Ghost Stories With Ghostface

It's Halloween and who better to drop a ghoulish ghost story than Wu's Ghostface Killah? After all, his latest album was pretty scarily awful. Although brief, it begins with Ghost in the superspooky state of Vermont and things only escalate from there.

Happy Halloween!!

The Wu Massacre

Wu-Tang members have been busy thus far in 2009. A number of members have released solo efforts (some better than others), a Wu album of sorts was released (which turned out to be a surprising treat), and collaborations happened. Now comes an effort between three of the more higher profile Wu members: Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon. On December 22, the trio will release an album but until then there will be promo videos released leading up to the album's street date. The first video is very much in the vibe of Seven as cops uncover a grisly, dark crime scene. Hard to watch this and not think of Meth's "torture talk" on the Wu-Tang debut back in 1993. December 22: can't wait.

Hoodie Allen - Making Waves

Making Waves is the introduction to New York hip hop duo. And it's a sweet one. While the beats won't drop jaws (fairly simplistic and they sample TLC and Pharcyde among others) their easy-going style is good for casual listening with a chuckle here and there at the rhymes. Topics range from the obvious old school bragging to being stuck in the "friend zone" with the ladies. Overall, it's a fun listen that is the latest in the line of "new rappers going for that old school vibe" style. A solid mixtape.

Hoodie Allen - Making Waves

Basement Jaxx - "My Turn"

The fifth album by Basement Jaxx was another piece of house which takes influence from a number of genres along the way, but always with the thumping bass and dance mentality. it didn't exactly reinvent their sound either. However, just like with any Basement Jaxx album, there are always singles to be found and this one is a catchy, smooth track featuring the vocals of Lightspeed Champion (previously of the dance-punk troupe Test Icicles) who has dumped the punk scene for that of the pop scene. The video for the third single "My Turn" off Scars features bears dancing, hearts, bears smashing things, hearts, trippy visuals, and wardrobe changes. Another eye-feast of a video from the boys of Basement Jaxx and proof that although their overall product may be slipping (their albums), writing a single is no problem.

Lil Wayne - No Ceilings

After a number of pushbacks for his "rock-orientated" album Rebirth (with latest release date now in mid-December), Wayne could not sit back and watch others take over the realm in which he really made his name; the world of the mixtape. The usual Wayne antics are here which means to say that he kind of just says whatever comes into his mind as long as it rhymes with the previous line. While the beats (as usual) as pretty stale (including the umptenth song which utilizes the "D.O.A." beat), Wayne lyrics are the obvious star of this show. And he delivers (especially a surprise for me as I have NEVER (ever ever) been a fan). While this may not be the "official" final cut (October 31 is listed release date), it still has to be a majority of what Wayne plans on offering up to his fans on Halloween. Until Rebirth and his upcoming jail sentence, No Ceilings will successfully keep the music world occupied.

Lil Wayne - No Ceilings

Girls - "Lust For Life"

San Francisco based band the Girls debut album (Album) has been gathering critical praise since it's release the other month. And it, admittedly, is well-deserved. Album catches the hippie spirit of San Fran as well as the 60s psychedelic vibes (talk of drugs and spacey echo effects) all the while keeping things playful (insert Beach Boys-influence comment here) yet insightful (the excellent "Hellhole Ratrace"). The excellent single (and lead track) "Lust For Life" and its accompanying video captures all this during the course of the song's two and a half minutes. While the initial video contains some shots of bongs as well as a nipple slip by a chick in a bathtub, the recently released "more adult" version contains lots of nudity as well as (a now infamous) shot of a dude using another dude as a microphone (use your imagination to figure this one out). Regardless of sexual preferences or prudeness, Album is one of the year's better releases and is definitely worth repeated listens.

