Album Reviews: September 2013 Week 3

Kanye West - "Yeezus" 2013

Kanye always seems to have the knack to find the sounds within the underground that might be on the next wave of progression within a pop sense, and then either try to manufacture his own version of those sounds, or actually hire some of the people who already were making those sounds to collaborate with him. Judging from this album's feel, Kanye seems to really be into Death Grips, but also stuff like Hudson Mohawke (who actually appears as a collaborator here) and Major Lazer. Stuff that is loud and sparse and in your face. It's too bad most of these songs sound so hollow and almost demo-like compared to the stuff he was trying to emulate or expand upon. I commend him for at least a half assed attempt at being progressive, but it is just that: a half assed attempt. I feel like if he actually worked on an album like this and crafted it a little more instead of just throwing it together and hoping his talent will carry him through, it would be pretty decent. He was probably looking for some fly by the seat of your pants, heat of the moment type vibe, but it just seems rushed and unfinished to me. Still, people as popular as him taking chances is more exciting than them being complacent and boring. I just wish there was more substance to it. Check out the video for "Black Skinhead". (this song sounds like Depeche Mode doing a hip hop cover of Gary Glitter's "Rock & Roll Part 2"). Also check out "Bound 2" featuring Charlie Wilson, "Send It Up" featuring King Louie, and "Blood On The Leaves".

Thundercat - "Apocalypse" 2013

Thundercat is an anomaly to the music world, but so incredibly talented that I don't think he'll be a relative unknown within pop culture for too much longer. First of all, he's probably one of the most skilled bass players alive. He works the strings with Buckethead-like precision and flair. He has an incredible ear for production, and his songs sound both futuristic and timeless, with hints of the past. This album is much more easily digestible than his debut was, and he definitely avoids the sophomore slump with this new one as well. There's a lot less instrumental beat scene oriented stuff and more vocals. His voice falls somewhere in between Phonte and Michael McDonald for me, and i'm not saying that as a diss, I like Michael McDonald's less cheesy stuff. This album just gets better and better the more I get familiar with it too. I like how he's able to infuse some jazz aesthetics into his formula and make it the opposite of stuffy and old sounding. I think more people would be into jazz if more of it was in this vein. If you ever get an opportunity to catch him live, do not pass it up. He has one of the best live shows i've ever seen. Check out this funny video for "Oh Sheit, It's X" utilizing a scene from Fritz The Cat. Also check out "Heartbreaks + Setbacks", "Lotus & The Jondy", and the awesome album closer "A Message For Austin/ Praise The Lord / Enter The Void".

Atoms For Peace - "Before Your Very Eyes/ Magic Beanz" 2013

I like both of these songs a lot actually. "Before Your Very Eyes" is a nice song that sounds like a single. Thom's voice is almost slightly muted instead of all over the track like it usually is. It's kind of nice, almost soothing. "Magic Beanz" has more of that muted vocal sound, but the production reminds me of a combination of Kid A and The Eraser. It's a great B-side. Check out "Before Your Very Eyes" and "Magic Beanz"

Omar Rodriguez Lopez - "Solo Extrano" 2013

At this point I just randomly check out new releases from him from time to time. He puts out so much material, there's no way any sane person with any other interests could keep up. This one is very bass heavy and thick sounding with a very woozy vibe, overall. Lots of reverb on everything, especially the vocals. This doesn't sound bad compared to some of his more experimental offerings, but it also doesn't sound good compared to come of his more focused approaches. I would still recommend this to fans of him though. It's worth a listen. It works good for background music, particularly in a smoky room. Check out "Turn For Caring", "House In The Sand", and "Discursos".

Culprate - "Summer Lovin (Best Unheard Of 2005-2009)" 2012

He is normally known for making a sort of progressive form of dubstep, but this little EP of stuff he made when he was younger sounds more like u-ziq and Squarepusher, which is actually pretty awesome. I'd love for him to put out a full length LP showcasing a wealth of different styles, because I think he's a really talented dude. Check out "Moody Antiquities", the only song off this on youtube for whatever reason. You can listen to and download it from bandcamp though.

Inspectah Deck, 7L & Esoteric - "Czarface" 2013

Outside of a few flashes of brilliance here and there, i've always thought of 7L & Esoteric as kind of dorky and annoying for the most part. A couple dudes trying to do their best impressions of people they admire and occasionally succeeding at making a dope song. This album they both seem to try and step up when sharing an album with a Wu Tang member. Most of the beats are pretty cool, within the east coast boom bap realm, and i'll even go so far as to say that Esoteric outshines Inspectah Deck as an MC on this album. Esoteric sounds less dorky than before and more comfortable rapping, instead of sounding like he's trying too hard and ending up sounding borderline awkward, like he has to me in the past. This album will please both of their fanbases and is not trying to reach outside of that at all, which is fine. Check out the videos for "Air Em Out" and "Hazmat Rap". Also check out "Dead Zone", "Marvel Team Up", and "Poisonous Thoughts" featuring Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire.

Myron & E - "Broadway" 2013

Yet another home run for Stones Throw as they continue to churn out outstanding music from all genres. This is straight classic R&B, like 1960's and 70's style, and these guys do it damn good. No duds on the album, all killer, no filler. Check out the videos for "If I Gave You My Love" and "Do It Do It Disco". Also check out "Cold Game", "Going In Circles", "I Can't Let You Get Away", and a live in studio performance of "Broadway".

City Of Sound - "Creatures" 2012

I recently heard their previous album and was blown away by it. I don't hear much local stuff that's this good. This album is a little more underwhelming than the other one, but it's still very good and worth hearing as well. There is a little more variety in style than the first album, but it makes me want them to get even more adventurous, and some of the songs almost seem like a tease. Some of the songs seem like they've been briefed or shortened, and would have sounded better as long songs, but who am I to say. This is still some great rock n roll.  Listen or download here.