Friday, March 5, 2010
Drake - "Over"
Here it is, the first single from the supremely over-hyped Drake. Over an average beat (by his Canadian buddy Boi-1da of "Forever" and "Best I Ever Had" fame) Drake delivers his average raps and still annoying "singing" on the chorus. With his mixtape last year he was catapulted to the upper tier of rappers and now has a tremendous following and hype around his first album Thank Me Later which is scheduled for a May release (but you know who rap album release dates change). Drake fans will eat this up but if you weren't a fan before, "Over" will probably not convert you.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
B.o.B - "Not Love"
Mr. Bobby Ray recently pleased those anticipating the release of his debut album by announcing that the street date would be moved up from May 25th (also the name of his most recent mixtape) to April 27th. Here is a mini-movie from a track off the aforementioned mixtape entitled "Not Love." The story rap of the song weaves nicely with these visuals. More goodness from resident ATLien.
B.o.B - Not Love from Josh Nardo on Vimeo.
Monday, March 1, 2010
XV - 30 Minute Layover
Something new(ish) from arguably the best rapper working right now. 30 Minute Layover is exactly that; just a little something to keep his name circulating at a somewhat important time for up-and-coming rappers thanks to the release of the annual XXL Freshman Class list which boasts the industry's soon-to-be best. Last year boasted the likes of Wale, Drake, and B.o.B who all are working on (or in Wale's case, already dropped) their major label debuts. However, despite an impressive resume of excellent mixtapes, XV went unrecognized by the high powered industry publisher. This here is just XV dropping verses over recognizable instrumentals (Eminem, Lil Wayne, Dr. Dre, Clipse). Regardless of what XXL had to say on the matter, DO NOT sleep on XV.
Gorillaz - "Stylo"
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave
The sixth installment in the Cash/Rick Rubin American Recordings series culls tunes from the American V sessions which ended just a few months prior to Cash's 2003 death. The winning formula that the two created continues here with an eerie tone very similar to V. The songs selected (as there is only one Cash original of the bunch, "Corinthians 15:15") give the impression that Cash was more than accepting of his position in life and prepared for the next step. Ain't No Grave is perfectly laid out from the chilling opener "Ain't No Grave" to the epic and perfectly suited closer for not only the album but a immensely legendary career, the Hawaiian classic "Aloha Oe" Each of the ten songs here pack an emotional impact that seems to resonate from another place and ends on a promising note of redemption and the hope of a time when we "will meet again." Funny how even years after his death, Johnny Cash, the artist, still seems to impress.
4.2/5.0
Aziz Ansari & Dave Sitek
So "It" funnyman Aziz Ansari is taking his whole Raaaaaaaandy personality (of Funny People fame) to a whole new level with this upcoming mixtape with producer Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio fame). Initially reported to be released in February, in typical hip-hop fashion (ahem, lastest Lil Wayne) the album will be late. First there is a "track" off the album. I use "track" because it is just Aziz/Raaaaaaaandy bitching at other rappers' inability to turn in their verses for the album. The second item is a little clip telling us to relax, it's coming. The most surprising thing about these two clips is Aziz's turntable skills. Not bad little dude.
Also, if you haven't heard his comedy album Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening, it is hilarious.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Massive Attack - Heligoland
Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack are back with Heligoland, their fifth album (and first in seven years) but 2010 Massive Attack are a far cry from, say early 90s Massive Attack. And a stretch from late 90s, early 2000s Massive Attack. Their trademark tone is still prevalent here as dread-stricken soundscapes are interlaced with an eerie sense of doom. The problem is the music plays like background tunes to a film (they have produced soundtracks lately, maybe that disrupted their album making abilities); meaning that the music is not where it should be to the listener - at the forefront. Instead the tracks here feel disjointed and, at times, straight up boring. Highlights here come mostly in the form of the song not being completely forgettable (guests spots by TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and Blur/Gorillaz's Damon Albarn provide peaks). Quite a disappointment from a groundbreaking band.
