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".