Alec Ounsworth - Mo Beauty

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah frontman Alec Ounsworth is the latest in 2009 to release a solo album (others have included Interpol's Paul Banks and My Morning Jacket's Jim James while The Strokes' Julian Casablancas is set to release his solo debut next week). Ounsworth's album Mo Beauty is quite a step away from the CYHSY sound (even though his nasally voice carries over to this album). Recorded away from his NYC stomping ground in the south's New Orleans, Ounsworth tries to make an album that embodies the area's history and lifestyle. "Bones to the Grave" attempts to relay some of the trademark "New Orleans oddness" with its use of a carnival-like organ and big band horns appear here and there (most predominantly on "Idiots in the Rain"; but the end result is neither well put together nor memorable to the ears. Elsewhere, acoustic instruments dominate the song as he attempts to establish a kind of southern atmosphere, however, it only exemplifies his inadequacies as a songwriter. And this is the problem that plagues all of Mo Beauty. Ounsworth set out with an obviously optimistic sound/scope but instead is muddled by his average ability as a songwriter. Even though his enlisted a talented group of well-known musicians (Galactic's Stanton Moore and The Meter's George Porter, Jr.) to help fill out his sound, Ounsworth's attempt at a piece of regional music appreciation is merely that, an attempt with a none-too-pleasing end result.

3.2/5.0

Alec Ounsworth - Mo Beauty

Mick Boogie - NBA Live 2010

EA Sports has always been a leader in sporting video games for years now. In fact, they seem to have a stranglehold on the genre. As a result, they are able to license songs that other companies just simply don't have the money (nor the time) to do. Take the latest NBA game; for the soundtrack, Mick Boogie (mixtape master) has compiled an album of talent that showcases rising stars (B.o.B., Mickey Factz), semi-old stars (Dead Prez, Xzibit), and old school stars (De La Soul, Pete Rock). Among the highs and lows (and insistent editing (seems as though half the words in the English language were deemed "dirty" when editing this thing)), are only a few tracks worth checking out. Kind of a letdown when one looks at the tracklist and thinks of what could have been.

Mick Boogie - NBA Live 2010

Gift of Gab, Del the Funky Homosapien, & Brother Ali - "Dreamin'"

Blackalicious' Gift of Gab has for the past decade amazed listeners with his lyrical abilities; not only with his words but also with his amazing rapping speed combined with pristine pronounciation. With his sophomore solo release set to drop next week (November 3), a second single from Escape 2 Mars has been issued. This time Gift gets two excellent underground emcees to help out for the track "Dreamin'." Del the Funky Homosapien has released two average albums this year (he needs to let his dreams of becoming a credible producer go) and the song's other co-star, Brother Ali, has released yet another awesome album in Us which helps to solidify his status as perhaps the best rapper around at the moment. Together the trio have produced a track that showcases three talents that have had and continue to display unbridled lyrical talent.

Young Dro - R.I.P.

As T.I. is a a hiatus (of sorts), his Grand Hustle Records has to be experiencing a lull as he basically is the label. For the past few years, T.I. has taken Young Dro under his wing as his protege in hopes of turning him into a star (even though T.I. is younger than fellow Atlanta resident Dro). This mixtape by Don Cannon (who has helped out with mixtapes by Asher Roth as well as Grand Hustle's B.o.B.) samples some of the moment's hotter songs by Jay-Z and Drake (to name a few) for Dro to discuss his 'hood lifestyle over. Running 29 tracks, Dro's mentality and style becomes tiresome quick; basically, T.I. needs to get back into the studio to reclaim his king of Grand Hustle status. ASAP.

Young Dro - R.I.P.

We Were Once A Fairytale

Spike Jonze and Kanye West have teamed up before for the weird slow-mo music video "Flashing Lights" but here the duo have collaborated on a short film that (just so happens) to coincide with the release of Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are. This piece borrows heavily from the Lynch School of Weird/Surreal Shit as it finds West drunk in a night club (antics ensue) and ends in a bathroom. Along the way there are rodents, roses, and even a pantless West. It's all very, very weird. But considering the sources, not too surprising.

The Drums - Summertime!

After a summer of weekly shows around NYC, the Drums quickly became the latest "next big band from NYC that everyone must checkout and, subsequently, fall in love with." With a simplistic, rhythmic sound that pulls heavily from the late 70s/early 80s post-punk style of bands like Joy Division (and that whole Manchester scene, in general), a little touch of surf rock, and vocals sweet, poppy (simple), and reminenscent of Peter, Bjorn and John (not sure which one though), the Drums is a band that leaves the listener with very little option but to like them. This EP serves as an introduction to a group whose genuine good-times attitude (Summertime! is loaded with aptly fitting summertime-esque tales of love (good and bad) and party vibes) is very contagious, even from the very first listen.

