Volcano Choir - Unmap

After coming out of nowhere last year (well, not nowhere but some cabin in backwoods Wisconsin), Bon Iver gained a loyal following based primarily on the release of that one record. Although he has since issued an EP, it seems as if a true followup is nowhere in direct sight, so fans will have to turn to the collaborative efforts of Bon and experimental band Collection of Colonies of Bees; also known, collectively, as Volcano Choir. Whereas Justin Vernon's utterly haunting (yet heartbreaking) voice is featured throughout, fans of the stripped down acoustics of the Vernon moniker might be turned off by the experimentalism of Unmap. Songs ramble through seemingly random arrangements while odd noises are randomly thrown in here and there. However, the voice is a constant. But can that salvage an album? In this case art surprises substance. Much like many of the "art bands" gaining notoriety nowadays (i.e., Animal Collective, Atlas Sound), Volcano Choir's sound is based primarily on the seemingly pieced together playing of the whole's members (with none being that deft at their instruments). Even the album's most straight-forward song (term being very loosely used) things just kind of go and go and go until it ends. Nonetheless, Bon Iver fans should continue to build anticipation while fans of faux-talented indie rock enjoy; here is Volcano Choir's Unmap.

2.8/5.0

Volcano Choir - Unmap

Consequence - "Whatever You Want"

Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music may not be house to many artists but it definitely seems to prescribe to the idea of "quality over quantity." One of the label's better rappers Consequence (whose debut dates back to A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders) will be releasing his sophomore album Cons TV before the year's end and for the first single he not only is receiving help from West himself but also John Legend and the directing efforts of the legendary Hype Williams (growing up, thanks to Hype, I saw many a shakin' booties and obscenely glitzy lights all thru fisheyed camera lenses). While the track isn't anything special (seems as though everyone mailed it in on this one) a new Consequence release (album or mixtape) is always welcomed.

Thom Yorke - "Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses/The Hollow Earth"

Thom Yorke is a busy man. When not touring and making albums with his ubergroup, he gets his creativity out via other ways; like releasing singles under the moniker Thom Yorke. The latest offering is a 12" which boasts "Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses" on one side and "The Hollow Earth" on the other. This coming on the heels of his contribution to the Mark Mulcahy cover album as well as volunteering his hand to the soon to be released (and make an absurd amount of money) soundtrack to New Moon. The tracks here are standard Yorke fair with blips, glitches, digital beats which all the while showcase his voice. Needless to say it's good (surprise, surprise when considering the source).

Thom Yorke - FPABH/THE

Mick Boogie + Peter Bjorn & John - Re-Living Thing

The latest Mick Boogie mixtape takes Peter Bjorn & John's Living Thing and turns it into a hip mash-up. It doesn't hurt that he is supported by a strong cast of rappers to round out the project. Well known MCs such as Talib Kweli, Wale, and Bun B (to name just a few) are joined by up-and-comers such as Christian Rich and U-n-i. As to be expected, the results are great. The verses (all of them) are well-handled and Boogie's ability to turn PBJ's Living Thing in a legitimate hip hop album comes as a welcoming mixtape and definitely worth checking out for fans of great rap, a fine mash-up, and/or PBJ.

Mick Boogie + Peter Bjorn & John - Re-Living Thing

No Age - Losing Feeling

California's No Age is one of the more talked about bands of the California experimental/lo-fi/noise movement. The thing that sets them apart from bands like Wavves and HEALTH is simple; they write much better songs. Losing Feeling is a four cut EP that takes a more heavy focus on songwriting and structure while understanding that the listener's attention span can exceed two minutes and 24 seconds (all songs exceed three minutes whereas only 2 of the 11 found on last year's Nouns broke that barrier). Although the trademark feedback is there, it seems to be toned down so that you can hear the duo's vocals. No Age has taken a different direction with this EP, one that displays the talent and range (at times it's hard to believe that only two dudes are accomplishing all this), and the outcome is fresh and leaves anticipation for their next release high.

No Age - Losing Feeling

Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement

With A Strange Arrangement, Mayer Hawthorne tries his best to not so much reinvent the soul music of the 60s and 70s but rather emulate it to his best abilities. The problem is his aspirations exceed his vocal talents. Instrumentally, Hawthorne has remained faithful to his idols of yester-decade by creating lush yet simple soundscapes that any Motown member would have been comfortable singing on. However, vocally, Hawthorne sounds half-asleep and his range limited. From the self-titled opening track through, Hawthorne's voice changes very little while sounding only slightly interested in the topic he is singing about (97% of the time it's love in one form or another). Although love is A Strange Arrangement's chief topic, on "The Ills", Hawthorne attempts to channel his Curtis Mayfield by taking his range up and discussing world issues (all over a beat that sounds totally ripped off of Peter Bjorn and John's "Young Folks"), however, much like the album itself, the idea is better than the results. While soul/neo-soul fans will look at this album as a refreshing attempt to revamp the genre, Hawthorne himself is not quite there yet as an artist to fulfill these hopes.