2.8/5.0
Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago
The sixth full-length from Austin's Shearwater is an ambitious project which looks to conceptualize The Golden Achipelago's music with a sprawling 50+ page book and accompanying photos. A great physical release in a day where things have gone the way of digi-packaging and lyric-less, one page inserts. The Golden Archipelago aims to create a beautiful album but the results seem like too much effort has been put into it. Weird but true. And the result comes off highly pretentious meaning that critics are gobbling this stuff up and praising its beauty while the average listener will hear this and absorb little. As a whole the album is exactly what it sets out to be; a gorgeous listen that details loneliness, nature, and sorrow. But it terms of repeat listens, only a few tracks ("Castaways" is an obvious standout and the production on "Uniforms is pretty remarkable) require multiple listens. Music snobs (aka Animal Collective fans) will eat this release up but others, tread carefully.
3.2/5.0
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Adam Green - Minor Love
RJD2 - "The Glow"
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package
Freeway's third album (co-headlined with sublime beat maker Jake One) operates under the idea that he is "giving back to his fans." Maybe some have stuck with him over the years as he's jumped from label to label (once a Roc-A-Fella member, now signed with uber-indie Rhymesayers) and for those he has delivered this album for. Well, regardless of who it is for, the results is the best damn rap album thus far in 2010. First off, this album would not be half of what it is without the nearly flawless production from Jake One. With that being said, Freeway himself remains on point from the get-go (even though the album's first verse is from Philly buddy Beanie Sigel) with his aggressive voice/style and general "hardcore" attitude (hate using that label but sorry). Never during the run of the album do things try to go mainstream but instead stay true to a kind of old school hip-hop ethos. Highlights of Freeway's abilities can be found on the short but sweet banger "Know What I Mean" and the album standout "Never Gonna Change" which displays Freeway rhyming over and with (literally he synches with drumrolls) Jake One's mini-masterpiece. Although the album does have its lulls (it is a rap album and by some kind of unwritten law all album must exceed 50 minutes) but that is not to say they kill the work's momentum. In the end, with all it's talk of money, flash, and gangsterdom (?) The Stimulus Package finishes up as a gift to listeners and a standout in the muddled waters that is hip-hop.
4.6/5.0
Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package
Also - This album has a SICK packaging (heh). Proving that, yes people, it is still cool to buy the album.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here
With his 61st birthday just around the corner, spoken word/proto-rap/soul icon Gil Scott-Heron returns to the recorded music scene over being absent from it for well over a decade. However, this is not the exact Scott-Heron of yesteryear whose musical foundation was that of soul/funk. Instead, on I'm New Here Scott-Heron (with the help of XL Recordings owner Richard Russell) adds his trademark poetry to a new genre: electronica. And the result is a pleasant surprise. Tracks like "Where Did the Night Go" sound like a track off a modern day dubstep album. However, things also get stripped down to bare essentials. The title track is an amazingly gentle, yet gruff, reworking of a Van Morrison song featuring nothing but Scott-Heron and an acoustic guitar. Elsewhere, the best material here is not necessarily the sole responsibility of Scott-Heron's talents; "Me and the Devil" is an interpretation of blues legend Robert Johnson's although the creepy drumbeat and Scott-Heron's tortured voice sound as though Tom Waits decided to rework a track by trip-hop godfather Tricky. Results: awesome. While not an ideal music experience (there are multiple spoken word interludes detailing parenthood, love, and the usual spoken word go-tos), as an album I'm New Here is a refreshing release from a hero to an art form that will no doubt continue to idolize his career (which means it will still be safe for Kanye, Mos Def, Talib, and every other rapper to namedrop him as influences in interviews for the forthcoming years). In fact, Scott-Heron gives a nod to the modern day rap format as the album's intro/outro sample West's "Flashing Lights." Clocking in under the 30-minute barrier, the album runs the gauntlet of sound and thought; and at the end? A reward finish.
4.1/5.0
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
El Prez - Animal Style!
