The War On Drugs - Slave Ambient (2011)

(b) The Philiadelphia based band "The War on Drugs" third album "Slave Ambient" is kind of a strange case. It's a combination between 80's softrock/pop, electronic, lo-fi and Krautrock. Sounds weird? Indeed, but result is an highly accessible piece of work that feels, at least for me, like the big brother of "Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today".

I'm pretty sure that this one will make it into my Top 10 this year.

Try it!

Van Hunt - What Were You Hoping For? (2011)

(b) I've just finished listening to this one. Van Hunt's second full lenght album is an interesting and refreshing mix of smooth Neo-Soul, Funk and Classic Rock. Everything blends together really well.

Nice song structures, great instrumentation, maybe the best melodies I've heard this year and especially Van Hunts powerful voice. Especially the second half of this album is just impressive.

All in all, this is the best Neo-Soul record I've heard since "D'Angelo - Voodoo". And that was 11 years ago. I will need a few more listens but I'm pretty sure that this will be in my "Top 10" at the end of the year.

Try it!