Authored by Connor Dolan
Editors note: each week, Connor Dolan will be writing about the top ten albums of all time
9.
Flower Boy – Tyler, The Creator
This is more than an album. This is a style- a way of life. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t down to listen to this thing front to back. Every time I’ve been shopping since this album came out, I stop and think to myself “What would Tyler wear?” I know for a fact I’m not alone on that one. I can’t think of a better album to represent teenage culture in 2018, and the reason I say that is because everyone I’ve talked to that knows it loves it. Regardless of who you are and who you hang out with, where you come from, or what you identify with, this album has something for you.
10.
Thrill of the Arts -Vulfpeck
Vulfpeck is a weird band. They combine funk, classical, and dance. It sounds criminal, and it would be if they weren’t some of the best musicians I’ve ever heard in my life. Seriously. If you listen to this and think it’s too strange just jump ahead to the instrumental tracks “Rango II” or “Smile Meditation” and hear the best that Vulfpeck has to offer. If you listen to “Game Winner” and don’t feel like a better person afterward I definitely don’t know you. One of the band’s core members, Jack Stratton, often describes the concept of minimalist funk. The idea is to only have a few instruments going at a time playing relatively simple parts. By itself this idea seems bland and not very dynamic, but when Vulfpeck puts it into practice its like something I’ve never heard. There are a lot of reasons for this but primarily their use of compressed recording makes everything sound crisp and their impeccable timing makes every rest as audible as the notes themselves. It’s so well performed because they let their rhythmic playing speak for their ability. This album is a work of art and the perfect entry for the top of the list.
Connor Dolan is a senior and Weekly Columnist for the Daily Olivian