The Drums - Summertime!

Felt - "Get Cake"

A few years back, two ridiculously proficient emcees decided to collaborate to, well, put out more material. Slug (of Atmosphere) and Murs first appeared as Felt with their dedication album (EP actually) to Christina Ricci (with production by The Grouch). This was soon followed but a Lisa Bonet tribute (with production duties handled this time by Atmosphere cohort Ant). Now, for the third volume, the boys have targeted Rosie Perez as their latest object of affection. And along for the ride is rapper, producer, and habitual dictionary user Aesop Rock (for production purposes). This here is just a kind of interview/promotional thing for the forthcoming Felt Vol. 3, A Tribute to Rosie Perez which is dropping next month.

Land of Talk - Fun and Laughter

Land of Talk might not have yet released a sophomore follow-up to their 2008 debut Some Are Lakes but, regardless of a few lineup changes (drummer) and claims of a hiatus, the trio have issued a four-track EP until then with Fun and Laughter. Here, the trio have beefed up their sound with more intricate songs (most notably on "May You Never") but have maintained the dreamy pop vocals of lead singer/guitarist Elizabeth Powell. Together, Land of Talk have combined a true (if somewhat textbook) indie rock sound with Powell's uber-pop vocals.

Land of Talk - Fun and Laughter

Joan As Police Woman - Cover

It's always nice when an artist does something appreciative for their fans. And it's even nicer when that something is good. Following a successful European tour, Joan As Police Woman (Joan Wasser) crafted this album of covers (hence the name Cover) for her homecoming show in New York follow the conclusion of the European leg. The songs selected her are all over the place: T.I., T-Pain, Brittany Spears, Bowie, Nina Simone, as well as Sonic Youth are covered here (as well as four others). And the thing is, never do the songs come off as jokes (even though there is definitely a tongue placed firmly in the cheek). Plus check out that hot album cover.

Joan As Police Woman - Cover

Big Boi - "Shine Blockas"

With the second leaked track in a month, Big Boi is confirming that years of talk and rumors are coming to a head; Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty appears to be in it's finishing touches. In fact, recently, Big Boi hosted a listening party in which a select few got to listen to the album's 15 tracks. Yet there is no release date scheduled. Giving Boi a hand here is fellow Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane whose gangsta flow/style feels right at home against this beat and Boi's cool guy persona. But as always it is Big Boi who (obviously) steals the show with his two verses. Seriously though, when is this album coming? Or will fans have to hear one song at a time every three weeks for the next year?

Willie the Kid - The Fly

This sweet little mixtape comes from a cat who doesn't know whether or not to rep the unknown (yet hometown) city of Grand Rapids, Michigan or the southern hip hop hotspot that is Atlanta. So he teeters between both. Willie the Kid possesses an easy going flow that immediately will bring about comparisons of Lupe Fiasco (and that is not a bad thing). While most of his flow focuses on the "blue collar" approach with little swagger rap, it is still a great display of the skills that Willie totes along with him on the scene. This is a true mixtape in the sense that there are few "real" songs but more of just a lyrical offering of a promising young emcee. Worth checking out for the sole reason to better prepare the listener for things when he really gets things together.

Willie the Kid - The Fly

Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem - "Forever"

For his latest effort in his "look at me" campaign, Drake has collected arguably the best grouping of big name rappers since "Swagga Like Us." And just like that track, each rapper gets his own full verse while none are regulated to chorus-only duties (those are handled by Drake doing his lame R & B schtick). Drake starts things out nicely but then both Kayne and Wayne (who looks like the crypt keeper more so than normal here for his movements are limited to the range of a puppet) deliver below average verses. However, all is saved as Eminem continues his 2009 tear and effort to throw his name back into the "greatest rapper right now" category with an amazing closing verse. At six minutes (and featuring two weak verses) the track falls short of the hype (considering the names involved). It's hard to make a great rap song which exceeds six minutes (Wu-Tang's "Triumph" and The Coup's "Me and Jesus the Pimp in a '79 Granada Last Night" being first come-to-mind exceptions). Plus, the weird LeBron James theme for this video makes little, no, no sense.

