Album Reviews: February 2014 Week 2

Thee Oh Sees - "Warm Slime" 2010

Decided to go back and check out a couple more of this band's previous releases to see what I missed. This album is pleasantly dirty sounding and very upbeat. It doesn't hold a candle to some of the newer releases, but this is still good stuff. Everything is very echoey and distorted but it all still makes sense. Check out "Warm Slime", "Everything Went Black", "Mega Feast", and "I Was Denied".

Thee Oh Sees - "Zork's Tape Bruise" 2009

So here is my history with this album... Before any of my friends had told me about this band and how awesome they are, I had randomly downloaded this album from a blog that specialized in oddball psychedelic music. I gave this album a whirl, but couldn't get into it at all. It just sounds like a bunch of people on drugs, fucking around. I dismissed the group entirely and didn't check out their next few releases when they were new. It turns out that I just picked a bad album to introduce their world to me. This is by far the most experimental and noisy album i've heard by them, still. I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone, unless they are the type of people that listen to albums like Mike Patton's "Adult Themes For Voice" for fun and leisure. I'm just glad I have some friends that put me on to the fact that this band is actually one of the best around. Some of these songs ended up reappearing on later releases with more "professional sounding" versions, so maybe this can be looked at as some sort of demo type album as well. Check out "Heart Sweats", "Wave Hi To The Vicar", and  "Rainbow".

"Adult Swim Singles Program 2013"

So, this is the 3rd year that they've done this over at the Adult Swim website, where they give out a free song every week for most of the summer. It's a mix of rap, rock, electronic, and pop. This year's crop of songs is pretty decent. Standouts include the Captain Murphy track featuring MF Doom, Earl Sweatshirt, and Thundercat, and also the Freddie Gibbs and Madlib song. You can listen and download for yourself, here.

Ghost - "Infestissumam" 2013

I have no idea what to really make of this album. It's marketed as a metal album, but it's not metal. Some of the songs almost remind me of Alan Parsons Project in some weird off kilter way. As far as I can tell, it seems like they are trying to make satanic music that is marketable and catchy, which is just a backwards idea to me. I've heard some people call this band posers and untalented, but I don't think they are all that bad. This album actually sounds pretty good when i'm in the mood to hear it and not taking it seriously. It just sounds so friendly compared to the actual subject matter, it's kind of amusing. Check out the videos for "Secular Haze", "Year Zero", and "Monstrance Clock". Also check out "Body & Blood" and "Idolatrine".

Rusko - "Kapow" 2012

This EP is just all around disappointing. All of the edge from his earlier releases is gone and replaced with this bland softness that I can't get down to. It sounds like a light dubstep version of mid 90's pop techno. Not a good look. For those interested in what it is like, check out "Yeah", "Booyakasha", and "Like This".

Album Reviews: February 2014 Week 1

Funtcase - "Don't Piss Me Off" 2013

This is an OK mid-length (a long EP or a short LP) dubstep release. As usual, I could do without the grime MC's jibber jabbering on the couple songs they are on. This is one of those albums that's not super hard sounding (it won't blow your face off), but it's not one of those 'dubstep gone soft' type releases i've been hearing the last couple years either. It just falls into a nice mid-range of energy. This album is enjoyable enough, it's just not going to blow anyone's mind or anything. Check out "Stompdown", "Predator", "Angry Claws", and "Titanium" (featuring Daniil Svetlov).

Black Milk - "Synth Or Soul" 2013

I still haven't checked out his new rap album, "No Poison, No Paradise" yet. This was released shortly before that, and is a nice EP chock full of dope little beats. I really like what he's doing here with the combination of samples and synths. There's no duds here, just straight bangers all the way through. This kinda reminds me of the Karriem Riggins album from the year before, stylistically. Highly recommended. The only link I can find for this is to listen to the whole thing (only 22 minutes, it's a quick fulfilling listen that makes you want more), so here it is....

