60. ODDISEE-That’s Love
It’s just fun. And that’s enough. Especially in the generally super-serious world of hip hop.
59. A SALUTE TO THE THIN WHITE DUKE: SONGS OF DAVID BOWIE
This makes the list on the strength of Electric Six’s muscular cover of Blue Jean. Even without Stevie Ray Vaughn on guitar, this song is fire and rage. But there’s lots more here. Heartless Bastards. The Dum Dum Girls. Rogue Wave. It’s not just a toss-away collection of covers with a couple singles. It’s a party.
58. ACTION BRONSON-Mr. Wonderful
When I first heard this, I thought Toney Stark had a new record. Even when I intentionally put this album on, I still see Ghostface. The two had a pretty funny (and silly) beef this year—and didn’t fool anyone. Come on guys, you made a record together back in 2011. Even if Bronson is biting GFK’s style, there’s enough here that’s different to say that Bronson is his own man. Even if he’s the son of one of the greatest rappers of all time.
In fact, just for fun, here’s Toney Stark’s dis track…
57. JOEY BADA$$-B4.da.$$
If you liked 1998, you’ll love this. It’s more throwback rap. You know, when rock musicians release retro albums in the sound or style of a previous time, nobody has a problem with it. But for some reason, when a rapper does it, they’re seen as less creative. Don’t believe the hype. This is good shit.
56. CHRIS CORNELL-Nothing Compares 2U (Prince cover)
Actually, it’s a Sinead O’Connor cover—because she owns this song. And she still owns it after Cornell’s version—but it’s damn close.
55. JEEZY-Church in these Streets
Jeezy isn’t “young” anymore, but he’s still rapping about thug motivation. But he’s not on the 101 class anymore, he’s progressed. You can hear the depth and bottom in his vocal quality, even if the content is pretty much the same as his old stuff. More about money, less about drug selling, but only by margins.
Jeezy is one of the stronger voices in hip hop, and with this album he’s officially an OG.
No surprises here, but fans should like it. I know I did.
54. TASHAKI MIYAKI-The Beautiful Ones (Prince)
No, nobody does Prince better than Prince. But this is a fine cover from a collection (free on Bandcamp!) where Tashaki Miyaki one up Berlin on their classic 1980s schmaltz song, Take My Breath Away.
53. SPOON-TV Set (The Cramps cover) and Inside Out (DJ Quick Remix)
Austin’s Spoon are probably in my top 10 favorite bands working today. No new album this year, but we got a very cool remix from West Coast OG DJ Quik, with raps by the likes of Boogie, IAMSU!, and Kurupt. And we got a contribution to the soundtrack to an awful movie remake (Poltergeist), in the form of a classic punk cover. Good stuff.
52. CANT FEEL MY FACE-Walk Off the Earth featuring Scott Helman (Weeknd)
Wow. I hate the original. But I love this cover.
51. HOP ALONG-Painted Shut
I haven’t heard the whole album (I can’t possibly listen to everything), but I love the single. Lead singer Frances Quinlan has a tremendous rock and roll voice.
