Monday, March 3, 2014

Album Reviews: February 2014 Week 3

Miami Nights 1984 - "Early Summer" 2010
I was a fan of their 2012 album, "Turbulence", and I found this in my internet journeys, and figured i'd check it out. Definitely more of the same, which is cool with me. I enjoy these cheesy 80's sounding, synth based, instrumental creations. Makes me want to play Out Run or something. All the fan made videos that are on youtube are pretty entertaining. Check out "Miami Funk""Early Summer""Sunset Cruise", and "Elevator Of Love".

Ras G & The Afrikan Space Program - "Back On The Planet" 2013
I've said it before and i'll say it again. Ras G is the most psychedelic sounding person that is involved with the beat scene. His beats aren't just crazy insane, they sound like they weren't even conceived on planet Earth. This album is a little more refined sounding than some of his recent EP's, but the element of fucked-upness is still fully intact. These are beats to send your mind into the next dimension. Check out the videos for "All Is Well""OMMMMM""CosMc Lounge Kisses", and "GSpot Connection" Also check out "Culture Riddim""One 4 Kutmah", and "Natural Melanin Being".

Childish Gambino - "Because The Internet" 2013
This is an interesting pop album. He's attempting to do the 'Drake thing' and be both a rapper and singer, but take a more progressive sounding route. I think he maybe thinks he's more talented than he actually is, but at the same time the scope of this album is admirable. He clearly knows what directions that pop music is pointing to for the future and going with that instead of being one of the many people that are stuck in the now, or even worse, the past. I would say that my favorite songs by him have been bangers like "Unnecessary" and "Toxic", but I think this album is his most high quality release so far, in terms of full albums. Check out the videos for "The Worst Guys" featuring Chance The Rapper and "3005". Also check out "Flight Of The Navigator""Worldstar""Sweatpants", and "Life: The Biggest Troll (Andrew Auemheimer)".

Duppy Gun - "Bookfa b/w G Sudden" 2013
The regular versions of the 2 songs on here are decent reggae songs, but the alternate versions (labelled as the "Dupp'd Versions") are completely fucked. Very detailed and ever-changing, these are much different takes on these songs, and create a whole new universe within that sound scape. I couldn't find any links to any of these songs, but I did find this little 6 minute documentary about Duppy Gun that is really good and worth a watch, and features both of the songs from this single. Check it out.

Warbeast - "Krush The Enemy" 2010
I saw these guys in concert last year and they were pretty phenomenal. Very tough sounding thrash metal. They bring an energy and feel that I rarely hear in newer metal nowadays. Check out the video for "Scorched Earth Policy". Also check out "Krush The Enemy""We Are The Vultures""Born With A Blackened Heart", and "Guardian Angel".

Arts The Beatdoctor - "Lazy Thunder" 2013
I'm unfamiliar with his previous work, but I enjoy this beat scene oriented EP a lot. The songs are very detailed and take your mind on adventures. Check out "Ghost In The Machine""Little Brother" featuring Ella"IL404", and "Mobieus' Travels".

Solid Gold - "Eat Your Young" 2012
Albums like this are a good example of why i'm always wary of checking out local bands from Minneapolis. It almost always inevitably ends up being bland, generic, prozac laced, insomnia curing, poorly written drivel. These guys remind me of elements of other bands such as U2 and The Flaming Lips, but it's like if you took away anything good about those bands. Albums like this also make me realize how much i'm not feeling what people around here generally seem to enjoy. Check out the video for "The Pendulum".

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