The Melvins - "Tres Cabrones" 2013

This is The Melvins as a trio this time. They brought back their original drummer from 1983, Mike Dillard, and have their normal drummer, Dale Crover, playing bass this time around. Listening to this album for the first time, I realized I had heard most of these songs already before. They had put out a couple of vinyl EP's within the last year with this same lineup, and all of those songs are included here, so for the extreme Melvins nerds and collectors, there is only 5 new songs on this release. I still like that they put this album together, because most people don't collect all the one-off vinyl pressings, and it's good to catalogue all of this material they recorded in the same way for an album. The styles on this album range from all over the course of their career, and it's pleasantly all over the place. It's funny, this album almost sounds foreign to me when I first start listening to it, but after having it on for 10 minutes, everything seems alright in the world, and I just get lost in the songs. Check out "American Cow", "You're In The Army Now", "Stick Em Up Bitch", "Dogs & Cattle Prods", and "I Told You I Was Crazy".

Blue Daisy & Unknown Shapes - "Used To Give A Fuck" 2013

Who is Blue Daisy? I've heard a few releases by him now, and none of them have the same sound at all. When I first heard him, I thought he was some kinda wanna-be Flying Lotus, but now I see that was a false presumption, as his sounds are quite varied and not stuck in one particular style at all. These 3 songs are all some kinda weird, chilled out version of the current trap craze. It's like he's trying to stick in his own personal stamp of sound onto what's currently trendy, and for the most part it works pretty good. Check out "Used To Give A Fuck", 'Rick Ross", and "5's Up".

Grape God - "Hazyrain" 2013

Grape God is a rapper that most people would deem unlistenable. His off kilter flow definitely takes getting used to, but is at least slightly enjoyable to me. He reminds me of comedy rapper Curtis Plum crossed with the dudes in Das Racist, and also Kool Keith, but mostly his loose sounding Lost Masters material. He also kinda reminds me of that Snagglepuss rapper from the 90's. The beats on the EP are pretty decent, with familiar samples from people like Prince and Jimi Hendrix chopped up to oblivion. Everything on here sounds very spontaneous and one take, kinda like a weird Lil B style from the opposite end of the hip hop spectrum. You can listen and download this EP for free here from his Bandcamp page.

Boys Noize - "Ich R U / What You Want Remixes" 2013

2 remixes for each of these songs, all of which sound pretty damn good. I especially like the Chromeo and Jacques Lu Cont ones. Check out "Ich R U (Jacques Lu Cont Remix)", "What You Want (Chromeo Remix)", and "What You Want (Jimmy Edgar Remix)".

Hulk - "The Dragon EP" 2012

This is some pretty run of the mill dubstep. Nothing mind blowing or fancy, but nothing that bores me or makes me think it's super weak either. Just 4 tracks that are OK. Check out "Mile High", the only song I can find a link to.

BitsBits: Blogmix February 2014

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/blogmix-february-2014/

BitsBits: Dilladay 2014

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/dilladay-2014/

Album Reviews: January 2014 Week 4

Os Mutantes - "Fool Metal Jack" 2013

Os Mutantes is a band from Brazil that doesn't stick to a particular genre or sound, but most of the stuff they do falls under a psychedelic umbrella. Their main period of activity and fame was from 1966-1978, but they reformed in 2006 and have been at it again ever since then. I really enjoy the couple old albums I have by them. They are quite a unique group within music history. Sometimes it's hard to even tell that certain songs of theirs were done by the same band from song to song, they sound so diverse. This 2013 album is OK, but it leaves a little bit to be desired compared to their older material. My main complaint with this album is the vocals. I just really don't care for the singing on most of these tracks. I'd still rather listen to this type of comeback album than a new Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney album or something, but this album is only decent at best, and in my opinion, not indicative of how great sounding their classic music is. It's not even that this new album is even bad at all. There's just this air of cheesyness that permeates some of the english language vocals that throws me off, and takes away from me fully enjoying the music. It reminds me of a lot of lesser known 70's psychedelic rock bands. The sound of this album is, expectedly all over the place. Some songs remind me of different bands like King Crimson, Devo, Primus, Melvins, and Jefferson Airplane, but they never actually truly sound like any of those bands. Check out the video for "Look Out". Also check out "Fool Metal Jack", "Valse LSD", and "Eu Descobri".