Cali's El Prez's latest mixtape is pure West Coast rap. From his laidback flow, lyrics of relaxing (including a few weed songs), and funky production, El Prez represents his region well. While still somewhat unknown in a number of hip-hop circles, hopefully this album garners this guy a little more attention as some of these tracks are excellent ("Contact" "Animal Style") and the guest spots don't hurt either as Freddie Gibbs, Donwill and Von Pea (Tanya Morgan), as well as Shawn Chrystopher all receive "featuring" credit here. Excellent mixtape that will fly under the radar of rap fans; both of the East and West Coast variety.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Previous Hot Chip recordings focused primarily on creating dance-pop songs whose main focus was to dance. And their creative and party peaks reached an apex with 2008's Made in the Dark. That album was packed with hard beats and an unmistakenable vibe to enjoy the nightlife. Here, on their fourth album, the boys have taken things down a notch. Actually a few notches. One Life Stand is basically a soul album (Alexis Taylor's high pitched voice is no stranger to these slower jams as it has been featured on each of the previous Hot Chip albums) whose main topic is easy: LOVE. Each song features the word multiple times as it appears that the members want to settle down and move away from the dance-inspired electronica of their three earlier albums (the phrase "mature" is regularly used here in describing this transition). One Life Stand offers great tracks (opener "Thieves in the Night," "Alley Cats") but the tone and energy has been decreased more so than ever before in Hot Chip's career all the while pleading for happiness and love. With all that said, Hot Chip still possesses the knack for writing great pop songs but those expecting the toss this album on and be taken to a dance inspired utopia might want to reconsider and opt for Made in the Dark instead.
3.5/5.0
Donwill - Laura's Tape
Rap trio Tanya Morgan last year released Brooklynati to very high praise. One of the joys of that album was it's ability to actually create this fictional town (which, obviously, combined the names of the hometowns of its members Cincinnati and Brooklyn) complete with a radio station, fake DJ, and "legendary" hometown rap group Hardcore Gentlemen. While not a Tanya Morgan release, rapping member Donwill has released this mixtape that plays off the film High Fidelity and all this just in time for Valentine's Day. With the dominating theme of love, the album has it's cheesy love rap moments as well as contrite R & B hooks but Donwill is such an excellent rapper (in the vein of the conscious style) that things run their course nicely. However, the cheesy moments are, in fact, very cheesy and the production sounds muffled and second-rate. But hey, it's free.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Moonface - Dreamland EP: Marimba and Shit-Drums
Spencer Krug is not one to stay dormant. He seems to always be creating new music with one of his many projects (Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes) but now he adds another to the fold with the moniker of Moonface. Spencer tackles things here solo and as the title of this EP (really just one 20 minute long track) tells you there is nothing to be found expect drums and a marimba (possibly the coolest instrument ever). But he makes it work. Within the soundscape he's created using just these instruments, Spencer delivers his great lyrics in his trademark voice all the while making it listenable (and more importantly enjoyable). Fans of Krug will definitely want to sample this as well as those in the search for 20 minute long songs featuring an odd instrument. Shit-Drums is further proof that Krug is not only one of the more proficient artists working today within the indie music scene but at it's forefront.
4.3/5.0
Janelle Monae & Big Boi - "Tightrope"
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Freddie Gibbs - ThisIsFreddie
Yeasayer - Odd Blood
An experimental/folksy band from Brooklyn? Nowadays, experimental/folksy bands have saturated the music market and a few years back when Yeasayer released their debut, they were at the forefront (and it peaked last year thanks to the overrated Animal Collective). Now, three years later, the boys of Yeasayer have followed up their excellent All Hour Cymbals with something completely different. Instead of the world music rhythms that dominated that album, Odd Blood sounds as though it were produced in the 80s thanks to all the big drum beats that create the backbone to the majority of this release ("Strange Reunions" sounds like an outtake from three-years-ago-Yeasayer). Also gone are the sitars, chimes, and choral harmonies; replaced by coherent (and somewhat uplifting) lyrics. The album's first single "Ambling Alp" exemplifies perfectly the style of Odd Blood as a big, danceable beat drives the track as synths flow in and out, meanwhile, lead singer Chris Keating urges you to "stick up for yourself, son." Now that this new Yeasayer has been desribed, what is to be thought of it? Well, it is a great album from an obviously great band (who did, sorry to say, let all the critical acclaim go to their head which allowed something like this to be created) that can adapt itself to genres while still crafting excellent songs. Although the album starts off badly (on the confusing auto-tune drenched "The Children"), things rebound immediately thanks to the superb "Ambling Alp" and cruise for the course of the nine remaining songs (with highlights including the reggae-ish "O.N.E." (amazing track, actually) as well as the handclapper "Mondegreen"). Those expecting ten more songs of rhythmic chaos ala All Hour Cymbals might be dissapointed but for those with open musical minds (like these boys themselves) will find Odd Blood a great listen.
