50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 3: #30-21

30. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Pinata

In a year where hip-hop didn't necessarily thrive as much as previous years, rapper Freddie Gibbs and producer Madlib joined forces to make a modern overlooked classic. Madlib's soulful beats and Gibbs' OG lyricism make an unexpected yet brilliant example of why hip-hop is not dead yet, and both classic and modern hip-hop fans will agree. Also has an all-star collection of featured rappers including Danny Brown, Raekwon, and Earl Sweatshirt. Key Tracks: "High (ft. Danny Brown)", "Shame", Thuggin'"

29. Wen- Signals

UK Grime producer Owen Darby's debut is a perfect culmination of the London Grime sound which dominates the city's club scene. Signals is dark yet dancey, with a sinister feeling looming underneath each song. The production is about as clean as grime has ever gotten, with thumping kicks, deep basslines, and ghostly samples. When listened to with good headphones/big speakers, this album is quite a treat for bass fans. Key Tracks: "Persian", "Vampin'", "Signals"

28. How to Dress Well- What is this Heart?

While the explosion of experimental R&B came in 2012 with acts such as Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, it still remains a prominent genre in 2014. With What is this Heart?, Tom Krell brings forth what is basically a pop album seen through the experimental R&B approach. With heart-melting lyrics, and lo-fi production, this is one of the most interesting pop albums of the year. Key Tracks: "What You Wanted" "Repeat Pleasure" "Pour Cyril"

27. Dalhous- Will to be Well

Producer Mark Dall's second LP is a unique take on atmospheric IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) sounds from the 90's. Will to be Well is not an electronic album made to dance to, it is more so aimed to take your mind into another world for its entirety. Fans of 90's electronica such as Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin will be in love when they hear it. Key Tracks: "A Communion with These People" "Four Daughters by Four Women" "Transference"

26. Damon Albarn- Everyday Robots

The Gorillaz/Blur frontman once again shows that he is still one of the most important names in rock music. Everyday Robots is much more straightforward and serious than most of his past works, but it still retains a little bit of his experimental edge to it. Never before has Albarn sounded so into the mature singer/songwriter style, and this seems like his statement where he's trying to say he's grown up. Key Tracks:  "Mr. Tembo" "Heavy Seas of Love" "Lonely Press Play"

25. FKA Twigs- LP1

Singer/producer FKA Twigs' first full debut brings experimental R&B to new emotional heights. Twigs' lyrics show a strong sense of feminine pride, while the production (from guests including Arca and Clams Casino) is extremely abstract and unpredictable. Not in a long time has their been a debut quite like this, where the artist seems to know exactly what they want, and FKA Twigs certainly succeeds in executing her vision. Key Tracks: "Two Weeks", "Pendulum"

24. Andy Stott- Faith in Strangers

UK Techno producer continues his chain of incredibly unique releases. With ambient sound textures, ghostly vocals and classic techno style beats, Stott manages to create a sound which others have attempted to recreate, but none have ever quite mastered. Stott truly has a one-of-a kind style, and Faith in Strangers is a perfect example of his flourishing creativity. Key Tracks: "Science and Industry", "Faith in Strangers", "No Surrender"

23. Todd Terje- It's Album Time

Retro/cocktail lounge vibes are plentiful in disco producer Todd Terje's first full length album. Although this technically is electronic music, it is filled with synths and keyboards which sounds a lot like 60's lounge and elevator music. Does this sound lame in theory? yes, but is it actually lame upon listening? no. It's Album Time is like watching the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in electronic music form. It's classy, smart, and most importantly, it's fun. Key Tracks: "Preben Goes to Acapulco", "Delorean Dynamite" "Inspector Norse"

22. Schoolboy Q- Oxymoron

Oxymoron brings L.A. rap-superstar Schoolboy Q another step towards manhood. He's smoked many blunts, done many drugs, and had his moment with many "hoes", now it is time for him to settle down, and he knows this. It's much less of a bragging statement than Habits & Contradictions and more of an internal reflection, which is shown especially on "Prescription/Oxymoron" (which is an incredibly dark track). While this does have a more solemn tune to it, Oxymoron will still make the whole party go nuts when it's put on. Key Tracks: "Man of the Year" "Prescription/Oxymoron", "Blind Threats (ft. Raekwon)"

21. Pink Floyd- The Endless River

This time last year, no one would have guessed that Pink Floyd would ever put another album out, because after all keyboardist Richard Wright is dead, and Roger Waters still hasn't made amends with David Gilmour. However this summer they announced that an album of leftover  material from the 1994 Division Bell sessions was mixed and compiled into an album. Since The Division Bell wasn't all that great, expectations weren't too high, but The Endless River is actually a nice send off to a band that has made such a giant impact on music. While almost every track is instrumental (yes, don't expect many Gilmour vocals), it still retains a classic Pink Floyd feel to it, as Gilmour, Wright, and Mason guide the listener down the endless river above the clouds. The music is extremely ambient, and it is crucial that each song is listened to in order from first to last. Key Tracks: "Things Left Unsaid" "Anisina" "Allons-Y (1)" "Louder than Words"

50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 2: #40-31

40. Vince Staples- Hell Can Wait

The MC known for his collaborations with Odd Future finally puts out the statement which the world has been waiting to hear from him. The powerful lyrical content on tracks such as “Hands Up” (referring to the Michael Brown incident) shows that Staples has truly blossomed as a solo artist, and the aggressive production helps a whole lot as well. Staples is no longer just an OF collaborator, he is here to prove his message. Key Tracks: "Blue Suede", "Hands Up"