Ill Bill - "The Grimy Awards" 2013

I think Ill Bill has finally put together a full length solo LP that is a proper representation of his mic skills. His whole solo career thus far has been a series of disappointments to me, whether it was sub-par production or him seemingly sluffing on the lyrical side of things, his solo albums have always seemed to come up short. This time around pretty much every track has a dope beat, with production coming not only from himself, but from legends like Pete Rock, Psycho Les, Ayatollah, Large Professor, El-P, DJ Muggs, and of course DJ Premier, whos classic production styles are what seems to be emulated the most on this album, especially the way the choruses are scratched. His rhymes seem like they have a purpose and a message this time around, instead of just his usual lyrical masturbation and shock value stuff. It's refreshing to hear him like this again, because it seems like he hasn't rhymed like this almost since the 90's. This is the most solid NY rap album i've heard in a hot minute for sure. Check out these videos for "Paul Baloff", "Exploding Octopus", "When I Die" (this version is different than the one that appears on the album, both versions are good), "How To Survive The Apocalypse", and "World Premier". Also check out "Forty Deuce Hebrew" (featuring H.R. of Bad Brains) and "Power" featuring O.C. & Cormega.

Album Reviews: January 2014 Week 3

Devonwho - "Perfect Strangers" 2013

Devonwho is a part of the LA beat scene who i'm familiar with, but not overly familiar with. I think i've heard one other album and one other EP of his, but I know he's got a ton of stuff out there. This album is a pretty good, mixed bag of what you'd expect from something in this vein. A very complete album with lots of bright sounds. Some of the songs are kind of on the Flying Lotus side of the spectrum, but there's also quite a few songs on here that kinda remind me of Dam-Funk in a way. It keeps things interesting. As a nice bonus, there's quite a few great remixes included as well. Check out "Shine" (featuring Teeko), "Reds/Blues", "Ghost", "Fronteras", and "Slices".

AraabMuzik - "The Remixes Vol. 1" 2013

There honestly isn't anything overly impressive about any of the remixes on here. It's really too bad. I wanted to like this album, but there's only a couple good ones. Check out "Chronicles Of A Fallen Love (AraabMuzik Remix)" by The Bloody Beetroots, "Cinema (Skrillex vs. AraabMuzik Remix)" by Benny Benassi, and "Sierra Leone (AraabMuzik Remix)" by Mt. Eden.

Ty Segall - "Sleeper" 2013

It seems like Ty Segall can do no wrong. His consistency of such a high bar of quality from album to album is astonishing. This one is a little more mellow and acoustic than normal, but I still like it just as much as other releases. Anyone who likes rock n roll and hasn't listened to him yet, I urge you to please check him out. Check out the video for "The Man Man". Also check out "The Keepers", "Queen Lullabye", "Come Inside", and "The West".

Album Reviews: January 2014 Week 2

Big Business - "Battlefields Forever" 2013

This is the type of rock album that just blasts you right in your face with the sounds coming out of the speakers. It rocks really hard, but it never falls into a realm of being overly aggressive or hardcore. Just pure rock n roll that hits you deep in your soul. I feel like the sound of the vocals has been improved slightly compared to the previous albums. I really, really enjoy the sound and feel of this album a lot. Check out "Aurum" and "Doomsday, Today!". Also check out "Lonely Lyle", "No Vowels", and "Heavy Shoes".

Yelawolf & DJ Paul - "Black Fall EP" 2013

Let me start off by saying that I really wish that I could get a legit version of these songs that doesn't have the DJ Woo Kid drops, but that's how they chose to release this. These 5 songs really have me wanting more from these guys working together. Yelawolf sounds hungry again over DJ Paul's production, which is pretty much always dope. I like how he's flipping mostly classic rock samples on this and still making it fit into his own style. Check out "Mastermind", "Light Switch", "Get Straight", and "Bowties" featuring Rittz.

