RECENT RECOMMENDS
DJ FORMAT - MUSIC FOR THE MATURE B-BOY
Released: March
Genre: Hip-Hop
Reasons to Buy: It's the ultimate summer dance party album (and it's got Chali 2na & Akil from Jurassic 5 on it).
Best Tracks: We Know Something… (feat. Chali 2na & Akil), The Hit Song (feat. Abdominal), English Lesson (Remix)
What the Critics Said:
"Destined to be a soundtrack of the summer. This is essential heavy rotation listening."
(The Sunday Times)
"A total classic." (The Independent)
"Brilliant beats…an ass-wiggling mixture of of block party jams." (Mojo)
"Funky hip-hop to get the party started…Irresistible." (Jockey Slut)
"An album like they used to make 'em. 10 bangers and no fillers…incredible."
(Grand Slam)
ATHLETE - VEHICLES & ANIMALS
Released: April
Genre: Indie Pop
Reasons to buy: You won't hear a more upbeat album this year.
Best tracks: El Salvador, One Million, Beautiful
Other Info: Nominated for this year's Mercury Music Prize.
RADIOHEAD - HAIL TO THE THIEF
Released: May
Genre: Alternative Rock
Reasons to Buy: You won't hear a more downbeat album all year. It's Radiohead's best album since 'OK Computer'.
Best Tracks: 2 + 2 = 5, Sit Down, Stand Up, Sail to the Moon
Other Info: Nominated for this year's Mercury Music Prize.
EELS - SHOOTENANNY
Released: June
Genre: Alternative Blues/Rock
Reasons to Buy: It's funny, it's touching, it's dark, it's twisted. It's probably the best album you'll hear all year.
Best Tracks: All In A Day's Work, Agony, Numbered Days, the whole album
MAGNET - ON YOUR SIDE
Released: July
Genre: Alternative Rock/Chillout
Reasons to Buy: If you're a fan of Radiohead, this is essentially the chilled-out version. It's a highly original rock album.
Best Tracks: The Day We Left Town, Nothing Hurts Now, My Darling Curse
THE NEPTUNES PRESENT… CLONES
Released: August
Genre: Hip-Hop
Reasons to Buy: At the moment, they practically own the music industry and this cd has 18 good reasons why. Plus, Pharrell's one of the coolest people on the planet.
Best Tracks: Busta Rhymes - Light Your Ass On Fire, Vanessa Marquez - Good Girl, Spymob - Half Steering, Dirt McGirt - Pop Shit
Other Info: For more info go to startrakmusic.com
COMMON - ELECTRIC CIRCUS
Released: December 2002
Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul
Reasons to Buy: It's one of the most inventive hip-hop albums of the last 10 years and is not afraid to be alternative
Best Tracks: Come Close (feat. Mary J.Blige & Pharrell), New Wave, I Am Music
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD - EVERYONE DESERVES MUSIC
Released: June
Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul/Reggae/Pop/Chillout
Reasons to Buy: It's refreshingly upbeat and different with Franti's voice coming off as a curious hybrid of Dave Matthews and Eagle Eye Cherry
Best Tracks: We Don't Stop, Everyone Deserves Music, Bomb The World
RADIO 4 - GOTHAM
Released: September 2002
Genre: Punk-funk
Reasons to buy: It’s the funkiest punk album you're ever likely to hear
Best Tracks: Our Town, Eyes Wide Open, Dance To The Underground
MARK RONSON - HERE COMES THE FUZZ
Released: September 2003
Genre: Hip-hop/funk/reggae/rock
Reasons to Buy: If you can't dance to this record then you should check your pulse, you just might be dead.
Best Tracks: Ooh Wee, International Affair, She's Got Me
JOSH ROUSE - 1972
Released: September 2003
Genre: Soul/funk
Reasons to Buy: It will make you feel really really good
Best Tracks: Love Vibration, Comeback (Light Therapy), Under Your Charms
MUSE - ABSOLUTION
Released: September 22nd 2003
Genre: Alternative Rock
Reasons to Buy: It's inventive, epic, emotional, and extraordinary
Best Tracks: Time Is Running Out, Stockholm Syndrome, Butterflies & Hurricanes