Lovage

The undisputed master of the concept album, the Automator (aka Nathaniel Merriweather) continues his one-man war against sonic stagnancy, recruiting a crack squad of collaborators for his newest incarnation. Kid Koala returns on the wheels while Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas) and Jennifer Charles (Elysian Fields) contribute hyperemotional vocals. The result is exceptionally seductive music sure to get you in the mood. Dreamy beats, familiar samples, and love-lorn lyrics abound, with bonus appearances from Prince Paul, Afrika Bambaataa, and others. Not really hip-hop but a far cry from R&B, Lovage released their stellar debut, Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By, in 2001.