The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Classic ABBA (1981)

ABBA songs done by an orchestra. Absolutely beautiful, rich renditions of pop classics, even if you're not so keen on the group themselves. Check it.

Sample: "Gimme Gimme Gimme, Summer Night City"

- Jake

Pleq - The Metamorphosis (2009)

The past two nights have been incredible for me. When I laid down in bed I decided to get out my mp3-player and go through the "ambient" category and just click on something I haven't heard before. Pleq came out. Both nights I went to sleep after listening to this in bed and dreamt about childhood memories I totally forgot about and never dreamt of before. This music is so extremely peaceful and relaxing. I guarantee it'll put you in a good, worryless mood in no-time. Amazing stuff to think or relax to and a recommendation to just about anybody.

Sample: "Metamorphosis Pt.1"

- Alessandro

Kool G Rap - 4,5,6 (1995)

"4,5,6" isn't hip-hop legend/pioneer of hardcore hip-hop Kool G Rap's most critically acclaimed album, but was a big inspiration to fellow rappers and also well-received by underground hip-hop lovers. Kool G Rap's flow and lyrics are extremely on point and the beats are great, with  features of MF Grimm and Nas. The album is dark and grimy with an old-school feel to it that every hip-hop fan should have in their collection and everyone that wants to get into hip-hop should have listened to. One of my favourite hip-hop gems. Great album, go get it.

Sample: "It's A Shame"

- Alessandro

The Act of Estimating as Worthless - Amongst These Splintered Minds​/​/​Leaden Thoughts Sing Softly (2012)

I'm not a fan of their bandname or the albumname at all, as I personally find it way too pretentious. And it's not even post-rock! Decided to give it a try anyhow and I did not regret it at all. This album has a folksy, harmonic, relaxed and quiet sound to it with meaningful, heart-breaking lyrics that are sung by two soft voices that blend in with the music just fine. One male vocalist. One female vocalist. Amazing stuff, and free on their bandcamp with an option to donate!

Sample: "Bones"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Santigold - Master of My Make-Believe (2012)

Finally! While Santigold's 2008 debut had its fair share of new wave influences, her sophomore effort matures it up a bit, with more meditative beats and lyrics. The contemplative and vulnerable tribal-pop of "The Riot's Gone" is somewhat reminiscent of the styles explored on Lykke Li's Wounded Rhymes, and it's hard not to maintain the M.I.A. comparisons on the brilliant, Baruka Som Sistema-produced "Big Mouth," a song where she isn't hesitant to fire shots are her mainstream-radio contemporaries. And yet, the album is all Santigold. It may not be as readily inviting as Santogold (there aren't any "L.E.S. Artistes" or "Lights Out" tracks here), but it's a total grower and an admirable display of an artist with a vision, Miss Santi White is very well in control of her make-believe and there's no telling of where she's headed next.

Sample: "Disparate Youth"

- Jake

Dinner at the Thompson's - Off the Grid (2010)

A decadent blend of trip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, lounge, and much. Production from Fablive effortlessly keeps this show running, and Lucille Tee's street-smart vocals perform nimbly in this genre-hopping gem. Often overlooked back in 2010, don't pass up the opportunity to give it a chance.

Sample: "Spirulina Queen"

- Jake

Aus - Sonorapid (2006)

Sonorapid is the only album I know by this dude, but it's extremely nice stuff. Aus is an experimental electronic artist from Japan, and this album consists of relaxing electronic tunes that made me thank myself for deciding to check this out and to have lived this life knowing that this exists. A mix between floating ambient electronics and gentle female vocals here and there, with glitch rhythms. Totally should check it out.

Sample: "Small Time"

- Alessandro