50. Umphrey's McGee- Similar Skin
The infamous prog-jam rockers return with an impressive collection of
tracks which prove that they are more than just a live band. Complete with
raging guitar solos and funky basslines, this is modern rock music at its
purest form. Key tracks: "Puppet String", "No Diablo"
49. Die Antwoord- Donker Mag
The
South African rave-rap trio bring a full on assault of more hardcore ravey
chords mixed with the incredibly disturbing appeal of Yolandi Visser and Ninja.
Despite the rumored Aphex Twin collaboration (which is actually just a sample
of his 92’ song Ageisopolis) on their track “Ugly Boy”, the South Africans
manage to prove that they were not just a hipster phase; they are a strong
force which refuses to settle down. Key tracks: "Ugly Boy", "Pitbull Terrier"
48. Actress- Ghettoville
Experimental
producer Actress’ follow up to 2012’s R.I.P. furthermore explores the strange,
hazey minimal style which Actress has made his trademark. This album presents very mature sound, one which may take some
concentration and multiple listens for the listener to fully grasp. Key tracks; "Rap", "Rims"
47. Daedelus- The Light Brigade
Brainfeeder
producer Daedelus aka Alfred Darlington blends beautiful electronic with
classical guitar and heavenly vocals to create one of the most interesting and
serious albums of the year. Daedelus creates a truly haunting atmosphere, much
unlike his previous beat-oriented works. Key tracks: "Onward", "Until Artillery", "Battery Smoke"
46. TokiMonsta- Desiderium
The
L.A. beat queen returns with the first release on her new label “Young Art”.
Complete with pitch-shifted vocals, catchy melodies, and some complex yet heavy
beats, this album sounds much smarter than just another kid in the trap/bass
scene. Key Tracks: "Steal My Attention", "Dusty Stars"
45. Badbadnotgood- III
The
Canadian Jazz trio famous for their Odd Future covers comes out in full force
for their first full length album. Don’t expect to hear hip-hop though, this
album is as close to straight up jazz as you’ll get. However, the genius of
Badbadnotgood is their ability to bring jazz to the eyes of hip-hop listeners
in an extremely accessible way. Key Tracks: "Can’t Leave the Night", "Differently, Still"
44. Primus- Primus and the Chocolate Factory
Les
Claypool’s band of misfits brings them to new extremely weird heights with a
collection of covers of the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory soundtrack.
Be prepared to be freaked out in the most awesomely psychedelic kind of way.
Key Tracks: "Pure Imagination", "Oompa Augustus", "Cheer up Charlie"
43. Skrillex- Recess
Dubstep
wonderkid Sonny More brings a surprisingly awesome collection of diverse songs
containing his trademark sounds. It’s a relief to hear him mature from his
earlier brostep days, while both classic and new fans can find songs to
headbang and dance their asses off to. Key Tracks: "Fuck That", "Recess", "Doompy
Poomp"
42. Squarepusher & Z-Machines- Music for Robots
The
title explains it all- A team of Japanese scientists build a group of robots
programmed to play actual instruments, and who did they choose to compose music
for these robots to play? None other than Tom Jenkinson aka Squarepusher
himself. In the 5 tracks on this mini-album, the robots rip through some crazy
progressive jazz music which transcends the capabilities of mortal beings.
While being played by machines, the songs still contain the qualities of
Squarepusher’s genius. Key tracks: "Dissolver", "You Endless"
41. Mr. Oizo- The Church
OG
bass-heavy producer Mr. Oizo brings forth his first release for Flying Lotus’
Brainfeeder label. This album is like a take on classic dance music through a
futuristic lense, if that makes any sense. The tunes are very non-repetitive,
and contain a whole array of strange sounds. Not for the weak eared, this album
definitely packs a punch. Key Tracks: "Ham", "Machyne"
