It has been a while since I last posted, my life is in a period of transition and I've been doing a lot of introspection and such. Standard procedure. Anyway, I am planning to tweak the format and purpose of these posts. Henceforth, the Weekly Roundup will feature albums that I recommend rather than what I actually spent the majority of my time listening to, as, like everyone else, I tend to repeat a lot of albums and tracks. I cannot believe I did not think of this earlier. Regardless, I think this is a better format now.

I did make a post about this album, if I recall correctly, but that notwithstanding, I would like to re-emphasize how much this album has grown to become one of my all time favourites. The post I did make about it was hardly comprehensive or useful, but I would like to keep it up anyway because I sort of made it in the moment and I want to preserve that.

I found this on twitter as I happened to come across several posts celebrating its one-year anniversary. People seemed to be lauding it as if it were the greatest work of the century. I even listened to a snippet that was posted and that's where my curiosity was fully piqued. It seemed, more than anything, different. So, as I usually do, I plugged in my good old reliable sennheiser in-ears and listened to this album on my daily commute. An album is great when I’m so dazed I almost run over a pedestrian. This was that. I was completely lost in its dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere. I actually have not given it more than a couple listens, but I will soon, and you should too!

I really cannot do justice to this album with my languid prose. A work of genius and delicacy. Utmost care and craftsmanship was put into this. Coltrane always leaves me in mouth-wide-open awe, this collaboration wasn’t any different.

First off, hats off to Mr.Tyler for his fantastic method of rolling out. No nonsense, just pure love of art. Perfect amount of teasing and snippets, by the time the hype is at its zenith, it’s released. I love that it dropped on a Monday too! The album itself…well, look it isn't BAD by any stretch of the word. If you have been a longtime listener of Tyler, this is not going to blow your head off. Thematically and sonically it is fairly similar to his previous album. BUT! If you haven’t listened to his previous works, I think this is a fantastic showcase of his complete repertoire. A lovely album that’s worth a listen regardless of whether you’re a fan or not.

FREE PALESTINE! (A great album too.)

It’s always a bittersweet experience to discover an artist after their demise. I am embarrassed to admit that this was the case with Ka. When I saw condolences pouring in for him, I was stunned by their reverent tone. He seemed to be much more than a rapper. He seemed to have the status of a poet or a philosopher. When I gave this a spin, I could see why. Ka has this ability of stopping you in your tracks with some of his lines, so succinct yet powerfully written that it feels like a jackhammer to your chest. Top this all off with stunning production and you have a masterpiece. A shame that we will never hear from him again. Rest in Power, Ka.

My all time favourite album. I will give it the full post that it deserves sooner or later. Instantly grounds me, calms me and clears my head. This album reminds me always of what is important. It reminds me of who I am. PLEASE give it a listen!

Great for late night rumination. Nothing more to say. Sit back and let it consume you.

The way I was introduced to this album was through a snippet of Falling out The Sky. Was instantly hooked to that trippy synth sample, haven’t looked back since. The Alchemist is the most important producer of our times. A modern day Midas. Put him in a studio with billy woods? Oh boy. A stank face throughout, mind boggling production, fantastic songwriting, GREAT features. What more do you need? It’s a perfect record.

Featured Tracks

• Falling out the Sky

  Armand Hammer

• Circassian

  Fennesz

• Thought I Was Dead

  Tyler, The Creator