Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

Electro rap

Moods

Vince Staples best? Rap that incorporates the interesting parts of electro

Thoughts

I admire hybrids where artists take sounds from a genre's fringes and incorporate them into a popular format. Kanye gets a lot of credit for that with Yeezus but I like this better. Production is what makes Big Fish such a worthwhile record with Staples leveraging a variety of electro producers to create a quilt that is intense, booming and always engaging. His rhymes are direct in delivery, creating a steady presence and interesting juxtaposition against the variety.

The result is a great modern Rap record with a youthful but wise energy. It's uneven but one that's bursting with provoking ideas on what makes effective music. I prefer that to the world of over polished pop without soul and have rewarded it with reslistens.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Vince-Staples-Big-Fish-Theory/release/11271320

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l9kzS_B7gg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLpH78k5A9A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeUOvrnOCVY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6iAzyhm0p0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa4vBlzMaeQ

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Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory

Description: Album Review of Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Louis Cole – Live Sesh And Xtra Songs

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

quick funky synth pop jazz

Moods

A distinct capture of Louis Cole's live magic

Thoughts

Louis Cole has some of my favorite musical moments on YouTube. He uses the "broadcast yourself" mentality in the best way. To get a sense check him out on YouTube with his solo project, the synth project knower or Jacob Mann big band.

Some of this set is on YouTube accompanied by a large horn section and backup singers. The unfriendly acoustics of the house this was recorded in give it a DIY quality. Usually I would dislike this as the levels are a little fucked up but here it adds charm. He's coming out swinging with a highly energetic set of songs that displays the 'fun' of his songs which can only be captured in a live setting as opposed to the studio where his tracks can feel awkward.

I realize none of this describes the sound, just gotta hear it.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Louis-Cole-Live-Sesh-And-Xtra-Songs/release/13450294

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kLHN29qorg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxEIQQkhyeI

Spotify


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Louis Cole – Live Sesh And Xtra Songs

Description: Album Review of Louis Cole – Live Sesh And Xtra Songs


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

The Crusaders – Gold

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

jazzy funk rock

Moods

Don't usually like best of's but this is a fantastic 2-disc set

Thoughts

hard to go wrong with the crusaders and this is a great collection. Lots of funk and jazz flavors but they feel very much a rock band especially on disc 2, I'm guessing the band changed directions. I tend to prefer looser styles but it's hard to deny this band.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/The-Crusaders-Gold/release/5971189

Listen!

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The Crusaders – Gold

Description: Album Review of The Crusaders – Gold


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Kindness – World, You Need A Change Of Mind

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Electro-pop, bit of instrumentation, light soul funk

Moods

Mainstream panda bear

Thoughts

I like his brand of pop, he's got this lazy delivery that feels very much his own. It's got a reverb effect which is really the extent of the panda bear comparison. Just the right amount of house friendly electronics and chilled out pop band.

Confident with a clear vision in mind, the end result speaks for itself with good and varied pop songs; I can honestly say I like every track here with a few standouts early in the album:

'Swinging party' is a nice little sing along, he can cut a good pop-friendly house beat too,

Album opener 'SEOD' sets the mood appropriately.

Good fun vibes on 'anyone can fall in love'.  

Recommend for male alt-pop fans who like acts like twin shadow and how to dress well.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Kindness-World-You-Need-A-Change-Of-Mind/release/3488609

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdeR3Mw1fhE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZxPsLjinP4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jddGsBE_eIs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI73NFINsyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROAjl5JkunI

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Kindness – World, You Need A Change Of Mind

Description: Album Review of Kindness – World, You Need A Change Of Mind


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

Gritty 70s rock with a strong modern lyricst

Moods

A gritty, literary, pop-rock masterpiece

Thoughts

I'm not familiar with Meg Remy's entire catalog but this is a good example of something that borrows heavily from music in the past but without trying to imitate entirely. Great textures and jazzy horns that move quick. Not polished, gritty and textured with modern electro flourishes here and there.

Great pop writing at its core. Her voice is a delicate alto which naturally adds a vulnerable personalness. She's a fantastic lyricst who can keep up with the best abstract and literary singers albeit in a direct wit. She's protesting, it carries aggression towards aspects of life from emotional abuse to plastics, most importantly the struggle of being a woman in today's world.

Very full, not a bit of filler on this and a standout of modern rock.

Incidental boogie.. damn love that track.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/US-Girls-In-A-Poem-Unlimited/release/11564458

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YkIvuGYGqA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9PLXHDEUFE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtGb5NiGBjc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cFnewlPpzI

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U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited

Description: Album Review of U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Snarky Puppy – Bring Us The Bright

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Modern fusion big band

Moods

Compositional perfection

Thoughts

They are almost like modern day big band featuring a big ensemble playing music in an orchestrated fashion. It's fusion in the sense that they draw from so many influences (rock, funk, jam bands, classical) while still staying true to jazz. My only fault is also the biggest compliment: their compositions are fantastic but can have the rehearsed stuffiness at times; missing the loose rawness of jazz I'm typically drawn to. They are so tight but I prefer their live studio albums as it adds that looseness.