39. Phish- Fuego

Trey Anastasio and the boys come back to prove that they've still got it after more than 30 years since they formed as a band. The instrumentation is as strong as ever and the lyrical content is fun and goofy, just like good old times. While the hardcore Phish fans might not have warmed up completely to these tracks yet, they will soon be singing along every word at future live Phish shows. Just like they say in the first track, they are indeed here to "keep it rolling". Key Tracks: "Fuego", "Waiting All Night", "Wingsuit"

38. Porter Robinson- Worlds

With the predictable downfall of 'EDM', producer/DJ Porter Robinson decided it was time to change his ways and move to a more mature, less repetitive sound. The result is a very atmospheric, 80's-esque collection of songs which at times is very reminiscent of M83. Robinson is a talented producer, and this album was a great chance for him to morph his skills which made him so big in the EDM scene into something that is a very ecstatic listen without any MDMA involved. Key Tracks: "Sea of Voices", "Sad Machine"

37. SBTRKT- Wonder Where We Land

After his phenomenal 2011 self titled album, mysterious producer SBTRKT spent some time out of the spotlight until this release Wonder Where We Land which takes his production in quite a different direction. Instead of creating thick-layered synth heavy dance tracks, here SBTRKT relies heavily on his guest vocalists, as he lays down the foundation for this collection of  (somewhat) poppy ballads. While this is not as cohesive as his first album, it is still well worth a listen. Key Tracks: "Lantern", "New Dorp, New York"

36. The War on Drugs- Lost in the Dream

Complete with 80's-esque rhythm and hazy guitars, Lost in the Dream is perfectly summed up by the image on the cover. The War on Drugs' create a very euphoric, dreamlike atmosphere by combining shoegaze with classic rock n roll reminiscent of legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. The "dream" referenced in the title is neither a good or a bad dream, it is more of a nostalgic look back into the past. Key Tracks: "Red Eyes", "Suffering"

35. MF Doom & Bishop Nehru- NehruvianDOOM

Hip-hop legend MF Doom and newcomer Bishop Nehru combine as duo almost like Batman training Robin to begin fighting crime. Doom sits back and lays down the beats for most of the album while his apprentice Nehru does most of the rapping. While Doom does an excellent job on the production, he only raps on about three songs, so if you were looking for some classic verses by him you'll have to wait til the next release (collab. with Ghostface Killah coming in 2015). However, Nehru does show a lot of potential to be an upcoming solo force in the game. Key Tracks: "Caskets", "Om"

34. TV on the Radio- Seeds

Seeds shows TVOTR taking a step towards making more accessible music than their previous works such as the beloved Dear Science (2009). Although it is less experimental, it still retains their signature alternative/electronica sound. This is about as straightforward as they have gotten, but it still holds together very well. Key Tracks: "Happy Idiot", "Right Now", "Careful You"

33. Prince- Art Official Age

The R&B legend returns with an extremely impressive release considering how long he's been around. Here, Prince crafts some awesome experimental R&B while his lyrics reflect the artificial nature of the current generation (get it? art-official age). Many songs show Prince embracing current music styles, but at the same time you always know that nobody else could have made it except him. Key Tracks: "Clouds", "Funknroll", "Breakfast Can Wait"

32. Hudson Mohawke- Chimes EP

While this is only a four track EP, the title track caused enough of a boom to land this release on the #32 spot on the list. With a feature on an Apple commercial and a remix with French Montana, "Chimes" has become Hudmo's defining song, complete with heavy bass and booming horns. While the title track shows off his TNGHT influenced side, "Brainwave" and "King Kong Beaver" lean more towards his sound on the 2009 album Butter. Key Tracks: "Chimes", "King Kong Beaver"

31. J. Mascis- Tied to a Star

The classic indie group Dinosaur Jr.'s frontman presents a beautiful collection of acoustic tracks which really highlight his vocal capabilities. Tied to a Star shows that despite all the time gone by, Mascis is still an amazing songwriter. While it is a lot less heavy than Dinosaur Jr., this album is just as good. Key Tracks: "Me Again", "Every Morning"

50 Top Albums of 2014 Part 1: #50-41

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"

Download the Highly Anticipated New Flying Lotus Album "You're Dead" Now

Los Angeles-based producer Steven Ellison aka Flying Lotus's new album You're Dead has now surfaced on the internet via a leak. This highly anticipated release combines FlyLo's schizophrenic electronic production with elements of free jazz and hip-hop. The album also contains features from big name artists such as Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Angel Deradoorian, and Thundercat.
Download the full album here

Radiohead's Thom Yorke Releases New Album "Tomorrow's Modern Boxes"(link provided)

Following a mysterious picture of a white vinyl that Thom Yorke tweeted the other day, the Radiohead frontman has indeed confirmed people's suspicions by releasing a new album called Tomorrow's Modern Boxes. The album follows his experimental electronic sound in line with his album The Eraser and his project Atoms For Peace.

Download the full album here

Music update: Download brand new albums from Aphex Twin, SBTRKT, and TokiMonsta now

These past few weeks have been a busy time for music, so I figured I would update everyone on  the latest hot releases which are necessary to download.

90's IDM legend Richard D. James has just released his highly anticipated first album in 13 years since 2001's Drukqs. Now he has returned with Syro in which he does not disappoint at all. I will be posting a full length review of it soon but in the meantime download it here

Mysterious producer SBTRKT has also returned with his follow up to his beloved self titled album from 2011 which has become a modern electronica classic. His new album Wonder Where We Land was released on September 22, download it now,here

Los Angeles Brainfeeder-affiliated producer TokiMonsta aka Jennifer Lee has just released her new album Desiderium. Download it here

New Music: Kendrick Lamar- "I"

The modern king of rap, Mr Kendrick Lamar has returned with his brand new single"i" which marks the first the first track released from his upcoming album, which should be out by 2015. The song samples "That Lady" by the Isley Brothers. Listen below