Compact Concept Discs

I humbly submit to you four different albums all based around a concept. You know I wouldn't be bringing them to you if they weren't good. So hop on Amazon/iTunes to give them a quick listen if you are wont. I suppose you could go down to your local music store and do the same. I realized my blog doesn't have enough of my artistic side in it, so here's some appreciation.

Prince Paul - A Prince Among Thieves
This is rap's version of The Who's Tommy. Well sorta. It's the continued story of two friends who end up in every aspect of gangsta culture. As the DJ for De La Soul, Prince Paul is also able to draw on heavy hitting guest stars from Everlast to Biz Markie to Chris Rock. Not only is the beat masterful--he provides distinctive songs for each chapter, and overall spins a pretty good yarn.
DJ Shadow - The Private Press

Few (if any) DJs can even approach Shadow without complete awe. If the man's record collection were metaphorically translated it would be into grains of sand on the beach. His debut album Endtroducing... was heralded as a genre changer. Each song was completely comprised of samples from old records, some very recognizable. Overall he creates a tone that offers dancability but a greater philosophical feeling--sort of dark and badass. After spending months and months in America's used record stores, you'd think he would lose touch with his musicality. He does not. As a conceptual musical quilt-maker, he does quite well for himself.

Handsome Boy Modeling School - White People

Another gift from Prince Paul, HBMS is his collaboration with Dan the Automator. Both super-producers, they create together pretty darn good hip-hop and pretty darn good music. Its concept comes from the Chris Elliot skitcom "Get a Life". If that isn't obscure enough for you, take a listen. Its downright funny in parts - with Father Guido Sarducci and Tim Meadow's "Ladies Man" of SNL fame in addition to the real? Jay-Z and Method Man in a dating skit. Regardless the music itself is another whirlwind tour of cameos. Jack Johnson on "Breakdown" is stellar, but the whole album is great. Gorillaz - Demon Days

Well, I'd be hard pressed to skip out on the first "conceptual Hip-Hop group". The lead singer from Blur and his flatmate come together to create some wonderful music in the guise of four animated hip-hop cartoon characters. Switching producers from Dan the Automator (on their first self-titled album) to DJ Danger Mouse of Gray Album fame (Jay-Z laid over the Beatles' White Album). There's not a catchy or memorable song on the eclectic album. A personal favorite track: "Fire Coming Out Of A Monkey's Head" - an apocalyptic story read by Dennis Hopper. Oh its cool. Trust me.