As for individual tracks:

'Celebrity' is a great track, love the albums Dre g-funk from the keys line to the wompy bass effects.

Has a nice flow, 'strawman's' mellow beginning is a good example of this, drawing from jambands with quick guitar work and Herbie funky keys.

'34 klezma' begins with a yiddish rhythm and rich strings and piano, it's decadent in a classical sense.

Can't go wrong with a snarky puppy release

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Snarky-Puppy-Bring-Us-The-Bright/release/6447917

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGMYxIGIzmM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pZdwTTZuOc

Spotify


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Snarky Puppy – Bring Us The Bright

Description: Album Review of Snarky Puppy – Bring Us The Bright


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Christian Scott – Stretch Music

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

Rhythmic contemporary jazz

Moods

Fresh Jazz

Thoughts

Surprised I'm just learning about this dude cause he's right up my alley. This album features contemporary compositions rooted in post bop, incorporating elements of hip hop and rock seamlessly. Other reviews applaud the drumming but I think the varied but always strong songwriting is the real standout: ‘twin’ a rhythmic post bop thing, ‘perspectives’ a quiet piece made engaging by a shimmering layer of keys is the perfect lead into the rocking ‘west of the west’ where rocking electric guitar cuts right through the calm. The later half of the album mellows into more traditional post bop carried by strong playing.

I wasn't left with much memory of his trumpet playing but I think that's a good thing as he thrives in versatility. Utilizing tasteful effects when appropriate or a bit of technical flexing in others. His solos are never imposing like certain bandleaders.

It's great and I'm looking forward to checking more out from him. In 2015 I was consumed by kamasi, this is equally as good as the epic.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Christian-Scott-aTunde-Adjuah-Introducing-Elena-Pinderhughes-Stretch-Music/release/7525224

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1JnHCqqu64

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiGfTWngK54

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktU_X7CDaBM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_byDM5lpDlA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8FLvHFUbTY

Spotify


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Christian Scott – Stretch Music

Description: Album Review of Christian Scott – Stretch Music


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Corrina Repp – The Pattern Of Electricity

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

folk inspired americana ( arcade fire) pop

Moods

Reflective moments that conjure early arcade fire

Thoughts

She gives nod to modern pop influences in her own way with well done organic instrumentation and dramatic touches that remind me of a slimmed down early arcade fire.

On revisits I was more appreciative of the electronic flourishes in the productions that I didn't hear initially.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Corrina-Repp-The-Pattern-Of-Electricity/release/7121692

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HWFqp7KsZM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5C4wNVKtc

Spotify


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Corrina Repp – The Pattern Of Electricity

Description: Album Review of Corrina Repp – The Pattern Of Electricity


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

North Americans – Going Steady

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

instrumental acoustic guitar album with a pleasant vibe

Moods

Comfortable autumn sweater

Thoughts

basic and chilled out, not a thing I'd turn on very active listening but as atmosphere its enjoyable (think folksy Sunday morning).

While an instrumental acoustic album it maintains energy and there's a bit of variety with what sounds like pedal steel at times.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/North-Americans-Going-Steady/release/12572865

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2QEzuob9yw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF1prRX96J8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXiPzTwRUsI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5RvKCWEX4Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npJ6UoMreew

Spotify


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North Americans – Going Steady

Description: Album Review of North Americans – Going Steady


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Drake – More Life: A Playlist By October Firm

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

Drake's signature pop-rap and r&b with production that incorporates uk grime and dancehall

Moods

Mature and well traveled

Thoughts

I'm not a Drake fan. He does his thing, and I respect it, but it's too smooth and that drawl is tiring; I've never been able to make it through one of his albums in the past.

His production.. that's something else. Noah Shebib's dark, ambient production has been a major factor in Drake's success and fits his  'sad’ vibe perfectly.

On More Life we're treated to a great selection of tracks that show how he's pushed the incorporation of global dancehall into pop music. This sound had been straddling the breakout point for years but I credit Drake for pushing it over. He does so with a plethora of guests and features that works well in as an overall collection.

Best of all he's not always front and center so that drawl doesn't wear and you can appreciate his honest quality in appropriate doses.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Drake-More-Life-A-Playlist-By-October-Firm/release/9999158

Listen!

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Drake – More Life: A Playlist By October Firm

Description: Album Review of Drake – More Life: A Playlist By October Firm


Rating: 4 out of 5