steely dan - the royal scam
i bought this album at tower records in tokyo. imo this is peak steely dan, the production is impeccable as youd expect from the dan, but the track list is also just insane, such a diverse set of songs with amazing guitar work from larry carlton. weakest song on here is green earrings. the rest is almost perfect.
king gizzard - nonagon infinity
an infinite playing album, its a fun concept, very exciting and hype, mr beat is a low point though. over the years this album doesnt speak to me as much anymore, still a fun listen, would recommend
toro y moi - mahal
the ultimate stoner album lmao. idk how he manages to be such a legend, toro y moi crafted a fantastic album here, its so goofy and fun, and the instrumentals are just insanely good. so many memories driving on hot summer days with this absolute classic playing in the background. magazine, clarity and the loop are all standouts here, with mr postman being a bit too silly for me.
tyler, the creator - igor
what can i say, i bought this album a long time ago, at the time it was my favourite album, i would listen to this thing non-stop. i still remember listening to it for the first time. but on recent relistens ive realised it has lost its magic, a lot of the songs are sort of boring to me, the vocals are not great, i still enjoy igors theme, puppet and are we still friends, the rest is a bit of a slog
sampha - lahai
o boy! sampha the goat, my first few listens of this album were odd, i didnt really like any of the music, but suddenly it clicked, and i mean really clicked. i was obsessed with this album, i even went to see him live. fuck its just so beautiful, what an angel. unfortunately not a perfect album though, i know this is controversial but suspended just doesnt hit for me, i just dont like the hook and the vocals are just not it. but i still love this album to death.
madvillainy - madvillain
another generic pick i know, but fuck man i have listened to this album for the past 8 years or so, i always come back to it and it just hits different, mf doom just cooked with this, madlib as well as of course, that lofi old school hip hop sound really shines here.