Best of the Month: January 2019

Best of the Month is decided by a number of different variables; voter counts from preceding posts, reader reaction ratings, gut feelings, and lots and lots of heated discussions.

Album of the Month

James Blake has always been in a lane of his own and he seemingly reinvents himself with each passing album – a trend that he continues on Assume Form. You could say that it’s his most traditional sounding project yet, but even when he plays things fairly straightforward he always finds pockets to add his own flair that takes things to the next level. It’s a continually unexpected listen full of some of the most compelling cross-genre collaborations in music and he always manages to get the absolute best out of every feature. Not to mention the fact that he was able to secure a verse from the highly elusive André 3000. He never ceases to amaze, and Assume Form is another home run.

Runner-ups

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Video of the Month

We’re aware that the video for Janelle Monáe’s “Screwed” was already a part of her larger visual accompaniment to her Dirty Computer album, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Her style is unmatched and it gets put on full display here with a fantastic use of color and eye-catching wardrobes. She really leads the way in this rising afrofuturism wave and the quasi-dystopian imagery really drives home her deeper messaging. Not to mention that the song is just damn good.

Runner-ups

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Trailer of the Month

Making a compelling, high-brow sci-fi film can be a tough task, and is often very hit-and-miss, but High Life could be the next memorable one. The trailer keeps most of the details shrouded in mystery but it does a fantastic job of building the suspense with a creepy as hell soundtrack and constant repetitions of one word. We have no idea what’s in store for us but we know it’s nothing good, and with its breathtaking visuals it’s a must see and the most impactful trailer of the month.

Runner-ups

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