4.0/5.0
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Spoon - Written in Reverse
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Priestess - Prior to the Fire
While new metal bands like Mastodon and Revocation embrace the yell(growl)/riff-heavy/prog style (and have found success with the formula) some newer metal bands rely more on the old school stuff to make their name known. For instance, Canada's Priestess struck metal success in 2005 with their debut Hello Master not by creating something new but by immulating the harder bands of the late 70s and early 80s. This time around, Prior to the Fire offers more of the same: killer licks, nerdy lyrics (including an ode to Robocop with "Murphy's Law"), more riffs and more nerdy lyrics (can a metal album be released without referencing a journey of some kind or a mystical mountain?). The problem here though is things never hit a groove and stay in it. Tracks like "The Firebird" and "Trapped in Space and Time" are nostalgic in the manner and tenacity but some, like the 8 minute long snoozer "The Gem" just do not contain that pop/power combo that so many bands have relied on (including Priestess on their debut). While not a complete disappointment, it is kind of unsettling that this was the best they could come up with given the last five years time in which to work with.
Curren$y - Smokee Robinson
New Orleans native Curren$y had a busy 2009 and hasn't slowed down either in the new year. His first mixtape of oh-ten, Smokee Robinson, has Curren$y in his best form yet. Last year's collaborations with Wiz Khalifa (who appears here a few times) helped Curren$y to hone his flow and style that all culminates here with this release. But that is not all that this New Orleans rhymer has planned: his 2010 holds an official album (The Grand Scheme of Things) as well as time in the studio with his new supergroup Center Edge Territory (featuring the culturally significant but musically inept Mos Def as well as THE hot rapper right now and fellow New Orleans native Jay Electronica). Promising stuff from a rapper who has finally began to live up to his hype.
Wale - "My Sweetie"
Monday, February 8, 2010
FKi - Blue Steel 2.0
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Soft Pack - "Answer to Yourself"
The recent release from The Soft Pack has immediately put their self-titled album up near the top of the early list of great 2010 releases. By simply writing catchy, back-to-basics style indie rock/pop songs these four Californians have crafted an excellent album (very reminiscent of early Strokes or Spoon). And one such standout is "Answer to Yourself." This poppy little song is a prime example of what The Soft Pack are all about.
Rob Zombie - Hellbilly Deluxe 2
Although dubbed as a sequel to his 1998 solo debut, Rob Zombie's Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is not quite in the same vein yet very Zombie. You get the slinky grooves, B-movie samples, goofy lyrics, and lots of "yeahs" and "baby"s. But that is not meant as a bad thing. The Zombie mix that has been so successful for him for years continues with this latest release. While the album's predecessor was more industrial in its metal, this effort tones down the robotic drumbeats and instead replaces them with just insanely hard hitting drums (including a 4 minute long solo during the 10 minute long closer "The Man Who Laughs"). This album is closer to White Zombie's La Sexorcisto more so than anything Zombie has done in his solo career. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 plays more like a heavy metal album than a noise rock or industrial metal release. Surprises are even thrown in such as the aforementioned drum solo (the track also possesses a great orchestral aspect thanks to Zombie film collaborator/composer Tyler Bates), southern rock guitar slides, acoustic intros, and nimble-fingered metal guitar solos. But does all this mean that Rob has fallen back on old tricks to drum up new success? Not at all. He's just an artist that is comfortable in taking risks when needed (come on, 4 minute long drum solo!) and sticking with what works (because the name wouldn't be as known today if it didn't work in the past, right?). And although, Deluxe 2 won't be Rob's most memorable feat, it is a great, groovy release from a true auteur.
