There are many things we could have celebrated on 4/20 instead of weed such as the 1912 San Francisco earthquake or Bush’s bankruptcy bill from 2005. Instead, we were gifted with our favorite green holiday. At this point, though, weed lists have become annoyingly bad cliches. There are only so many times you can play “Hits From the Bong” by Cypress Hill while you take a hit from your bong and not get tired of it.
This is why SPIN dug deep into the digital crate and compiled an eclectic list of non-weed albums released on 4/20 you can spark a joint, hit a bong or dab or rub your CBD cream along to.
J.Cole — K.O.D
Released in 2018, K.O.D is righteously judgmental record suffused with an essence of fire and brimstone. Even though the jazz-infused trap beats make for great smoking tunes, you’ll find yourself being lectured about the many forms and faces of addiction — a good album for those who want to self-reflect. Considering that the acronym K.O.D has multiple meanings like Kids On Drugs, King Overdosed, and, Kill Our Demons — it’s probably not a coincidence it was released on our favorite drug holiday. For those who are strong enough, take a dab and go deep into your psyche with this gem.
Standout Track: “ATM”
Jack White — Blunderbuss
Following the dissolution of the White Stripes, Jack White dropped his solo debut in 2012. This gem has it all — catchy riffs, themes of fear and loss, and a new blueish vibe. And you can thank RZA for the creation of this baby. Booked for a studio session with 12 musicians, including Jack White, RZA failed to show due to a scheduling issue. With the studio already filled with 12 world-class blues musicians, Jack White decided to write a few songs. And the result is 41 minutes of good ol’ fashioned rock . For those that like crunchy tunes while stoned, this is the record for you.
Standout Track: “Sixteen Saltines”
Prince — Musicology
After a tepid decade from the mid-’90s to early ’00s that included some weird musical experimentation — and a warring battle with Warner Bros. over creative control — Prince was able to concoct a comeback with his 2004 release, Musicology. Although Prince’s trademark sexual overtones were toned down after he became a Jehovah’s Witness during the ‘90s, a tense undercurrent of eroticism is still there, even though it’s slightly buried. This R&B gem is a time capsule too, taking you back to the good old ‘00s with references to the Iraq War and 9/11, and other topics like the Bible, numerology, and getting forced to sleep on the couch by your significant other. Though it was technically released digitally on March 29, the physical release didn’t come until April 20.
Standout Track: “Musicology”
Boards of Canada — Music Has the Right to Children
Released in 1998, Music Has the Right to Children is the of Scottish electronic-duo Boards of Canada mind-bending debut. Experimenting with analog and digital equipment, the group devised a record unlike any before — otherworldly and strangely hypnotic. Influenced by Brian Eno and Aphex Twin, Music Has the Right is a unique, dark electronic record for these dark times. For those who want to eat an edible and float into space while thinking about the impending apocalypse, this is your album.
Standout Track: “Turquoise Hexagon Sun”
