Flying Lotus - Los Angeles

http://www.mediafire.com/?i1zmi540imj

Flying Lotus, aka Steven Ellison, has to be just about my favourite hip-hop instrumentalist who's still alive. But then again, compartmentalising him as being 'hip-hop' isn't fair. His music also falls within the spheres of electronic, neo-psychedelic and, for lack of a better term, 'wack-as-fuck.' I can't really explain FlyLo's sound to those who haven't heard it, but this is the best experimental hip-hop album I've ever heard. So plug your headphones in and listen.

9.2

CYNE - Water For Mars

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?domimnd3yrj

CYNE have to be one of the more consistent hip-hop group of the '00s. Album after album, they retain their sharp lyricism and weathered yet soulful beats, this album is no exception. 20 tracks, 45 minutes, all class. Akin and Cise Star's rapping is on-point as usual, while the beat-making duo of Enoch and Speck keep things classy, producing their trademarked warm beats.

7.3

VA - Dillanthology 2: Dilla's Remixes for Various Artists

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?kgktjrytogo

J Dilla, aka James Yancey, will forever go down as one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time; if anything, his untimely death at the age of 32 only further canonised him for hip-hop purists. His ability to manipulate and enmesh hip-hop breaks with soul and r&b samples set him apart from his contemporaries. His posthumous catalogue has expanded quickly in the 3+ years since his death, and this is the latest in the series. As the title suggests, Dilla remixes a number of songs here, from usual collaborators like Slum Village & The Pharcyde, to electronic luminary Four Tet. Another worthwhile addition to Dilla's library.

7.3

Dave Brubeck - 24 Classic Original Recordings

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?g4tw4dknnyj

Most jazz-heads will know Dave Brubeck from his classic album Time Out. This live recording, however, took place some 6 years before Time Out was released, and showcases Brubeck at his whimsical, playful best. A young Cal Tjader accompanies him, a few years before he went on to become an accomplished bandleader himself, playing some of the first Afro-Cuban jazz music. The bassist is the lesser-known Ron Crotty, who still plays today, yet received less acclaim for his brilliant performances in Brubeck's various bands. This album is a classic, a precursor to Brubeck's most productive and revolutionary period. Enjoy.

8.0

DJ Frane - Journey To The Planet Of Birds

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?e0z5nynnzy4

I just got this album yesterday. The fact I'm putting it up today should tell you how good it is. The alternate title to this album is Beats To Blaze To Volume 3, and I can see why. This is trip-hop at its very finest. "Nectar for Isis" and "Spacebird Bodywave" are two of the best electronic tracks I've ever heard. This album has a real sense of longevity too; I'm listening to it for the second time in two days and my interest isn't waning at all. I keep hearing new things I didn't hear the first time. Seriously, give this a listen, one of the best electronic releases I've heard in a while.

8.5

Maxïmo Park - Quicken The Heart

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?tzmzmm2iwyy

Maximo Park return with their latest offering, Quicken The Heart. The opener, "Wraithlike", boasts the band's musical ouevre, experimenting to great effect with a 7/4 time signature. Other stand-outs include "The Kids Are Sick Again", a snapshot of contemporary adolescence, "Under A Cloud Of Mystery", a rock ballad that gets better with each listen, and the strong closer "I Haven't Seen Her In Ages," a brooding look at Maximo Park's dark side. The album is one of the best indie releases of 2009, and if you haven't gotten into Maximo Park yet, this album is a perfect example of what you're missing out on.

8.7