The Vinyl Brew: 2022 In Review

Released in January of 2022, this was the start to the year that none of us knew we needed. The Weeknd’s fifth studio album, “Dawn FM”, is an exploration of Dance/Synth-pop that could slide easily onto any Eighties New Wave or Electronic compilation album. With guest vocals from Tyler the Creator and Lil’ Wayne, and narration from fellow Canadian Jim Carrey, this is a collection of tracks that will have you travelling back in time to your disco days featuring dance numbers and slow jams that will set any memory of the Eighties on fire. The Weeknd knows how to make an album flow together and “Dawn FM” is no exception.

Making a surprise debut during Covid on the streamed Version of Glastonbury 2021, The Smile, which consists of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead fame, and Tom Skinner of Son of Kemet, released “A Light for Attracting Attention” in May 2022. There is a definite flavour of Radiohead on the album but the guys have produced a more upbeat and dare I say, pop sound. The dreamy rock sound that we have come to expect from Yorke sits in the background of most tracks but is overlayed with post punk, electronic, art rock tones that interweave to produce something new and delightful. If Yorke’s Lyrics have always been your thing then you’ll be happy to know he is responsible for all the tracks. With all three artists taking on the musical composition they come together to produce a beautiful album.

This is easily my favourite release of the year! “Cheat Codes” was released in August 2022, and I would say I have listened to it at least 10 times a week since then. A collaboration between rapper Black Thought (who is maybe best known to people as the lead MC in The Roots) and DJ Danger Mouse. There is something so retro and yet somehow completely fresh and new about this album. A soulful funky trip showing off the skill and prowess of both these artists, the flow through this album is so seamless that “Cheat Codes” will be over before you realise it. With some guest vocals from the cream of the crop including Raekwon, MF DOOM and Run the Jewels to name but a few, there is a superiority to this album that is so deserved. If you like your rap/hip-hop with a little classic flair then you need to own this album.

As we look forward to this new year we would love to hear what music you are looking forward to hearing, head on over to our Twitter @vinyl8records and let us know.

Till our next Brew,
T