i've seen the future and it works

Next on the deliciously unchronological Favourite-Records-of-a-Decade list...the 2000s! So far, at least.

My Top 5 Favourite Albums from the 2000's:

Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below:
Now this album is amazing because it gives and gives and gives. 40 tracks, alll over the map. I've aways thought Big Boi's Speakerboxxx was unfairly overshadowed by Andre's much-more-eccentric Love Below, because Speakerboxxx is truly a fantastic and unique album. Had it been released alone, it likely could've received the full respect it deserves. However, The Love Below really is the star here. Andre lay it all out here, impersonating Cupid (the ridiculous and awesome "Happy Valentine's Day"), having a conversation with "God" ("Amen....sorry, sorry, A-lady"), and praising the classy broads ("Behold a Lady"). Outkast is hope for the new milennium.
Favourite track: "Prototype", one of the straight-up coolest songs I've ever heard

Black Mountain - In the Future:
I'm so pleased that I discovered this band, and this album because it reminds me that rock'n'roll didn't die in 1980 when Led Zeppelin split up. Dark, mysterious, hard and heavy, it is a masterpiece. The spectacular cover art? A bonus.
Favourite track: "Wucan", one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard

the Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not:
It's been awhile, hasn't it? But that doesn't mean I have any less love for the brilliant Arctic Monkeys debut. The best part is definitely the lyrics, astonishingly mature. But, really, what can I say that hasn't already been said about this superhyped record?
Favourite track: "From the Ritz to the Rubble"

Michael Jackson - Invincible:
This is almost embarassing, but the album is so great I don't mind. As a fomer hardcore MJ fan, I've heard pretty much every song he's ever released. Of his albums, Invincible is still one of my favourites, and I listen to it even more than I listen to Thriller (not that I listen to Thriller a lot). Sure, a lot of it is pretty generic, but the ballads are beautiful and the dance tracks are fun. Michael proves his voice is still fantastic, and a good time is had by all. Would prefer a less...stark cover though.
Favourite track: "You Rock My World", in my opinion, the greatest MJ song of all time

Van Hunt - On the Jungle Floor:
I got this album for $3 at a thrift store, not expecting too much, but once again, I got ridiculously lucky. It's so refreshing to see a neosoul artist being so creative. Sometimes he sounds like Lenny Kravitz ("Ride, Ride, Ride") and sometimes he sounds like Prince ("If I Take You Home[Upon...]"), but he always sounds like something new and beautiful.
Favourite track: "No Sense of Crime", a soul version of a Stooges song (all I can find for free is a 30-second clip, but if you like what you hear, it is worth purchasing!)