3.0/5.0

Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement

Big Boi - "For Your Sorrows"

OutKast's Big Boi has been working on an official solo album (not a split ala Speakerboxxx) for what seems like years now. Just released by Big Boi himself is a new cut from his upcoming Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. And it's good to hear his voice again. While the chorus is iffy (George Clinton + weed), and the beat sounds lifted from "Walk It Out" (or some other generic, yet catchy, radio single), Big Boi's verses remind you immediately why he has been a top lyricist for over a decade now. Stank you very much and can't wait for a full release.

Jamie T - Kings and Queens

When Jamie T. arrived in 2007 with his debut Panic Prevention, it was received as a breathe of fresh air from an up-and-coming talent (he was only 21). Now, with his second album Kings and Queens, it seems natural that the listener would be in for something a little more mature than his previous effort (plus releasing two well received EPs thus far this year hasn't hurt). Wrong mindstate to take on. Once again, Jamie (in his best slurry Joe Strummer voice and Billy Bragg songwriting impressions) relays stories of heartbreak which lead to raucous nights with less-than-stellar characters (all the while drunk or on way to drunk). While each song draws heavily on hip-hop influences (few things are legitimately sung here), Jamie's ability to write a chorus has improved ("Sticks and Stones" is a pure joy) as has his adoption of the "indie rock" sound (ie., "The Man's Machine"). From beginning to end, Kings and Queens is a great listen; however, it does have it's lulls (are two ballads needed?). But don't let that stop you from enjoying this fresh youth, his dry sense of humor, and knack for storytelling (especially those whose youth is starting to fade as it's a nice record to reminesce to).

3.9/5.0

Jamie T. - Kings and Queens

Kanye + Gaga

Apparently Kanye West has been in the news lately yet he has no album to promote. Just Kanye promoting Kayne (Taylor Swift is also getting a nice little chunk of promotion (blame to Beyonce and that AMAZING video)). Now Mr. West is hitting the road with none other than Lady Gaga (?!). Yup, coming soon to an arena near you. This should be a tour that will be shortly forgotten as Gaga seems like nothing more than a semi-talented yet uber-weird singer (her bisexuality cannot hurt either) who will rely on tabloids rather than record sales in the upcoming years to keep Gaga out there. In order to promote their tour the two have issued a promo video to let you know just how arty/weird/sexy (?) it will be. Seems that fame is a bad thing (but not shameless promoting?).

2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Time has come to determine which artists are worthy of induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Top contenders include the iconic Kiss (who made excellent albums for about eight years and then, well, become a parody of themselves), Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LL Cool J. Even though that two rap acts have been inducted (Run-D.M.C. and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five), it seems odd that LL Cool J would make it in (even the Beastie Boys were declined membership in 2008). Seriously, can they give it to a man who is more well-known for his insane bod (yeah, I said it) than his musical catalogue? I would hope not (although he did have some killer tracks (see below)). Other first time ballot groups/artists include Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies, and Laura Nyro. Other names on the ballot, who have been there before, are ABBA, Donna Summers, Darlene Love, the Stooges, and the Chantels. Of the twelve nominees, only five will be inducted.

Charles Hamilton - This Perfect Life

It's amazing when you look at Charles Hamilton's mixtape catalogue not only how proficient he is (check this out) but also the fact that he has no official album. Well, this summer was supposed to bring the masses a true debut but the powers-that-be stalled and stalled on releasing it until finally Hamilton was dropped from Interscope and, consequently, had his album shelved. Well, here it is anyways. This Perfect Life is the album that was not meant to be. Instead, Hamilton must keep striving to get that debut out to the masses. This is usual Hamilton fair; great rapping with less than great productions (all done by Hamilton himself). His mixtape history has shown that Hamilton as a whole shines best when his duties are reserved for the rhyming while someone else take reins of the production. However, for the time being, this XXL member of the 2009 Freshmen 10 will remain just a mixtape wonderkind.

Charles Hamilton - This Perfect Life

The Flaming Lips - "I Can Be A Frog"

Approaching fifty hasn't slowed down Lips' frontman Wayne Coyne down in any creative or weird sense. Check out this video for the song "I Can Be A Frog" off the forthcoming Embryonic (album #12 for the Oklahoma boys) which is slated for an October 13 release date. Although Karen O. (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) is credited as guesting on the track, don't expect any kind of epic collaboration for she only supplies the sound effects for this bizarre video. A chick in a bikini acts out various animals, objects, etc. for 2 mintues; then it's over. Let's hope the entire Embryonic album has a little more to offer.