen to Wiki rap all day, but because Seltzer's production is refreshing with its lean into heavy bass surrounded by interesting 'bits and pieces" that dance around the drums. In short, this ish bangs.
Read more
Integrated Tech Solutions (LP)
Aesop Rock
66689 BLVD (LP)
Kipp Stone
The Cleveland rapper's 2021 offering "Faygo Baby" was in constant rotation when it dropped, becoming part of the musical backdrop of living life with masks, vaccines, social distancing, civil unrest, and more. He was new to me, and it was comforting. With 66689 BLVD you can hear the leveling up, and feel the personal growth. This cat should definitely be on your radar.
Read more
We Buy Diabetic Test Strips (LP)
Armand Hammer
I will take any and every opportunity to preach the gospel that is E L U C I D and billy woods. Each alone and together hold magic and are two of the most important and formidable griots we have not just in rap music, but in art period.
Read more
Prisoner of Circumstance (LP)
Boldy James & Chan Hays
Every Boldy drop is worth a brick and more. If you've been on the journey for a minute - keep it going. If you are just getting to the station - welcome, strap in, let's go.
Read more
Summer Night Sessions (LP)
Beneficence & Jazz Spastiks
UK beatmaking duo Jazz Spastiks teams up with New Jersey and Artifacts affiliate emcee, Beneficence for some really dope, fun, groovy, jazzy, rap styles with lots of guests. These guys never disappoint. It's throwback 90s backpack rap without sounding dated. In fact, it sounds timeless.
Read more