3.9/5.0
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Retribution Gospel Choir - 2
The sophomore release from the trio known as Retribution Gospel Choir is, in its entirety, a grab bag of various rock stylings with none particularly sticking out in any kind of memorable way. Tracks such as "Hide It Away" and "Workin' Hard" are straightforward pop-rock songs that rip out big chords and catchy choruses that would sound completely at home on any city's "power rock" station. However, there are times when their more obscure influences take hold and drift. For example, "Poor Man's Daughter" seems like a normal structured song until the track's final couple minutes which transports it to a psychedelic guitar soaked coda that is well, just long and drawn out. Also along the way is the eight-minute plus (one-fourth of the album's running time) snoozer "Electric Guitar" and the eerie string-infused closer "Bless Us All." With only a couple memorable tracks, 2 is an example of a band trying to find their sound with no real conclusion; perhaps 3 will yield better results.
3.0/5.0
Joell Ortiz & Novel - Defying the Predictable
After last year's excellent supergroup release by Slaughterhouse, Joell Ortiz is now able to carry a little more weight (no joke meant there) because of that fairly high profile release. Although he shares the bill with Novel here, it is to Joell's advantage as his style and flow is best suited as a part to a whole and not the whole itself. And here, Novel makes a nice little counterpart to Joell although Ortiz does end up taking up the majority of the mixtape's second half. As a mixtape, there are the usual disposable tracks (such as the soooo 2008-esque "black president" track) and lame hooks but the verses aren't too shabby, however, too much Joell is not necessarily a good thing (but don't fear, the tape ends with a collaboration with his Slaughterhouse brothers).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lil Wayne - Rebirth
Well, he did it. After months of delays, Lil Wayne's "rock" album has finally hit. And skeptics who thought that maybe he was using the term rock loosely are proven wrong within the album's first seconds as a distorted guitar chord is struck. And repeated over and over and over. The whole thing seemed a joke at first: Tha Carter III sold millions of copies and he was really going to follow it up with a rap-rock album? But now that it's here, it is all too scary. Apparently, Wayne associates rock with whiney angst. A majority of the songs here sound like songs rejected by unsuccessful 90s emo rockers (insert whoever here). Every now and then there is a bright spot (most notably Eminem's verse on "Drop the World" who continues to tear apart any track he's on during the past year) but overall Rebirth is a a half-cocked idea with even shabbier results. Funny how he went from his excellent mixtape at the end of last year (No Ceilings) to this. Proving that although he might like to think otherwise, Wayne does, in fact, have a ceiling and Rebirth proves how far his talents can reach.
2.1/5.0
Massive Attack - "Splitting the Atom"
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Nitetime Rainbows
Last year's Ashes Grammar helped bring more attention to this Philly (and not Glasgow) based dream pop act as it was well received by critics and helped expand their fanbase. This EP (which takes it's name from a track off of Grammar) features seven tracks, however, four of them are the title song along with three remixes. Nitetime Rainbows offers more of the same in the realm of ambient-based dream pop which adds and removes layers constantly to create a kind of subdued cacophony (see closing moments of "So Bloody, So Tight"). Nothing truly special to be found on this release yet worth a listen, especially on a set of headphones as the songs have a tendency to evoke a disoriented feel thanks to the track's complexities.
2.7/5.0
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
B.o.B - May 25th
Atlanta's own has released this little reminder of "yes, I am still here" while also saying, "oh, by the way on May 25th be sure to cop my debut album." That's right. After keeping blogs heated about his talents (or lack thereof), Grand Hustle will drop an official debut for the masses. This mixtape varies a little from the Adventures of Bobby Ray tape of last year in that there is quite a bit less of Bobby Ray (his singer/songwriter alter-ego) and more of B.o.B (although there is a track here and there that features the more Ray-esque slant such as "Out of Time" and "The Rain"). Also along for the ride are Asher Roth (on the Kanye West produced "Fuck the Money"), J.Cole, and the always busy Charles Hamilton. Good stuff here that only adds to the B.o.B mystique. As well as the hype.
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