1. The Glow, Pt. 2
Phil Elverum just laid out his whole existence here. It's raw, it's sprawling, and it feels like a diary entry you weren't supposed to read, but somehow it became everyone's favorite. This album isn't trying to impress; it just *is*. A lo-fi blueprint for so much indie sound that followed, proving vulnerability is the ultimate flex. No idol-pop gloss, just pure, unadulterated emotional output.
2. 宇宙 日本 世田谷
Fishmans captured lightning in a bottle. This isn't just a record; it's a mood board for an entire vibe. Sato's voice floats like smoke over those dub-infused grooves, making you feel everything and nothing all at once. It's the ultimate chill-out session that still keeps your brain engaged. Peak local scene mastery achieving global cult status without even trying.
3. Untrue
Burial’s "Untrue" is still hitting different. Those chopped vocals and skeletal beats create a soundscape that’s pure urban melancholia, like navigating London's late-night streets in a fog. It pulls you into its world and refuses to let go. It's not just dubstep; it's a whole emotional ecosystem, proving you don't need a huge drop to deliver maximum impact.
4. Deathconsciousness
This album is an endurance test in the best way. Have a Nice Life built a cathedral of despair and existential dread. It’s heavy, post-punk inflected, and doesn't offer easy answers. It's the sound of a thousand anxieties coalescing into something profoundly beautiful and terrifying. A true deep cut for anyone wanting to feel the weight of existence.
5. LP!
Peggy went off on this one. "LP!" is JPEGMAFIA flexing his production and lyrical prowess, flipping samples and expectations. It's abrasive, funny, and incredibly smart, dissecting internet culture and rap tropes with surgical precision. This is the sound of an artist completely unbound, pushing sonic boundaries like it's nothing. Pure, unfiltered, digital chaos.
6. きくおミク６
Kikuo and Hatsune Miku are a wild combo. This album is a masterclass in controlled chaos, blending J-Pop melodicism with unsettling, intricate electronic sound design. It's playful, haunting, and totally unique. It's a prime example of how local digital idols can front some of the most innovative, genre-bending music out there. A true head-trip.
7. The Money Store
Death Grips just hit you with a brick here. "The Money Store" is relentless, a full-throttle assault of industrial beats, screamed vocals, and pure, unadulterated aggression. It redefined what hip-hop could even sound like. This isn't background music; it's an experience that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. Iconic, chaotic, and essential.
8. Since I Left You (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
The Avalanches’ masterpiece, now with even more layers. The original was already a sonic tapestry of a thousand forgotten sounds, pure joy and nostalgia. This deluxe edition just adds more depth, reinforcing its status as a timeless classic. It’s like a warm, vibrant dream you never want to wake up from. Still a party starter.
9. Spirit of Eden
Talk Talk crafted something truly special here. "Spirit of Eden" is a slow burn, a sprawling, atmospheric journey that demands your full attention. It's quiet, intense, and deeply spiritual, almost a conversation with itself. This album broke away from everything, forging a new path for post-rock with its patient, organic beauty.
10. fantasmas
The Marías really nailed the vibe here. "fantasmas" is all about that smooth, dreamy allure, a perfect blend of indie pop and sophisticated R&B textures. It’s sensual, a little melancholic, and effortlessly cool. María Zardoya's vocals glide over these lush arrangements, creating a sound that's both intimate and universally appealing.
11. The Seer
Swans unleashed a monster with "The Seer." This album is an epic, monolithic statement, stretching out into vast, punishing soundscapes. It’s not easy listening; it’s a transcendental experience that builds and builds, pushing you to your limits. Gira and co. crafted something truly immense, a testament to raw, uncompromising power.
