The Jam, "All Mod Cons"
Title track of the first of their essential albums, and just a quick little gem. I wonder if I could learn this bass line?
Ice Cube, "The Bomb"
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted is really a hybrid album, with the vintage Bomb Squad production married to Ice Cube's flow. It's a little bit of an awkward fit at times. Both artists are, of course, legends for a reason and some of the best ever at what they do. And it's a great album, but I think Cube's following couple albums bring things together a little bit better.
Benny Sings, "Dreamin'"
I hadn't encountered Dutch singer Tim Van Berkestijn (recording as Benny Sings) until...wait, not last year. The year before! 2019! So confused. Anyway, his 2019 Stones Throw release, City Pop, was one of my favorite albums of that year, a charming little slice of sunny pop. This is a pretty good example of what the album sounds like.
The Coup, "The Magic Clap"
This is the opening to Sorry To Bother You, the 2012 album that Boots Riley put together when wasn't able to make the movie that he'd just written. It would, of course, eventually come out in 2018. But in the meantime, the album is stuffed with ideas in the best possible way, as you can hear from this opener that is a fun stomp instead of the usual funk from them. I hope one day Riley will return to making albums.
P. ADRIX, "Zelda Shyt"
The hell is this? This seems to be an EP that I picked up at some point, and I have no recollection of it. Does seem like something I'd listen to, though. While there's a lot I like about going full digital for music, it is easier to just forget about buying records now.