The xx - "Basic Space"

2009 is approaching its completion and who would have thought that one of the year's finer releases would come from a group of twenty year old art students? Well, not such a farfetched idea but what about them also being British? Ok, also not a reach but moving on. The xx released a simplistic album (ingeniously it is self-titled) of beauty that excels on a number of levels; it has the ability to be both catchy and chill, the lyrics are straightforward enough that a casual listener can't help but focus in on them, and even though songs are (somewhat) ripped off (the riff of "VCR" sounds exactly like Glasvegas' "Geraldine") the tunes hit and the album runs the perfect length of time (just under 36 minutes). The video for the second single "Basic Space" is nothing more than the bandmates (including the unfortunately underbite-stricken female singer) trading notes/vocals. It also embodies some groovy psychedelic effects but the real treat is the song itself. Great album from an extremely promising young band.

Dead Man's Bones - Dead Man's Bones

Whenever an actor tries to switch mediums to that of music, there is always the question of whether this actor can really sing (or play an instrument) than just looking at the album as done by a musician. The latest to give musicianship a go is Academy Award-nominated actor Ryan Gosling. His project with Zach Shields was initially concocted as a full-blown ghost story stage musical. However, as the ideas began to materialize, an album seemed a more reasonable (and cheaper) approach. The team succeeds in creating a haunting album based on ghosts, haunted houses, and general creepiness (perfect given the time of year) all the while half sung in a muffled doowop/50s crooner-esque voice. From the opening seconds of eerie oohs and ahhs, the mood of the album is established and maintained throughout (along with its feeling of roughness as takes did not exceed three and some instruments had never before been played by either Gosling or Shields), even when a children's choir is called upon to sing the (somewhat inappropriate) lyrics. The choir actually works extremely well (the kids appear on roughly half the tracks) especially on the ghost story song "Buried In Water" and the ballad (?) "My Body's a Zombie For You." But not everything gels as hoped on this self-titled debut; "Pa Pa Power" is the attempt at an 80s Goth/synth inspired number feels out of place among the album's other offerings and, at times, the album has a kind of "look how creative and creepy we are!" feeling that comes off as somewhat tiresome. While Ryan Gosling will still be remembered as the "actor Ryan Gosling" and not the "musician Ryan Gosling" after this release, he and Shields have made an album that proves that he is a creative musician who can set his sights on a goal and reach it. A nice, little odd/creepy/poppy (lots of handclaps and doowop vocals) release to appease the tastes of open-minded listeners.

3.6/5.0

Dead Man's Bones - Dead Man's Bones

The Last Emperor - Science Team...Go!

Philly's Last Emperor has been around for awhile. Nearly a decade ago he caught major attention with his "Secret Wars" track which depicted comic book characters fighting rappers (complete with Emperor imitating the rappers). After years of jumping from label to label and never finding a true home, the Last Emperor is prepared to release a full length (but not his first) before the year's end entitled The Wizard's Wardrobe. Until then, there is this mixtape that offers both old and new tracks by the wordy, cerebral rapper. While many familiar with Emperor's catalogue will find a lot of these tracks to be old, those new to his material will find it all refreshing.

The Last Emperor - Science Team...Go!

LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 Remixed

In 2006, LCD Soundsystem released a workout mix for Nike that lasted 45 minutes and 33 seconds. The name of the album was titled, oddly enough, 45:33. Shortly after, various DJ/producers took a shot at remixing the tracks that made up the mix (although the initial LCD Soundsystem mix was offered as a single track). Unfortunately, as is often the case with remixes, the originals were far superior to every single one of the remixes. Here is all the different remixes that were created offered in a single album. And even though this release is entitled 45:33 Remixed, it far exceeds the time length that it's name suggests. Disappointingly enough.

LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 Remixed

Karen O & the Kids - Where the Wild Things Are

Hipsters are still trying to collect themselves from the news that not only was auteur Spike Jonze handling directing credits for the children's classic Where the Wild Things Are but also the fact that the script was being drafted by celebrated author Dave Eggers. And just when that news had settled then came the next bomb; Karen O and her hip friends were taking soundtrack credits. Whew. The impressive thing here is that Karen O (along with, among others, her fellow Yeah Yeah Yeahs members) has once again created something fresh and new that wildly varies from the YYY's It's Blitz! release from earlier this year. The soundtrack to Where the Wild Things Are plays like the book reads. You can keep up with the story line merely by listening to this album. And much like soundtracks, the song titles give the listener an idea of what kind of track they are in store for (just imagine what "Rumpus" and "Animal" sound like...). The songs here, which sound like folky kids songs for adults, roll along smoothly from one to the next. The album's atmosphere can be established with the first track "All Is Love." The song is an acoustic driven track with Karen and some children singing of love over a bouncey rhythm. Even when things get a little "mature" as on the piano ballad "Worried Shoes," the song is presented in a lullaby-type manner (which takes away from the somber lyrics). Karen O and company (er, the Kids) have taken an event (that the creation of this film has become) and made something that can be held next to it and not dwarfed in it's presence.

3.9/5.0

Ben Harper & Jack Black - "Under Pressure"

Last night on "The Jay Leno Show," they had listed as the musical guest Ben Harper (and whatever band he's with these days). However, he was joined by a special guest Jack Black. And what song (obviously) would these two tear up other than the epic Bowie/Mercury duet "Under Pressure"? Jack Black keeps the hamminess down and Harper controls his constant desire to stretch a note ala (insert any 70s soul singer here) to deliver a nice rendition of a classic. It might be safe to say that Black did this so that people will talk about his performance with Harper on Leno and not his performance in the recently released to DVD uber-stinker Year One.

Sparklehorse + Fennesz - In the Fishtank 15

The 15th volume in Dutch independent music distributor Konkurrent combines the work of pop singer/songwriter Sparklehorse and the weird ambient/arty/glitch sound of Fennesz. Recorded in two days time in the Fishtank studio (the catch of the "Fishtank" series), the artists on this release seem to be working on different levels. Never do the two styles really mesh to create something coherent ("Shai-Hulud" sounds as though the instruments were messing up and instead of stopping the recording, the artists allowed it to continue). Occasionally Mark Linkous' voice works well with Fennesz productions ("If My Heart" and "Mark's Guitar Piece" somewhat resembles a song but the constant white noise background effort grows for too tiresome), however, overall it all just fizzles. Fairly upsetting since Linkous' collaboration with Danger Mouse and David Lynch earlier this year (Dark Night of the Soul) came off as a success.

Sparklehorse + Fennesz - In the Fishtank 15

Paul Westerberg - PW & the Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys

Paul Westerberg is light years from his Replacements days (he scored the animated film Open Season) but that doesn't mean he doesn't still have something to say. This EP is a nice roots rock release which features Westerberg's raspy (and still limited range-wise) voice and somewhat bleak lyrics. Dominated by acoustic guitars and simple rhythms (his band is a tight yet loose (?) bar band which works well with this setting), PW & the Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys (whew) is a testament of a person aging; gone are those raucous 80s, the 90s were good for regrouping, and now he has time to reflect back on his times and life like the true aging artist that he is.

Paul Westerberg - PW & the Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys

Sole - Battlefields

White rappers have been an anomaly in hip hop since the genre's inception. However, the white boys have always been affluent members of the underground scene. Take the label Anticon; it's roster (as well as founders) is majority white. One such member, Sole, came from the northeast (not NYC or even Boston but Maine) to create his music. Although his career hit a nearly unmatchable point in the late 90s with the amazing Bottle of Humans, he still puts out new material at an impressive clip. His latest is an EP entitled Battlefields which features a live band, the Skyrider Band, to accompany his trademark flow-of-consciousness lyrics. While once again he falls short of the standard he set at his outset, all the Sole intangibles are here to satisfy/baffle listeners old and new.