E-40 - "The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil 4" 2013

One of the many things you can say about E-40 and that he doesn't quit. He hit us at the very end of last year with yet another pack of multiple albums released on the same day. This time 3 at once, which is what he did with the first 3 volumes of this series the previous year. Including the collaborative double album he put out with Too Short, he's put out 8 full length albums within the last 2 years. A feat most rappers couldn't even fathom. These aren't some Lil B style, basement freestyle albums either. These are all real albums, full of guests from all levels of the game, from the underground all the way up to the mainstream. I feel like this new set of albums is a lot more for his core audience and less trying to attract outsiders into his web of styles. There are styles of songs for every mood on here, but the most present mood is his patented 'mob music'. Check out the video for "Chitty Bang" featuring Juicy J & Ty Dolla Sign. Also check out "Got That Line", "Candlelight", and "By Any Means" featuring Webbie & J. Stalin.

E-40 - "The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil 5" 2013

Out of these 3 new volumes, I would say this one is the overall weakest, but it's all relative, because all 3 of these albums are dope, and I view them all as one big album. Check out the video for "All My Niggaz" featuring Danny Brown & Schoolboy Q. Also check out "Project Building" featuring Gucci Mane & Young Scooter, "Play Too Much" featuring Young Bari & Roach Gigz, and "Do What I Gotta Do" featuring Work Dirty & Laroo.

E-40 - "The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil 6" 2013

This one probably just barely is my favorite of the 3. E-40 is easily one of the best rappers of all time, but rarely gets recognized as that, which is a shame, but his genius isn't for everyone. No videos have been released for this one yet, but check out "Pablo" featuring Gucci Mane & Trinidad James, "Mob Shit" featuring B-Legit, "Champagne" featuring Rick Ross & French Montana, and "Throwed Like This".

Of Montreal - "Lousy With Sylvianbriar" 2013

I can't praise this album enough. Of Montreal has put out many quality LP's over the years, but I think this one may top them all. The sound quality on this album is phenomenal. It has the feel of a classic rock album from the 70's. Very warm and inviting sounds. I hear songs from this at times that remind me of different artists like Pink Floyd (particularly the "Meddle" album), Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and Queen, but the songs still sound 100% original and not like he's style stealing or anything close to that. It's more the sound palettes and guitar tones and things like that. Easily one of the best releases of 2013, and definitely the most exhilarating Of Montreal album since  2008's "Skeletal Lamping". Check out the videos for "Fugitive Air" and "She Ain't Speakin Now". Also check out "Obsidian Currents", "Triumph Of Disintegration", and "Belle Glade Missionaries".

Album Reviews: January 2014 Week 1

Free The Robots - "The Balance" 2013

I thoroughly enjoy this album and think it's a step in a different, more refined direction for him. I've been repeatedly listening to his music a lot in the past year, and a lot of his older stuff seems very ameatuer (but still dope) compared to this newer material. I'm especially a fan of the sound of the drums on this album and the way they were programmed. The way they fit into the sound of the songs is absolutely perfect. Check out the video for "Ophic" featuring Jessie Jones. Also check out "Let Go", "Blindfold", "Adore", and "Carnival" featuring Jessie Jones.

BitsBits: Mystery Mix January 2014

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/mystery-mix-january-2014/

This month's Mystery Mix features Ennio Morricone, Aidan Baker, Tim Hecker, Pink Floyd, Max Rooney, Gucci Mane, Pee Wee, Warren G, Mindless Self Indulgence, NOFX, MJ Cole, Joe Tex, Lita Ford, Herbie Mann, Frank Zappa, Maria Bamford, Eek-A-Mouse, Spiritualized, Orange Crush, The Beatles, Cheap Cologne, Harry Nilsson, Living Legends, 3 Inches Of Blood, Professor Longhair, Beastie Boys, The Moody Blues, & Andy Williams.