Sole - Battlefields

The Dodos - Time To Die

As only a duo, the Dodos are more than capable to make quite a bit of noise without needing the aid of effects or studio gadgets. Their 2007 release Visiter, was a refreshing piece of rhythmic psychedelic folk pop that showcased the two members' abilities on their respected instruments (guitar, drums). For Time To Die, a vibraphone (some kind of hybrid xylophone/marimba thing) was added as well as the help (production-wise) of Phil Ek (The Shins, Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes). While not quite up to par with Visiter, Time To Die does come off as another album that displays the spastic yet controlled drumming of Logan Kroeber as well as the quick strumming/fingerpicking style of Meric Long. However, the noticeable difference between the aforementioned albums is the assistance of Ek. Studio tricks are added here and there (occasional feedback, faux-electric instruments) as are vocal harmonizations and the echoey vocal effect that is oh-so-characteristic of Band of Horses . While some of the songs drag on a little too long, things are kept so the tracks often end at different places than where they began ("The Strums" runs the spectrum of styles in the Dodo's repetoire). The overall effort on Time To Die is sure to garner deserved attention especially for fans of Ek's work and interested in expanding their musical horizons.

3.7/5.0

The Dodos - Time To Die

Mr. Hudson - "Instant Messenger"

Mr. Hudson's (UK crooner best known for helping out on Kanye's 808s & Heartbreak) debut will soon be released (in the UK at least) but until then, here is a video for track 6 off Straight No Chaser. "Instant Messenger" involves, what else, the new(ish) art/frustration of communicating via the communication device that everyone owns nowadays instead of the old landline. With guest appearances from Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, and Kanye (whose G.O.O.D. Music label is releasing the record) the expectations are definitely there for Straight No Chaser (even though Mr. Hudson released an album in 2007 with his band The Library). The video here is pretty low budget with random visuals thrown in as Hudson wanders around some 'hood but the track is a little more memorable.

True 2 Life Music - Larger Than Life

This "collection of new songs inspired by Notorious B.I.G." is exactly what it sounds like; songs with verses by the NYC-based True 2 Life Music over B.I.G. samples. And together it works out nice. While never taking themselves too seriously, the trio of T2LM relate the usual party themes (women, clothes, the fact they are NOT lame) with a old school kind of feel good vibe. The fact these guys are intelligent (Cornell kids) doesn't hurt either as they are able to make pretty obscure references and jokes that works perfectly with the style they embody.

True 2 Life Music - Larger Than Life

The Mountain Goats - "Ezekiel 7 & the Permanent Efficacy of Grace"

The Mountains Goats (John Darnielle and whatever musicians he decides to surround himself with) are back again. Away for what seems like a long time (really only about a 16 months) considering their proficiency, Darnielle has released The Life of the World to Come. Once again, Darnielle's excellence as a songwriter is put on displayed but whereas the previous effort Heretic Pride went expanded on it's instrumentations, this release keeps things fairly stripped down with a newly found emphasis on the piano. Although each track carries the title of a biblical verse, the only thing remotely biblical about the album is it's exploration of themes and not the book itself. Take this single/video for example; as directed by Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom), the video focuses on nothing but Darnielle and his piano for a single take of the album's closing track. Seemingly alone with nothing but an always moving camera, the video haunts both visually as well as musically. Overall, the track is an excellent closer to yet another great album from one of music's supreme songwriters.

Spoon - Got Nuffin

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga brought Austin, Texas' Spoon critical success but also helped in expanding their fanbase thanks to it's landing on a number of "best of 2007" lists. Got Nuffin is the first release following Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and is little more than a few more tracks to add to the Spoon catalogue. While only containing four songs (two of which are different "versions" of the same "song"), it does help fans feel relief that hopefully another full-length is in the future. Until then, Got Nuffin will have to hold fans off until the Austin boys get their things together again.

Spoon - Got Nuffin

Donnis - Diary of an ATL Brave

Atlanta's Donnis' Diary of an ATL Brave mixtape is a refreshing piece of southern rap. Whereas a number of ATL rappers have taken the gangsta route, Donnis' topics (as well as flow) are very reminiscent of fellow ATLiens Outkast as well as the rising star B.o.B. On hand to help Donnis out is Mick Boogie who has thus far this year released some excellent mixtapes (most notably Wale's Back to the Feature and the Peter Bjorn & John mash-up). While Diary of an ATL Brave is a grab bag of good and bad tracks (it is a mixtape), the good exceeds the bad and the overall product is sweet and worthy of attention from hip hop heads.

Donnis - Diary of an ATL Brave